WO2010007049A1

WO2010007049A1 - Dosing system with release of a preparation in the gas phase

Info

Publication number: WO2010007049A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/058963
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arnd Kessler; Karl-Heinz Hohenadel
Original assignee: Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa
Priority date: 2008-07-15
Filing date: 2009-07-14
Publication date: 2010-01-21
Also published as: DE102008033100A1

Abstract

Dosing system (1,2) for the release of liquid and/or solid cleaning compositions within a water-using domestic appliance, in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, comprising at least one cartridge (1 ) for housing at least one cleaning preparation, a dosing device (2) which may be connected to the cartridge (1 ), comprising at least one power source (15), a controller (16), a sensor unit(17), at least one actuator (18), connected to the power source (15) and the controller (16) in such a way that a control signal from the controller (16)brings about a movement of the actuator (18) and hence a release of preparation wherein the actuator is designed as a means for vaporising and/or atomising a preparation into the ambient air.

Description

DOSING SYSTEM WITH DELIVERY OF A PREPARATION TO THE GASPASE

The invention relates to a dosing device and a dosing system for dispensing a plurality of preparations for use in water-conducting devices, in particular water-conducting domestic appliances such as dishwashers,

Washing machines, tumble dryers or automatic surface cleaning systems.

State of the art

Dishwashing detergents are available to the consumer in a variety of forms. In addition to the traditional liquid hand dishwashing detergents, machine dishwashing detergents are particularly important with the spread of household dishwashers. These automatic dishwashing agents are typically offered to the consumer in solid form, for example as powders or as tablets, but increasingly also in liquid form. For some time now, the main focus has been on the convenient dosing of detergents and cleaners

Simplification of the necessary steps to carry out a washing or cleaning process.

Further, one of the major goals of the machine-tool manufacturers is to improve the cleaning performance of these agents, with a recent focus on the cleaning performance of low-temperature cleaning cycles and reduced-water consumption cleaning cycles. For this purpose, the cleaning agents were preferably added to new ingredients, for example, more effective surfactants, polymers, enzymes or bleach. However, since new ingredients are available only to a limited extent and the amount of ingredients used for each cleaning cycle can not be increased to any extent for ecological and economic reasons, this approach has natural limits.

In this context, in particular, devices for the multiple dosing of detergents and cleaners have recently come into the field of vision of the product developers. In these devices, it is possible to distinguish between dosing chambers integrated in the dishwasher or textile washing machine on the one hand and independent devices which are independent of the dishwasher or textile washing machine on the other hand. By means of these devices, which contain the multiple of the amount of detergent necessary for carrying out a cleaning process, portions of washing or cleaning agents are automatically or semiautomatically introduced into the interior of the interior in the course of several successive cleaning processes Cleaning machine dosed. For the consumer eliminates the need for manual dosing with each cleaning or washing cycle. Examples of such devices are described in European patent application EP 1 759 624 A2 (Reckitt Benckiser) or in German patent application DE 53 5005 062 479 A1 (BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH).

Dirty dishes in a dishwasher after some time by biological decomposition processes malodorous substances or mold spores in the air secrete. When you open the dishwasher door this foul-smelling and possibly laden with harmful spores air to the user directly supplied, which he regularly feels at least as unpleasant.

Another problem is that today cleaning substances are added in dishwashers in solid or liquid form and dissolved in supplied water. Thus, for example, it is also necessary for an automatic pre-cleaning of soiled dishes and dishes stored in the dishwasher to supply water in order to remove the soiling from the dishes either purely mechanically by a high spray jet pressure or chemically by the addition of cleaning agents To prevent bad odors in the dishwasher as much as possible. Both procedures require a comparatively large amount of water and energy, which is undesirable from an environmental point of view.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a dispensing system for cleaning agents in the interior of a dishwasher, which prevents the formation of bad odors by soiled dishes stored in the dishwasher and which has the lowest possible water and energy consumption. This object is achieved by a metering system having the features of claim 1.

Substantial advantages of the device according to the invention are a significantly reduced water consumption for the pretreatment of items to be washed and a uniform application of the active ingredients to the entire item to be washed in a dishwasher.

The metering system according to the invention consists of the basic components of a cartridge filled with preparation and a metering device which can be coupled to the cartridge, which in turn is formed from further assemblies such as component carrier, actuator, closure element, sensor, energy source and / or control unit.

It is preferred that the metering system according to the invention is mobile. Movable in the sense of this application means that the dosing system is not unsolvable with a water-conducting device such as a dishwasher, washing machine, laundry dryer or the like is connected, but can be removed, for example, from a dishwasher by the user or positioned in a dishwasher, so is independently handled, is

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is also conceivable that the dosing device for the user is not detachably connected to a water-carrying device such as a dishwasher, washing machine, laundry dryer or the like and only the cartridge is movable.

In order to ensure operation at elevated temperatures, as occur, for example, in individual washing cycles of a dishwasher, the dosing system can be formed from materials which are dimensionally stable up to a temperature of 120 ^° C.

Since the preparations to be dosed may have a pH value between 2 and 12, depending on the intended use, all components of the dosing system which come into contact with the preparations should have a corresponding acid and / or alkali resistance. Furthermore, these components should be largely chemically inert by a suitable choice of material, for example against nonionic surfactants, enzymes and / or fragrances.

Cartridge For the purposes of this application, a cartridge is understood to mean a packaging material which is suitable for enveloping or holding together flowable or spreadable preparations and which can be coupled to a dosing device for dispensing the preparation.

In particular, a cartridge can also comprise a plurality of chambers which can be filled with mutually different compositions. It is also conceivable that a plurality of containers is arranged to form a cartridge unit.

It is advantageous that the cartridge has at least one outlet opening, which is arranged such that a gravity-induced release of preparation from the container in the position of use of the dosing device can be effected. As a result, no further funding for the release of preparation from the container is required, whereby the structure of the metering device can be kept simple and the production costs low. - A -

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one second chamber is provided for receiving at least one second flowable preparation, the second chamber having at least one outlet opening arranged such that a gravity-induced product release from the second chamber in the use position of the dosing is effected. The arrangement of a second chamber is particularly advantageous if in the separate containers preparations are stored, which are usually not stable to each other, such as bleaching agents and enzymes.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that more than two, in particular three to four chambers are provided in or on a cartridge. In particular, one of the chambers can be designed for the delivery of volatile preparations, such as a fragrance to the environment.

The chambers of a cartridge may have the same or different filling volumes. In a two-chamber configuration, the ratio of container volumes is preferably 5: 1, with a three-chamber configuration it is preferably 4: 1: 1, and these configurations are particularly suitable for use in dishwashers.

As mentioned above, the cartridge preferably has 3 chambers. For the use of such a cartridge in a dishwasher, it is particularly preferred that the first chamber contains an alkaline cleaning preparation, the second chamber an enzymatic preparation and the third chamber a rinse aid, wherein the volume ratio of the chambers is approximately 4: 1: 1.

