Dishwasher with a cartridge that has several storage compartments for detergent

Abstract

Dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing chamber (2) delimited by walls (3) and a door (4), and with a cartridge (7) assigned to this washing chamber (2), which cartridge comprises storage chambers (V1 ... V7), each of which is or can be filled with cleaning agents for a plurality of washing cycles, wherein one or more storage chambers (V1 ... V7) is or are each provided on the underside with an outlet valve (S1 ... S7) which can be moved open and closed in a controlled manner for the indirect or direct transfer of one or more stored cleaning agents to the washing chamber (2), characterized in that the respective outlet valve (S1 ... S7) is inclined at a predetermined angle, in particular of at least 20°, to a vertical in the position of use of the cartridge (7), in particular in the mounted position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, having a washing chamber to which a cartridge with storage chambers for the respective holding of cleaning agents for several washing cycles is assigned, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a cartridge insertable into a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 16.

[0002] It is known to assign a replaceable cartridge to a dishwasher's wash chamber, which comprises several storage compartments for detergent. Each storage compartment can contain detergent for several wash cycles.

[0003] DE 10 2008 033 238 A1 describes a cartridge for flowable washing or cleaning agents for use in a dosing device comprising a plurality of chambers for spatially separating the preparations of a washing or cleaning agent that are different from one another, a cartridge base that, in the position of use, is directed downwards in the direction of gravity, and at least two chambers that each have at least one outlet opening arranged on the cartridge base.

[0004] DE 10 2006 043 916 A1 and DE 10 2006 043 974 A1 each show a household dishwasher with an insertable cartridge in which storage compartments for detergents are initially sealed on the underside with membranes. This cartridge is inserted into an open swivel holder of the dishwasher in such a way that, when swiveled closed, the membrane is pierced by a cannula fixed to the appliance and projecting upwards, creating a line into the respective storage compartment. A storage compartment opened in this way cannot be resealed, so that removal of the cartridge is only possible after it has been completely emptied. Even then, there is still a risk of chemical burns or soiling caused by escaping detergent residues. This makes cartridge replacement more difficult.Refilling is also not possible without further ado, as the punctured membrane would first have to be removed and a new, tightly fitting membrane would have to be applied.

[0005] The invention is based on the problem of achieving an improvement here.

[0006] The invention solves this problem by a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, having the features of claim 1 and by a cartridge having the features of claim 16.

[0007] The invention allows for a tightly resealed cartridge storage compartment, even after it has been opened for the first time. This allows for both temporary removal of the cartridge before it is completely empty and refilling of the cartridge without any additional measures. The risk of chemical burns is reliably prevented. Furthermore, improved dosing of cleaning agents from the respective storage compartments into the wash cabinet is possible. In particular, an automated dosing system (ADS) can be provided.

[0008] If, according to an advantageous development of the invention, a dosing chamber, in particular a specific one, i.e. an individual one, is arranged downstream of the at least one storage chamber of the cartridge which can be reclosed in this way, into which dosing chamber detergent can be introduced in a controlled manner from the storage chamber during the washing operation of the dishwasher according to the invention and from which the introduced detergent can be delivered to the washing chamber via an outlet opening, wherein an outlet valve common to this storage chamber / dosing chamber pair can control both the passage of detergent from the storage chamber through a dosing opening into the dosing chamber and the passage of detergent from the dosing chamber via an outlet opening into the washing chamber, the lower end of the cartridge can be washed around by water circulating in the dishwasher, so that any residues of detergent present there are removed and cannot adhere.On the other hand, wetting of the cleaning agents contained in the storage rooms with rinsing liquid or rinsing water is reliably prevented, as this can only penetrate as far as the dosing rooms. These dosing rooms thus provide protection for the upstream storage rooms.

[0009] The advantageous design of a single, common valve for the passage of cleaning agent from the respective storage chamber to the dosing chamber located downstream of it, as well as from this chamber to the rinsing chamber, minimizes the required components and manufacturing costs. This allows the respective outlet valve to be integrated into the respective dosing chamber and simultaneously into the cartridge storage chamber located upstream of this dosing chamber, and to be disposed of with the cartridge.

[0010] According to an expedient development of the invention, the respective outlet valve can advantageously be moved back and forth between a refill position, which allows cleaning agent to pass from the storage chamber assigned to it into the dosing chamber downstream of this, and an outlet position, which allows cleaning agent to pass from the dosing chamber into the rinsing chamber, so that these positions are extreme end positions for the stroke movement of the respective outlet valve. This results in a high level of reliability and simple control of the respective valve. This achieves a high degree of simplification. The outlet valve can be moved back and forth between only these two end positions. According to an advantageous embodiment, the outlet valve blocks the outlet opening of the dosing chamber in its refill position. In its outlet position, however, it closes the outlet opening of the storage chamber upstream of the dosing chamber.

[0011] In particular, according to an advantageous development of the invention, an outlet valve is mounted in each dosing chamber in a linearly movable manner with two internal seals in such a way that the outlet opening of the dosing chamber can be opened and closed in opposite directions with the aid of a first sealing element and a dosing opening in a partition wall between the dosing chamber and the preceding storage chamber associated therewith can be opened and closed in opposite directions with the aid of a second sealing element spaced longitudinally from the first seal.

[0012] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the respective outlet valve is biased toward a position that blocks the passage of detergent from the dosing chamber into the rinsing chamber, thus providing automatic leakage protection for the cartridge. A spring arrangement provided for this purpose is expediently incorporated into the cartridge with a high degree of component integration.

[0013] According to an expedient development of the invention, an external actuator assigned to the receiving chamber of the dishwasher can apply force to the respective outlet valve, counteracting this spring, thereby allowing the outlet valve to flow in a manner that allows detergent to pass from the dosing chamber into the washing chamber. The respective actuator with the movement mechanism can then advantageously remain in the dishwasher as a more expensive unit and be designed for its service life. In particular, an actuator is specifically assigned to each outlet valve, so that each outlet valve is controlled selectively, i.e., individually.

[0014] According to a useful development of the invention, the dispensing opening(s) are inclined below the storage chambers, allowing cleaning agent to flow out of the respective storage chamber(s) while air can flow upwards in the opposite direction. Even without an additional ventilation opening, this prevents the formation of a negative pressure in the respective storage chamber. The design is simplified, preventing the risk of improper use by customers.

