Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing container (3) providing a washing chamber (4), which has a loading opening (5) for loading with items to be washed, which can be closed fluid-tight by means of a rotatably mounted washing chamber door (6), and with a dosing device (11) which contains a process chemical in a quantity sufficient for a plurality of cleaning processes, wherein the dosing device (11) has a first dosing device (15) for a bulk process chemical and a second dosing device (16) for a liquid process chemical, characterized in that the first dosing device (15) and the second dosing device (16) are fluidically connected to a common dosing opening (37) opening into the washing chamber (4) for the portionwise introduction of a respective process chemical into the washing chamber (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing container providing a washing chamber, which has a loading opening for loading items to be washed, which can be closed by means of a pivotably mounted washing chamber door, in particular fluid-tight, and with a dosing device which contains a process chemical in a quantity sufficient for a plurality of cleaning processes, wherein the dosing device comprises a first dosing device for a bulk process chemical and a second dosing device for a liquid process chemical.

[0002] Dishwashers of the type mentioned above are well known from the prior art, which is why a separate printed reference is not required here. Reference is therefore only made to DE 10 2014 115 512 A1 by way of example.

[0003] A dishwasher of this type has a wash chamber that provides a washing area. In its intended use, the wash chamber serves to hold items to be cleaned, which may be dishes and / or cutlery.

[0004] The wash tank has a loading opening for loading items to be cleaned. This opening can be sealed fluid-tight by means of a pivoting wash chamber door.

[0005] To spray the items to be cleaned with cleaning fluid, the so-called wash liquor, the dishwasher has a spray system inside the wash tub. This spray system typically provides rotating spray arms, usually two or three of which are provided. Under normal operating conditions, the items to be cleaned are sprayed with the wash liquor by means of rotating spray arms.

[0006] To achieve optimized washing and cleaning results, process chemicals are generally used, which are added to the wash chamber during a cleaning cycle. These process chemicals are primarily detergents and / or rinse aids, which are added to the wash chamber according to a program control.

[0007] For storing a free-flowing process chemical in a quantity sufficient for a number of successive cleaning processes, the aforementioned DE 10 2014 115 512 A1 discloses a dosing device that interchangeably accommodates a storage container filled with cleaning agent. This previously known dosing device is integrated into the wash chamber door and, when dosing, dispenses the process chemical it contains in portions through an outlet opening provided by the wash chamber door.

[0008] According to DE 20 2014 115 512 A1, the dishwasher disclosed herein also has a so-called combination dosing unit. This is also installed in the dishwasher door and serves, among other things, to store a liquid process chemical, in particular a rinse aid. When dosing, this is dispensed via a corresponding outlet provided by the combination unit.

[0009] Although the existing designs have proven their worth in everyday practical use, there is room for improvement, particularly regarding the simplified design and operation of the dishwasher. It is therefore the Task the invention is to further develop a dishwasher of the generic type in such a way that, with a simultaneously simplified design, simplified operation of the dishwasher by a user is made possible.

[0010] To Solution The invention proposes a dishwasher of the type mentioned above to solve this problem, which is characterized in that the first dosing device and the second dosing device are fluidically connected to a common dosing opening leading into the washing chamber for the portion-wise introduction of a respective process chemical.

[0011] The inventive design proposes a dosing device comprising a first dosing unit for a bulk process chemical and a second dosing unit for a liquid process chemical, with both dosing units being fluidically connected to the wash chamber provided by the wash tank via the same dosing opening. During dosing, either the bulk process chemical from the first dosing unit or the liquid process chemical from the second dosing unit is dispensed in portions into the wash chamber via the common dosing opening. In contrast to the prior art, there is no distinction between an outlet opening for the bulk process chemical and an outlet opening for the liquid process chemical. This results in a simplified dishwasher design.This is also because the two dosing devices are combined into a single dosing unit and are no longer separate. This advantageously results in an overall compact and space-saving design.

[0012] The inventive design also enables simplified operation by the user. This is because the user only needs to operate one dosing unit to properly fill the dishwasher with process chemicals. Unlike the prior art, the dosing units are no longer separate from each other, but are housed in a common dosing unit, which improves both the user's overview and simplifies access to the dosing units.

[0013] According to a first alternative embodiment of the invention, the washing chamber door houses the dosing device, with the dosing opening being provided by the washing chamber door. In this embodiment, the dosing device is provided by the washing chamber door. The washing chamber door thus houses both the first and the second dosing device. The dosing opening, which interacts with both of these dosing devices according to the invention, is also provided by the washing chamber door in this case.

[0014] In this context, a further feature of the invention provides that the dosing opening is covered by a splash guard, preferably pivotably mounted on the wash chamber door. This splash guard prevents the wash water dispensed by a spray device of the dishwasher from freely entering the dosing unit through the dosing opening during normal cleaning. Instead, the splash guard leaves only a dosing gap through which process chemicals are introduced into the wash chamber during dosing. The splash guard is preferably pivotably mounted on the wash chamber door so that even free-flowing process chemicals in the form of tablets or pouches can be dispensed as intended, even if their geometric dimensions are larger than the dosing gap when the splash guard is in its fixed position.

[0015] According to a second alternative embodiment of the invention, a drawer device is provided arranged in the machine height direction above the washing container, which has a movable drawer element that can be moved from a working position to a non-working position and vice versa, wherein the drawer element provides the dosing device.

[0016] According to this design variant, the dishwasher has a drawer system. This drawer system is located outside the wash tub, specifically above the tub in the vertical direction of the dishwasher. Therefore, if the dishwasher is integrated into a kitchen unit with a worktop, the drawer system on the dishwasher side is situated in a gap between the wash tub and the worktop.

[0017] The drawer unit includes a drawer element. This drawer element is movable, allowing it to be switched between an operating position and a non-operating position. In the operating position, the drawer element is retracted into the drawer unit. In this position, the drawer element does not protrude beyond the front of the wash tub. In the non-operating position, however, the drawer element is extended from the drawer unit, thus protruding beyond the front of the wash tub. For aesthetic reasons, such as creating a uniform appearance, the drawer element may be covered by the wash chamber door or a front panel attached to the door when it is in the operating position.Therefore, moving the drawer unit from its operating position to a non-operating position is only possible when the dishwasher door is at least partially open. Alternatively, it can be designed so that the drawer unit is not covered from the front by the dishwasher door or a front panel attached to the front of the dishwasher door, even when the dishwasher door is closed, thus allowing operation of the drawer unit even when the dishwasher door is closed.

[0018] In contrast to the prior art, the dosing device for supplying a process chemical is not integrated into the wash chamber door in this embodiment of the invention. Instead, the dosing device is provided by the drawer element of the drawer assembly, which is arranged above the wash tank in the machine height direction, and in particular, outside the wash tank. The accommodation of the dosing device in a drawer element is made possible by the fact that, according to the invention, the two dosing units provided by the dosing device are assigned to one and the same dosing opening, thus providing, as already described above, an overall compact and therefore space-saving design.

[0019] Positioning the dosing unit above the wash tub, in the machine's vertical direction, advantageously simplifies dishwasher operation for the user. In particular, the user is not required to bend down to reach the dosing unit, which is necessary when the dosing unit is accessed through the wash chamber door, as access to the dosing unit via the door is only possible when the door is open. However, easy access to the dosing unit is achieved by removing the drawer element housing the dosing unit from the drawer unit and placing it in a non-use position.Since the drawer unit is positioned above the rinsing tank in the machine's vertical direction, the user can easily access the dosing unit from above without having to bend down. Furthermore, loading the dosing unit with process chemicals is also simplified, as any necessary preparation by the user, such as unpacking the chemical from its packaging on the worktop directly above the drawer unit when it is not in use, can be carried out. Transferring the process chemical, prepared by the user for proper loading of the dosing unit, into the unit is thus easily accomplished while the user remains upright, without having to bend down to reach it.

