Dispensing unit, water-containing household appliance and method

Abstract

A dosing unit (100) for use in an automatic dosing system (20) of a water-containing household appliance (1), the dosing unit being used for automatically dosing a dosing amount (122) of solid detergent provided by a storage box (110) for storing a large batch (112) of solid detergent, wherein the storage box (110) comprises a reversibly deformable container (114) having an outlet (116), wherein the detergent in the large batch (112) is conveyed towards the outlet (116) by deforming the container (114) according to a predefined time pattern, and a dosing device (120) is attached to the storage box (110) at the outlet (116), the dosing device being used to separate the dosing amount (122) from the large batch (112) and to release the separated dosing amount (122).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dosing unit for an automatic dosing system of a water-containing household appliance, a corresponding water-containing household appliance with an automatic dosing system, a method for dosing a dosing amount of detergent and a method for operating a water-containing household appliance. Background Art

[0002] Known water-containing household appliances, such as dishwashers, usually have a dispensing system consisting of a chamber for storing a single dose of detergent. The user of the dishwasher has to fill the chamber with detergent each time before starting a wash cycle. This is inconvenient for the user. In addition, such a system carries the risk that the user does not fill in the correct amount of detergent or forgets to fill in detergent at all. This may lead to poor or undesirable cleaning results. It is desirable to have an automatic dispensing system that automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent at the correct timing during the wash cycle. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to improve the dosing of detergent in domestic appliances.

[0004] According to a first aspect, a dispensing unit for use in an automatic dispensing system of a water-containing household appliance is proposed, the dispensing unit being used to automatically dispense a dose of solid detergent provided by a storage box for storing a bulk of solid detergent. The storage box comprises a reversibly deformable container having an outlet, wherein the detergent in the bulk is conveyed towards the outlet by deforming the container according to a predefined time pattern. A dispensing device is attached to the storage box and to the outlet, the dispensing device being used to separate a dose from the bulk and to release the separated dose.

[0005] Advantageously, the dosing unit can be used in a water-containing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher or a washing machine, to provide detergent for multiple treatment cycles without the need to fill the detergent before each cycle. Preferably, the dosing unit can be automatically actuated, for example by a control unit of the water-containing household appliance.

[0006] Solid detergents can be any type of detergent, i.e., a chemical preparation that at least partially dissolves in a washing liquid used to treat the article and is suitable for enhancing the treatment of the article by the washing liquid. For example, detergents include enzymes, bleaches, softeners, rinse aids and / or other detergents. Solid detergents can be provided in any form, i.e., as a powder, tablets, pills, etc.

[0007] The dispensing unit may comprise several elements, such as a dispensing device and a storage box, even if not explicitly mentioned. The elements of the dispensing unit are preferably made of a polymer material suitable for injection molding. In addition, the elements may be made of metal and / or composite materials, and / or the elements may be coated.

[0008] Detergent is stored in a container of a storage box. The container may be a separate element or may be the interior of a storage box. The container is reversibly deformable, i.e., it has a variable shape and a variable volume. For example, the container has flexible walls and / or a plurality of rigid elements that are joined to each other by flexible or bendable joints. The container is reversibly deformable, deformed by an external force acting on the container, but can recover its original shape when the external force is released and / or when a reaction force is applied. An advantage of a reversibly deformable container is that, in the case where detergent is provided in the form of a detergent tablet, the tablet will not become stuck between the wall of the container and an agitating element, etc. In addition, it is impossible for a detergent tablet to be bridged between two opposing walls because the wall will be pushed away and deformed by the detergent tablet.

[0009] For example, the container will present a certain shape when it is stationary, and this is due to the gravity acting on the container and on the large batches of detergent stored in the container. This shape is referred to as an undeformed shape or a relaxed state in the following. By deforming the container, in particular by lifting some sections or parts of the bottom of the container from an undeformed shape, local minima and maxima or protuberances can be produced in the inner side of the container. For example, the local maximum is connected with the next local minimum along the slope by the sidewall of the container. The shape that the container presents when deformed changes with the weight change of at least the mechanical properties of the container and the large batches of detergent stored therein.

[0010] Large quantities of detergent form loose fillings, so that when the shape of the container changes due to this deformation, large quantities of detergent will be rearranged. In particular, driven by gravity, the part of the local maximum value in the large batch that stays in the container attempts to move to the local minimum value, so as to minimize potential energy. By deforming the container so that in the order of time steps, the local maximum value "moves" toward the outlet, the effective delivery of detergent inside the container is achieved. The bottom surface of the container can be regarded as forming a transverse wave that travels toward the outlet, wherein when deformed according to a predefined time pattern, the wavefront of the wave "pushes" the detergent in its moving direction. For example, the predefined time pattern corresponds to the transverse wave of propagation. Hereinafter, this delivery is referred to as the peristaltic delivery of detergent.

[0011] The efficiency of peristaltic transport depends at least on the frictional and / or geometrical properties of the detergent, the mechanical properties of the container, the amplitude and wavelength of the deformation, and the temporal pattern of the deformation.

