DOSING UNIT, WATER BEARING HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE AND METHOD

Abstract

A dosing unit (100) for use in an automatic dosing system (20) of a water-bearing household appliance (1), for automatically dosing a dosing amount (122) of a solid detergent, the dosing unit (100) comprising a dosing cartridge (110) for storing a bulk (112) of the solid detergent and a dosing device (120) for separating the dosing amount (122) from the bulk (112) and releasing the separated dosing amount (122) by linearly displacing a sliding element (124) from a separating position to a release position, wherein the dosing device (120) includes a dosing channel (126), wherein, when the sliding element (124) is in the separating position, the dosing channel (126) is configured for receiving at least the dosing amount (122) from the bulk (112) and intermediately storing the dosing amount (122) in a pre-dosing position, and, when the sliding element (124) is in the release position, the dosing device (120) is configured for releasing the dosing amount (122) intermediately stored in the pre-dosing position.

Claims

1. A dosing unit for use in an automatic dosing system of a water-bearing household appliance, for automatically dosing a dosing amount of a solid detergent, the dosing unit comprising: a dosing cartridge for storing a bulk of the solid detergent; and a dosing device for separating the dosing amount from the bulk and releasing the separated dosing amount by linearly displacing a sliding element from a separating position to a release position, wherein the dosing device comprises a dosing channel, wherein, when the sliding element is in the separating position, the dosing channel is configured for receiving at least the dosing amount from the bulk and intermediately storing the dosing amount in a pre-dosing position, and, when the sliding element is in the release position, the dosing device is configured for releasing the dosing amount intermediately stored in the pre-dosing position.

2. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the dosing channel is configured for receiving and intermediately storing a plurality of dosing amounts.

3. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the dosing device comprises a blocking mechanism for holding back detergent intermediately stored in the dosing channel different to the dosing amount intermediately stored in the pre-dosing position when the sliding element is in the release position.

4. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the dosing cartridge comprises a container having an inclined bottom side with respect to a horizontal direction when the dosing unit is oriented as intended for use and an outlet arranged at a lowest position of the container in this orientation.

5. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the dosing cartridge comprises a container having a cylindrical shape with elliptical cross section, which is oriented, when the dosing unit is oriented as intended for use, such that a gravitational vector is parallel to a side wall of the container.

6. The dosing unit according to claim 5, wherein the container has a taper section in which the container tapers towards an outlet arranged at a lowest position of the container when the dosing unit is oriented as intended for use.

7. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the dosing unit comprises a cap configured for sealing the dosing unit when the sliding element (124) is in the separating position.

8. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein one of the dosing cartridge or the dosing device has a deflection element configured for carrying a weight of a part of the solid detergent from the bulk arranged vertically above the deflection element when the dosing unit is oriented as intended for use, wherein the deflection element is arranged inside the dosing cartridge vertically above an outlet of the storage cartridge when the dosing unit is oriented as intended for use.

9. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the dosing unit includes a coupling element configured for coupling to an external agitation unit for agitating at least the storage cartridge.

10. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the sliding element is configured for poking upwards into the bulk for loosening the bulk.

11. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the solid detergent is provided in form of detergent tablets.

12. The dosing unit according to claim 11, wherein the dosing channel is configured for aligning the intermediately stored detergent tablets in a line one on top of the other when the dosing unit is oriented as intended for use, wherein the lowest detergent tablet is in the pre-dosing position.

13. The dosing unit according to claim 12, wherein the blocking mechanism comprises an elastic clamping element configured for elastically clamping and holding the detergent tablet arranged directly on top of the adjacent detergent tablet in the pre-dosing position forming the dosing amount when the sliding element is in the release position.

14. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the sliding element comprises a first element and a second element, wherein the first element and the second element are arranged movably relative to one another.

15. The dosing unit according to claim 14, wherein the first element and the second element are arranged in a first relative position when the sliding element is in the separating position, and are arranged in a second relative position when the sliding element is in the release position.

