ES2793698T3 - Cartridge dosing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Dosing system comprising a dosing apparatus for dispensing at least one fluid washing and / or cleaning agent preparation (40) into a household appliance, further comprising - a cartridge (1) that can be coupled with the dosing apparatus (2), wherein the cartridge (1) supplies at least one fluid washing and / or cleaning agent preparation (40), wherein the cartridge comprises several chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) that can be filled with different compositions for the supply of fluid washing and / or cleaning agent preparations, - and each chamber (3a, 3b, 3c) of the cartridge (1) has on the bottom side in the direction of gravity in each case a outlet opening (5) which is connected, in the coupled state with the dosing apparatus (2), in communication with in each case an inlet opening (21a, 21b, 21c) of the dosing apparatus (2), - the dosing apparatus (2) and the cartridge (1) have means (94, 97, 98) that c They operate in such a way that a releasable engagement can be established between the dosing apparatus (2) and the cartridge (1), wherein the dosing apparatus (2) and the cartridge (1) can pivot, in the embedded state, one with respect to to another around a pivot point (SP), and the outlet opening (5) of the cartridge (1) and the inlet opening (21a, 21b, 21c) of the dosing console (2) are configured in such a way that, once the engagement between the cartridge (1) and the dosing device (2) has been established, are connected in communication, by the pivoting of the cartridge (1) to the coupling state between the dosing console (2) and the cartridge ( 1), characterized in that - the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) and the inlet openings (21a, 21b, 21c) of the metering apparatus (2) are arranged and configured in such a way that they are joined together sequentially by pivoting, in the embedded state, to the coupling state of the apparatus do sifier (2) and cartridge (1), and - the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) and the inlet openings (21a, 21b, 21c) of the metering apparatus ( 2) are arranged one after the other in the pivoting direction, - each chamber (3a, 3b, 3c) comprises a ventilation opening (81) on the bottom side in the direction of the force of gravity for the ventilation of the respective chamber (3a, 3b, 3c), the aeration opening (81) being separated from the dispensing opening (5a, 5b, 5c) and the aeration opening (81) being connected in communication with the chamber (3a, 3b, 3c), where the aeration opening (81) of a chamber (3) is located, in the pivoting direction, when the cartridge (1) is coupled with the dosing apparatus (2), in each case facing an opening of outlet (5) of the chamber (3).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Cartridge dosing system

The invention relates to a dosing system for dispensing a plurality of preparations for use in water-conducting appliances, in particular water-conducting household appliances, such as, for example, automatic dishwashers, washing machines, dryers or surface cleaning systems.

State of the art

Dishwashing agents are available to consumers in a large number of formats. In addition to the traditional liquid agents for manual dishwashing, with the generalization of domestic dishwashers, in particular machine dishwashing agents have gained great importance. These machine dishwashing agents are normally offered to consumers in solid form, for example powder or tablet form, but increasingly also in liquid form. For some time now, the main focus has been on the convenient dosing of washing and cleaning agents and on the simplification of the work steps necessary to carry out a washing or cleaning procedure.

In addition, one of the main goals of machine cleaning agent manufacturers is to improve the cleaning performance of those agents, with the emphasis recently being placed on cleaning performance in low temperature cleaning cycles or in cleaning cycles with a reduced water consumption. To this end, new ingredients are preferably added to the cleaning agents, for example more effective surfactants, polymers, enzymes or bleaches. However, since new ingredients are only available to a limited extent and the amount of ingredients used per cleaning cycle cannot be arbitrarily increased for ecological and economic reasons, this approach has natural limits.

In this context, in particular devices for the multiple dosing of washing and cleaning agents have recently come to the center of attention of product developers. Regarding these devices, it is possible to distinguish between dosing chambers integrated in the dishwasher or textile washing machine, on the one hand, and autonomous devices, independent of the dishwasher or textile washing machine, on the other. By means of these devices, which contain several times the amount of cleaning agent necessary to carry out a cleaning procedure, portions of the cleaning or cleaning agent are dosed into the cleaning machine automatically or semi-automatically over the course of several successive cleaning procedures. For the consumer a manual dosage is not necessary in each cleaning or washing cycle. Examples of such devices are described in the European patent application EP 1759624 A2 (Reckitt Benckiser) or in the German patent application DE 10 2005 062479 A1 (BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgerate GmbH). Furthermore, German patent applications DE 10 2006 043916 A1 and DE 10 2006 043976 A1 each disclose a dosing apparatus with the characteristics of the preamble of the present independent claim 1.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved dosing system. This objective is achieved by a dosing system according to independent claim 1, preferred embodiments being the object of the dependent claims.

The dosing system according to the invention is constituted by the basic construction elements of a cartridge filled with preparation and a dosing device that can be coupled with the cartridge, which is in turn formed by other construction units, such as, for example , construction element support, actuator, closing element, sensor, power source and / or control unit.

It is preferred that the dosing system according to the invention is mobile. Mobile in the sense of this application means that the dosing system is not irremovably connected to a water-conducting device such as, for example, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer or the like, but that, for example, the user can extract it of a dishwasher or place it in a dishwasher, that is, it can be handled independently. According to an alternative configuration it is also conceivable that the dosing device is connected in a non-removable way for the user to a water-conducting device, such as, for example, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer or the like, and that only the cartridge be mobile.

To ensure operation at elevated temperatures, such as those that occur, for example, in individual washing cycles of a dishwasher, the dosing system can be made of materials that exhibit shape stability up to a temperature of 120 ° C.

Since the preparations to be dosed can have a pH value of between 2 and 12 depending on the intended purpose of use, all components of the dosing system that come into contact with the preparations must have a corresponding resistance to acid. and / or alkali. Furthermore, these components have to be, thanks to a suitable choice of materials, chemically inert as much as possible, for example against non-ionic surfactants, enzymes and / or aromatic substances.

Cartridge

By cartridge in the sense of this application is meant a packaging means which is capable of wrapping or containing fluid or dispersible preparations and which can be coupled to a dosing apparatus to dispense the preparation.

According to the invention, the cartridge comprises several chambers that can be filled with compositions different from each other.

It is advantageous if the cartridge has at least one outlet opening which is arranged in such a way that a release of the preparation from the container can be caused by the force of gravity in the position of use of the dosing apparatus. In this way no additional transport means are needed for the release of the preparation from the container, whereby the structure of the dosing apparatus can be kept simple and the manufacturing costs low.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one second chamber is provided to house at least one second fluid or dispersible preparation, wherein the second chamber has at least one outlet opening which is arranged in such a way as to cause a release of product from the second chamber caused by the force of gravity in the position of use of the dosing device. The arrangement of a second chamber is advantageous, in particular, when preparations are supplied in the separate containers from one another, which are not normally stable with each other during storage, such as bleaches and enzymes.

Furthermore it is conceivable that more than two, in particular three to four chambers are provided in or adjacent to a cartridge. In particular, one of the chambers can be configured for dispensing volatile preparations, such as an aromatic substance, into the environment.

In a further configuration of the invention, the cartridge is constructed in one piece. In this way, the cartridges can be inexpensively constructed in one manufacturing step, in particular by appropriate blow-forming processes. The chambers of a cartridge can be separated from each other, in this case, for example, by webs or bridges of material.

The cartridge can also be multi-part formed by components made in an injection molding and then assembled.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the cartridge is multi-part shaped in such a way that at least one chamber, preferably all the chambers, can be removed from the dosing apparatus or inserted into the dosing apparatus individually. In this way, it is possible, in the case of consumption to a different extent of a preparation of a chamber, to replace an already empty chamber, while the others that are still full of preparation remain in the dosing apparatus. Therefore a targeted filling can be achieved according to the needs of the individual chambers or their preparations.

The chambers of a cartridge may be attached to one another by appropriate bonding methods, so that a container unit is formed. The chambers can be fixed to each other in a removable or non-removable manner by means of a suitable connection in form-fit, force-fit or material bonding. In particular, the fixing can take place by one or more of the joint types from the group of snap-fit joints, velcro joints, press-fit joints, fusion joints, adhesive joints, solder joints, weld joints. brazing, threaded joints, wedge joints, clamp joints, or butt joints. In particular, the fixation can also be configured by means of a shrinkable tube (called sleeve), which in a hot state is sheathed over all or over sections of the cartridge and tightly envelops the chambers or the cartridge in the cooled state.

To provide advantageous debris emptying properties from the chambers, the bottom of the chambers may be tilted like a funnel toward the dispensing opening. Furthermore, the inner wall of a chamber can be configured, by an appropriate choice of materials and / or an appropriate configuration of surfaces, such that a reduced adhesion of material of the preparation to the inner wall of the chamber takes place. Also by this measure, the debris emptying capacity of a chamber can be further optimized.