[0012] For example, the dispensing device is attached to an opening or outlet of the storage box, which is in communication with the outlet of the container. The dispensing device can be snapped, clamped, glued, welded and / or screwed to the storage box.

[0013] The dispensing device is implemented to separate the dispensed amount of detergent from the bulk. This means that the dispensing device includes an element, such as a bucket, that allows the dispensed amount to be taken from the bulk. The separated dispensed amount does not need to be physically separated from the bulk. It is sufficient when the dispensing device is arranged so that the separated dispensed amount forms the portion of detergent that will be dispensed the next time the dispensing unit is actuated to dispense. For example, the dispensed amount includes 0.5 grams to 15 grams of detergent. In particular, when the detergent is provided in the form of a detergent tablet, the dispensed amount can be exactly one detergent tablet.

[0014] Peristaltic transport delivers detergent as close as possible to the dosing device, which is necessary for the dosing device to separate the dosing amount. For example, the dosing device has a certain range and the detergent is delivered within this range.

[0015] The advantage of the dispensing unit is that it can be manufactured at low cost so that when the reservoir runs out of detergent, the entire dispensing unit can simply be replaced. Refilling of the reservoir may be possible, but not necessary. For users of water-containing household appliances with automatic dispensing systems, simply replacing the entire dispensing unit can be very convenient, and the dispensing unit can be provided with different kinds of detergent for different applications or different treatment programs.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the dosing unit, the container has an elongated shape and the outlet is arranged on the front side of the container.

[0017] In particular, the undeformed shape of the container is an elongated shape. For example, the container has a cylindrical or tubular shape. In particular, the container may have a cylindrical shape with a triangular or other polygonal cross section. Preferably, the cross section of the container is such that when the dispensing unit is oriented as in use, the cross section tapers towards the bottom surface.

[0018] In this case, peristaltic transport occurs in the direction of elongation.

[0019] According to other embodiments of the dosing unit, the container is arranged such that when the dosing unit is oriented as in use, the bottom surface of the container has a slope relative to the horizontal towards the outlet in the range of -45° to 15°, preferably -25° to 0°.

[0020] A negative value of the slope means that the bottom surface is inclined towards the outlet, so that the gravity force acting on the detergent includes a force component directed towards the outlet, which contributes to peristaltic transport.

[0021] However, even if the slope has a small positive value, the described peristaltic transport is possible, although it will be inefficient. In this case, the detergent is transported upwards against gravity.

[0022] According to other embodiments of the dosing unit, the container comprises at least three actuation portions distributed along the bottom surface, wherein each actuation portion is configured to be lifted by an external actuation member.

[0023] For example, the actuation portion comprises a flexible joint joining two rigid elements or a reinforcement portion comprising a thin foil.Preferably, the dosing unit is intended to be used in an automatic dosing system of a water-containing household appliance such that an external actuation member can push the container upwards at the actuation portion.

[0024] In an embodiment, at least one of the actuation parts may include a hook or the like, so that the external actuation member can not only push the container inwards, particularly against gravity, but can also pull the container outwards. This ensures that the container returns to an undeformed shape after actuation. Thus, the formation of wrinkles or the like, which can negatively affect peristaltic transport, is avoided.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the dosing unit, the container has a taper which tapers towards the outlet.

[0026] The tapered portion can be realized as a step having a permanent negative slope towards the outlet when the dispensing unit is oriented as in use. Preferably, the tapered portion is realized so that the detergent delivered to the tapered portion by peristaltic transport slides further towards the outlet and enters the range of the dispensing device. This ensures a continuous supply of detergent to the dispensing device. The tapered portion can be regarded as a buffer, which stores a certain amount of detergent in the middle, preferably an amount of detergent corresponding to multiple dispensing amounts. Then, even if the peristaltic transport is slow, it is ensured that the dispensing amount is dispensed within multiple dispensing operations within a short period of time (for example, one processing cycle of a water-containing household appliance).

[0027] According to other embodiments of the dosing unit, the container is made of a flexible foil and / or a laminate, in particular of a polymer foil.

[0028] The advantage of this embodiment is that the container can be easily manufactured without requiring too much material. In addition, the shape of the container can be selected without restriction.

[0029] According to other embodiments of the dosing unit, the container is made of an impermeable material or comprises an impermeable membrane.

[0030] This has the advantage that the detergent stored in the container is protected from the influence of environmental conditions, in particular humidity. Thus, premature degradation of the detergent and / or sticking or agglomeration of the detergent is prevented. This ensures that the dispensing device operates reliably.

[0031] According to further embodiments of the dosing unit, the storage box comprises a supporting structure for supporting the container.

[0032] This is particularly useful when the container is made of foil, which may form wrinkles etc. The support structure may for example ensure that the elongated container has an elongated shape in the relaxed state.

[0033] According to other embodiments of the dispensing unit, the dispensing device includes a bucket and a plug, wherein the bucket is configured to separate the dispensing amount from the bulk and transport the separated dispensing amount to a receiving chamber formed in the plug when the bucket rotates in a first rotation direction around an axis parallel to the bottom surface of the container, and the plug is configured to release the dispensing amount from the receiving chamber.