16. The dosing unit according to claim 15, wherein, when the sliding element is in the release position, the first element is arranged in the dosing channel and the second element extends out of the dosing channel, such that an outlet is cleared allowing for release of the dosing amount.

17. A method for dosing a dosing amount of solid detergent from a dosing unit (100), the method comprising: separating at least the dosing amount from a bulk of the solid detergent stored in a storage cartridge by receiving at least the dosing amount in a dosing channel; intermediately storing the separated amount of solid detergent in the dosing channel, wherein at least the dosing amount is arranged in a pre-dosing position; sliding a sliding element from a separating position to a release position; releasing the dosing amount intermediately stored in the pre-dosing position; and sliding the sliding element from the release position back to the separating position.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of separating at least the dosing amount comprises agitating the bulk of the solid detergent.

19. A water-bearing household appliance comprising an automatic dosing system, the automatic dosing system comprising a dosing unit for automatically dosing a dosing amount of a solid detergent into washing liquor for treating articles, wherein the dosing unit is implemented according to claim 1.

20. The water-bearing household appliance according to claim 19, wherein the automatic dosing system includes a driving unit for actuating the dosing unit for dosing the dosing amount.

21. The water-bearing household appliance according to claim 19, wherein the automatic dosing system is configured for removably receiving the dosing unit.

22. The water-bearing household appliance according to claim 19, wherein the automatic dosing system includes an agitation unit for agitating at least the storage cartridge and the storage cartridge includes a coupling element for coupling to the agitation unit.

23. A method for operating a water-bearing household appliance with an automatic dosing system for automatically dosing a dosing amount of a solid detergent into washing liquor for treating articles, the method comprising: starting a treatment program selected from a plurality of treatment programs; separating at least the dosing amount from a bulk of the solid detergent stored in a storage cartridge by receiving at least the dosing amount in a dosing channel; intermediately storing the separated amount of solid detergent in the dosing channel, wherein at least the dosing amount is arranged in a pre-dosing position; sliding a sliding element from a separating position to a release position; releasing the dosing amount intermediately stored in the pre-dosing position; and sliding the sliding element from the release position back to the separating position.

Description

[0095] Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and dependent claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0096] FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a first example of a dosing unit;

[0097] FIG. 2A-2C show a sequence of sectional views of a second example of a dosing unit in different steps of dosing detergent;

[0098] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an example of the dosing unit being employed in a water-bearing household appliance;

[0099] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a third example of a dosing unit;

[0100] FIG. 5A-5C show a sequence of sectional views of a fourth example of a dosing unit in different steps of dosing detergent;

[0101] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an example of a method for dosing a dosing amount of detergent;

[0102] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a water-bearing household appliance; and

[0103] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an example of a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance.

[0104] In the Figures, like reference numerals designate like or functionally equivalent elements, unless otherwise indicated.

[0105] FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a first example of a dosing unit 100. In this example, the dosing unit 100 is configured for dosing a solid detergent that is provided in the form of a powder or small particles. The dosing unit 100 comprises a storage cartridge 110, which is made from a thermoplastic material and formed by injection molding, for example. The storage cartridge 110 has an essentially trapezoidal shape and stores a bulk 112 of the solid detergent. A bottom side 114 of the storage cartridge 110 is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction when oriented as shown in FIG. 1 with respect to gravity G. An inclination angle between the bottom side 114 and the horizontal direction is 15° in this example and may be selected from a range of 5°-30°. At a lowest section of the storage cartridge 110, an opening or outlet 116 is formed in the storage cartridge 110. Due to the inclination of the bottom side 114, a force component of the gravitational force acting on the detergent resting on the bottom side 114 is directed along a gradient of the bottom side 114, which points towards the outlet 116. A dosing device 120 is attached to the storage cartridge 110 on the outlet 116. The dosing unit 100 is shown in the orientation as intended for use with respect to gravity G.