The chambers of a cartridge can have the same or different fill volumes. In a configuration with two chambers, the ratio of the container volumes is preferably 5: 1, in a configuration with three chambers, preferably 4: 1: 1, these configurations being particularly suitable for use in dishwashers.

As mentioned above, the cartridge preferably has 3 chambers. For the use of such a cartridge in a dishwasher it is particularly preferred that the first chamber contains a cleaning preparation alkaline, the second chamber an enzyme preparation and the third chamber a brightener, with the volumetric ratio of the chambers being approx. 4: 1: 1.

In or adjacent to a chamber a dosing chamber may be configured, in the direction of flow of the preparation before the outlet opening. The dosing chamber sets the amount of preparation to be dispensed to the environment when releasing preparation from the chamber. This is particularly advantageous when the closing element of the dosing apparatus, which causes the dispensing of preparation from a chamber to the environment, can only be put into a dispensing and a closing state, without control of the dispensing quantity. The dosing chamber then ensures that without direct feedback of the dispensed quantity of preparation, a predefined quantity of preparation is released. The dosing chambers can be made in one piece or in several pieces.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, one or more chambers have, in addition to an outlet opening, in each case a chamber opening which can be closed in a liquid-tight manner. By means of this chamber opening it is possible, for example, to fill stored preparation into this chamber.

In order to aerate the cartridge chambers, in particular, in the head region of the cartridge, aeration characteristics can be provided, to ensure, as the filling level of the chambers decreases, a pressure compensation between the interior of the chambers. cartridge and environment. These aeration characteristics can be designed, for example, as a valve, in particular a silicone valve, micro-openings in the wall of the cartridge or the like.

If, according to another configuration, the cartridge chambers are not to be aerated directly, but via the dosing apparatus or are not to be aerated, for example in case of using flexible containers, such as bags, this has the advantage that At the elevated temperatures during a dishwasher wash cycle, due to the heating of the chamber contents, a pressure builds up which pushes the preparations to be dispensed in the direction of the outlet openings, so that this way, a good capacity of emptying of remains of the cartridge is achieved. Furthermore, in the case of such a packaging, without air, there is no risk of oxidation of the substances of the preparation, which makes packaging in a bag or also a packaging of the "bag-in-bottle" type seem particularly convenient for preparations sensitive to oxidation.

Preferably, the volumetric ratio formed by the constructional volume of the dosing device and the filling volume of the cartridge is <1, particularly preferably <0.1, particularly preferably <0.05. In this way it is achieved that, in the case of a given total constructional volume of the dosing apparatus and the cartridge, the majority of the constructional volume is occupied by the cartridge and the preparation contained therein.

The cartridge normally has a fill volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, especially preferably <250 ml, very particularly preferably <50 ml.

The cartridge can take any spatial shape. For example, it can be cube-shaped, sphere-shaped, or plate-shaped.

The cartridge and the dosing apparatus can be designed, in particular, in terms of their spatial shape in such a way as to guarantee the smallest possible loss of useful volume, in particular in a dishwasher.

For the use of the dispensing apparatus in a dishwasher, it is particularly advantageous to design the apparatus in a manner similar to the dishes that are cleaned in the dishwasher. Thus, this can be configured, for example, in the form of a plate, for example with the dimensions of a plate. In this way, the dosing apparatus can be placed saving space, for example, in the lower basket of the dishwasher. In addition, the correct positioning of the dosing unit is immediately intuitive to the user thanks to this plate-like configuration. Preferably, the cartridge has a height: width: depth ratio between 5: 5: 1 and 50: 50: 1, particularly preferably about 10: 10: 1. Thanks to the "slim" configuration of the dosing device and the cartridge it is possible, in particular, to place the device in the lower basket of a dishwasher in the spaces provided for the dishes. This has the advantage that the preparations dispensed from the dispensing apparatus can go directly into the wash water and not stick to other wash items.

Typically, commercially available household dishwashers are designed in such a way that the arrangement of larger washing items, such as pans or large dishes, is provided in the lower basket of dishwashers. In order to avoid a non-optimal positioning of the dosing system by the user in the upper basket, in an advantageous configuration of the invention the dosing system is dimensioned in such a way that a positioning of the dosing system is only possible in the spaces provided for it. of the lower basket. To this end, the width and height of the metering system can be selected in particular between 150 mm and 300 mm, particularly preferably between 175 mm and 250 mm.

However, it is also conceivable to configure the cup-shaped dosing unit with a base essentially circular or square.

To provide direct visual control of the fill level, it is advantageous to form the cartridge at least in sections of a transparent material.

In order to protect the heat-sensitive components of a preparation contained in a cartridge from the effects of heat, it is advantageous to make the cartridge of a material with low thermal conductivity.

Another possibility to reduce the influence of heat on a preparation in a cartridge chamber is to insulate the chamber with suitable measures, for example, using thermal insulation materials such as polystyrene, which adequately envelop, totally or partially, the chamber or the cartridge.

Another measure to protect the heat sensitive substances in a cartridge is, in the case of a plurality of chambers, their mutual arrangement.

Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that the chamber containing a heat-sensitive product is partially or completely enclosed by at least one other chamber filled with a product, this product and this chamber in this configuration acting as thermal insulation for the wrapped chamber. . This means that a first chamber containing a heat-sensitive product is partially or completely enclosed by at least one other chamber filled with a product, so that, when the environment is heated, the heat-sensitive product in the first chamber shows an increase temperature slower than the products in the surrounding chambers.

To further improve the thermal insulation, when more than two chambers are used, the chambers can be arranged around each other according to the matryoshka doll principle, so that a multilayer insulation layer is formed.

In particular, it is advantageous if at least one preparation which is supplied in an enclosing chamber has a thermal conductivity of between 0.01 and 5 W / m * K, preferably between 0.02 and 2 W / m * k, particularly preferably between 0.024 and 1 W / m * K.

The cartridge is in particular designed to be stable in shape. However, it is also conceivable to design the cartridge as a flexible packaging medium, such as a tube. Furthermore, it is also possible to use flexible containers as bags, in particular when they are inserted according to the "bag-in-bottle" principle into an essentially shape-stable receiving container. By using flexible packaging means it is not necessary to provide an aeration system for pressure compensation, unlike in the form-stable packaging means described at the beginning (cartridge).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge has an RFID tag, which can include at least information about the contents of the cartridge and which can be read by the sensor unit.

This information can be used to choose a dosing program stored in the control unit. This way you can ensure that an optimal dosing schedule is always used for a particular preparation. It can also be provided that, in the absence of an RFID tag or in the case of an RFID tag with an incorrect or erroneous identifier, no dosing is produced by the dosing device and, instead, an optical or acoustic signal is generated that Report the current error to the user.

To rule out incorrect use of the cartridge, the cartridges can also have structural elements that cooperate with corresponding elements of the dosing device according to the key-lock principle, so that, for example, only cartridges of a certain type can be attached to the dosing device. . Furthermore, by means of this configuration it is possible to transmit to the control unit information about the cartridge coupled to the dosing apparatus, whereby a control of the dosing device adapted to the contents of the corresponding container can take place. The outlet openings of a cartridge are preferably arranged in line, thereby enabling a slim, dish-shaped configuration of the dosing apparatus.

In the case of a pot or glass-shaped configuration of the cartridge or its grouping in the form of a pot or glass, it may also be advantageous, however, to arrange the dispensing openings of the cartridge, for example, in the shape of a circular arc. .

The cartridge is configured to accommodate fluid washing or cleaning agents. In this connection, a cartridge of this type has a plurality of chambers for the spatially separated reception of preparations of a washing or cleaning agent in each case different from one another. As an example, but not conclusively, some combination possibilities of filling the chambers with different preparations are listed below:

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

Preferably, the cartridge is formed by at least two elements joined together by joining materials, wherein the joining edge of the elements at the bottom of the cartridge runs outside the outlet openings, that is, the joining edge it does not intersect the exit openings.

The bonding of materials can be created, for example, by bonding, soldering, brazing, press fitting or vulcanizing.

It is advantageous if the joining edge runs along the head, bottom and side surfaces of the cartridge. In this way, two particular cartridge elements can be created by an injection molding process, where either both elements are cup-shaped or one element is cup-shaped and the second element is cap-like.

For the formation of a cartridge with two or more chambers, at least one of the two cartridge elements can comprise at least one dividing core, which in the assembled state of the elements divides in each case two adjacent chambers of the cartridge.

Alternatively, for the formation of the cartridge by means of two casing-shaped cartridge elements, it is also conceivable that one cartridge element is designed as a bowl-shaped container with at least one chamber and the second element is the bottom or the cartridge head. , which is attached or attached to the bowl-shaped container in a liquid-tight manner along the attachment edge.

