EP4074239A1 - Dosing device - Google Patents

Abstract

Dosing device for the dosed introduction of a pourable cleaning agent into a treatment chamber (4) of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher (1), with a housing (44), a storage container (8) used to accommodate the cleaning agent and a movable, in particular rotatable about an axis of rotation (11), 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 dosing position and vice versa, the storage container (8) a storage chamber (12) and a dosing channel (14) opening into a dosing opening (15), as well as having a discharge channel (19) opening into the treatment chamber (4) with a discharge opening (21) which, when the storage container ( 8) is in fluidic operative connection with the dosing channel (14), wherein the Ausschleusu ing channel (19) has an infeed opening (20) on the dosing channel side, characterized by a drying fan (39) arranged on the outside of the housing (44) on the housing (44), the housing (44) having an inlet opening (43) which interacts with the drying fan (39). and an outlet opening (46) for drying air conveyed by the drying fan (39).

Description

The invention relates to a dosing device for the metered introduction of a pourable, in particular powdery, granular or granular cleaning agent into a treatment chamber of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher, with a housing, a storage container serving to accommodate the cleaning agent and a movable inside the housing, in particular pivotable about an axis of rotation, which accommodates the reservoir in an exchangeable manner and by means of which the reservoir can be transferred from a basic position to a dosing position and vice versa, the reservoir having a storage chamber and a dosing channel opening into a dosing opening, and having a discharge opening in the discharge channel opening into the treatment chamber, which is fluidically operatively connected to the metering channel when the reservoir is in the metering position, with de r discharge channel has a transfer opening on the dosing channel side.

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

Cleaning appliances, in particular dishwashing machines, typically have a rinsing container that provides a treatment space, also known as a rinsing space. This treatment room is accessible to the user via a loading opening which can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a pivotably mounted washing room door. When used as intended, the washing compartment serves to accommodate items to be cleaned, which in the case of a dishwasher can be, for example, crockery, cutlery and/or the like.

To achieve an optimized cleaning result, process chemicals are used that are fed into the washing chamber during a cleaning process, typically as an addition to the washing liquid used. Such process chemicals are, for example, detergents that are put into the washing compartment of the cleaning device under program control at a specific point in time during the program sequence.

According to a previously known design that has proven itself in everyday practical use, a dosing device provided on the inside of the washing-up compartment door, which has a storage chamber, serves to hold pourable cleaning agents. This storage chamber is designed to be open and has a lid that can be pivoted, for example, to close the open side. In this case, the cover is under the force of a spring and, as a result, endeavors to pivot into its open position, ie into a position releasing the volume of the storage chamber.

When the washing compartment 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 manual filling with cleaning agent for a cleaning cycle, the user must close the cover against the spring force acting on it. The washing compartment door can then be closed and a washing program can be started as intended. During the washing program, the locking of the closure lid is released under program control, as a result of which the closure lid pivots into its open position due to the spring force acting on it. The cleaning agent stored inside the chamber can now be flushed out completely and get into the washing space provided by the washing container.

Furthermore, devices are known from the prior art which can accommodate pourable cleaning agent for a plurality of successive cleaning cycles, for example from DE 38 35 719 A1 and the WO 93/18701 .

the WO 93/18701 discloses a dosing device with a cleaning agent-accommodating container, which tapers in relation to an outlet opening in a funnel shape. This outlet opening is followed by a dosing and adding device with a rotatably mounted drum. This drum has indentations which, depending on the position of the drum, are either in fluidic connection with the outlet opening of the container or with an ejection opening opening into the treatment chamber of the dishwasher. Both the container and the dosing and adding device are fluidically connected to a compressed air generator, which causes a constant pressurization of compressed air. In this way, it should be possible to eject cleaning agent more easily when dosing, while at the same time preventing the penetration of moisture.

A disadvantage of this previously known device is the need for constant pressurization. This is not only noisy, but also increases the susceptibility of the dishwasher as such. In addition, for the intended use, an overpressure formation is required both in the container and in the dosing and adding device, which is structurally very complex and also increases the susceptibility to failure.

the DE 38 35 719 A1 relates to a device for adding granular detergent. This previously known device has a reservoir that accommodates a quantity of granular cleaning agent that is sufficient for a plurality of cleaning cycles. The device has a rotatable dosing device with two dosing receptacles for dosing out cleaning agent in portions. Both receptacles each have a receptacle floor that can be moved in the manner of a piston to eject the cleaning agent that has been picked up. In the event of ejection, this moves in a translatory manner, so that cleaning agent which has been picked up before 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 The previously known device has the particular disadvantage that the cleaning agent, even when used as intended, gets into the structurally unavoidable gaps between the movable parts of the device, which leads to leaks. Moisture originating from the washing compartment can therefore migrate up into the reservoir, where undesirable lumps of cleaning agent then occur, which can lead to the failure of the entire cleaning device.

From the prior art is also from the aforementioned EP 3 305 159 B1 a dosing device for storing pourable detergent for a plurality of consecutive cleaning cycles known to which the disadvantages of the DE 38 35 719 A1 previously known device do not stick. This from the EP 3 305 159 B1 previously known dosing device relates to a generic dosing device.

The generic dispenser after EP 3 305 159 B1 has a storage tank to house cleaning supplies. Furthermore, the dosing device has a support unit that can be rotated about an axis of rotation. This accommodates the reservoir in an exchangeable manner.