[0034] The dispensing device comprises at least a bucket and a plug. The bucket is configured to pick up or separate at least the dispensing amount from a large batch, and the dispensing amount is conveyed to a receiving chamber formed in the plug or between the plug and the bucket. For this reason, the bucket is implemented to have a certain reach, wherein the detergent within the reach can be picked up by the bucket. For example, when the detergent is provided in the form of a sheet, the reach of the bucket is set to make a predetermined number of detergent sheets (preferably just one detergent sheet) picked up by the bucket. The bucket is implemented so that it rotates in a certain direction around the axis of rotation to provide separation and conveying functions. Therefore, the bucket can be rotatably arranged in the dispensing device, or the entire dispensing device can be rotatably attached to the storage box. The axis of rotation is parallel to the bottom surface. The term "parallel" used in this case means that the angle between the bottom surface and the axis of rotation is less than 20 °, less than 30 ° or less than up to 45 °.

[0035] The plug is configured to release the dose stored in the receiving chamber. For example, the plug comprises a sliding mechanism or a rotating mechanism, which opens the outlet or the like, so that the dose falls out of the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber can be formed in the plug, or it can be formed between the plug and the bucket / or other elements of the dispensing device.

[0036] According to other embodiments of the dosing unit, the plug is held in the dosing device and can be moved between a closed position and a released position, wherein, when the plug is in the closed position, the dosing amount received from the bucket is stored in the receiving chamber, and when the plug is in the released position, the outlet in the side wall of the dosing device is unblocked, so that the dosing amount stored in the receiving chamber is released.

[0037] In an embodiment, when the plug is in the closed position, the sealing element is engaged such that the dispensing device is impermeably sealed against all kinds of fluids.

[0038] This can significantly reduce the input of fluid (especially moisture) into the storage box. This helps to prevent the detergent from dissolving, decomposing and / or becoming sticky inside the storage box. For example, the dispensing device includes a special sealing element or sealing device for providing a seal.

[0039] Preferably, in use, the dosing device is arranged so that when the plug is in the released position the outlet faces downwards so that gravity pulls the dose out of the receiving chamber.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the dosing unit, the dosing device comprises an engagement device for engaging with a drive device of an external drive unit for rotating the dosing device in a first rotational direction and for holding the dosing device stationary.

[0041] According to other embodiments of the dispensing unit, the plug is shaped as a cylinder, wherein a coupling portion for engaging with a drive element of an external drive unit is arranged on one face of the cylinder, and a receiving chamber is arranged on another face of the cylinder, wherein the plug is arranged in the dispensing device such that the receiving chamber faces the bucket.

[0042] According to other embodiments of the dosing unit, the plug has an external thread that engages with the internal thread of the dosing device, so that when the plug is rotated about the axis relative to the dosing device in a first rotational direction, the plug moves from the closed position to the released position by lateral displacement away from the bucket, and when the plug is rotated about the axis relative to the dosing device in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the plug moves from the released position to the closed position by lateral displacement toward the bucket.

[0043] This embodiment allows to easily move the plug by rotating it relative to the dosing device.Preferably, the dosing device is kept fixed in a predefined position and the plug is then rotated.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, detergent is provided in the form of detergent tablets, and the dispensing device is configured to dispense at least one (preferably, exactly one) detergent tablet at a time. The detergent tablet is preferably arranged to include a specific detergent formula and a shaped body with a specific size and geometry. The detergent tablet preferably contains one or more active ingredients for the automatic washing process. As the technician will understand, the properties of the active ingredients used in the detergent tablet will vary according to the desired application. When used inside a dishwasher, the detergent tablet can, for example, include active ingredients that perform dishwasher detergent, rinse aid, machine cleaner or dishwasher deodorizing functions. In the context of a washing machine, the detergent tablet can, for example, include active ingredients that perform laundry detergent or fabric softener functions. Suitable active ingredients will be known to the technician; examples include bleach, bleach activator, bleach catalyst, enzyme, surfactant, auxiliary agent, pH regulator, corrosion inhibitor and fragrance.

