WO2022194952A1

WO2022194952A1 - Cartridge for a treatment agent for a dishwasher, and dishwasher

Info

Publication number: WO2022194952A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/056863
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roman Duden; Tilman Schauwecker; Ralf Singer
Original assignee: Winterhalter Product & Technology GmbH
Priority date: 2021-03-19
Filing date: 2022-03-16
Publication date: 2022-09-22
Also published as: CN117083009A; JP2024511583A; DE102021106805A1; EP4307982A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher (1), comprising a rinsing chamber (110) having one or more dispensing device(s) (111a-d), a docking unit (120) for docking one or more cartridge(s) (2) for one or more treatment agent(s), and one or more connection unit(s) (130), each for directly or indirectly connecting a corresponding cartridge (2) docked on the docking unit (120) to the one or more dispensing device(s) (111a-d) or to a rinsing reservoir (180) or to a boiler (190) of the dishwasher (1) in order to use the one or more treatment agent(s) for one or more rinsing process(es) of the dishwasher (1).

Description

CARTRIDGE FOR DISHWASHER TREATMENT AGENT

AS WELL AS DISHWASHER

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a cartridge for a treatment agent for a dishwasher, a system made up of several cartridges, a dishwasher and a system made up of the dishwasher and one or more cartridges.

Dishwashers generally require one or more treatment agents, e.g. B. a detergent, a rinse aid and / or an enzyme solution. The refilling of the treatment agents poses a risk for the user, since in this step the user can come into direct contact with the treatment agents, which can lead to injuries to the skin and eyes and thus endanger his health.

In addition, several treatment agents that are used simultaneously for one or more washes, such as detergent and rinse aid, can easily be mixed up, which degrades the quality of the one or more washes. When detergent and rinse aid are mixed, chemical deposits are also formed which can block the dosing hoses, which can reduce the service life of the dishwasher or cause operational failures.

Commercial dishwashers in particular consume large amounts of treatment agents in a short time. Large storage containers or containers are therefore used, particularly in the commercial sector, for the permanent provision of the treatment agents. For economic reasons, smaller or lighter containers are not popular, since the required quantity of treatment agents leads to a short service life or service life of the storage packs, especially in larger dishwashing companies.

The treatment agent can be taken directly from the reservoirs or containers using a dosing lance and used for one or more rinsing cycles in the dishwasher. If this arrangement is not possible for reasons of space, dishwashers with integrated storage tanks are used as an alternative, which the user must fill up with the treatment agent from the storage containers. However, the reservoirs available today for commercial dishwashing machines are heavy and cumbersome due to their size. In addition, the transport of the usual storage tanks usually requires the transport of dangerous goods, since the hazard potential is particularly high due to the size of the tanks, so that if liquid escapes or if the treatment agent is unintentionally released from a storage tank during transport, there can be considerable damage to people, the environment and material can. For this reason, special security measures must be taken, which increase the costs of transport.

In smaller dishwashing operations or for those who do not use a lot of dishwashing detergents, the large storage tanks also have longer downtimes. As a result, the quality of the treatment agents deteriorates and their usability is restricted. Especially with solid treatment agents, which are mostly hygroscopic substances, it comes z. B. to water retention in the reservoirs. The chemicals in the treatment agents can also be dissolved and precipitate again due to the temperature fluctuations between operation and non-operation of the dishwasher, causing disruptive precipitation which can clog the metering pumps and hoses of the dishwasher. Finally, evaporation of the solvent in the treatment agent can also cause the solubility limit of some substances to be exceeded, which limits the usability of the treatment agent.

Furthermore, large reservoirs or containers also make it difficult to fill the dishwasher with the treatment agent. The user finds it difficult to aim under the weight of the container, which is why the flushing chemicals are easily spilled. Especially when the container is still full, e.g. B. a non-constant flow behavior of the treatment agent can occur due to the closure of the container. This can lead to spattering and spilling of the treatment agent, endangering the health of the user.

It is an object of the present invention to provide one or more cartridges for one or more treatment agents for a dishwasher, a dishwasher and a system from the dishwasher and the one or more cartridges, which refill treatment agents for the dishwasher with regard to user-friendliness and/or improve the hazard potential considering the desired applications. This object is achieved by a dishwashing machine according to claim 1, a system of cartridges according to claim 13, a dishwashing system according to claim 15 and a cartridge according to claim 18. Claims 2 to 12 relate to particularly advantageous implementations of the dishwasher according to claim 1, claim 14 relates to a particularly advantageous implementation of the system of cartridges according to claim 13, and claims 16 and 17 relate to particularly advantageous implementations of the dishwasher system according to claim 15.

According to the present invention, a dishwasher comprises a washing chamber or washing container with one or more dispensing devices, a docking unit for docking one or more cartridges for one or more treatment agents, and one or more connection units each for directly or indirectly connecting a corresponding cartridge docked on the docking unit the one or more dispensers or a wash tank or boiler of the dishwasher for use of the one or more treating agents for one or more wash cycles of the dishwasher.

In this context, “directly or indirectly connecting” a cartridge to the one or more dispensing devices or the flushing tank or the boiler means that further components can be connected between the cartridge and the one or more dispensing devices or the flushing tank or the boiler, e.g. B. one or more pumps, valves, sensors, in particular level sensors, tanks or reservoirs.

A cartridge can also be referred to as a treatment agent reservoir that is sealed packaged. Each of the one or more cartridges may be disposable or refillable. The cartridge can be formed as a stable container that has a tight or defined fit; in this case it is advantageous if the cartridge has a vent valve or a vent membrane for compensating for the volume change states in the cartridge due to the consumption of the treatment agent. Alternatively, the cartridge can be designed as a flexible bag or as a "bag in box"system; in this case, the vent valve or vent membrane can be dispensed with since the volume change conditions in the cartridge can be accommodated by the cartridge contracting on itself. The cartridge may also contain other components besides a treatment agent reservoir, such as a coded closure part or an integrated intelligence, which are described further below. Each of the one or more treating agents can be a liquid, a high concentrate, ie a liquid with a high viscosity, a gel, a powder or a solid. The treatment agent can also be referred to as a dishwashing detergent, dishwashing detergent, dishwashing chemical or dishwashing chemical. Examples of the treating agent are a detergent, a rinse aid, and an enzyme solution. The one or more treatment agents of the respective cartridges can be the same as one another or different. For example, one cartridge can contain a detergent and another cartridge can contain a rinse aid. In this case, the treatment agents of the one or more cartridges can be used simultaneously for one or more rinsing operations. Alternatively, two or more cartridges can each contain the same treating agent. In this case, the two or more cartridges can be used consecutively, and at least one cartridge can serve as a reserve cartridge, which is only connected to the one or more dispensers or a flushing tank or a boiler, by means of a corresponding connection unit, when another cartridge has already been completely or almost completely emptied. The parallel use of two or more cartridges also serves to extend the cartridge change intervals. This contributes to user-friendliness and risk reduction. Finally, a single cartridge can also contain a number of different treatment agents, each of which is located in areas of the cartridge separated by partitions. If such a cartridge is connected to the one or more dispensers or the rinsing tank or the boiler by means of a corresponding connection unit, the several treatment agents from the cartridge can be used simultaneously for one or more rinsing processes.

The docking unit can comprise a fastening unit for fastening the one or more cartridges to the dishwasher and/or a positioning unit for positioning the one or more cartridges relative to the dishwasher. In particular, the docking unit can include a machine-side closure part and the cartridge can include a cartridge-side closure part. The machine-side closure part and the cartridge-side closure part can form a closure through which the cartridge can be positioned relative to the docking unit and/or attached to the docking unit. In particular, the closure can be a screw closure, a latching closure, another mechanical closure or an electromechanical closure. Furthermore, the docking unit can be designed as a receiving unit for receiving the one or more cartridges. In particular, the docking unit can be designed as a cartridge compartment, in which the one or more cartridges can be used and the used one or encloses a plurality of cartridges from one or more sides by respective wall sections of the cartridge compartment.

The one or more connector units may each be configured as a pin that pierces a membrane of the respective cartridge or actuates a check valve of the respective cartridge to connect the respective cartridge to the one or more dispensers or the flush tank or boiler. If a cartridge is connected to the one or more dispensing devices by means of the corresponding connection unit, the treatment agent from the cartridge can e.g. B. flow via a supply line to the one or more dispensers and are dispensed through the one or more dispensers into the wash chamber to be used for one or more rinse cycles of the dishwasher. If the cartridge is connected to the flushing tank or the boiler by means of the appropriate connection unit, the treatment agent from the cartridge can e.g. B. enter the washing tank or the boiler via a supply line in order to be available or to be used for one or more washing cycles of the dishwasher. Alternatively, the treating agent may first enter a reservoir and be dispensed from the reservoir to the one or more dispensers or the rinse tank or boiler, as will be described in more detail below. The one or more connection units can each be integrated in the docking unit or be formed separately from the docking unit. When a cartridge is docked to the docking unit, the cartridge can be automatically connected to the one or more dispensers or the rinse tank or the boiler by means of a corresponding connection unit. Alternatively, the cartridge can be docked to the docking unit without being automatically connected to the one or more dispensers or the rinse tank or boiler; in this case, the cartridge docked to the docking unit can only be used at a later point in time, e.g. B. by a separate user operation, by means of the appropriate connection unit to the one or more dispensers or the rinse tank or the boiler, as will be described in more detail below.