The storage container in turn has a storage chamber and a metering channel opening into a metering opening. In the dosing case, the carrying unit and thus also the reservoir accommodated by it twists, as a result of which the cleaning agent housed in the reservoir's pantry is discharged through the dosing channel fluidically connected to the pantry. By means of the support unit, the reservoir can thus be transferred from a basic position to a dosing position and vice versa, with the cleaning agent being discharged in the dosing position of the reservoir.

The dosing device also has a discharge channel which is fluidically connected to the dosing channel in the case of dosing. This discharge channel has a discharge opening on the dosing channel side and a discharge opening opposite the discharge opening, which discharge opening opens into the treatment chamber.

The discharge channel after the EP 3 305 159 B1 is designed in two parts and has a stationary tube section on the one hand and a flexible tube section on the other. The flexible pipe section can be pivoted from a rest position into a dosing position and vice versa. In the dosing position, the flexible pipe section is fluidically operatively connected to the fixed pipe section, so that cleaning agent discharged from the reservoir can pass through the dosing channel and then through the discharge channel into the treatment chamber. In the non-dosing 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 when there is no dosing, the first pipe section and the second pipe section are fluidically decoupled, which prevents any moisture in the flexible pipe section from migrating up into the reservoir of the dosing device.

Although this configuration described above has proven itself in everyday practical use, a fixed discharge channel, ie not equipped with a flexible pipe section, has been proposed to simplify the construction. In order nevertheless to protect the reservoir from an unwanted entry of liquid, a closure device which interacts with the transfer opening of the transfer channel has been proposed. In the event of non-dosing, this closes the infeed opening of the outfeed channel. This protects the reservoir and the cleaning agent it stores from accidental entry of liquid.

As has been shown, despite the closure device for the infeed opening, moisture can migrate up to the storage container or form inside the dosing device as a result of temperature fluctuations due to condensation. Since the cleaning agent is encapsulated in the reservoir, there is no problem with the cleaning agent clumping due to the ingress of moisture, but the condensed water surrounding the reservoir is visible to a user from the outside, so that the misleading impression of a leak can arise. Incorrect operation by the user can result in a disadvantageous manner, which is to be avoided. In particular, it is important to prevent a user from exchanging a storage container that has not yet been completely emptied for a new storage container because, due to the condensation that may form under certain circumstances, the user has the erroneous belief that the cleaning agent stored in the storage container could clump together.

Based on what has been described above, it is therefore the object of the invention to further develop a dosing device of the generic type in such a way that there is a constructive simplification in handling for the user.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes a dosing device of the type mentioned at the beginning, which is characterized by a drying fan arranged on the outside of the housing, the housing having an inlet opening interacting with the drying fan and an outlet opening for drying air conveyed by the drying fan.

The housing of the dosing device that houses the reservoir has according to the invention via an inlet opening. When used as intended, this inlet opening is used for the entry of drying air, as a result of which moisture present in the housing, for example due to condensation effects, is advantageously eliminated and/or expelled from the housing. As a result of this design, it is advantageous that any water that may collect in the housing of the dosing device can be removed from the housing promptly after it has formed and/or accumulated, and the interior of the housing can thus be drained. This ensures that water entering the housing of the dosing device, which is perceived as harmful by a user, is avoided, for example due to the formation of condensate. Any operating errors that might otherwise result from this on the part of the user are thus prevented at the same time, resulting in overall improved handling for the user.

To generate drying air, a drying fan is provided according to the invention, which is arranged on the outside of the housing of the dosing device. When used as intended, the drying fan sucks in ambient air and feeds it to the inlet opening as drying air. There are short flow paths in an advantageous manner because the drying fan is arranged directly next to the housing of the dosing device. In addition, initial assembly by the manufacturer is simplified, since the drying fan is designed as a component of the dosing device, which enables the dosing device to be fully assembled as such. In particular, it is not necessary to provide additional tubing, as would be necessary, for example, if an external blower were to be used. In addition, pressure losses associated with tubing can be avoided in an advantageous manner, which allows the use of a less powerful and therefore more compact drying fan in its design.

According to the invention, an outlet opening for drying air conveyed by the drying fan is also provided. In the intended use case, therefore, drying air flows through the metering device-side housing, with the drying air being fed in at the inlet opening side and, after passing through the housing volume space, reaching the outlet opening. As a result of such a flow through the housing, a continuous flow of drying air is ensured, which contributes to rapid drying and/or the expulsion of unwanted residual moisture.

The introduction of drying air into the housing of the dosing device can take place at different times of a washing program. In this respect, it is advantageously permitted not only to be able to expel water from the housing that is produced by condensation, but also water that rises from the treatment chamber into the housing of the dosing device due to unavoidable micro-leaks. In this respect, thanks to the configuration according to the invention, a synergetic effect occurs. Because not only is the formation of condensate counteracted within 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 drying fan is fluidically directly connected to the inlet opening. A compact design is thus achieved in an advantageous manner and unwanted pressure losses in the conveyed drying air are also avoided. However, it is particularly preferred to connect the drying fan directly to the inlet opening on the outlet side. This can be done, for example, via a pipe socket or by directly connecting the drying fan housing to the inlet opening.