[0015] If the dosing chamber is located substantially below the storage chamber, the transfer of detergent from the storage chamber to the dosing chamber and from the dosing chamber to the washing chamber can be gravity-driven. Pumps or other conveying devices are then unnecessary.

[0016] In particular, the dosing opening of the respective storage chamber is inclined at an angle of at least 20° to the vertical and at least 20° to the horizontal in order to enable an effective inflow of air without the need for an additional ventilation opening.

[0017] In particular, a further inclined boundary surface with an outlet opening to the wash chamber can be located below the dosing chamber, so that air can also enter at this transition at the same time as detergent discharges. The further inclined boundary surface is very advantageously positioned parallel to the lower end surface of the preceding, associated storage chamber, so that both the passage of detergent from the storage chamber into the dosing chamber and the passage of detergent into the wash chamber can be controlled by just one outlet valve per storage chamber, which can in particular be designed simply as a lift valve.

[0018] The respective outlet valve is expediently designed as a rod-like tappet element which is mounted in the respective dosing chamber so as to be longitudinally displaceable, with its free end projecting into the storage chamber preceding the dosing chamber in a spring-loaded manner.

[0019] The dispensing of detergent can be easily optimized using an electronic control system that electronically controls the valve movement. This achieves exceptional resource conservation, particularly through optimized and thus reduced use of chemicals and energy, as well as a reduction in water consumption and the time required for the rinsing process.

[0020] A cartridge for use in the above-mentioned dishwasher is subject to special requirements. It can be filled with detergents sufficient for several to ten wash cycles. Refilling at the customer's premises is also straightforward due to the resealable storage compartments.

[0021] Further developments and refinements of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

[0022] The invention and its advantageous embodiments and / or further developments as well as their advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of an advantageous embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention, wherein two possible arrangements for receiving spaces of a cartridge are indicated by way of example in the washing chamber thereof, Fig. 2 a detailed view of a cartridge which is empty and not provided with valves for the sake of clarity, e.g. according to detail II in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a similar cartridge as in Fig. 2 with valves inserted therein, Fig. 4 an enlarged detail view of essentially a dosing chamber with a valve stem running therein, Fig. 5 a similar representation as Fig. 4, but in a slightly reduced view and with additionally drawn actuators for operating valves, and Fig. 6 a perspective view of a receiving space designed as a niche - shown here without a front pivoting flap - for receiving the cartridge.

[0024] Elements with the same function and mode of action are listed in the Fig. 1 to 6 are each provided with the same reference numerals.

[0025] A dishwasher according to the invention can be a stand-alone appliance or a built-in appliance or an appliance that can be installed, for example within a kitchen unit.

[0026] The Fig. The dishwasher 1 schematically illustrated in Figure 1 is a household dishwasher with a washing chamber 2 for receiving and cleaning dishes, cutlery, cooking utensils, or the like. The washing chamber 2 is essentially cuboid-shaped and is bordered on five of its six outer surfaces by walls 3 of a washing container 21 and, towards the front, by a door 4, which, here only as an example, is pivotally connected in its lower region to any housing of the dishwasher 1, in particular its base assembly, or to the washing container 21. One or more rotatable arms (not shown) or other spray devices for distributing washing water, as well as one or more receiving baskets 5, can also be provided in the washing chamber 2.

[0027] According to the illustrated embodiments, it is provided that in a wall 3 or in the door 4 (in Fig. 1, these two possibilities are indicated) a receiving space 6, which is provided, for example, by a receiving box, is designed as a recessed niche or recess for a cartridge or cassette 7. The cartridge 7, which is essentially designed as a cuboid-shaped flat body, can be inserted into this receiving space 6 from above into a pivoting flap 19. This can be provided for this purpose on the sides and at the bottom on its inside with suitable guide aids for inserting and holding the cartridge 7. By pivoting this flap 19 about a lower horizontal axis 18, the inserted cartridge 7 reaches a position in which it is aligned with the wall 3 or the door 4. Alternatively, a cartridge 7 can also be inserted loosely into a receiving basket 5 or another holder in the washing cabinet 2 as a receiving space (not shown). In particular, it can also be accommodated additionally in a mobile, i.e. portable, receiving box if necessary.

[0028] The cartridge 7 comprises a plurality of storage chambers V1 to V7 for cleaning agents. In particular, different cleaning substances or different groups of cleaning agents can be stored separately from one another in the storage chambers and can be metered into the washing chamber 2 independently of one another during the preferably several partial wash cycles of an ongoing dishwashing program. They can preferably be added to the washing chamber 2 from the plurality of storage chambers V1 ... V7 of the cartridge 7 in a specific temporal sequence or order, in particular one after the other or a selection or combination of them simultaneously. The cartridge can be designed as a plastic body and be completely transparent for easy visual fill level control. To simplify its production, the cartridge 7 can in particular be designed in one piece and, for example,It can be an injection-molded part produced in a single operation or manufactured by a gas injection molding process. Furthermore, the cartridge 7 can form a flat body for its reception in the recess 6. This can, for example, be 10 to 20 centimeters wide, several centimeters high, and less than five centimeters deep.

[0029] As described above, cartridge 7 contains several – here, seven, for example – storage compartments V1 ... V7, each of which can be filled with cleaning agents differently from one another. Such filling can either be carried out by the customer themselves, or cartridge 7 can be purchased pre-filled with cleaning agents sufficient for several to ten rinse cycles. Even with cartridges 7 purchased in this manner, there may be a refill option available from the end user themselves or a retailer's return and refill system may be available. In all cases, each storage compartment V1 ... V7 can be filled for several rinse cycles, for example, 20 to 30. This eliminates the need to add cleaning agents or tablets outside the installed cartridge before each individual rinse cycle. This significantly improves customer convenience.

[0030] In particular, each storage compartment can contain a different cleaning agent or a different group or composition of cleaning agents. Suitable cleaning agents include, in particular, alkali carriers, e.g., alkalis, complexing and dispersing agents, enzymes such as amylase, protease, and / or lipase, bleaching agents, bleach activators, surfactants, biocides, and / or rinse aids that reduce water surface tension. At least one storage compartment should be filled with pre-wash, one with alkaline rinse, and one with rinse aid. A descaler can be added to each cleaning agent.

