EP1206594B1 - Device for the take up and dosed release of at least one active compound mixture in a washing machine, a dryer or a dish washer. - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for holding and dispensing metered doses of at least one active composition in a washing machine, a dryer or a dishwasher has at least two separate compartments for respectively receiving and dispensing an active composition and an opening mechanism for the compartments, which is operated by means which are activated by conditions prevailing in the inside of the machine. These conditions prevail solely in the course of a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle. The position of the opening mechanism and/or the compartment(s) after emptying of at least one compartment is changed relative to each other, such that the opening mechanism can then open at least one other compartment, when another activation occurs.

Description

The invention relates to a device for receiving and metered delivery of at least one active composition in a washing machine, a tumble dryer or a dishwasher.

DE 197 40 819 A1 discloses a metering and adding device within a device for metered addition of a powdered. Cleaning agent in water-bearing cleaning machines known which with at least two lying in a plane chambers for Receiving the powdered detergent is equipped, which is in a treatment tank the cleaning machine is discharged, the chambers filling openings for optional filling of any one or all. Chambers with the powdered detergent identify with an outlet opening of a funnel-shaped detergent feed device in connection and for the portioning at the same time individually controllable Openings for the rinsing or washing water addition are those with synchronously controllable outlet openings correspond to the water-enriched powder detergent. The delivery of the individual doses of the cleaning agent via a manual setting the user or via a user-selected work program.

US 4,379,515 discloses a detergent dispenser which comprises a rigid container and a squeezable reservoir connected by a tube to this rigid container comprising the amount of detergent measured for a wash cycle. Under the influence of centrifugal forces that occur during the rotation of the laundry drum, becomes the reservoir - especially if it is between the laundry and the wall of the Laundry drum is - so compressed that its contents into the rigid container inside is emptied, in which the detergent is then released from the wash. A disadvantage This metering device can be seen in the fact that the reservoir only for one washing cycle can be used and must be replaced for each new wash cycle.

EP 0 215 366 describes a detergent container with a melt closure, in which the melt melts at a certain operating temperature and the Cleaning agent is then released. In particular, the closure of the container is not reusable, also a multiple dosing by means of this system is not possible.

EP 0 328 769 shows a dispenser to be introduced loosely into a washing machine an openable during the wash cycle closure having a handling extension. By the pressure exerted during the wash of the laundry of the handling process becomes pushed into the Dosierspeicher such that the outflow of the detergent is possible. Multiple dosing is not possible, and the dispenser must be refilled before each wash cycle.

DE 39 02 356 discloses a metering memory which can be used for only one washing cycle, which is based on a temperature-dependent release of a Wäscheband liquid. By a resulting in increasing temperature overpressure in the dispenser is a slide valve moves into its open position and allows the exit of the laundry treatment liquid in the washing machine.

US 5,033,643 describes a Dosierspeicher, which also only the delivery of a dosage unit for a wash cycle. Forces created by wet scrubbing act on the release mechanism of the dispenser.

In DE 39 34 123 and DE 39 22 342 detergent receiving containers are described, the fixed attached to the laundry drum. This attachment is by means of pins or latching hooks causes. A multiple dosing is not provided with these receptacles, so that they are removed after each wash cycle from the washing machine and refilled have to.

US 5,176,297 describes a dosing device for a dishwasher, which is inside the machine is mounted and includes a supply and a dispensing chamber. A Multiple dosing is possible, but the dosage is complicated by the dishwasher controlled.

DE 195 40 608 discloses a device for adding block-shaped dishwashing detergents, allows the multiple doses, the individual dosages over controlling a command of the dishwasher, i. a user-selected one Work program of the dishwasher regulates the time of dosing.

AU-A-78393/91 discloses a dosing container for a detergent which passes through an orifice is discharged, which is opened by the build-up of internal pressure in the container. This Internal pressure is either by the work program of the machine or by direct operation generated by the user.