If necessary, the drying fan is preferably switched on under program control and, when in operation, conveys drying air in a targeted manner via the inlet opening into the housing of the dosing device. Depending on the performance of the fan, the use of such a fan results in an increased quantity of drying air being introduced into the housing of the dosing device, which results in accelerated drying.

In the manner already described above, the housing has an inlet opening on the one hand and an outlet opening on the other hand. According to a further feature of the invention, it is preferred that the outlet opening is opposite the inlet opening. This ensures that the longest possible flow path between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is provided within the housing. In particular, a short-circuit flow of the drying air is avoided in this way. In the case of intended use, drying air previously introduced into the housing is expelled via the outlet opening. The housing is flowed through by drying air, the drying air being introduced into the housing via the inlet opening and via the Outlet opening is led out of the housing. When passing through the housing, the drying air absorbs moisture in the housing and/or expels it via the outlet opening. In this case, drying air literally flows around a reservoir housed in the housing of the dosing device, which means that drying air flows around the reservoir on all sides. Effective drying of both the housing interior and the storage container accommodated by it is thus advantageously ensured.

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 an outlet opening and a second air outlet that is separate therefrom. 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 outlet opening or the second air outlet.

In this context, according to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the further air outlet is provided through the inward opening of the outward transfer channel. This configuration has the advantage that when the drying air is expelled via the further air outlet, the discharge channel is also dried. This is because the further air outlet is preferably formed by the transfer opening in the discharge channel, so that drying air introduced into the housing of the dosing device via the inlet opening leaves the housing via the transfer opening into the discharge channel, from where it enters the treatment chamber of the cleaning device via the discharge opening of the discharge channel reached. In this respect, when drying air is discharged via the additional air outlet, drying air not only washes around the interior of the housing of the dosing device and the storage container it houses, but also around the infeed opening and the outfeed channel up to the outfeed opening provided by the outfeed channel. The entire dosing line of the dosing device is thus dried using the drying air.

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

According to this proposal, a locking device is used. This interacts with the transfer opening and closes it, specifically when no dosing is taking place, ie when the reservoir is in the home position. Thus, when the storage container is in the basic position, only the outlet opening is open, but not the infeed opening serving as a further air outlet. Thus, if drying air is applied to the dosing device when the storage container is in the basic position, the drying air is discharged via the outlet opening 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 releases the further air outlet when the storage container has moved out of the basic position. Accordingly, it is provided that in the dosing case, ie when the reservoir has moved out of the basic position, the further, ie the second, air outlet is no longer closed by the closing device. The outlet opening and the further air outlet are then opened. When drying air is applied to the dosing device during dosing, drying air is discharged from the housing through the further air outlet, ie the infeed opening into the discharge channel and the outlet opening.

The distinction made in this respect between the outlet opening and the second air outlet has the following particular advantage. In the dosing case, the closure device for opening the induction opening is to be brought into its open position. Because only then can the cleaning agent released from the storage container as intended reach the treatment chamber of the cleaning device through the ejection channel. However, precisely when the closure device is in the open position, there is a risk that moisture will rise from the treatment room via the ejection channel up into the housing of the dosing device. Thanks to the configuration according to the invention, such an unwanted entry of moisture is effectively counteracted in that the drying air introduced into the housing of the dosing device is also expelled through the further air outlet, consequently through the inward opening of the outward sluicing channel. Any moisture vapors and/or vapors rising from the treatment room are prevented from rising in prevented by the dosing device and pushed back through the discharge channel into the treatment room. As soon as the closure device is pivoted back into its closed position after a dosing process, drying air is then discharged only via the outlet opening. Any moisture that has risen into the housing of the dosing device and/or any condensate is then expelled via the outlet opening.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the carrying unit, which is movably arranged in the housing, is arranged in the housing such that it can be rotated about an axis of rotation, i.e. the movement of the carrying unit represents a rotary or pivoting movement, as a result of which the reservoir rotates about an axis of rotation in the intended dosing case, with in particular a complete rotation, i.e. a 360° rotation is completed. At the beginning of a twisting movement, the reservoir is in its basic position. In this position, the transfer opening of the discharge channel is closed by means of the closure device. Only for the brief moment of a 360° rotation of the storage container does the closure device open the infeed opening, so that when the dosing position is reached, cleaning agent can be discharged from the storage container and transferred into the discharge channel. As soon as the 360° rotation of the storage container is completed, it is again in its basic position and the inward opening of the outfeed channel is closed.

By means of the closure device, it is ensured in a structurally simple manner that the infeed opening of the outfeed channel is only open in the case of dosing. Otherwise, the smuggling opening is closed by means of the closure device, so that the ingress of moisture into the cleaning agent stored in the reservoir is basically ruled out. This design also offers the advantage of forming the discharge channel as a one-piece tube, ie without a flexible tube section, which not only simplifies handling but also manufacture. In addition, production becomes cheaper. If moisture enters the discharge channel despite the infeed opening being closed by the closure device, for example due to micro-leakage, drying takes place in the manner already described by drying air being introduced into the housing of the dosing device and being discharged through the infeed opening as an additional 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 transfer opening of the transfer channel. In the basic position of the reservoir, this rests against the transfer opening, as a result of which it is closed. In order to achieve the tightest possible closure of the induction opening, a sealing contour is provided either on the closure plate side or on the induction opening side, which allows the closure plate to rest as gap-free as possible on the edge surrounding the induction opening.