The cartridge usually has a filling volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, more preferably <250 ml, most preferably <50 ml.

The cartridge can take on any spatial form. It can for example be cube-shaped, spherical or plate-like.

To use the dispenser in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to mold the device based on dishes to be cleaned in dishwashers. So this example, plate-shaped, be formed in approximately the dimensions of a plate. As a result, the dosing device can be positioned to save space eg in the lower basket of the dishwasher. Furthermore, the correct positioning of the dosing unit opens up to the user intuitively through the plate-like shape. Preferably, the cartridge has a ratio of height: width: depth between 5: 5: 1 and 50: 50: 1, more preferably from about 10: 10: 1. Due to the "slim" design of the dosing device and the cartridge, it is in particular possible to position the device in the lower cutlery basket of a dishwashing machine in the receptacles provided for plates This has the advantage that the preparations discharged from the dosing device pass directly into the wash liquor and can not adhere to other items to be washed.

Usually, commercial household dishwashers are designed in such a way that the arrangement of larger items to be washed, such as pans or large plates, is provided in the lower basket of the dishwasher. In order to avoid a non-optimal positioning of the metering by the user in the upper basket, the metering system is dimensioned in an advantageous embodiment of the invention such that a positioning of the metering system is only possible in the receptacles provided for the lower basket. For this purpose, the width and the height of the metering system can be selected in particular between 150 mm and 300 mm, particularly preferably between 175 mm and 250 mm.

However, it is also conceivable to form the metering unit in cup shape with a substantially circular or square base.

To provide an immediate optical level control, it is advantageous to form the cartridge at least in sections of a transparent material.

The cartridge is designed in particular for receiving flowable detergents or cleaning agents. Particularly preferably, such a cartridge has a plurality of chambers for the spatially separated receiving in each case of different preparations of a washing or cleaning agent. By way of example, but not conclusively, some possible combinations of the filling of the chambers with different preparations are listed below:

It is particularly preferred that all preparations are flowable, as this ensures rapid dissolution of the preparations in the washing liquor of the dishwasher, whereby these preparations a rapid to immediate cleaning or rinsing, especially on the walls of the washing compartment and / or a Achieve light guide of the cartridge and / or the dosing device.

The cartridge comprises a cartridge bottom, which is directed downward in the use position in the direction of gravity and in which at least two chambers each have at least one outlet opening arranged on the cartridge bottom.

The cartridge is preferably formed from at least two elements connected to one another in a material-locking manner, wherein the connecting edge of the elements on the cartridge bottom extends outside the outlet openings, that is to say the connecting edge does not intersect the outlet openings.

The cohesive connection can be produced for example by gluing, welding, soldering, pressing or vulcanization.

Of course, it is also conceivable to combine the above-mentioned cartridge configurations in any suitable manner. For example, it is possible a two-chamber cartridge of a trough-shaped and a lid-like

To form cartridge element and to arrange a third one-piece or multi-piece chamber on the head or lateral surface of the cartridge thus formed.

In particular, such a further chamber for accommodating a preparation may be arranged on the cartridge and be configured in such a way that a release of volatile substances such as, for example, fragrances from the preparation into the environment of the chamber is effected.

Dosing device In the dosing device, the necessary for operation control unit and at least one

Actuator integrated. Preferably, a sensor unit and / or a power source is also arranged on or in the metering device.

Preferably, the dosing device consists of a splash-proof housing, that the penetration of water spray, as for example when used in a

Dishwasher may occur in the interior of the dosing, by at least the control unit, sensor unit and / or actuator are arranged prevented. It is particularly advantageous, in particular the energy source, the control unit and the

To shed sensor unit such that the metering device is substantially waterproof, the metering device is therefore functional even when fully enclosed with liquid. As potting materials, for example, multi-component epoxy, and acrylate casting compounds such as methacrylate esters, urethane metha and cyanoacrylates or

Two-component materials can be used with polyurethanes, silicones, epoxy resins.

An alternative or supplement to the casting represents the encapsulation of the components in a suitably designed, moisture-proof housing. Such a configuration will be explained in more detail in the following place.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to arrange the components or assemblies on, on and / or in a component carrier in the dosing device, and this will also be explained elsewhere.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the material from which the dosing device is formed prevents or at least reduces the growth of a biofilm. For this purpose, it is possible to use corresponding surface structures of the material known from the prior art, and additives such as biocides. It is also conceivable areas of the dosing device endangered by microbial growth, in particular areas in which rinsing water may be present, are provided in part with a material which prevents or at least reduces the growth of a biofilm. In this case, for example, correspondingly effective films can be used.

It is particularly preferred that the dosing device comprises at least a first interface which cooperates in or on a household appliance, in particular a water-conducting household appliance, preferably a dishwasher or washing machine formed corresponding interface in such a way that a transmission of electrical energy and / or signals from Household appliance for dosing and / or from the dosing device to the household appliance is realized.

In one embodiment of the invention, the interfaces are formed by connectors. In a further embodiment, the interface cells can be designed in such a way that a wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical and / or optical signals is effected.

In this case, it is particularly preferred that the interfaces provided for the transmission of electrical energy are inductive transmitters or receivers of electromagnetic waves. Thus, in particular, the interface of a water-bearing device, such as a dishwasher, as an AC-powered transmitter coil with iron core and the metering device interface is designed as a receiver coil with iron core.

In an alternative embodiment, the transmission of electrical energy can also be provided by means of an interface, the household appliance side, an electrically operated light source and dosiergeräteseitig a light sensor, such as a photodiode or a solar cell comprises. The light emitted by the light source is converted by the light sensor into electrical energy, which in turn feeds, for example, a metering device side accumulator.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, an interface on the dosing device and the water-conducting device, such as a dishwasher, for transmitting (ie transmitting and receiving) electromagnetic and / or optical signals, which in particular Betriebszustandands-, measuring and / or control information of the dosing and / or the water-bearing device such as a dishwasher.

Of course, it is possible to provide only an interface for transmitting signals or an interface for transmitting electrical energy, or to provide an interface for transmitting signals and an interface for transmitting electrical energy or to provide an interface which is suitable both for transmission of electrical energy and signals.

In particular, such an interface can be designed such that a wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or electromagnetic and / or optical signals is effected.

It is particularly preferred that the interface is configured to transmit and / or receive optical signals. It is very particularly preferred that the interface is configured to emit or receive light in the visible range. Since darkness usually prevails in the interior of the dishwasher during operation of a dishwasher, signals in the visible, optical region, for example in the form of signal pulses or light flashes, can be emitted and / or detected by the dosing device. It has proven particularly advantageous to use wavelengths between 600-800 nm in the visible spectrum.

Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous that the interface is configured to emit or receive infrared signals. In particular, it is advantageous that the interface for transmitting or receiving infrared signals in the near infrared range (780nm-3,000nm) is configured. In particular, the interface comprises at least one LED. Particularly preferably, the interface comprises at least two LEDs. It is also possible according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention to provide at least two LEDs which emit light in a mutually different wavelength. This makes it possible, for example, to define different signal bands on which information can be sent or received.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in a further development of the invention that at least one LED is an RGB LED whose wavelength is adjustable. For example, an LED can be used to define different signal bands that emit signals at different wavelengths. Thus, for example, it is also conceivable that light is emitted at a different wavelength during the drying process, during which there is a high level of atmospheric humidity (mist) in the washing compartment, than, for example, during a washing step.

The interface of the dosing device can be configured such that the LED is provided both for emitting signals inside the dishwasher, in particular when the dishwasher door is closed, and also for optically displaying an operating state of the dosing device, in particular when the dishwasher door is open.

It is particularly preferred that an optical signal is designed as a signal pulse with a pulse duration between 1 ms and 10 seconds, preferably between 5 ms and 100 ms seconds.

Further, it is advantageous that the interface of the dosing device is configured such that it emits an optical signal with the dishwasher closed and unloaded, that a mean illuminance E between 0.01 and 100 lux, preferably between 0.1 and 50 lux measured on the causes the Spülraum limiting walls. This illuminance is then sufficient to cause multiple reflections with or on the other Spülraumwänden and so possible signal shadows in the washing compartment, in particular in the loading condition of the dishwasher to reduce or prevent.

The signal transmitted and / or received by the interface is in particular a carrier of information, in particular a control signal or a signal representing an operating state of the dosing device and / or the dishwasher.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, the dosing device for dispensing at least one detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation from a cartridge into the Inside a household appliance to a light source, by means of which a light signal in a

Light guide of the cartridge can be coupled. In particular, the light source may be an LED. This makes it possible, for example, light signals that represent, for example, the operating state of the dosing to couple from the dosing into the cartridge, so that they are visually perceptible to the cartridge by a user. This is particularly advantageous because the metering device in the position of use in the plate receptacle of a dish drawer in a dishwasher, can be visually obscured between other items to be washed. By coupling the light from the metering device into the cartridge, the corresponding light signals can also be slid, for example, into the head region of the cartridge, so that this also occurs when the metering device in the cartridge

Telleraufnahme is positioned between other items to be washed, the light signals are visually perceptible by the user, as with proper loading of the dish drawer, the head-side portion of the dishes and the cartridge usually remains uncovered.

Furthermore, it is possible for the light signal coupled into the optical waveguide of the cartridge and passing through the optical waveguide to be detectable by a sensor located on the dosing device. This will be explained in more detail in a subsequent section.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the dosing device for dispensing at least one detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation into the interior of a

Domestic appliance at least one optical transmitting unit, wherein the optical transmitting unit is configured in such a way that signals from the transmitting unit in a coupled with the dosing device cartridge can be coupled and signals from the transmitting unit in the environment of the dosing device can be emitted. In this way, both a signal transmission between the dosing device and, for example, a domestic appliance such as a dishwasher and the signal input into a cartridge can be realized by means of an optical transmitting unit.

In particular, the optical transmitting unit may be an LED, which preferably emits light in the visible and / or IR range. It is also conceivable to use another suitable optical transmitting unit, e.g. a laser diode, to use. It is particularly preferable to use optical transmission units which emit light in the wavelength range between 600-800 nm.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the dosing device may comprise at least one optical receiving unit. This makes it possible, for example, that the dosing device can receive signals from an optical transmission unit arranged in the household appliance. This can be realized by any suitable optical receiving unit, such as photocells, photomultipliers, semiconductor detectors, photodiodes, photoresistors, solar cells, phototransistors, CCD and / or CMOS image sensors. It is particularly preferred that the optical receiving unit is suitable for light in

Wavelength range of 600-800nm to receive.

In particular, the optical receiving unit on the dosing device can also be configured such that the signals that can be coupled from the transmitting unit into a cartridge coupled to the dosing device can be decoupled from the cartridge and detected by the optical receiving unit of the dosing device.

The signals emitted by the transmitting unit into the surroundings of the metering device may preferably represent information regarding operating conditions or control commands.

Bauelemententräqer

The dosing device comprises a component carrier on which at least the actuator and the closure element and the energy source and / or the control unit and / or the sensor unit and / or the dosing chamber are arranged.

The component carrier has receptacles for the said components and / or the components are formed integrally with the component carrier.

The receptacles for the components in the component carrier can be provided for a positive, positive and / or cohesive connection between a corresponding component and the corresponding receptacle.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the component carrier, the metering chamber, the actuator, the closure element, the energy source, the control unit and / or the sensor unit is detachably arranged on the component carrier for easy disassembly of the components.

It is also advantageous that the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are arranged in a module on or in the component carrier. In an advantageous further development of the invention, the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are combined in an assembly. This can be realized, for example, in that the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are arranged on a common electrical printed circuit board.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the component carrier is designed trough-like, manufactured as an injection molded part. It is particularly preferred that the metering chamber is formed integrally with the component carrier. By the component carrier a largely simple automatic assembly with the necessary components of the dosing device is possible. The component carrier can be prefabricated as a whole, preferably automatically and assembled to form a dosing device.

The trough-like component carrier can be closed liquid-tight by a lid-like element after placement. The lid-like element may be formed, for example, as a film which is liquid-tight, materially connected to the component carrier and forms with the trough-like component carrier one or more liquid-tight chambers. The lid-like element can also be a

Be console in which the component carrier is insertable, wherein the component carrier and the console in the assembled state cooperate in such a way that between the component carrier and the console is formed a liquid-tight connection.

Furthermore, it is preferred that in the position of use of the metering device, the receptacle for the actuator on the component carrier in the direction of gravity is arranged above the metering chamber, whereby a compact design of the metering device can be realized. The compact design can be further optimized by the Dosierkammereinlass is arranged on the component carrier above the receptacle of the actuator in the position of use of the dosing device. Also, it is preferable that the components on the

Component carrier are arranged substantially in a row to each other, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the component carrier.

In a further development of the invention, the receptacle for the actuator on an opening which is in line with the Dosierkammerauslass, so that a

Closure element from the actuator through the opening and the Dosierkammerauslass can be moved back and forth.

Actuator In the context of this application, an actuator is a device which converts an input variable into a different output quantity and with which an object is moved or whose movement is generated, wherein the actuator is coupled to at least one shutter element such that the release of the preparation is directly or indirectly can be effected from at least one cartridge chamber.

The actuator may be driven by drives selected from the group of gravity drives, ion drives, electric drives, motor drives, hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives, gear drives, threaded spindle drives, ball screws, linear drives, roller screws, tooth worm drives, piezoelectric actuators, chain drives, and / or recoil drives. In particular, the actuator may be formed of an electric motor coupled to a transmission that converts the rotational movement of the motor into a linear motion of a carriage coupled to the transmission. This is particularly advantageous for a slim, plate-shaped design of the dosing unit.