[0106] The dosing device 120 includes a sliding element 124, which is configured for being linearly displaced between a separating position and a release position. Preferably, the dosing device 120 is made from a thermoplastic material and formed by injection molding. However, the dosing device 120 may include elements that are made from other materials, in particular rubber, metal and/or ceramics, such as a sealing element (not shown) arranged between the dosing device 120 and the storage cartridge 110. The dosing device 120 and/or the sliding element 124 form a dosing channel 126. The dosing channel 126 is configured for receiving detergent from the bulk 112 of detergent, particularly when the sliding element 124 is in the separating position, such that the dosing channel 126 is filled with detergent. The detergent in the dosing channel 126 is intermediately stored in the dosing channel 126 until being released. Specifically, the dosing channel 126 includes a volume 122 which may be called a pre-dosing position and which corresponds to a dosing amount of detergent. The dosing amount 122 includes the part of the detergent that is released when the sliding element 124 is moved into the release position.

[0107] When used for dosing the dosing amount 122 in an automatic dosing system 20 (see FIG. 3 or 7) of a water-bearing household appliance 1 (see FIG. 3 or 7), the dosing unit 100 is preferably oriented as shown in FIG. 1 with respect to gravity G. In this orientation, gravity G assists in or facilitates both the filling of the dosing channel 126 with detergent from the bulk 112 when the sliding element 124 is in the separating position, as well as in the release of the dosing amount 122 when the sliding element 124 is moved to the release position.

[0108] FIG. 2A-2C show a sequence of sectional views of a second example of a dosing unit 100 in different steps of dosing a dosing amount 122. In FIG. 2A-2C, the dosing unit 100 is shown only partially in order to provide a detailed view of the dosing device 120. Also, some reference signs of same elements across FIG. 2A-2C are not reproduced in each of the Figs. for better overview. The dosing unit 100 of FIG. 2A-2C is configured for dosing detergent tablets 102, wherein the dosing amount 122 corresponds to exactly one detergent tablet 102. In this example, the dosing device 120 includes a blocking mechanism 128 implemented similar to a pair of tweezers with two elastic clamping elements 129, also referred to as legs in the following. A cap 125 is arranged at a lower end of the dosing channel 126. The cap 125 is configured for closing and sealing the dosing channel 126 such that no fluids may enter the dosing channel 126 and the storage cartridge 110. Further, a deflection element 130 is arranged vertically above the outlet 116 or the dosing device 120. The deflection element 130 is integrally formed with the storage cartridge 110 in this example, but may also be part of the dosing device 120.

[0109] FIG. 2A shows the situation when the sliding element 124 is in the separating position. In this state, detergent tablets 102 can travel from the bulk 112 into the dosing channel 126. This movement of detergent tablets 102 is essentially driven by gravity G, but may be assisted, for example by an agitation unit 24 (see FIG. 3 or 7). The deflection element 130 is implemented as a hat and serves as a pressure relief with respect to the dosing device 120 and the detergent tablets 102 that are intermediately stored in the dosing channel 126 or that are about to move into the dosing channel 126. Without this hat 130, a blocking of detergent tablets 102 may occur due to the weight of detergent tablets 102 resting vertically above the dosing device 120. In the separating position, the cap 125 is closed.

[0110] The detergent tablets 102 in the dosing channel 126 are sorted or piled up linearly, such that they may be numbered according to at which dosing operation counted from now on they will be released. The lowermost detergent tablet 102 is in the pre-dosing position and forms the dosing amount 122, which will be released the next time the dosing unit 100 is actuated.