[0020] According to a further feature of the second alternative embodiment, the rinsing tank has a dosing opening that interacts with the dosing device. Through this dosing opening, provided by the rinsing tank, particularly on its top side, the process chemicals supplied by the dosing device are dispensed into the rinsing chamber provided by the rinsing tank during intended use. The process chemicals dispensed by the dosing device can thus be transferred directly through the dosing opening into the rinsing chamber provided by the rinsing tank. This transfer occurs by utilizing gravity, which is advantageously permitted because the drawer element housing the dosing device is arranged above the rinsing tank in the machine height direction.

[0021] According to a further feature of the invention, the first dosing device for a free-flowing process chemical has an annular storage magazine that is rotatable. This storage magazine serves to hold the free-flowing process chemical. During dosing, the process chemical is dispensed from the storage magazine, preferably in portions. To enable this, the storage magazine is rotatable so that it can be moved from a non-dosing position to a dosing position and vice versa. This allows for simple automatic operation.

[0022] According to a further feature of the invention, the storage magazine comprises a plurality of compartments for dispensing a pourable process chemical in individual portions. A compartment can contain either pre-portioned cleaning agent from the manufacturer in the form of, for example, tablets or pouches, or powdered or granular cleaning agent that is portioned by the user and distributed among the individual compartments of the storage magazine. It is also possible, of course, for the storage magazine or its compartments to be pre-filled by the manufacturer, so that an empty storage magazine can be easily replaced with a filled one.

[0023] In a first embodiment of the invention, where the dosing device is housed in the wash chamber door, a further feature of the invention provides that the compartments are open radially outwards. During dosing, a process chemical dispensed in portions from a compartment exits the compartment through this radially formed opening. This is because, during dosing, the wash chamber door housing the dosing device is in its closed position and thus aligned in the direction of machine height. In this position, gravity acts radially on the annular storage magazine, which is why the individual compartments are open radially outwards, thus enabling or simplifying the intended discharge of the process chemical contained therein.

[0024] In the case of housing the dosing unit in a drawer element arranged above the dishwasher's wash tub, according to the second embodiment of the invention, the compartments are designed without a bottom. This bottomless design of a compartment allows for the simple dispensing of a process chemical contained within it into the wash chamber provided by the wash tub. For this purpose, the reservoir simply needs to be moved into its corresponding dosing position, in which the compartment in question is positioned above the dosing opening. Since the compartment itself is bottomless, the process chemical it contains can, following the force of gravity, exit the compartment downwards through the bottomless design, thus passing through the open dosing opening into the wash chamber.The design is so simple that it allows for the intended dosing of a process chemical into the rinsing tank, and features a robust and therefore advantageously durable construction.

[0025] According to a further feature of the invention, compartments adjacent in the circumferential direction are separated from one another by means of a radially extending partition. The individual compartments provided by the storage magazine are thus separated from one another by corresponding partitions, these partitions extending in a radial direction.

[0026] According to a further feature of the invention, the first dosing device for a free-flowing process chemical comprises a motor-gear assembly that interacts with the storage magazine. This motor-gear assembly enables the storage magazine to be automatically rotated from a dosing position to a non-dosing position and vice versa.

[0027] According to a further feature of the invention, the storage magazine is equipped with a positioning aid. This positioning aid ensures that the storage magazine is correctly aligned in its intended use, both when dosing and when not dosing. This advantageously ensures, particularly during dosing, that the compartment of the storage magazine providing the process chemical to be dosed is correctly aligned. This reliably guarantees the intended dosing of the process chemical into the rinsing tank.

[0028] According to a further feature of the invention, the positioning aid comprises a positioning cam that interacts with a button that is stationary relative to the dispensing opening of the rinsing container. Thus, a stationary button and a positioning cam interacting with it are provided. The button is designed to be stationary relative to the dispensing opening. The positioning cam interacting with the button is provided by the reservoir. If the reservoir rotates, the button interacts with the positioning cam provided by the reservoir, thereby enabling correct alignment of the reservoir, particularly during dispensing. This ensures reliable alignment of a compartment provided by the reservoir with the dispensing opening or a discharge channel opening into the dispensing opening.

[0029] The dishwasher according to the invention preferably has several dishware carriers, in particular dishware baskets, e.g., lower basket, upper basket, and cutlery drawer, arranged in a manner known per se, which serve to hold the items to be cleaned in the wash tub. These are arranged one above the other in the wash tub in the machine's vertical direction and can each be moved in and out of the wash tub. The uppermost dishware carrier in the machine's vertical direction can, in particular, be a cutlery drawer, which serves especially for the horizontal storage and holding of cutlery. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the dishware carrier, preferably designed as a cutlery drawer and located in the vertical direction of the wash tub, is equipped with a collection tray.This is positioned within the wash carrier plane so that, in the direction of gravity, it is located directly below the dosing opening on the ceiling of the wash tank, and in particular, aligned with the dosing opening above it. The process chemical, such as a tablet, dispensed in portions through the dosing opening into the wash tank thus flows by gravity into the reservoir of the wash carrier and is held securely in position there. Preferably, the reservoir has side walls and a preferably funnel-shaped bottom tray, which are closed except for an opening in the bottom area. With its side walls and bottom tray, the reservoir thus provides a dissolving container. Since the opening in the bottom tray is small compared to the surface area of ​​the tray, the wash solution dispensed by the spray devices can collect in the reservoir, and a tablet can dissolve therein.The cleaning solution can drain out of the opening in the base tray.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the storage magazine does not provide compartments as previously described, but rather comprises a container providing a volumetric space. This container is also annular in shape, thus providing a compartment-free, annular volumetric space. This volumetric space is particularly suitable for holding a powdered or granular process chemical. A protective film or, preferably, a hinged lid is provided for closing the container.

[0031] This design of the protective film is particularly preferred when the reservoir is intended for single use. Such single use is especially relevant for a reservoir pre-filled with a process chemical by the manufacturer. Alternatively, the reservoir can be refilled by the user, in which case the reservoir can be closed not with a protective film, but with a lid, for example, a hinged lid.

[0032] However, all the embodiments described above have in common that the storage facility intended for storing and stockpiling a free-flowing process chemical is ring-shaped.

[0033] According to a further feature of the invention, the second dosing device for the second, in particular liquid, process chemical has a storage tank. Preferably, the second dosing device also has a dosing chamber that is fluidically connected to the storage tank.

[0034] The dosing unit for the liquid process chemical has a storage tank. This storage tank contains the liquid process chemical, preferably in a quantity sufficient for several consecutive cleaning programs. The process chemical could, for example, be a rinse aid.

[0035] The dosing unit for the liquid process chemical also features a dosing chamber. This dosing chamber is fluidically connected to the storage tank. Under normal dosing conditions, the liquid process chemical is dispensed from the storage tank towards the dosing chamber. The dosing chamber then serves to dispense the desired quantity of process chemical. In normal operation, the dosing chamber is filled from the storage tank. The process chemical, dispensed by the dosing chamber, can then be transferred to the rinsing chamber. Depending on the required quantity of process chemical, the dosing chamber can be filled multiple times from the storage tank. For example, the dosing chamber may have a capacity of 1 ml. If, for instance, the program requires 3 ml of liquid process chemical, the dosing chamber will be filled three times from the storage tank.As a result, the desired 3 ml of liquid process chemical are introduced into the rinsing container.

[0036] According to a further feature of the invention, the dosing chamber provides an outlet opening that is operatively connected to the dosing opening. During dosing, the liquid process chemical is dispensed from the dosing chamber via this outlet opening and introduced into the rinsing chamber via the dosing opening of the rinsing container. Thus, during dosing, the process chemical passes through both the outlet opening of the dosing chamber and the dosing opening of the rinsing container.

[0037] According to a further feature of the invention, a metering valve is provided which can be moved from a first metering position to a second metering position and vice versa, wherein in the first metering position the flow connection between the storage tank and the metering chamber is open and the outlet opening is closed, and wherein in the second metering position the flow connection between the storage tank and the metering chamber is closed and the outlet opening is open.