The dishwasher according to the invention has the advantage that the treatment agent required for one or more washing cycles can be easily refilled by docking and connecting a new cartridge or by changing the cartridge, without the user coming into direct contact with the treatment agent. This reduces the risk of endangering his health and increases user-friendliness. Furthermore, no external devices or refilling devices for refilling the treatment agent, such as. B. a metering lance required. Thus, the refilling of the treatment agent becomes quicker, easier and less cumbersome for the user, and thus the user-friendliness is increased.

Furthermore, in contrast to conventional storage containers, the cartridges according to the invention are accommodated in the dishwasher and are therefore particularly space-saving, as a result of which the user-friendliness is further increased.

Finally, the cartridges can be flexible in terms of their shape and size and, in particular, can be made smaller and lighter than conventional storage containers, making them easier for the user to lift. This also makes it easier to regulate the amount of treatment agent, especially for smaller dishwashing companies or those who do not use a lot of dishwashers, and it can also reduce the effort and costs for transporting the cartridges, especially if the maximum capacity of the cartridges for the treatment agent is within the "Limited Quantities" rule for the transport of hazardous materials, as described in more detail below.

In summary, the dishwasher according to the invention makes refilling the treatment agent safer (since, for example, decanting the treatment agent from a storage container is replaced by changing the cartridge and direct contact between the user and the treatment agent is avoided), easier (because the heavy and unwieldy reservoirs are replaced by lighter and more manageable cartridges and external devices or refill devices are no longer required) and cheaper (because the transport route to the customer is cheaper, e be able to estimate the required rinsing chemicals better, so that no storage containers that have been started have to be left lying around). The flexible operation of the machine is also increased by the possibility of using different treatment agents in smaller packaging units without having to use them up completely.

In a preferred embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, the docking unit comprises a first docking section for docking a first cartridge and a second docking section for docking a second cartridge, wherein the first cartridge cannot be docked on the second docking section and/or the second cartridge cannot be docked on the first docking section is dockable. The first docking section and the second docking section can each be partial sections of a one-piece docking unit, or the first docking section and the second docking section can be separately designed components of the dishwasher.

In particular, the first docking section can comprise a first machine-side closure part and the second docking section can comprise a second machine-side closure part. Furthermore, the first cartridge can comprise a first cartridge-side closure part and the second cartridge can comprise a second cartridge-side closure part. As described above, the first machine-side seal and the first cartridge-side seal may form a first seal, while the second machine-side seal and second cartridge-side seal may form a second seal. It can be advantageous if the first and the second closure are designed differently, so that the first cartridge-side closure part cannot be attached to the second machine-side closure part and/or the second cartridge-side closure part cannot be attached to the first machine-side closure part. The first and second closures, respectively, in this case may be referred to as a coded closure, and both the cartridge-side and machine-side closure parts of the first and second closures, respectively, may be referred to as a coded closure part, respectively. In other words, the first and the second docking section can each be designed for precise, but preferably not exclusively unmistakable, positioning and/or attachment of a corresponding cartridge.

In addition or as an alternative to this, the first and the second docking section can each have a different size or shape, so that only a cartridge with a corresponding size or shape can be docked on the respective docking section. In particular, the first and the second docking section can each be designed as a separate receiving unit for receiving a corresponding cartridge. Specifically, each docking section can be configured as a separate cartridge compartment into which only a cartridge of a corresponding size or shape can be inserted.

In addition or as an alternative to this, the first and the second docking section can each have a different color coding which corresponds to a corresponding color coding of the cartridges. For example, a docking unit identified with a first color may be provided or adapted to dock with a cartridge identified with the first color, and a docking unit identified with a second cartridge may be configured for docking with a cartridge identified with the second color be provided or suitable. The different colors of the docking points and cartridges enable the user to easily assign the cartridges to the respective docking sections even without language skills.

The preferred embodiment described above is particularly advantageous since it prevents the user from confusing different cartridges and thus confusing different treatment agents for the dishwasher. This increases user-friendliness and safety with regard to refilling the treatment agents.

Furthermore, the dishwasher can have a first connection unit for connecting the first cartridge docked on the first docking section to the one or more dispensing devices or the washing tank or the boiler and a second connection section for connecting the second cartridge docked on the second docking section to the one or more dispensing devices or include the flushing tank or the boiler. The first and the second connection unit can be designed separately and independently of one another connect the first or second cartridge to the one or more dispensing devices or the flushing tank or the boiler. The treatment agents from the first or second cartridge can thus be used independently of one another for one or more rinsing processes, depending on the user's desired settings. Alternatively, the first and second connector units can be coupled to each other such that the first and second cartridge can only be connected to the one or more dispensers or the flush tank or the boiler at the same time. Thus, a simultaneous use of the two treatment agents can be ensured for an optimal washing result and the use of the dishwasher can be simplified.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first docking portion includes a first identification and latching segment. The first identification and latching segment is designed to latch into a first counter-latching segment of the first cartridge to identify the first cartridge. The first identification and latching segment is also designed to latch into a third counter-latching segment of the first cartridge for docking the identified first cartridge to the first docking section. The first identification and latching segment can in particular be a component part of the first machine-side closure part. Likewise, the second docking portion includes a second identification and latching segment. The second identification and latching segment is for latching into a second mating latching segment of the second cartridge to identify the second cartridge formed. The second identification and latching segment is also designed to latch into a fourth mating latching segment of the identified second cartridge for docking the identified second cartridge to the second docking section. The second identification and latching segment can in particular be a component part of the second machine-side closure part.

In particular, the first identification and locking segment may include a projection, and the first and third mating locking segments of the first cartridge may each include a recess into which the projection of the first identification and locking segment may engage. Alternatively, the first identification and locking segment may include a recess, and the first and third mating locking segments of the first cartridge may each include a protrusion engageable with the recess of the first identification and locking segment. The same applies to the second cartridge, i. H. the second identification and locking segment may include a projection, and the second and fourth mating locking segments of the second cartridge may each include a recess for the projection of the second identification and locking segment to engage. Alternatively, the second identification and locking segment may include a recess, and the second and fourth mating locking segments of the second cartridge may each include a protrusion engageable with the recess of the second identification and locking segment.

A size and/or a shape of the first identification and locking segment can differ from a size and/or a shape of the second identification and locking segment, so that the first identification and locking segment does not fit into either the second or the fourth counter-locking segment of the second Cartridge can be latched and/or the second identification and latching segment can be latched neither into the first nor into the third counter-latching segment of the first cartridge. In particular, this enables the first cartridge to be identified or recognized by the first identification and latching segment, in that the first identification and latching segment engages in the first counter-latching segment of the first cartridge, and the second cartridge can be identified or recognized by the second identification and latching segment Latching segment by the second identification and latching segment latching into the second mating latching segment of the second cartridge. Thus, the first or second cartridge can be identified before it is docked to the respective first or second docking section and connected to the one or more dispensing devices or the flushing tank or the boiler by means of the first or second connection unit. This can prevent the first cartridge from being docked to the second docking section or the second cartridge from being docked to the first docking section is docked. In other words, it can be prevented that a wrong or unsuitable cartridge, in particular a cartridge for a wrong or unsuitable treatment agent, is docked on a docking section, or that a user tries to dock the wrong or unsuitable cartridge on the docking section. Damage to the cartridge, the docking unit, the connection unit and/or other components of the dishwasher and a reduction in the washing quality can thus be prevented. The different size and/or shape of the respective identification and detent segments provides a particularly efficient, easy-to-manufacture and inexpensive means of identifying the respective cartridges comprising the second cartridge described.

Furthermore, a material of the first identification and locking segment can differ from a material of the second identification and locking segment. In particular, an electrical, magnetic or optical property of the material of the first identification and locking segment can differ from an electrical, magnetic or optical property of the material of the second identification and locking segment. For example, the material of the first identification and detent segment may be magnetic and the material of the second identification and detent segment non-magnetic, or the magnetic susceptibility of the first identification and detent segment may differ from the magnetic susceptibility of the second identification and detent segment. Furthermore, the material of the first identification and detent segment may be electrically conductive and the material of the second identification and detent segment may not be electrically conductive, or the electrical conductivity of the first identification and detent segment may differ from the electrical conductivity of the second identification and detent segment .