[0031] During a wash cycle, cleaning agents can be drawn from different storage compartments V1 ... V7 consecutively or (partially) simultaneously. It is also possible for a storage compartment to be opened several times during a wash cycle to dispense cleaning agents. As described in the Fig. 2 to 5, the storage rooms V1 to V7 can be of different sizes in order to be able to store cleaning agents which require different dosages, in particular in such a way that they are essentially used up at the same time.

[0032] The cleaning agents can be liquid, gel-like, or even solid. In the storage chambers shown here, filled with liquid cleaning agents, the introduction of rinse water into the storage chambers V1 ... V7 is not necessary; the cleaning agents can be dispensed from cartridge 7 solely by gravity.

[0033] For the dispensing of detergent from the storage chambers V1 ... V7 filled for several, i.e. multiple, wash cycles, these are all or at least partially provided on the underside with an outlet valve S1 ... S7 which can be opened and closed in a controlled manner and can be selectively, i.e. individually, controlled from the outside via a control unit 8 for the indirect or direct transfer of stored detergent to or into the wash chamber 2. The outlet valves S1 ... S7 open and close dosing openings F1 ... F7 on the underside of the storage chambers V1 ... V7. The control unit 8 can preferably be a component of the dishwasher. In particular, it can be formed by the program sequence control device of the dishwasher. In addition to or independently of this, the cartridge or its receiving box can also have its own control unit for moving its outlet valves.

[0034] Detergent could be fed directly from these storage chambers into the washing chamber 2. However, this would entail the risk of these dosing openings F1 ... F7 becoming moistened with rinse water. Therefore, each or at least one storage chamber V1 ... V7 is specifically or individually arranged downstream of a dosing chamber D1 ... D7, which can be filled with detergent from the storage chamber V1 ... V7 via the respective dosing opening F1 ... F7, with the filling subsequently being released from there to or into the washing chamber 2 via a respective outlet opening A1 ... A7. These outlet openings can be cleaned by applying rinse water through a longitudinal gap 16 provided in the area of the pivot axis 18 of the pivot flap 19, without said water being able to penetrate into the respective storage chamber V1 ... V7. The cartridge 7 preferably has a plurality of storage chamber / dosing chamber pairs, i.e.several storage chamber / dosing chamber pairs, each of which is specifically arranged downstream of exactly one dosing chamber in the direction of flow. Each dosing chamber has an outlet opening on the output side.

[0035] In the embodiment shown here, the dosing spaces or dosing chambers D1 ... D7 are each located below the storage spaces or storage chambers V1 ... V7 and are each provided with outlet valves S1 ... S7 inside. This allows the specific cleaning agents to flow, driven by gravity, through the dosing openings F1 ... F7 from the storage spaces V1 ... V7 into the associated dosing spaces D1 ... D7. The respective outlet valve S1 ... S7 is preferably formed in this embodiment by an elongated rod element which has an upper and a lower seal 14 and 13 (see Fig. 4). The respective outlet valve is designed as a rod-like tappet element which is mounted in the respective dosing chamber so as to be longitudinally displaceable, with its free end projecting, in a spring-loaded manner, into the storage chamber preceding and located above the dosing chamber.

[0036] In each dosing chamber, an outlet valve is mounted for linear movement with two internal seals such that the outlet opening of the dosing chamber can be opened and closed in opposite directions with the aid of a first sealing element, and a dosing opening in a partition between the dosing chamber and the preceding storage chamber associated with it can be opened and closed with the aid of a second sealing element spaced longitudinally from the first seal. Generally speaking, each outlet valve can be moved back and forth between a refill position, which allows cleaning agent to flow from its associated storage chamber into the dosing chamber downstream of it, and an outlet position, which allows cleaning agent to flow from the dosing chamber into the rinsing chamber, so that these positions are extreme end positions for the stroke movement of the respective outlet valve.This results in high reliability and simple control of the respective valve. This achieves a high degree of simplification. The outlet valve can be moved back and forth between only these two end positions. According to an advantageous design variant, the outlet valve blocks the outlet opening of the dosing chamber in its refill position. In its outlet position, however, it closes the outlet opening of the storage chamber upstream of the dosing chamber.

[0037] The introduction of the various detergent substances from the storage chambers via the downstream dosing chambers into the washing chamber is thus controlled by corresponding movements of the outlet valves S1 ... S7, so that during the washing operation only small partial quantities of detergent for the current consumption in the respective partial wash cycle of a wash cycle to be carried out in a selected dishwashing program are metered into the dosing chambers D1 ... D7.

[0038] In particular, the dosing chambers can be specifically prefilled with detergents for the wash cycle of a selected dishwashing program and emptied at different times during the individual partial wash cycles of the wash cycle, or partially or completely simultaneously by appropriately activating the outlet valves, so that the various detergents can be introduced selectively or separately into the wash chamber of the washing container via the outlet openings A1 ... A7. Multiple (partial) filling of the respective dosing chamber and its repeated emptying into the wash chamber during the same partial wash cycle or a single complete wash cycle is also possible.

[0039] The respective storage chamber V1 ... V7 is separated from its associated dosing chamber D1 ... D7 by a partition B1 ... B7, in which a dosing opening F1 ... F7 is provided (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3). Through this dosing opening in the partition wall between the respective storage chamber and the respective dosing chamber downstream of it, the outlet valve S1 ... S7, which is respectively assigned to it and mounted therein, is also guided with its upper shaft end into the respective storage chamber, where it is supported against a spring element 12. It is spring-loaded by the spring element in such a way that it is pressed into a refilling position in the direction of the outlet opening A1 ... A7 of the respective dosing chamber. As a result, its lower seal 13, in particular the plate seal or sealing lip, rests against a lower boundary surface or end wall X1 ... X7 between the dosing chamber D1 ... D7 and the rinsing chamber 2 and tightly covers the outlet opening A1 ... A7 provided in this boundary surface X1 ... X7, i.e. the outlet opening of the respective dosing chamber is closed.At the same time, in this refill position of the respective outlet valve, the outlet opening or the dosing opening F1 ... F7 in the partition B1 ... B7 between the storage chamber and the dosing chamber assigned to it is open because the upper seal 14, in particular the plate seal or sealing lip, of the outlet valve S1 ... S7 is moved away from the underside of the partition B1 ... B7 to such an extent that a gap is created between its upper seal 14 and the underside of the partition B1 ... B7, so that the dosing opening F1 ... F7 is released.