The closure plate is arranged on the support unit. A particular advantage of this configuration is that the closure plate rotates together with the support unit in the intended dosing case. In this respect, no specially configured drive and/or pivoting means are required in order to move the closure plate, that is to say neither to open the transfer opening nor to close it. In order to move the storage container into its dosing position, the support unit rotates anyway. The arrangement according to the invention of the closure plate on the support unit therefore causes the closure plate to rotate automatically together with the storage container with the support unit arranged in between when the latter is transferred from its basic position into its dosing position. In other words, the closure plate is in sealing contact with the transfer opening when the storage container is in its basic position. As soon as the carrying unit rotates as intended for the purpose of transferring the reservoir into its dosing position, the closure plate also rotates automatically, which opens the infeed opening for transferring cleaning agent from the reservoir into the discharge channel. Correspondingly, the closing plate is also rotated automatically when the storage container is moved back into its basic position. This configuration according to the invention ensures a construction that is simplified once again.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the closing plate can be moved in the radial direction relative to the carrying unit. This relative movability of the closure plate allows the closure plate in the basic position of the reservoir pressed against the induction opening. This supports a secure, in particular fluid-tight, closure of the transfer opening by the closure 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 applies force to the closure plate when the storage container is in the basic position in the direction of the transfer opening to be closed. These means provided according to the invention cause the closure plate to be automatically pressed against the transfer opening when the storage container is in the basic position. On the one hand, this ensures that the closure plate fits as tightly as possible on the infeed opening and, on the other hand, tolerance compensation is created because tolerances can occur with regard to the relative position of induction opening and closure plate due to manufacturing.

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 a leaf spring, for example, which is arranged between the support unit and the closure plate. The closing plate is subjected to a force by means of the spring, which is why it tends to move radially outwards. This requires that the closure plate rests tightly against the transfer opening of the transfer 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 storage container has a flow guide element on the underside of a storage container accommodated by the support unit. This flow guide element advantageously ensures that the drying air introduced into the housing of the dosing device is optimally distributed within the housing. It is thus ensured that, on the one hand, the inner surface of the housing is completely impinged, and that the reservoir accommodated by the housing is completely flushed with air. 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 or channel. This groove is in that of the carrying unit provided soil introduced. The reservoir rests on this floor when it is used as intended. The configuration of a groove or channel 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 reservoir underneath the reservoir. This achieves an optimized air distribution within the dosing device housing.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the drying fan is arranged within a housing designed as a cage. This housing protects the drying fan and in particular the impeller from external interference effects that may act on the drying fan. The housing is designed in the manner of a cage, so that it is possible for the drying fan to suck in ambient air and introduce it into the housing of the dosing device as drying air in the manner already described. This housing design makes it possible in particular to arrange insulating material around the dosing device in the usual way without the risk of the insulating material being caught by the rotating impeller during operation, which could lead to the impeller getting stuck. In this respect, the housing designed as a cage offers particular protection against any insulating material also surrounding the drying fan.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the drying fan is an axial fan with an axial fan wheel aligned at an angle to the surface normal of the inlet opening. On the one hand, this inclined orientation allows the drying fan to be accommodated in a space-saving manner, but at the same time it also optimizes the amount of air emitted by the drying fan in the direct direction of the inlet opening during operation.

According to a further feature of the invention, a housing-side closure device is provided which, when the storage container is in the basic position, interacts with the dosing opening of the dosing channel and closes it. This closure device ensures that the dosing opening of the storage container is closed when there is no dosing, ie the storage container is in its basic position. An unwanted entry of moisture via the dosing opening into the dosing channel and thus into the reservoir is thus effectively prevented.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the inlet opening is arranged below the closure device in the height direction of the housing. In the intended operating case, the drying air conveyed by the drying fan is introduced into the dosing device housing below the closing device. From here it flows around the reservoir until it reaches the outlet opening in the manner already described.

According to a further feature of the invention, a bypass line is provided to the flow path opening into the inlet opening. In normal operation, the drying air flows from the drying fan to the inlet opening. According to the invention, a bypass line is now provided for this flow path. This bypass line makes it possible for the drying air conveyed by the drying fan to reach the dosing device housing in two ways.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the bypass line opens into an air opening provided by a plate element of the closure device.

If the reservoir is in its basic position, its dosing opening is closed in the manner already described above by means of the closure device. A plate element provided by the closure device is used for this purpose. This is in contact with the dosing opening of the dosing channel on the opening side, as a result of which the dosing opening is closed. It is now proposed with particular advantage that the closure device provides an air opening, specifically in the plate element, so that there is a fluidic connection to the dosing opening of the storage container. In the intended use case, air can now flow via the bypass line not only via the inlet opening, but also via the air opening into the air duct of the reservoir. In this way, the dosing channel can also be dried.