When the first or second identification and locking segment engages in the first counter-locking segment of the first cartridge or the second counter-locking segment of the second cartridge, the material of the first or second identification and locking segment can be detected or recognized by the respective cartridge. For example, a property of the material of an identification and locking segment, such as electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility or an optical property such as the color or transparency of the material, can be detected or measured by the respective cartridge, e.g. B. by means of a conductivity sensor, a Hall sensor or an optical sensor of the cartridge. Alternatively, the material of the respective identification and locking segment through interaction with a material of a counter-locking segment respective cartridge are recognized, e.g. B. by a magnetic attraction or repulsion between the two materials.

The result of the detection can be converted into a signal, preferably an electrical signal, which e.g. B. controls a mechanical locking of the respective cartridge or the respective docking section, so that further locking of the first or second identification and locking segment into the third counter-locking segment of the first cartridge or the fourth counter-locking segment of the second cartridge, thus docking of the respective cartridge at the respective docking section, depending on the detected material is enabled or prevented (the third and the fourth counter-locking segment are described in more detail below). Alternatively, the signal can be issued to the user to inform the user whether or not the respective cartridge is suitable for docking with the respective docking section. For example, the user can recognize whether or not the cartridge is suitable for docking with the respective docking section depending on the existence of a magnetic attraction or repulsion between a cartridge and a docking section. In particular, this enables the first or second cartridge to be identified by the first or second identification and latching segment. The use of different materials for the first and second identification and latching segments represents a particularly efficient, easy-to-produce and cost-effective means of identifying the cartridges.

In another preferred embodiment, the first docking portion (or first identifying and locking segment) includes a first identification transmitter for transmitting a first identifying signal, and the second docking portion (or second identifying and locking segment) includes a second identifying transmitter for transmitting a second Identification signal, wherein the second identification signal differs from the first identification signal. Further, the first cartridge (or first counter-locking segment) includes a first identification receiver for receiving and identifying the first identification signal, and the second cartridge (or second counter-locking segment) includes a second identification receiver for receiving and identifying the second identification signal. Furthermore, the dishwasher and/or the first and the second cartridge can be configured such that: i) when the first identification receiver receives the first identification signal, the first cartridge can be docked to the first docking section and/or to the one or can be connected to several dispensers or to the flushing tank or the boiler; ii) when the first identification receiver receives the second identification signal, the first cartridge is not dockable to the second docking portion and/or not can be connected to the one or more dispensing devices or the flushing tank or the boiler by means of the second connection unit; iii) when the second identification receiver receives the second identification signal, the second cartridge is dockable to the second docking section and/or is connectable to the one or more dispensers or the flushing tank or the boiler by means of the second connection unit; and/or ii) when the second identification receiver receives the first identification signal, the second cartridge is not dockable to the first docking section and/or is not connectable to the one or more dispensers or the flush tank or the boiler by means of the first connection unit.

The first and second identification transmitters can each be an RFID transponder, and the first and second identification receivers can each be an RFID reader. Conversely, the identification transmitters can also be contained in the respective cartridges and the identification receivers in the respective docking sections.

It should be noted that only two different docking sections have been described above for docking each with a corresponding cartridge. However, the dishwasher can also comprise three or more docking sections, each of which is different from one another or of the same type, for docking a cartridge in each case. For example, the dishwasher can comprise three docking sections, each for docking a cartridge for a detergent, a cartridge for a rinse aid and a cartridge for a further treatment agent (for example defoamer, enzyme cleaner, disinfectant components).

In a further preferred embodiment, the docking unit is designed for docking a plurality of identical or essentially identical cartridges. Thus, in particular, a plurality of cartridges for the same treatment agent can be docked to the docking unit and connected to the one or more dispensing devices or the rinsing tank or the boiler by means of corresponding connection units. As a result, the size and weight of the individual cartridges can be reduced and the transport and handling of the cartridges can be further simplified. Furthermore, the plurality of the same or substantially the same cartridges can be used one after the other. For example, a second cartridge, which serves as a reserve cartridge, can only be connected to the one or more dispensers or the rinse tank or boiler by means of the second connection unit when a first cartridge, which is already connected by means of the first connection unit to the one or several dispensers or the flushing tank or the boiler, completely or to a large extent was completely emptied. This has the advantage that the quality of the treatment agent in the reserve cartridge does not deteriorate until the reserve cartridge is connected to the one or more dispensers or the rinse tank or the boiler. As a result, the quantity regulation of the treatment agent can be further simplified, in particular for smaller dishwashing companies or “infrequent dishwashing users”.

In a further preferred embodiment, the docking unit is relative to the flushing space between a docking position for docking the one or more cartridges and an operating position for connecting, by means of the one or more connection units, the docked one or more cartridges to the one or more dispensing devices or the flushing tank or the boiler arranged to be movable back and forth, the operating position being different from the docking position.

Thus, the one or more cartridges can be docked with the docking unit in the docking position without being automatically connected to the one or more dispensers or the flush tank or the boiler by means of the one or more connection units. In particular, the one or more cartridges can only be connected to the one or more dispensing devices or the flushing tank or the boiler by means of the one or more connection units at a later point in time when the docking unit has moved into the operating position. This will gradually allow for safe docking of the one or more cartridges to the docking unit and safe connection of the one or more cartridges to the one or more dispensers or rinse tank or boiler and damage to the cartridges, the docking unit, the one or more Connection units or other components of the dishwasher thus prevented. In particular, the user can select the point in time of connecting the one or more cartridges to the one or more dispensers or the flush tank or boiler independently of the point in time of docking the one or more cartridges to the docking unit, thereby increasing user-friendliness.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, when the docking unit is in the operating position, at least one connection unit is arranged such that it can be moved back and forth relative to the docking unit between a first position and a second position. When the at least one connector is in the first position, the cartridge docked with the docking unit and corresponding to the at least one connector is not connected to the one or more dispensers or the rinse tank or the boiler, and when the connector is in the second Position is the Cartridge connected to the one or more dispensers or the rinse tank or boiler. This particularly preferably applies to each of the one or more connection units, ie each of the one or more connection units can be arranged such that it can be moved back and forth relative to the docking unit between a respective first position and a respective second position, as described above.

Thus, the one or more cartridges can be docked with the docking unit in the docking position and the docking unit can be moved into the operating position without the one or more cartridges being automatically connected to the one or more dispensing devices or the flushing tank or the boiler by means of the one or more connection units be connected. For example, in a first step, the one or more cartridges can be docked to the docking unit, in a second step the docking unit can be moved into the operating position, and only in a third step can the one or more connection units be moved from the first position to the second position to connect the one or more cartridges to the one or more dispensers or the rinse tank or the boiler. This gradually ensures safe docking of the one or more cartridges to the docking unit, safe movement of the docking unit to the operative position, and safe connection of the one or more cartridges to the one or more dispensers or flush tank or boiler, and damage to the Cartridge, the docking unit, which prevents one or more connection units or other components of the dishwasher. In particular, the user can choose the time of connecting the one or more cartridges to the one or more dispensers or the flushing tank or the boiler independently of the time of docking and the time of moving the docking unit into the operating position, thereby further increasing the ease of use.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the dishwasher further comprises a housing with a housing opening for inserting the one or more cartridges into the dishwasher and with an opening and closing unit, the opening and closing unit being designed in particular as a folding, sliding, rotating or Pivot unit can be formed. The opening and closing unit is arranged such that it can be moved back and forth between an open position for opening the housing opening and a closed position for closing the housing opening, in particular arranged such that it can be folded, pushed, rotated or pivoted. The opening and closing unit is connected to the docking unit such that when the opening and closing unit is in the opening position, the docking unit is in the docking position, and when the opening and closing unit is in the closed position, the docking unit is in the operating position.

