DOSING UNIT AND WATER-BEARING HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE WITH AN AUTOMATIC DOSING SYSTEM

Abstract

A dosing unit (100) for automatically dosing at least one detergent tablet (102) provided by a storage cartridge (110) for storing a plurality of detergent tablets (102), for use in an automatic dosing system (20) of a water-bearing household appliance (1), wherein the storage cartridge (110) comprises a container with a bottom side (112) forming an inclination angle with a horizontal direction when the dosing unit (100) is arranged as intended for use, wherein an outlet (114) is formed in the container at a lower end of the bottom side (112), such that detergent tablets (102) on the bottom side (112) move towards the outlet (114) driven by gravity (G), and wherein a dosing device (120) is attached to the storage cartridge (110) on the outlet (114), the dosing device (120) including a scoop (130) and a plug (140), wherein the scoop (130) is configured to separate a detergent tablet (102) from the plurality and transport the separated detergent tablet (102) to a receiving chamber (142) formed in the plug (140) when the scoop (130) is turned in a first turning direction about a rotational axis (X) that is parallel to the bottom side (112), and the plug (140) is configured to release the detergent tablet (102) from the receiving chamber (142).

Claims

1. A dosing unit for automatically dosing at least one detergent tablet, the dosing unit comprising: a storage cartridge; and a dosing device comprising a scoop and a plug, the dosing unit configured for storing a plurality of detergent tablets, the storage cartridge further configured for use in an automatic dosing system of a water-bearing household appliance, wherein the storage cartridge comprises a container with a bottom side forming an inclination angle with a horizontal direction when the dosing unit is arranged as intended for use, wherein an outlet is formed in the container at a lower end of the bottom side, such that detergent tablets on the bottom side of the container move towards the outlet driven by gravity, and wherein the dosing device is attached to the storage cartridge on the outlet, wherein the scoop is configured to separate a detergent tablet from the plurality of detergent tablets and transport the separated detergent tablet to a receiving chamber formed in the plug when the scoop is turned in a first turning direction about a rotational axis that is parallel to the bottom side, and wherein the plug is configured to release the separated detergent tablet from the receiving chamber.

2. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the plug is held in the dosing device being movable between a closed position and a release position, wherein, when the plug is in the closed position, the separated detergent tablet received from the scoop is stored in the receiving chamber, and, when the plug is in the release position, an outlet in a side-wall of the dosing device is cleared such that the separated detergent tablet stored in the receiving chamber is released.

3. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the scoop comprises a stirring element reaching into the storage cartridge configured for agitating the plurality of detergent tablets arranged within a range of the stirring element when the scoop is turned in the first turning direction about the rotational axis.

4. The dosing unit according to claim 3, wherein the stirring element is configured for pushing the plurality of detergent tablets into the storage cartridge when the scoop is turned in the first turning direction about the rotational axis about a predefined turning degree.

5. The dosing unit according to claim 4, wherein the stirring element is implemented in the scoop as a spirally curved surface section on a side of the scoop facing towards the storage cartridge.

6. The dosing unit according to claim 5, wherein the spirally curved surface section has a pitch that is a function of the size of the detergent tablets, in particular 0.5-1.5 times the size of one detergent tablet.

7. The dosing unit according to claim 3, wherein the scoop further comprises an eccentric opening on a side of the scoop facing towards the storage cartridge, configured for guiding a detergent tablet of the plurality of detergent tablets into a separation chamber formed in the scoop, in the plug, or between the scoop and the plug.

8. The dosing unit according to claim 7, wherein a barrier element is formed between the separation chamber and the receiving chamber, the barrier element configured for blocking the separated detergent tablet from moving from the separation chamber into the receiving chamber.

9. The dosing unit according to claim 8, wherein the scoop further comprises a lifting element configured for lifting and transporting the separated detergent tablet from the separation chamber to the receiving chamber when the scoop is turned in the first turning direction about the rotational axis.

10. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the receiving chamber is designed such that a predetermined number, preferably exactly one, of separated detergent tablets is stored in the receiving chamber at a given time.

11. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein when the storage cartridge is arranged as intended for use, a curvature of an edge of the container in a cross-section of the storage cartridge in a plane spanned by the rotational axis and the gravitational vector, is defined as a function of the size of the plurality of detergent tablets such that a jamming of the plurality of detergent tablets against a side wall of the container when being pushed by the scoop is prevented.

12. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein internal dimensions of the storage cartridge are selected such that a distance between any two parallel sides of the container is different to an integer multiplicity of a size of the detergent tablets.

13. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the dosing device comprises an engagement element configured for engagement with a driving device of an external driving unit configured for turning the dosing device in the first turning direction.

14. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the plug is shaped as a cylinder, wherein an engaging section configured for engagement with a driving element of the external driving unit is arranged on a face of the cylinder and the receiving chamber is arranged on another face of the cylinder, and wherein the plug is arranged in the dosing device such that the receiving chamber is facing towards the scoop.