[0040] Preferably, the respective outlet valve S1 ... S7, designed here as an elongated rod element, has the upper and lower seals 14 and 13 spaced longitudinally from one another at a longitudinal distance from one another that is smaller than the free space height (perpendicular to the partition wall B1 ... B7 along the imaginary, straight connecting line between the metering opening F1 ... F7 of the respective storage chamber V1 ... V7 and the outlet opening A1 ... A7 of the metering chamber D1 ... D7 assigned to this storage chamber) between the respective partition wall B1 ... B7, i.e. the ceiling wall of the respective metering chamber, and the bottom wall of this metering chamber, which is approximately parallel to the ceiling wall, and thus determines the stroke for the outlet valve between its refill position and its dispensing position. The metering opening F1 ... F7 in the lower partition wall B1 ... B7 of the respective storage chamber V1 ... V7 and the outlet opening A1 ... A7 in the lower boundary surface X1 ...X7 of the respective dosing chamber D1 ... D7 are preferably arranged substantially in alignment with one another. In particular, they are each provided approximately centrally or centrally in the lower end surface of the respective storage chamber and the dosing chamber assigned to it, downstream.

[0041] The imaginary alignment between the respective outlet opening and the associated dosing opening is preferably inclined relative to the horizontal and vertical. This allows cleaning agent to flow from the storage chamber into the dosing chamber automatically due to gravity. Each outlet valve S1 ... S7 remains in this refill position until it is closed against the spring preload of its spring element 12 by a specifically assigned actuator K (see Fig. 5), in particular by an elongated tappet element, is pressed upwards in the direction of the partition wall B1 ... B7 into an outlet position in which its upper seal 14 rests against the underside of the partition wall B1 ... B7 and seals off its dosing opening F1 ... F7, and its lower seal 13 is moved away from the outlet opening A1 ... A7 in the direction of the storage chamber, i.e. towards the dosing opening F1 ... F7, so that a gap or a gap is formed between the lower seal 13 and the lower boundary surface X1 ... X7 of the dosing chamber D1 ... D7 and the outlet opening A1 ... A7 in the lower boundary surface of the dosing chamber is released for metering the detergent previously stored in portions in the dosing chamber into the washing chamber 2.

[0042] From the respective dosing chamber D1 ... D7, the cleaning agent introduced therein can also be discharged via an outlet opening A1 ... A7 to the wash chamber 2, also in a valve-controlled manner. These outlet openings can be supplied with wash water for cleaning purposes. This largely prevents clogging, particularly of the outlet valves S1 ... S7. For example, these outlet openings A1 ... A7 are located in a gap 16 in the lower area of the receiving chamber 6, which is openly accessible from the wash chamber 2.

[0043] The dosing chambers D1 ... D7, like the valves S1 ... S7, are preferably part of the cartridge 7 and integrated into it, although this is not mandatory. The dosing chambers can, for example, also be part of a cartridge receptacle. If the dosing chambers with the valves are part of the cartridge and the cartridge is replaced with a new, full cartridge after its cleaning agent has been used up, this reliably ensures that clogging of the outlet openings or discharge openings of the dosing chambers by cleaning agent and thus malfunctions of the cartridge are largely avoided. The valves are mounted in the dosing chambers D1 ... D7 along their longitudinal extension, i.e., they are linearly movable. Such an outlet valve S1 ... S7 can simply be movable between two end positions, namely between a lower position, which allows the passage of cleaning agent from the storage chamber V1 ...V7 into the associated dosing chamber D1 ... D7 and an upper outlet position allowing the passage of detergent from the dosing chamber D1 ... D7 into the washing chamber 2. The respective outlet valve is preferably located in the respective dosing chamber with an upper plate seal 13 and a lower plate seal 14. If both the passage of detergent from the respective storage chamber V1 ... V7 into the associated dosing chamber D1 ... D7 and the passage of detergent from this into the washing chamber 2 can be controlled by a common outlet valve S1 ... S7, this is particularly advantageous both for reducing the manufacturing costs of the cartridge and for simple control.

[0044] In this exemplary embodiment, the dosing chambers D1 ... D7 are designed similarly to one another and, in particular, are of the same size. This advantageously allows for the accommodation of uniformly designed lift valves in the dosing chambers, all of which can be actuated in the same way using specifically assigned actuators. Thus, this cartridge storage and dosing system, consisting of storage chambers, assigned dosing chambers, outlet valves, and actuators, is structurally simple and can be operated reliably. In particular, the dosing chambers in this exemplary embodiment are each designed as cuboid chambers.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, deviating from the exemplary embodiment, the dosing chambers can be dimensioned in such a way that they are designed to accommodate specific, varying dosing quantities. This can make it possible to add the desired amounts of cleaning agents regardless of the duration of the release refill position of the outlet valves, in which the dosing opening of the respective storage chamber is open to the associated dosing chamber. This can simplify the timing of the outlet valves.

[0046] In Fig. 3, for example, the outlet position of the outlet valve S3 is shown using the passage D3, while the other valves S1, S2 and S4 to S7 are in the lower refill position, in which they close the outlet openings A1 ... A7 with their lower plate seals 13. In contrast, the valve S3 closes the metering opening F3 of the storage chamber V3 with its upper plate seal 14 (see also Fig. 2). If the dosing opening (e.g. F1) from the storage chamber (e.g. V1) to the associated dosing chamber (e.g. D1) is opened via the downwardly displaced valve (e.g. S1), the outlet opening (e.g. A1) directly into the wash chamber 2 or into a lower collecting tray, from which detergent can reach the wash chamber 2, is simultaneously closed. Conversely, for example, in the case of the storage chamber V3, the passage F3 into the associated dosing chamber D3 is closed via the valve S3, but at the same time the lower outlet opening A3 of the dosing chamber D3 is open, so that detergent can reach the wash chamber 2 from the dosing chamber or the dosing chamber D3 without any further flowing out of the storage chamber V3 being possible. For such refilling of the dosing chamber D3, a further valve stroke of the valve S3 would first be necessary. The only one valve per storage and dosing chamber, i.e. a single valve, thus has a dual function between controlling the flow from the storage chamber V1 ...V7 into the dosing chamber D1 ... D7 releasing refill position and an outlet position releasing the passage of detergent from the dosing chamber D1 ... D7 into the rinsing chamber 2. The . Fig. 4, Fig. 5 shows the storage chamber / dosing chamber pair V2 / D2 with its valve S2 in its refill position. Its lower plate seal 1 closes the outlet opening A2 of the dosing chamber D2, while its upper plate seal 14 is spaced from the dosing opening F2 by a gap, thus exposing it.