Of course, it is also conceivable to combine the aforementioned cartridge configurations with each other in any way. For example, it is possible to form a two-chamber cartridge from a cup-shaped and one cap-like cartridge element and arrange a third chamber of one or more pieces on the head or on the surrounding surface of the cartridge thus formed. .

In particular, such an additional chamber may be arranged to house a preparation in the cartridge and be configured in such a way as to cause a dispensing of volatile substances, such as aromatic substances, from the preparation into the environment of the chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet openings are provided in each case with a closure which, in the state coupled with a dosing apparatus, allows the preparation outlet outside the respective chambers and, in the uncoupled state of the cartridge, essentially prevents preparation from coming out. In particular, the closure is designed as a silicone valve.

The cartridge elements that make up the cartridge are preferably formed from a plastic and can be formed in a common injection molding process, it being advantageous to form a connecting core that acts as a hinge between both elements, so that, After both elements have been formed, they rest on each other by folding and are joined by bonding materials along the joining edge.

In another configuration of the invention, a power source, in particular a cell or battery, is arranged in the cartridge, preferably at the bottom of the cartridge. In addition, means may be provided in the cartridge for electrical coupling of the energy source with the metering apparatus.

In another preferred configuration of the invention, the cartridge is protected, in the state coupled with the dosing apparatus, against the ingress of washing water into the chamber (s).

It is particularly preferred that the cartridge comprises at least two chambers, very particularly preferably at least three chambers. In this case, an aeration opening and a dispensing opening are provided in each case for each chamber.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the aeration opening on the bottom side is connected in communication with a channel of aeration, whose end opposite the aeration opening opens, in the dispensing position of the cartridge coupled with the dosing apparatus, above the maximum fill level of the cartridge.

In this context, it is advantageous for the aeration channel to be wholly or partially formed on or adjacent to the walls and / or webs of the cartridge. In particular, the aeration channel can be integrally formed in or adjacent to the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.

For this, the aeration channel can advantageously be formed by assembling at least two elements that form the cartridge. For example, an aeration channel may be formed by assembling a cartridge divider web formed in the shell-like element with two web crimping webs arranged in the cartridge element.

In this case, it is advantageous for the aeration channel to be formed by joining materials together, in particular by welding, of a dividing core of the cartridge formed in the casing-like element with two webs that set the dividing core, arranged in the cartridge element.

As an alternative to this, the aeration channel can be configured, for example, also as a so-called dip tube.

In order to ensure the aeration of the cartridge also in an oblique position, for example when the dosing apparatus is placed in the dish space, it is advantageous that the fill level (F) of the cartridge in the filled, unopened state of the cartridge does not touch , in the case of an oblique position of up to 45 °, the mouth of the aeration channel (83).

Furthermore, in this case it is advantageous to arrange the outlet of the aeration channel approximately in the center adjacent to or on the wall of the chamber of the cartridge head.

To ensure functionality, for example even after horizontal positioning of the cartridge, it is advantageous if the viscosity of a fluid preparation and the aeration channel are configured in such a way that the preparation is not absorbed into the aeration channel by capillary forces , when the preparation touches the mouth of the aeration channel.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, an aeration chamber is arranged between the ventilation opening and the ventilation channel.

The cartridge may be configured such that it can be removably or fixedly arranged in or adjacent to the dishwasher or the washing machine and / or the dryer.

The outlet openings of the cartridge chambers and the inlet openings of the dosing apparatus are arranged and configured such that they are sequentially joined to each other by pivoting, in the embedded state, to the coupling state of the dosing apparatus and the cartridge.

In this regard, according to the invention the outlet openings of the chambers are arranged one after the other in the pivoting direction.

Very particularly preferably, the outlet openings of the chambers are arranged in a line (L) in the pivoting direction.

Also, it is advantageous if the outlet openings of the chambers have more or less the same mutual distance.

In another advantageous configuration of the invention, the greatest distance of an outlet opening of a chamber with respect to the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge corresponds, more or less, to 0.5 times the distance of the length of the cartridge (L) .

In particular, at least two chambers of the cartridge can have volumes that are different from each other.

Advantageously, the chamber of the cartridge with the largest volume has the greatest distance with respect to the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge (1).

According to the invention, the aeration opening of a chamber is located, in the pivoting direction, when the cartridge is coupled with the dosing apparatus, in each case opposite an outlet opening of the chamber.

Preferably, the ratio of thickness (D) of the cartridge to length (L) of the cartridge amounts to approx. at 1:20. The ratio of the height (H) of the cartridge to the length (L) of the cartridge is preferably approx. 1: 1.2.

Light conductor

The cartridge for coupling with a dosing apparatus for the dispensing of at least one preparation of washing and / or cleaning agent from the cartridge into a household appliance comprises, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a light conductor arranged in or adjacent to the cartridge, to which a light signal from outside the cartridge can be attached. In particular, the light conductor can be wholly or partially shaped on or adjacent to the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to configure the light guide integrally in or adjacent to the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.

Preferably, the light conductor is made of a transparent plastic material. However, it is also possible to form the entire cartridge from a transparent material.

It is preferred that the light conductor is capable of conducting light in the visible range (380-780 nm). It is particularly preferable that the light conductor is capable of conducting light in the near infrared range (780 nm-3,000 nm). It is particularly preferred that the light conductor is capable of conducting light in the mid-infrared range (3.0 jm -50 jm).

The light signal that can be coupled to the light guide is, in particular, a carrier of information, in particular, for example, about the operating state of the metering apparatus and / or the filling level of the cartridge.

In a preferred development of the invention, the light guide is configured in such a way that the light signal that can be coupled to the light guide can also be decoupled from the light guide again.

It may be advantageous in this case that the light guide is configured in such a way that the light signal can be decoupled at a point on the cartridge other than the point where the light signal can be coupled to the cartridge.

Coupling or decoupling of the light signal can take place, in particular, by a prismatically shaped edge of the cartridge.

It is also advantageous that the light signal and the light conductor are configured such that a light signal visible to a user can be generated adjacent to and / or on the cartridge.

Advantageously, the light conductor is totally or partially enveloped, at least in sections, by a material with a lower optical refractive index. In particular, the material with the lower optical refractive index may be a preparation stocked in a chamber of the cartridge.

According to another configuration, the light conductor can be interrupted at at least one point in the cartridge such that the preparation can fill the gap.

Dosing device

The control unit, the sensor unit as well as at least one actuator, which are necessary for operation, are integrated in the dosing device. Preferably, a power source is also arranged in the metering apparatus.

Preferably, the dosing apparatus consists of a housing protected against splashing water, which prevents splashes of water from penetrating into the interior of the dosing apparatus, such as those that may occur, for example, during use in a dishwasher.

Especially advantageously, in particular the power source, the control unit as well as the sensor unit are cast in such a way that the dosing device is essentially hermetic, that is to say that the dosing device can also function when completely surrounded by liquid. As casting materials, it is possible to use, for example, epoxy resin and multi-component acrylate casting compositions, such as methacrylate esters, urethane methacrylates and cyanoacrylates, or two-component materials with polyurethanes, silicones, epoxy resins.

An alternative or a complement to casting molding is the encapsulation of the components in a correspondingly designed moisture-tight housing. Such a design is explained in more detail later.

It is especially preferred that the dosing apparatus comprises at least one first interface cooperating with a corresponding interface configured on or adjacent to a water-conducting apparatus, such as, in particular, a water-conducting household appliance, preferably a dishwasher or a washing machine. such that a transmission of electrical energy is carried out from the apparatus which conducts water to the dosing apparatus.

In one configuration of the invention, the interfaces are configured by plug connectors. In another configuration, the interfaces may be configured in such a way that a wireless transmission of electrical energy is caused.

In this case, it is particularly preferred that the interfaces are inductive emitters or receivers of electromagnetic waves. Thus, in particular the interface of a water-conducting apparatus, such as a dishwasher, may be configured as an iron-core AC-driven emitter coil and the interface of the dosing apparatus may be configured as a receiving coil with an iron core. iron.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, in each case a second interface in the dosing device and in the water-conducting device, such as a dishwasher, is configured for the transmission of electromagnetic signals, which represent in particular information on the operating state, of measurement and / or control of the metering apparatus and / or of the apparatus that conducts water, such as a dishwasher.

In particular, an interface of this type can be configured in such a way that a wireless transmission of electromagnetic signals is caused. Wireless data transmission can take place, for example, by means of radio transmission or IR transmission.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the metering device for dispensing at least one preparation of washing and / or cleaning agent from a cartridge into a household appliance has a light source, by means of which a light signal can be coupled to a cartridge light conductor. In particular, the light source can be an LED. Furthermore, it is possible that the light signal coupled to the light guide of the cartridge and passing through the light guide can be detected by a sensor located in the dosing apparatus.