The opening and closing unit can in particular be a dosing flap which opens or closes a dosing opening in the housing of the dishwasher, through which the one or more cartridges can be inserted into the dishwasher. When the opening and closing unit is in the open position, the docking unit is in the docking position so that the one or more cartridges can be easily docked to the docking unit by a user. By moving the opening and closing unit into the closed position, the one or more cartridges can then be conveyed through the housing opening into the interior of the dishwasher. At the same time, the docking unit moves into the operating position, so that after the opening and closing unit has been moved into the closed position, further user operation for moving the docking unit into the operating position is no longer required. This increases user-friendliness with regard to refilling the treatment agent.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the dishwasher comprises at least one reservoir for receiving the treatment agent from at least one cartridge and for delivering the treatment agent to the one or more dispensing devices or the washing tank or the boiler. The reservoir can also be referred to as a buffer tank. The reservoir includes a sensor for determining an amount, such as. B. a volume or a weight, of the treatment agent in the reservoir. The amount of the treatment agent can, for. B. be determined by capacitive, optical, mechanical or another physical method of measuring a level of the treatment agent in the reservoir. A maximum capacity of the treatment agent in the cartridge may be equal to or greater than a maximum capacity of the treatment agent in the reservoir. In particular, the maximum intake quantity of the treatment agent in the cartridge can be many times over, e.g. B. double, triple, quadruple, five times or ten times, the maximum uptake of the treatment agent in the reservoir. It should be noted that the warewashing machine may also include multiple reservoirs, each adapted to receive the treating agent of a respective cartridge and to deliver the treating agent of the respective cartridge to the one or more dispensers or the wash tank or the boiler. Furthermore, each of the multiple reservoirs can include a sensor for determining an amount of the treatment agent in the respective reservoir and for controlling the dishwasher according to this determination. The embodiment described above has the advantage that even after the cartridge has been completely emptied, one or more rinsing processes are still possible, in that the treatment agent from the reservoir is used for the one or more rinsing processes. In particular, the reservoir in the dishwasher can be used to protect the conveying mechanism of the treatment agent from idling. As a result, the cartridge can be emptied completely, in particular of chemicals. Furthermore, the amount of treatment agent remaining in the reservoir can be determined by the sensor and the dishwasher can be controlled accordingly. For example, the amount of treatment agent remaining in the reservoir can be displayed to a user so that he can change the cartridge in good time and thus prevent the reservoir from being completely emptied. Another advantage of integrating the sensor into the reservoir of the dishwasher instead of e.g. B. in the cartridge, is that less waste is produced and the use of more durable technologies is made possible.

In particular, the dishwasher can be configured in such a way that it emits a warning signal when the quantity of treatment agent in the reservoir determined by the sensor falls below a first minimum value. The warning signal can include an acoustic signal and/or an indication on a display of the dishwasher. The first minimum value can be equal to or greater than a use amount of the treatment agent required for one or more wash cycles of the dishwasher. In particular, the first minimum value can be a multiple, e.g. B. double, triple, quadruple, fivefold or tenfold, the usage amount. The user can be prompted by the warning signal to change the cartridge in good time as long as there is still enough treatment agent in the reservoir for one or more remaining rinsing processes, although the cartridge is already almost completely empty. This ensures the permanent availability of the treatment agent and increases user-friendliness. In addition, the complete emptying of the cartridges ensures increased economic efficiency and protects the environment, since less treatment agent is thrown away.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the dishwasher comprises a valve and a control unit. The valve is designed such that when the at least one cartridge is connected to the one or more dispensing devices or the flushing tank or the boiler by means of the corresponding connection unit and the valve is open, the treatment agent can flow from the cartridge into the reservoir. The valve is also designed in such a way that when the valve is closed, the treatment agent from the cartridge cannot flow into the reservoir. The control unit is openable and configured to close the valve based on the amount of treatment agent in the reservoir determined by the sensor. The control unit can be implemented in particular by a mechanical component, a hardware component and/or a software component of the dishwasher.

The valve and the control unit enable efficient, automatic control of the amount of treatment agent in the reservoir, thereby increasing the user-friendliness of the dishwasher.

In particular, the control unit can be configured such that it opens the valve when the quantity of treatment agent in the reservoir determined by the sensor falls below a second minimum value, with the second minimum value preferably being greater than the first minimum value. The second minimum value can be equal to or greater than a use amount of the treatment agent required for one or more wash cycles of the dishwasher. In particular, the second minimum value can be a multiple, e.g. B. double, triple, quadruple, fivefold or tenfold, the usage amount. This configuration of the control unit ensures that the amount of treatment agent in the reservoir does not fall below the second minimum value, at least as long as there is treatment agent in the cartridge that can flow into the reservoir. In this way, the permanent availability of the treatment agent in the reservoir is secured and user-friendliness is increased, and the rinsing quality is improved.

Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to close the valve when the amount of treatment agent in the reservoir determined by the sensor exceeds a maximum value, the maximum value preferably being greater than the first minimum value and/or greater than the second minimum value. The maximum value can be equal to or greater than a usage amount of the treatment agent required for one or more washing cycles of the dishwasher. In particular, the maximum value can be a multiple, e.g. B. double, triple, quadruple, fivefold or tenfold, the usage amount. This configuration of the control unit means that the amount of treatment agent in the reservoir does not exceed the maximum value. This is particularly advantageous when the user only wants to carry out a small number of rinsing processes and wants to store the remaining treatment agent in the cartridge for later use. Thus, the user-friendliness is not increased with regard to the refilling of the processing agent. According to the present invention, a system of multiple cartridges for one or more treatment agents for a dishwasher comprises at least a first cartridge and a second cartridge. The first cartridge includes a first mating segment for engaging the first identification and latching segment and the second cartridge includes a second mating segment for engaging the second identifying and latching segment. A size and/or shape of the first counter-locking segment can differ from a size and/or shape of the second counter-locking segment. As described above in connection with the dishwasher according to the invention, this enables the first cartridge to be identified or recognized by the first identification and locking segment engaging in the first counter-locking segment of the first cartridge, and the second cartridge to be identified or recognized by the Snapping the second identification and latching segment into the second mating latching segment of the second cartridge. Thus, as described above, damage to the cartridge system or the dishwasher and a reduction in washing quality due to the docking or connection of an incorrect or unsuitable cartridge can be prevented. The different size and/or shape of the respective counter-locking segments represents a particularly efficient, easy-to-produce and cost-effective means of identifying the respective cartridges.

Furthermore, a material of the first counter-locking segment can differ from a material of the second counter-locking segment. In particular, an electrical, magnetic or optical property of the material of the first counter-locking segment can differ from an electrical, magnetic or optical property of the material of the second counter-locking segment. For example, the material of the first anti-locking segment may be magnetic and the material of the second anti-locking segment may be non-magnetic, or the magnetic susceptibility of the first anti-locking segment may be different than the magnetic susceptibility of the second anti-locking segment. Furthermore, the material of the first counter-locking segment can be electrically conductive and the material of the second counter-locking segment not be electrically conductive, or the electrical conductivity of the first counter-locking segment can differ from the electrical conductivity of the second counter-locking segment.

When the first or second identification and locking segment engages in the first counter-locking segment of the first cartridge or the second counter-locking segment of the second cartridge, the material of the respective counter-locking segment can be detected or recognized by the respective identification and locking segment. For example, a property of the material of a counter-locking segment, such as electrical conductivity, the magnetic susceptibility or an optical property such as the color or transparency of the material can be detected or measured by a docking section, e.g. B. by means of a conductivity sensor, a Hall sensor or an optical sensor of the docking section. Alternatively, the material of a counter-locking segment can be recognized by interaction with a material of an identification and locking segment, e.g. B. by a magnetic attraction or repulsion between the two materials.

The result of the detection can be converted into a signal, preferably an electrical signal, which e.g. B. controls a mechanical locking of the respective docking section or the respective cartridge, so that further locking of the first or second identification and locking segment in the third counter-locking segment of the first cartridge or the fourth counter-locking segment of the second cartridge, thus docking of the respective cartridge at the respective docking section, depending on the detected material is enabled or prevented (the third and the fourth counter-locking segment are described in more detail below). Alternatively, the electrical signal may be output to the user to inform the user as to whether or not the particular cartridge is suitable for docking with the particular docking section. For example, the user can recognize whether or not the cartridge is suitable for docking with the respective docking section depending on the existence of a magnetic attraction or repulsion between a cartridge and a docking section. This enables the first or second cartridge to be identified by the first or second identification and latching segment. The use of different materials for the first or second counter-locking segment of the first or second cartridge, possibly in combination with the use of different materials for the first or second identification and locking segment of the first or second docking section, provides a particularly efficient, lightweight to be produced and inexpensive means for identifying the cartridges.According to a preferred embodiment, the first cartridge further comprises a third counter-locking segment for locking the first identification and locking segment, wherein a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the third counter-locking segment is identical or is almost identical to a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the first counter-locking segment, and wherein the third counter-locking segment and the first counter-locking segment are spaced from each other in a direction of insertion of the first cartridge into the dishwasher. Furthermore, the second cartridge comprises a fourth counter-locking segment for locking the second identification and locking segment, wherein a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the fourth counter-locking segment is identical or almost identical to a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the second counter-locking segment, and wherein the fourth counter-locking segment and the second counter-locking segment are spaced apart from one another in a direction of insertion of the second cartridge into the dishwasher.

