Patent Application
20110180118
The invention relates to a household appliance such as a dishwasher, a washing machine or the like, having a program control system for controlling program sequences for at least one operating parameter such as temperature, pH or the like, and/or the operating sequence of at least one appliance component such as spray arms, pumps or the like; to a dispensing apparatus for use in a household appliance; to a cartridge for use in a dispensing apparatus; and to a delivery apparatus for use in a household appliance.
According to the general existing art, dispensing systems are usually permanently installed in household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers that comprise a working space for treatment of objects (such as laundry or tableware) to be cleaned. As the development of cleaning, washing, and dishwashing agents of all kinds has progressed, a requirement also exists for a dispensing system that is coordinated with the respective cleaning substance. This relates both to the optimum point in time for delivery of the cleaning substance, and to the quantity of cleaning substance to be delivered. Consideration must also be given to the fact that a cleaning operation is generally made up of multiple program steps such as pre-wash, main wash, rinse, and dry. Specific dispensing systems and apparatuses for household appliances have been developed in order to keep up with these technical developments. These objects are usually introduced into the working space of the household appliance through a loading door.
A dispensing system of this kind for washing and dishwashing substances is described in WO 02/077353 A1. This describes a dispensing system, preferably for reception in the washing space of a washing machine, having spaces for receiving washing substances as well as the delivery thereof, control elements, and a wide variety of sensors. In the system of the aforesaid document, dispensing is accomplished on the basis of measurement parameters such as pH, that are ascertained via the sensors. In particular, the dispensing system of WO 02/077353 A1 represents an autonomously operating system.
An apparatus operating autonomously (i.e., independently of the control system of the household apparatus) must, on the basis of the measured values of various process parameters, determine the program status and, in particular, recognize the end of the washing program or the start of a new program. Because household appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines have a variety of different program sequences and the program sequences tend to differ among different appliance manufacturers, reliable dispensing by a dispensing apparatus of this kind, based on an evaluation of measurement parameters or operating sequences of appliance components, is very difficult to implement.
Therefore, the present invention is directed towards a household appliance having a program control system for controlling program sequences for at least one operating parameter such as temperature, pH or the like, and/or the operating sequence of at least one appliance component such as spray arms, pumps or the like in which the use of a dispensing apparatus operating automatically based on the sensing of measurement parameters and/or operating sequences of appliance components is facilitated. The invention is further directed towards a dispensing apparatus for use in a household appliance, a cartridge for use in a dispensing apparatus, and a delivery apparatus for use in a household appliance.
This is accomplished, proceeding from an existing art of the kind recited above, by providing a household appliance having a program control system for controlling program sequences for at least one operating parameter such as temperature, pH or the like, and/or the operating sequence of at least one appliance component such as spray arms, pumps or the like wherein the program control system comprises, for the utilization of a dispensing apparatus not permanently installed in the household appliance, a program mode whose program sequence for at least one operating parameter and/or at least one operating sequence of at least one appliance component is coordinated with the ability of the sensor suite of a non-permanently installed dispensing apparatus to control dispensing on the basis of sensorially sensed operating parameters and/or operating sequences.
This is also accomplished by a dispensing apparatus for use in such a household appliance having at least one cartridge for flowable washing or cleaning agents, having a plurality of chambers each for physically separated reception of mutually differing preparations of a washing or cleaning agent, and a dispensing device, couplable to the cartridge and having at least one energy source, a control unit, a sensor unit, at least one actuator connected to the energy source and to the control unit in such a way that a control signal of the control unit produces a motion of the actuator, a closure element coupled to the actuator in such a way that a motion of the actuator shifts the closure element into a closure position or a delivery position, at least one dispensing chamber which, when the cartridge and dispensing device are assembled together, is communicatively connected to at least one of the cartridge chambers, the dispensing chamber having an inlet for the inflow of washing or cleaning agent out of a cartridge chamber and an outlet for the outflow of washing or cleaning agent out of the dispensing chamber into the environment, at least the outlet of the dispensing chamber being capable of being closed off or uncovered by the closure element, wherein the dispensing device encompasses at least one first interface that interacts with a corresponding interface embodied in or on a dishwasher in such a way that a transfer of signals and/or of electrical energy from the dishwasher to the dispensing device is produced.
This is further accomplished by a cartridge for use in the dispensing device, wherein the cartridge is designed for the storage of flowable washing or cleaning agents and has a plurality of chambers, in particular three chambers, each for physically separated reception of mutually differing preparations of a flowable washing or cleaning agent, a cartridge base that, in the use position, is directed downward in the direction of gravity, and at least two chambers that each comprise at least one outlet opening arranged on the cartridge base, wherein the cartridge has an asymmetrical three-dimensional shape such that coupling to the dispensing device is enabled only in a mutual position of the cartridge and dispensing device.
This is also accomplished by a delivery apparatus, particularly a combination dispensing device, for use in the household appliance for applying control to the above described dispensing device for delivery of at least one preparation into the interior of a dishwasher, wherein the delivery apparatus is connected nondetachably to the dishwasher, wherein the delivery apparatus has at least one transmitting unit and/or at least one receiving unit for wireless transmission of signals into the interior of the dishwasher and for wireless reception of signals from the interior of the dishwasher, the transmitting unit and/or receiving unit being configured in particular respectively for the emission and reception of optical signals, the transmitting unit and/or receiving unit being configured respectively for the emission and reception of light in the visible region, preferably in the wavelength region from 600 to 800 nm
Advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention are made possible by the features recited in the dependent claims.
a is an illustration of an autonomous dispensing device with the dispensing device separated from the cartridge, and
b is an illustration of an autonomous dispensing device with the dispensing device and the cartridge assembled together.
According to the present invention, a household appliance is designed so that the program control system has, for utilization of a dispensing apparatus not permanently installed in the household appliance, a program mode whose program sequence for at least one operating parameter and/or at least one operating sequence of an appliance component is coordinated with the ability of the sensor suite of a non-permanently installed dispensing apparatus to control dispensing on the basis of sensorially sensed measured values.
A household appliance of this kind (e.g., a dishwasher) allows use of an autonomous dispensing apparatus that is not directly controlled by the appliance control system. In the corresponding program mode, information necessary for controlling the dispensing apparatus is detectable in a manner coordinated with the sensor suite of an autonomous dispensing apparatus of this kind by way of the sequence of variation of operating parameters or the profile over time of the values of such operating parameters and/or the time profile during the use of individual appliance components. The autonomous metering apparatus is capable, by way of its sensor suite, of recognizing the program mode of the household appliance and performing a corresponding dispensing action in a time-coordinated sequence.
The program mode coordinated with the sensor suite of a non-permanently installed dispensing apparatus is preferably embodied in a manually activated fashion. A button on the household appliance can be used, for example, for this purpose. A three-in-one button available in commercial dishwashers is suitable in this context, for example. When such a button is actuated, the ideally typical program sequence best adapted to the operation of an autonomously operating dispensing system, or a program sequence procedure of this kind that can be detected unequivocally and therefore optimally by the autonomously operating dispensing system, is started.
In a particular embodiment, a receiving apparatus is provided in which a non-permanently installed dispensing apparatus is received in a defined operating position. This facilitates configuration of a presence sensor, which can be embodied, for example, as a light barrier or the like. Dispensing of the cleaner can also be better performed due to a defined position. In particular, the sensor suite of the dispensing apparatus can be implemented more accurately and therefore more reliably with a defined operation position.
If the receptacle for the dispensing apparatus is arranged outside a container for objects to be cleaned (e.g., outside the tableware racks of a dishwasher), the space provided for the desired quantity of tableware is not negatively affected.
In a refinement of the invention, a wireless transmitting unit for transmitting at least one signal to an autonomous dispensing apparatus can be provided. With the aid of such a transmitting device, an appliance control system could intervene in direct and indirect controlling fashion in the dispensing sequence in the autonomous dispensing system, or at least start a control signal for processing in a software program present in the autonomous dispensing system.
In a simple variant of this embodiment, only one starting signal is furnished at the beginning of the working procedure of the household appliance, on the basis of which signal the dispensing apparatus can on the one hand recognize the start of a program and on the other hand can verify that the specific program mode is set.
In a refinement of this embodiment, a receiving unit is furthermore provided in the household appliance in order to receive at least one signal from an autonomous dispensing apparatus of this kind.
Such a receiver can, for example, receive a confirmation signal from the dispensing apparatus, thereby simultaneously implementing a presence sensor suite.
In a particular embodiment, a transfer system for transferring information between the control unit of an autonomous dispensing apparatus and the control system of the household appliance can also be realized, for example, with a transmitting and/or receiving apparatus. This makes possible more extensive adaptation of the program sequence of the household appliance to the respective type of autonomous dispensing apparatus being used. For example, a modified program sequence might execute in the household appliance depending on the manufacturer and/or brand of such a dispensing apparatus.
A transmitting and/or receiving unit of this kind could operate, for example, on the basis of infrared or visible light, wherein a corresponding transmitting and/or receiving unit would need to be present in the autonomous dispensing apparatus.
With respect to a transmitting and/or receiving unit of this kind, it could also be accommodated in the autonomous dispensing apparatus behind a housing wall in a manner not visible to the user, provided the material and/or material thickness is at least partly transparent to the visible or infrared light being used.
In particular, when a transmitting and/or receiving unit of this kind is used, properly fitted positioning in a specific receptacle is advantageous for the autonomous dispensing apparatus in order to enable the desired communication even at low intensities and/or in the case of unfavorable conditions in the working space of the appliance.
The program mode for the autonomous dispensing apparatus reproduces a specific sequence of process steps that are recognizable by the autonomous dispensing apparatus. Different values for process parameters such as temperature, humidity, pH, etc., are generally present in the working space of a household appliance in the context of different cleaning process steps. With an autonomous dispensing apparatus as described, at least one sensor is employed to monitor such process parameters, the dispensing apparatus having a control system for dispensing in accordance with this sensorial monitoring.
Also suitable alongside temperature, humidity, pH, etc., are, for example, sensing of a cleaner concentration, wetting of the dispensing apparatus, turbidity of the cleaning liquid, or even the sensing of mechanical parameters (e.g., vibrations). The corresponding information for the control unit of the autonomous dispensing apparatus can also be contained in the variation over time of such parameters.
For example, the corresponding information can be encoded in the switch-on intervals of a spray arm or of the circulation pump. One conceivable possibility is, for example, to configure, in a sequence during operation of one or more spray arms and/or of the circulation pump, a code, for example, a binary code that can be sensed (e.g., via a vibration sensor, a wetting sensor, or the like) by the dispensing apparatus and can be transformed by its control system back into the desired information.