The invention also proposes a method for operating a dosing device of the type described above, in which, outside of a dosing process, in particular after the end of a dosing process, with a storage container in the basic position, drying air is supplied to the housing via the inlet opening for a definable period of time and via the Outlet opening is discharged. In terms of the method, it is therefore provided that drying air is applied to the dosing device when the reservoir is in its basic position, ie no dosing of cleaning agent into the treatment room takes place. In this position of the reservoir, the transfer opening into the discharge channel is closed and the outlet opening is open. Any moisture in the dosing device housing is expelled from the housing through the outlet opening as a result of the introduction of drying air. Complete drying of both the interior of the housing and the storage container housed therein is advantageously achieved in this way. Such an implementation of the method takes place, for example, during a drying step or drying process carried out by the dishwasher in the intended use case.

Furthermore, the invention proposes a method for operating a dosing device of the type described above, in which, in particular during a dosing process, drying air is supplied to the housing via the inlet opening for a predeterminable period of time and is discharged via the outlet opening and via the infeed opening as a further air outlet.

This implementation of the method according to the invention takes place in particular in the case of dosing, ie when the storage container is moved out of its basic position. When the reservoir rotates from its basic position into the dosing position, the infeed opening into the outfeed channel is at least partially open. In this respect, there is a risk of moisture entering the housing of the dosing device. If the housing of the dosing device is now subjected to drying air, this is released not only via the outlet opening, but also via the second air outlet, ie the induction opening. This counteracts an unintentional rising of moisture vapors from the treatment room into the dosing device. In addition, drying of the inner surface of the discharge channel also takes place. Drying air is preferably applied as soon as the cleaning agent discharged from the reservoir has reached the treatment chamber through the discharge channel.

In terms of the method, a distinction must therefore be made as to whether the reservoir is in its basic position or in its dosing position. In the dosing case, a discharge takes place of the drying air takes place mainly via the discharge channel, whereas in the case of non-dosing the infeed opening is closed so that the drying air is only discharged via the outlet opening.

Fig. 1

in schematischer Darstellung eine mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Dosiergerät ausgestattete Geschirrspülmaschine;

Fig. 2

in schematischer Schnittdarstellung die Spülraumtür gemäß Blickrichtung II nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

in schematischer Darstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 4

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät nach Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

in schematischer Draufsicht das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät mit einem sich in Grundstellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 6

in schematischer Draufsicht das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät mit einem sich in Dosierstellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter;

Fig. 7

in schematisch perspektivischer Darstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät aus einer anderen Blickrichtung;

Fig. 8

in einem schematischen Seitenausschnitt das erfindungsgemäße Trocknungsgebläse;

Fig. 9

ausschnittsweise in perspektivischer Schnittdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Trocknungsgebläse nach Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät;

Fig. 11

in einer weiteren schematischen Ausschnittsdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Trocknungsgebläse;

Fig. 12

in schematischer Schnittdarstellung von oben das erfindungsgemäße Trocknungsgebläse nach Fig. 11;

Fig. 13

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung eine Trageinheit;

Fig. 14

die Trageinheit nach Fig. 12 in einer Explosionsdarstellung;

Fig. 15

in schematischer Perspektivdarstellung einen Einsatz;

Fig. 16

in schematischer Explosionsdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Dosiergerät;

Fig. 17

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

Fig. 18

das Dosiergerät nach Fig. 17 mit einem sich in Dosierstellung befindlichen Vorratsbehälter.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description based on the figures. show it

1

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

2

in a schematic sectional view of the washing room door according to viewing direction II 1 ;

3

in a schematic representation of the dosing device according to the invention in a plan view;

4

in a schematic perspective view of the dosing device according to the invention 3 ;

figure 5

in a schematic plan view of the dosing device according to the invention with a storage container located in the basic position;

6

in a schematic plan view the dosing device according to the invention with a reservoir located in the dosing position;

7

in a schematic perspective representation of the dosing device according to the invention from a different perspective;

8

in a schematic side section the drying fan according to the invention;

9

partially in a perspective sectional view of the drying fan according to the invention 8 ;

10

in a schematic perspective view of the dosing device according to the invention;

11

in a further schematic sectional representation of the drying fan according to the invention;

12

in a schematic sectional view from above the drying fan according to the invention 11 ;

13

a carrying unit in a schematic perspective view;

14

the carrying unit 12 in an exploded view;

15

in a schematic perspective view an insert;

16

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

17

in a sectional representation of the dosing device according to the invention with a reservoir located in the basic position and

18

the dosing device 17 with a reservoir in the dosing position.

1 shows a cleaning appliance according to the invention in the form of a dishwasher 1 in a purely schematic representation. In a manner known per se, the dishwasher 1 has a housing 2 which accommodates a washing container 3 . The washing compartment 3 in turn provides a washing chamber 4 for receiving items to be washed to be cleaned. To load the washing compartment 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 compartment door 6, the washing compartment door 6 being pivotably mounted about a horizontal pivot axis.

The washroom door 6 is in 2 shown. As can be seen from this representation, the washing compartment door 6 is equipped with a dosing device 7, which is used to store cleaning agent for several subsequent cleaning cycles. For this purpose, the dosing device provides a reservoir 8 for storing free-flowing, ie preferably powdered and/or granular cleaning agent for a plurality of cleaning cycles. During a intended use, a corresponding quantity of cleaning agent is removed from the storage container 8 provided by the dosing device 7 for each washing program cycle and fed to the washing chamber 5 of the washing container 3 via a discharge channel 19 . The reservoir 8 provided by the dosing device 7 is preferably dimensioned in such a way that it can hold cleaning agent in an amount that is sufficient to complete twenty to thirty rinsing cycles.