Very particularly preferably, the inlet openings of the metering device are arranged in line (L) in the pivoting direction.

In particular, the inlet openings of the metering device can also have more or less the same distance from each other.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, means can be configured on the dosing apparatus and / or on the cartridge which, in the coupled state of the dosing apparatus and the cartridge, cause a releasable attachment of the cartridge to the dosing apparatus.

It is also advantageous to form on the dosing apparatus and / or on the cartridge means which, in the embedded state of the cartridge and the dosing apparatus, cause the cartridge to be guided during pivoting into the coupling state of the cartridge and the dosing apparatus.

Construction element support

The dosing device comprises a support for construction elements, in which at least the actuator and the closing element as well as the energy source and / or the control unit and / or the sensor unit and / or the dosing chamber are arranged. .

The construction element support has housings for said construction elements and / or the construction elements are formed in one piece with the construction element support.

The housings for the construction elements on the construction element support can be provided for a force, shape and / or material bonding connection between a corresponding construction element and the corresponding housing.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that for simple disassembly of the components of the component carrier, the dosing chamber, actuator, closing element, power source, control unit and / or sensor unit are arranged in such a way. removable on the support of construction elements.

It is also advantageous if the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are assembled in a structural unit adjacent to or on the component carrier.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are combined in one unit. This can be implemented, for example, by arranging the power source, the control unit and the sensor unit on a common electrical printed circuit board.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the support for construction elements is designed as a tray, manufactured as an injection molding part. It is particularly preferred that the dosing chamber is configured in one piece with the support of components.

Thanks to the component support, it is possible to automatically equip the dosing device in the simplest way possible with the necessary components. The support for constructive elements can therefore be prefabricated as a whole, preferably automatically, and assembled in a metering device.

Once fitted, the support for constructive elements configured in the form of a bucket can be closed in a liquid-tight manner by a element in the form of a lid. The cover-like element can be designed, for example, as a foil, which is connected in a liquid-tight manner, by joining materials with the support for construction elements and form, together with the support for construction elements as a tray , one or more liquid-tight chambers. The cover-like element can also be a console, into which the support for construction elements can be inserted, the support for construction elements and the console cooperating in the assembled state in such a way that, between the support for construction elements and the console a liquid-tight connection is configured.

Furthermore, it is preferred that, in the position of use of the dosing device, the housing for the actuator in the component carrier is arranged in the direction of the force of gravity above the dosing chamber, whereby a construction can be implemented compact of the dosing device. The compact design can be further optimized by being arranged, in the position of use of the metering device, the inlet of the metering chamber in the component carrier above the actuator housing. It is also preferable that the components on the component carrier are arranged essentially in a row relative to one another, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the component carrier.

In a further development of the invention, the housing for the actuator has an opening which is located in line with the outlet of the dosing chamber, so that a closure element can be moved by the actuator from one side to the other through the opening and outlet of the dosing chamber.

Actuator

In the sense of this application, an actuator is a device that converts an input variable into an output variable of another type and with which an object is moved or its movement is generated, where the actuator is coupled with at least one closing element in such a way that the release of the preparation from at least one cartridge chamber can be caused, directly or indirectly.

The actuator can be operated by means of a drive selected from the group of gravity drives, ionic drives, electronic drives, motor drives, hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives, sprocket drives, threaded spindle, ball screw drives, linear drives, roller screw drives, splined screw drives, piezoelectric drives, chain drives and / or retro-propulsion drives.

In particular, the actuator can be formed by an electric motor, coupled with a transmission, which converts the rotary movement of the motor into a linear movement of a carriage coupled to the transmission. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a slim, dish-shaped configuration of the dosing unit.

At least one magnetic element can be arranged in the actuator which causes, together with a magnetic element of equal polarization in a dispenser, a dispensing of product from the container, as soon as the two magnetic elements are mutually positioned in such a way that the elements Magnets of equal polarization repel each other magnetically and a non-contact release mechanism is implemented.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a bistable lifting electromagnet which, together with a closing element engaging the bistable lifting electromagnet, configured as a plunger core, forms a bistable, pulse-controlled valve. The bistable lifting electromagnets are electromagnetic magnets with linear movement direction, locking the plunger core in each end position without power supply.

Lifting electromagnets or bistable valves are known in the state of the art. A double solenoid valve requires a pulse to switch between valve positions (open / closed) and then remains in this position until a counter pulse is sent to the valve. Therefore, we also speak of a pulse-controlled valve. An essential advantage of this type of pulse-controlled valves is that they do not consume energy to stay in the valve end positions, the closed position and the dispensing position, but only need one energy pulse to switch between the valve positions. Therefore, the valve end positions can be considered stable. A double solenoid valve remains in the switching position that last received a control signal.

For each current pulse, the closing element (plunger core) moves to an end position. The current is switched off and the closure element holds the position. For each current pulse, the closing element moves to the other end position. The current is switched off and the closure element holds the position.

A bistable property of lifting electromagnets can be implemented in different ways. On the one hand a division of the coil is known. The coil splits roughly down the center, so that a gap arises. A permanent magnet is inserted into this gap. The plunger core itself is rotated both front and rear so that, in the respective end position, it has a surface that bears flat with respect to the frame of the magnet. The permanent magnet's magnetic field flows through this surface. The diver core adheres here. Alternatively, it is also possible to use two independent coils. The principle is similar to that of the split coil bistable electromagnet. The difference is that it is actually two electrically different coils. These are activated separately from each other, depending on which direction the diver's core must move.

Closing element

A closing element in the sense of this application is a constructive element on which the actuator acts and which, as a consequence of this actuation, causes the opening or closing of an outlet opening.

The closing element can be, for example, valves that can be brought by the actuator to a product dispensing position or to a closed position.

In a particularly preferred manner, the embodiment of the closing element and the actuator is in the form of a magnetic valve, in which the dispenser is formed by the valve and the actuator by the electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuation of the magnetic valve. In particular, in the case of using a plurality of containers and, therefore, of preparations to be dosed, by means of the use of magnetic valves the quantity as well as the moment of the dosing can be regulated very precisely.

Therefore, it is advantageous to control the dispensing of preparations from each outlet opening of a chamber with a magnetic valve, as the magnetic valve directly or indirectly determines the release of preparation from the product dispensing opening.

Sensor

A sensor in the sense of this application is a measurement variable sensor or a probe, which can detect certain physical or chemical properties and / or the material nature of its environment from the qualitative or quantitative point of view as a measurement variable.

The dosing unit preferably has at least one sensor that is capable of detecting a temperature. The temperature sensor is configured, in particular, to detect a water temperature.

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

The metering unit has, in a further development of the invention, a sensor that can determine physical, chemical and / or mechanical parameters of the surroundings of the metering unit. The sensor unit can comprise one or more active and / or passive sensors for the qualitative and / or quantitative detection of mechanical, electrical, physical and / or chemical variables, which are conducted as control signals to the control unit.

In particular, the sensors of the sensor unit can be selected from the group of timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, expansion sensors, sensors speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, acoustic pressure sensors , the "lab-on-achip" sensors, the force sensors, the acceleration sensors, the tilt sensors, the pH value sensors, the humidity sensors, the magnetic field sensors, the RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, aroma sensors, sulfuric acid sensors and / or MEMS sensors.

In particular in preparations whose viscosity varies greatly as a function of temperature, to control the volume or mass of the dosed preparations, flow sensors must advantageously be provided in the dosing device. Appropriate flow sensors can be selected from the group of diaphragm flow sensors, magnetoinductive flow sensors, mass flow sensors according to the Coriolis procedure, the vortex counter flow measurement procedure, the ultrasonic flow, suspended particle flow measurement, annular piston flow measurement, thermal mass flow measurement or differential pressure flow measurement.

It is also conceivable that a viscosity versus temperature curve is stored in the control unit for at least one preparation, where the dosage is adapted correspondingly to the temperature and thus to the viscosity of the preparation using the control unit.

In another embodiment of the invention, a device is provided for the direct determination of the viscosity of the preparation.

The previously explained alternatives for determining the dosage amount or the viscosity of a preparation serve to generate a control signal that is processed by the control unit for the control of a dispenser in such a way that essentially a constant dosage is caused of a preparation.

The data line between the sensor and the control unit can be implemented through an electrically conductive cable or without wires.

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

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit is arranged at the bottom of the dosing apparatus, being oriented, in the position of use of the bottom of the dosing apparatus, downward in the direction of the force of gravity. In this case it is particularly preferred that the sensor unit comprises a temperature and / or conductivity sensor. By means of such a configuration it is ensured that water reaches the underside of the metering apparatus by means of the spray arms of the dishwasher and therefore comes into contact with the sensor. Since, due to the arrangement of the sensor on the bottom side, the distance between the spray arms and the sensor is as small as possible, the water between the outlet through the spray arms and the contact with the sensor only experiences a reduced cooling, so that a temperature measurement can be made as accurate as possible.