15. The dosing unit according to claim 1, wherein the plug has an external thread that engages with an internal thread of the dosing device such that, when the plug is rotated relative to the dosing device in a first rotation direction about the rotational axis, the plug is moved from a closed position to a release position by being displaced laterally away from the scoop, and when the plug is rotated relative to the dosing device in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction about the rotational axis, the plug is moved from the release position to the closed position by being displaced laterally towards the scoop.

16. A water-bearing household appliance with an automatic dosing system and a dosing unit according to claim 1, the automatic dosing system being configured for automatically dosing at least one detergent tablet from the dosing unit.

Description

[0061] 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:

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first example of a dosing unit;

[0063] FIG. 2A-2D show four different views of an example of a dosing device;

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second example of a dosing unit;

[0065] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a dosing unit employed in a water-bearing household appliance; and

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a water-bearing household appliance.

[0067] In the Figures, like reference numerals designate like or functionally equivalent elements, unless otherwise indicated.

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a first example of a dosing unit 100 for dosing a detergent tablet 102 (see FIG. 2A-2D or 3) provided by a storage cartridge 110. The storage cartridge 110 is implemented as a hollow body, the interior of which forms a container for storing a plurality of detergent tablets 102. The dosing unit 100 is shown in its orientation relative to gravity G as intended for use. It is noted that the dosing unit 100 may be operative in other orientations, in particular when only slightly deviating from the orientation shown here.

[0069] The bottom side 112 of the storage cartridge 110 is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction in this orientation, such that detergent tablets 102 do not rest on the bottom side 112, but slide towards an outlet 114 of the container.

[0070] A dosing device 120 is attached to the storage cartridge 110 at or on the outlet 114. The dosing device 120 includes a scoop 130 and a plug 140. Further, in a side wall of the dosing device 120, an outlet 122 is formed through which detergent tablets 102 stored in a receiving chamber 142 in the plug 140 may be released, assisted by gravity G. The dosing device 120 may be held by a fixing element such that the dosing device 120 can be rotated relative to the storage cartridge 110.

[0071] The dosing device 120 is attached to the storage cartridge 110 such that it can be rotated about rotational axis X, which is parallel to the bottom side 112 of the storage cartridge 110 in this example. However, the rotational axis X may be tilted with respect to the bottom side 112 to some degree, for example, up to 45°, without affecting the dosing device's 120 dosing function.

[0072] As can be seen, the scoop 130 has a stirring element 132 implemented as a surface towards storage cartridge 110 that is not orthogonal to the rotational axis X. Particularly, the stirring element 132 is implemented as a spirally curved surface section, which protrudes into the storage cartridge 110. Detergent tablets 102 stored in the storage cartridge 110 are in contact with the scoop 130, because the scoop 130 is arranged in a lowest position of the storage cartridge 110. When the scoop 130 is turned about rotational axis X, the stirring element 132 agitates the detergent tablets 102. In this case, the spirally curved surface section pushes the detergent tablets 102 in a direction away from outlet 114, upward the inclined bottom side 112. Therefore, detergent tablets 102 in the storage cartridge 110 are agitated and mixed, which prevents detergent tablets 102 from forming bridges or blocking each other. The stored detergent tablets 102 are kept in a loose packing in this way, such that they move easily in the container, in particular towards the outlet 114, driven by gravity G. An example of the operation of the dosing device 120 is described in the following with respect to FIG. 2A—2D.

[0073] FIG. 2A-2D show four schematic views of an example of a dosing device 120, which can be used in the dosing unit 100 according to FIG. 1, 3 or 4. For better overview, the storage cartridge 110 is not shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, however, it is assumed, that the dosing device 120 is attached to a storage cartridge 110 as shown in FIG. 1 or 3, which provides detergent tablets 102.

[0074] FIG. 2A shows the dosing device 120 in a state and orientation as shown in FIG. 1. The dosing device 120 has engagement means 124 for engagement with an external driving unit 22 of an automatic dosing system 20 (see FIG. 4). The plug 140 has a cylindrical shape with a receiving chamber 142 formed in the face facing towards the scoop 130 and an engaging section 144 for engagement with a driving element of the external driving unit 22 arranged on the other face. Further, the plug 140 has an external thread 146 in at least a section of its outer circumference, which is engaged with an internal thread 126 formed in the dosing device 120. By rotating the plug 140 relative to the dosing device 120 about the rotational axis X, the plug 140 can be moved in and out from the dosing device 120, thus closing or clearing the outlet 122 formed in the dosing device 120. In FIG. 2A, the plug 140 is shown in the closed position, in which it seals the dosing device 120 impermeably to fluids.

[0075] The dosing device 120 is implemented such that the whole dosing device 120 including the scoop 130 and the plug 140 can be turned about the rotational axis X. Additionally, the plug 140 can be turned relative to the dosing device 120, while the scoop 130 is fixed. In FIG. 2A, two detergent tablets 102 are shown, which are arranged in a separating chamber formed in the scoop 130. The detergent tablets 102 are held back from moving into the receiving chamber 142 by a barrier element 134 in this orientation.