When the first cartridge is inserted into the dishwasher, this makes it possible for the first identification and latching segment to initially latch into the first counter-latching segment of the first cartridge, thereby identifying or recognizing the first cartridge. Only after the first cartridge has been identified or recognized can the first identification and locking segment snap into the third counter-locking segment of the first cartridge and thus dock the first cartridge on the first docking section, e.g. B. by the user exerting a further force on the first cartridge in the direction of insertion so that the first identification and locking segment disengages from the first mating latching segment and then latches into the third mating latching segment. The first cartridge can therefore only dock on the first docking section after it has been identified by the first identification and latching segment. Analogously, the second cartridge can dock on the second docking section only after it has been identified by the second identification and latching segment. Thus, in particular, it can be prevented that the first cartridge is docked on the second docking section or the second cartridge is docked on the first docking section. Thus, as described above, damage to the cartridge system or the dishwasher and a reduction in the washing quality due to the docking or connection of an incorrect cartridge can be prevented.

According to the present invention, a warewashing system comprises the warewashing machine and the one or more cartridges, preferably the multiple cartridge system as described above. The dishwashing system increases user-friendliness with regard to refilling the treatment agent.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the dishwashing system, the plurality of cartridges each have the same or essentially the same shape and/or size and/or maximum capacity for the respective treatment agent.

This simplifies the manufacture, transport and storage of the multiple cartridges and thus saves costs. It can also be achieved that the multiple cartridges are emptied simultaneously, z. B. when the same amount of treatment agent from each cartridge is used for one or more flushing processes. Thus, the user can always replace the multiple cartridges at the same time, and the frequency of changing the cartridge is thus reduced. This increases user-friendliness and safety with regard to refilling the treatment agent.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the dishwashing system, at least one cartridge of the one or more cartridges comprises an outlet opening and one or more drainage surfaces which are designed such that when the cartridge is connected to the one or more dispensing devices or the washing tank or the boiler by means of the corresponding connection unit is connected, the treatment agent can drain out of the cartridge along the one or more drainage surfaces towards the outlet opening and out of the cartridge through the outlet opening in order to flow to the one or more dispensers or into the flushing tank or the boiler or the reservoir, wherein at least one drainage surface or each drainage surface is at an angle greater than ⁰ ° and less than 90°, preferably at an angle of 45°, 50°, 60°, 70° or 80°, with respect to an outlet direction of the treatment agent from the cartridge, is inclined.

Thus, the treatment agent can run off along the one or more inclined run-off surfaces in the direction of the outlet opening and can flow out of the cartridge through the outlet opening. This enables the cartridge to be completely or largely completely emptied, which leads to cost savings for the user and enables improved disposal of the cartridge.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, a cartridge for a treatment agent for the dishwasher described above has a maximum capacity for the treatment agent that is preferably within the “limited quantities” regulation for the transport of hazardous substances. The maximum intake quantity can in particular be a maximum intake volume for the treatment agent, which is less than or equal to 0.5 liters, 1 liter, 2 liters, 5 liters, 10 liters or 20 liters. Alternatively, the maximum intake amount can be a maximum weight of the treatment agent that is less than or equal to 0.5 kg, 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg or 20 kg. Alternatively, the sum of the weight of the cartridge itself and the maximum weight of the treatment agent can be less than or equal to 0.5 kg, 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg or 30 kg.

By packaging the treatment agent in individual cartridges, the hazard potential can be minimized to such an extent that the cartridges are transported under the limited quantities rule. Transporting dangerous goods in Inner packaging is e.g. B. permitted up to a total gross quantity of the complete packaging of 30 kg. Here, the hazard potential is classified as lower, since the total quantity of the treatment agent is divided into small individual units. The probability increases that not all individual units will be released and that the amount of damage from the released individual unit will be small. In this way, the risk potential due to the treatment agent escaping during the transport of the cartridges can be reduced, and the complexity and costs for transporting the treatment agent can thus be reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge according to the invention can also contain further complexity modules such as an integrated conveying mechanism for the treatment agent and/or integrated intelligence (e.g. barcode, pin coding, RFID, QR code, chip, Near Field Communication NFC). The connection of the cartridge with a Steue tion of the dishwasher then allows z. B. the automatic detection of the cartridge or the treatment agent in the cartridge, an automatic dosing of the treatment agent based on the detection, as well as the timely display or calculation of the remaining rinsing cycles, so that it can be better estimated whether the treatment agent remaining in the cartridge for sufficient for the flushing operation. In other words, the actuation of the dosing pumps of the dishwasher can dose different volumes according to the treatment agent, with the dishwasher receiving the corresponding information about the treatment agent by means of the integrated intelligence.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the attached schematic drawings, which show particularly advantageous embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic functional sketch of an embodiment of the invention

Dishwasher;

2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention with two cartridges according to the invention;

3 shows a perspective view of a docking unit of the dishwasher with a first and a second docking section, as well as a first and a second cartridge, which can each be docked on the first and second docking section; 4a shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention with a folding unit, the folding unit being in the open position and the docking unit being in the docking position, so that a cartridge can be docked onto the docking unit;

Figure 4b is a schematic view as in Figure 4a with the cartridge already docked to the docking unit and the flip unit being moved from the open position to a closed position to move the docking unit from the docking position to the operative position;

Fig. 4c is a schematic view as in Fig. 4b, with the folding unit in the closed position and the docking unit in the operating position, and with the docked cartridge being connected to the one or more dispensers or the flushing tank or the boiler by means of the connection unit ;

5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention with a cartridge, the dishwasher comprising a reservoir for receiving the treatment agent from the cartridge;

6a is a side view of a first cartridge and a first docking section to which the first cartridge is docked;

Figure 6b is a side view of a second cartridge and a second docking section to which the second cartridge is docked;

Fig. 7a is a plan view of the first cartridge and first docking portion taken along section A-A of Fig. 6a and section C-C corresponding to the side view of Fig. 6a; and

Fig. 7b is a plan view of the second cartridge and second docking portion taken along section B-B of Fig. 6b, and section D-D corresponding to the side view of Fig. 6b.

1 schematically shows a functional sketch of an embodiment of a dishwasher 1 according to the invention, which has a housing 140 and a washing compartment 110 . The dishwasher 1 comprises a plurality of dispensing devices for dispensing the treatment agent onto the items to be washed ma-d, in particular a first dispensing device 111a and a third Dispensing device me each for dispensing a treatment agent such as a cleaning liquid into the washing compartment 110, and a second dispensing device mb and a fourth dispensing device nid each for dispensing a further treatment agent such as a rinse aid, in particular a rinse aid liquid, into the washing compartment 110. In this embodiment, the Dispensing devices ma-d designed as washing arms which are rotatably arranged in the washing chamber 110 of the dishwasher 1. In the washing room 110 be there is also a washing basket 112, in particular for the classification of cutlery.

The dishwasher 1 also includes a first docking section 120a and a second docking section 120b. A first cartridge 2a can be docked to the first docking section 120a, and a second cartridge 2b can be docked to the second docking section 120b. The first cartridge 2a can contain the cleaning liquid, and the second cartridge 2b can be filled with a rinse aid concentrate. The first cartridge 2a docked to the first docking section 2a can be connected to a rinsing tank 180 by means of a first connection unit 130a (not shown), so that the cleaning liquid from the first cartridge 2a can be transported into the rinsing tank 180 via a first feed line 183. In the first supply line 183 is a first transport device, here a first dosing pump 183a is provided, which in a switched-on state allows delivery or delivery of cleaning fluid from the first cartridge 2a to the flushing tank 180, while in a switched-off state no cleaning liquid is delivered to the washing tank 180 by the first metering pump 183a.

The rinsing tank 180 comprises a sieve system 182 and a heating device 181 in order to heat the cleaning liquid in the rinsing tank 180 . Furthermore, the rinsing tank 180 is connected to a first delivery line 185, via which the cleaning liquid can be transported to the first delivery device 111a and the third delivery device 111c in the washing compartment 110. A delivery device, here a wash pump 185a, is provided in the first delivery line 185, which when switched on enables cleaning liquid to be delivered or conveyed from the washing tank 180 to the delivery devices 111a and 111c, while when the wash pump 185a is switched off none Cleaning fluid is delivered to the dispensers.