Application of control to an appliance component of this kind (e.g., a spray arm, a pump, or the like) thus makes it possible to transfer even more-complex, particularly digital information to the control unit of an autonomous dispensing apparatus without additional transmitting units. All known and future codes using time sequences can be used for this. Possibilities include coding as a bit sequence by way of long and short time intervals, or the use of Morse code or the like.
Further embodiments of a household appliance according to the present invention result from it being adaptable to a dispensing apparatus having a wide variety of sensors. Sensors such as moisture sensors, turbidity sensors, or vibration sensors are connected to the control unit of the dispensing apparatus in order to reliably determine the state of the operating program. An adaptation of the dispensing action by the control unit in accordance with the process values sensed by at least one sensor (i.e., the measured values of process parameters) is also conceivable. Interaction to improve the manner in which the stated object is achieved is also conceivable in this context. For example, upon interruption of the cleaning operation the vibrations in the working space also greatly decrease, so that a vibration sensor allows conclusions as to the program status.
A combination of a variety of sensors is advantageous for optimum determination of the point in time and/or duration of delivery of a cleaning substance. Such a point in time and/or duration can be stipulated by the household appliance by way of a corresponding sequence or variation of process parameters or operating states.
If applicable, a memory unit for the storage of process values is present, thereby enabling assistance, for example, in the event of defects in the household appliance, during maintenance, or even if new cleaning substances are developed.
Communication between the dispensing apparatus and the control system of the household appliance can likewise also be provided as indicated above. Such data exchange can occur by radio transmission (Bluetooth, DECT, etc.), or via a wired interface. For example, if required, the temperature of the introduced cleaning water could be modified if the control system of the household appliance evaluates a sensor suite or an operating state of the dispensing apparatus.
Depending on the type of application, it may also be advantageous to cause the dispensing apparatus to operate non-autonomously or only partly autonomously. This is brought about, for example, by way of an interface between the dispensing apparatus and the household appliance. This interface can be used both for energy supply and for the transfer of information and measured data.
Also preferably conceivable is development of a household appliance that exploits in targeted fashion the aforesaid advantages of a dispensing apparatus according to the present invention, for example, by reciprocal communication between the dispensing apparatus according to the present invention and the control system of the household appliance. It is conceivable that the dispensing apparatus can be used in a variety of household appliances. Such household appliances no longer need their own dispensing apparatus. Household appliances of this kind can thus be produced more economically and also offer a higher level of safety, since any sealing problems can be avoided. For example, in the context of a dispensing system that is mounted in the loading door, particularly in the context of membrane-sealed apertures in the loading door or apertures for plungers (e.g., of a rinse aid valve), additional features decrease the risk that water or cleaning agent may come into contact, due to defects, with voltage-carrying parts in the loading door. This is avoided with an apparatus according to the present invention, since it is completely housed in the working space.
Delivery of cleaning, washing, and drying agents can be implemented in a predetermined total quantity or in increments. The delivery device can be equipped as such not only with elements necessary for delivery, but additionally with sensors, particularly a temperature sensor, a photocell, a vibration transducer, and a moisture sensor. These sensors, working individually or in networked fashion, allow an inference to be drawn to the respective operating state of the dishwasher during operation, resulting in delivery of the agent stored in the delivery unit for the washing or drying process.
The numerous dishwasher program sequences available on the market can be reduced to the phases of pre-washing, main washing, rinsing, and drying. A distinction is further made between cold and hot prewashing, and to the capability of having not only a cold-water connection but additionally a hot-water connection to the dishwasher. The latter is found today especially in the United States. Assuming the respective sensor suite:
The dispensing apparatus according to the present invention preferably comprises the basic components of a cartridge filled with preparation and a dispensing device couplable to the cartridge, wherein the device in turn contains further assemblies such as, for example, a component carrier, actuator, closure element, sensor, energy source, and/or control unit.
Preferrably, the dispensing apparatus according to the present invention is movable. “Movable” means, for the purposes of this Application, that the dispensing apparatus is not connected nondetachably to a water-conveying apparatus such as a dishwasher, washing machine, laundry dryer, or the like, or permanently installed therein, but instead is removable or positionable (e.g., from a dishwasher) by the user (i.e., can be manipulated independently).
According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is also conceivable for the dispensing device to be connected in a manner not detachable by the user to a water-conveying apparatus such as a dishwasher, washing machine, laundry dryer, or the like, and for only the cartridge to be movable.
A “cartridge” is understood for purposes of this application as a packing device that is suitable for encasing or holding together at least one flowable, pourable, or scatterable preparation, and is couplable to a dispensing device for delivery of at least one preparation.
In the simplest conceivable embodiment, the cartridge comprises one, preferably dimensionally stable, chamber for storage of a preparation. In particular, a cartridge can also encompass multiple chambers that are tillable with compositions differing from one another.
It is advantageous for the cartridge to have at least one outlet opening arranged in such a way that a gravity-produced preparation release from the cartridge can be produced when the dispensing device is in the utilization position. As a result, no further conveying components are required for release of preparation from the cartridge, allowing construction of the dispensing device to be kept simple and manufacturing costs low. Use of conveying components such as pumps can also be omitted, resulting in an increase in the service life of a battery or rechargeable battery of the dispensing device.
In a preferred embodiment, at least one second chamber is provided for reception of at least one second flowable or scatterable preparation. The second chamber has at least one outlet opening arranged so that a gravity-produced product release from the second chamber can occur when the dispensing device is in the utilization position. Provision of a second chamber is particularly advantageous when preparations that are usually not shelf-stable with one another (e.g., bleaching agents and enzymes) are stored in separate chambers of the cartridge.
It is furthermore imaginable that more than two, particularly three to four, chambers are provided in or on a cartridge. One of the chambers can then be configured to deliver volatile preparations such as a scent into the environment.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is formed in one piece. This allows the cartridges to be economically produced in one manufacturing step, for example, by using suitable blow-molding methods. The chambers of a cartridge in this context can be separated from one another, for example, by webs or material bridges shaped during or after the blowing process.
The cartridge can also be produced in multiple pieces from components manufactured by injection molding and subsequently joined together.
The cartridge can also be designed asymmetrically. It is particularly preferred to configure the asymmetry of the cartridge so that the cartridge is couplable to the dispensing device only in one predefined position, thereby preventing any incorrect action by the user that would otherwise be possible.
According to a further advantageous refinement of the invention, one or several chambers comprises, in addition to a preferably bottom-side outlet opening, a respective preferably top-side second chamber opening that can be closed off in liquid-tight fashion. This chamber opening makes it possible, for example, to replenish a preparation stored in said chamber.
For venting of the cartridge chambers, venting capabilities can be provided in the top region of the cartridge in order to ensure pressure equalization between the interior of the cartridge chambers and the environment as the fill level of the chambers drops. These venting capabilities can be embodied, for example, as a valve, particularly a silicone valve, micro-openings in a chamber wall or cartridge wall, or the like.
The cartridge can assume any desired three-dimensional shape. It can be designed, for example, in cube-like, spherical, or plate-like fashion.
When using the dispensing device in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to shape the device according to tableware washed in dishwashers. The device can therefore be, for example, plate-shaped, having the approximate dimensions of a dinner plate. As a result, the dispensing device can be positioned in space-saving fashion, for example, in the lower rack of the dishwasher. In addition, correct position of the dispensing unit becomes immediately and intuitively evident to the user as a result of the plate-like conformation.
The dispensing device and cartridge preferably have, when coupled to one another, a height:width:depth ratio of from 5:5:1 to 50:50:1, preferably approximately 10:10:1. The “slim” configuration of the dispensing device and the cartridge makes it possible to position the device in the lower loading rack of a dishwasher in the receptacles provided for plates. This allows the preparations delivered from the dispensing device to travel directly into the washing bath without adhering to other items being washed.
Commercial household dishwashers are usually designed in such a way that larger items, for example, pots or large plates, are washed in the lower rack of the dishwasher. In order to prevent the user from positioning the dispensing system, made up of the dispensing device and the cartridge coupled to the dispensing device, non-optimally in the upper rack, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention the dispensing system is dimensioned so as to enable positioning of the dispensing system only in the receptacles of the lower rack provided therefor. For this purpose, the width and height of the dispensing system can be selected in particular to be from 150 mm to 300 mm, preferably from 175 mm to 250 mm.
It is also conceivable, however, to design the dispensing unit in a cup or pot shape with a substantially circular or square base surface.
The outlet openings of a cartridge are preferably arranged on a line, thereby enabling a slim, plate-shaped configuration of the dispensing device.
However, in the case of a pot- or cup-shaped embodiment of the cartridge, or a pot- or cup-shaped grouping thereof, it may be advantageous to arrange the delivery openings of the cartridge, for example, in a circular arc shape.
In order to make available a direct visual fill level monitoring capability, it is advantageous to shape the cartridge at least locally from a transparent material.
In order to protect the heat-sensitive constituents of a preparation present in a cartridge from the effects of heat, it is advantageous to manufacture the cartridge from a material having low thermal conductivity.
In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge has an RFID label containing at least information as to the contents of the cartridge and that can be read out by a sensor unit that can be provided in particular in the dispensing device or dishwasher.
This information can be used, for example, to select a dispensing program stored in the control unit of the dispensing device. In this manner, it is possible to ensure that a dispensing program optimal for a specific preparation is always used. Provision can also be made that, if an RFID label is not present or in the event of an RFID label having an incorrect or defective identifier, dispensing is not performed by the dispensing apparatus and instead an optical or acoustic signal is generated that informs the user of the existence of the fault.
In order to preclude improper use of the cartridge, the cartridge can also have structural elements that interact with corresponding elements of the dispensing device according to a lock-and-key principle so that, for example, only cartridges of a specific type can be coupled to the dispensing device. This embodiment further enables information about the cartridge coupled to the dispensing device to be transferred to the control unit of the dispensing device, with the result that the dispensing apparatus can be controlled in a manner coordinated with the contents of the corresponding container.
The cartridge is designed, in particular, to receive flowable washing or cleaning agents. Preferably, a cartridge of this kind has a plurality of chambers for physically separated reception of mutually different preparations of a flowable washing or cleaning agent. By way of example, but not exhaustively, some possible combinations for filling the chambers with different preparations are listed below:
Preferably, all preparations are pourable, as this ensures rapid dissolution of the preparations in the washing bath of the dishwasher, resulting in these preparations achieve a rapid to immediate cleaning or rinsing effect, especially on the walls of the washing space and/or of a light guide of the cartridge and/or of the dispensing device.
The cartridge can have a total volumetric capacity of <5000 ml, particularly <1000 ml, preferably <500 ml, more preferably <250 ml, and very particularly preferably <50 ml.