At least one magnetic element can be arranged on the actuator, which causes a product discharge from the container with a magnet element with the same polarity on a dispenser as soon as the two magnetic elements are positioned against one another such that magnetic repulsion of the homopolar magnetic elements is effected and a non-contact release mechanism is realized.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a bistable solenoid, which forms a pulse-controlled, bi-stable valve together with an engaging in the bistable solenoid, designed as a plunger core closure element. Bistable lifting magnets are electromechanical magnets with linear direction of movement, wherein the plunger locked in each end position without current.

Bistable lifting magnets or valves are known in the art. A bistable valve requires a pulse to change valve positions (open / closed) and then remains in that position until a counter pulse is sent to the valve. Therefore, one speaks of a pulse-controlled valve. A significant advantage of such pulse-controlled valves is that they do not consume energy to dwell in the Ventilendlagen, the closed position and discharge position, but only need an energy pulse to change the valve layers, thus the Ventilendlagen are considered to be stable. A bistable valve remains in that switching position, which last received a control signal.

By means of a current pulse, the closure element (plunger core) is moved to an end position. The power is switched off, the closing element holds the position. By current pulse, the closure element is moved to the other end position. The power is switched off, the closing element holds the position.

A bistable property of solenoids can be realized in different ways. First, a division of the coil is known. The coil is split more or less centrally so that a gap is created. In this gap, a permanent magnet is used. The plunger core itself is both the front and the back so turned off that he has in the respective end position a flat surface lying to the frame of the magnet. The magnetic field of the permanent magnet flows over this surface. The diving core sticks here. Alternatively, the use of two separate coils is possible. The principle is similar to the bistable one Solenoid with split coil. The difference is that they are actually two electrically different coils. These are controlled separately, depending on the direction in which the plunger is to be moved.

Schwinqzerstäuber In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the metering system at least one vibrating atomizer, via which it is possible to transfer a preparation in the gas phase or to keep in the gas phase. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, to evaporate preparations by means of the vibrating atomizer, to nebulise and / or to atomise, whereby the preparation passes into the gas phase or forms an aerosol in the gas phase, wherein the gas phase is usually air.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous when used in a dishwashing machine or washing machine, where a corresponding release of preparation into the gas phase takes place in a closable rinsing or washing room. The preparation introduced into the gas phase can be distributed evenly in the washing compartment and deposited on the items to be washed in the dishwasher.

The preparation released by the vibrating atomizer may be selected from the group of surfactant-containing preparations, enzyme-containing preparations, odor-neutralizing preparations, biocidal preparations, antibacterial preparations, perfume preparations.

By applying the cleaning preparations to the washware from the gas phase, a uniform layer of the corresponding cleaning preparation is applied to the washware surface. It is particularly preferred that the entire Spülgutoberfläche is wetted by the cleaning preparation.

As a result, several advantageous effects can be achieved before the start of a water-releasing cleaning program of the dishwasher. On the one hand can be suppressed by a suitable cleaning preparation, a generation of bad odors by biological decomposition processes adhering to the dishes food residues. On the other hand, a corresponding cleaning preparation can effect a "soaking" of the food particles possibly adhering to the items to be washed, so that they can be easily and completely removed in the dishwasher's cleaning program, in particular in the case of low-temperature programs.

Furthermore, it is possible after the completion of a cleaning program of a dishwasher, a preparation by means of the vibrating atomizer on the dishes applied. This may be, for example, an antibacterial

A preparation or a preparation for the modification of surfaces act.

Closure element A closure element in the sense of this application is a

Device that acts on the actuator and that as a result of this action causes the opening or the closure of an outlet opening.

By way of example, the closure element can be valves which can be brought into a product delivery position or closure position by the actuator.

Particularly preferred is the embodiment of the closure element and the actuator in the form of a solenoid valve, wherein the dispenser are configured by the valve and the actuator by the electromagnetic or piezoelectric drive of the solenoid valve. In particular, when using a plurality of containers and thus to be dosed preparations, the amount and timing of the dosage can be controlled very accurately by the use of solenoid valves.

It is therefore advantageous to control the dispensing of preparations from each outlet opening of a chamber with a solenoid valve in that the solenoid valve directly or indirectly determines the release of preparation from the product discharge opening.

sensor

For the purposes of this application, a sensor is a sensor or sensor that has certain physical or chemical properties and / or material properties

Quality of the environment or as a quantitative measure.

The dosing unit preferably has at least one sensor which is suitable for detecting a temperature. The temperature sensor is designed in particular for detecting a water temperature.

It is further preferred that the dosing unit comprises a sensor for detecting the conductivity, whereby in particular the presence of water or the spraying of water, in particular in a dishwasher, is detected.

In a further development of the invention, the dosing unit has a sensor which can determine physical, chemical and / or mechanical parameters from the surroundings of the dosing unit. The sensor unit may include one or more active and / or passive sensors for the qualitative and / or quantitative detection of mechanical, electrical, physical and / or chemical quantities, which are passed as control signals to the control unit.

In particular, the sensors of the sensor unit from the group of timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, Schallwechseleldrucksensoren, "Lab-on-a -Chip "- sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and / or MEMS sensors be selected.

Particularly in the case of preparations whose viscosity varies greatly depending on the temperature, it is advantageous for the volume or mass control of the dosed preparations,

Provide flow sensors in the metering device. Suitable flow sensors may be selected from the group of orifice flow rate sensors, electromagnetic flowmeters, Coriolis mass flow rate measurement, vortex flowmeter, ultrasonic flow rate measurement, variable area flow measurement, annular piston flow measurement, thermal mass flow measurement or differential pressure flow measurement.

It is also conceivable for a temperature-dependent viscosity curve of at least one preparation to be deposited in the control unit, wherein the dosage is adjusted by the control unit according to the temperature and thus the viscosity of the preparation.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for direct determination of the viscosity of the preparation is provided.

The alternatives listed above for determining the metered quantity or the viscosity of a preparation serve to generate a control signal that is processed by the control unit in such a way for controlling a dispenser that essentially a constant metering of a preparation is effected.

The data line between the sensor and the control unit can be realized via an electrically conductive cable or wirelessly.

A wirelessly formed data line is formed in particular by the transmission of electromagnetic waves. It is preferable to after a wireless data line standardized standards such as Bluetooth, IrDA, IEEE 802, GSM, UMTS, etc. train.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit is arranged at the bottom of the dosing device, wherein in the position of use the bottom of the dosing device is directed downward in the direction of gravity. In this case, it is particularly preferred that the sensor unit comprises a temperature and / or a conductivity sensor. Such a configuration ensures that water is applied to the underside of the dispenser by the spray arms of the dishwasher and thus into contact with the sensor. Due to the fact that the distance between the spray arms and the sensor is as low as possible due to the bottom-side arrangement of the sensor, the water experiences only a slight cooling between the outlet on the spray arms and the contact with the sensor, so that the most accurate temperature measurement can be carried out , It is particularly preferred that at least two sensor units are provided for measuring mutually different parameters, wherein very particularly preferably a sensor unit is a conductivity sensor and a further sensor unit is a temperature sensor. Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one sensor unit is a brightness sensor.