[0045] For example, each detergent tablet contains the active ingredient of unit dose, that is, the whole amount of the active ingredient expected to be used in the washing process, so that each washing process only needs to distribute a detergent tablet of the active ingredient. In other embodiments, it can be advantageous to provide the active ingredient of unit dose by more than one detergent tablet. For example, in some cases, the single detergent tablet containing the whole unit dose may be quite large or quite heavy, and using multiple smaller or lighter detergent tablets, dispensing can be more effective or reliable. Preferably, the active ingredient of the desired dose is provided by no more than 10 detergent tablets (preferably, no more than 9,8,7,6,5 or 4 detergent tablets). Preferably, the unit dose is provided by 1,2,3 or 4 detergent tablets. Another available option is to provide the active ingredient amount contained separately for at least one washing process of an automatic washing machine and the detergent tablet corresponding to the active ingredient of more than one unit dose. For example, a dishwasher or a washing machine is configured to allow selection between various different operating modes such as the enhanced washing program and the mild washing program of the active ingredient of different amounts. Therefore, multiple detergent tablets can be distributed during a kind of operation mode, and different numbers of detergent tablets can be distributed during different operation modes.For example, a detergent tablet can be distributed during the washing program for a specific pollution level, and two detergent tablets can be distributed during the washing program for a higher pollution level.Detergent tablets can have any suitable form such as solid, gel tablet or water-soluble packaging / container (preferably with low deformability).Preferably, at least the outside of the detergent tablet is solid.For example, the capsule of soluble (preferably, hard) shell material can encapsulate powder, liquid or gel composition.However, advantageously, the detergent tablet is formed by compressed powder.For example, each detergent tablet can be single-phase or multi-layer, and can be configured to guarantee that each active ingredient is released from the detergent tablet in the best time in other ways.Detergent tablets can be wrapped in the film of water-soluble material, but preferably they are not wrapped.They can be coated with suitable coating, for example, to reduce fragility.Detergent tablets can be any suitable shape such as cylindrical, disc-shaped, spherical, ellipsoidal or cubic. In an embodiment, each detergent tablet has at least one flat surface.Preferably, the detergent tablet is cylindrical or disc-shaped, because spherical detergent tablets are more difficult to manufacture, and shapes such as cubes are not too easy to distribute.In the case of cylindrical detergent tablets, the length of the sheet preferably reaches 5% greater or less than the diameter of the detergent tablet.When the detergent tablet has an edge, preferably, at least some of these edges are chamfered and / or cut corners, to reduce the responsibility for cuttings during manufacture and when the detergent tablet is in the dispensing device.Preferably, the chamfer has an angle of 15 to 20 degrees.

[0046] In an embodiment, the weight of each detergent tablet is at least 0.1 g, at least 0.5 g, at least 0.7 g, at least 1 g, at least 1.2 g, at least 1.5 g, at least 2 g, at least 3 g, at least 4 g, or at least 5 g; and / or up to 15 g, up to 14 g, up to 13 g, up to 12 g, up to 11 g, up to 10 g, up to 9 g, up to 8 g, up to 7 g, or up to 6 g. In an embodiment, the maximum length and / or diameter of each detergent tablet is at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, or at least 10 mm; and / or up to 20 mm, up to 19 mm, up to 18 mm, up to 17 mm, up to 16 mm, or up to 15 mm.

[0047] Preferably, the detergent tablet is formed so that a high storage density can be achieved in the storage box and the dispensing function of the dispensing device is supported. In addition, the detergent tablet preferably has a form that is easy to make. For example, the detergent tablet has a cylindrical shape, wherein the diameter and height of the cylinder have similar dimensions, that is, the aspect ratio is about 0.2-1.

[0048] According to a second aspect, a method for dispensing a dose of solid detergent from a dispensing unit is proposed. The dispensing unit comprises a storage box for storing a large batch of solid detergent. In a first step, a reversibly deformable container of the storage box is deformed according to a predefined time pattern to convey the detergent in the large batch towards an outlet of the container. In a second step, a dose is separated from the large batch by a dispensing device. In a third step, the separated dose is released.

[0049] Preferably, the method is performed by a dosing unit according to the first aspect.The embodiments and features described with reference to the dosing unit of the invention apply mutatis mutandis to the method of the invention.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the step of deforming the container comprises temporarily generating a local slope in the bottom surface of the container, the local slope pointing towards the outlet.

[0051] Due to the local slope, a transport of the detergent occurs in the direction of the slope.

[0052] According to a third aspect, a water-containing household appliance is proposed having an automatic dosing system and a dosing unit according to the first aspect. The automatic dosing system is configured to automatically dosing a dosing amount of solid detergent from the dosing unit by deforming the container according to a predefined time pattern so that the detergent in the bulk is conveyed toward an outlet. A dosing device attached to the storage box at the outlet is configured to separate the dosing amount from the bulk and release the separated dosing amount.

[0053] According to the first aspect, a dispensing unit is implemented. The automatic dispensing system is particularly suitable for use in combination with the dispensing unit according to the first aspect, and the water-containing household appliance is preferably implemented to control the dispensing of detergent tablets from the dispensing unit by controlling the automatic dispensing system accordingly. For example, the water-containing household appliance includes a control unit configured to control the operation of the water-containing household appliance.

[0054] The features and advantages described with reference to the first aspect also apply correspondingly to the second aspect. Furthermore, the definitions and explanations provided with reference to the first aspect also apply to the second aspect.

[0055] For example, the water-containing household appliance is implemented as a dishwasher or a washing machine. The advantage of the automatic dispensing system with a dispensing unit is that detergents for multiple processing cycles can be provided without the need to fill detergents before each cycle. Preferably, the automatic dispensing system is automatically triggered, for example, by a control unit of the water-containing household appliance. The detergent can be any type of detergent, that is, at least partially dissolved in the washing liquid for processing the product and suitable for enhancing the chemical preparation of the processing of the product by the washing liquid. For example, the detergent includes enzymes, bleaching agents, softeners, rinse aids and / or other detergents. Solid detergents can be provided in any form, that is, provided as powders, sheets, pills, etc.