[0111] FIG. 2B shows an intermediate state of the release or dosing process. For better view, some reference numerals were omitted but are the same as in FIG. 2A. Here, the sliding element 124 was moved a fraction of the total way from the separating position to the release position, for example 50%. In this stage, the legs 129 of the blocking mechanism 128 are already engaged with the detergent tablet 102 that forms the following dosing amount 123, which is arranged directly above the pre-dosing position, holding it back. Note that the number of legs 129 may be one, two, preferably three, or more than three. The cap 125 is still blocking the release of the dosing amount 122, but is not sealed tightly in this stage.

[0112] FIG. 2C shows the state when the sliding element 124 is in the release position. For better view, some reference numerals were omitted but are the same as in FIG. 2A. In this state, the cap 125 may swing away from the opening about a hinge formed at one side of the cap 125, is swung away from the opening about a hinge formed at one side of the cap 125, thus releasing the lowermost detergent tablet 102 forming the dosing amount 122. The detergent tablet 102 falls out from the dosing channel 126, driven by gravity G. The pile of detergent tablets 102 intermediately stored in an ordered way in the dosing channel 126 is blocked from falling out by the detergent tablet 102 forming the following dosing amount 123 that is held by the legs 129 of the blocking mechanism 128.

[0113] When returning to the separating position, the order of the actions is reversed. That is, first the cap 125 is swung back towards the opening to return to the closed position and then the legs 129 release the detergent tablet 102 forming the following dosing amount 123, such that the pile of intermediately stored detergent tablets 102 in the dosing channel 126 advances by one step. If the detergent tablets 102 stored in the bulk 112 do not move into the dosing channel 126 only by gravity G, an agitating unit 24 (see FIG. 3 or 7) may be activated. However, as long as there are detergent tablets 102 intermediately stored in the dosing channel 126, a number of dosing operations may be performed before a refilling of the dosing channel 126 with detergent tablets 102 becomes necessary.

[0114] Preferably, the sliding element 124 is blocked in the separating position by a mechanical restraint element (not shown) when the dosing unit 100 is handled freely. This prevents a simple actuation of the dosing unit 100, for example by pulling with bare hands. When the dosing unit 100 is placed in an automatic dosing system 20 (see FIG. 3 or 7), the mechanical restraint element is disengaged, such that the sliding element 124 is free to be moved. This increases secure handling of the dosing unit 100, in particular by users, because the detergent stored in the storage cartridge 110 may be irritating or harmful, in particular when in contact with skin, the eyes, or mucous membrane.

[0115] FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of a dosing unit 100, for example the dosing unit 100 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5, employed in a water-bearing household appliance 1, for example a dishwasher. The dishwasher 1 includes an automatic dosing system 20, which is implemented for receiving the dosing unit 100. In particular, the automatic dosing system 20 is configured for actuating or operating the dosing unit 100 such that a dosing amount 122 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5) of solid detergent is dispensed or dosed. For this, the automatic dosing system 20 includes a driving unit 22, which is configured for moving the sliding element 124 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5) between the separating position and the release position. Preferably, a control unit 15 (see FIG. 7) of the dishwasher 1 controls the operation of the automatic dosing system 20 in accordance with a treatment program. Further, to assist in refilling the dosing channel 126 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5), an agitation unit 24, implemented as a vibration unit, is arranged in the automatic dosing system 20 such that it is in a mechanical contact with the bottom side 124 of the storage cartridge 110 or with a coupling element implemented for providing a mechanical coupling. The vibration unit 24 is configured to provide mechanical vibrations, which may have different characteristics, such as direction, frequency and/or amplitude. Preferably, the characteristics are selected depending on the kind and form of detergent to be dosed. Further, the characteristics may be selected depending on a level of detergent in the storage cartridge 110.