The cleaning liquid dispensed via the dispensing devices 111a and 111c then collects again in the rinsing tank 180 after being dispensed into the rinsing chamber 110, so that a washing circuit is created. Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 includes a waste water line 310 with a drain pump 310a, via which the dirty washing liquid can be discharged from the washing tank 180 and disposed of. The second cartridge 2b docked to the second docking section 2a can be connected to the boiler 190 by means of a second connection unit 130b (not shown). The rinse aid concentrate runs from the second cartridge 2b into a second feed line 193 and is mixed with drinking water from a drinking water line 330 so that a diluted rinse aid liquid is produced, which then flows into the boiler 190 . In the second feed line 193 there is a second conveying device, here a second metering pump 193a, which when switched on enables rinse aid concentrate to be dispensed or conveyed from the second cartridge 2b to the boiler 190, while the second metering pump is switched off 193a no rinse aid concentrate is delivered to the boiler 190. In particular, the concentration of the rinse aid liquid, ie the ratio between rinse aid concentrate and drinking water, can be precisely controlled by the dosing pump 193a. The drinking water line 330 also includes a valve device, in this embodiment a solenoid valve 340. The valve device allows drinking water to be supplied to the boiler 190 when it is in an open position and prevents drinking water from being supplied to the boiler 190 when it is in a closed position. In the drinking water pipe 330 there is also a technical water fuse 350.

The boiler 190 includes a heating device 191 for heating the rinse aid liquid. Furthermore, the boiler 190 is connected to a second delivery line 195 via which the rinse aid liquid can be transported to the second delivery device 111b and the fourth delivery device in the washing compartment 110 . In the second discharge line 195 there is a conveying device, here a rinsing pump 195a, which, when switched on, enables rinse aid liquid to be discharged or conveyed from the boiler 200 to the dispensing devices 111b and 111b, while when the rinsing pump 195a is switched off, none Rinse liquid is delivered to the dispensers.

Fig. 2 shows a detail of an embodiment of a dishwasher machine 1 according to the invention and two cartridges 2 according to the invention, ie a first cartridge 2a and a second cartridge 2b, which can each be filled with a treatment agent for one or more rinsing cycles of the dishwasher. The dishwasher 1 includes a docking unit 120 for docking the two cartridges 2a and 2b. The docking unit 120 comprises a first docking section 120a for docking the first cartridge 2a and a second docking section 120b for docking the second cartridge 2b, only the second docking section 120b being visible in FIG. 2 . the Dishwasher 1 also includes a first connection unit 130a for directly or indirectly connecting the first cartridge 2a docked to the docking unit 120 to one or more dispensing devices ma-d in a washing chamber 110 of the dishwasher, a washing tank 180 or a boiler 190 of the dishwasher 1, and a second connection unit 130b for directly or indirectly connecting the second cartridge 2b docked to the docking unit 120 to the one or more dispensing devices ma-d, the rinsing tank 180 or the boiler 190, only the second connection unit 130b being visible in FIG. 2 . The first connection unit 130a and the second connection unit 130b are each designed as a pin that pierces a membrane of the respective cartridge 2a or 2b or actuates a check valve of the respective cartridge 2a or 2b in order to connect the respective cartridge 2a or 2b to the one or more dispensing devices ma-d to connect the rinse tank 180 or the boiler 190.

The dishwasher 1 also includes a housing 140 with a folding unit 142, the folding unit 142 in FIG. 2 being in an open position, which is described in more detail below. In FIG. 2, the first cartridge 2a is already docked on the first docking section 130a of the docking unit 130, while the second cartridge 2b is not yet docked on the second docking section 130b. However, the arrow in FIG. 2 makes it clear that a user inserts the second cartridge 2b into the dishwasher 1 by docking the second cartridge 2b on the second docking section 130b of the docking unit 130 . In this embodiment, the first cartridge 2a and the second cartridge 2b have essentially the same shape, size and capacity for the respective treatment agent.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a section of the dishwasher 1, in particular the docking unit 120 with the two docking sections 120a and 120b, and the two cartridges 2a and 2b. The housing 140 of the dishwasher 1 has been left out in this view in order to show the docking unit 120 and the two cartridges 2a and 2b better. Also in FIG. 3 , the first cartridge 2a is already docked on the second docking section 120b of the docking unit 120 , while the second cartridge 2b is not yet docked on the second docking section 130b of the docking unit 130 . The vertical arrow shows the direction of insertion 3 of each of the two cartridges 2a, 2b into the dishwasher 1 and the direction of discharge 4 of the treatment agent from each of the two cartridges 2a, 2b into the dishwasher 1. In this embodiment, the direction of insertion 3 runs parallel to the direction of discharge 4, however, this is not necessarily the case. The direction of insertion 3 can also enclose an angle with the direction of discharge 4 which is preferably greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. 4a to 4c each show a schematic view of an embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention with a cartridge 2 according to the invention. The cartridge 2 can be inserted into the accommodating unit 120 such that the accommodating unit 120 encloses the inserted cartridge 2 from a number of sides by respective wall sections of the accommodating unit 120 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, the docking unit 120 is relative to the flushing chamber 110 between a docking position for docking the cartridge 2 and an operating position for connecting, by means of the connection unit 130, the docked cartridge 2 to the one or more dispensing devices ma-d, the flushing tank 180 or reciprocatingly arranged the boiler 190, the operating position differing from the docking position. Furthermore, FIGS. 4 a to 4c show the housing 140 of the dishwasher 1 , which comprises a housing opening 141 for inserting the cartridge 2 into the dishwasher 1 and a folding unit 142 . The folding unit 142 is arranged to be movable back and forth between an open position for opening the housing opening 141 and a closed position for closing the housing opening 141 . The folding unit 142 is connected to the docking unit 120 such that when the folding unit 142 is in the open position, the docking unit 120 is in the docking position, and when the folding unit 142 is in the closed position, the docking unit 120 is in the operating position located. 4a to 4c also show the connection unit 130 for connecting the cartridge 2 docked to the docking unit 120 to the one or more dispensing devices ma-d, the flushing tank 180 or the boiler 190. The connection unit 130 is designed as a pin which punctures a membrane of the cartridge 2 or actuates a check valve of the cartridge 2 to connect the cartridge 2 to the one or more dispensers 111a-d, the wash tank 180 or the boiler 190.

In particular, FIG. 4a shows a state of the dishwasher in which the folding unit 142 is in the open position and the docking unit 120 is in the docking position. In the docking position, the docking unit 120 is at least partially outside of the housing opening 141 and is therefore easily accessible to the user. The arrow in FIG. 4a indicates that a user inserts the cartridge 2 into the dishwasher by docking and/or latching or locking the cartridge 2 on the docking unit 120 in the docking position.

4b shows a state in which the folding unit 142 is still in the open position and the docking unit 120 is still in the docking position. However, the cartridge 2 is already docked to the docking unit 120 in FIG. 4b. The arrow in Fig. 4b shows that the folding unit 142 is now moved from the open position to the closed position, so that the docking unit 120 is moved from the docking position to the operating position and the docked cartridge 2 is conveyed through the housing opening 141 into the interior of the dishwasher 1 becomes.

Finally, FIG. 4c shows a state in which the folding unit 142 is in the closed position and the docking unit is in the operating position. The docking unit 120, the connection unit 130 and the cartridge 2 are now completely inside the dishwasher and are protected from the outside by the housing 140 and the folding unit 142 in the closed position. In this embodiment, the cartridge 2 is automatically connected to the one or more dispensers ma-d, the rinse tank 180 or the boiler 190 by means of the connection unit 130 when the docking unit 120 is in the operating position. Therefore, in FIG. 4c the cartridge 2 is already connected to the one or more dispensing devices ma-d, the flushing tank 180 or the boiler 190 by means of the connection unit 120 . In this state, the treatment agent can flow from the cartridge 2 to the one or more dispensers ma-d or into the rinse tank 180 or the boiler 190 or a reservoir 150 for holding the treatment agent, as described below, to for one or more Rinsing operations of the dishwasher 1 to be used.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention with a cartridge 2 according to the invention, the dishwasher 1 having a reservoir 150 for receiving the treatment agent from the cartridge 2 and for delivering the treatment agent to the one or more dispensing devices ma-d or the rinse tank 180 or the boiler 190. The reservoir 150 includes a sensor 151 for determining a quantity of treatment agent in the reservoir 150. The dishwasher 1 can emit a warning signal when the quantity of treatment agent in the reservoir 150 determined by the sensor 151 falls below a first minimum value. The dishwasher 1 also includes a valve 160 and a control unit. The valve 160 is designed such that i) when the valve 160 is open, the treatment agent from the cartridge 2 can flow into the reservoir 150, and ii) when the valve 160 is closed, the treatment agent from the cartridge 2 cannot flow into the reservoir 150 can run in. Further, the control unit 170 is configured to open and close the valve 160 based on the amount of treatment agent in the reservoir 150 determined by the sensor 151 . In particular, the control unit 170 can be configured in such a way that it opens the valve 160 when the quantity of the treatment agent in the reservoir 150 determined by the sensor 151 falls below a second minimum value, where the second minimum value can be greater than the first minimum value. Furthermore, the control unit 170 may be configured to close the valve 160 when the amount of treatment agent in the reservoir 150 determined by the sensor 151 exceeds a maximum value, the maximum value being greater than the first minimum value and/or greater than the second minimum value can be.