[0056] In particular, the automatic dosing system comprises an actuation member for actuating the container of the dosing unit according to a predefined time pattern.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic dispensing system is configured to removably receive the dispensing unit. For example, the automatic dispensing system comprises a compartment for receiving the dispensing unit in a predetermined orientation. As described with reference to the first aspect, the predefined orientation corresponds to the orientation of the dispensing unit when the dispensing unit is arranged as in use.

[0058] The automatic dosing system preferably comprises an actuating member for actuating at least three actuating portions distributed along the bottom surface of the container of the dosing unit. Preferably, the actuating member is spring-loaded and has a maximum actuating depth of about 50% to 90% of the inner height of the container at the respective actuating portion. The maximum force applied by the actuating member can then be defined so that even if a blockage occurs, the container is not damaged.

[0059] The automatic dispensing system preferably comprises a drive unit having a drive device for engaging with an engagement device of the dispensing device, the drive device being configured to rotate the dispensing device in a first rotational direction and to keep the dispensing device fixed. In addition, the drive unit preferably comprises a drive element for engaging with an engagement portion provided on one face of the cylindrical plug. Specifically, the drive unit corresponds to the "external drive unit" defined with reference to the corresponding embodiment of the dispensing unit according to the first aspect.

[0060] According to a fourth aspect, a method for operating a water-containing household appliance with an automatic dispensing system is proposed. A dispensing unit is arranged in the automatic dispensing system. The automatic dispensing system is configured to dispense a dispensing amount of solid detergent from the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises a storage box for storing a large batch of solid detergent. In a first step, a trigger for dispensing the detergent of the dispensing amount is received by the automatic dispensing system. In a second step, a reversibly deformable container of the storage box is deformed according to a predefined time pattern to transport the detergent in the large batch toward an outlet of the container. In a third step, the dispensing amount is separated from the large batch by the dispensing device. In a fourth step, the separated dispensing amount is released into the water-containing household appliance.

[0061] The method is preferably performed with a water-containing household appliance according to the third aspect and a dosing unit according to the first aspect. The embodiments and features described with reference to the dosing unit, the water-containing household appliance and the method for dosing a dosed amount of detergent apply mutatis mutandis to the proposed method for operating a water-containing household appliance.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the method, the step of deforming the container comprises temporarily generating a local slope in the bottom surface of the container, the local slope pointing towards the outlet.

[0063] Due to the local slope, a transport of the detergent occurs in the direction of the slope.

[0064] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising a program code for executing the above-described method for dosing dosing amounts of solid detergent and / or the above-described method for operating a water-containing household appliance having an automatic dosing system when run on at least one computer.

[0065] A computer program product such as a computer program device may be implemented as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD or as a file downloadable from a server in a network. For example, such a file may be provided by transmitting a file comprising the computer program product from a wireless communication network.

[0066] Other possible implementations or alternative solutions of the present invention also cover combinations of features described above or below for the embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned herein. Those skilled in the art may also add independent or isolated aspects and features to the most basic form of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the dependent claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0068] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first example of a dosing unit is shown;

[0069] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a second example of a dosing unit;

[0070] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing an example of a dosing unit employed in a water-containing household appliance;

[0071] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram showing an example of a method for dispensing a dose of solid detergent;

[0072] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an example of a water-containing household appliance; and

[0073] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of an example of a method for operating a water containing household appliance is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate similar or functionally equivalent elements unless otherwise indicated.

[0075] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first example of a dosing unit 100 is shown. The dosing unit 100 comprises a storage box 110 comprising a container 114 made of a polymer foil such as polyethylene and thus being flexible, that is, it is reversibly deformable. The storage box 110 stores a large batch 112 of solid detergent. The detergent may be provided in the form of a powder, a pellet or a tablet. As an example, the detergent is Figure 2 The powder in the container 114 has no fixed form. The container 114 has an elongated shape, similar to a cylinder, tube or bag with one open end. The open end is defined by an outlet 116 arranged at the face of the container 114. The outlet 116 is formed as a non-deformable solid structure to which the foil is attached.

[0076] A dispensing device 120 is attached to the outlet 116 of the storage box 110. The dispensing device 120 is configured to separate a dispensed amount 122 of detergent from the bulk 112. Figure 1 As indicated in FIG. 1 , the dosing device 120 has an outlet 124 through which the separated dosing quantity 122 can be released.