Summarizing the prior art metering devices are known, mainly Single, occasionally also allow multiple doses.

In a single dosage, the release of the detergent is generally based on a delayed release, which e.g. by a temperature increase, a pressure increase or Centrifugal forces can be triggered.

The devices which permit multiple dosing have in common that release mechanical (valve, piston, slide, etc.) either due to a command of the work program the machine or by direct operation by the user becomes.

The invention is based on the object, a device for receiving and metered Dispensing at least one active composition into a washing machine, a tumble dryer or to provide a dishwashing machine which can be multi-dosed (either in one or more washing, drying or dishwashing cycles) and independently from the commands of a work program of the machine or the intervention of the machine User is triggered.

According to the invention this object is achieved by at least two separate Chambers for receiving in each case a dosage of at least one active composition and an opening device for the chambers, which is actuated by means that by conditions be activated inside the machine exclusively during one Washing, drying or Geschirrspülzyklus be present, the position of the opening device and / or the chamber (s) after emptying each of at least one chamber relative each other are changed so that upon renewed activation the opening at least a further chamber is made possible by the opening device.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized by a first bellows; a second bellows; a connecting line with a one-way valve, which is the two bellows connects with each other; a hydraulic fluid, by its delivery from the first bellows to the second bellows this is extended, wherein the opening means so with the second Bellows is connected, that this is raised by the expansion of the second bellows, wherein the opening means is designed so that by raising it the chamber (s) as far as it is opened, that the contents of the chamber substantially completely into the machine can be delivered; as well as means that the gradual exit of the hydraulic Allow fluids from the second bellows, and one connected to the opening means Resetting device, which the provision of the opening device in the gradual Outlet of the hydraulic fluid from the second bellows allows, wherein the opening means is performed in such a position that when reactivated, the one or more Chamber (s) can be opened in the same way (can).

It is provided according to the invention that the delivery of the hydraulic fluid from the first Bellows to the second bellows directly or indirectly by the rotation of the device with the Washing machine or laundry drier drum is effected.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotation of the Device with the washing machine or dryer drum a pivotally mounted Weight compress the first bellows so that the hydraulic fluid to the second bellows is discharged.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention it is provided that the hydraulic Fluid is discharged from the first bellows to the second bellows characterized in that laundry or Dry material directly or indirectly squeezes the first bellows.

Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the opening means by means that at least partially a change in shape with temperature increase go through, is raised directly or indirectly so far that at least one chamber opened so far that the chamber contents substantially completely into the machine can be discharged, wherein the means when cooled at least partially a substantially go through opposite shape change and the opening device in such a position is carried out that upon renewed activation the or further chamber (s) can be opened in the same way.

An alternative of this embodiment of the invention is characterized by a rigid Chamber having a material therein that expands upon elevation of temperature, and contracts on cooling, especially a wax.

It is preferably provided that the opening means via a on the extension of the material reacting flexible diaphragm is raised.

Another alternative to the temperature responsive embodiment of this The invention is characterized by a bimetallic unit, which increases in temperature bends and resets on cooling.

Particularly preferred is the opening device via a keyway and on a so interacting nose led to her new position.

Preferably, the opening means comprises at least one blade or a dome.

Particularly useful is a device that is firm, but detachable inside the machine is attached.

Preferably, the device comprises a cartridge of four to fifteen, more preferably with ten chambers, the chambers in the cartridge preferably arranged in a circle are.

In the following an embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings explained.

Fig. 1 einen vertikalen Querschnitt einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einem nicht-dosierenden Zustand;

Fig. 2 die Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in einem dosierenden Zustand;

Fig. 3 eine Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 4 eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 5 eine Teilansicht in vertikalem Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 6 einen vertikalen Querschnitt einer noch weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einem nicht-dosierenden Zustand;

Fig. 7 die Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 6 in einem dosierenden Zustand; und

Fig. 8 eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Mechanismus der rotierenden Klinge zum Öffnen der einzelnen Kammern.