[0116] In this example, the automatic dosing system 20 is arranged on a door of the dishwasher 1. It can be easily accessed by a user for replacing the dosing unit 100 when the storage cartridge 110 runs out of detergent. The automatic dosing system 20 may include a container or case and a second dosing channel (not shown), which separates the dosing unit 100 from the interior of the dishwasher 1, such that the dosing unit 100 is essentially not exposed to the extreme conditions inside the dishwasher 1, in particular high humidity. The released dosing amount 122 is then first dosed into the second dosing channel, and only when the dosing unit 100 is sealed again, the second dosing channel releases the detergent into the dishwasher 1. For refilling the dosing channel 126 with detergent from the bulk 112, the vibration unit 24 is activated. This may generate a rattling sound, which may be perceived as disturbing by a user. Therefore, it is advantageous when the dosing unit 100 and/or the automatic dosing system 20 as a whole are mechanically decoupled from the door of the dishwasher 1. Further, when the dosing channel 126 is implemented for intermediately storing a number of detergent amounts 122, for example a plurality of detergent tablets 102 (see FIG. 2 or 5), it is sufficient to activate the vibration unit 24 after all of the intermediately stored dosing amounts 122 were released.

[0117] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a third example of a dosing unit 100. The dosing unit 100 of this example has a storage cartridge 110 with a cylindrical container having an elliptical cross section, which tapers towards an outlet 116 in a taper section 115. The taper section 115 is implemented as a funnel with elliptic cross section, wherein an angle with respect to a horizontal direction is in the range of 20°-80° in the orientation shown in FIG. 4, which is the orientation as intended for use. The funnel 115 guides the detergent stored in the bulk 112 of detergent in the storage cartridge 110 towards the outlet 116, solely driven by gravity G.

[0118] On the outlet 116, a dosing device 120 is attached to the storage cartridge 110. The dosing device 120 includes a sliding element 124 and a dosing channel 126, wherein the dosing channel 126 is configured for receiving and intermediately storing at least one dosing amount 122 of detergent from the bulk 112 via the opening 116. The sliding element 124 is shown in its separating position, in which it essentially extends through the dosing channel 126. The sliding element 124 is configured for being linearly displaced upward through the opening 116 into the bulk 112, as well as downward into a release position.

[0119] As shown by arrow P, a poking movement of the sliding element 124 into the bulk 112 is possible, which reaches through the complete tapered section 115 into the storage cartridge 110. The sliding element 124 has an upwardly pointing tip in this example, which helps in poking through the bulk 112 by displacing detergent sideways from the tip. The poking movement of the sliding element 124 has two purposes. First, it agitates the bulk 112 and loosens up the bulk 112, such that it becomes or remains pourable. Second, it assists in refilling of the dosing channel 126 with detergent, by actively “catching” detergent during the upward move of the poking. One can say that the sliding element cuts out detergent from the bulk 112, providing it to the dosing channel 126.

[0120] The sliding element 124 may be displaced linearly downward into a release position, in which the dosing amount 122 intermediately stored in the dosing channel 122 is released. When the sliding element 124 is returned to the separating position after release, detergent from the bulk 112 may trickle or move into the space in the dosing channel 126 that was freed during release, driven by gravity G.

[0121] FIG. 5A-5C show a sequence of sectional views of a fourth example of a dosing unit 100 in different steps of dosing detergent. The dosing unit 100 shown here may be used in the automatic dosing system 20 as described with reference to FIG. 3 or 7. In FIG. 5A-5C, the dosing unit 100 is shown only partially in order to provide a detailed view of the dosing device 120. Also, some reference signs of same elements across FIG. 5A-5C are not reproduced in each Fig., for better overview. The dosing unit 100 of FIG. 5A-5C is configured for dosing detergent tablets 102, wherein the dosing amount 122 corresponds to exactly one detergent tablet 102. In this example, the sliding element 124 includes two elements, a first element 124A and a second element 124B. The first element 124A and the second element 124B are attached to each other, but can be linearly displaced relative to each other. The second element 124B has a closing portion at its lower end, which is configured for closing and sealing the dosing channel 126 when the sliding element 124 is in the separating position, as is shown in FIG. 5B. Further, an inner side of the closing portion forms an inclined plane with respect to a horizontal direction. Also, the dosing device 120 includes a blocking mechanism 128, implemented by an elastic clamping element 129 formed on the first element 124A, and a projection formed on the elastic clamping element 129 reaching into a recess formed in the dosing channel 126. When the projection reaches the end of the recess, the clamping element 129 bulges, until movement of the first element 124A is stopped.