As 16 can also be seen, the dosing device 7 has a cover 37, which allows access to a recording 36 in the open state. When used as intended, this receptacle 36 is used to accommodate a carrying unit 9, which in turn has an in 16 reservoir 8 interchangeably accommodates not explicitly shown. The carrying unit 9 together with the storage container 8 it accommodates is arranged rotatably within the receptacle 36, for which purpose the dosing device 7 provides a stub shaft 10 which defines the axis of rotation 11 around which the carrying unit 9 rotates when used as intended.

As the Figs. 3 to 6 can be seen, the dosing device 7 has a reservoir 8, which is used to house cleaning agents. The dosing device 7 also has the carrying unit 9 , which is arranged such that it can be rotated about the axis of rotation 11 and 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 which opens into a metering opening 15 . The storage chamber 12 and the dosing channel 14 are fluidically connected with the interposition of a dosing unit 13 .

In the dosing case, the carrying unit 9 together with the reservoir 8 rotates about the axis of rotation 11, counterclockwise to be precise. As a result, cleaning agent stored in portions per 360° rotation from the storage chamber 8 reaches the dosing unit 13 and from there into the dosing channel 14. The dosing unit 13 is used for the portionwise dosing of cleaning agent, 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 dosing device 7 has a drive unit 16, which is connected to a gear wheel 17 with one of the support unit 9 provided sprocket 18 cooperates. the Figures 13 and 14 let the sprocket 18 most clearly seen.

The dosing device 7 also provides a discharge channel 19 which is fluidically connected to the dosing channel 14 in the case of dosing. This has an infeed opening 20 on the metering channel side on the one hand and an outfeed opening 21 opposite the infeed opening 20 and opening into the rinsing chamber 4 on the other hand.

the Figs. 3 and 5 show the dosing device 7 with a reservoir 8 in the basic position. In contrast to this, FIG 6 the dosing device 7 with a reservoir 8 twisted from the basic position into a dosing position. In this dosing position, the reservoir 8 is twisted counterclockwise to such an extent that the dosing channel 14 of the reservoir 8 is in fluidic operative connection with the discharge channel 19, so that via the dosing opening 15 of the dosing channel 14 delivered cleaning agent is transferred into the discharge channel 19.

The dosing device 7 is characterized by a closure device 22 which interacts with the inward opening 20 of the discharge channel 19 and closes the inward opening 20 when the storage container 8 is in the position of use. 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 carrying unit 9 rotates as intended, the closure plate 23 arranged thereon also rotates, so that when the storage container 8 is transferred from the basic position to the dosing position, the closure plate 23 automatically rotates as well, thereby releasing the infeed opening 20 .

How in particular a synopsis of Figures 13 and 14 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 connection contours between the web 30 and the closure plate 23 being designed in such a way that the closure plate 23 can be moved in the radial direction in relation to the support unit 9 is.

According to the in the Figures 13 and 14 In the embodiment shown, a leaf spring 31 is arranged between the closure plate 23 and the web 30 and ensures that the closure plate 23 is pressed outwards in the radial direction. This configuration ensures that the closure plate 23 presses sealingly against the transfer opening 20 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 with spring shackles 32 at the edge, which engage behind extensions 33 provided by the support unit 9 in the final assembled state.

How in particular a synopsis of Figs. 15 , 16 and 17 can be seen, an insert 27 equipped with a through-flow channel 35 is inserted into the discharge channel 19 on the inward opening side. This insert is arranged in an exchangeable manner inside the ejection channel 19, which allows the user to remove it from the ejection channel 19 for the purpose of 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 closure of the transfer opening 20.

In the final assembled state, the support unit 9 and the reservoir 8 accommodated by it are housed in a housing 44 of the dosing device, as can be seen from a synopsis of the Figs. 3 to 6 results. According to the invention, this housing 44 has an inlet opening 43 ( 4 ) and an outlet port 46 ( 3 ) and another air outlet 48 ( 6 ) on.

When used as intended, the inlet opening 43 serves to be able to introduce drying air into the housing 44 of the dosing device 7 . Depending on the position of the storage container 8 , this drying air is discharged either via the outlet opening 46 or via the outlet opening 46 and the additional air outlet 48 . The introduction of drying air into the housing 44 via the inlet opening 43 advantageously ensures that any moisture present in the housing 44 is expelled and the interior of the housing and the storage container 8 accommodated therein are dried.

A drying fan 39 is used to apply drying air to the inlet opening 43 as required Figs. 7 to 9 reveal.

The drying fan 39 has an axial fan wheel 41, which is aligned inclined to the surface normal of the inlet opening 43, as is shown in particular in the illustration 8 reveals. The inclined orientation of the drying fan 39 ensures that the inlet opening 43 is effectively charged with ambient air serving as drying air, while at the same time optimizing the use of installation space.

The drying fan 39 is surrounded by a housing 40 designed as a cage. This cage 40 ensures that, in particular, an insulating material surrounding the dosing device 7 cannot unintentionally get into the effective range of an axial fan wheel that is rotating in the intended use case. In addition, the cage 40 protects the axial flow impeller 41 from unwanted mechanical application of forces from the outside. Safe operation of the drying fan 39 is thus guaranteed.