[0047] In order to selectively, i.e., individually, move the outlet valves S1...S7 upwards from their refill positions against the force of preloaded springs 12 integrated in the storage chambers V1...V7, they can be acted upon by actuators K assigned to the receiving chamber 6, which here each act as tappets, in a direction that releases the outlet openings A1...A7 and can thus be moved upwards. The actuators K are assigned to the flushing chamber 2 and are mounted and movably guided in flexible sleeve guides H. However, they could also be contained in the cartridge 7 itself or in a receiving box for the cartridge, which would maximize their flexibility of use.

[0048] These sealing sleeves H are made of an elastic material and thus leave a certain amount of play for the tappet-like actuators K. These are therefore insensitive to tolerances and always form a flat contact with the lower heads of the valves S1 ... S7 of an inserted cartridge 7. For example, the sealing sleeves H are made of a material containing silicone and / or EPDM and, as in Fig. 6 is visible, are held on a common support and connected to one another to form a common, flexible structural unit 17. This structural unit 17 can, in particular, be made in one piece and can be held as a whole in the receiving space 6 for the cartridge 7 in a replaceable manner. This structural unit 17, together with the molded-on sleeves H, simultaneously acts as a sealing element, ensuring a defined outflow of cleaning agent. Wear of the sealing sleeves H, for example due to the cleaning agents or due to the fact that the actuators K can be extended in a frictional translational manner in the direction of the valves S1 ... S7, can also be taken into account by the replaceability.

[0049] As described above, the outlet openings A1 ... A7 in their releasing position convey obliquely below the sleeves H and the structural unit 17 of the receiving space 6 into a, in particular lower, partial space which is left free laterally by a gap 16 at the lower edge of the flap 19 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 6), so that the sleeves H and the outlet openings A1 ... A7 can be cleaned laterally by a spray jet from the rinsing chamber 2. The gap 16 is designed to be at least long enough to extend alongside all outlet openings A1 ... A7.

[0050] This actuation of the valves S1 ... S7 via the actuators K is made possible by a generally fully electronic control unit 8 of the dishwasher 1 (see Fig. 2). This can influence the valve control with regard to its dispensing times and / or quantities of cleaning agents. Various input variables, such as water pollution and hardness, the fill level of the dishwasher, water temperature, type of soiling, and / or cartridge fill level, etc., can also be measured and transmitted to the control unit 8. Sensor technology can be provided to record the data, for example via at least one sensor array in contact with the wash liquor. This can advantageously be a component of the cartridge. Its sensor array can be contained in a bypass line of the cartridge 7 and, for example, comprise polymer chips or so-called Labon chips, which record parameters typical of water and soiling. These Lab-on chips can wear themselves out and be disposed of with the cartridge 7.The cartridge 7 can further comprise its own power supply 9, such as a button cell, for the acquisition and / or transmission of data, for example, via sensors and transponders 10, and possibly for the movement of actuators associated with the cartridge 7. The dishwasher 1 can be equipped with a reader 11 for capturing transmitted data. The programs stored in the control unit 8 directly influence the valve opening times and thus the time and dosage of the cleaning agents, thereby achieving very good effectiveness with minimized use of cleaning agents.

[0051] The dosing openings F1 to F7 of the storage chambers or storage spaces V1 ... V7 are assigned to the lower end surfaces B1 ... B7 of the storage spaces V1 ... V7, which are inclined relative to a vertical and horizontal line, and are designed as recesses in these surfaces, i.e., as openings in the lower walls of the storage spaces. From the dosing spaces or dosing chambers D1 ... D7 located below, the added detergent can then be discharged directly into the wash cabinet 2 via the outlet openings A1 ... A7.

[0052] The lower end surfaces B1 ... B7 of the storage chambers V1 ... V7, with the dosing openings F1 ... F7 contained therein, are preferably inclined at an angle of at least 20° to the vertical - and preferably also at an angle of at least 20° to the horizontal - when the cartridge 7 is installed in the dishwasher. In the drawing by Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of an angle of approximately 45° to the vertical for these end surfaces. The metering openings F1 ... F7 can be tightly closed using the outlet valves S1 ... S7.

[0053] As can be seen in the drawings, below the dosing chamber D1 ... D7—or, as in this case, each dosing chamber D1 ... D7—there is another inclined boundary surface X1 ... X7 to the flushing chamber 2. This is formed by the base or floor of the respective dosing chamber. This lower boundary surface is essentially parallel to the above-mentioned lower end surface between the respective storage chamber V1 ... V7 and its associated dosing chamber D1 ... D7.

[0054] This parallel position means that both the passage of detergent from the respective storage chamber V1 ... V7 into the dosing chamber D1 ... D7 and the passage of detergent from there into the rinsing chamber 2 can be regulated by just one single outlet valve S1 ... S7. For this purpose, the respective valve S1 ... S7 is designed in the simplest case as a lift valve that can be moved purely translationally or linearly and is prestressed downwards via a compression spring 12. Each outlet valve is therefore assigned at least one prestressing element, in particular a spring element. The outlet valve is designed to be stroke-movable back and forth in the respective dosing chamber such as D1 with respect to the end surface such as B1 of the storage chamber above it such as V1 and with respect to the lower boundary surface of the dosing chamber arranged parallel to the upper end surface, i.e. to be linearly movable.