Control unit

A control unit in the sense of this application is a device that is capable of influencing the transport of material, energy and / or information. In this sense, the control unit influences the actuators with the aid of information, in particular measurement signals from the sensor unit, which it processes in the direction of the control objective.

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

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

In an alternative configuration of the invention, the control unit is coupled with the control present in the household appliance. Preferably, this coupling is carried out without cables. For example, it is possible to place an emitter adjacent to or in a dishwasher, preferably on or adjacent to the recessed dosing chamber in the dishwasher door, which wirelessly transmits a signal to the dosing unit, when the control of the household appliance causes the dosing of, for example, a cleaning agent from the dosing chamber or rinse aid.

Various programs can be stored in the control unit for the release of different preparations or for the release of products in different application cases.

Access to the corresponding program can be caused, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, by means of corresponding RFID tags or geometric information carriers formed on the container. Thus, it is possible, for example, to use the same control unit for a plurality of applications, for example for the dispensing of cleaning agents in dishwashers, for the dispensing of perfumes in the scent of spaces, for the application of cleaning substances in a toilet, etc.

For the dosing of preparations which tend to gel in particular, the control unit can be configured in such a way, on the one hand, the dosing takes place in a sufficiently short time to guarantee a good cleaning result and, on the other hand, the do not dispense so quickly that gels appear from the preparation jet. This can be implemented, for example, by an interval release, whereby the individual dosage intervals are adjusted in such a way that the correspondingly dosed amounts are completely dissolved during a cleaning cycle.

The dispensing of preparations from the dosing apparatus can take place sequentially or simultaneously.

Power source

In the sense of this application, energy source is understood to be a constructive element of the dosing system that is suitable for providing appropriate energy for the operation of the dosing system or the dosing apparatus. Preferably, the power source is designed in such a way that the dosing system is autonomous.

Preferably, the power source makes electrical power available. The power source can be, for example, a cell, a battery, a mains powered device, solar cells or the like.

It is particularly advantageous to produce the power source interchangeably, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.

A battery can be selected, for example, from the group of alkaline manganese batteries, zinc-carbon batteries, nickel oxyhydroxide batteries, lithium batteries, lithium iron sulfide batteries, zinc batteries. air, zinc chloride batteries, zinc mercury oxide batteries and / or zinc silver oxide batteries.

Suitable batteries are, for example, lead (lead / lead dioxide) batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, alkaline batteries. manganese, silver-zinc batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, zinc-bromine batteries, sodium-nickel chloride batteries, and / or nickel-iron batteries.

The battery may be designed, in particular, in such a way that it can be recharged by induction.

However, it is also conceivable to configure mechanical energy sources composed of one or more helical springs, torsion springs or torsion bar springs, bending springs, air / gas pressure springs and / or elastomeric springs.

The power source is dimensioned in such a way that the dosing device can carry out approx. 300 dosing cycles before energy source is depleted. It is especially preferred that the energy source can carry out between 1 and 300 dosing cycles, very particularly preferably between 10 and 300, more preferably between 100 and 300, before the energy source is exhausted.

Furthermore, on or adjacent to the metering unit, means for energy conversion may be provided, which generate a voltage by which the battery is charged. For example, these means can be configured as a dynamo, which is activated by the water flows during a washing cycle in a dishwasher and thus delivers the generated voltage to the battery.

Oscillating Atomizer

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the dosing system has at least one oscillating atomizer, through which it is possible to transform a preparation into the gas phase or to keep it in the gas phase. Thus it is conceivable, for example, to vaporize, nebulize and / or atomize preparations by means of the atomizer, whereby the preparation passes into the gas phase or forms an aerosol in the gas phase, the gas phase being normally air.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous in the application in a dishwasher or a washing machine, where a corresponding release of preparation to the gas phase takes place in a closable washing space. The preparation brought into the gas phase can be evenly distributed in the wash space and precipitate on the laundry items in the dishwasher.

The preparation released by the oscillating spray can be selected from the group of surfactant-containing preparations, enzyme-containing preparations, odor neutralizing preparations, biocidal preparations, and antibacterial preparations.

By applying the cleaning preparations to the washing articles from the gas phase, an even layer of the corresponding cleaning preparation is applied on the surface of the washing articles. It is especially preferred that the entire surface of the laundry articles is wet from the cleaning preparation.

In this way, various advantageous effects can be achieved before the start of a water release program in the dishwasher. On the one hand, by means of a suitable cleaning preparation, you can eliminate the appearance of bad odors due to biological decomposition processes of food remains adhered to the laundry items. On the other hand, a corresponding cleaning preparation can cause a "softening" of the food residues possibly adhering to the laundry items, so that they can be easily and completely detached. in the dishwasher cleaning program, particularly in the case of low temperature programs.

In addition, once a dishwasher cleaning program has finished, it is possible to apply a preparation by means of the oscillating atomizer on the washing articles. This may be, for example, a preparation with antibacterial effect or a preparation for modifying surfaces.

Application examples

In principle, the dosing system of the type described at the beginning is suitable for use in or in association with devices that conduct water of any type.

The dosing system according to the invention is suitable, in particular, for use in water-conducting household appliances, such as dishwashers and / or washing machines, although it is not limited to this use.

In general, it is possible to apply the dosing system according to the invention in any place where a dosage of at least one, preferably several preparations in a liquid medium is necessary according to an external physical or chemical parameter that triggers or controls a dosing program.

Thus, it is also conceivable, for example, to apply the dosing system in household robots, such as automatic floor cleaning robots, for dosing cleaning substances into a toilet or toilet cistern, in water-conducting cleaning devices, such as high-pressure cleaners, in vehicle windshield wipers, in irrigation systems, steam ironing devices, taps and the like.

List of illustrations

Figure 1 Self-contained dosing device with two-chamber cartridge in separate and assembled state Figure 2 Self-contained dosing device with two-chamber cartridge arranged in a drawer of a dishwasher Figure 3 Two-chamber cartridge in separate state from a stand-alone and internal dosing device integrated into the machine

Figure 4 Two-chamber cartridge in assembled state with an internal metering device integrated into the machine

Figure 5 Two-chamber cartridge in separate state with respect to an autonomous and an external dosing device integrated into the machine

Figure 6 Two-chamber cartridge in assembled state with an external dosing device integrated into the machine

Figure 7 Two-chamber cartridge in a separate and assembled state compared to a self-contained dosing device, which can be integrated into the machine

Figure 8 Two-chamber cartridge in assembled state compared to a self-contained dosing device that can be integrated into the machine

Figure 9 Self-contained dosing device with refillable two-chamber cartridge and refilling unit Figure 10 Cartridge made up of one cup-shaped cartridge element and one cap-shaped cartridge Figure 11 Cartridge made up of two cup-shaped cartridge elements

Figure 12 Cartridge consisting of a bowl-shaped bottomless container and a cartridge bottom

Figure 13 Cartridge made up of a bowl-shaped container, open at the top with a cartridge cover Figure 14 Cartridge made up of two chamber elements

Figure 15 Cartridge with refillable bag

Figure 16 Cartridge with chamber for the dispensing of volatile substances

Figure 17 Cartridge with three cameras in front view

Figure 18 Cartridge with three chambers in plan view

Figure 19 Two-piece cartridge with one cup-shaped and one plate-like cartridge element in exploded representation

Figure 20 Two-part cartridge with bowl-like container and cartridge bottom in exploded view

Figure 21 Three-chamber cartridge with dosing apparatus in a separate state in a perspective view Figure 22 Three-chamber cartridge with aeration openings in a perspective view

Figure 23 Interior perspective view towards a three-chamber cartridge with the front wall removed Figure 24 Longitudinal section view towards a three-chamber cartridge

Figure 25 Longitudinal section view of a three-chamber cartridge coupled with the dosing apparatus Figure 26 Formation of the aeration channel in a dividing core of the cartridge in a basic scheme

Figure 27 Cartridge and dosing apparatus in uncoupled state in cross-sectional view Figure 28 Cartridge and dosing apparatus in pivoting, embedded state, in cross-sectional view

List of references

1 Cartridge

2 Dosing device

camera

cartridge bottom

outlet opening

half-shell element half-shell element joint edge

dividing soul

cartridge head

cartridge side surface cartridge side surface

cartridge front wall

cartridge back wall

Power source

Control unit

sensor unit

actuator

closing element

dosing chamber

dosing chamber inlet dosing chamber outlet mounting of components rubber sleeve

offset washer

pre-dosing chamber outlet chamber

accommodation

accommodation

tubing

chamber wall

channel

channel

opening

seal

seal

display and control elements for dishwasher

dishwasher door

preparation

crockery drawer

adapter

lowering

retention elements

camera

opening

Interface

Interface

opening

adapter

refill cartridge

camera

dosing chamber

console

hinge

hook

permanent magnet

coil

coil

retention point

61 retention point

62 background

63 channel

64 bag

65 aperture

66 material bridge

67 high pressure cleaner

68 robot cleaner

69 tap

70 vehicle

71 water tank

72 bomb

73 nozzle

74 steam iron

75 irrigation system

76 sensor

77 adapter

78 water intake

79 water evacuation

80 gasket

81 ventilation opening

82 aeration channel

83 mouth of the aeration channel

84 soul

85 soul

86 aeration chamber

F fill level

Hmax maximum fill level height

Figure 1 shows a self-contained dosing apparatus 2 with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in a separate and assembled state.

