Device for dispensing cleaning agents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a cleaning agent into a dishwasher, comprising a cover element (3) for closing and releasing at least one opening (5) of a store (4) for storing the cleaning agent and / or an operating agent, at least one actuating element (1) being provided which has an actuation path (W) for opening and / or fixing the cover element (3), wherein an accidental opening or unlocking is effectively prevented. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the actuation path (W) is oriented away from the store (4) and transversely to the opening (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for dispensing cleaning agent into a dishwasher, comprising a lid element for closing and releasing at least one opening of a reservoir for storing the cleaning agent and / or an operating medium according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Dosing devices with lids are already known in dishwashers, with the lids closing or opening containers for detergent or taps or for rinse aid.

[0003] For example, a dosing device with a lid is known from US 2005 / 103365 A1.

[0004] In some dosing devices, for example, an intermediate chamber or dosing chamber is located downstream of a rinse aid storage chamber. A double valve tappet actuates the valve function in the opening between the storage chamber and the dosing chamber, as well as the outlet opening of the dosing chamber into the dishwasher's wash cabinet, in opposite directions. This means that when the solenoid valve is energized once, the opening between the storage chamber and the dosing chamber is opened and the outlet opening of the dosing chamber is closed.

[0005] When the machine is switched off, the dosing chamber is closed off from the storage chamber, and the outlet opening is opened, allowing the rinse aid to flow into the wash cabinet. This arrangement of the two chambers serves to specify a fixed dosing volume using the predefined volume of the dosing chamber. Rinse aid is also supplied to the dishwasher's wash cabinet each time the electromagnetic coil is energized.

[0006] Such dosing devices are typically combined with a chamber for holding detergent. This chamber is opened to add detergent to the rinse cycle using a flap that is locked in its closed position and opened by spring pressure after being released. For cost-saving reasons, the release is performed using the same electromagnetic coil used for dispensing rinse aid.

[0007] In order to maintain the program sequence for the dishwashing process, including the addition of the appropriate detergent and rinse aid, it is necessary that only the detergent dispenser flap is activated when the coil is energized for the first time, and that the rinse aid dispenser is only activated when the coil is energized subsequently. For this purpose, commercially available machines use a lever arrangement with a latching mechanism that engages the rinse aid actuation lever when the coil is energized for the first time, and only activates the rinse aid valve when the coil is energized for the second time. When the dishwasher door is opened, the latching mechanism is returned to its original position by gravity, allowing the dishwashing program to begin again from the beginning.

[0008] Furthermore, dosing devices for dishwashers are already known that, instead of a flap as a closure lid, have a sliding lid that performs a linear movement in a plane parallel to the boundary wall of the liquid detergent container, but at the end of the closing process, lowers to seal the lid (see EP 0780 087 B1). Compared to a dosing device with a flap, these dosing devices avoid narrowing the storage space in the dishwasher due to the movement space of the flap that must be kept clear.

[0009] The disadvantage of the latter devices, however, is that they require a comparatively complex and fault-prone, particularly tilting or jamming, guide of the sliding lid and a relatively large dosing device.

[0010] Furthermore, a dosing device is also known that comprises a pivoting rotary lid (cf. DE 102 44 678) that pivots about a rotation axis approximately parallel to the housing or door. Here, too, a lowering is provided at the end of the closing process to seal the reservoir. However, practice has shown that, among other things, the rotary lid is relatively easily impaired or damaged during continuous use. Users also find the twisting required to operate the rotary lid less ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing than the aforementioned sliding lid.

[0011] The disadvantage of these devices, however, is that in practice the button or the actuating element for the lid is often accidentally pressed and thus the lid element opens the storage unit. Object and advantages of the invention

[0012] The object of the invention is to propose a device for dispensing cleaning agents into a dishwasher with a lid element, whereby unintentional opening or unlocking is effectively prevented.

[0013] This object is achieved, starting from a device of the type mentioned in the introduction, by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are possible by the measures mentioned in the subclaims.

[0014] Accordingly, a device according to the invention is characterized in that the actuating path is directed away from the storage device and transversely towards the opening.

[0015] By actuating or pulling the actuating element in this way, the user effectively prevents accidental pressing, as is the case with the prior art, to open or unlock the lid element. For example, with the prior art, the lid element could be accidentally opened or unlocked if crockery or cutlery falls onto the actuating element.

[0016] In contrast, the present invention effectively prevents falling objects such as cutlery or dishes from opening the reservoir or lid element. This effectively prevents accidental leakage or flow of the operating fluid or cleaning agent and / or contamination of the latter. Accordingly, operational safety and user comfort are significantly improved according to the invention.

[0017] Preferably, at least one spring element is provided for determining a fixing position of the actuating element. A fixing element, in particular a coil spring or an elastomer element such as a rubber element or the like, can be attached to the actuating element in a manner both economically advantageous and structurally advantageous, so that a favorable closing force or compressive force is generated for fixing the actuating element in the fixing or locking position of the cover element.