The chambers of a cartridge can have volumetric capacities that are identical or different from one another. In a configuration having two chambers, the ratio of chamber volumes is preferably 5:1; for a configuration having three chambers, preferably 4:1:1. These configurations are suitable in particular for use in dishwashers.
As mentioned earlier, the cartridge preferably has three chambers. For use of a cartridge of this kind in a dishwasher, it is preferred that one chamber contain an alkaline cleaning preparation, a further chamber an enzymatic preparation, and a third chamber a rinse aid, with the volume ratio of the chambers being equal to approximately 4:1:1.
The chamber containing the alkaline cleaning preparation preferably has the largest volumetric capacity of the chambers that are present. The chambers that store an enzymatic preparation and a rinse aid, respectively, preferably have approximately the same volumetric capacity.
For two- and/or three-chamber embodiments of the cartridge, it is possible to store, in particular, a scent preparation, disinfecting preparation, and/or pretreatment preparation in a further chamber arranged detachably on the cartridge or on the dispensing device.
The cartridge has a cartridge base that, when in use position, is directed downward in the direction of gravity, and on which is provided, preferably for each chamber, at least one outlet opening arranged in the direction of gravity at the bottom. The outlet openings arranged at the bottom are designed in such a way that at least one outlet opening, preferably all outlet openings, are communicatively connectable to the inlet openings of the dispensing device (i.e., preparation can flow through the outlet openings out of the cartridge into the dispensing device, preferably under the influence of gravity).
It is also conceivable for one or more chambers to have an outlet opening not arranged in the direction of gravity at the bottom. This is advantageous when, for example, a scent is to be delivered into the environment of the cartridge.
The cartridge is preferably formed from at least two elements connected intermaterially to one another, such that the connecting edge of the elements on the cartridge base extend outside the outlet openings (i.e., the connecting edge does not intersect the outlet openings). This is advantageous in particular because sealing problems which occur when coupling to the dispensing device in the region of the outlet openings, particularly in the presence of large alternating temperature stresses that usually occur in a dishwasher, can thereby be avoided.
The intermaterial connection can be produced, for example, by adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, pressing, or vulcanizing.
It is particularly preferred to connect the cartridge elements to one another by mirror welding. In mirror welding, a metal heating mirror that contains the contour of the interfaces that are to be connected is used to heat the interfaces and bring them briefly into the plastic state, so that after the heating mirror is removed and the parts are joined together. These plastic regions solidify again from the melt and produce a strong connection.
In addition to the mirror welding technique, individually injection-molded parts can, for example, also be connected to one another by laser welding. In laser welding, one of the two materials that are melted at the interface should bear an absorbent in order to receive the energy content of the laser beam and convert it into heat, which then produces melting of the corresponding material region. This is typically achieved using color pigments that enter into a thermal interaction with the laser beam guided into the material. These interfaces to be joined can also be covered, if the material present in front of them in the laser beam irradiation direction is transparent to the laser beam and has no absorption property.
It is furthermore possible to connect individual cartridge elements by means of ultrasonic welding methods or IR welding using electrodes.
It is advantageous that the connecting edge extends along the top, bottom, and side surfaces of the cartridge. As a result, two cartridge elements can be manufactured in particular using the injection molding method, such that either both elements are embodied in trough-shaped fashion, or one element is trough-shaped and the second element is similar to a cover.
To constitute a two- or multi-chamber cartridge, at least one of the two cartridge elements can has at least one separating web that, when the elements are joined together, separates two adjacent chambers of the cartridge from one another.
According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet openings of the cartridge are closed off by a closure at least when the cartridge is in the filled, unopened state. The closure can be designed in such a way that they permit the outlet opening to be opened once by destroying the closure. Closures of this type include sealing films or closure caps.
According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet openings are equipped with a closure that, when coupled to a dispensing device, allows preparation to flow out of the respective chambers and, when the cartridge is in the uncoupled state, substantially prevents an outflow of preparation. A closure of this kind can be configured, for example, as a silicone slit valve.
It is further preferred that the vent openings of the cartridge are closed by a closure element prior to a first coupling to the dispensing device. The closure element can be, in particular, a plug or cap that is opened, for example, by being punched through, due to the coupling process when first coupling to the dispensing device.
It is very particularly preferred that, prior to a first coupling of the cartridge to the dispensing device, all outlet openings of the cartridge are closed off by a silicone slit valve and all vent openings by a cap.
Cartridge elements forming the cartridge are preferably formed from plastic and can be shaped in a common injection molding process. It may be advantageous in this context to configure a connecting web between the two elements acting as a hinge, so that after shaping, the two elements are butted against another by folding over, and are connected intermaterially along the connecting edge.
In a further, preferred embodiment of the invention the cartridge can be coupled to a dispensing device positionable in the interior of a household appliance for delivery of at least one washing- and/or cleaning-agent preparation. The cartridge has at least one chamber for storage of at least one flowable or pourable washing- and/or cleaning-agent preparation. When coupled to the dispensing device, the cartridge is protected against entry of washing water into the chamber(s). The cartridge further has at least one output opening on the bottom in the direction of gravity for delivery (particularly, gravity-produced) of preparation out of at least one chamber, and at least one vent opening on the bottom in the direction of gravity for venting of at least one chamber, the vent opening being separate from the delivery opening and the vent opening being connected communicatively to at least one chamber of the cartridge.
It is particularly preferred that the cartridge has at least two chambers, very particularly preferably at least three chambers. It is advantageous in this context that a respective vent opening and delivery opening is provided for each chamber.
It is further preferred that the bottom-side vent opening be connected communicatively to a venting duct whose end facing away from the vent opening terminates above the maximum fill level of the cartridge when the cartridge coupled to the dispensing device is in the dispensing position.
It is advantageous in this connection that the venting duct is shaped entirely or partly in or on the walls and/or webs of the cartridge. In particular, the venting duct can be shaped integrally in or on the walls and/or webs of the cartridge.
Advantageously, the venting duct can be shaped for this purpose by joining at least two elements forming the cartridge. For example, a venting duct can be formed by joining a separating web, shaped in the shell-shaped element, of the cartridge to two webs arranged on the cartridge element and enclosing the separating web.
It is advantageous in this context if the venting duct is formed by intermaterial joining, in particular by welding, of a separating web, shaped in the shell-shaped element, of the cartridge to two webs arranged on the cartridge element and enclosing the separating web.
As an alternative to this, the venting duct can also be designed as a dip tube.
In order to ensure venting of the cartridge even in an oblique position (e.g., if the dispensing device is placed in the plate receptacle), it is advantageous that with the cartridge in the unopened, filled state and in an oblique position of up to 45°, the fill level (F) of the cartridge is not present at the venting duct orifice (83).
It is furthermore advantageous to arrange the venting duct orifice approximately centered on or in the chamber wall of the cartridge top.
In order to ensure functionality even after, for example, the cartridge has been in a horizontal position, it is advantageous if the viscosity of a flowable preparation and the venting duct be configured so that the preparation is not drawn by capillary forces into the venting duct if the preparation is present at the venting duct orifice.
Coupling of the cartridge to the dispensing device is advantageously configured so that there is arranged on the dispensing device a spike communicatively connected to the inlet opening of the dispensing device that interacts with the couplable cartridge or cartridge chamber so that upon coupling of the vent opening of the cartridge or cartridge chamber to the dispensing device, the spike displaces a volume Δv in the venting duct, thereby generating in the venting duct a pressure Δp suitable for transporting flowable preparation present in the venting duct into the chamber connected to the venting duct and that stores preparation.
Preferrably, the vent opening of a chamber is communicatively connected, using the spike on the dispensing device, before the closed-off outlet opening of the corresponding chamber is opened, for example, by communicative connection to the inlet opening of the dispensing device.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a venting chamber is arranged between the vent opening and venting duct.
The cartridge can be designed so that it can be arranged detachably or fixedly in or on the dispensing device and/or a dishwasher or washing machine and/or laundry dryer.
The cartridge for coupling to a dispensing device for delivery of at least one washing-and/or cleaning-agent preparation out of the cartridge into the interior of a household appliance has, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a light guide arranged in or on the cartridge, into which a light signal can be coupled from outside the cartridge. Preferably, a light signal that is emitted from the dispensing device is coupled into the cartridge.
In particular, the light guide can be shaped entirely or partly on the walls and/or webs of the cartridge.
It is additionally advantageous to design the light guide integrally in or on the walls and/or webs of the cartridge.
The light guide is preferably made of a transparent plastic material. It is also possible to configure the entire cartridge from a transparent material.
Preferably, the light guide is suitable for guiding light in the visible region (10 to 780 nm). Even more preferably, the light guide is suitable for guiding light in the near infrared region (780 nm to 3000 nm). It is especially preferred that the light guide is suitable for guiding light in the medium infrared region (3.0 μm to 50 μm).
The light guide is made, in particular, from a transparent plastic material having a high refractive index.
Advantageously, the light guide is at least locally surrounded, entirely or partly, by material having a lower optical refractive index. In particular, the material having the lower optical refractive index can be a preparation stored in a chamber of the cartridge.
A ratio of the refractive indices of the preparation and light guide from 1:1.10 to 1:5, preferably 1:1.15 to 1:1.35, particularly preferably 1:1.15 to 1:1.20 is particularly advantageous, the refractive index having been determined in each case at a wavelength of 589 nm. The refractive index of the light guide can be determined, for example, according to DIN EN ISO 489. The refractive index of the preparation can be ascertained by means of an Abbe refractometer per DIN 53491.
It is particularly advantageous for the preparation that entirely or partly surrounds the light guide to have a transmittance from 45% to 95%, preferably 60% to 90%, more preferably 75% to 85%. The light guide preferably has a transmittance >75%, preferably >85%. The transmittance can be determined per DIN 5036.
It is further preferred that the wavelength of the light transmitted through the light guide correspond approximately to the wavelength of at least one preparation at least locally surrounding the light guide that is not absorbed from the visible spectrum by the preparation. It is particularly preferred that the wavelength of the light transmitted through the light guide, and the wavelength that is not absorbed by the preparation, be from 600 to 800 nm.
The light signal that can be coupled into the light guide is, in particular, a carrier of information, especially with reference to the operating state of the dispensing device and/or to the fill level of the cartridge.
In a preferable refinement of the invention, the light guide is designed so that the light signal that can be coupled into the light guide can also be coupled back out of the light guide.
It may be advantageous for the light guide to be designed so that the light signal can be coupled out at a point on the cartridge that is different from the point into which the light signal is coupled into the cartridge.
Incoupling and outcoupling of the light signal can be implemented, in particular, at a prismatically configured edge of the cartridge.