6a to 7b show an embodiment of the dishwasher 1 with a first docking section 120a of the docking unit 120, to which a first cartridge 2a can be docked, and a second docking section 120b of the docking unit 120, to which a second cartridge 2b can be docked . More specifically, Figure 6a shows a side view of the first docking section 10a on which the first cartridge 2a is docked, Figure 6b shows a side view of the second docking section 120b on which the second cartridge 2b is docked, Figure 7a shows a plan view of the first cartridge 2a and the first docking section 120a along the cross-sectional area A-A of Fig. 6a, and Fig. 7b shows a plan view of the second cartridge 2b and the second docking section 120b along the cross-sectional area B-B of Fig. 6b. Conversely, Figure 6a corresponds to a side view of the first docking portion 120a taken along cross-sectional area CC of Figure 7a, while Figure 6b corresponds to a side view of the second docking portion 120b taken along cross-sectional area D-D of Figure 7b.

In this embodiment, the first cartridge 2a is not dockable with the second docking portion 120b and the second cartridge 2b is not dockable with the first docking portion 120a, as will be described in more detail below.

The first docking portion 120a includes a first identifying and locking segment 121a, and the first cartridge 2a includes a first counter-locking segment 211a and a third counter-locking segment 211c. These segments are designed in such a way that the first identification and latching segment 121a can latch into the first counter-latching segment 211a and into the third counter-latching segment 211c. The first identification and locking segment 121a is designed in particular as a first projection 121a of the first docking section 120a, while the first counter-locking segment 211a and the third counter-locking segment 211c are each configured as a first recess 211a and a third recess 211c of a first cartridge-side closure part 210a of the first cartridge 2a are formed. The first identification and latching segment 121a forms a first machine-side closure part which, as described above, forms a first closure, specifically a first latching closure, with the first cartridge-side closure part 210a. The size and shape of the first recess 211a is identical or almost identical to the size and shape of the third recess 211c, and the size and shape of the projection 121a corresponds to the size and shape of these two recesses 211a and 211c, so that the projection 121a can snap into each of the two recesses 211a and 211c. The first recess 211a and the third recess 211c are further spaced apart from one another in the insertion direction 3 of the first cartridge 2a into the dishwasher 1 . Therefore, when a user inserts the first cartridge 2a into the dishwasher 1, the projection 121a first snaps into the first recess 211a, as a result of which the first cartridge 2a is identified or recognized. If the user then exerts a force on the cartridge in the direction of insertion, the first projection 121a disengages from the first recess 211a and snaps into the third recess 211c so that the identified first cartridge 2a is docked to the first docking portion 120a.

The same applies to the second docking section 120b or the second cartridge 2b, i. H. the second docking portion 120b includes a second identification and locking segment 121b, and the second cartridge 2b includes a second counter-locking segment 211b and a fourth counter-locking segment 2iid. These segments are designed in such a way that the second identification and latching segment 121b can latch into the second mating latching segment 211b and the fourth mating latching segment 2iid. The second identification and locking segment 121b is designed in particular as a second projection 121b of the second docking section 120b, while the second counter-locking segment 211b and the fourth counter-locking segment 2iid are each configured as a second recess 211b and a fourth recess 2iid of a second cartridge-side closure part 210b of the second cartridge 2b are formed. The second identification and latching segment 121b forms a second machine-side closure part which, as described above, forms a second closure, specifically a second latching closure, with the second cartridge-side closure part 210b.

The size and shape of the second recess 211b is also identical or almost identical to the size and shape of the fourth recess 2iid, and the size and shape of the projection 121b corresponds to the size and shape of these two recesses 211b and 2iid, so that the projection 121b can snap into each of these two recesses 211b and 2iid. The second recess 211b and the fourth recess 2iid are further spaced apart from one another in the insertion direction 3 of the second cartridge 2b into the dishwasher 1 . When a user inserts the second cartridge 2b into the dishwasher 1, the projection 121b first snaps into the second recess 211b, as a result of which the second cartridge 2b is identified or recognized. Then, when the user applies a force to the cartridge in the insertion direction, the second projection 121b snaps out of the second recess 211b out of and into the fourth recess 2iid so that the identified second cartridge 2b is docked to the second docking portion 120b.

However, the size and/or shape of the first protrusion 121a differs from the size and/or shape of the second protrusion 121b. Likewise, the size and/or shape of the first recess 211a differs from a size and/or shape of the second recess 211b, and a size and/or shape of the third recess 211c differs from a size and/or shape of the fourth recess 211c. This ensures that the first projection 121a cannot engage in either the second recess 211b or in the fourth recess 2iid, and that the second projection 121b cannot engage in either the first recess 211a or in the third recess 211c. If the user tries to dock the first cartridge 2a on the second docking section 120b, this will not succeed because the second projection 121b cannot snap into the first recess 211a of the first cartridge 2a and thus the first cartridge 2a cannot be pushed through the second Docking section 120b can be identified. Therefore, the second projection 121b still cannot be engaged with the third recess 211a of the first cartridge 2a, and therefore the first cartridge 2a cannot be docked with the second docking portion 120b. For the analogous reasons, the second cartridge 2b cannot be docked to the first docking portion 120a.

The shapes and sizes of the various projections and recesses are exemplified in Figures 6a to 6b. In particular, it can be seen from FIG. 6a that the first recess 2iia and the third recess 211c have the same or substantially the same height, ie the same or substantially the same dimension along the insertion direction 3 of the first cartridge 2a, and that a height of the first Projection 121a corresponds to the height of the first recess 211a and the third recess 211c (or, as in FIG. 6a, is only slightly smaller), so that the first projection 121a can snap into the first recess 211a and into the third recess 211c. In FIG. 6a, the first projection 121a has already snapped into the third recess 211c, so that the first cartridge 2a is docked on the first docking section 120a. It can also be seen from Fig. 7a that a dimension of the first projection 121a perpendicular to the direction of insertion 3 of the first cartridge 2a, more precisely an angular dimension of the first projection 121a in the cross-sectional area AA from Fig. 6a, corresponds to an angular dimension of the third recess 211c (or (as in Fig. 7a is only minimally smaller), so that the first projection 121a can snap into the third recess 211c. Likewise, the angular dimension of the first projection 121a in the cross-sectional area AA corresponds to an angular dimension of the first recess 211a (which, however, is not visible in FIG. 7a), so that the first projection 121a can also snap into the first recess 211a. Analogously, it can be seen from FIG. 6b that the second recess 211b and the fourth recess 2iid have the same or substantially the same height, ie the same or substantially the same dimension along the insertion direction 3 of the second cartridge 2b, and that a height of the second Projection 121b corresponds to the height of the second recess 211b or the fourth recess 2iid (or as in FIG. 6b is only slightly smaller), so that the second projection 121b can engage in the second recess 211b and in the fourth recess 2iid. In FIG. 6b the second projection 121b has already snapped into the fourth recess 2iid, so that the second cartridge 2b is docked on the second docking section 120b. It can also be seen from Fig. 7b that a dimension of the second projection 121b perpendicular to the insertion direction 3 of the second cartridge 2b, more precisely an angular dimension of the second projection 121b in the cross-sectional area BB from Fig. 6b, corresponds to an angular dimension of the fourth recess 2iid (or ., as in Fig. 7b is only minimally smaller), so that the second projection 121b can engage in the fourth recess 2iid. Likewise, the angular dimension of the second projection 121b in the cross-sectional area BB corresponds to an angular dimension of the second recess 211b (which, however, is not visible in FIG. 7b), so that the second projection 121b can also snap into the second recess 211b.

However, it can be seen from Figs. 6a and 5b that the height of the second projection 121b is greater than the height of the first projection 121a and in particular greater than the height of the first recess 211a and the third recess 211c. Therefore, the second protrusion 121b cannot be engaged with either the first recess 211a or the third recess 211c. Therefore, the second cartridge 2b cannot be docked to the first docking portion 120a.

Furthermore, it can be seen from FIGS. 7a and 6b that the angular dimension of the first projection 121a is larger than the angular dimension of the second projection 121b and in particular larger than the angular dimension of the fourth recess 2iid. Likewise, the angular dimension of the first protrusion 121a is greater than the angular dimension of the second recess 211b (although the second recess 211b is not visible in Figure 7b). Therefore, the first protrusion 121a cannot snap into either the second recess 211b or the fourth recess 2iid. Therefore, the first cartridge 2a cannot be docked to the second docking portion 120b.