[0038] According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the second dosing device for the liquid process chemical has a dosing valve. In the intended dosing scenario, this dosing valve introduces the liquid process chemical into the rinsing chamber in measured portions. For this purpose, the dosing valve can be moved from a first dosing position to a second dosing position and vice versa.

[0039] In the first dosing position of the metering valve, the flow connection between the storage tank and the dosing chamber is open. This allows the liquid process chemical to be transferred from the storage tank into the dosing chamber. In this position, the outlet is closed. Therefore, in this first position of the metering valve, the liquid process chemical cannot be transferred into the rinsing chamber. In this position, the liquid process chemical is only dispensed by drawing it from the storage tank until the dosing chamber is completely full.

[0040] Once the metering valve has moved to its second metering position, the flow connection between the storage tank and the metering chamber is closed. This prevents the liquid process chemical from flowing from the storage tank into the metering chamber. In the second metering position of the metering valve, the outlet of the metering chamber is open. Consequently, the liquid process chemical temporarily stored in the metering chamber can flow out through the outlet and be transferred to the storage tank.

[0041] As previously described, the dosing chamber provides a predefined volume of, for example, 1 ml. By repeatedly moving the dosing valve from the dosing position to the non-dosing position and vice versa, multiple 1 ml portions of liquid process chemical can be transferred into the rinsing chamber. Therefore, three actuations of the dosing valve transfer 3 ml of liquid process chemical into the rinsing chamber.

[0042] According to a further feature of the invention, the second dosing device is arranged within the annular reservoir of the first dosing device, i.e., inside the ring formed by the annular reservoir. According to this particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a particularly space-saving arrangement of the dosing device is achieved – for example, as described below, within the wash chamber door or in a drawer assembly arranged above the wash tub. The annular reservoir of the first dosing device surrounds the second dosing device or at least the reservoir of the second dosing device. The annular reservoir is rotatably arranged around the stationary second dosing device or the stationary reservoir of the second dosing device.This allows both dosing units of the dosing system to be housed in a very small space, for example, by the dishwasher door or the drawer element. Advantageously, this allows both the bulk and liquid process chemicals to be contained in quantities sufficient for multiple consecutive dishwasher cycles.

[0043] A correspondingly shaped annular space is provided to house the ring-shaped storage magazine. According to a further feature of the invention, this space rotatably receives the storage magazine, with the annular space enclosing the second dosing device or at least the storage tank of the second dosing device. During a dosing operation of the first dosing device, the ring-shaped storage magazine rotates around the internal, stationary second dosing device or the storage tank of the second dosing device, which is positioned in the region of the axis of rotation of the storage magazine of the first dosing device. Thus, the second dosing device advantageously also serves to secure the storage magazine of the first dosing device in position.

[0044] With reference to the second embodiment according to the invention, that is, with reference to the accommodation of the dosing device in the drawer element, a closing device is provided according to a further feature of the invention, which is designed to close the dosing opening of the rinsing container in a fluid-tight manner when not dosing.

[0045] A sealing device is therefore provided. This sealing device enables a fluid-tight closure of the dosing opening of the rinsing tank. When not dispensing, the dosing opening is closed by the sealing device. When dispensing, however, the dosing opening of the rinsing tank is open, so that, as previously described, a process chemical dispensed by the dosing device can pass through the dosing opening into the rinsing tank.

[0046] Sealing the dosing opening of the rinsing tank in a fluid-tight manner when not in use offers the particular advantage of preventing unwanted moisture from escaping the rinsing tank through the dosing opening. This effectively prevents unwanted moisture from entering the process chemical contained in the dosing unit.

[0047] According to a further feature of the invention, the closure device has a disc rotatably arranged on the rinsing container, which can be moved from a position closing the dosing opening of the rinsing container to a position releasing the dosing opening of the rinsing container and vice versa, wherein the disc carries on its underside facing the rinsing container a closure element which is subjected to force in the direction of the rinsing container.

[0048] According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure device has a rotatably designed disc. This disc is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending in the machine height direction. It can be moved from a position that closes the dosing opening of the rinsing container to a position that releases the dosing opening of the rinsing container and vice versa. When not in use, the disc is in its position closing the dosing opening of the rinsing container. If a process chemical is to be dosed into the rinsing container, the disc first rotates from its position closing the dosing opening to a position releasing it.Once the disc reaches this position, the dosing opening of the rinsing tank is open, allowing the process chemical to be dosed by the dosing device through the open dosing opening into the rinsing chamber provided by the tank. As soon as the process chemical has been transferred into the rinsing chamber, the disc of the sealing device rotates back to its position closing the dosing opening of the rinsing tank. In this position, the dosing opening is fluid-tight, thus reliably preventing any unwanted moisture loss from the rinsing tank.

[0049] To ensure a fluid-tight seal of the dispensing opening, the closure device incorporates a sealing element. This sealing element is located on the disc of the closure device. The sealing element rotates with the disc. Once the disc is in its position closing the dispensing opening of the rinsing container, the sealing element, supported by the disc, aligns with the dispensing opening and interacts with it to create a fluid-tight seal. For this purpose, the sealing element is positioned on the underside of the disc facing the rinsing container. Furthermore, the sealing element is subjected to force in the direction of the rinsing container. For this purpose, compression springs, for example, can be provided between the disc and the sealing element.As a result of the force applied to the sealing element, a tight seal is achieved against the dispensing opening of the rinsing container. Either the dispensing opening or the sealing element is equipped with a seal.

[0050] According to a further feature of the invention, the disc has a through-hole that, in its release position, interacts with the metering opening of the rinsing container. During metering, a process chemical is introduced through this through-hole into the rinsing chamber provided by the rinsing container. Thus, when the disc provided by the closure device is in its position releasing the metering opening of the rinsing container, the metering opening on the rinsing container side and the through-hole on the disc side are aligned. The process chemical dispensed by the metering device during metering can therefore pass through both the through-hole of the disc and the metering opening of the rinsing container, thus allowing the process chemical to be introduced into the rinsing container.Once the dosing of the process chemical is complete, the disc rotates in the manner already described, so that in the position of the disc closing the dosing opening, the sealing element provided by the disc presses against the dosing opening under force and seals it.

[0051] According to a further feature of the invention, the closure device comprises a motor-gear assembly that interacts with the disc. This enables automatic operation of the closure device, depending on the washing program performed by a dishwasher. Thus, program-controlled operation of the closure device is possible, so that the dispensing opening is automatically opened by the closure device when the desired dispensing is required. As soon as the process chemical has been transferred into the washing container, the motor-gear assembly automatically returns the closure device to the position that closes the dispensing opening of the washing container.

[0052] Also with reference to the second embodiment of the invention, that is, with reference to the accommodation of the dosing device in the drawer element, it is further provided that the dosing device is accessible to the user for filling with a process chemical in the non-use position of the drawer element.

[0053] As previously described, the dosing device can dispense a process chemical into the rinsing chamber of the rinsing tank as intended when the drawer element housing the dosing device is in its operating position, i.e., in a position where the drawer element has moved into the drawer unit. In this position of the drawer element, user access to the dosing device is not possible.

[0054] To fill the dosing unit with a process chemical, which can then be dosed into the wash tank as previously described, the drawer element must be moved from its operating position to a non-operating position. In this non-operating position, the drawer element extends out of the drawer unit and projects beyond the front of the wash tank. In this non-operating position, the user can access the dosing unit from above. Therefore, in this position, the user can easily fill the dosing unit with a process chemical, preferably in a quantity sufficient for several consecutive cleaning cycles.

[0055] With reference to the first embodiment of the invention, that is, with reference to the placement of the dosing device in the dishwasher door, a further feature of the invention provides that the dosing device has a housing that contains both dosing units. The housing is preferably located on the inside of the dishwasher door and is accessible to the user when the door is open. The housing provides a housing opening that can be closed with a cover, in particular a fluid-tight one. For user access to the two dosing units of the dosing device, the housing cover must be moved from a closed position to an open position, for example, by pivoting the cover. In the open cover position, the housing opening is accessible, which then allows user access to the dosing device and thus also to the two dosing units of the dosing device.With the lid open, it is particularly permissible to fill the two dosing devices with process chemicals.