[0076] FIG. 2B shows the dosing device 120 in an orientation after the dosing device 120 was turned about 180° about the rotational axis X compared with the orientation shown in FIG. 2A. By turning the dosing device 120, one of the detergent tablets 102 was lifted by a lifting element 136 formed in the scoop 130, such that it is transported into the receiving chamber 142 formed in the plug 140. The second detergent tablet 102, however, cannot move into the receiving chamber 142, because it is now occupied by the first detergent tablet 102.

[0077] FIG. 2C show the dosing device 120 after further turning the dosing device 120 about the rotational axis X by 180° compared with FIG. 2B, in the same turning direction. Now, the detergent tablet 102 in the receiving chamber 142 is clearly separated from the second detergent tablet 102 by the barrier element 132.

[0078] FIG. 2D shows the dosing device 120 in the same orientation as in FIG. 2A or 2C, but the plug 140 was moved to the release position. For this, the dosing device 120 was kept rotationally fixed and the plug 140 was rotated relative to the dosing device 120. The detergent tablet 102 is released from the receiving chamber 142 and falls out, through the opening 122. Thus, the dosing of exactly one detergent tablet 102 is completed. Now, the plug 140 is returned to the closed position, and separating and transporting of a detergent tablet 102 into the receiving chamber 142 may be repeated as described.

[0079] FIG. 3 shows a second example of a dosing unit 100. The dosing unit 100 is shown in the orientation as intended for use with respect to gravity G. The storage cartridge 110 is filled with a plurality of detergent tablets 102 (only one detergent tablet 102 is marked with reference numeral for better overview). A dosing device 120, for example the dosing device 120 described with reference to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2A-2D, is attached to the storage cartridge 110 on an outlet 114, which is arranged at a lowest position of the bottom side 112 of the storage cartridge 110.

[0080] The scoop 130 agitates or pushes the detergent tablets 102 arranged next to it as indicated by arrow P, when being rotated. This push is transferred to the plurality of detergent tablets 102 stored in the storage cartridge 110. In this embodiment, the storage cartridge 110 is designed in curvature sections 116 such that a minimum curvature of the container allows detergent tablets 102 to slide along, without the risk of blocking. Therefore, a mixing and circulation of detergent tablets 102 stored in the storage cartridge 110 takes place due to the agitation by the stirring element 132 of the scoop 130, as is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a dosing unit 100 employed in a water-bearing household appliance 1. The water-bearing household appliance 1 is implemented as a dishwasher, for example. The dishwasher 1 has an automatic dosing system 20, which is arranged on a door of the dishwasher 1. The automatic dosing system 20 is implemented to be operated with a dosing unit 100 as described with reference to FIG. 1 or 3. In particular, the automatic dosing system 20 is configured for removably receiving the dosing unit 100 and has a driving unit 22. The driving unit 22 is configured for engaging with the engagement means 124 of the dosing device 120 and has a driving element for engagement with the engagement section 144 of the plug 140. Particularly, the driving unit 22 is implemented for turning the dosing device 120 as whole and to hold the dosing device 120 fixed while rotating the plug 140 relative to the dosing device 120. Therefore, the automatic dosing system 20 is implemented for automatically dosing a detergent tablet 102 from the dosing unit 100.

[0082] FIG. 5 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.

[0083] In FIG. 5, 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.

[0084] 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. 5, 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.

[0085] FIG. 5 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 dosing unit 100 may be configured according to one of FIG. 1 or 3. The automatic dosing system 20 has a driving unit 22 (see FIG. 4) configured to actuate the dosing unit 100 for automatically dosing a detergent tablet 102 (see FIG. 2A-2D or 3) provided by a storage cartridge 110 (see FIG. 1 or 3) of the dosing unit 100. Preferably, the automatic dosing system 20 is controlled by a control unit (not shown), 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 may include a case for removably receiving the dosing unit 100 for protecting the dosing unit 100 from the surrounding conditions, in particular heat and humidity. Additionally, the automatic dosing system 20 may comprise a dosing channel, wherein the dosing unit 100 releases the detergent tablet 102 into the dosing channel, which is implemented for guiding the released detergent tablet 102 into the washing chamber 4.

[0086] 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

[0087] 1 water-bearing household appliance [0088] 2 tub [0089] 3 door [0090] 4 washing chamber [0091] 5 axis [0092] 6 opening [0093] 7 lower cover [0094] 8 top cover [0095] 9 rear cover [0096] 10 side cover [0097] 11 side cover [0098] 12 rack [0099] 13 rack [0100] 14 rack [0101] 20 automatic dosing system [0102] 22 driving unit [0103] 100 dosing unit [0104] 102 detergent tablet [0105] 110 storage cartridge [0106] 112 bottom side [0107] 114 outlet [0108] 116 curvature section [0109] 120 dosing device [0110] 122 outlet [0111] 124 engagement means [0112] 126 thread [0113] 130 scoop [0114] 132 stirring element [0115] 134 barrier element [0116] 136 lifting element [0117] 140 plug [0118] 142 receiving chamber [0119] 144 engaging section [0120] 146 thread [0121] G gravity [0122] I direction [0123] O direction [0124] P arrow [0125] X rotational axis