[0055] According to the invention, the outlet valves S1 ... S7 are held in the assembled position of the cartridge 7 at an angle of at least 20° to the vertical and preferably also to the horizontal. Generally speaking, each outlet valve is advantageously mounted at an angle to the vertical, i.e. the direction of gravity, and preferably also to the horizontal in the assembled position of the cartridge. In particular, the outlet valves are accommodated in the dosing spaces and / or storage chamber of the storage space / dosing space pairs in such a way that their lifting movements are directed essentially orthogonally to the oblique or inclined end surfaces such as B1 ... B7 of the storage spaces such as V1 ... V7 and boundary surfaces or end surfaces such as X1 ... X7 of the dosing spaces such as D1 ... D7.This allows air to flow into the respective dosing chamber when cleaning agent leaks from the respective dosing chamber (e.g., D3) into the flushing chamber 2. During the subsequent valve lift to close the outlet opening, this air can flow into the storage chamber upstream of the dosing chamber (e.g., V3), preventing negative pressure there even without additional ventilation openings, and allowing cleaning agent to drain out by gravity alone. This advantageously designed cartridge is particularly cost-effective to manufacture and, due to the lack of additional openings, also very safe against unwanted skin contact with the sometimes aggressive cleaning agents.

[0056] Generally speaking, at least one lower outlet-side portion of the respective storage chamber, in which the metering opening is provided, a lower boundary surface of the metering chamber downstream of this storage chamber, in which the outlet opening is provided, and the lift valve or outlet valve housed in the metering chamber are each inclined or slanted relative to the direction of gravity, i.e., the vertical and the horizontal. In particular, they are each inclined by at least 20° relative to the vertical and by at least 20° relative to the horizontal.The respective inclination of the lower boundary surfaces of the respective storage chamber and the subsequent dosing chamber assigned to it makes it possible for air to flow into the dosing chamber when cleaning agent flows out of the respective dosing chamber into the rinsing chamber and, during the subsequent valve stroke to close the outlet opening, to flow into the storage chamber assigned to the dosing chamber, so that a negative pressure is prevented there even without a further ventilation opening and cleaning agent can flow out independently through gravity alone.

[0057] In particular, the dosing opening in the lower partition wall of the respective storage chamber and the outlet opening or outlet opening in the lower boundary surface of the respective dosing chamber assigned to this storage chamber are arranged essentially in alignment with one another. In particular, they can each be provided approximately centrally or centrally in the lower end surface of the respective storage chamber and the dosing chamber assigned downstream thereof. The imaginary alignment line between the outlet opening and the dosing opening is preferably inclined with respect to the horizontal and the vertical. This makes it possible to open and close both the dosing opening of the respective storage chamber and the outlet opening of the dosing chamber downstream of this storage chamber with a simple back and forth movement using just a single, elongated valve tappet element.

[0058] Each of the valves S1 ... S7 can be switched individually, i.e. selectively, by the control unit 8. This enables very precise and needs-based dosing of individual detergent components, allowing considerable savings in detergent and energy compared to conventional solutions. For example, the sensor data evaluated in the control unit 8 can be used to add the appropriate enzymes from the various dosing chambers D1 ... D7 depending on the current level of contamination of the rinse water. Sensors can also detect when the rinse water has been sufficiently clarified so that rinse aid can be added in the final phase of the rinse cycle. The dosing can thus be significantly reduced and made more precise. For this purpose, various rinse programs with different opening times and / or opening durations of the respective valves S1 ... S7 can be stored in the central control unit 8 of the dishwasher 1.The control unit can, in particular, operate fully electronically and use data transmitted by the sensors as input data for different dishwashing programs. Additional input data, such as water hardness, temperature, and information on the concentration and effectiveness of the respective detergents, can also be taken into account. For this purpose, the sensor unit can continuously or intermittently record various components of the dishwashing water moving in the dishwashing cabinet 2 or an associated piping system during operation and transmit this data to the control unit 8 for adjustment, thus enabling the dosage of various detergents to be controlled.

[0059] Furthermore, an optical fill level control (not shown) can be provided for the level of detergent for one or more storage rooms. For example, a glass prism (analogous to a rinse aid shortage indicator) or a fiber optic cable (refractive index) can be provided for this purpose. A transmitter and receiver unit for fill level monitoring and / or cartridge actuation does not have to be located in the cartridge 7, so that it does not require its own power supply and no electrical connection is necessary between the cartridge 7 and the wash cabinet 2. Alternatively, the fill level monitoring can also be carried out via electrodes (electrical resistance) or capacitively. In any case, when replacing or inserting only partially filled cartridges, the control unit 8 can detect the (remaining) fill level and adapt the request for detergent and a warning signal for refilling or replacement accordingly.

[0060] The cartridge or cassette 7 does not have to be permanently inserted into a stationary receptacle 6, but can also be inserted into a mobile receptacle, i.e., a receptacle, if necessary. This means that the cartridge can also be inserted into the wash cabinet 2 in a different way, depending on its design. For example, it can be inserted into a dish basket as a loose component. An upright position in the dishwasher 1 allows the stored detergent to be released into the wash cabinet solely by gravity. Pumps or similar devices are then unnecessary.

[0061] In all embodiments, the cartridge can be refilled by the customer. The cartridge can also be treated as a tightly sealed unit that, after approximately 20 to 40 flushes, can be returned and refilled by the manufacturer, or it can be disposed of completely. These variants also provide maximum safety for the user against skin contact with a cleaning agent and against incorrect operation.

[0062] A cartridge that can be used and filled with cleaning agents for several to several ten rinsing processes is claimed separately.

[0063] In addition to the valves, the respective cartridge can be equipped with a separate sliding or pivoting flap or other locking device as a leak protection for cleaning agents. This leak protection flap engages over the valves and in particular the outlet openings of the dosing chambers on the outside, thus preventing accidental pressing in of the valves from the outside. This sliding or pivoting flap can then be opened manually during insertion or forcibly by means of sliding bevels or other guides on the flap 19, the receiving box, and / or the dishwasher. It is preferably spring-loaded by at least one spring element, which pushes it into its locking position as soon as the cartridge is removed from its receiving space or its receiving box.Only when the cartridge is correctly inserted into the designated receiving space or box is the cartridge's locking mechanism released by release mechanisms such as insertion bevels. It may also be possible to open the cartridge's release mechanisms, such as its leak protection flap, using an actuator.

[0064] To ensure that the respective cartridge is inserted in the correct orientation, a mechanical coding, such as tongue and groove or similar, can be provided on the different sides of the cartridge.