It is particularly preferred to design the incoupling and outcoupling points of the light signal in the corresponding injection mold by highly polished or hard chrome-plated mold surfaces, so that the reflective property of the incoupling or outcoupling point is low and the desired signal incoupling is possible.
Spacing between the light source, in particular an LED, arranged in the dispensing device and the incoupling point of the light into the cartridge when the cartridge and dispensing device are in the coupled state should be kept as small as possible.
It is also advantageous that the light signal and the light guide are configured so that a light signal visible to a user can be generated at and/or in the cartridge.
According to a further embodiment, the light guide can be cut through at least one point in the cartridge so that preparation can fill the cut point. This allows simple implementation of a fill-level and/or tilt sensor so that a light signal that passes through the cut point without preparation differs from the light signal that passes through the cut point filled entirely or partly with preparation.
The control unit necessary for operation and at least one actuator are integrated into the dispensing device. Preferably a sensor unit and/or an energy source are likewise arranged on or in the dispensing device.
The dispensing device is preferably made up a water-spray-protected housing that can prevent the penetration of sprayed water into the interior of the dispensing device such as can occur upon use in a dishwasher, in which housing at least the control unit, sensor unit, and/or actuator are arranged.
It is furthermore advantageous to arrange the components or assemblies on, at, and/or in a component carrier in the dispensing device; this, too, is further explained elsewhere.
It is particularly preferred that the dispensing device has at least one first interface that interacts with a corresponding interface found in or on a household appliance, in particular a water-conveying household appliance, preferably a dishwasher or washing machine, so that a transfer of electrical energy and/or signals from the household appliance to the dispensing device and/or from the dispensing device to the household appliance is brought about.
In one embodiment, the interfaces are designed by plug connectors. In a further embodiment, the interfaces can be designed so that a wireless transfer of electrical energy and/or of electrical and/or optical signals is produced.
It is particularly preferred in this context that the interfaces provided for the transfer of electrical energy be inductive transmitters or receivers of electromagnetic waves. In particular, for example, the interface of a water-conveying device such as a dishwasher can be designed as a transmitter coil operated with alternating current and having an iron core, and the interface of the dispensing device as a receiver coil having an iron core.
In an alternative embodiment, transfer of electrical energy can also be provided by an interface having on the household appliance side an electrically operated light source, and on the dispensing device side a light sensor (e.g., a photodiode or a solar cell). Light emitted from the light source is converted by the light sensor into electrical energy which then feeds into, for example, a rechargeable battery on the dispensing device side.
In an advantageous refinement of the invention, an interface is configured on the dispensing device and on the water-conveying device, for example, a dishwasher, for the transfer (i.e., transmission and reception) of electromagnetic and/or optical signals that represent operating-state, measurement, and/or control data of the dispensing device and/or of the water-conveying device.
It is of course possible to provide only an interface for the transfer of signals or an interface for the transfer of electrical energy, or one interface for the transfer of signals and one interface for the transfer of electrical energy, respectively, or to provide an interface that is suitable for making available a transfer of both electrical energy and signals.
An interface of this kind can be designed so that a wireless transfer of electrical energy and/or electromagnetic and/or optical signals is produced.
It is particularly preferred that the interface be configured for emission and/or reception of optical signals. It is very particularly preferred that the interface be configured for emission and reception of light in the visible region. Because darkness usually prevails in the interior of the washing space during operation of a dishwasher, signals in the visible optical region, for example, in the form of signal pulses or light flashes, can be emitted and/or detected by the dispensing device. It has proven particularly advantageous in this context to use wavelengths from 600 to 800 nm in the visible spectrum.
Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous for the interface to be configured for the emission or reception of infrared signals. It is advantageous in particular for the interface to be configured for the emission or reception of infrared signals in the near infrared region (780 nm to 3000 nm).
The interface has at least one LED. Particularly preferably, the interface has at least two LEDs. It is also possible, according to a further preferable embodiment of the invention, to provide at least two LEDs that emit light at wavelengths differing from one another. This makes it possible, for example, to define different signal bands on which data can be sent and received.
It is further advantageous, in a refinement of the invention, for at least one LED to be an RGB LED whose wavelength is adjustable. It is thus possible to define with one LED a variety of signal bands that emit signals at different wavelengths. It is also conceivable, for example, that during the drying operation, during which high humidity (mist) is present in the washing space, light is emitted at a different wavelength than, for example, during a washing step.
The interface of the dispensing device can be configured so that the LED is provided both for the emission of signals into the interior of the dishwasher, in particular when the dishwasher door is closed, and for optical indication of an operating state of the dispensing device, in particular when the dishwasher door is open.
It is particularly preferred that an optical signal be embodied as a signal pulse having a pulse duration of from 1 ms to 10 second, preferably from 5 ms to 100 ms.
It is further advantageous to design the interface of the dispensing device so that it emits an optical signal when the dishwasher is closed and unloaded that produces an average illumination intensity E of from 0.01 to 100 lux, preferably from 0.1 to 50 lux, measured at the walls delimiting the washing space. This illumination intensity is then sufficient to produce multiple reflections with or at other washing-space walls, thereby reducing or preventing signal shadows in the washing space, especially when the washing machine is in the loaded state.
The signal emitted and/or received by the interface is a carrier of information, in particular a control signal or a signal representing an operating state of the dispensing device and/or of the dishwasher.
In an advantageous refinement of the invention, the dispensing device for delivery of at least one washing- and/or cleaning-agent preparation from a cartridge into the interior of a household appliance comprises a light source by which a light signal can be coupled into a light guide of the cartridge. The light source can be, in particular, an LED. This makes it possible to couple light signals representing, for example, the operating state of the dispensing device, out of the dispensing device into the cartridge, so that they are visually perceptible at the cartridge by a user. This is advantageous in particular because the dispensing device may, in the utilization position in the plate receptacle of a tableware rack in a dishwasher, be visually concealed between other items being washed. As a result of the incoupling of light from the dispensing device into the cartridge, the corresponding light signals can be, for example, also conveyed into the top region of the cartridge so that the light signals are visually perceptible by the user even if the dispensing device is positioned in the plate receptacle between other items being washed, since when the tableware rack is correctly loaded, the top region of the items being washed, and of the cartridge, usually remains unconcealed.
It is further possible for the light signal that is coupled into the light guide of the cartridge and that passes through the light guide to be capable of being sensed by a sensor present on the dispensing device. This is explained further in a section that follows.
In a further, advantageous embodiment, the dispensing device for delivery of at least one washing- and/or cleaning-agent preparation into the interior of a household appliance has at least one optical transmitting unit. The optical transmitting unit is configured so that signals from the transmitting unit can be coupled into a cartridge couplable to the dispensing device, and signals from the transmitting unit can be radiated into the environment of the dispensing device. It is thereby possible to implement, by an optical transmitting unit, both signal transmission between the dispensing device and, for example, a household appliance such as a dishwasher, and signal input into a cartridge.
The optical transmitting unit can be, in particular, an LED that preferably radiates light in the visible and/or IR region. It is also conceivable to use a different suitable optical transmitting unit, for example, a laser diode. It is particularly preferable to use optical transmitting units that emit light in the wavelength region from 600 to 800 nm.
In an advantageous refinement of the invention, the dispensing device can encompass at least one optical receiving unit. This makes it possible, for example, for the dispensing device to receive signals from an optical transmitting unit arranged in the household appliance. This can be implemented by way of any suitable optical receiving unit, for example photocells, photomultipliers, semiconductor detectors, photodiodes, photoresistors, solar cells, phototransistors, CCD and/or CMOS image sensors. It is particularly preferred that the optical receiving unit be suitable for receiving light in the wavelength region from 600 to 800 nm.
In particular, the optical receiving unit on the dispensing device can also be designed so that the signals that can be coupled from the transmitting unit into a cartridge couplable to the dispensing device can be coupled out of the cartridge, and can be detected by the optical receiving unit of the dispensing device.
Signals emitted by the transmitting unit into the environment of the dispensing device can preferably represent data with regard to operating states or control instructions.
The dispensing device has a component carrier on which are arranged at least the actuator and the closure element, as well as the energy source and/or control unit and/or sensor unit and/or dispensing chamber.
The component carrier has receptacles for the aforesaid components, and/or the components are shaped in one piece with the component carrier.
Receptacles for the components in the component carrier can be provided for a frictionally engaged, positive, and/or intermaterial connection between a respective component and the corresponding receptacle.
It is further conceivable that for easy removal of the components from the component carrier, the dispensing chamber, actuator, closure element, energy source, control unit, and/or sensor unit are each arranged detachably on the component carrier.
It is also advantageous to arrange the energy source, control unit, and sensor unit on or in the component carrier in a manner grouped into one assembly.
In an advantageous refinement of the invention, the energy source, control unit, and sensor unit are grouped together into one assembly. This can be implemented, for example, by arranging the energy source, control unit, and sensor unit on a common electrical circuit board.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the component carrier is designed in trough-shaped fashion, produced as an injection-molded part. It is particularly preferred that the dispensing chamber be designed in one piece with the component carrier.
The component carrier makes possible, to a very large extent, simple automatic population with the necessary components of the dispensing device. The component carrier can thus be preassembled in its entirety, preferably automatically, and joined to a dispensing device.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the trough-shaped component carrier can be closed off after population in liquid-tight fashion, for example, by a cover-like closure element. The closure element can be designed, for example, as a film that is connected intermaterially and in liquid-tight fashion to the component carrier and forms, with the trough-like component carrier, one or more liquid-tight chambers.
The closure element can also be a console into which the component carrier is introduced, the console and component carrier comprising, in the assembled state, the dispensing device. In the assembled state, the component carrier and the console interact in such a way that a liquid-tight connection is formed between the component carrier and the console so that washing water cannot get into the interior of the dispensing device or the component carrier.
It is further preferred that when the dispensing device is in the utilization position, the receptacle for the actuator be arranged above the dispensing chamber in the direction of gravity, thereby allowing a compact conformation of the dispensing device to be achieved. The compact design can be further optimized by the fact that when the dispensing device is in the utilization position, the dispensing chamber inlet on the component carrier is arranged above the actuator receptacle. It is also preferred to arrange the components on the component carrier substantially in line with one another, particularly along the longitudinal axis of the component carrier.
In a refinement of the invention, the receptacle for the actuator has an opening that lies on a line with the dispensing chamber outlet so that a closure element can be moved by the actuator back and forth through the opening and the dispensing chamber outlet.
It is particularly preferred that the component carrier be formed from a transparent material.
Advantageously, the component carrier encompasses at least one light guide through which light can be guided from the environment of the dispensing device to an optical transmitting and/or receiving unit into and/or out of the interior of the dispensing device or of the component carrier, the light guide being in particular shaped in one piece with the transparent component carrier.