The sensors are especially adapted to detect the beginning, the course and the end of a washing program. For this purpose, by way of example and not limitation, the sensor combinations listed in the following table can be used

By means of the conductivity sensor can be detected, for example, whether the

Conductivity sensor is wetted by water, so that, for. determine if there is water in the dishwasher.

Rinsing programs usually have a characteristic temperature profile, the u.a. is determined by the heating of the rinse water and the drying of the dishes, which can be detected by a temperature sensor.

By means of a brightness sensor, it is possible, for example, to detect the incidence of light into the interior of a dishwasher when the dishwasher door is opened, from which, for example, it is possible to conclude that the washing program has ended. In order to determine the degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the dishwasher, a turbidity sensor can also be provided. From this it is also possible, for example, to select a dosing program in the dosing device that applies to the determined contamination situation.

It is also conceivable to detect the course of a washing program by means of at least one sound sensor by detecting specific sound and / or vibration emissions, e.g. when pumping or pumping out of water, are detected.

Of course, it is possible for the skilled person to use any suitable combinations of several sensors to achieve a Spülprogrammüberwachung.

Control unit A control unit in the sense of this application is a device which is suitable for

Transporting material, energy and / or information to influence. For this purpose, the control unit influences actuators with the aid of information, in particular of measuring signals of the sensor unit, which processes them in the sense of the control target.

In particular, the control unit may be a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dosing programs are stored on the microprocessor, which can be selected and executed according to the container coupled to the dosing device.

The control unit has, in a preferred embodiment, no connection to the possibly existing control of the household appliance. Accordingly, no information, in particular electrical or electromagnetic signals, is exchanged directly between the control unit and the control of the household appliance.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit is coupled to the existing control of the household appliance. Preferably, this coupling is wireless. For example, it is possible to position a transmitter on or in a dishwasher, preferably on or at the dosing chamber embedded in the door of the dishwasher, which wirelessly transmits a signal to the dosing unit when the control of the domestic appliance controls the dosing of, for example, a detergent from the dosing unit Dosing or rinse aid causes.

The control unit can store several programs for releasing different preparations or releasing products in different applications. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the call of the corresponding program can be effected by means of corresponding RFID labels or geometric information carriers formed on the container. Thus, it is possible, for example, to use the same control unit for a plurality of applications, for example for metering detergent in dishwashers, for dispensing perfumes in room fragrancing, for applying cleaning substances to a toilet bowl, etc.

For dosing preparations which are in particular prone to gelling, the control unit can be configured in such a way that on the one hand the dosing takes place in a sufficiently short time to ensure a good cleaning result and on the other hand the dosing of the preparation does not occur so quickly. This can be realized, for example, by an interval-type release, whereby the individual metering intervals are set in such a way that the corresponding metered amount dissolves completely during a cleaning cycle.

The delivery of preparations from the dosing device can be done sequentially or simultaneously.

It is particularly preferred that the metering intervals for dispensing a preparation are between 30-90 seconds, particularly preferably 45-75 seconds.

It is particularly preferred to dose a plurality of preparations sequentially in a rinsing program. In particular, the following metering sequences are to be preferred

energy

For the purposes of this application is understood as an energy source, a component of the dosing, which is expedient to provide a suitable for the operation of the dosing or the dosing energy. Preferably, the energy source is designed such that the dosing system is self-sufficient.

Preferably, the energy source provides electrical energy. The energy source may be, for example, a battery, an accumulator, a power supply, solar cells or the like.

It is particularly advantageous to make the energy source replaceable, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.

For example, a battery may be selected from the group of alkaline manganese batteries, zinc carbon batteries, nickel oxyhydroxide batteries, lithium batteries, lithium iron sulfide batteries, zinc air batteries, zinc chloride batteries, Mercury oxide zinc batteries and / or silver oxide zinc batteries.

Lead accumulators (lead dioxide / lead), nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, alkaline-manganese batteries, silver-zinc batteries, nickel batteries, etc. Hydrogen batteries, zinc bromine batteries, sodium nickel chloride batteries and / or nickel-iron batteries.

The accumulator may in particular be designed in such a way that it is by loading wide up lad bar.

However, it is also conceivable to form mechanical energy sources consisting of one or more coil spring, torsion spring or torsion bar spring, spiral spring, air spring / gas spring and / or elastomer spring.

The energy source is dimensioned such that the dosing device can go through about 300 dosing cycles before the energy source is exhausted. It is particularly preferred that the energy source be between 1 and 300 dosing cycles, especially preferably between 10 and 300, more preferably between 100 and 300, before the energy source is exhausted.

Furthermore, means for energy conversion can be provided in or on the dosing unit, which generate a voltage by means of which the accumulator is charged. For example, these means may be designed as a dynamo, which is driven by the water flows during a rinse cycle in a dishwasher and emits the voltage thus generated to the accumulator.

adapter

By means of an adapter, a simple coupling of the dosing system with a water-conducting domestic appliance can be realized. The adapter serves for the mechanical and / or electrical connection of the metering system with the water-conducting household appliance.

The adapter is, preferably fixed, connected to a water-carrying pipe of the household appliance. However, it is also conceivable to provide the adapter for positioning in or on the household appliance, in which the adapter is detected by the water flow and / or spray of the household appliance.

Preferably, the adapter is configured in such a way that, in the uncoupled state with the metering system, an escape of water from the adapter is prevented.

The adapter makes it possible to carry out a dosing system both for a stand-alone version and a build-in version, and it is also possible to design the adapter as a charging station for the dosing system in which, for example, the dosing device's energy source is charged or data is transferred be exchanged with the dosing device and the adapter.

The adapter can be placed in a dishwasher on one of the inner walls of the

Rinsing chamber, in particular on the inner side of the dishwasher door, be arranged. However, it is also conceivable that the adapter is positioned as such inaccessible to the user in the water-conducting household appliance, so that the dosing device is used for example during assembly with the household appliance in the adapter, wherein the adapter, the dosing device and the household appliance in such are formed so that a cartridge can be coupled by the user with the dosing device. Application Examples

In principle, the dosing system of the type described above is suitable for being used in or in connection with water-conducting devices of any type.

The metering system according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in water-bearing household appliances such as dishwashers and / or washing machines, but not limited to such use.

In general, it is possible to use the dosing system according to the invention wherever a dosage of at least one, preferably several preparations in a liquid medium according to a dosing program triggering or controlling external physical or chemical parameters is needed.