[0018] According to the invention, an actuating device comprises at least the actuating element and a fixing element for fixing the lid. Thus, the actuating device can be designed in at least two parts. This means that the actuating element and the fixing element are designed as separate or separately adjustable and / or rotatable / pivotable elements, or that they are connected to one another as a structural unit.

[0019] According to the invention, the actuating device has at least one pivot axis for pivoting the fixing element in relation to the actuating element. This enables a relative movement or adjustment of the fixing element in relation to the actuating element to be achieved. Preferably, a joint, in particular a hinge, is provided with the rotation / pivot axis. If appropriate, the pivot axis is designed as a separate shaft or axis element. In this way, a band hinge can advantageously be realized. Alternatively, a film hinge can also be realized, in particular made of plastic, so that the fixing element can be pivoted in relation to the actuating element about or with the film hinge or the actuating element. It is advantageous and particularly cost-effective to produce the actuating device as a one-piece structural unit made of plastic, in particular injection-molded plastic, with the film hinge, in particular the film hinge, being located between the fixing element and the actuating element.as a thinning or area with a relatively thin wall thickness.

[0020] According to the invention, the actuating element is rotatable about a rotational axis. It has been shown that this allows for a structurally advantageous implementation of an actuating path away from the reservoir and transversely toward the opening. Thus, the pivot axis and / or the rotational axis are preferably aligned substantially parallel to the opening or the cover element.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating element and / or the actuating device is designed as a rocker that can be pivoted or rotated about the pivot axis and / or rotation axis. A rocker can be manually operated by the user or operator without great effort, thereby releasing the locking mechanism of the lid element.

[0022] Advantageously, the actuating element and / or the actuating device has at least one locking lug for locking / fixing the fixing element or is designed as a locking element. This advantageously allows locking of the actuating element and thus locking of the cover element. On the one hand, a locking mechanism can be advantageously implemented when closing the cover, and at the same time, a locking mechanism can advantageously be unlocked or triggered by manually pulling or actuating the actuating element according to the invention with an actuation path directed away from the storage device.

[0023] According to the invention, the cover element and the actuating device comprise the actuating element. It has been shown that this advantageously enables the actuating path according to the invention away from the reservoir. At the same time, the cover element can be advantageously opened or lifted manually in the direction of the actuating path.

[0024] Preferably, unlocking of the actuating element is achieved by means of an adjustment mechanism, wherein an advantageous pivot axis is provided around which an unlocking or locking element is pivotally mounted and can be adjusted, for example, by means of an actuator, in particular an electromagnetic coil or the like.

[0025] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is provided for locking the lid element of the reservoir for the cleaning agent, in particular for cleaning powder and / or cleaning tablets or the like. For example, during an operating phase of the dishwasher, automated unlocking can be achieved with the aid of the unlocking element or the like and the actuator or coil.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the actuating element can be manually actuated / unlocked according to the invention, for example, when the door is open or the like. This means that automated unlocking occurs, for example, with the aid of a pivoting unlocking element, and the actuating element can be manually actuated by the user along the actuating path according to the invention, if necessary.

[0027] Advantageously, the reservoir is designed as a liquid reservoir for storing an operating liquid, in particular rinse aid liquid. The actuating element according to the invention can also, for example, be used for storing cleaning agent and / or for storing rinse aid liquid. The use for the cleaning agent reservoir, i.e. for cleaning powder, cleaning tablets or the like, on the one hand, and for the rinse aid reservoir or the liquid reservoir, on the other hand, ensures that a similar actuating element or an identical actuating element can be used for the respective cover elements of the respective reservoir. This makes it possible to achieve an aesthetically pleasing or similar design of the cover element and / or the actuating element, which leads to an appealing or aesthetically advantageous perception for the user. Example

[0028] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0029] In detail: Figure 1 shows a schematic lateral section through a first device with a first actuating element according to an embodiment which is not part of the claimed invention, Figure 2 shows a schematic second section parallel to the section according to Figure 1, Figure 3 is a schematic, perspective view of the first device according to the invention with a closed cover element with the first actuating element, Figure 4 is a schematic, perspective section of the device according to the invention with the first actuating element and the cover element exposed, Figure 5 is a schematic, perspective section in plan view of the first device, Figure 6 is a schematic, perspective section of a second device according to the invention with a multi-part actuating device having a second actuating element, Figure 7 is a schematic section of the second device according to Figure 6 when opening / actuating the second actuating element according to the invention, Figure 8 shows a schematic section of the second device according to Figure 6 during the closing process of the cover element according to the invention and Figure 9 a schematic section of the second device according to Figure 6when the cover element according to the invention is closed and locked.

[0030] In Figure 1 A first device for dispensing detergent into a dishwasher is shown schematically in section. Here, an actuating element 1 or a rocker 1 is mounted or fixed to a cover element 3 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 2. For manual actuation or opening in the R direction of the cover element 3, the rocker 1 is adjusted about the rotation axis 2 in the sense of the invention away from a reservoir 4 or an opening 5 of the reservoir 4 in the W direction.