As can also be seen in particular from the representation 8 results, the drying fan 39 is arranged outside of the housing 44 on the housing 44 . The drying fan 39 is thus arranged directly next to the housing 44 so that air can act on the inlet opening 43 without additional hoses or piping. Unintentional air pressure losses are thus effectively avoided.

How in particular a synopsis of Figs. 4 and 5 can be seen, the dosing device 7 has a closure device 42 on the housing side, which interacts with the dosing opening 15 of the dosing channel 14 when the storage container is in the basic position and closes it. For this purpose, the closure device 42 has a plate element 53 which is spring-loaded and pressed against the dosing channel on the dosing opening side, as is shown in particular in the illustration figure 5 reveals. The closure device 42 therefore ensures that the dosing channel 14 of the storage container is closed when the storage container 8 is in its basic position. It is prevented so effectively that unwanted residual moisture can migrate into the reservoir 8 via the dosing channel 14 .

As well as a synopsis of Figs. 4 and 8th As can be seen, the inlet opening 43 provided according to the invention for loading the housing 44 with drying air is formed in the vertical direction 52 below the plate element 53 of the closure device 42 . In the case of intended use, drying air therefore flows in accordance with the arrows 45 ( 4 ) through the inlet opening 43 below the plate element 53 into the housing 44, which then also leads to air flowing around a storage container 8 accommodated by the dosing device 7.

As can be seen in particular from a synopsis of the Figs. 10 , 11 and 12 results, the plate element 53 of the closure device 42 is equipped with an air opening 54 . When the reservoir 8 is in the basic position, the air opening 54 opens into the dosing opening 15 of the dosing channel 14 of the reservoir 8, as is the case in particular Figs. 11 and 12 reveal.

The air opening 54 is provided at the end of a bypass line 55 so that the drying air conveyed by the drying fan 39 is expelled not only via the inlet opening 43 but also via the air opening 54 with the bypass line 55 interposed. In the manner already described above, the drying air discharged via the inlet opening 43 serves to be conducted into the interior of the housing 44 of the dosing device 7 . The drying air discharged via the air opening 54 serves to be introduced directly into the reservoir 8 , which enables the dosing channel 14 in particular to be dried, which helps to prevent unwanted encrustations of cleaning agent in the area of the dosing opening 15 .

According to the invention, the housing 44 is furthermore equipped with an outlet opening 46, such as this in particular 4 reveals. Drying air flowing into the housing 44 via the inlet opening 43 in accordance with the arrow 45 can thus, after passing through the housing volume space, leave the housing 44 via the outlet opening 46, namely via a connection piece 56 in accordance with the arrow 47.

Drying air is only discharged via the outlet opening 46 when the reservoir 8 is in its basic position, as shown in FIG figure 5 is shown. In this basic position, the transfer opening 20 into the transfer channel 19 is closed by means of the closure device 22 .

In the intended dosing case, the reservoir 8 rotates in the manner already described above, with which it is moved out of its basic position, like this 6 reveals. In this dosing position, the cleaning agent dosed via the dosing unit 13 is delivered via the dosing channel 14 , which then reaches the discharge channel 19 via the inward opening 20 . In this position, the smuggling opening 20 is open not only for cleaning agents, but also for drying air generated by the drying fan 39 . Drying air conveyed into the housing 44 therefore leaves this not only via the outlet opening 46, but also via the transfer opening 20, which in this respect serves as a further air outlet 48, specifically in accordance with the arrow 28, as shown in FIG 6 indicates. The drying air conveyed into discharge channel 19 in accordance with arrow 28 flows through discharge channel 19 in accordance with arrow 29 (cf. 2 ) and is discharged via the ejection opening 21 into the washing chamber 4 accommodated by the washing container 3 . In the dosing case, the drying air thus ensures that any moist air rising from the washing compartment 4 is pushed back into the washing compartment 4 .

When drying air is introduced into the housing 44, the storage container 8 is flushed with air. In order to optimize this air circulation, the receptacle 36, into which the carrying unit 9 is inserted in the intended use, is equipped with a flow guide element. In the embodiment shown according to 4 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 1 mm to 2 mm, for example. However, this comparatively small gap dimension is sufficient to bring about an optimized drying air distribution within the housing 44 and thus also a flushing of a reservoir 8 inserted into the support unit 9 .

When the reservoir 8 is in its basic position, the infeed opening 20 is basically sealed in a fluid-tight manner by the closure plate 23 . An undesired ingress of moisture from the treatment room into the housing 44 is thus prevented. Nevertheless, due to manufacturing tolerances in particular, minimal leakage can occur. There is also the problem of condensate formation. In this respect, it cannot be reliably ruled out, in particular over the entire service life of the dishwasher 1, that moisture does not inadvertently enter the housing 44 of the dosing device 7. This is true with a view to unwanted clumping of the cleaning agent stored in the reservoir 8 uncritical, but is nonetheless felt to be disadvantageous. The configuration according to the invention provides a remedy here. A preferably program-controlled application of drying air to the housing 44 advantageously means that any moisture present in the housing 44 can be expelled, which causes the housing 44 and the storage container 8 accommodated therein to dry. In terms of the process, a distinction can be made between a basic position of the reservoir and a dosing position of the reservoir.