Thus, for example, it is also conceivable to use the dosing system in household robots, such as floor cleaning machines, for dosing cleaning substances in a toilet bowl or toilet cistern, water-conducting cleaning appliances such as high-pressure cleaner, windscreen washer systems for vehicles, in plant irrigation systems, steam ironing devices, fittings and the like.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a purely exemplary embodiments representing drawings. In this case, particularly preferred embodiments and particularly preferred combinations of features are further described in detail. Show it:

Figure 1 Self-sufficient dosing device with two-chamber cartridge in the separated and assembled state

Figure 2 Autarkes dosing with two-chamber cartridge arranged in a drawer of a dishwasher

Figure 3 Two-chamber cartridge in the separated state to a self-sufficient and internal machine-integrated dosing device Figure 4 Two-chamber cartridge in the assembled state with an internal machine-integrated dosing Figure 5 two-chamber cartridge in the separated state to a self-sufficient and external machine-integrated dosing device Figure 6 Two-chamber cartridge in assembled condition with an external machine-integrated dosing device

Figure 7 two-chamber cartridge in the separated and assembled state to a self-sufficient, machine-integrated dosing Figure 8 two-chamber cartridge in the assembled state to a self-sufficient, machine-integrated dosing

FIG. 9 Cartridge with volatile substance delivery chamber

FIG. 10 Cartridge with three chambers in front view FIG. 11 Dispenser and cartridge in exploded view

FIG. 12 Component carrier in front view

FIG. 13 Component carrier in an exploded view

FIG. 14 Component carrier in an exploded view

FIG. 15 Component carrier in plan view FIG. 16 Component carrier in perspective view on outlet openings

FIG. 17 Component carrier in a perspective front view

FIG. 18 Component carrier in bottom view

FIG. 19 Dosing device in a state assembled with a cartridge in a perspective view FIG. 20 A console with a hinge in a perspective view

Figure 21 actuator designed as a bistable solenoid

FIG. 1 shows a self-sufficient dosing device 2 with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the separated and assembled state.

The metering device 2 has two metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b for repeatedly releasably receiving the corresponding outlet openings 5a, 5b of the chambers 3a, 3b of FIG

Cartridge 1 on. On the front are display and controls 37, which indicate the operating state of the dosing device 2 and act on this.

The metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b furthermore have means which, when the cartridge 1 is pushed onto the metering device 2, effect the opening of the outlet openings 5a, 5b of the chambers 3a, 3b, so that the interior of the chambers 3a, 3b communicating with the metering chamber inlets 21a, 21 b is connected.

The cartridge 1 may consist of one or more chambers 3a, 3b. The cartridge 1 may be integrally formed with a plurality of chambers 3a, 3b or more pieces, in which case the individual chambers 3a, 3b are joined together to form a cartridge 1, in particular by cohesive, positive or non-positive connection methods.

In particular, the fixation by one or more of the types of compounds from the group of snap-in compounds, compression joints, fusions, adhesive bonds, welded joints, solder joints, screw, wedge, clamp or bounce joints can be done. In particular, the fixation can also be formed by a shrink sleeve (so-called sleeve), which is pulled in a heated state at least in sections over the cartridge and firmly encloses the cartridge in the cooled state.

In order to provide advantageous residual emptying properties of the cartridge 1, the bottom of the cartridge 1 may be funnel-shaped inclined to the discharge opening 5a, 5b. Furthermore, the inner wall of the cartridge 1 by suitable choice of material and / or

Surface design be designed in such a way that a low material adhesion of the product is realized on the inner cartridge wall. Also by this measure, the residual emptying of the cartridge 1 can be further optimized.

The chambers 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1 may have the same or different filling volumes. In a two-chambered configuration 3a, 3b, the chamber volume ratio is preferably 5: 1, in a 3-chamber configuration it is preferably 4: 1: 1, which configurations are particularly suitable for use in dishwashers. A connection method can also be that the chambers 3a, 3b are inserted into one of the corresponding metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b of the metering device 2 and thus fixed against each other.

The connection between the chambers 3a, 3b may in particular be made detachable in order to allow a separate exchange of a chamber.

The chambers 3a, 3b each contain a preparation 40a, 40b. The preparation 40a, 40b may have the same or different composition.

Advantageously, the chambers 3a, 3b are made of a transparent material, so that the filling level of the preparations 40a, 40b is visible from the outside by the user. However, it may also be advantageous to manufacture at least one of the chambers from an opaque material, in particular when the preparation contained in this chamber contains light-sensitive ingredients.

The outlet openings 5a, 5b are designed such that they form a positive and / or non-positive, in particular liquid-tight, connection with the corresponding metering chamber inlets 21a, 21b.

It is particularly advantageous that each of the outlet openings 5a, 5b is formed so that it fits only one of the Dosierkammereinlässe 21a, 21b, thereby preventing a chamber is accidentally plugged onto a wrong Dosierkammereinlass.

The cartridge 1 usually has a filling volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, more preferably <250 ml, most preferably <50 ml.

The metering unit 2 and the cartridge 1 can be adapted in the assembled state in particular to the geometries of the devices or in which they are applied in order to ensure the least possible loss of useful volume. To use the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to mold the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 on the basis of dishes to be cleaned in dishwashers. Thus, the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1, for example, plate-shaped, be formed in approximately the dimensions of a plate. As a result, the dosing unit can be positioned to save space in the lower basket.

To provide an immediate optical level control, it is advantageous to form the cartridge 1 at least in sections of a transparent material. To heat sensitive components of a product in a cartridge before

To protect heat, it is advantageous to produce the cartridge 1 of a material with a low thermal conductivity.

The outlet openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1 are preferably arranged on a line or in alignment, whereby a slender, plate-shaped design of the dosing dispenser is made possible.

FIG. 2 shows a self-sufficient dosing device with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the dish drawer 11 with the dishwasher door 39 of a dishwasher 38 open.

Figure 3 shows a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the separated state to a self-sufficient dosing device 2 and an internal, machine-integrated dosing. In this case, the cartridge 1 is designed in such a way that it can be coupled both to the self-sufficient dosing device 2 and to the machine-integrated dosing device (not shown), which is indicated by the arrows illustrated in FIG.

A recess 43 into which the cartridge 1 can be inserted is formed on the side of the dishwasher door 39 directed inside the dishwasher 38, the outlet openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1 communicating with the adapter pieces 42a, 42b being connected by insertion. The adapter pieces 42a, 42b are in turn coupled to the machine-integrated dosing device.

For fixing the cartridge 1 in the recess 43 holding elements 44a, 44b may be provided on the recess 43, which ensure a positive and / or positive fixing of the cartridge in the recess 43. Of course, it is also conceivable that corresponding retaining elements are provided on the cartridge 1. The holding elements 44a, 44b may preferably be selected from the group of snap connections, latching connections, snap-lock connections, clamping connections or plug-in connections.

During operation of the dishwasher 38, preparation 40a, 40b from the cartridge 1 through the adapter elements 42a, 42b is added to the corresponding rinsing cycle by the machine-integrated dosing device.