[0077] exist Figure 1, the dosing unit 100 is shown in an orientation relative to gravity G as in use. In this orientation, the bulk 112 rests inside the container 114, on the bottom surface of the container 114. Thus, by locally lifting the bottom surface (which is possible because the container 114 is flexible), a ridge is formed on the inside of the container 114. When the slope is high enough and there is free space, a portion of the bulk 112 residing at the location of the ridge will slide off the ridge. By choosing a suitable pattern of such local lifting both in space and time, an efficient net transport of detergent towards the outlet 116 occurs. The lifting of the bottom surface is preferably performed by an automatic dosing system 20 (see Figure 3 ) of the external actuating member 24 (see Figure 2 or Figure 3 )implement.

[0078] The dispensing unit 100 is preferably connected to an automatic dispensing system 20 (see Figure 3 or Figure 5 ) of water-containing household appliances 1 (see Figure 3 or Figure 5 ) in combination.

[0079] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second example of a dispensing unit 100 is shown. In this example, a storage box 110 comprises a support structure 111, which is implemented as a substantially non-deformable housing for accommodating a container 114, which is made of a flexible foil. The support structure 111 comprises a hole or slit in its bottom surface, which allows an external actuating member 24 to extend into the support structure 111 to deform the container 114. In this example, the dispensing unit 100 is configured to dispense detergent tablets 102 as a dispensed amount 122. A large batch 112 comprises a plurality of detergent tablets 102.

[0080] The container 114 has three actuating portions 118 on its bottom surface. The actuating portions 118 are, for example, reinforcement portions of a foil that is not easily broken. The actuating portions 118 are arranged on the container 114 so that the position of one actuating portion 118 corresponds to one hole in the support structure 111. This ensures that the actuating portions 118 are in contact with the external actuating member 24. In this example, the external actuating member 24 is implemented as a camshaft so that an actuating pattern appears when the camshaft 24 rotates. The external actuating member 24 may include a camshaft 24. Figure 2114, and the detergent tablet 102 arranged in the actuating portion 118 is lifted upward. If there is free space, then under the drive of gravity G, the detergent tablet 102 arranged on the slope caused by the protrusion in the container 114 will slide along the slope in the direction of the slope, as indicated by the arrow P for one detergent tablet 102.

[0081] On the outlet 116 side, the storage box 110 includes a tapered portion 115, which is implemented as a geometric feature with a negative slope toward the outlet 116. Therefore, if there is some space, the detergent tablet 102 resting on the tapered portion 115 will slide toward the outlet 116 and the dispensing device 120 arranged there. Note that Figure 2 The three actuation portions 118 shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and there may be more than three actuation portions 118 and / or they may be distributed along the bottom surface differently than shown here.

[0082] The dispensing device 120 is attached to the storage box 110 at the outlet 116. The dispensing device 120 comprises a bucket 130 and a plug 140. The bucket 130 extends into the storage box 110 or the container 114 so that it can pick up at least one detergent tablet 102 resting in front of it. The bucket 130 is implemented to separate out at least one (preferably, exactly one) detergent tablet 102 as a dispensed amount 122. In this example, the bucket 130 is configured to rotate around the axis X so as to separate out the detergent tablet 102.

[0083] The separated detergent tablets 102 are conveyed by the bucket 130 to a receiving chamber 142 formed in the plug 140. The detergent tablets 102 are stored in the receiving chamber 142 and, in this case, form a dosing amount 122 of detergent. The detergent tablets 102 cannot escape from the receiving chamber 142 back into the storage box 110. The plug 140 has a connector on its front side facing away from the storage box 110 for connecting with the external drive unit 22 (see Figure 3 ) is engaged with a driving element of the plug 140. In addition, the plug 140 has an external thread 146 that engages with the internal thread 126 formed in the dispensing device 120, so that the plug 140 can be laterally displaced by tightening. Figure 3 100 is shown in the closed position, in which the dosing device 120 is impermeably sealed. By tightening the plug 140, the outlet 124 formed in the dosing device 120 is unblocked and the dosing quantity 122 stored in the receiving chamber 142 is released from the dosing device 120. Thus, dosing of the dosing quantity 122 from the dosing unit 100 is carried out. Figure 2 In the example above, only a rotation action is required for this.

[0084] In other embodiments, the external actuation member 24 may be implemented so that not only Figure 2 114, and has an inclination angle relative to gravity G. Specifically, the actuation inclined toward the outlet 116 can increase the efficiency of peristaltic transport. In addition, a roller sliding along the bottom surface of the container 114 can be used, thereby causing a moving ridge inside the container 114.

[0085] Figure 3 An example of a dispensing unit 100 employed in a water-containing household appliance is shown. For example, the water-containing household appliance 1 is implemented as a dishwasher. The dishwasher 1 has an automatic dispensing system 20, which is configured to operate with the dispensing device 100, which may be a reference Figure 1 or Figure 2 In this example, the automatic dispensing system 20 is arranged on the door of the dishwasher 1 so that the user of the dishwasher 1 can easily access the automatic dispensing system 20. Then, when the storage box 110 runs out of detergent, the user can replace the entire dispensing unit 100.