It is therefore further preferred that there be provided in the dispensing device at least one opening through which light can be coupled in and/or out from the environment of the dispensing device into and/or out of the light guide.
An “actuator” for purposes of this invention is an apparatus which converts an input variable into an output variable of a different nature, and with which an object is moved or motion thereof is generated, the actuator being coupled to at least one closure element in such a way that the release of preparation from at least one cartridge chamber can be brought about indirectly or directly.
The actuator can be driven by drive systems chosen from gravity drives, ionic drives, electric drives, motor drives, hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives, gear drives, threaded spindle drives, ball screw drives, linear drives, roller screw drives, worm drives, piezoelectric drives, chain drives, and/or reaction drives.
The actuator can be configured in particular from an electric motor coupled to a linkage that converts the rotary motion of the motor into a linear motion of a carriage coupled to the linkage. This is advantageous in the case of a slim, plate-shaped embodiment of the dispensing unit.
There can be arranged on the actuator at least one magnet element that, with a magnet element of identical polarity on a dispenser, brings about a product delivery from the container as soon as the two magnet elements are positioned opposite one another in such a way that a magnetic repulsion of the identically polarized magnet elements is brought about, and a non-contact release mechanism is implemented.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a bistable solenoid that, together with a closure element that engages into the bistable solenoid and is embodied as a plunger core, forms a pulse-controlled bistable valve. Bistable solenoids are electromagnets having a linear motion direction, such that the plunger core locks in unenergized fashion in each end position.
Bistable solenoids and bistable valves are known in the existing art. A bistable valve requires one pulse for the change in valve position (open/closed), and then remains in that position until a counter-pulse is sent to the valve. This is therefore also referred to as a pulse-controlled valve. An essential advantage of such pulse-controlled valves is that they consume no energy in order to remain in the valve end positions (closure position and delivery position), but merely require an energy pulse in order to change the valve position; the valve end positions may thus be regarded as stable. A bistable valve remains in the switched position that most recently received a control signal.
The closure element (plunger core) is shifted into one end position by a current pulse. The current is switched off and the closure element retains its position. The closure element is shifted into the other end position by a current pulse. The current is switched off and the closure element retains its position.
A bistable property can be implemented in solenoids in various ways. On the one hand, splitting of the coil is known. The coil is split more or less centeredly, thus creating a gap. A permanent magnet is inserted into this gap. The plunger core itself is machined down at both the front and back so that it has, in each end position, a surface abutting in planar fashion with respect to the magnet frame. The magnetic field of the permanent magnet flows over this surface and the plunger core adheres here. Another alternative possibility is the use of two separate coils. The principle is similar to that of the bistable solenoid having a split coil. The difference is that electrically, there are in fact two different coils. Control is applied to them separately from one another, depending on the direction in which the plunger core is to be moved.
It is thus particularly preferable that the closure element be coupled to the actuator in such a way that the closure element is displaceable by the actuator into a closure position and into a passthrough position (delivery position), the closure element being embodied as an on/off valve element; that the actuator is embodied in such a way that, under the control of a suitable pulse, it assumes in selectably determinable fashion one of two end positions and, without application of control, maintains in stable fashion the end position that was reached; and that the combination thus constitutes a pulse-controlled bistable on/off valve.
The actuator can be embodied for this purpose, in particular, as a bistable solenoid having a space that receives an armature, and having an outer receiving space surrounding said space. The armature of the bistable solenoid can be embodied so that it forms the closure element or is coupled to it.
In order to bring about a separation between a wet space and a dry space in the dispensing device, the space of the actuator that receives the armature can be separated from the outer receiving space of the actuator in liquid-tight and by preferably also gas-tight fashion.
It is further advantageous to constitute at least the outer surface of the armature from a material that cannot be attacked by the washing or cleaning agent that is to be dispensed, in particular from a plastic material.
The armature preferably encompasses a core made of a magnetizable, in particular ferromagnetic, material, and a permanent magnet positioned in the outer receiving space, a respective coil being arranged at the two axial ends of said magnet.
It is additionally preferred that permanent magnets be arranged in axially anti-polar fashion in the armature at its axial ends; and that yoke rings made of a ferromagnetic material, in particular of iron, be arranged in the outer receiving space at both axial ends, with a coil winding between said rings.
It is advantageous in this context that the axial spacing of the yoke rings is greater than the axial spacing of the permanent magnets.
In addition, yoke rings can be arranged in the armature at its axial ends, permanent magnets being arranged in axially anti-polar fashion in the outer receiving space at both axial ends, and a coil winding being arranged between them. The axial spacing of the permanent magnets is, in this context, preferably greater than the axial spacing of the yoke rings.
The actuator/closure element combination is provided in particular in a dispensing device of a dispensing system having a cartridge for flowable washing or cleaning agents having a plurality of chambers each for physically separated reception of mutually differing preparations of a washing or cleaning agent, and having a dispensing device couplable to the cartridge, the dispensing device comprising: an energy source, a control unit, a sensor unit, an actuator which is connected to the energy source and to the control unit in such a way that a control signal of the control unit produces an actuation of the actuator, a closure element which is coupled to the actuator in such a way that it is displaceable by the actuator into a closure position and into a passthrough position (delivery position), at least one dispensing chamber which, when the dispensing device is assembled with a cartridge, is communicatively connected to at least one of the cartridge chambers, the dispensing chamber comprising an inlet for the inflow of washing or cleaning agent out of a cartridge chamber, and an outlet for the outflow of washing or cleaning agent out of the dispensing chamber into the environment, and at least the outlet of the dispensing chamber being capable of being closed off or uncovered by the closure element.
The actuator is, in particular, arranged in a component carrier in such a way that when the dispensing device is in the utilization position, a receptacle for the actuator on the component carrier is arranged above the dispensing chamber in the direction of gravity. It is very particularly advantageous in this context that when the dispensing device is in the utilization position, the inlet of the dispensing chamber on the component carrier is arranged above the receptacle of the actuator.
It is also conceivable for the dispensing device to comprise a component carrier in which, when the dispensing device is in the utilization position, a receptacle for the actuator on the component carrier is arranged laterally next to the dispensing chamber.
The receptacle for the actuator preferably comprises an opening that lies on a line with the outlet of the dispensing chamber, the closure element being movable by the actuator through the opening to the outlet and back.
A “closure element” for purposes of this application is a component on which the actuator acts and which, as a consequence of that action, brings about opening or closure of an outlet opening.
The closure element can involve, for example, valves that can be brought by the actuator into a product delivery position or a closure position.
An embodiment of the closure element and the actuator in the form of a solenoid valve, in which the dispenser is embodied by the valve and the actuator is embodied by the electromagnetic or piezoelectric drive system of the solenoid valve, is particularly preferred. Especially when a plurality of containers, and thus of preparations to be dispensed, are used, the use of solenoid valves allows the dispensed quantity and dispensing times to be regulated very accurately.
It is therefore advantageous to control the delivery of preparations out of each outlet opening of a chamber using a solenoid valve, with the solenoid valve indirectly or directly determining the release of preparation out of the product delivery opening.
A “sensor” for purposes of this application is a measured variable transducer or sensing element that can sense specific physical or chemical properties and/or the material nature of its environment, qualitatively or quantitatively as a measured variable.
The dispensing unit preferably has at least one sensor suitable for sensing a temperature. The temperature sensor is designed in particular for sensing a water temperature.
It is further preferred that the dispensing unit has a sensor for sensing conductivity, with which, in particular, the presence of water or the spraying of water, particularly in a dishwasher, is sensed.
In a refinement of the invention, the dispensing unit has a sensor that can determine physical, chemical, and/or mechanical parameters from the environment of the dispensing unit. The sensor unit can have one or more active and/or passive sensors for qualitative and/or quantitative sensing of mechanical, electrical, physical, and/or chemical variables, conveyed as control signals to the control unit.
The sensors of the sensor unit can be chosen, in particular, from timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, elongation sensors, rotation speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, acoustic pressure sensors, “lab on a chip” sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, tilt sensors, pH sensors, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors, and/or MEMS sensors.
Especially for preparations whose viscosity fluctuates greatly as a function of temperature, it is advantageous in terms of monitoring the volume or mass of the dispensed preparations to provide flow sensors in the dispensing apparatus. Suitable flow sensors can be chosen from diaphragm flow sensors, magnetic induction flow meters, mass flow measurement using the Coriolis method, vortex meter flow measurement methods, ultrasonic flow measurement methods, suspended solid particle flow measurement, oscillating piston flow measurement, thermal mass flow measurement, or differential pressure flow measurement.
Preferably, at least two sensor units are provided for measuring parameters different from one another. More preferably, one sensor unit is a conductivity sensor and a further sensor unit is a temperature sensor. It is further preferred that at least one sensor unit be a brightness sensor.
The sensors are, in particular, coordinated so as to detect the beginning, course, and end of a washing program. The sensor combinations listed (by way of example and not exhaustively) in the table below can be used for this purpose:
With the conductivity sensor it is possible to detect, for example, whether the conductivity sensor is wetted with water, thereby allowing a determination, for example, as to whether water is present in the dishwasher.
Washing programs generally exhibit a characteristic temperature profile which is determined inter alia by heating of the wash water and by drying of the items washed, and can be sensed via a temperature sensor.
Using a brightness sensor it is possible, for example, to detect the entry of light into the interior of a dishwasher upon opening of the dishwasher door, from which, for example, an end of washing program can be inferred.
A turbidity sensor can also be provided in order to determine the degree of soiling of the items washed in the dishwasher. This also allows, for example, selection in the dispensing device of a dispensing program that is relevant to the ascertained soiling situation.
It is also conceivable to determine the progress of a washing program with the aid of at least one acoustic sensor, by detecting specific acoustic and/or vibration emissions in the context of, for example the pumping in and pumping out of water.
It is of course possible for one skilled in the art to use any suitable combinations of multiple sensors in order to achieve washing program monitoring.
According to a refinement of the invention, it is conceivable for a temperature-dependent viscosity curve of at least one preparation to be stored in the control unit, the dispensing action being adapted by the control unit in accordance with the temperature and thus the viscosity of the preparation.
In a further embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for directly determining the viscosity of the preparation is provided.
The alternatives set forth above for determining the dispensed quantity or viscosity of a preparation serve for generation of a control signal processed by the control unit to control a dispenser allow for substantially constant dispensing of a preparation to occur.
The data line between the sensor and control unit can be implemented by an electrically conductive cable or wirelessly. It is also conceivable in principle for at least one sensor to be positioned or positionable outside the dispensing device in the interior of a dishwasher, and for a data line to be designed, in particular wirelessly, for transmitting measured data from the sensor to the dispensing device.