FIG. 4 shows the cartridge 1 known from FIG. 3 when installed in the door 39 of a dishwasher 38. Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. Figure 5 shows the off

Figure 3 known cartridge 1 with a arranged at the top of the cartridge 1 chamber 45, which has a plurality of openings 46 in its lateral surface. Preferably, the chamber 45 is filled with an air freshener formulation which is delivered through the openings 46 to the environment. The air-conditioning preparation may in particular comprise at least one fragrance and / or an odor-controlling substance.

Unlike the arrangement of the cartridge 1 in the interior of a dishwasher 38 known from FIGS. 3 and 4, it is also possible to provide a recess 43 with adapter elements 42a, 42b for coupling to the cartridge 1 on an outer surface of a dishwasher 38. This is shown by way of example in FIG. 5 and FIG.

Of course, the cartridge 1 depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 can also be arranged with a chamber 45 containing an air-improving substance in a correspondingly formed receptacle in the interior of a dishwasher 38.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. The dosing device 2 can in this case be coupled to the cartridge 1, which is indicated by the first, left arrow in the drawing accordingly. Subsequently, cartridge 1 and dosing device 2 are coupled as an assembly via the interface 47,48 to the dishwasher, which is indicated by the right arrow. The dosing device 2 has an interface 47, via which data and / or energy are transferred to and / or from the dosing device 2. In the door 39 of the dishwasher 38, a recess 43 for receiving the dosing device 2 is provided. In the depression 43, a second interface 48 is provided, which transmits data and / or energy to and / or from the dosing device 2.

Preferably, data and / or energy are exchanged wirelessly between the first interface 47 on the dosing device 2 and the second interface 48 on the dishwasher 38. It is particularly preferred that energy from the interface 48 of the dishwasher 38 is transmitted wirelessly via the interface 47 to the dosing device 2. This can be done, for example, inductively and / or capacitively.

It is also advantageous to form the interface for transmitting data wirelessly. This can be realized by the methods known in the art for the wireless transmission of data, such as by radio transmission or IR transmission. Alternatively, the interfaces 47, 48 can also be formed by integrated plug connections. Advantageously, the connectors are formed in such a way that they are protected from the entry of water or moisture.

FIG. 9 shows a cartridge on which a further chamber 45 for receiving a preparation is arranged and configured in such a way that discharge of volatile substances from the preparation into the environment of the chamber 45 is effected.

In the chamber 45 may be, for example, volatile perfume or air freshening substances, which are discharged through the openings 46 of the chamber 45 to the environment.

It can also be seen that the openings 5a, 5b are closed by silicone valves which have an x-shaped slot.

FIG. 10 shows a further possible embodiment of the cartridge 1 with three chambers 3a, 3b, 3c. The first chamber 3a and the second chamber 3b have an approximately equal filling volume. The third chamber 3c has a filling volume about 5 times that of one of the chambers 3a or 3b. The cartridge base 4 has a ramp-like shoulder in the region of the third chamber 3c. This asymmetrical design of the cartridge 1 can ensure that the cartridge 1 can be coupled with the dosing device 2 in a position provided for this purpose and that insertion into a wrong position is prevented by a corresponding configuration of the dosing device 2 or the console 54.

FIG. 11 shows in an exploded view the essential components of the dosing system consisting of cartridge 1 and dosing device 2.

As can be seen from FIG. 11, the cartridge 1 is composed of two cartridge elements 6, 7. The dosing device 2 consists essentially of a component carrier 23 and a bracket 54 into which the component carrier 23 can be inserted.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the component carrier 23 of the dosing device 2, which will be explained in more detail below.

On the component carrier 23, the metering chamber 20, the actuator 18 and the

Closure element 19 and the power source 15, the control unit 16 and the sensor unit 17 are arranged. The metering chamber 20, the predosing chamber 26, the metering chamber inlet 21 and the receptacle 29 are formed integrally with the component carrier 23. As can also be seen from FIG. 12, the energy source 15, the control unit 16 and the sensor unit 17 are combined in an assembly by being arranged on a corresponding circuit board.

The pre-metering chamber 26 and the actuator 18 are, as shown in Figure 23, on the

Component carrier 23 arranged substantially side by side. The predosing chamber 26 has an L-shaped basic shape with a shoulder in the lower region in which the receptacle 29 for the actuator 18 is embedded. Below the pre-metering chamber 26 and the actuator 18, the outlet chamber 27 is arranged. The pre-metering chamber 26 and the discharge chamber 27 together form the metering chamber 20.

The pre-metering chamber 26 and the outlet chamber 27 are connected to each other through the opening 34.

The receptacle 29, the opening 34 and the Dosierkammerauslass 22 lie on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23 escape, so that the rod-shaped closure element 19 can be passed through the openings 22,29,34.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 13, the rear walls of the predosing chamber 26 and the outlet chamber 27 are formed integrally with the component carrier 23. The front wall can then be connected to the metering chamber 20 in a material-tight manner, for example by a cover element or a film (not shown).

The embodiment of the metering chamber 20 will be explained in more detail below with reference to the detail view of FIG. One recognizes the outlet chamber 27, which has a bottom 62. The bottom 62 is inclined in a funnel-like manner toward the metering chamber outlet 22 arranged centrally in the outlet chamber 27. The Dosierkammerauslass 22 is located in a channel 63 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23 in the outlet chamber 27. The funnel-shaped bottom 62 and the channel 63 and the outlet opening 22 arranged therein ensure at a deviating from the horizontal position of the dosing metering and a nearly complete emptying of preparation from the dosing 20. Further, the preparation flows through the corresponding funnel-shaped floor design faster , Especially in higher-viscosity preparations, from the metering chamber, so that the metering interval in the preparation is released, can be kept short.

In the figure 13, only the middle metering chamber 20 is provided with a funnel-shaped bottom design of the type described above. It is understood that, in deviation from this illustration, other, further or all metering chambers a may have such shape. This also applies to the pre-metering chambers 26 and

Exhaust chambers 27, insofar as these are provided.

The arrangement of the actuator 18, the closure element 19 and the seal 36 on the component carrier 23 will be explained in greater detail on the basis of the exploded illustration in FIG. The figure shows a component carrier 23 with three metering chambers 20 arranged next to one another. The actuator 18c, the closure element 19c and the seal 36c in the assembled state on the component carrier 23 are shown in the metering chamber on the far right. In the middle metering chamber, the seal 36b and the closure element 19b are shown in the assembled state in the metering chamber, while the actuator 18b is detached from the closure element 19b. Above the left metering chamber 20a, both the seal 36a, the closure element 19a and the actuator 18a are shown in an exploded view.

Integral with the component carrier 23, the metering chamber 20, the predosing chamber 26, the Dosierkammereinlass 21 and the receptacle 29 for the actuator 18 is formed. The pre-metering chamber 26 is arranged in an L-shaped manner above the metering chamber 20, the receptacle for the actuator 18 being arranged on the leg of the predosing chamber running parallel to the bottom of the component carrier 23. The metering chamber 20 and the predosing chamber 26 are connected to each other through the opening 34. The receptacle 29, the opening 34 and the Dosierkammerauslass 22 lie on an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23.