[0086] The automatic dispensing system 20 has a drive unit 22 and an actuating member 24. The drive unit 22 is configured to engage with and operate a dispensing device 120 attached to the storage box 110 so that a dispensing amount 122 (see Figure 1 or Figure 2 ) is released from the dosing unit 100. The actuation member 24 is configured to actuate the container 114 (see Figure 1 or Figure 2 ), so that a peristaltic transport of the detergent stored in the container 114 towards the dispensing device 120 occurs. Preferably, the automatic dosing system 20 is triggered or operated by a control unit of the dishwasher 1.

[0087] Figure 4 The dispensing unit 100 (eg, reference Figure 1 or Figure 2 The dosing unit 100 described above dispenses a dosing amount 122 (see Figure 1 or Figure 2 ) is a schematic block diagram of an example of a method for dispensing solid detergents. The dispensing unit 100 comprises a storage box 110 for storing a large batch 112 of solid detergents. In a first step S1, a reversibly deformable container 114 of the storage box 110 is deformed according to a predefined time pattern to convey the detergent in the large batch 122 toward an outlet 116 of the container 114. In a second step S2, a dispensing amount 122 is separated from the large batch 112 by a dispensing device 120. In a third step S3, the separated dispensing amount 122 is released.

[0088] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an example of a water-containing household appliance 1 implemented as a household dishwasher is shown. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a tub 2, which can be closed by a door 3. Preferably, the door 3 seals the tub 2, so that the tub is waterproof, for example with a door seal between the door 3 and the tub 2. Preferably, the tub 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The tub 2 and the door 3 can form a washing chamber 4 for washing dishes.

[0089] exist Figure 5 , the door 3 is shown in an open position. The door 3 can be opened or closed by rotating around an axis 5 at the lower edge of the door 3. With the door 3, the opening 6 of the bucket 2 can be opened or closed, and the opening is for the tableware to be inserted into the washing chamber 4. The bucket 2 includes 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 facing 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 of stainless steel sheets. Alternatively, at least one of the covers (e.g., the lower cover 7) can be made of a polymer material such as plastic.

[0090] The domestic dishwasher 1 also 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 a lower rack, rack 13 can be an upper rack and rack 14 can be a rack specifically for cutlery. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the brackets 12 to 14 are arranged vertically stacked on top of each other in the tub 2. Each bracket 12, 13, 14 can be pulled out of the tub 2 in a first outward direction O or pushed into the tub 2 in a second inward direction I.

[0091] Figure 5 Also shown is an automatic dispensing system 20 arranged in the door 3 of the domestic dishwasher 1. The automatic dispensing system 20 comprises a dispensing unit 100 removably fixed to the automatic dispensing system 20. Preferably, the dispensing unit 100 is arranged according to Figure 1 or Figure 2 The automatic dispensing system 20 has a drive unit 22 (see Figure 4 ), the drive unit 22 is configured to actuate the dispensing unit 100 to automatically dispense the storage box 110 stored in the dispensing unit 100 (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 ) in the ration 122 (see Figure 2 or Figure 3) of solid detergent. Preferably, the automatic dosing system 20 is controlled by a control unit (not shown), which is implemented to operate the domestic dishwasher 1 according to a washing program selected from a plurality of washing programs. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the automatic dosing system 20 includes an actuating member 24 (see Figure 3 or Figure 4 ), the actuating member 24 is configured to lift or actuate the container 114 of the dispensing unit 100 (see Figure 2 or Figure 3 ), so that the detergent is directed toward the dispensing device 120 attached to the storage box 110 (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 ) of peristaltic transport.

[0092] Figure 6 A method for operating a water-containing household appliance 1 (see Figure 3 or Figure 5 ) is a schematic block diagram of an example of a method of the invention, wherein a water-containing household appliance 1 comprises an automatic dosing system 20 (see Figure 3 or Figure 5 ) and a dispensing unit 100 arranged in the automatic dispensing system 20 (see Figures 1 to 3 or Figure 5 The automatic dosing system 20 is configured to dispense a dosing amount 122 from the dosing unit 100 (see Figure 1 or Figure 2 ) of solid detergent. The dosing unit 100 includes a storage unit 112 for storing a large batch (see Figure 1 or Figure 2 ) of the solid detergent storage box 110 (see Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 In a first step S0, the automatic dosing system 20 receives a trigger for dosing a dosing amount 122 of detergent, for example from a control unit of the water-containing household appliance 1. In a second step S1, the reversibly deformable container 114 of the storage box 110 (see Figure 1 or Figure 2 ) deforms according to a predefined time pattern to direct the detergent in the bulk 122 toward the outlet 116 of the container 114 (see Figure 1 or Figure 2 In the third step S2, the dispensing device 120 (see Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 ) separates the dosing quantity 122 from the bulk 112. In a fourth step S3, the separated dosing quantity 122 is released into the water-containing domestic appliance 1.

[0093] Although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments.