[0056] According to a further feature of the invention, the lid is provided to be made at least partially of a transparent or semi-transparent material. This allows the user to visually inspect the dosing devices without having to open the lid. This advantageously simplifies handling, as the user can check the fill level of the cleaning agents in the dosing devices from the outside without opening the lid.

[0057] According to this embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the housing contain the dosing device and a camera that is directed towards the wash chamber when the wash chamber door is closed. This allows for camera monitoring of the wash chamber, particularly for load detection, such as by type, quantity, and / or soiling or drying status, and / or for monitoring the rotation of the spray device and / or detecting any misalignment of the spray device. Integrating the camera into the housing of the dosing device has the advantage that a separate housing design for the camera is not required. The camera views the wash chamber through the transparent or semi-transparent section of the lid.

[0058] The design specifically provides for the camera to be positioned within the annular reservoir of the first dosing unit, i.e., inside the ring formed by the reservoir. This allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement of the dosing unit and the camera, especially within the dishwasher door. The annular reservoir of the first dosing unit surrounds the camera and is rotatable around it. The first dosing unit and the camera can thus be housed in a very small space, for example, within the dishwasher door.

[0059] In particular, the second dosing unit and the camera can be integrated into a single unit, which is enclosed by the ring-shaped reservoir of the first dosing unit. This results in a further simplified dishwasher design, leading to an overall compact and space-saving construction.

[0060] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 shows a purely schematic representation of a dishwasher according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the inside of the dishwasher's wash chamber door. Fig. 1 with a dosing device according to a first embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the dosing device according to Fig. 2in a second position; Fig. 4 in a schematic perspective view the dosing device according to the invention in the first embodiment; Fig. 5 in a schematic perspective view the dosing device according to Fig. 4 in a second position; Fig. 6 in a schematic perspective view a storage magazine according to the first embodiment; Fig. 7 in a schematic perspective view the storage magazine according to Fig. 6 without protective film; Fig. 8 in a schematic perspective view a storage magazine according to a second embodiment; Fig. 9 in a schematic top view the dosing device according to the invention according to a first embodiment; Fig. 10 in a schematic perspective view the dosing device according to a first embodiment in a first alternative configuration; Fig. 11 in a schematic perspective view the dosing device according to Fig. 10in a second alternative embodiment; Fig. 12 in a schematic perspective view the dosing device according to the invention in a first embodiment in a further variant; Fig. 13 in a schematic perspective view the dosing device according to the invention in a first embodiment in a further variant; Fig. 14 in a schematic top view from the rear the dosing device according to Fig. 9 Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of a metering valve in a first metering position; Fig. 16 shows the metering valve after Fig. 15 in a second dosing position; Fig. 17 in a schematic perspective view, an exploded view of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 18 in a schematic perspective view, the dishwasher according to the invention. Fig. 17 in fully assembled position; Fig. 19 shows a schematic side view of the dishwasher. Fig. 18with closed dishwasher door; Fig. 20 in a schematic perspective view, exploded view of a drawer device according to the invention; Fig. 21 in a schematic perspective view, exploded view of a storage magazine to be filled with tablets as a pourable cleaning agent; Fig. 22 in a schematic perspective view of a kitchen unit in which a dishwasher according to the invention is integrated; Fig. 23 in a schematic perspective view, partial view of a first dosing device for a pourable process chemical; Fig. 24 in a detail view, the positioning aid of the dosing device according to Fig. 23 Fig. 25 shows a schematic perspective view partially of a closure device in the dispensing position; Fig. 26 shows a schematic perspective view of the closure device after Fig. 25 in non-dosing position; Fig. 27 in a schematic perspective view the disc of a closure device according to Fig. 25; Fig. 28 in a schematic perspective view of the device for receiving a disc according to Fig. 27 intended housing of the locking device according to Fig. 25 ; Fig. 29 in a schematic perspective view the locking device according to Fig. 25 including motor-gearbox assembly; Fig. 30 in a schematic perspective view of a dishwashing basket at least partially removed from the washing chamber of the dishwasher; Fig. 31 in a detail view showing a section of the dishwashing basket. Fig. 30 Fig. 32 shows a schematic sectional view of the dosing device according to the invention in the dosing position; Fig. 33 shows a schematic view of the dosing device after Fig. 32 in a non-dosing position according to a second embodiment; Fig. 34 in a schematic sectional view the dosing device according to the invention in a non-dosing position; Fig. 35 the dosing device according to the invention. Fig. 34in dosing position; Fig. 36 in a schematic sectional view the dosing valve of the dosing device for a liquid process chemical in a first dosing position; Fig. 37 in a schematic view the dosing valve after Fig. 36 in a second dosing position; Fig. 38 in a schematic perspective view a filling funnel in non-use position and Fig. 39 in a schematic perspective view the filling funnel after Fig. 38 in operating position.

[0061] Fig. 1 A purely schematic side view shows a dishwasher 1 according to the invention.

[0062] The dishwasher 1 has a housing 2 that accommodates a wash tank 3. The wash tank 3, in turn, provides a wash chamber 4 for receiving the items to be cleaned. A spray device 68, which in the illustrated embodiment has three spray arms 69 rotatably arranged in the wash chamber 4, serves to spray the items to be cleaned with the wash solution.

[0063] For loading the wash chamber 4 with items to be cleaned, a loading opening 5 is provided by the wash container 3. This loading opening 5 can be closed fluid-tight by means of a wash chamber door 6, the wash chamber door 6 being rotatably mounted about a horizontal pivot axis. The wash chamber door 6 has an inner surface 76 facing the loading opening 5, as shown in Fig. 1 evident.

[0064] To accommodate items to be cleaned within the washing container 3, load carriers 7 are provided within the washing container 3 and are designed to extend out of the washing chamber 4 provided by the washing container 3. In the illustrated embodiment, three load carriers 7 are provided, arranged one above the other in the machine height direction 8.

[0065] The dishwasher 1 is equipped with a dosing unit 11 that contains a process chemical in a quantity sufficient for a majority of cleaning cycles. This dosing unit 11 has a first dosing device 15 for a bulk process chemical and a second dosing device 16 for a liquid process chemical, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0066] According to the invention, the first dosing device 15 and the second dosing device 16 are connected in a fluid-technical manner to a common dosing opening 37 which opens into the washing chamber 4 for the portion-wise introduction of a respective process chemical into the washing chamber 4.

[0067] Regarding the embodiment according to the invention, the Figures 2 to 16 a first implementation alternative and the Figures 17 to 39 They show a second implementation alternative. The first implementation alternative, according to the Figures 2 to 16 One embodiment in which the dosing device 11 designed according to the invention is housed by the wash chamber door 6. The second embodiment alternative according to the

[0068] Figures 17 to 39 Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the dosing device 11 according to the invention is arranged in a drawer element 10 above the washing container 3.

[0069] Fig. 2A schematic perspective view of the first embodiment shows the housing of the dosing device 11 according to the invention from the dishwasher door 6. The view is from the inside, i.e., looking at the inside 67 of the dishwasher door 6.

[0070] As can be seen from the presentation according to Fig. 2 As a result, the first dosing unit 15 and the second dosing unit 16 of the dosing device 11 are housed in a common casing 72. User access to the two dosing units 15, 16 is possible via an opening in the casing, which can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a cover 73 pivotably arranged on the casing 72. Fig. 2 shows the lid 73 in the closed position, whereas Fig. 3 shows the lid 73 in the open position. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 3This results in the user having access to the dosing unit 11 and thus also to the two dosing devices 15 and 16 when the lid 73 is open.