[0122] FIG. 5A shows the dosing unit 100 during a poking movement of the sliding element 124, in which the first element 124A and the second element 124B are moving upwardly together, reaching into the storage cartridge 110. By the upward move into the bulk 112 of detergent tablets 102, the dosing channel 126 is filled with detergent tablets 102.

[0123] FIG. 5B shows the dosing unit 100 when the sliding element 124 is in the separating position. For better view, some reference numerals were omitted but are the same as in FIG. 5A. As can be seen, the elastic clamping element 129 is bulged into the dosing channel 126, thereby clamping or holding the detergent tablet 102 disposed next to the clamping element 129 in the dosing channel 126, which forms the following dosing amount 123. By this, the dosing channel 126 is blocked, that is, detergent tablets 102 above the clamped one cannot move further in the dosing channel 126. One detergent tablet 102 is intermediately stored in the pre-dosing position, forming the dosing amount 122.

[0124] FIG. 5C shows the dosing unit 100 when the sliding element 124 is in the release position. For better view, some reference numerals were omitted but are the same as in FIG. 5A. Starting from the separating position, only the second element 124B is moved downward, the first element 124A is held fixed in the same position as shown in FIG. 5B. That is, the first element 124A and the second element 124B are moved relative to each other. Due to this relative movement, detergent tablets 102 or fragments of detergent tablets 102 that are stuck in the dosing channel 126 can be released, increasing the reliability of the dosing unit 100. Further, an outlet is cleared, which allows the detergent tablet 102 to slide off the inclined plane of the closing portion and fall out from the dosing device 120.

[0125] The dosing unit 100 of FIG. 5 is preferably used in an automatic dosing system 20 of a water-bearing household appliance 1 (see FIG. 3 or 7).

[0126] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an example of a method for dosing a dosing amount of detergent. In a first step S1, at least the dosing amount 122 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5) is separated from a bulk 112 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5) of the solid detergent stored in a storage cartridge 110 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5) by receiving at least the dosing amount 122 in a dosing channel 126 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5). In a second step S2, the separated dosing amount 122 is intermediately stored in the dosing channel 126, wherein at least the dosing amount 122 is arranged in a pre-dosing position. In a third step S3, a sliding element 124 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5) is moved from a separating position to a release position. In a fourth step S4, the dosing amount 122 intermediately stored in the pre-dosing position is released from the dosing channel 126, and in a fifth step S5, the sliding element 124 is moved from the release position back to the separating position.

[0127] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a water-bearing household appliance 1, which is implemented as a domestic dishwasher. The domestic dishwasher 1 comprises a tub 2, which can be closed by a door 3. Preferably, the door 3 seals the tub 2 so that it is waterproof, for example by using a door seal between door 3 and the tub 2. Preferably, the tub 2 has a cuboid shape. Tub 2 and door 3 can form a washing chamber 4 for washing dishes. The domestic dishwasher 1 is shown in an orientation as intended for use relative to gravitational vector G.

[0128] In FIG. 7, door 3 is shown in the open position. By swiveling about an axis 5 at a lower edge of door 3, the door 3 can be opened or closed. With the door 3, an opening 6 of the tub 2 for inserting dishes into the washing chamber 4 can be opened or closed. Tub 2 comprises a lower cover 7, an upper cover 8 facing the lower cover 7, a rear cover 9 facing the closed door 3 and two side covers 10, 11 which face each other. For example, the lower cover 7, the upper cover 8, the rear cover 9 and the two side covers 10, 11 can be made from stainless steel sheets. Alternatively, at least one of the covers, for example the lower cover 7, can be made from a polymeric material, such as plastic.