Showing:

1 shows a vertical cross section of an embodiment of the device according to the invention in a non-metering state.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of the device according to FIG. 1 in a metering state; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention;

4 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

5 shows a partial view in vertical cross section of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-section of a still further embodiment of the device according to the invention in a non-dosing state;

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of the device according to FIG. 6 in a metering state; FIG. and

Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the mechanism of the rotating blade for opening the individual chambers.

More specifically, referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a device according to the invention consists of a Base plate 1 which is fixed (but detachable) by means of a holder 2 (for example snap-in hooks or spreader pins) in the machine, e.g. on the inner wall 3 of a laundry drum, is attached, and one Cartridge 4, the exemplary ten chambers 5 for receiving at least one active composition provides. The base plate 1 additionally comprises a pivotally mounted Tripping device 6 and a rotating opening system 7 for opening the individual chambers. In the cartridge 4, the chambers 5 are arranged in a circle (Fig. 3).

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2 is provided that laundry or Dry material, in particular by the rotation of the washing machine or tumble drier drum, Pressure on the triggering device 6 exerts. This will cause an underlying compressed first bellows 8 and the hydraulic fluid 9 (preferably water), the is in the bellows, discharged through a connecting line 10 to a second bellows 11. The hydraulic fluid 9 flows through a one-way valve 12, which flows back prevents the fluid from the second bellows 11. By squeezing the Belgs 8, the second bellows 11 is gradually expanded.

In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 4), the rotation of the washing machine or tumble dryer drum pivotally suspended weight 18 against the first Bellows 8 pressed and thereby causes in the same way that the hydraulic fluid 9, the is in the bellows, is delivered to the second bellows 11.

The expanding second bellows 11 lifts an opening device 7 with a blade or a dome 13, which then has a chamber 5 with a single dosage of the active The composition is so damaged that it ruptures and dumps its contents into the machine. It is important that the shell material of the chamber for opening by the blade or the Dom 13 is suitable. This cover material (e.g., thin plastic film) should therefore be lightweight to be damaged or pierced.

Of course, the opening device 7 can also be designed so that it more than a blade or dome 13 to either a chamber in several places or simultaneously damage several chambers and thus open. In the latter case would the simultaneous dosing of different active compositions, which in Different chambers are included, for example, to incompatible components of each other to separate.

After emptying the chamber, the hydraulic fluid 9 can slowly through a small hole 14 flow out of the second bellows 11, wherein the opening means by a return spring 15 lowers and also via a keyway 16 and cooperating noses 17 (zig-zag mechanism) (Fig. 8) is set to a position to re-later Activation one or more other chamber (s) 5 to be able to open. Are all chambers 5 the cartridge 4 is used up, it can easily be replaced by a new one.

In one embodiment of the invention, the provision of the opening mechanism by appropriate dimensioning of the hole 14 and restoring force of the spring 15 so be set that this provision only after completion of the washing, drying or Dishwashing cycle takes place, i. so only one chamber is opened during a cycle becomes. In this embodiment, the chambers will usually be the same active composition each time in a sufficient and appropriate for a cycle Dosage.

In a further embodiment of the invention is provided, successive chambers 5 of the cartridge 4 to fill with different compositions, one after the other be opened during a cycle. For example, a first chamber with a Detergent for the main wash of a washing machine and the following chamber be filled with a fabric softener for the rinse.

The dimensioning of the hole 14 and the restoring force of the spring 15 would then be designed be that a provision of the opening device after completion of the Main wash is done to allow re-activation during the rinse cycle. It can also be thought of several activations during one phase of the Washing, drying or dishwashing cycle, if it is ensured that the hydraulic fluid can flow relatively quickly from the bellows 11 to a fast re Activation of the opening device to ensure.