[0071] The further Figures 4 and 5 The figures show the dosing device 11 in a state not yet installed in the wash chamber door 6. As can be seen particularly from these illustrations, the two dosing units 15 and 16 are fluidically connected to a common discharge channel 76, which opens into the common dosing opening 37. In the final assembled state, as can be seen particularly from the Figure 1 and 2 The dosing opening 37 is covered by a splash guard 70 which is pivotably arranged on the wash chamber door 6. The splash guard 70 is designed in the form of a hood.

[0072] The splash guard 70 leaves a dosing gap 71 on the inside 67 of the wash chamber door 6. A process chemical dispensed by the dosing device 11 during dosing is discharged through the discharge channel 76 and then passes through the dosing opening 37. From there, it enters the wash chamber 3, provided by the wash tank 4, via the dosing gap 71. Because the splash guard 70 is pivotably mounted on the inside 67 of the wash chamber door 6, process chemicals larger than the geometric dimensions of the dosing gap 71 when the splash guard is not pivoted can also be introduced into the wash chamber 3. In such a case, the splash guard 70 pivots sufficiently to create a dosing gap 71 that even larger process chemicals can pass through.In particular, the swiveling capability of the splash guard 70 serves to enable pourable process chemicals in the form of tabs or pouches to be introduced into the rinsing chamber 4 as intended.

[0073] Furthermore, as can be seen from a synthesis of the Figures 2 to 5 This results in the lid 73 being at least partially made of a transparent or semi-transparent material.

[0074] For this purpose, the lid 73 has a ring section 74 and a surface section 75 enclosed therein, the surface section 75 being made of a transparent or semi-transparent plastic material. This design offers the advantage that even with the lid 73 closed, a user can visually inspect the dosing devices 15 and 16, as can be seen in particular from the illustrations in the Figures 2 and 4This results in the following. In particular, it enables a user to check the filling of dosing devices 15 and 16 with process chemicals.

[0075] As especially in the Figures 2 , 3 , 5 , 12 and 13As shown, the housing 72 can accommodate a dosing device 11 and a camera 89, which is directed towards the wash chamber 4 when the wash chamber door 6 is closed. This allows for camera monitoring of the wash chamber 4, particularly for load detection, such as by type, quantity, and / or soiling or drying status, and / or for monitoring the rotation of the spray device 69 and / or detecting any misalignment of the spray device 69 or spray arm 7. The advantage of housing the camera 89 within the housing 72 of the dosing device 11 is that a separate housing design for the camera is not required. The camera views the wash chamber 4 through the transparent or semi-transparent section 75 of the cover 73.

[0076] It is specifically provided that the camera 89 is arranged within the annular storage magazine 22 of the first dosing device 15, i.e., inside the ring formed by the annular storage magazine 22. This achieves a particularly space-saving arrangement of the dosing device 11 and the camera 89, especially within the dishwasher door 6. The annular storage magazine 22 of the first dosing device 15 encloses the camera 89. The annular storage magazine 22 is rotatably arranged around the camera 89. The first dosing device 15 and the camera 89 can thus be accommodated in a very small space and, for example, housed within the dishwasher door 6.

[0077] Furthermore, as can be seen from a synthesis of the Figures 2 to 4As a result, both the first dosing device 15 and the second dosing device 16 are connected to a common opening, namely the dosing opening 37, for the portioned introduction of a respective process chemical into the rinsing chamber 4. In the intended use case, a process chemical is therefore dosed through the dosing opening 37, regardless of whether a liquid process chemical from the dosing device 16 or a free-flowing process chemical from the dosing device 15 is used.

[0078] How especially the Figures 3 and 5 As can be seen, the dosing device 15 for storing a free-flowing process chemical has an annular storage magazine 22. This is designed to be removable from the housing 72, the housing 72 providing an annular space 17 for receiving the storage magazine 22, as can be seen in particular from the illustration according to Fig. 5 results.

[0079] The storage magazine 22 can be configured differently depending on the process chemical used, as will be described in more detail below. In any case, the storage magazine 22 is ring-shaped and, in its fully assembled state, surrounds the dosing unit 16, as can be seen in particular from a review of the Figures 2 and 3 This results in a very compact and space-saving design of the dosing device 11 according to the invention.

[0080] For dosing a free-flowing process chemical into the rinsing chamber 4, the storage magazine 22 must be rotated, for example with reference to the drawing plane according to Fig. 3 either to the left or to the right, depending on the design.

[0081] Due to its ring-shaped design, the storage magazine 22 rotates around the second dosing device 16. Therefore, the storage magazine 22 is designed to rotate relative to the dosing device 16, whereas the dosing device 16 itself is fixed in position relative to the housing 72.

[0082] The storage magazine 22 can be configured differently depending on the process chemical being dosed. Figures 2 , 3 and 12 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment. According to this embodiment, the storage magazine 22 has compartments 26 separated from one another by radially extending partitions 24. These compartments 26 serve to hold, in particular, tabs 27 or pouches, with each compartment 26 serving to accommodate one tab 27 or one pouch. The compartments 26 are each open radially outwards, and in the case of dispensing, a tab 27 or a pouch can be dispensed through this open side.

[0083] According to a second embodiment, as described in the Figures 6 and 7 As shown, the storage magazine 22 has a container 77 which provides a volume space 79. This volume space 79 serves to hold a free-flowing cleaning agent in powder and / or granular form. A protective film 78 is provided for the top closure of the storage magazine 22, which seals the container 77 from above. The storage magazine 22 has an outlet 80 for the portioned dispensing of the free-flowing process chemical.

[0084] The in the Figures 6 and 7The depicted embodiment is one that is intended for single use only. The storage chamber 22 is pre-filled by the manufacturer with the appropriate process chemical and provided to a user as such. The user can exchange a new, properly filled storage chamber 22 for a used, i.e., empty, one. An alternative embodiment is shown. Fig. 8 According to this variant, the storage magazine 22 is user-refillable. The storage magazine 22 has a container 77 and a hinged lid 81 attached to it. When the lid 81 is open, as shown in Fig. 8As shown, the volume space 79 provided by the container 77 of the storage magazine 22 is accessible, which allows a user to remove the storage magazine 22 from the housing 72, refill it with a free-flowing process chemical and then insert the refilled storage magazine 22 into the housing 72.

[0085] In the case of dosing, the storage magazine 22 rotates around the dosing device 16. For this purpose, a motor-gearbox assembly 31 is provided, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 9 This results in the following: This motor-gearbox arrangement 31 interacts via a gear 32 with a toothed ring 83 of a support unit 82. This support unit 82 holds the feed magazine 22 in a rotationally fixed manner. In the case of drive operation, the support unit 82 rotates, driven by the gear 32, whereby the support unit 82 also rotates the feed magazine 22 which it holds in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0086] According to an alternative embodiment, the storage magazine 22 itself has a toothed ring 25, as will be explained in more detail with reference to the second embodiment.

[0087] In the intended dosing operation, the motor-gear assembly 31 rotates the storage magazine 22. The storage magazine 22 – also called the storage chamber – rotates to such an extent that, in the case of a storage chamber 22 for tablets or pouches, the respective compartment 26 is aligned with the discharge channel 76. As soon as this position is reached, the process chemical contained in the respective compartment 26 leaves the compartment 26 by gravity and is transferred into the discharge channel 76, then passes through the dosing opening 37 into the rinsing chamber 3.

[0088] In the event that storage room 22 is designed in accordance with the Figures 6 and 7In the case of dosing, the storage magazine 22 rotates until the outlet 80 provided by the storage magazine 22 is opposite the discharge channel 76. The process chemical contained in the storage magazine 22 is then transferred in portions into the discharge channel 76, so that it can subsequently be introduced into the rinsing chamber 4 via the dosing opening 37.

[0089] As can be seen from the Figures 10 and 11 The discharge channel 76 has an opening 84 on the housing side. In the case of dosing, process chemical is discharged through this opening 84 towards the discharge channel 76. Fig. 10 This shows a design as it would appear when using a device in accordance with the Figures 6 to 8The storage magazine 22 is used when a storage magazine 22 is inserted into the housing 72, which contains a process chemical in powder or granular form. However, if a storage magazine 22 is used that is divided into compartments 26, the opening 84 is at least partially closed by a closing element 85. The remaining opening thus formed is sufficiently large to allow the tabs 27 or pouches contained in the compartments 26 of the storage magazine 22 to be transferred as intended into the discharge channel 76.