A wirelessly embodied data line is designed in particular by the transfer of electromagnetic waves or light. It is preferred to design a wireless data line in accordance with accepted standards such as, for example, Bluetooth, IrDA, IEEE 802, GSM, UMTS, etc.
To enable efficient production and assembly of the dispensing device, it is also possible for at least one sensor to be arranged on or in the control unit. For example, it is possible to provide a temperature sensor in the dispensing device or directly on the circuit board carrying the control unit so that the temperature sensor has no direct contact with the environment.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is arranged at the base of the dispensing device, with the base of the dispensing device being directed, in the utilization position, downward in the direction of gravity. It is particularly preferred that the sensor unit has a temperature sensor and/or a conductivity sensor. A configuration of this kind ensures that water is conveyed by the spray arms of the dishwasher onto the underside of the dispensing device and thus into contact with the sensor. Because spacing between the spray arms and the sensor is as small as possible as a result of the bottom-side arrangement of the sensor, the water experiences only slight cooling between emergence at the spray arms and contact with the sensor, so that a maximally accurate temperature measurement can be carried out.
To extend energy consumption of the dispensing device and service life of the energy source (e.g., a battery), the energy loads of the dispensing device, particularly the control unit, can be connected to the energy source with inclusion of an on/off switch, and the energy source can be under load only after the on/off switch has reached the “on” state, such that a sensor unit constitutes the on/off switch or is connected to it and switches it.
It is particularly preferred that the sensor down at the base of the dispensing device has two contacts that are in contact with the environment, designed in particular as contact pins projecting downward out of the base. One contact can be connected with respect to the energy source as an anode contact and the other contact as a cathode contact. Without an electrically conductive connection between the contacts, the on/off switch that is in the “off” state remains in the “off” state, and upon creation of an electrically conductive connection between the contacts, the on/off switch that is in the “off” state switches into the “on” state.
Preferably, the on/off switch is equipped or combined with a self-locking circuit that ensures or brings about self-locking of the energy supply to the energy load after the “on” state of the on/off switch is reached, until reception of a switch-off signal of the control signal.
The on/off switch can be in particular in the form of a transistor circuit. It is preferable in this context that the transistor of the on/off switch be designed as a pnp transistor and connected at the emitter, optionally via a control application circuit, to the supply voltage; at the collector, optionally via a control application circuit, to ground and to the cathode contact; and at the base either optionally via a control application circuit, to the supply voltage, or optionally via a control application circuit, to the anode contact.
The control application circuit preferably has at least one control resistor that is designed in particular as a resistor-type voltage divider.
It is very particularly advantageous that, in addition to the on/off sensor unit, a sensor unit embodied as a conductivity sensor is provided having down at the base of the dispensing device two contacts in contact with the environment; and that the anode contact of the on/off sensor unit is simultaneously the anode contact of the sensor unit forming the conductivity sensor. It thereby becomes possible to implement an on/off switch and a conductivity sensor in one component (a transistor).
It is also possible for the sensor unit constituting the temperature sensor to be integrated into a contact, in particular the cathode contact, of the sensor unit constituting the conductivity sensor.
In the sensor unit constituting the conductivity sensor, the contact that receives the temperature sensor can be embodied as a hollow contact pin in which the temperature sensor of the sensor unit constituting the temperature sensor is arranged.
In order to achieve a compact overall size, it is furthermore advantageous that the energy source, the control unit, and the sensor unit are arranged, grouped in one assembly, on or in the component carrier.
It is particularly preferred that the contacts of a conductivity sensor arranged on the bottom side be surrounded by an electrically conductive silicone. The conductivity sensor can be embodied in this context in particular in the form of a resistance measurement between two contacts that are spaced apart from one another and are in contact with the environment of the dispensing device. It is very particularly preferable in this context that the silicone be embedded flush in the base of the dispensing device. Advantageously, the silicone has an approximately circular base surface. Silicone exhibits good wettability with water, and thus furnishes good measurement results in terms of the detection of water in the dishwasher.
In order to avoid polarization, which would negatively affect sensor accuracy, at the contacts of the conductivity sensor when a DC voltage source is used, it is advantageous to perform two successive resistance measurements at the conductivity sensor using a different polarity in each case, i.e. with the positive and negative poles transposed, so that excess charges cannot form at the contacts.
A “control unit” for purposes of this application is an apparatus suitable for influencing the transportation of material, energy, and/or information. For this purpose, the control unit influences actuators with the aid of data, particularly measurement signals of the sensor unit, which it processes as defined by the control objective.
The control unit can be a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dispensing programs, which in a particularly preferred embodiment can be selected and executed in a manner corresponding to the container coupled to the dispensing device, are stored on the microprocessor.
In a preferred embodiment, the control unit has no connection to the household appliance control system that may be present. No data, particularly electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signals, are therefore exchanged directly between the control unit and the household appliance control system.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit is coupled to the household appliance control system that is present. This coupling is preferably embodied wirelessly. It is possible, for example, to position a transmitter on or in a dishwasher, preferably on or at or in the dispensing chamber recessed into the door of the dishwasher, which transmitter wirelessly transfers a signal to the dispensing unit when the household appliance control system brings about dispensing, for example, of a cleaning agent out of the dispensing chamber, or of rinse aid.
Multiple programs for the release of different preparations or for the release of products in different application instances can be stored in the control unit.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, invocation of the corresponding program can be brought about by corresponding RFID labels, or geometric information carriers shaped on the container. For example, it is possible to use the same control unit for a plurality of applications, for example to dispense cleaning agents in dishwashers, to deliver perfumes in the context of room scenting, to apply cleaning substances into a toilet bowl, etc.
For the dispensing of preparations that tend to gel, the control unit can be configured so that dispensing occurs in a sufficiently short time to ensure a good cleaning result, yet the preparation is not dispensed so quickly that gelling of the surge of preparation occurs. This can be achieved, for example, by an interval-type release, the individual dispensing intervals being adjusted so that they completely trigger the correspondingly dispensed quantity during one cleaning cycle.
It is preferred that the dispensing intervals for delivery of a preparation be from 30 to 90 seconds, particularly preferably 45 to 75 seconds.
Delivery of preparations out of the dispensing device can occur sequentially or simultaneously.
It is preferred to dispense a plurality of preparations sequentially in one washing program. The following dispensing sequences are particularly preferred:
According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher and dispensing device interact in such a way that 1 mg to 1 g surfactant per square meter of washing space wall area is released in the rinse program of the dishwasher. This ensures that the walls of the washing space retain their gloss even after a plurality of washing cycles, and that the dispensing system retains its optical transfer capability.
It is furthermore advantageous that the dishwasher and the dispensing device interact in such a way that at least one enzyme-containing preparation and/or alkaline preparation is released in the prewash program and/or main wash program of the dishwasher, release of the enzyme-containing preparation preferably occurring earlier in time than the release of the alkaline preparation.
In a further, advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher and the dispensing device interact in such a way that 0.1 mg to 250 mg of enzyme protein per square meter of washing space wall area is released in the prewash program and/or main wash program of the dishwasher, with the result that the gloss of the washing space walls is further improved or is maintained even after a plurality of washing cycles.
In an advantageous refinement of the invention, data such as control programs and/or dispensing programs of the control unit, or operating parameters or protocols stored by the control unit, can be read out of or loaded into the control unit. This can be achieved, for example, by an optical interface, the optical interface being correspondingly connected to the control unit. Data to be transferred are then coded and emitted or received as light signals, particularly in the visible region, the wavelength region from 600 to 800 nm being preferred. It is also possible to use a sensor present in the dispensing device to transfer data out of and/or to the control unit. For example, the contacts of a conductivity sensor which are connected to the control unit and make available a conductivity determination by a resistance measurement at the contacts of the conductivity sensor can be used for data transfer.
The control unit allows, in particular, configuration of a method for operating a dispensing device, not permanently connected to a household appliance, for delivery of at least one washing- or cleaning-agent preparation into the interior of the household appliance, at least one dispensing program being stored in the control unit, and the control unit interacting with at least one actuator, located in the dispensing device, in such a way that washing- and/or cleaning-agent preparation is releasable from the dispensing device into the interior of the household appliance; the dispensing device comprises at least one receiving unit for signals that are emitted from at least one transmitting unit arranged in the household appliance; and at least a portion of the signals are converted, in the dispensing-device-side control unit, into control instructions for the actuators of the dispensing device, reception of the signals being monitored on the dispensing-device side by means of the control unit, and a dispensing program from the control unit of the dispensing device being activated in the event the signals are not received at the dispensing device.
This makes it possible to ensure dispensing of preparation in the event of a signal cutoff between the household-appliance-side transmitting unit and the dispensing device, by the fact that the dispensing device transfers control authority from the household appliance to the control system within the dispensing device.
It is advantageous to emit the signal on the household-appliance side at predefined periodic time intervals from the transmitting unit on the household-appliance side into the interior of the household appliance. This makes it possible for the defined periodic time intervals at which a signal is delivered from the household-appliance-side transmitting unit to be stored in the control unit of the dispensing device and in the household appliance. If contact between the transmitting unit of the household appliance is cut off after reception of a signal at the dispensing device, this cutoff can be ascertained at the dispensing-device end by a comparison between the time elapsed since the most recently received signal and the time at which, after the defined periodic time interval, reception of a subsequent signal is expected.
Preferably, the periodic signal spacings are chosen to be from 1 second to 10 minutes, preferably from 5 seconds to 7 minutes, particularly preferably from 10 seconds to 5 minutes. It is very particularly preferable that the periodic signal spacings chosen to be from 3 minutes to 5 minutes.
It is therefore particularly advantageous that reception of a signal delivered from the household appliance is logged in the control unit of the dispensing device with a time datum t1.
It is very particularly preferred that, after expiration of a predetermined time interval t1-2, beginning at t1, in which no further signal from the household appliance has been received by the dispensing device, the control unit of the dispensing device activate a dispensing program from the control unit of the dispensing device.
According to an advantageous refinement of the invention, the control unit evaluates the number and/or time sequence of the signals received by the dispensing device in such a way that a dispensing program is activated in the control unit in accordance with the evaluation result. This makes it possible, for example, to determine the duration of a washing program in a dishwasher since its inception, by comparing the point in time of the first signal reception up to the time at which signal cutoff is identified, so that in accordance with the progress of the washing program, a suitable dispensing program corresponding to the progress of the washing program is activated in the control unit of the dispensing device.