[0065] In any case, the flap can engage in a defined manner, such as at 19, resulting in high process reliability. It protects the cartridge and the gap, such as at 16, from access and contact by users. This ensures high process reliability when activating the cartridge through a defined locking of the lid and a defined discharge of cleaning substances. At the same time, contact with the cartridge discharge surface by the user can be largely avoided.

[0066] This ensures that cartridge 7 runs out in a defined, consistent and blockage-free manner.

[0067] In practice, it may be particularly useful to provide a receiving box with a sealing element for receiving and actuating at least one cartridge for the automatic, selective dosing of cleaning agents. This receiving box is preferably formed by a niche or recess such as 6 in a wall, in particular the side wall of the washing container or in the door of the dishwasher, which is provided with a pivoting flap such as 19 (see Fig. 1). In particular, the flap 19, when closed, can form a substantially flush partial area of the respective wall of the washing container or the door. The flap thus serves as a wall, preferably the front wall, of a stationary receiving box or a receiving container which is preferably an integral part of the washing container or the door, which is in particular closed all around and receives the cartridge 7 as a whole, i.e. as a whole. By opening the flap 19, an empty cartridge 7 can be removed from this stationary receiving box and, after refilling, can be reinserted into the receiving box or replaced with a new, pre-filled cartridge.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, the receiving box can also be designed as a loose, particularly self-contained component that can accommodate one or more cartridges. This receiving box can then be placed in a mobile and flexible manner at any desired location inside the washing container, similar to a plate in a dish basket. In this case, the mechanical activators or actuators for triggering the metering of cleaning agents from the storage chambers into the dosing chambers and from the dosing chambers into the washing chamber of the washing container are preferably assigned to the mobile receiving box. If necessary, the receiving box can even be partially or completely omitted, so that the cartridge itself is designed as an independently functioning component. In particular, it can be expedient if the respective receiving box and / or the cartridge has its own control unit for actuating the outlet valves.In addition or independently of this, it may be particularly expedient if the respective receiving box and / or the cartridge each have their own energy supply unit.

[0069] In the following, advantageous design variants of a cartridge designed according to the invention are compared with previous cleaner addition systems: Commercial dishwashers typically have a detergent dispensing system in which multi-component detergent (including so-called "X in 1" products) is manually added by the user into a single reservoir before each wash cycle. Rinse aid, if necessary, is added to a separate reservoir. Commercially available multi-component detergent systems are powder or liquid detergents or so-called "X in 1" tablets. These tablets combine the detergent and rinse aid functions into a single component. Under certain circumstances, such detergent dispensing systems can result in poor drying performance and / or excessive staining with so-called "X in 1" products. Furthermore, the respective detergent must be added to the respective detergent dispensing system before each wash cycle.

[0070] In contrast, a cartridge designed according to the invention enables the selective dosing of cleaning substances from cleaning systems (individual components) with improved performance data compared to commercially available combination products. One dosing cartridge with an integrated dosing valve is provided for each storage chamber / dosing chamber pair to reduce the technical complexity and risk regarding the product life of the cartridge. In particular, the integration of additional functions into the dosing cartridge designed according to the invention is possible.

[0071] The replaceable dosing cartridge designed according to the invention expediently comprises one or more, preferably 6-7, storage chambers for storing various cleaning components. A valve is provided for each storage chamber for reliable, in particular controlled, dispensing of cleaning agent. In particular, the respective valve can have an internal seal. This has the advantage that the respective storage chamber can be vented via its outlet opening, thus eliminating the need for additional venting. If, alternatively, an external seal is provided for the respective valve, then additional venting is expediently provided for the respective storage chamber of the cartridge. In addition, the respective valve is integrated into a dosing chamber that is arranged downstream of the respective storage chamber and with which a predetermined dosing volume is generated.The respective valve is expediently actuated via an actuator (particularly a plunger), which is preferably integrated into a dosing device in the dishwasher. The risk of the respective valve being defective or clogged is very low, since the range of the respective cartridge is preferably only a maximum of 20-30 wash cycles. The cartridge designed according to the invention can preferably have the following dosing principle: • Position 1 •Emptying": The respective valve is pushed upwards towards the storage chamber with the help of an actuator tappet. The liquid in the dosing chamber downstream of this storage chamber then flows out. The upper seal of the valve seals against the storage chamber; • Position 2 "Fill": The respective valve returns to its original position. The dosing chamber is sealed off from the flushing chamber by its lower sealing lip. Liquid can flow again from the storage chamber into the dosing chamber. The storage chamber is ventilated by the subsequent flow of air from the dosing chamber into the storage chamber. Therefore, no separate venting is necessary.

[0072] In particular, for one or more storage chambers of the cartridge designed according to the invention, a fill level monitoring device can be provided, which can be Fig.1 - 6 is omitted: The fill level can be monitored, for example, using a glass prism (similar to the rinse aid shortage indicator) or via a fiber optic cable (refractive index). The transmitter and receiver unit for the fill level monitoring is not integrated in the cartridge, but rather in the dosing device or actuator for the cartridge, so that no electrical connection between the cartridge and the dishwasher is necessary. The fill level can also be monitored using electrodes (electrical resistance) or capacitively. In this way, when partially filled cartridges (remaining containers) are replaced / installed, the dishwasher control system can detect and take into account the fill level in the cartridge.

[0073] Furthermore, it may be advisable to provide leak protection for the cartridge. The following options may be advantageous: • Option 1: To prevent leakage when the cartridge is removed, a discharge flap or slider is integrated into the cartridge, which is unlocked when installed in a storage box or compartment of the dishwasher. This provides protection for the user against improper use. • Option 2: To prevent the cartridge from leaking when installed, an actuator opens a leak protection flap. This has the advantage that the leak protection flap is only open either during dosing or during the entire flushing process; otherwise, the cartridge remains closed.

[0074] These various additional leak protection designs provide reliable leak protection in particular in the event of leaks in one or more valves of the respective cartridge or improper handling of the cartridge by the user.

[0075] In particular, it may be expedient if a “mechanical coding” is provided on the cartridge and / or the receiving space, in particular the receiving box, for the respective cartridge in order to position it correctly in the receiving space provided for it or to position or store it in a way that prevents it from twisting.