[0090] The particular advantage of this design lies in the fact that a user can choose to use the differently configured storage magazines 22. This also allows the user to employ different types of free-flowing process chemicals. If necessary, when changing the storage magazines 22, only the opening 84 leading into the discharge channel 76 needs to be adjusted, for which the closure element 85 serves as described above.

[0091] The following examples show how the housing 72 can be equipped with differently designed storage magazines 22: Figures 12 and 13 . This shows Fig. 12 an embodiment in which a storage magazine 22 divided into compartments 26 is inserted into the housing 72. Fig. 13 However, it shows a storage magazine 22, which is filled by the manufacturer with a process chemical in powder or granular form.

[0092] Fig. 14The inventive dosing device 11 can be seen in a rear view. As can be seen in particular from this illustration, the discharge channel 76 connects directly to the housing 72 and then opens into the dosing opening 37 in the manner already described above.

[0093] The second dosing unit 16 has a storage tank 51 for the liquid process chemical. A dosing valve 56, which can be switched to two dosing positions, is used for portioning this process chemical into the rinsing chamber 4, as can be seen from a summary of the Figures 15 and 16 results.

[0094] A dosing chamber 57 is provided for dispensing the liquid process chemical stored in the storage tank 51 into the rinsing chamber 4. This dosing chamber 57 serves to portion the liquid process chemical, transferring a portion of liquid process chemical corresponding to the volume of the dosing chamber 57 into the rinsing chamber 4 during dosing. For this purpose, the dosing chamber 57 provides an outlet opening 58 located at the end of a drain channel 63. This drain channel 63 interacts fluidically with the dosing opening 37, so that during dosing, the process chemical discharged via the drain channel 63 reaches the dosing opening 37 and then flows into the rinsing chamber 4.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the metering chamber 57 is designed as part of the metering valve 56. The metering valve 56 further comprises a valve plunger 59, which opens a first, in Fig. 16 shown dosage position and a second one, in Fig. 15can assume the dosage position shown.

[0096] In the first dosing position of the dosing valve 56 according to Fig. 16 The valve tappet 59, with its head 62, seals the outlet channel 63 which opens into the outlet opening 58. In this position of the valve tappet 59, a flow connection between the storage tank 51 and the metering chamber 57 is open due to the open overflow channel 86. In this position of the valve tappet 59, the liquid process chemical can therefore be transferred from the storage tank 51 into the metering chamber 57. This results in the metering chamber 57 being completely filled with the liquid process chemical. The metering chamber 57 can, for example, provide a volume of 1 ml.

[0097] Once the dosing chamber 57 is flooded with the liquid process chemical, the valve plunger 59 proceeds with reference to the drawing plane, for example, according to Fig. 15to the left, until he reaches his second in Fig. 16 The metering position shown has been reached. In this position, the valve tappet 59 with its sealing ring 60 rests against the valve seat 61. Furthermore, the overflow channel 86 is closed, as a sealing element 87, carried by the valve tappet 59, engages in the overflow channel 86 on the metering chamber side with a sealing extension 88. In this position, the flow connection between the storage tank 51 and the metering chamber 57 is therefore closed. However, the outlet channel 63 is open, so that the process chemical temporarily stored in the metering chamber 57 can be transferred via the outlet channel 63 and the outlet opening 58 into the purge chamber 4.

[0098] A second embodiment of the invention results from the further Figures 17 to 39 .

[0099] The Figure 17 , 18 and 19In a combined view, the dishwasher 1 according to the second embodiment can be seen in different views.

[0100] The dishwasher 1 has, in a manner known per se, a housing 2 which accommodates a wash container 3. The wash container 3 in turn provides a wash chamber 4 which, in its intended use, serves to hold the items to be cleaned.

[0101] The wash chamber 4 is accessible from the user via a loading opening 5. This opening can be closed fluid-tight by means of a wash chamber door 6, the wash chamber door 6 being pivotally mounted about a rotational axis extending transversely to the machine's height direction 8. The wash chamber door 6 can thus be moved from a closed position, which closes the loading opening fluid-tight, to an open position, which releases the loading opening, and vice versa. Figure 17 and 18Figure 6 shows the wash chamber door in a position releasing the loading opening.

[0102] The washing container 3 accommodates movable washing carriers 7, which, in the intended use, serve to hold items to be cleaned. According to the illustrated embodiment according to the Figure 17 and 18 Dishwashing baskets are used as carriers for the dishwashing items, with a lower basket, followed by an upper basket and a cutlery drawer, located at the bottom in the machine height direction 8.

[0103] According to the invention, the dishwasher 1 is equipped with a drawer assembly 9. This drawer assembly 9 is arranged in the machine height direction 8 above the wash tub 3, as shown in particular in the illustrations according to the Figures 18 and 19 reveal themselves.

[0104] The drawer unit 9 has a movable drawer element 10. This can be moved from a working position to a non-working position and vice versa.

[0105] In the operating position of the drawer element 10, the drawer element 10 is fully retracted into the drawer device 9, as shown. Fig. 19 This can be seen in the illustration. In this position of the drawer element 10, it is possible to move the wash chamber door 6 into the closed position. Fig. 19 results.

[0106] In the non-use position of the drawer element 10, the drawer element 10 is at least partially extended out of the drawer assembly 9, so that it projects beyond the front of the wash tank 3. Such a position of the drawer element 10 is shown, for example, in the illustration according to Fig. 18 .

[0107] According to the invention, the drawer element 10 further provides a dosing device 11. This dosing device 11 serves to hold a process chemical.

[0108] Fig. 20 The exploded view shows the drawer assembly 9 in detail. As can be seen from this view, the drawer assembly 9 has a housing 12. This housing 12 accommodates the drawer element 10 in a translationally movable manner, for which purpose a corresponding extension 13 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension 13 has two telescopic rails 14, which, with reference to the plane of the drawing, Fig. 20 are arranged on the left and right sides of the housing 12 and accommodate the drawer element 10 between them.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the drawer element 10 provides two storage compartments 18 and 19. These storage compartments 18 and 19 each serve to house items and / or objects that the user can usefully utilize for operating the dishwasher 1. For example, one storage compartment 18 is provided for storing documentation 20, such as operating instructions. The other storage compartment 19 serves, for example, to hold accessories 21, such as a funnel, as used in the Figures 38 and 39 is shown in more detail. The filling funnel can be removed from a non-use position, as described in Fig 38 shown, in a position of use according to Fig. 39 to be transferred and vice versa. In its non-use position, the funnel points according to Fig. 38 a size that allows it to be accommodated in storage compartment 19.

[0110] According to the invention, the drawer element 10 further serves to provide a dosing device 11 for a process chemical. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the dosing device 11 comprises two dosing units 15 and 16, namely a dosing unit 15 for a bulk process chemical on the one hand and a dosing unit 16 for a liquid process chemical on the other. The dosing device 11 can thus introduce both a bulk process chemical and a liquid process chemical into the rinsing chamber 4 provided by the rinsing container 3 as required.

[0111] For the portion-wise dispensing of a free-flowing process chemical, the dosing unit 15 has a storage magazine 22, as shown in Fig. 21As shown in the illustration, the storage magazine 22 is ring-shaped and has a ring body 23. A ring-shaped toothed ring 25 is also provided, which concentrically surrounds the ring body 23. Dividing walls 24 extend radially between the ring body 23 and the toothed ring 25, creating compartments 26 separated from each other by the dividers 24. Each compartment 26 serves to hold a portioned, free-flowing process chemical. The portioned process chemical can, for example, be in the form of so-called tabs 27, with each compartment 26 serving to hold one tab 27.