It is also conceivable that, based on the aforementioned evaluation of the number and/or time sequence of the signals received by the dispensing device, a dispensing program stored in the control unit of the dispensing device is activated in the control unit, beginning from a defined program step corresponding to the progress of the washing program. It is thus possible, in the event of a signal cutoff in the main washing step of a washing program, to activate a dispensing program in the dispensing device that is provided for a main washing step and subsequent washing program segments.
The signals emitted from the transmitting unit on the household-appliance side encompass, in particular, at least one control signal.
In an advantageous refinement of the invention, the signals emitted from the transmitting unit on the household-appliance side encompass at least one monitoring signal.
It is additionally advantageous that at least one dispensing program stored in the control unit encompasses a dispensing program of the household appliance. This enables the dispensing device, in the event of a signal cutoff between the household appliance and the dispensing device, to continue a dispensing program begun by the household appliance.
It is therefore particularly preferred that the dispensing programs stored in the control unit of the dispensing device encompass the dispensing programs of the household appliance.
If a signal fails to occur at the dispensing device, in advantageous fashion an acoustic and/or optical signal, which is perceptible by a user and indicates the signal cutoff, can be generated.
It may further be advantageous that emission of a monitoring signal and/or control signal to the household appliance can be brought about manually by a user. A user can thereby check, for example, whether, for a positioning of the dispensing device within the household appliance selected by him or her, signal reception exists between the transmitting unit of the household appliance and the dispensing device. This can be implemented, for example, by an operating element (e.g., a button or switch) that is embodied on the household appliance and emits a monitoring and/or control signal upon actuation.
For purposes of this application, an “energy source” is understood as a component of the dispensing system that is useful for making available energy suitable for operation of the dispensing system or dispensing device. The energy source is preferably configured in such a way that the dispensing system is autonomous.
The energy source preferably makes available electrical energy. The energy source can be, for example, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a power supply, solar cells, or the like.
It is particularly advantageous to design the energy source exchangeably, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.
A battery can be chosen, for example, from alkaline manganese batteries, zinc-carbon batteries, nickel-oxyhydroxide batteries, lithium batteries, lithium-iron sulfide batteries, zinc-air batteries, zinc chloride batteries, mercury oxide-zinc batteries, and/or silver oxide-zinc batteries.
Suitable rechargeable batteries include lead batteries (lead dioxide/lead), nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, alkaline manganese rechargeable batteries, silver-zinc rechargeable batteries, nickel hydride batteries, zinc-bromine batteries, sodium-nickel chloride batteries, and/or nickel-iron batteries.
The rechargeable battery can be configured in particular so that it can be recharged by induction.
It is also conceivable, however, to have mechanical energy sources made up of one or more helical springs, torsional or torsion-bar springs, flexural springs, air springs or gas-pressure springs, and/or elastomer springs.
The energy source is dimensioned in such a way that the dispensing device can execute approximately 300 dispensing cycles before the energy source is depleted. It is particularly preferred that the energy source be capable of executing from 1 to 300 dispensing cycles, very particularly preferably from 10 to 300, more preferably from 100 to 300, before the energy source is depleted.
In addition, a device for energy conversion can be provided in or on the dispensing unit which generates a voltage with which the rechargeable battery is charged. These devices can be designed, for example, as a dynamo driven by water flows during a washing cycle in a dishwasher, and that delivers to the rechargeable battery the voltage thus generated.
An optical transmitting and/or receiving unit is preferably arranged within the dispensing device, in particular in or on the component carrier, in order to protect the electrical and/or optical components of the transmitting and/or receiving unit from the influence of water spray and washing water.
In order to convey light out of the environment of the dispensing device to the optical transmitting and/or receiving unit, a light guide that has at least a light transmittance of 75% is arranged between the optical transmitting and/or receiving unit and the environment of the dispensing device. The light guide is preferably made of a transparent plastic having a light transmittance of at least 75%. The transmittance of the light guide is defined as the transmittance between the surface of the light guide at which light is coupled into the light guide out of the environment of the dispensing device, and the surface at which light is coupled out of the light guide to the optical transmitting and/or receiving unit. The transmittance can be determined per DIN 5036.
The light guide encompasses at least one incoupling and/or outcoupling point at which light is incoupled or outcoupled from an optical transmitting and/or receiving unit and/or out of the environment of the dispensing device.
It is particularly preferred that the light guide be designed in one piece with the component carrier. Advantageously, the component carrier is therefore shaped from a transparent material.
An opening is provided in the dispensing device for reception of the incoupling and/or outcoupling point of the light guide, and to produce an optical connection between the light guide and environment. The incoupling and/or outcoupling point can be arranged in the enveloping surface at the base or top of the dispensing device. In order to make available good transmitting and/or receiving characteristics for optical signals, it may be advantageous for the incoupling and/or outcoupling point of the light guide to be embodied in lenticular or prismatic fashion.
The light guide can also be constructed in multi-layer and/or multi-part fashion, from identical or different materials. It is also possible to provide an air gap between a light guide shaped in multi-layer and/or multi-part fashion. The transmittance of the light guide, in the case of a multi-layer and/or multi-part construction, is understood to be between the surface of the light guide at which light is coupled into the light guide out of the environment of the dispensing device, and the surface at which light is coupled out of the light guide to the optical transmitting and/or receiving unit.
It is further preferred that at least two incoupling or outcoupling points between the light guide and the environment be provided. It is particularly advantageous that the incoupling and outcoupling points be located substantially oppositely on the dispensing device.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing device can receive signals from a dispensing apparatus fastened in a dishwasher.
The delivery apparatus for delivering at least one preparation into the interior of a dishwasher can be, in particular, a cleaning agent dispenser, a delivery device for rinse aid or salt, or a combination dispensing device.
The delivery apparatus advantageously has at least one transmitting unit and/or at least one receiving unit for wireless transmission of signals into the interior of the dishwasher and for wireless reception of signals from the interior of the dishwasher.
It is particularly preferred that the transmitting and/or receiving unit be configured for emission or reception of optical signals. It is very particularly preferred that the transmitting unit and/or receiving unit be configured for emission or reception of light in the visible region. Because darkness usually prevails in the interior of the washing space during operation of a dishwasher, signals in the visible optical region, for example, in the form of signal pulses or light flashes, can be emitted and/or detected.
Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous to configure the transmitting unit and/or receiving unit for the emission or reception of infrared signals. It is advantageous in particular to configure the transmitting and/or receiving unit for the emission or reception of infrared signals in the near infrared region (780 nm to 3000 nm).
The transmitting unit has in particular at least one LED. Particularly preferably, the transmitting unit has at least two LEDs. It is very particularly advantageous in this context that at least two LEDs are arranged with an emission angle offset 90° from one another. This makes it possible, by way of multiple reflections that are generated within the dishwasher, to reduce the risk of signal shadows in which an arbitrarily positionable receiver of the signals, in particular a dispensing device, might be located.
It is also possible, according to a more preferable embodiment of the invention, to provide at least two LEDs that emit light at wavelengths differing from one another. This makes it possible, for example, to define different signal bands on which data can be sent and received.
It is further advantageous, in a refinement of the invention, for at least one LED to be an RGB LED whose wavelength is adjustable. It thus possible, for example, to define with one LED a variety of signal bands that emit signals at different wavelengths. It thus also conceivable, for example, that during the drying operation, during which high humidity (mist) is present in the washing space, light is emitted at a different wavelength than, for example, during a washing step.
The transmitting unit of the delivery apparatus can be configured so that the LED is provided both for the emission of signals into the interior of the dishwasher, particularly when the dishwasher door is closed, and for optical indication of an operating state, for example, the fill level of the salt or rinse-aid reservoir container of a dishwasher, particularly when the dishwasher door is open.
It is particularly preferred that an optical signal be embodied as a signal pulse or a sequence of signal pulses having a pulse duration of from 1 ms to 10 second, preferably from 5 ms to 100 ms.
It is further advantageous that the transmitting unit is configured in such a way that it emits an optical signal when the dishwasher is closed that produces an average illumination intensity E of from 0.01 to 100 lux, preferably from 0.1 to 50 lux, measured at the walls delimiting the washing space. This illumination intensity is sufficient to produce multiple reflections with or at other washing-space walls, thereby reducing or preventing possible signal shadows in the washing space, especially when the washing machine is in the loaded state.
The receiving unit of the delivery apparatus can include, in particular, a photodiode.
In a refinement of the invention, the delivery apparatus can also, additionally or alternatively, be configured for emission or reception of radio signals.
The signal emitted by the transmitting unit and/or received by the receiving unit is, in particular, a carrier of information, in particular a control signal.
It is particularly preferred to arrange the delivery apparatus in the door of a dishwasher.
A receptacle for detachable fastening of a dispensing device on the delivery apparatus can further be provided on the delivery apparatus. This makes it possible, for example, to position the dispensing device not only in the tableware rack of a dishwasher, but also directly on a delivery apparatus of the dishwasher, particularly a combination dispensing device. This means that loading space in the tableware rack is not occupied by the dispensing device while defined positioning of the dispensing device relative to the delivery apparatus is achieved.
Delivery apparatuses such as a combination dispensing device often have a pivotable flap that is opened within a washing program in order to deliver into the interior of the dishwasher the cleaning preparation present in the dispensing chamber of the combination device. The receptacle for the dispensing device can be designed on the delivery apparatus so that opening of the flap is prevented when the dispensing device is fastened in the receptacle. This prevents the risk of double dispensing out of the dispensing device and the delivery apparatus.
It is furthermore advantageous to configure the delivery apparatus fastening system and the transmitting and/or receiving unit so that at least the transmitting unit radiates directly onto the receiver of the dispensing device arranged in the fastening system.
Advantageously, when the dispensing device is not permanently connected to the dishwasher, for use in a dispensing system encompassing the delivery apparatus, it has at least one receiving unit and/or at least one transmitting unit for wireless transmission of signals out of the interior of the dishwasher to the delivery apparatus, or for wireless reception of signals from the delivery apparatus.
Simple coupling of the dispensing system to a water-conveying household appliance can be achieved by an adapter. The adapter serves for mechanical and/or electrical connection of the dispensing system to the water-conveying household appliance.
The adapter is connected, preferably fixedly, to a water-conveying line of the household appliance. It is also conceivable, however, to provide the adapter for a position in or on the household appliance, in which position the adapter is contacted by the water flow and/or spray stream of the household appliance.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adapter is shaped in such a way that a release of preparation out of the dispensing device that is in a state coupled to the adapter occurs not directly into the washing bath but into the water conveyed through the water-conveying line into the adapter, the water thereby charged with preparation then being conveyed out of the adapter into the interior of the dishwasher.