[0129] The domestic dishwasher 1 further has at least one rack 12, 13, 14 on which dishes to be washed can be placed. Preferably, more than one rack 12, 13, 14 is used, wherein rack 12 can be lower rack, rack 13 can be an upper rack and rack 14 can be a rack specific for cutlery. As is shown in FIG. 7, the racks 12 to 14 are arranged vertically above each other in the tub 2. Each rack 12, 13, 14 can be pulled out from the tub 2 in a first, outward direction O or pushed into the tub 2 in a second, inward direction I.

[0130] FIG. 7 further shows an automatic dosing system 20 that is arranged in the door 3 of the domestic dishwasher 1. The automatic dosing system 20 comprises a dosing unit 100 that is removably fixed in the automatic dosing system 20. The automatic dosing system 20 has a driving unit 22 (see FIG. 3) configured to actuate the dosing unit 100 for automatically dosing a dosing amount 122 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4, or 5) of solid detergent stored in a storage cartridge 110 (see FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5) of the dosing unit 100. Preferably, the automatic dosing system 20 may be controlled by a control unit 15, which is implemented for operating the domestic dishwasher 1 according to a treatment program selected from a plurality of treatment programs. Further, in preferred embodiments, the automatic dosing system 20 includes an agitation unit 24 (see FIG. 3) which is configured for agitating at least the storage cartridge 110.

[0131] The automatic dosing system 20 is preferably implemented to be operated in conjunction with a dosing unit 100 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, 4 or 5.

[0132] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an example of a method for operating a water-bearing household appliance 1 (see FIG. 3 or 7) with an automatic dosing system 20, for example the one shown in FIG. 3 or 7. In a first step S0, a treatment program selected from a plurality of treatment programs is started. In a second step S1, at least the dosing amount 122 (see FIG. 2, 3, 5 or 6) is separated from a bulk 112 (see FIG. 2, 3, 5 or 6) of the solid detergent stored in a storage cartridge 110 (see FIG. 2, 3, 5 or 6) by receiving at least the dosing amount 122 in a dosing channel 126 (see FIG. 2, 3, 5 or 6). In a third step S2, the separated dosing amount 122 is intermediately stored in the dosing channel 126, wherein at least the dosing amount 122 is arranged in a pre-dosing position. In a fourth step S3, a sliding element 124 (see FIG. 2, 3, 5 or 6) is moved from a separating position to a release position. In a fifth step S4, the dosing amount 122 intermediately stored in the pre-dosing position is released from the dosing channel 126, and in a sixth step S5, the sliding element 124 is moved from the release position back to the separating position.

[0133] Although the present invention has been described in accordance with preferred embodiments, it is obvious for the person skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0134] 1 water-bearing household appliance [0135] 2 tub [0136] 3 door [0137] 4 washing chamber [0138] 5 axis [0139] 6 opening [0140] 7 lower cover [0141] 8 top cover [0142] 9 rear cover [0143] 10 side cover [0144] 11 side cover [0145] 12 rack [0146] 13 rack [0147] 14 rack [0148] 15 control unit [0149] 20 automatic dosing system [0150] 22 driving unit [0151] 24 vibration unit [0152] 100 dosing unit [0153] 102 detergent tablet [0154] 110 storage cartridge [0155] 112 bulk [0156] 114 bottom side [0157] 115 taper section [0158] 116 outlet [0159] 120 dosing device [0160] 122 dosing amount [0161] 123 following dosing amount [0162] 124 sliding element [0163] 124A first element [0164] 124B second element [0165] 125 cap [0166] 126 dosing channel [0167] 128 blocking mechanism [0168] 129 clamping element [0169] 130 deflection element [0170] I inward direction [0171] G gravity vector [0172] O outward direction [0173] P poking movement [0174] S1 method step [0175] S2 method step [0176] S3 method step [0177] S4 method step [0178] S5 method step