[0112] The compartments 26 are each designed without a bottom, so that in the case of dosing, as will be described in more detail below, a tab 27 provided by a compartment 26 can fall downwards from the storage magazine 22 following gravity and be transferred through a dosing opening 37 into the rinsing container 3.

[0113] Fig. 22 A schematic perspective view shows a section of a kitchen unit 28 into which a dishwasher 1 according to the invention is integrated. The kitchen unit 28 terminates at the top with a worktop 29.

[0114] As the representation according Fig. 22 As can be seen, the design according to the invention enables easy handling of the dishwasher 1 by a user. With the wash chamber door 6 at least partially open, the drawer element 10 of the drawer assembly 9 is in a Fig. 22The non-use position shown can be converted. This allows user access from above to the dosing unit 11 and thus to both dosing devices 15 and 16.

[0115] In particular, it is possible to see how this Fig. 22As can be seen, the storage magazine 22 is removed from the annular space 17 of the dosing device 15 and placed on the work surface 29 for cleaning. Furthermore, the annular space 17 can be cleaned if necessary, for example, by vacuuming to remove residual process chemicals. Once both the storage magazine 22 and the annular space 17 have been cleaned, the storage magazine 22 is inserted into the annular space 17 by the user, and the individual compartments 26 provided by the storage magazine 22 can then be filled with one tab 27 each. Alternatively, the tabs 27 can be placed on the work surface 29 before filling the storage magazine 22, as also shown in the illustration. Fig. 22 This can be seen.

[0116] As can be seen from Fig. 22Furthermore, it is evident that a discharge opening 30 is formed on the bottom side of the annular space 17. During dosing, a tablet 27 provided by the storage magazine 22 falls through this opening. For this purpose, the storage magazine 22 must be rotated accordingly until the corresponding compartment 26 is positioned flush above the discharge opening 30. This fact is particularly evident from a review of the Figures 23 and 24 .

[0117] As can be seen from the Figures 23 and 24 The resulting action involves the storage magazine 22 interacting with a motor-gearbox assembly 31. This assembly has a gear 32 which, under normal operating conditions, interacts with the gear ring 25 of the storage magazine 22. Therefore, under normal operating conditions, the motor-gearbox assembly 31 can cause the storage magazine 22 to rotate.

[0118] In the so-called zero position of the storage magazine 22, a section 66 provided by the storage magazine 22 is located directly above the discharge opening 30 provided by the annular space 17. During dosing, the storage magazine 22 is rotated, for example, clockwise. The storage magazine 22 rotates until a compartment 26, still containing a tablet 27, comes into a position directly above the discharge opening 30. As soon as this position is reached, the tablet 27 provided by compartment 26 leaves the bottomless compartment 26 under the influence of gravity and falls through the discharge opening 30. Once the dosing process is complete, the storage magazine 22 rotates back, for example, counterclockwise, until the section 66 is again located directly above the discharge opening 30.

[0119] For precise positioning of a compartment 26 directly above the diarrhea opening 30, the dosing device 15 has a positioning aid 33, as can be seen in particular from the illustration according to Fig. 24 results.

[0120] How Fig. 24As can be seen, the positioning aid 33 has a button 34 that is fixed in position relative to the through-opening 30. This button 34 can, for example, be a spring-loaded pin. It interacts with a positioning cam 35 provided by the feed magazine 22, the positioning cam 35 providing each compartment 26 with a circumferential recess 36 centered on the respective compartment 26. As soon as the button 34 comes to rest in such a recess 36, the exact positioning of the corresponding compartment 26 above the through-opening 30 is achieved. This can be signaled to the motor-gear assembly 31, as a result of which the motor-gear assembly 31 does not initiate any further rotation of the feed magazine 22.

[0121] For transferring a process chemical into the rinsing tank 3, this tank has a dosing opening 37, as can be seen in particular from a review of the Figures 25 to 28 This results in the following: In the dosing case, with regard to the dosing device 15 for a free-flowing process chemical, a tablet 27 is discharged from the storage magazine 22 through the discharge opening 30 on the one hand and the dosing opening 37 on the other hand into the rinsing chamber 4 provided by the rinsing container 3.

[0122] The dispensing opening 37 interacts with a closing device 38, which is designed to seal the dispensing opening 37 fluid-tight when not dispensing. The dispensing opening 37 is only released by the closing device 38 when dispensing is taking place.

[0123] The locking device 38 has a disk 39. This disk is rotatably mounted in a disk receptacle 40. A geared motor assembly 42 is provided for rotating the disk 39. This assembly includes a gear 43 which, in normal use, engages with a toothed ring 41 provided by the disk 39. Driven by the geared motor assembly 42, the disk 39 can thus be rotated, preferably both clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0124] The disc 39 provides a through-opening 44. In the metering position, the disc 39 receives the Fig. 25 The position shown is entered in which the through-opening 44 of the disc 39 and the metering opening 37 of the rinsing container 3 are aligned. In this position, a process chemical dispensed by the metering device 11 can be transferred into the rinsing chamber 4.

[0125] Fig. 26This indicates the non-dosing position of the locking device 38. In this position of the locking device 38, the disc 39 is, compared to the position after Fig. 25 rotated by 180°. In this position of the disc 39, the metering opening 37 is fluid-tight.

[0126] A sealing element 47 in the form of a sealing plate is provided for a fluid-tight closure of the metering opening 37. This is arranged on the underside of the disc 39 facing the rinsing container 3, as can be seen from the illustration. Fig. 27 The disk 39 provides a support plate 54 against which the locking element 47 is supported by compression springs 48. Thus, as soon as the locking device 38 reaches its closed or non-metering position according to Fig. 26When the closing element 47 is in position, it presses against the metering opening 37 or the rim surrounding the metering opening 37, thus sealing the metering opening 37. A seal, preferably formed on the side of the closing element, is provided to ensure an effective fluid-tight seal of the metering opening 37.

[0127] As can also be seen from the presentation according Fig. 27 As a result, a bearing pin 45 is provided for the rotatable arrangement of the disc 39, which engages in a corresponding pin receptacle 46 in the fully assembled state of the locking device 38, as can be seen in particular from the illustration according to Fig. 28 results.

[0128] Fig. 29 The closing device 38 can be seen in its metering position, and in particular the arrangement of the closing device 38 including the gear-motor arrangement 42 can be seen from this illustration.

[0129] In the intended dosing scenario, as described above, a tablet 27 originating from the storage magazine 22 can pass through the discharge opening 30, the passage opening 44, and the dosing opening 37 into the washing chamber 4 provided by the washing container 3. There, following the force of gravity, it encounters the washing carrier 7 located at the top in the machine's vertical direction 8, which in the illustrated embodiment is a cutlery drawer. To prevent the process chemical, formed as a tablet 27, from being captured by a washing carrier 7 located at the top in the vertical direction and therefore potentially not being completely dissolved as intended, the washing carrier 7 located at the top in the vertical direction is equipped with a receptacle 49 in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the overall view of the Figures 30 and 31As can be seen from these figures, the collection container 49 is equipped with an opening 50. In the intended dosing scenario, the tablet 27 introduced into the washing chamber is collected by the collection container 49 of the wash carrier 7 and held securely in position. Washing solution circulated by a spray device dissolves the tablet 27, with the dissolving solution exiting the collection container 49 through the opening 50. This ensures that the items being washed in the washing chamber 4 are equally treated with the previously dosed process chemical.

[0130] The Figures 32 and 33 A summary of the previously explained points reveals them in a sectional view. This shows Fig. 32 the dosage setting and Fig. 33 the non-dosing position.

[0131] According to the invention, the dosing device 11 has a further dosing device 16, namely a dosing device 16 for providing a liquid process chemical, for example a rinse aid.