[0076] Furthermore, it may be expedient if a sensor system is provided on the cartridge and / or the receiving space, in particular the receiving box, with the aid of which one or more parameters of the washing solution can be determined, which is or are used to derive at least one dosing criterion for dispensing one or more cleaning substances from the storage chambers of the cartridge. In particular, the sensor system comprises a sensor array which is in direct contact with the washing solution, for example via a “bypass” in the cartridge or its receiving box, so that water and dirt-typical parameters of the washing solution can be detected via the sensor array. The sensor array can be designed, for example, as a “lab on chip” or “chip on polymer” as a cost-effective disposable article. Using such a sensor system, the addition or removal of detergents can be controlled.Dosing of the individual detergent components in the cartridge can be adapted to the respective conditions in the dishwasher's wash chamber.

[0077] Furthermore, it may also be advantageous if at least one transponder, such as one using RFID technology, is incorporated into the cartridge or attached to the cartridge or its receptacle. The transponder can, for example, transfer data from the cartridge to the dishwasher's control unit (and vice versa). This data can, for example, be updates to washing programs, concerning the times and quantities of detergent added, and is transmitted from the dishwasher's control unit to the cartridge. List of reference symbols 1 dishwasher, 2 rinsing compartments, 3 walls, 4 doors, 5 receiving basket, 6 niche, 7 cartridges, 8 control unit, 9 button cells, 10 transponders; 11 reader, 12 compression spring, 13 lower plate seal, 14 upper plate seal, 16 swivel axis 17 flexible construction unit 19 Swing flap 21 rinsing containers V1 ... V7 storage rooms, D1 ... D7 dosing rooms, F1 ... F7 dosing openings, B1 ... B7 lower end surface, S1 ...S7 valves,... A1 ... A7 outlet opening, K actuators, H sleeve guides

Claims

[1] Dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing chamber (2) delimited by walls (3) and a door (4), and with a cartridge (7) associated with this washing chamber (2), which cartridge comprises storage chambers (V1 ... V7) which are each filled or can be filled with cleaning agents for several washing cycles, wherein one or more storage chambers (V1 ... V7) are each provided on the underside with a controlled opening and closing outlet valve (S1 ... S7) for the indirect or direct transfer of one or more stored cleaning agents to the washing chamber (2), characterized by that the respective outlet valve (S1 ... S7) in the position of use, in particular in the mounted position, of the cartridge (7) is inclined at a predetermined angle, in particular of at least 20°, to a vertical. [2] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat at least one storage chamber (V1 ... V7) of the cartridge (7) is followed by a dosing chamber (D1 ... D7), into which dosing chamber cleaning agent can be introduced in a controlled manner from the storage chamber (V1 ... V7) during the washing operation and from which the introduced cleaning agent can be delivered to the washing chamber via an outlet opening (A1 ... A7), wherein both the passage of cleaning agent from the storage chamber (V1 ... V7) into the dosing chamber and the passage of cleaning agent into the washing chamber (2) can be controlled by a common outlet valve (S1 ... S7). [3] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that an outlet valve (S1 ... S7) is integrated into the respective storage chamber (V1 ... V7) and / or the respective downstream dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) of the cartridge (7). [4] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the respective outlet valve (S1 ... S7) can be moved back and forth between a refill position which releases the passage of cleaning agent from the respective storage chamber (V1 ... V7) into the respective dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) and an outlet position which releases the passage of cleaning agent from this dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) into the rinsing chamber (2). [5] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the respective outlet valve (S1 ... S7) is pre-tensioned in the direction of a position blocking the passage of cleaning agent from the respective dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) into the rinsing chamber (2). [6] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that a spring arrangement (12) integrated in the cartridge (7) is provided for preloading. [7] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the respective outlet valve (S1 ... S7) can be acted upon by an actuator (K) assigned to the receiving space (6) of the dishwasher (1) in a manner which releases the passage of cleaning agent from the respective dosing space (D1 ... D7) into the washing space (2). [8] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outlet section of the respective storage chamber (V1 ... V7) and / or the respective dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) is inclined at a predetermined angle, in particular of at least 20°, to a vertical in the position of use, in particular in the mounted position, of the cartridge (7). [9] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in the position of use of the cartridge (7) the respective dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) is inclined relative to a vertical and a horizontal in such a way that when cleaning agent runs out of the respective dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) into the rinsing chamber (2), air can be moved into the dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) and, during the subsequent valve stroke to close the outlet opening (A1 ... A7), can be moved into the storage chamber (V1 ... V7) arranged in front of the dosing chamber. [10] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the or each dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) is arranged substantially below the respectively associated storage chamber (V1 ... V7) and the transfer of cleaning agent from the storage chamber (V1 ... V7) into the downstream dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) and from the dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) into the rinsing chamber (2) is gravity-driven. [11] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cartridge (7) comprises a plurality of storage chambers (V1 ... V7), each provided with a downstream dosing chamber (D1 ... D7). [12] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims 11, characterized by that the storage rooms (V1 ... V7) have different volumes depending on the cleaning agent. [13] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the dosing chambers (D1 ... D7) of the various storage chambers (V1 ... V7) are designed in the same way to one another, in particular have approximately the same dosing chamber volume. [14] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in each dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) an outlet valve (S1 ... S7) is mounted in a linearly movable manner with two internal seals in such a way that with the aid of a first sealing element (13) the outlet opening (A1 ... A7) of the dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) and with the aid of a second sealing element (14) longitudinally spaced from the first seal (13) a dosing opening (F1 ... F7) in a partition wall (B1 ... B7) between the dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) and the preceding storage chamber (V1 ... V7) associated therewith can be opened and closed in opposite directions to one another. [15] Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the respective outlet valve (S1 ... S7) is designed as a rod-like tappet element which is mounted in the respective dosing chamber (D1 ... D7) so as to be longitudinally displaceable, and that its free end projects, in a spring-loaded manner, into the storage chamber (V1 ... V7) preceding the dosing chamber (D1 ... D7). [16] Cartridge (7) for use in a dishwasher according to at least one of claims 1 to 15. [17] Cartridge (7) according to claim 16, characterized by that the cartridge (7) is filled with cleaning agents and can be handled. [18] Cartridge (7) according to claim 17, characterized by that the cartridge (7) is filled with cleaning agents for several to several ten rinsing processes.

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