[0031] The opening 5 of the storage 4 is shown primarily in the perspective view according to Figure 4clarified. It can be seen that the opening 5 or a free cross-section of the reservoir 4 is aligned substantially parallel to the top view of the device. A corresponding reservoir 4 is usually used in devices for dispensing cleaning agent into a dishwasher for the powdered cleaning agent or for a cleaning tablet or the like and, for example, also as a liquid reservoir 4 for rinse aid liquid. Such cleaning agent reservoirs 4 are triggered during cleaning operation by means of an unlocking element 6 or latch 6, wherein the latch 6 is pivotable about a pivot axis 7. The pivoting of the latch 6 about the pivot axis 7 takes place by means of an actuator, preferably by means of an electromagnetic coil, which is not shown in detail. This non-manual unlocking or actuation by means of a coil is, however, generally known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively or.In addition to this automated unlocking of the rocker 1 by means of the latch 6 or a corresponding coil, a manual unlocking or actuation of the rocker 1 in the direction W about the pivot axis 2 can also be realized.

[0032] In Figure 2 the rocker 1 is parallel to the section according to Figure 1 shown, so that a compression spring 8 is advantageously illustrated, which holds the rocker 1 in the position shown in the Figures 1 and 2 The rocker 1 is positioned in the illustrated fixing or locking position. For this purpose, the rocker 1 has a locking lug 9, which is operatively connected to a second locking lug 10 of a housing of the device.

[0033] When the lid 3 is closed in the opposite direction R, the locking lug 9 engages with the locking lug 10, so that the lid and the rocker 1 are advantageously firmly fixed in the illustrated position or locking position. For this purpose, the spring 8 generates a compressive force on an arm 11 of the rocker 1, so that the locking lugs 9 and 10 are firmly held together in a fixed position.

[0034] To generate the compressive force of the spring 8, for example, the cover 3 has a counter-holder 12. Furthermore, the rocker 1 has a pin 13 which ensures that the spring 8 is centered or positioned. With the help of the rocker 1, which can be pulled manually away from the reservoir 6, i.e. in the direction W, it is ensured that unintentional opening of the cover 3, e.g. when the dishwasher door is open due to falling objects such as dishes or cutlery, etc., is prevented. As a result, operational safety is improved, and unintentional flowing or falling out of the reservoir 4 or cleaning agent when the dishwasher door is closed and / or contamination of the contents of the reservoir 4 is effectively prevented.

[0035] The rocker switch 1 can be used not only for the detergent reservoir 4, i.e., for powdered detergent or a detergent tablet, but alternatively also for a lid (not shown in detail) of a rinse aid reservoir, which is also to be actuated in the direction W. Thus, two identical rockers 1 can be used for both the detergent reservoir and the rinse aid reservoir, which on the one hand means a reduction in parts and thus a cost saving, and on the other hand enables an aesthetically advantageous effect for the user.

[0036] In the Figures 6 to 9 A second device according to the invention is shown schematically. In contrast to the first variant according to the Figures 1 to 5not a one-part actuating element 1 or actuating device, but a three-part actuating device with a separate actuating element 1, a separate fixing element 14 and a separate rotation axis 2. These form a joint / band hinge, so that when opening or actuating the actuating element 1 in the direction W according to the invention, the fixing element 14 is advantageously carried along (cf. Figure 7 ). When the cover 3 is closed, the fixing element 14 can be adjusted or twisted relative to the actuating element 1 (cf. Figure 8 ) and engages with the locking lug 9 with the locking lug 10 of the housing, so that the cover 3 is closed and fixed. List of reference symbols

[0037] 1Rocker 2Rotation axis 3Cover 4Memory 5Opening 6Latch 7Pivot axis 8Spring 9Nose 10Nose 11Arm 12Counterholder 13Pin 14Fixing element RDirection WDirection

Claims

1. Device for dispensing detergent into a dishwasher, comprising a cover element (3) for closing and releasing at least one opening (5) of a storage unit (4) for storing the detergent and / or an operating agent, wherein at least one actuation element (1) is provided which has an actuation path (W) and serves to open and / or fix the cover element (3), wherein the cover element (3) comprises the actuation element (1), wherein the actuation path (W) is oriented away from the storage unit (4) and transversely with respect to the opening (5), and wherein the actuation element (1) is rotatable about a rotation axis (2), so that, for manual opening in a direction (R) of opening of the cover element (3), the actuation element (1) is moved about the rotation axis (2) in a direction (W) of the actuation path (W) away from the storage unit (4) and the opening (5) of the storage unit (4), characterized in that that an actuation device comprises at least the actuation element (1) and a fixing element (14) for fixing the cover element (3), wherein the actuation device has at least one pivot axis (2) for pivoting the fixing element (14) with respect to the actuation element (1).

2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one spring element (8) is provided to define a fixing position of the actuation element (1).

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation element (1) and / or the actuation device comprises at least one detent lug (9) for locking / fixing the fixing element.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (3) comprises the actuation device.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation device is rotatable about the rotation axis (2).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot axis (2) and / or the rotation axis (2) of the actuation element (1) is oriented substantially parallel to the opening (5).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage unit (4) is designed as a liquid storage unit for storing an operating liquid.

8. Dishwasher having a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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