[0132] The dosing device 16 has a storage tank 51 for this purpose. When filled, this tank contains a quantity of a liquid process chemical sufficient to carry out several successive rinsing cycles as intended. A filling opening 52 is provided for user filling of the storage tank 51, which can be sealed fluid-tight by means of a lid 53. As can be seen, for example, in the illustration below. Fig. 22This means that the storage tank 51 can be filled from above by the user when the drawer element 10 is in its non-use position. The user does not have to bend down to fill either the storage tank 51 or the storage magazine 22, since, unlike in the prior art, the dosing device 11 is not located behind the wash chamber door 6, but rather behind the drawer element 10 of the drawer assembly 9 provided according to the invention.

[0133] A dosing chamber 57 is provided for dispensing the liquid process chemical stored in the storage tank 51 into the rinsing chamber 4. This dosing chamber 57 serves to portion the liquid process chemical, thereby transferring a portion of liquid process chemical corresponding to the volume of the dosing chamber 57 into the rinsing chamber 4 when dosing occurs. For this purpose, the dosing chamber 57 provides an outlet opening 58 that leads into a hose 55. In the dosing position of the closure device 38, this hose 55 interacts with the dosing opening 37, as shown in particular in the illustration according to Fig. 35 This can be seen.

[0134] The dosing device 16 has a dosing valve 56 which provides the previously described dosing chamber 57, as can be seen in particular from a review of the Figures 36 and 37 results.

[0135] As the Figures 36 and 37Furthermore, it can be seen that the metering valve 56 has a valve plunger 59, which first, in Fig. 36 shown dosage position and a second one, in Fig. 37 can assume the dosage position shown.

[0136] In the first dosing position of the dosing valve 56 according to Fig. 36 The valve tappet 59, with its head 62, seals an outlet channel 63 leading into the outlet opening 58. In this position of the valve tappet 59, a flow connection between the storage tank 51 and the metering chamber 57 is open, so that, in accordance with arrow 64, the liquid process chemical can be transferred from the storage tank 51 into the metering chamber 57. This results in the metering chamber 57 being completely filled with the liquid process chemical. The metering chamber 57 can, for example, provide a volume of 1 ml.

[0137] Once the dosing chamber 57 is flooded with the liquid process chemical, the valve plunger 59 moves with reference to the drawing plane according to Fig. 36 upwards, until he reaches his second, in Fig. 37 The dosing position shown has been reached. In this position, the valve plunger 59 with a sealing ring 60 rests against the sealing seat 61. In this position, the flow connection between the storage tank 51 and the dosing chamber 57 is therefore closed. However, the outlet channel 63 is open, so that the process chemical temporarily stored in the dosing chamber 57 can be transferred into the rinsing chamber 4 via the outlet channel 63 and the outlet opening 58, in accordance with arrow 65.

[0138] The invention is explained above with reference to two preferred embodiments. It is self-evident to those skilled in the art that the individual features of the two embodiments can be used independently of each other as well as in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are also applicable to other embodiments, provided the features are not incompatible. Reference sign

[0139] 1 Dishwasher 2 Housing 3 Wash tub 4 Wash chamber 5 Loading opening 6 Wash chamber door 7 Dish rack 8 Machine height direction 9 Drawer assembly 10 Drawer element 11 Dosing unit 12 Housing 13 Pull-out 14 Rail 15 Dosing unit 16 Dosing unit 17 Ring chamber 18 Storage compartment 19 Storage compartment 20 Documentation 21 Accessories 22 Supply magazine 23 Ring body 24 Partition 25 Gear ring 26 Compartment 27 Tab 28 Kitchen unit 29 Worktop 30 Through opening 31 Motor-gear assembly 32 Gear 33 Positioning aid 34 Pushbutton 35 Positioning cam 36 Bulge 37 Metering opening 38 Closure device 39 Disc 40 Disc holder 41 Ring gear 42 Gear-motor assembly 43 Gear 44 Through opening 45 Bearing pin 46 Pin holder 47 Closure element 48 Compression spring 49 Catch 50 Opening 51 Reservoir 52 Filling opening 53 Cover 54 Retaining plate 55 Hose 56 Metering valve 57 Metering chamber 58 Outlet opening 59 Valve tappet 60 Sealing ring 61 Valve seat 62 Head 63 Drain channel 64 Arrow 65 Arrow 66 Section 67 Inside 68 Spray device 69 Spray arm 70 Spray shot 71 Metering gap 72 Housing 73 Lid 74 Ring section 75 Surface section 76 Discharge channel 77 Container 78 Protective film 79 Volume chamber 80 Outlet 81 Cover 82 Support unit 83 Toothed ring 84 Opening 85 Closure part 86 Overflow channel 87 Sealant 88 Sealing extension 89 Camera

Claims

1. Dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing container (3) providing a washing chamber (4), which has a loading opening (5) for loading with items to be washed, which can be closed fluid-tight by means of a rotatably mounted washing chamber door (6), and with a dosing device (11) which contains a process chemical in a quantity sufficient for a plurality of cleaning processes, wherein the dosing device (11) comprises a first dosing device (15) for a bulk process chemical and a second dosing device (16) for a liquid process chemical, characterized by the fact that the first dosing device (15) and the second dosing device (16) for the portion-wise introduction of a respective process chemical into the rinsing chamber (4) are connected to a common dosing opening (37) which opens into the rinsing chamber (4) in a flow-technical manner.

2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe washing chamber door (6) houses the dosing device (11), wherein the dosing opening (37) is provided by the washing chamber door (6), which is preferably covered by a splash guard (70) arranged on the washing chamber door (6), in particular pivotable.

3. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized by a drawer device (9) arranged in the machine height direction (8) above the washing container (3), which has a movable drawer element (10) that can be moved from a working position to a non-working position and vice versa, wherein the drawer element (10) provides the dosing device (11).

4. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first dosing device (15) has a ring-shaped storage magazine (22) which is rotatable.

5. Dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized by the fact thatthe storage magazine (22) has a plurality of compartments (26) for the provision of the pourable process chemical in portions.

6. Dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the compartments (26) are open radially outwards and / or have no bottom.

7. Dishwasher according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized by the fact that the storage magazine (22) is equipped with a positioning aid (33), wherein the positioning aid (33) preferably has a positioning cam (35) that interacts with a button (34) that is stationary in relation to the metering opening (37).

8. Dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the storage magazine (22) has a container (77) providing a volume space (79) for receiving a powdered or granular process chemical.

9. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe second metering device (16) has a storage tank (51) and a metering chamber (57) connected to it in a flow-technical manner, wherein the metering chamber preferably provides an outlet opening (58) which is in operative connection with the metering opening (37).

10. Dishwasher according to claim 9, characterized by a metering valve (56) which can be moved from a first metering position to a second metering position and vice versa, wherein in the metering position the flow connection between the storage tank (51) and the metering chamber (57) is open and the outlet opening (58) is closed, and wherein in the second metering position the flow connection between the storage tank (51) and the metering chamber (57) is closed and the outlet opening (58) is open.

11. Dishwasher according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 10, characterized by the fact thatthe second dosing device (16) is arranged within the ring-shaped storage magazine (22) of the first dosing device (15).

12. Dishwasher according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 11, characterized by the fact that the storage magazine (22) is rotatably received by an annular space (17) enclosing the second dosing device (16).

13. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sealing device (39) which is designed to close the dosing opening (37) of the rinsing container (3) in a fluid-tight manner when not dosing.

14. Dishwasher according to claim 13, characterized by the fact thatthe closure device (38) has a disc (39) rotatably arranged on the rinsing container (3), which can be moved from a position closing the metering opening (37) of the rinsing container (3) to a position releasing the metering opening (37) of the rinsing container (3) and vice versa, wherein the disc (39) carries on its underside facing the rinsing container (3) a closure element (47) which is subjected to force in the direction of the rinsing container (3).

15. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe dosing device (11) has a housing (72) accommodating both dosing devices (15, 16), which housing (72) provides a housing opening that can be closed fluid-tight with a cover (73), which cover is preferably formed at least partially from a transparent or semi-transparent material, and / or which housing (72) accommodates a camera directed towards the wash chamber (4) when the wash chamber door (6) is in the closed position.

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