The dosing device 2 has two dosing chamber inlets 21a, 21b for repeated reception of the corresponding outlet openings 5a, 5b of the chambers 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1. On the front side there are display and control elements 37 , which indicate the operating state of the dosing apparatus 2 or act on it.

The dosing chamber inlets 21a, 21b also have means which, when the cartridge 1 is plugged onto the dosing device 2, cause the outlet openings 5a, 5b of the chambers 3a, 3b to open, so that the interior of the the chambers 3a, 3b are connected in communication with the metering chamber inputs 21a, 21b.

The cartridge 1 can consist of one or more chambers 3a, 3b. The cartridge 1 can be configured in one piece with several chambers 3a, 3b or in several pieces, the individual chambers 3a, 3b then being assembled to form a cartridge 1, in particular by means of joining methods in by joining materials, in drag of form or drag force.

In particular, the fixing can take place by one or more of the joint types from the group of snap-fit joints, snap-fit joints, fusion joints, adhesive joints, solder joints, braze joints, joints threaded joints, wedge joints, clamp joints or butt joints. In particular, the attachment can also be configured by means of a shrinkable tube (so-called sleeve), which in a hot state is sheathed at least in sections on the cartridge and tightly wraps the cartridge in the cooled state.

To provide advantageous debris emptying characteristics of the cartridge 1, the bottom of the cartridge 1 may be inclined in a funnel shape towards the dispensing opening 5a, 5b. Furthermore, the inner wall of the cartridge 1 can be configured, by an appropriate choice of materials and / or an appropriate configuration of surfaces, such that a reduced adhesion of material of the product to the wall of the cartridge takes place. This measure can also further optimize the debris emptying capacity of cartridge 1.

The chambers 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1 can have filling volumes equal to or different from each other. In a configuration with two chambers 3a, 3b, the ratio of the chamber volumes is preferably 5: 1, in a configuration with three chambers, preferably 4: 1: 1, these configurations being particularly suitable for use in dishwashers.

A joining method can also consist of the chambers 3a, 3b being inserted into one of the corresponding dosing chamber inlets 21 a, 21 b of the dosing apparatus 2 and thus being fixed to each other.

The connection between the chambers 3a, 3b can be designed, in particular, in a removable manner, to allow independent replacement of a chamber.

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

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

The outlet openings 5a, 5b are designed in such a way that, together with the corresponding dosing chamber inlets 21a, 21b, they form a form-engaging and / or force-entraining connection, in particular liquid-tight.

It is particularly advantageous that each of the outlet openings 5a, 5b is configured in such a way that it only fits over one of the dosing chamber inlets 21 a, 21 b, thereby preventing a chamber from being mistakenly inserted into a wrong dosing chamber inlet.

The cartridge 1 normally has a fill volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, especially preferably <250 ml, very particularly preferably <50 ml.

The dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 can be adapted, in the assembled state, in particular to the geometries of the apparatuses adjacent to or in which they are used, in order to guarantee the lowest possible loss of useful volume. In order to use the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 in dishwashers it is particularly advantageous to shape the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 in a similar way to a tableware to be cleaned in the dishwasher. Thus, the dosing unit 2 and the cartridge 1 can be configured, for example, in the form of a plate, more or less with the dimensions of a plate. In this way, the dosing unit can be positioned saving space in the lower basket.

To provide direct visual control of the fill level, it is advantageous to form the cartridge 1 at least in sections of a transparent material.

In order to protect the heat-sensitive components of a product contained in a cartridge from the effects of heat, it is advantageous to manufacture the cartridge 1 of a material with low thermal conductivity.

The outlet openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1 are preferably arranged in line or aligned, whereby a thin, plate-like configuration of the metering dispenser is possible.

Figure 2 shows a self-contained dosing apparatus with a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the dish drawer 11 with the dishwasher door 39 open in a dishwasher 38.

Figure 3 shows a two-chamber cartridge 1 in the separated state from a self-contained dosing apparatus 2 and an internal dosing apparatus, integrated in the machine. In this case, the cartridge 1 is configured in such a way that it can be coupled both with the autonomous dosing device 2 and with the dosing device integrated in the machine (not shown), which is indicated by the arrow shown in figure 3.

On the side of the dishwasher door 39 facing the inside of the dishwasher 38, a recess 43 is formed, into which the cartridge 1 can be inserted, the outlet openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1 being connected by the insertion in communication with the adapter pieces 42a, 42b. The adapter pieces 42a, 42b are in turn coupled with the metering apparatus integrated into the machine.

To fix the cartridge 1 in the recess 43, retention elements 44a, 44b can be provided in the recess 43, which guarantee a force-dragging and / or a shape-drag fixation of the cartridge in the recess 43. Obviously, it is also It is conceivable that corresponding retaining elements are provided on the cartridge 1. The retaining elements 44a, 44b may be selected from the group of the quick-fit connections, the snap-in connections, the quick-fit connections, the clamp connections or the plug-in connections.

During operation of the dishwasher 38, preparation 40a, 40b is added from the cartridge 1 via the adapter elements 42a, 42b to the corresponding dispensing cycle by means of the metering apparatus integrated in the machine. washed.

Figure 4 shows the cartridge 1 known from Figure 3 in the mounted state in the door 39 of a dishwasher 38.

Another embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the cartridge 1 known from Figure 3 with a chamber 45 arranged in the head of the cartridge 1, which has a plurality of openings 46 on its envelope surface. Preferably, the chamber 45 is filled with an enhancement preparation of the air, which is dispensed through the openings 46 to the environment. The air improvement preparation may comprise, in particular, at least one aromatic substance and / or one substance that removes odors.

Unlike the arrangement of the cartridge 1 inside a dishwasher 38, known from Figures 3 and 4, it is also possible to provide a recess 43 with adapter elements 42a, 42b for its coupling to the cartridge 1 on an upper surface of a dishwasher 38. This is shown by way of example in Figures 5 and 6.

Of course, the cartridge 1 illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 with a chamber 45 containing an air-enhancing substance can also be arranged in a correspondingly configured housing inside a dishwasher 38.

Another configuration is shown in Figure 7. The dosing apparatus 2 can in this case be coupled with the cartridge 1, which is correspondingly indicated in the drawing by the first arrow on the left. Next, the cartridge 1 and the dosing apparatus 2, as a constructive unit, are coupled through the interface 47, 48 to the dishwasher, which is indicated by the arrow on the right. The dosing device 2 has an interface 47, through which data and / or energy are transmitted to and / or from the dosing device 2. In the door 39 of the dishwasher 38 a recess 43 is provided to house the dosing device 2. In The recess 43 is provided with a second interface 48, which transmits data and / or energy to and / or from the dosing apparatus 2.

Preferably, data and / or power is exchanged wirelessly between the first interface 47 in the dispensing apparatus 2 and the second interface 48 in the dishwasher 38. It is especially preferred that power is transmitted from the interface 48 of the dishwasher 38 wirelessly through the interface 47 to the dosing apparatus 2. This can occur, for example, inductively and / or capacitively.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to configure the interface for data transmission wirelessly as well. This can take place through the methods known in the state of the art for wireless data transmission, such as by means of radio transmission or IR transmission.

Alternatively, the interfaces 47, 48 can also be configured by integrated plug connections. Advantageously, the plug connections are configured in such a way that they are protected against the penetration of water or moisture.

Figure 9 shows a cartridge 1 whose chambers 3a, 3b can be filled through openings 49a, 49b on the head side, for example by means of a refill cartridge 51. The openings 49a, 49b of cartridge 1 can be configured, for example, as silicone valves, which open when the adapter 50a, 50b passes through and close again when the adapter 50a, 50b is removed, so that preparation is prevented from inadvertently leaking out of the cartridge.