If the storage container 8 is in its basic position, the drying air introduced into the housing 44 is discharged via the outlet opening 46 . In this respect, drying air can be applied for a predefinable period of time after the end of a dosing event.

A second implementation of the method occurs during the dosing event. In accordance with the regulations, the infeed opening 20 has to be open in the dosing case, so that the cleaning agent can be released into the treatment room. When the induction opening 20 is open, moisture, in particular vapors, can rise out of the treatment chamber and get into the housing 44 . This can be counteracted effectively by operating the blower 39 and introducing drying air into the housing 44 even during dosing. In this case, the drying air introduced into the housing 44 is also discharged via the infeed opening 20 serving as a further air outlet 48 . Rising vapors are counteracted in this way, so that an undesired 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, as is the case in particular Figs. 17 and 18 in combination with the Figs. 15 and 16 reveal. The rinsing device 24 serves to be able to rinse the ejection channel 19 with rinsing liquid if necessary, so that any cleaning agent residues that collect on the inside of the ejection channel 19 can be flushed out. For this purpose, the rinsing device 24 has a rinsing nozzle 25 which is fluidically connected via a hose 26 to a pump for conveying rinsing liquid. If necessary, the discharge channel 19 can be acted upon with rinsing liquid via the hose 26 and the rinsing nozzle 25 . Preferably, the flushing nozzle 25 is tangential to Injection opening 20 aligned. During operation, the closure plate 23 that closes the transfer opening 20 in a fluid-tight manner is not directly acted upon by flushing liquid.

The insert 27 preferably used in 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 sign

1

dishwasher

2

Housing

3

flush tank

4

dishwashing room

5

loading opening

6

scullery door

7

dosing device

8th

reservoir

9

carrying unit

10

stub shaft

11

axis of rotation

12

pantry

13

dosing unit

14

dosing channel

15

dosing opening

16

drive unit

17

gear

18

sprocket

19

discharge channel

20

induction opening

21

discharge opening

22

locking device

23

locking plate

24

flushing device

25

flushing nozzle

26

Hose

27

mission

28

Arrow

29

Arrow

30

web

31

Feather

32

spring clip

33

extension

34

sealing contour

35

flow channel

36

recording

37

lid

38

opening

39

drying fan

40

housing (cage)

41

axial impeller

42

locking device

43

intake port

44

Housing

45

Arrow

46

exhaust port

47

Arrow

48

further air outlet

49

Arrow

50

floor

51

groove

52

height direction

53

plate element

54

air vent

55

bypass line

56

Support

Claims (17)

Dosing device for the metered introduction of a pourable cleaning agent into a treatment chamber (4) of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher (1), with a housing (44), a storage container (8) used to accommodate the cleaning agent and a movable, in particular rotatable about an axis of rotation (11), 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 dosing position and vice versa, the storage container (8) a storage chamber (12) and a dosing channel (14) opening into a dosing opening (15), as well as having a discharge channel (19) opening into the treatment chamber (4) with a discharge opening (21) which, when the storage container ( 8) is in fluidic operative connection with the dosing channel (14), wherein the Ausschleusu ing channel (19) has an infeed opening (20) on the dosing channel side, characterized by a drying fan (39) arranged on the outside of the housing (44) on the housing (44), the housing (44) having an inlet opening (43) which interacts with the drying fan (39). and an outlet opening (46) for drying air conveyed by the drying fan (39). Dosing device according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the drying fan (39) is fluidically directly connected to the inlet opening (43). 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 3,
characterized in that
the further air outlet (48) is provided by the transfer opening (20). Dosing device according to claim 4,
marked by
a closure device (22) which interacts with the transfer opening (20) and closes the transfer opening (20) when the storage container (8) is in the basic position. Dosing device according to claim 5,
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 6,
characterized in that
the closing plate (23) can be moved in the radial direction relative to the carrying unit (9). Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the carrying unit (9) has a flow guide element on the underside of a storage container (8) held by the carrying unit (9). Dosing device according to claim 8,
characterized in that
the flow guide element is a recess, preferably in the form of a groove (51). Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the drying fan (39) is arranged within a housing (40) designed as a cage. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the drying fan (39) is an axial fan with an axial fan wheel (41) aligned at an angle to the surface normal of the inlet opening (43). Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
marked by
a closure device (42) on the housing which, when the storage container (8) is in the basic position, interacts with the dosing opening (15) of the dosing channel (14) and closes it. Dosing device according to claim 12,
characterized in that
the inlet opening (43) is arranged below the closure device (42) in the vertical direction (52) of the housing (44). Dosing device according to claim 12 or 13,
characterized in that
the closure device (42) has a plate element (53) with an air opening (54). Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims,
marked by
a bypass line (55) to the flow path opening into the inlet opening (43). Dosing device according to claim 15,
characterized in that
the bypass line (55) opens into the air opening (54) of the plate element (53). Method for operating a dosing device (7) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16,
in which outside of a dosing process, in particular after the end of a dosing process, with a storage container (8) in the basic position, drying air is supplied to the housing (44) via the inlet opening (43) for a predeterminable period of time and discharged via the outlet opening (46), and /or in which, in particular during a dosing process, drying air is supplied to the housing (44) via the inlet opening (43) for a predeterminable period of time and is discharged via the outlet opening (46) and via the infeed opening (20) as a further air outlet (48).

Images