If the cartridge 4 contains a plurality of chambers of different compositions, which are to be released in a single washing, drying or dishwashing cycle, These chambers do not necessarily have the same size. It can For example, the chambers may be formed as shown in FIG. 5. The mechanism for guiding the opening means 7 such as the above-mentioned zig-zag mechanism but can also be designed so that the opening device 7 also at another Design of the chambers 5 each in the correct position for opening the next Chamber is conducted. If a cartridge chambers with different compositions which is intended for release in a cycle should (for example, by a notch or the like) to ensure that the cartridge 4 is always in the correct position is attached to the base plate 1 to proper timing of addition to guarantee.

In a further embodiment of the invention (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7), the Activation of the device dependent on temperature. This is below the opening device 7 a rigid chamber 20 with a material 21 therein, which increases in temperature expands, such as, for example, a wax arranged. When heating the washing or Rinse water or the dryer interior to the desired working temperature expands Wax 21 and pushes, for example, directly or indirectly via a flexible diaphragm 22 the Opening device 7 upwards. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 is made possible by the fact that the opening means 7, e.g. by means of blade or thorn 13, in each case at least one of the chambers 5 opens. Upon cooling of the wax 21 lowers the Opening device 7 according to and is, for example. Via a zig-zag mechanism, as described above, placed in the next position. To simplify this mechanism in the schematic drawings of Figs. 6 and 7 not shown. The described Temperature-dependent system is particularly suitable for use in a tumble dryer suitable, if a delayed delivery of the chamber contents is desired, or in a dishwasher where there is no rotating drum.

In an alternative embodiment (which is not shown in the drawing) may be a temperature-dependent Activation of the device also take place in that a bimetallic unit is provided, which bends when the temperature increases and thus directly or indirectly the Opening device lifts in the same manner as the wax 21 described above Cooling would also reset the bimetal again, so that the opening device into their new position.

Dishwashers typically experience a twofold rise in temperature during one Dishwashing cycle, namely once during the cleaning cycle and a second time during the rinse cycle. The temperature-dependent embodiments of the inventive Device would therefore be activated twice, i. twice a corresponding one Release substance into the dishwasher. This could be a rinse aid in both cases. It would also be conceivable, alternately a chamber with a dishwashing additive and one with rinse aid, so that in the cleaning cycle the dishwashing detergent additive and would be delivered in the rinse the rinse aid.

Of course, within the scope of the main claim, the essential elements of Invention defined, other embodiments conceivable. So, for example to be thought that the opening means not the sheath material by means of a blade or a thorn destroyed, but for example, only pushes against a perforation, the tearing under this pressure. In this case, the shell material of the chamber could also a more resistant material can be used.

Also, the described zig-zag mechanism (Fig. 8), in which a nose in a corresponding trained keyway by raising and lowering the opening device so is guided that this comes in such a position that successively the individual chambers the device can be opened is merely exemplary, and it represents for the It is not difficult for a person skilled in the art to provide here also other means which to serve the same purpose.

Alternatively, the invention also provides that not the opening mechanism itself (eg. about the zig-zag mechanism described in detail) is moved, but the chambers 5, for example by rotation of the cartridge 4, to the opening of a further chamber to allow the opening device 7 fixed in this case. Of course, too a movement of both the opening device 7 and the chambers 5 conceivable to the Opening device 7 and the next chamber to be opened 5 in the correct relative position to move each other.

The active composition (s) contained in the compartments may be more varied Be nature. When used in a washing machine, detergents, Water softener, softener, etc., individually or in combination. For clothes dryers could be specific to the use of impregnation agents and / or After treatment of tissue are thought. For use with dishwashers would especially dishwashing additives and rinse aid offer.

Of course, the active compositions contained in the chambers are not limited to liquids. The chambers may also be a pasty, granular or powdery Contain material or even a composition in tablet form. By the Damage to the shell material of the chambers may then (at least in use in a washing machine or dishwashing machine), wash or rinse water into the chamber and dissolve the composition located there or rinse it out of the chamber. This may possibly have the further advantage over the use of liquids that a delayed release of the content is achieved.