The adapters 50a, 50b are configured in such a way that they can pass through the openings 49a, 49b of the cartridge 1. Advantageously, the openings 49a, 49b of the cartridge 1 as well as the adapter 50a, 50b are configured, in terms of their position and size, such that the adapter can only engage in a predefined position in the openings 49a, 49b. In this way, in particular, incorrect filling of the cartridge chambers 3a, 3b can be avoided and it is ensured that in each case the same or a compatible preparation reaches the corresponding chamber 3a from a chamber 52a, 52b of the refill cartridge 51. , 3b of cartridge 1.

Other examples of embodiments of the cartridge known from the above illustrations are shown in Figures 10 to 16.

In a first embodiment, which is reproduced in Figure 10, the cartridge 1 is made up of a first element in the form of a bowl 6 and a second element in the form of a plate or cover 7, with Figure 10 showing both elements 6, 7 in the unassembled state. The second plate-like or lid-like element 7 is dimensioned in such a way that, in the assembled state of the cartridge 1, it completely covers the first bowl-shaped element 6 along the joining edge 8.

The first bowl-shaped element 6 is formed by the cartridge head 10, the cartridge side surfaces 11 and 12 as well as the cartridge bottom 4. The two chambers 3a, 3b of the cartridge 1 are defined by the dividing core 9. the cartridge bottom 4 is provided for each of the chambers 3a, 3b, in each case an outlet opening 5a, 5b. The cartridge 1 is formed by joining the first bucket-shaped element 6 with the second by joining materials element as a plate or cover 7.

Another possibility of cartridge configuration is shown in Figure 11, in which two cartridge elements 6, 7 can also be seen in the not yet assembled state. The two cartridge elements 6, 7 are configured, in this respect, in mirror symmetry, so that, in the assembled state, the connecting edges 8 of both elements 6, 7 fully abut one another. The outlet openings 5a and 5b are configured, in this respect, only in the bottom 4 of the first cartridge element 6, so that the connecting edge 8 of the elements 6, 7 in the cartridge bottom 4 runs outside the outlet openings 5a, 5b and the joint edge 8 therefore do not intersect the outlet openings 5a, 5b. In this way a more secure sealing of the outlet openings 5a, 5b can be ensured, since material deformations in the region of the outlet openings 5a, 5b, in particular due to thermal loads, are formed more uniformly and are not it produces, due to a butt or joint edge 8, an irregular deformation which can subsequently lead to undesired sealing problems.

Figure 12 shows a variation of the cartridge known from Figures 10 and 11. In this embodiment, the first cartridge element 6 is configured as a one-piece, bowl-shaped, bottomless plastic container. The cartridge 1 is formed by joining the bottom 4 with the container 6 along the joint edge 8, which is indicated by the arrow in the figure. The bottom 4 has a first opening 5a and a second opening 5b, which, in the assembled state of the cartridge 1, allow preparation to come out of the respective chambers 3a, 3b.

As an alternative to this, it is also conceivable that a cartridge element 6 is configured as a bowl-like container, open at the top, with the chambers 3a, 3b and that the second element is configured as a cartridge lid 10, which is connected to the bowl-like container, open at the top, in a liquid-tight manner along the joint edge 8, as can be seen from figure 13.

Figure 14 shows the fact that the cartridge 1 can also be formed by two chambers 3a, 3b formed separately from one another. Both chambers 3a, 3b are joined together, in this configuration variant, in a removable or non-removable manner, by joining materials, in form and / or force drag, and thus form the cartridge 1.

Figure 15 shows the cartridge 1 known from Figure 13 as a housing container for a bag 64 filled with preparation 40, so that when inserting the bag into the cartridge chambers, which is indicated by the arrows on the In illustration, a so-called "bag-in-bottle" type container is formed. The openings 65a, 65b of the bags 64a, 64b are shaped such that they can be inserted into the openings 5a, 5b of the cartridge 1. Preferably, the openings 65a, 65b are shaped as shape-stable plastic cylinders. On the one hand, it is conceivable that in each case a bag 64a, 64b is placed in a corresponding chamber of the cartridge 1, although it is also possible, however, to configure a multi-chamber bag connected via a core 66, which is inserted as a whole in the cartridge.

Figure 16 shows a refinement of the cartridges known from Figures 10 to 14, in which an additional chamber 45 is arranged in the cartridge to accommodate a preparation and which is configured in such a way as to cause a dispensing of volatile substances from preparation to chamber environment 45.

In chamber 45 there may be, for example, volatile aromatics or air enhancement substances, which are dispensed through openings 46 of chamber 45 to the environment.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the openings 5a, 5b are closed by means of silicone valves, which have an x-shaped groove.

Figure 17 shows another possible embodiment of the cartridge 1 with three chambers 3a, 3b, 3c. The first chamber 3a and the second chamber 3b have a more or less equal fill volume. The third chamber 3c has a fill volume that is approximately 5 times that of one of the chambers 3a or 3b. The cartridge bottom 4 has, in the region of the third chamber 3c, a ramp-like step. By means of this asymmetric design of the cartridge 1 it can be ensured that the cartridge 1 can be coupled, in a position intended for this, with the dosing device 2 and insertion in an incorrect position is prevented by a corresponding configuration of the dosing device 2 or the console 54 .

In the plan view of the cartridge, illustrated in Figure 18, the dividing webs 9a and 9b can be seen, separating the chambers of the cartridge 1. The cartridge known from Figures 17 and 18 can be formed in different ways. In a first variant, which can be seen from FIG. 19, the cartridge 1 is formed by a first cartridge element in the form of a bowl 7 and a second cartridge element in the form of a lid or a plate 6. In the cartridge element a Trough mode 7 the dividing webs 9a and 9b are formed by means of which the three chambers of the cartridge 1 are formed. At the bottom 4 of the trough-shaped cartridge element 7 they are arranged, in each case below the chambers of the cartridge 1, the outlet openings 5a, 5b, 5c.

As can be seen further from FIG. 19, the bottom 4 of the cartridge has, in the region of the third chamber 3c, a ramp-like step, which at the bottom of the chamber forms a slope in the direction of the third outlet opening 5c. In this way it is ensured that the preparation in this chamber 3c is always guided in the direction of the outlet opening 5c and thus a good debris removal capacity of the chamber 3c is achieved.

In the assembled state of the cartridge 1, the cup-shaped cartridge member 7 and the cap-like cartridge member 6 are joined together by material bonding along the common bonding edge 8. This can be implemented, for example, by welding or bonding. Obviously, in the assembled state of the cartridge 1, also the webs 9a, 9b are connected by material bonding to the cartridge element 6.

In this case, the connecting edge 8 does not pass through the outlet openings 5a-c, whereby sealing problems are avoided, in particular in the state coupled with the dosing apparatus, in the region of the openings 5a-c.

Figure 20 shows another variant for the cartridge configuration. In this case, the first cartridge element 6 is shaped like a bowl and has an open bottom. The separately shaped bottom 4 can be inserted as a second cartridge element 7 into the opening on the bottom side of the bowl-like cartridge element 6 and joined by material bonding along the common bonding edge 8. In this variant it is advantageous that the bowl-like element 6 can be produced economically by means of a plastic blowing process.

Figure 21 shows another embodiment of the cartridge 1 and the dosing apparatus 2 in the state not coupled with each other. The cartridge 1 of Figure 21 is explained in more detail with the aid of Figure 22.

Figure 22 shows the cartridge 1 known from 21 in a perspective view. In the cartridge bottom 4, outlet openings 5 and aeration openings 81 are arranged alternately with respect to each other. For each of the chambers in the cartridge 1 an outlet opening 5 and an outlet opening are provided in each case. aeration 81.

The region of the cartridge bottom 4, in which the outlet and aeration openings are arranged, is surrounded by a surrounding collar 99. This collar 99 causes, on the one hand, a structural reinforcement of the cartridge 1 in the bottom region, which prevents, in particular, when inserting the cartridge 1 - when corresponding compression forces act on the bottom region 4 for the coupling of the cartridge 1 with the dosing device 2 - a deformation in the bottom region 4, so that a controlled and safe insertion of the cartridge 1 into the dosing device 2 is possible.

Furthermore, the collar 99 offers protection against unwanted mechanical actuation on the closures of the outlet and aeration ports. As can be seen in figure 22, the outlet and aeration openings 5, 81 are retracted with respect to the collar 99, so that the openings 5, 81 are protected, for example, against the direct action of larger objects than openings.

As can also be seen in FIG. 22, the outlet and aeration openings 5, 81 each have a collar 100. Also this collar 100 which engages the aeration outlet openings 5, 81 serves for the structural reinforcement of the outlet and aeration openings 5, 81 in the bottom region 4 of the cartridge 1. In addition, the collar 100 can serve as an attachment for closing means of the outlet and aeration openings 5, 81, for example closure plugs or end caps.