Finally, a drain surface 230 of the second cartridge 2b can also be seen in FIG. 6b. The outlet surface 230 of the second cartridge 2b is inclined at an angle a with respect to the outlet direction 4 of the treatment agent from the second cartridge 2b, where a is greater than 0° and less than 90°. As can be seen from Fig. 6b, a is in the present Embodiment approximately or exactly 80 °, so that the drain surface 230 relative to the horizontal, lower boundary surface of the second cartridge 2b at an angle ß = 90 ° - a is inclined, where ß is approximately or exactly io °. The same applies to the drainage surface 230 of the first cartridge 2a, which can be seen in FIG. 6a.

The features disclosed in the above description, the figures and the claims can be important both individually and in any combination for the implementation of the invention in the various configurations.

List of References

1 dishwasher

2 cartridge

2a first cartridge

2b second cartridge

3 Direction of cartridge insertion

4 outlet direction of the treatment agent lio washing chamber nia first dispensing device mb second dispensing device mc third dispensing device md fourth dispensing device

112 wash basket

120 docking unit

120a first docking section

120b second docking section

121a first identification and locking segment, first projection 121b second identification and locking segment, second projection

130a first connection unit

130b second connection unit

140 housing

141 case opening

142 opening and closing unit

150 reservoirs

151 sensors

160 valve[s]

170 control unit

180 wash tank

181 heater

182 sieve system

183 first feed line

183a first dosing pump

185 first delivery line

185a washer pump

190 boilers

191 heater

193 second feed line 3a second dosing pump 5 second discharge line 5a rinsing pump 0a first cartridge-side closure part 0b second cartridge-side closure part 1a first counter-locking segment, first recess1b second counter-locking segment, second recess1c third counter-locking segment, third recessld fourth counter-locking segment, fourth recess0 outlet opening 0 drain surface 0 waste water line 0a drain pump 0 drinking water line 0 solenoid valve 0 water technology fuse

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1. Dishwasher (l), which comprises: a washing chamber (no) with one or more dispensing devices (ma-d); a docking unit (120) for docking one or more cartridges (2) for one or more treatment agents; and one or more connection units (130) each for directly or indirectly connecting a corresponding cartridge (2) docked on the docking unit (120) to the one or more dispensing devices (ma-d) or a flushing tank (180) or a boiler (190) the dishwasher (1) for using the one or more treatment agents for one or more rinsing cycles of the dishwasher (1).

2. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, wherein the docking unit (120) comprises a first docking section (120a) for docking a first cartridge (2a) and a second docking section (120b) for docking a second cartridge (2b), the first The cartridge (2a) cannot be docked on the second docking section (120b) and/or the second cartridge (2b) cannot be docked on the first docking section (120a).

3. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first docking section (120a) comprises a first identification and latching segment (121a), i) for latching into a first counter-latching segment (211a) of the first cartridge (2a) for identifying the first cartridge (2a), and ii) for latching into a third counter-latching segment (211c) of the first cartridge (2a) for docking the identified first cartridge (2a) to the first docking section (120a), the second docking section (120b) having a second Identification and latching segment (121b), i) for latching into a second mating latching segment (211b) of the second cartridge (2b) for identifying the second cartridge (2b), and ii) for latching into a fourth mating latching segment (2iid) of the second cartridge (2b) for docking the identified second cartridge (2b) to the second docking portion (120b), and wherein a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the first identifying and latching segment (121a) differs from ei ner size and / or a shape and / or a material of the second identification and locking segment (121b).

4. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, wherein the docking unit (120) is designed for docking a plurality of identical cartridges (2).

5 Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the docking unit (120) is positioned relative to the washing chamber (110) between a docking position for docking the one or more cartridges (2) and an operating position for connecting, by means of the one or more connection units (130), the docked one or more cartridges (2 ) to the one or more dispensing devices (ma-d) or the flushing tank (180) or the boiler (190) is arranged to be movable back and forth, the operating position being different from the docking position.

6. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 5, wherein when the docking unit (120) is in the operating position, at least one connection unit (130) is arranged to be movable back and forth relative to the docking unit (120) between a first position and a second position is such that: when the connection unit (130) is in the first position, the corresponding cartridge (2) is not connected to the one or more dispensers (ma-d) or the wash tank (180) or the boiler (190). and when the connection unit (130) is in the second position, the corresponding cartridge (2) is connected to the one or more dispensers (ma-d) or the wash tank (180) or the boiler (190).

7. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 5 or 6, which further comprises a housing (140) with a housing opening (141) for inserting the one or more cartridges (2) into the dishwasher (1) and an opening and closing unit (142) comprises, wherein the opening and closing unit (142) is arranged to be movable back and forth between an open position for opening the housing opening (141) and a closing position for closing the housing opening (141), and wherein the opening and closing unit (142) is such with connected to the docking unit (120) such that when the opening and closing unit (142) is in the opening position, the docking unit (120) is in the docking position, and when the opening and closing unit (142) is in the closed position , the docking unit (120) is in the operating position.

8. Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which has at least one reservoir (150) for receiving the treatment agent in at least one cartridge (2) and for delivering the treatment agent to the one or more dispensing devices (ma-d) or the rinsing tank (180) or the boiler (190), wherein the reservoir (150) comprises a sensor (151) for determining an amount of the treatment agent in the reservoir (150).

9. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 8, which is configured in such a way that it emits a warning signal when the quantity of the treatment agent in the reservoir (150) determined by the sensor (151) falls below a first minimum value.

The dishwasher (1) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a valve (160) and a control unit (170), the valve (160) being configured such that i) when the valve (160) is open, the treatment agent from the cartridge (2) can flow into the reservoir (150), and ii) when the valve (160) is closed, the treatment agent from the cartridge (2) cannot flow into the reservoir (150), and wherein the Control unit (170) is configured to open and close the valve (160) based on the amount of the treatment agent in the reservoir (150) determined by the sensor (151).

11. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 10, wherein the control unit (170) is configured to open the valve (160) when the amount of the treatment agent in the reservoir (150) determined by the sensor (151) reaches a second minimum value falls below, the second minimum value preferably being greater than the first minimum value.

12. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the control unit (170) is configured to close the valve (160) when the amount of the treatment agent in the reservoir (150) determined by the sensor (151). exceeds the maximum value, the maximum value preferably being greater than the first minimum value and/or greater than the second minimum value.

System of multiple cartridges (2) for one or more treating agents for a dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the multiple cartridges (2) comprise at least a first cartridge (2a) and a second cartridge (2b). , wherein the first cartridge (2a) comprises a first counter-latching segment (211a) for latching the first identification and latching segment (121a), wherein the second cartridge (2b) comprises a second counter-latching segment (211b) for latching the second identification and latching segment (121a ) comprises, and wherein a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the first counter-locking segment (211a) differs from a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the second counter-locking segment (211b).

14. System of several cartridges (2) according to claim 13, the first cartridge (2a) further comprising a third counter-locking segment (211c) for locking the first identification and locking segment (121a), wherein a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the third counter-locking segment (211c) is identical to a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the first counter-locking segment (211a), the third counter-locking segment (211a) and the first counter-locking segment (211c) being in a direction (3) of insertion of the first cartridge (2a) into the dishwasher (1) are spaced from each other, and wherein the second cartridge (2b) further comprises a fourth counter-locking segment (2iid) for locking the second identification and locking segment (121b), wherein a size and/or a shape and/or a material of the fourth counter-locking segment (2iid ) is identical to a size and / or a shape and / or a material of the second counter-locking segment (211b), wherein the fourth counter-locking segment (211b) and the second counter-locking segment (2iid) in are spaced apart from one another in an insertion direction (3) of the second cartridge (2b) into the dishwasher (1).

A dishwashing system comprising: the dishwashing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and the one or more cartridges (2), preferably the system of several cartridges (2) according to one of claims 13 or 14.

16. Dishwashing system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of cartridges (2) each have the same shape and/or size and/or maximum capacity for the respective treatment agent.

17. Dishwashing system according to one of claims 15 or 16, wherein at least one cartridge (2) of the one or more cartridges (2) comprises an outlet opening (220) and one or more drainage surfaces (230) which are designed such that when the cartridge (2) is connected to the one or more dispensers (ma-d) or the rinsing tank (180) or the boiler (190) by means of the corresponding connection unit (130), the treatment agent from the cartridge (2) along the one or more Drainage surfaces (230) towards the outlet opening (220) and can flow out of the cartridge (2) through the outlet opening (220) to flow to the one or more dispensing devices (ma-d) or into the rinse tank (180) or the Boiler (190) or the reservoir (150) to run in, with at least one drainage surface (230) or each drainage surface (230) relative to an outlet direction (4) of the treatment agent from the cartridge (2) at a respective angle greater than 0° and small it is inclined than 90°.

18. The cartridge (2) for a treatment agent for a dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cartridge (2) has a maximum capacity for the treatment agent that is less than or equal to 0.5 liter, 1 liter, 2 litres, 5 litres, 10 liters or 20 liters and is preferably within the Limited Quantities regime for the carriage of hazardous materials.