The adapter is preferably configured in such a way that in the state uncoupled from the dispensing device, emergence of water from the adapter is prevented. This can be prevented, for example, by the fact that the water-conveying line with which the adapter is in fluid communication conveys no water into or to the adapter, or else water of the water-conveying line flows through the adapter but the adapter comprises sealing means that prevent emergence of water from the adapter, for example silicone slit elements that, upon removal of the dispensing device from the adapter, close off the adapter in substantially liquid-tight fashion.
The adapter makes it possible to configure a dispensing system in both an autonomous and a built-in version, by coupling the inherently autonomous dispensing device to the adapter. It is also possible to embody the adapter as a kind of loading station for the dispensing system, in which e.g. the energy source of the dispensing system is charged or data are exchanged between the dispensing device and the adapter or the dishwasher.
The adapter can be arranged in a dishwasher on one of the inner walls of the washing chamber, in particular on the inner side of the dishwasher door. It is also conceivable, however, for the adapter as such to be positioned in the water-conveying household appliance in a manner not accessible to the user, so that the dispensing device is, for example, inserted into the adapter during assembly with the household appliance, such that the adapter, the dispensing device, and the household appliance are embodied in such a way that a cartridge can be coupled by the user to the dispensing device.
Exemplifying embodiments of the invention are depicted in the Figures that follow, and are explained in further detail below with reference thereto.
Dishwasher 1 according to
The autonomously operating dispensing apparatus 6 according to
The schematic depiction according to
This also makes possible, for example, wireless communication between the dispensing apparatus and appliance control system 19, conceivably e.g. by way of an infrared or light-based sensor suite.
In the variant embodiment depicted, the dispensing apparatus was described for the dispensing of cleaning tablets.
According to the present invention, however, a household appliance of this kind can also be used for autonomous dispensing apparatuses that dispense liquid cleaners, in particular including multi-component systems of liquid cleaners.
Dispensing device 20 comprises two dispensing chamber inlets 211a, 211b for repeatedly detachable reception of the corresponding outlet openings 25a, 25b of chambers 23a, 23b of cartridge 21. Located on the front side are indicating and control elements 37 that indicate the operating state of dispensing device 20 and act on it.
Dispensing chamber inlets 211a, 211b further comprise means that, upon placement of cartridge 21 onto dispensing device 20, cause outlet openings 25a, 25b of chambers 23a, 23b to open, so that when dispensing device 20 and cartridge 21 are in the coupled state, the interior of chambers 23a, 23b is communicatively connected to dispensing chamber inlets 211a, 211b.
Cartridge 21 can be made up of one or more chambers 23a, 23b. Cartridge 21 can be embodied in one piece with multiple chambers 23a, 23b, or in multiple pieces, the individual chambers 23a, 23b then being joined together into a cartridge 21, in particular by means of intermaterial, positive, or frictionally engaged connecting methods.
Fastening can be accomplished, in particular, by means of one or more connection types from the group of the snap-in connections, press connections, melt connections, adhesively bonded connections, weld connections, solder connections, screw connections, wedge connections, clamped connections, or flip connections. Fastening can, in particular, also be effected by way of a shrink sleeve that, in a heated state, is pulled at least locally over the cartridge and that in the cooled state fixedly surrounds the cartridge.
Chambers 23a, 23b of cartridge 21 can have fill volumes that are identical or that differ from one another. In the case of a configuration having two chambers 23a, 23b, the ratio of the chamber volumes is preferably 5:1; in the case of a configuration having three chambers, preferably 4:1:1, these configurations being suitable in particular for use in dishwashers.
Chambers 23a, 23b each contain a preparation 40a, 40b. Preparations 40a, 40b can have the same or different compositions.
Advantageously, chambers 23a, 23b are produced from a transparent material so that the fill level of preparations 40a, 40b is visible to the user from outside. It may also be advantageous, however, to produce at least one of the chambers from an opaque material, especially if the preparation present in that chamber contains light-sensitive ingredients.
Outlet openings 25a, 25b are configured so that they constitute, with the corresponding dispensing chamber inlets 211a, 211b, a positive and/or frictionally engaged, in particular liquid-tight, connection.
It is particularly advantageous that each of the outlet openings 25a, 25b is embodied so that it fits onto only one of the dispensing chamber inlets 211a, 211b, thereby preventing a chamber from being inadvertently put onto an incorrect dispensing chamber inlet. This can be achieved, for example, by means of outlet openings 25a, 25b and/or dispensing chamber inlets 211a, 211b that are different in size or vary in terms of basic shape.
Shaped on the interior of the side of dishwasher door 2 directed into the interior of dishwasher 1 is a depression 43 into which cartridge 21 can be inserted; as a result of the insertion, outlet openings 25a, 25b of cartridge 21 are communicatively connected to adapter pieces 42a, 42b. Adapter pieces 42a, 42b are in turn coupled to the appliance-integrated dispensing device.
Holding elements 44a, 44b, which ensure frictionally engaged and/or positive fastening of the cartridge in depression 43, can be provided on depression 43 for the fastening of cartridge 21 in depression 43. It is of course also conceivable for corresponding holding elements to be provided on cartridge 1. Holding elements 44a, 44b can preferably be selected from the group of the snap connections, latch connections, snap/latch connections, clamped connections, or plug connections.
During the operation of dishwasher 1, preparation 40a, 40b is conveyed by the appliance-integrated dispensing device out of cartridge 21 and through adapter elements 42a, 42b to the corresponding washing cycle.
A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
In contrast to the arrangement of cartridge 21 in the interior of a dishwasher 1, as known from
Cartridge 21 illustrated in
A further embodiment of the invention is shown in
Data and/or energy are preferably exchanged wirelessly between first interface 47 on dispensing device 20 and second interface 48 on dishwasher 1. It is particularly preferred that energy be transferred from interface 48 of dishwasher 1 wirelessly via interface 47 to dispensing device 20. This can occur, for example, inductively and/or capacitively.
It is further advantageous also to configure the interface for the wireless transfer of data. This can be achieved using methods known in the existing art for the wireless transfer of data, for example by radio transfer or IR transfer. It is particularly preferred to embody the transfer of data and signals wirelessly by means of optical transfer technologies in the visible region.
Alternatively, interfaces 47, 48 can also be embodied by means of integrated plug connections. Advantageously, the plug connections are embodied in such a way that they are protected from the penetration of water or moisture.
Transmitting unit 87 encompasses a light-emitting means that is arranged in transmitting unit 87 in such a way that the light-emitting means radiates into the interior of the dishwasher. The light-emitting means can be, in particular, an LED or a laser diode. The LED is arranged so that it projects out of the plane of transmitting unit 87, so that the LED produces the largest possible emission angle.
Transmitting unit 87 can be configured so that the LED is provided both for the emission of signals into the interior of dishwasher 1, in particular when dishwasher door 2 is closed, and for optical indication of an operating state, for example the fill level of the reservoir container for salt or rinse aid of a dishwasher, in particular when dishwasher door 2 is open.
Receiving unit 91 is preferably made up of a photodiode that is suitable for detecting light signals from the interior of the dishwasher. Like transmitting unit 87, the photodiode of receiving unit 91 can also project out of the plane of the receiving unit in order to achieve a maximally optimum radiation characteristic onto the photodiode.
It is furthermore possible for dispensing chamber 53 to comprise a receptacle 107 by means of which a movable dispensing system made up of dispensing device 20 and cartridge 21 can be coupled detachably or fixedly to dispensing chamber 53. This is shown schematically in
In this variant embodiment, dispensing chamber 53 is integrated fixedly into a dishwasher door 2. Dispensing device 2 comprises a receiving unit 91 that is suitable for receiving signals from transmitting unit 87 of dispensing chamber 53. As may be gathered from
Receptacle 107 can form with the dispensing system, for example, a positive and/or frictionally engaged detachable or fixed connection, for example a snap/latch connection.
The manner in which transmitting unit 87 interacts with a dispensing device 20 arranged in the interior of a dishwasher 1, in particular in a tableware rack, will be explained below with reference to
Transmitting unit 87 encompasses an LED that emits an optical signal 88, which is a carrier of a control datum, into the interior of dishwasher 1. This signal and its direction are indicated by the arrow in
Dispensing device 20, having a cartridge 21, is positioned in lower tableware rack 5b. It is of course possible to arrange dispensing device 2 with cartridge 1 at any suitable location in the lower or upper tableware rack 5; plate receptacles provided in or on tableware rack 5 are preferable for the arrangement of dispensing device 20.
Dispensing device 2 possesses a receiving unit 91 that is not depicted in
In particular, at the beginning of a washing program an optical signal 88 can be sent out from transmitting unit 87 which, after being received by dispensing device 20, causes control of the dispensing device 20, in particular the control of dispensing times and quantities, to be transferred to the control system of dishwasher 1. This is advantageous in particular if the control system of dispensing device 20 has its own dispensing programs for operation independently of dishwasher 1, but they are not to be executed upon detection of a corresponding signal 88 of a transmitting unit 87 that is present.
In this instance of non-reception or cutoff of signals 88 at dispensing device 20, a dispensing program from the control unit of dispensing device 20 is activated so that dispensing device 20, independently of the control system of dishwasher 1, will dispense at least one preparation 40 during a washing program. This prevents a situation in which, because of a signal cutoff, preparation 40 is not delivered into the interior of dishwasher 1 during a washing program, thereby producing poor cleaning performance. This applies to situations both at the start of a washing program and during a washing program.
In order to detect a signal cutoff between dispensing device 20 and transmitting unit 87, an additional monitoring signal 90 can be provided which is emitted by transmitting unit 87 at predefined fixed time intervals, while control signal 88 is emitted at fixed time intervals or only upon immediate transmission of a control signal. This is sketched by way of example in
As shown in
It is also possible in principle for the transmitting and receiving modes of control and monitoring signals 88, 90 according to
A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
As may be gathered from
Dispensing chamber 200, actuator 218, and closure element 219, as well as energy source 215, control unit 216, and sensor unit 217, are arranged on component carrier 231. Dispensing chamber 220, predispensing chamber 226, dispensing chamber inlet 221, and receptacle 229 are embodied in one piece with component carrier 231.
As may further be gathered from
As shown in
Predispensing chamber 226 and outlet chamber 227 are connected to one another through opening 234. Receptacle 229, opening 234, and dispensing chamber outlet 222 are located on an alignment running transversely to the longitudinal axis of component carrier 231, so that the rod-shaped closure element 219 can be guided through openings 222, 229, 234.
As is apparent in particular from
The configuration of dispensing chamber 220 will be further explained below with reference to the detail view in
In
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2008 036 586.6 | Aug 2008 | DE | national |
The present application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2009/005597 filed 3 Aug. 2009, which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2008 036 586.6 filed 6 Aug. 2008, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/EP09/05597 | Aug 2009 | US |
| Child | 13017494 | US |