The collar 100 of one of the outlet and vent openings 5, 81 is retracted with respect to the collar 99, so that the collar 100 does not protrude beyond the edge of the collar 99.

From FIG. 22 it can be deduced that the cartridge 1 is configured asymmetrically with respect to its Z-Z axis. Thanks to this asymmetry, the cartridge 1 can only be coupled in a defined way with the dosing apparatus 2 - in particular with the inlet openings 21 of the dosing apparatus 2-. In this way, a mechanical key-and-lock principle is established between the cartridge 1 and the dosing apparatus 2, which prevents mishandling during the coupling of the cartridge 1 with the dosing apparatus 2.

The asymmetry of the cartridge 1 is achieved, among other things, because the bottom 4 has two planes, the first plane being formed by the collar 99 that encloses the outlet and aeration openings 5, 81 and the second plane being in a section bottom that is displaced through a ramp 104 towards the cartridge head 10, which can be seen well, for example, in figure 22.

Starting from the ramp 104, another collar 105, which has an opening 106, extends from the bottom section of the second plane. The opening 106, together with the hook 56 formed on the hinge 55, forms a releasable snap connection to ensure the coupling state of cartridge 1 with dosing device 2.

In FIG. 22, a surrounding edge 101 can also be seen in the bottom region of the bottom side of the cartridge 1. From this edge 101 a surrounding wall section 102 of the cartridge 1 extends in the direction of the bottom, which is retracted. towards the interior of the cartridge 1, so that between the edge 101 and the wall section 102 a shoulder is formed which runs into the interior of the cartridge.

The dosing apparatus 2 is configured such that the surrounding wall section 102 can be inserted into the collar 103 of the dosing apparatus 2, wherein, in the mating position of the cartridge 1 and the dosing apparatus 2, the edge 101 of the cartridge is rests on the collar 103 of the dosing device, so that the space surrounded by the collar 103 of the dosing device 2 is protected at least against the penetration of water splashes. The collar 103 of the metering device 2 and the edge 101 of the cartridge can also be configured, in particular, in such a way that, in the coupling state of the cartridge 1 and the metering device 2, a penetration of water into the space of the cartridge is prevented. Dosing apparatus surrounded by collar 103 by means of an essentially tight bearing of the edge 101 on the collar 103.

Furthermore, the inwardly displaced wall section 102 of the cartridge causes, in association with the collar 103 on the side of the dosing apparatus, a guiding of the cartridge 1 during insertion into the dosing apparatus 2.

The cartridge 1 is made up of two elements, which are welded to one another in a positive way by the surrounding connecting edge 8. Figure 23 shows the cartridge 1 known from Figure 22 with a cap-like element, removed along the joining edge 8, so that a view into the interior of the cartridge 1 can be deduced from Figure 23.

It can be seen that the cartridge 1 is divided by the two dividing webs 9a, 9b into three chambers, each of the chambers presenting on the bottom side, in the direction of gravity, an outlet opening 5.

At the bottom side end of the dividing webs 9 are arranged aeration chambers 86, which crimp the aeration openings 81 on the inside of the cartridge. The aeration chambers 86 serve, on the one hand, for the structural reinforcement of the cartridge bottom 4 in the region of the aeration openings 81, so that a deformation is avoided during the coupling of the cartridge 1 with the dosing apparatus 2, and on the other hand for the connection between the aeration openings 81 and the inlet channels aeration 82. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 23-25, the aeration chambers 86 are configured in the manner of a parallelepiped. The aeration chambers 86 are connected in communication with the aeration channel 82 (not seen in Figures 22-25).

Figure 25 shows the cartridge 1 and the dosing apparatus in the coupled state in a cross-sectional view. It can be seen that the inlets 21 configured like a spike, in the coupled state of the dosing apparatus 2 and the cartridge 1, project towards the interior of the cartridge chambers 3 or the aeration chambers 86, forming the inlets 21 as spike of the dosing device 2 together with the outlet openings 5 of the cartridge a liquid-tight connection, so that only preparation can reach from the chambers 3 into the dosing device 2 through the interior of the inlets 21 shaped as spike.

In figure 26 the formation of an aeration channel by joining two cartridge elements 6, 7 is schematically represented. In the upper part of figure 26 the two cartridge elements 6, 7 are illustrated in the state separated from each other. The cartridge element 7 is shaped like a plate, with two webs 84, 85 extending perpendicularly from the cartridge element 7 at a distance from each other. The webs 84, 85 are configured in such a way that they can embrace a web 9 formed in the cartridge element 6, which can be seen in the lower part of FIG. 26. In this regard, the adjustment is chosen such that the The inner sides of the webs 84, 85 lightly touch the web 9. The two webs 84, 85 as well as the web 9 form, in the assembled state of the cartridge elements 6, 7, the aeration channel 81. It is particularly advantageous to connect the ends of the webs 84, 85 with the web 9 by joining materials, in particular by welding.

Claims (13)

A dosing system comprising a dosing apparatus for dispensing at least one fluid washing and / or cleaning agent preparation (40) into a household appliance, further comprising, ■ a cartridge (1) that can be coupled with the dosing apparatus (2), wherein the cartridge (1) supplies at least one fluid preparation of washing and / or cleaning agent (40), wherein the cartridge comprises several chambers ( 3a, 3b, 3c) which can be filled with different compositions for the supply of fluid washing and / or cleaning agent preparations, ■ and each chamber (3a, 3b, 3c) of the cartridge (1) has on the bottom side in the direction of gravity in each case an outlet opening (5) which is connected, in the state coupled with the dosing apparatus (2), in communication with in each case an inlet opening (21a, 21b, 21c) of the dosing apparatus (2), ■ the dosing apparatus (2) and the cartridge (1) have means (94, 97, 98) that cooperate in such a way that a releasable engagement can be established between the dosing apparatus (2) and the cartridge (1), wherein the dosing apparatus (2)) and the cartridge (1) can pivot, in the embedded state, with respect to each other around a pivot point (SP), and the outlet opening (5) of the cartridge (1) and the Inlet opening (21a, 21b, 21c) of the dosing console (2) are configured in such a way that, once the engagement between the cartridge (1) and the dosing device (2) has been established, they are connected in communication, by the pivoting of the cartridge (1) to the coupling state between the dosing console (2) and the cartridge (1), characterized by what ■ the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) and the inlet openings (21a, 21b, 21c) of the dosing apparatus (2) are arranged and configured in such a way that they join each other sequentially by pivoting, in the embedded state, to the coupling state of the dosing apparatus (2) and the cartridge (1), and ■ the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) and the inlet openings (21a, 21b, 21c) of the dosing apparatus (2) are arranged one after the other in the pivoting direction , ■ Each chamber (3a, 3b, 3c) comprises an aeration opening (81) on the bottom side in the direction of the force of gravity for aeration of the respective chamber (3a, 3b, 3c), the opening being aeration (81) separated from the dispensing opening (5a, 5b, 5c) and the aeration opening (81) being connected in communication with the chamber (3a, 3b, 3c), wherein the aeration opening (81) of A chamber (3) is situated, in the pivoting direction, when the cartridge (1) is coupled with the dosing apparatus (2), in each case opposite an outlet opening (5) of the chamber (3). Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (1) comprises at least two, in particular three chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) for the supply of preparations of washing and / or cleaning agent (40a , 40b, 40c) different from each other. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) and the inlet openings (21a, 21b, 21c) of the dosing device (2) are arranged in line (L) in the pivoting direction. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) and the inlet openings (21a, 21b, 21c) of the dosing device (2) have more or less the same mutual distance. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the greater distance of an outlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c) of the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) with respect to the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge ( 1) corresponds, more or less, to 0.5 times the distance of the length of the cartridge (L). Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of thickness (D) of the cartridge (1) to the length (L) of the cartridge (1) is approx. at 1:20. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of the height (H) of the cartridge (1) to the length (L) of the cartridge (1) is approx. at 1: 1.2. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) of the cartridge (1) have volumes that are different from each other. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber (3a, 3b, 3c) of the cartridge (1) with the largest volume has the greatest distance from the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge (1). Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet openings (5a, 5b, 5c) of the chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) are, in the uncoupled state of the cartridge (1) and the dosing device (2), closed by means of closure. Metering system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure means is a silicone valve, a silicone cap or a sealing closure. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (55, 56) are formed in the dosing apparatus (2) and / or in the cartridge (1) which, in the coupled state of the dosing apparatus (2) ) and the cartridge (1), cause a releasable fixation of the cartridge (1) to the dosing apparatus (2). Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (95, 96) are formed in the dosing device (2) and / or in the cartridge (1) which, in the embedded state of the cartridge (1) and the dosing apparatus (2), cause a guiding of the cartridge (1) by pivoting to the coupling state of the cartridge (1) and the dosing apparatus (2).