The seal 36 has a substantially hollow cylinder-like space shape with a closed by a plate-like tail head. The elastic seal 36 can be arranged in the metering chamber 20 in such a way that the plate-like end piece presses against the opening 34 on the inside against the metering chamber outlet 22 and with the side of the seal 36 facing away from the plate-like end piece. The cylindrical closure element 19 is formed with its first end such that it engages in the hollow-cylindrical seal 36 and there material, force and / or positively fixed. The closure element 19 is dimensioned in such a way that it can be passed through the opening 34 and the opening of the receptacle 29, but strikes the Dosierkammerauslass 22 so that the closure member 19 can not slip down out of the component carrier 23.

The closure element 19 protrudes with one end out of the receptacle 29. This end is plugged into the actuator 18 designed as a bistable electromagnet and acts as an anchor. FIG. 15 shows the component carrier 23 known from FIG. 14 in plan view. It can be seen that the metering chamber inlets 21a-c and the receptacles 29a-c for the actuators 18a-c are arranged on a line which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23.

FIG. 16 shows the bottom side of the component carrier 23 in a perspective view. It can be seen that the Dosierkammerauslässe 22a-c and the receptacle 28 are formed for the sensor unit hollow cylinder-like, whereby the actual outlet opening and the Dosierkammerauslässe 22a-c closing seal 36a-c are protected from mechanical damage.

The ventilation system of the dosing unit 2 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. If a preparation is discharged from the metering chamber via the Dosierkammerauslass 22 to the environment, created by the falling liquid level in the chambers of the cartridge 1, a negative pressure, by the ambient air for pressure equalization in the

Dosierkammereinlass 22 and the outlet chamber 27 is sucked. In the L-shaped predosing chamber 26 extends within the vertical leg, a chamber wall 31 in the region of the vertical leg, a first channel 32 and a second Train channel 33. By the

Chamber wall 31, the rising air is passed into the right channel 33, so that this channel 33 primarily acts as a vent channel, while the other channel 32 primarily ensures a flow of preparation from the cartridge 1.

The Dosierkammereinlass 21 is disposed on a nozzle 30 which is communicatively connected to the pre-metering chamber 26. It can be seen that the chamber wall 31 also extends into the nozzle 30 and divides it into two separate channels.

In Figure 18, the bottom side of the component carrier 23 is shown in a plan view. The Dosierkammerauslässe 22a-c and the receptacle 28 for the sensor unit 17 are arranged on a line which corresponds substantially to the longitudinal axis of the component carrier 23.

FIG. 19 shows the metering device 2 in the assembled state with the cartridge 1 in a perspective view. The metering system has a height h, a width b and a depth t in the assembled state. The width b and the height h should not exceed 210 mm. The depth t should be less than 20mm. The ratio of width / height / depth should be about 10: 10: 1. The height h and the width b preferably correspond to the format of a medium-sized dining table. Thus, the dosing system can be simple, and for the user intuitive way into the corresponding dish recording one

Position the washing basket of a dishwasher.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the bracket 54. It can be seen that in each case a hook 56 is integrally formed on the hinge 55, which engages in a corresponding receptacle of the cartridge 1 and thus fixes the cartridge relative to the metering device 2. The hooks 56 are substantially opposite. It is also conceivable that in total only one hook 56 is arranged on an inner side of the bracket 54.

FIG. 21 shows a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view through an actuator 18 embodied as a bistable lifting magnet. A first coil 58 and a second coil 59 can be seen with a permanent magnet 57 arranged between the coils 58, 59 annular permanent magnet 57, the closure element 19 is accommodated as a plunger core. By magnetic inference between the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 57 and the magnetizable closure element 19, a holding force is generated, whereby the closure element 19 is fixable in a position which is defined by the holding points 60,61.

The closure element 19 can be moved to the holding points 60 and 61 by a pulse-like energization of the coils 58, 59, in that an electrically generated magnetic field of one of the coils 58, 59 with a corresponding polarization is superimposed on the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 57. For example, if the coil 58 is energized, then a demolition of the magnetic yoke between the permanent magnet 57 and the closure member 19 is effected, so that subsequently the closure member 19 is moved in the magnetic field of the coil 58 from the holding point 60 to the breakpoint 61, which is shown in the lower figure from Figure 21 shows. If a corresponding pulse-like energization of the coil 59 is effected, then the closure element 19 moves from the holding point 61 back to the starting position of the stopping point 60.

As already mentioned, the metering system of the type described above is basically suitable for being used in or in connection with water-conducting devices of any kind. As explained in the preceding embodiments, the dosing system according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in water-bearing household appliances such as dishwashers and / or washing machines, but not limited to such use. In general, it is possible to use the dosing system according to the invention wherever a dosage of at least one, preferably several preparations in a liquid medium according to a dosing program triggering or controlling external physical or chemical parameters is needed.

Claims

claims

1. metering system (1, 2) for dispensing liquid and / or solid cleaning preparations in the interior of a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a dishwashing machine or washing machine,

At least one cartridge (1) for receiving at least one cleaning preparation,

A metering device (2) which can be coupled to the cartridge (1), comprising at least one energy source (15), - a control unit (16), a sensor unit (17), at least one actuator (18) which is connected to the energy source (15) in such a manner and the control unit (16) is connected so that a control signal of the control unit (16) causes a movement of the actuator (18) and thus a release of preparation, characterized in that the actuator as a means for nebulizing and / or nebulizing a preparation in the ambient air is formed.

2. Metering system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for atomizing and / or atomizing a preparation into the ambient air

Vibratory atomizer is.

3. dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for atomizing and / or atomizing a preparation in the ambient air is a piezoelectric vibrator.

4. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a nebulization and / or nebulization of a preparation before the start of a cleaning program of a dishwasher takes place.

5. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a nebulization and / or nebulization of a preparation takes place after completion of a cleaning program of a dishwasher.

6. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a nebulization and / or nebulization of a preparation takes place in the drying section of a cleaning program of a dishwasher.

7. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a

Nebulization and / or atomization of a preparation in the first Vorspü labschnitt a cleaning program of a dishwasher takes place.

8. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the released by the vibrating atomizer preparation is selected from the group of surfactant-containing preparations, enzyme-containing preparations, odor-neutralizing preparations, biocidal preparations, antibacterial preparations and / or perfume preparations.

9. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (2) comprises at least a first interface (47) which with a water-conducting device or in particular a water-conducting household appliance, preferably a dishwasher or washing machine (38 ) formed, corresponding interface (48) cooperates in such a way that a transfer of electrical energy from the water-carrying device to the dosing device (2) is realized.

10. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case a second interface on the dosing device (2) and dishwasher (38) for

Transmission of electromagnetic signals, which in particular Betriebszustandands-, measuring and / or control information of the dosing device (2) and / or the dishwasher (38) represent is formed.

11. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (2) is fixed in or on the dishwasher (38).

12. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing system (1, 2) is movable.