[0094] Reference Numbers

[0095] 1 Water-containing household appliances

[0096] 2 barrels

[0097] 3 doors

[0098] 4 Washing room

[0099] 5 Axis

[0100] 6 Opening

[0101] 7 Lower cover

[0102] 8 Upper cover

[0103] 9 Back cover

[0104] 10 Side cover

[0105] 11 Side cover

[0106] 12 Bracket

[0107] 13 Bracket

[0108] 14 Bracket

[0109] 20 Automatic dispensing system

[0110] 22 Drivers

[0111] 24 Actuating member

[0112] 100 Distribution Units

[0113] 102 Detergent Tablets

[0114] 110 Storage Box

[0115] 111 Support structure

[0116] 112 Large quantity

[0117] 114 Container

[0118] 115 tapered part

[0119] 116 Exit

[0120] 118 Actuator

[0121] 120 Dispensing device

[0122] 122 Ration

[0123] 124 Exit

[0124] 126 Internal thread

[0125] 130 Bucket

[0126] 140 plug

[0127] 142 Reception Room

[0128] 144 Jointing device

[0129] 146 External thread

[0130] G Gravity

[0131] I Direction

[0132] O Direction

[0133] P Arrow

[0134] S0 Method Steps

[0135] S1 Method steps

[0136] S2 Method Steps

[0137] S3 Method Steps

[0138] X axis

Claims

1. A dispensing unit (100) for use in an automatic dispensing system (20) of a water-containing household appliance (1), the dispensing unit being used to automatically dispense a dispensing amount (122) of solid detergent provided by a storage box (110) for storing a large batch (112) of solid detergent, wherein: The storage box (110) comprises a reversibly deformable container (114) having an outlet (116), wherein by deforming the container (114) according to a predefined time pattern, detergent in the bulk (112) is conveyed towards the outlet (116), and a dosing device (120) is attached to the storage box (110) at the outlet (116), the dosing device being used to separate the dosing amount (122) from the bulk (112) and to release the separated dosing amount (122), wherein the container (114) is arranged such that when the dispensing unit (100) is oriented as in use, the bottom surface of the container (114) has an inclination relative to the horizontal direction towards the outlet (116), the inclination being in the range of -45° to 15°, and The container (114) comprises at least three actuating portions (118) distributed along the bottom surface, wherein each actuating portion (118) is configured to be lifted by an external actuating member (24).

2. The dispensing unit according to claim 1, wherein: The container (114) has an elongated shape, and the outlet (116) is arranged at the front side of the container (114).

3. The dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The container (114) has a tapered portion (115) tapering toward the outlet (116).

4. The dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The container (114) is made of a flexible foil.

5. The dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The container (114) is made of a laminate.

6. The dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The container (114) is made of an impermeable material.

7. The dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The container (114) includes an impermeable membrane.

8. The dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The storage box (110) includes a support structure (111) for supporting the container (114).

9. The dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The dispensing device (120) includes a bucket (130) and a plug (140), wherein the bucket (130) is configured to separate the dispensing amount (122) from the bulk (112) and transport the separated dispensing amount (122) to a receiving chamber (142) formed in the plug (140) when the bucket (130) rotates in a first rotational direction around an axis (X) parallel to the bottom surface of the container (114), and the plug (140) is configured to release the dispensing amount (122) from the receiving chamber (142).

10. The dispensing unit according to claim 9, wherein: The plug (140) is held in the dispensing device (120) and is movable between a closed position and a released position, wherein when the plug (140) is in the closed position, the dispensing amount (122) received from the bucket (130) is stored in the receiving chamber (142), and when the plug (140) is in the released position, the outlet (124) in the side wall of the dispensing device (120) is unblocked, so that the dispensing amount (122) stored in the receiving chamber (142) is released.

11. The dispensing unit according to claim 9, wherein: The dispensing device (120) comprises an engagement device for engaging with a drive device of an external drive unit (22), the drive device being used to rotate the dispensing device (120) in a first rotation direction and to keep the dispensing device (120) fixed.

12. The dispensing unit according to claim 11, wherein: The plug (140) is shaped as a cylinder, wherein an engaging portion (144) for engaging with a drive element of the external drive unit (22) is arranged on one surface of the cylinder, and the receiving chamber (142) is arranged on the other surface of the cylinder, wherein the plug (140) is arranged in the dispensing device (120) so that the receiving chamber (142) faces the bucket (130).

13. The dispensing unit according to claim 10, wherein: The plug (140) has an external thread (146) engaged with the internal thread (126) of the dispensing device (120), so that when the plug (140) is rotated about the axis (X) relative to the dispensing device (120) in a first rotational direction, the plug (140) moves from the closed position to the released position by being laterally displaced away from the bucket (130), and when the plug (140) is rotated about the axis (X) relative to the dispensing device (120) in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the plug (140) moves from the released position to the closed position by being laterally displaced toward the bucket (130).

14. A water-containing household appliance (1), comprising an automatic dispensing system (20) and a dispensing unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The automatic dosing system (20) is configured to automatically dispense a dosing amount (122) of solid detergent from the dosing unit (100) by deforming the container (114) according to the predefined time pattern; and separating the dosing amount (122) from the bulk (112) by the dosing device (120) and releasing the separated dosing amount (122).

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