Advantageously, means should be provided for inactivating the device, without having to be removed from the machine, so that the consumer decide can, whether he is the machine with the device according to the invention in the activated state or in the non-activated state. This can be any type of locking mechanism can be used, which prevents lifting of the opening means 7, preferably by locking the triggering device 6 or the cartridge. 4

Those disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims Features of the invention, both individually and in any combination essential for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments be.

Claims (16)

1. Device for intake and dosed delivery of at least one active composition into a washing machine, a tumble dryer or a dishwasher, containing at least two separate chambers (5) each for receiving a dose of at least one active composition; and an opening device (7) for the chambers (5), characterized in that the opening device (7) is actuated by means (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) within the device, which are activated by conditions inside the machine, which exist exclusively during a washing, drying or dishwashing cycle, wherein the position of the opening device (7) and/or of the chamber(s) (5) after emptying in each case of at least one chamber (5) relative to one another is altered so that on re-activation the opening of in each case at least one further chamber (5) by the opening device (7) is made possible, wherein the opening device is provided with a blade or a spike (13), which damages a chamber (5) containing a single dose of the active composition, so that this is torn open and it releases its contents into the machine.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by a first bellows (8); a second bellows (11); a connecting line (10) with a one-way valve (12), which joins the two bellows (8, 11) together; a hydraulic fluid (9), by whose release from the first bellows (8) to the second bellows (11) the latter is expanded, wherein the opening device (7) is connected to the second bellows (11) in such a way that it is lifted by the expansion of the second bellows (11), and the opening device (7) is designed in such a way that as it is lifted, the chamber(s) (5) is (are) opened so that the chamber contents can be released essentially completely into the machine; and means (14) which permit the gradual discharge of the hydraulic fluid (9) from the second bellows (11), and a resetting device (15) which is connected to the opening device (7) and permits the resetting of opening device (7) on gradual discharge of the hydraulic fluid (9) from the second bellows (11), the opening device (7) being moved into a position such that on renewed activation the or additional chamber(s) (5) can be opened in the same way.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the delivery of the hydraulic fluid (9) from the first bellows (8) to the second bellows (11) is effected directly or indirectly by the rotation of the device with the drum of the washing machine or tumble dryer.
4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that through the rotation of the device with the drum of the washing machine or tumble dryer, a swivel-mounted weight (18) squeezes the first bellows (8) so that the hydraulic fluid (9) is delivered to the second bellows (11).
5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the hydraulic fluid (9) is delivered from the first bellows (8) to the second bellows (11) because the first bellows (8) is squeezed directly or indirectly by the material being washed or dried.
6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that opening device (7) is lifted directly or indirectly by means (20, 21, 22) which undergo a change of shape at least partially when the temperature rises, so that at least one chamber (5) is opened widely enough for the chamber contents to be released essentially completely into the machine, and on cooling, the means (20, 21, 22) at least partially undergo an essentially opposite change of shape and the opening device (7) is moved into a position such that on renewed activation the or additional chamber(s) (5) can be opened in the same way.
7. Device according to claim 6, characterized by a rigid chamber (20) with a material (21) inside, which expands when the temperature rises and contracts as it cools down.
8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that material (21) comprises a wax.
9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that opening device (7) is lifted via a flexible diaphragm (22) which reacts to the expansion of material (21).
10. Device according to claim 6, characterized by a bimetal unit, which bends as the temperature rises and is restored on cooling.
11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that opening device (7) is moved into its new position via a keyway (16) and a key head (17) that interacts therewith.
12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that opening device (7) comprises at least one blade or spike (13).
13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is fastened firmly, but detachably, inside the machine.
14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a magazine (4) with four to fifteen chambers (5).
15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the device comprises a magazine (4) with ten chambers (5).
16. Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the chambers (5) are arranged in a circle in the magazine (4).

Images