EP4091497A1 - Sealing unit for sealing a dosing cartridge and method for operating a sealing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing unit (110) for sealing a dosing cartridge (100) for the metered dispensing of detergent in relation to a coupling unit (105) for receiving an intake connection for sucking in the detergent, the sealing unit (110) having a sealing cap (125) for closing the Coupling unit (105) in a closed position in which the sealing cap (125) is at least partially inserted into the coupling unit (105). In addition, the sealing unit (110) comprises at least one fastening ring (135) for fastening the sealing unit (110) to the coupling unit (105) and at least one connecting web (145) for connecting the sealing cap (125) to the fastening ring (135).

Description

Cartridges for metered delivery of a detergent for washing machines include a valve assembly in which a compression spring usually provides sealing in the basic state by pressing a sealing piston with an O-ring onto a sealing surface. By compressing the spring, the sealing piston and thus the O-ring can be moved out of the sealing position. When decoupling, the spring pushes the O-ring back onto the sealing surface.

The object of the invention is to create an improved sealing unit for sealing a dosing cartridge and an improved method for operating a sealing unit.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sealing unit for sealing a dosing cartridge and a method for operating a sealing unit with the features of the main claims. Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention result from the following dependent claims.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention consist not only in a reduction in the number of components and the associated cost and material savings, but also in improved recyclability of the materials used.

A sealing unit for sealing a dosing cartridge for the metered dispensing of detergent is presented in relation to a coupling unit for receiving a suction nozzle for sucking in the detergent, the sealing unit having a sealing cap for closing the coupling unit in a closed position in which the sealing cap is at least partially inserted into the coupling unit is. In addition, the sealing unit comprises at least one fastening ring for fastening the sealing unit to the coupling unit and at least one connecting web for connecting the sealing cap to the fastening ring. The dosing cartridge can be a cartridge for detergent, for example, which can be used in a washing machine, for example, and which can be designed to automatically supply the washing machine with a quantity of detergent that is dosed appropriately for the wash cycle. The dosing cartridge can be connected to the washing machine, for example via the coupling unit, by the coupling unit can be designed to a pick up the intake manifold of the washing machine. The coupling unit, which can also be referred to as a flange, can, for example, form a connecting channel which, when ready for operation, can be arranged, for example, with one cartridge side in an interior space of the dosing cartridge and with one device side in or on the washing machine. By means of the suction nozzle, the washing machine can, for example, take up detergent contained in the dosing cartridge and, for example, forward it to a washing drum. In order to secure the dosing cartridge in its basic state, for example during transport, against leakage of detergent through the coupling unit, the coupling unit can be sealed with the sealing unit presented here. For this purpose, for example, the sealing cap of the sealing unit can be formed with an outside diameter that essentially corresponds to an inside diameter of the coupling unit, so that the sealing cap can be pushed into the coupling unit in a form-fitting manner. The sealing cap can be connected via the connecting web to the fastening ring, which can be fastened, for example, to an outside of the coupling unit in order to fix the sealing unit to the coupling unit. The sealing unit can be designed as an at least partially elastic component, which can be made of elastomer, for example. Advantageously, such a sealing unit can be produced in a cost-effective and material-saving manner and easily installed.

According to one embodiment, the sealing unit can be formed in one piece. For example, the sealing unit can be produced from an elastic material in an injection molding process, it being possible for the size of the sealing unit to be coordinated with the size of the coupling unit. As a result, the number of components is advantageously limited and multi-part valve assemblies, which can consist, for example, of a flange, a bushing, a sealing piston, a compression spring and an O-ring, can be dispensed with. Restricting the valve assembly to just one coupling unit and one one-piece sealing unit can result in a clear cost advantage. Recycling can also be improved since the assembly can only consist of one or two different materials, for example thermoplastic and/or elastomer. In addition, assembly can be made much easier and the overall weight of the sealing unit can be reduced.

According to a further embodiment, the sealing cap can have a circumferential sealing edge for positively locking the coupling unit. The sealing edge can be designed, for example, as a sealing lip, which can be formed with a covering to form an inner wall of the coupling unit. Angles of flanks of the sealing edge can, for example, be designed in such a way that they facilitate the insertion of the sealing cap into the coupling unit and can support the sealing effect. For this purpose, for example, the angle can be formed flat in the insertion direction, while the angle the opposite side of the cartridge, which can also be referred to as the media side, can be formed steeply. Advantageously, the sealing cap can be easily inserted into the, for example, hollow-cylindrical coupling unit with the aid of the sealing edge and at the same time seal it in a form-fitting manner.

According to a further embodiment, the connecting web can be elastic and in the closed position of the sealing unit have a lower tension than in a suction position in which the sealing cap can be arranged outside of the coupling unit. For example, in the closed position, in which detergent is to be prevented from escaping from the dosing cartridge, the connecting web can be slightly prestressed along the coupling unit, so that the sealing cap can be pulled in the direction of the fastening ring and thus at least partially into the coupling unit and seal it. When inserting the intake manifold into the coupling unit, the sealing cap can advantageously be pushed out of the coupling unit due to the elasticity of the connecting web, in which case the connecting web can be stretched. In this suction position, for example, a notification opening of the suction nozzle can be exposed and receive detergent from the dosing cartridge. In the event of a decoupling, for example when a user removes the dosing cartridge from the washing machine, the previously stretched connecting web can contract again until the original closed position is reached and the sealing cap can assume a sealing position again. The sealing and resetting functions of the sealing unit can thus advantageously be integrated in a single elastic component.

According to a further embodiment, the sealing unit can include a second connecting web for connecting the sealing cap to the fastening ring. The second connecting web can, for example, be the same as the connecting web described above and can be arranged, for example, on a side of the sealing unit arranged opposite the connecting web. This has the advantage that a stable and uniform connection can be formed between the sealing cap and the fastening ring. Correspondingly, the connecting web and the second connecting web can also be supplemented, for example, by other similarly designed connecting webs.

According to a further embodiment, the sealing cap can have at least one stiffening element for stiffening at least a partial area of the sealing cap. For example, the sealing cap can be formed in a circular shape with, for example, a flat or concave or convex surface, it being possible for the surface to be stiffened by a transverse web, for example. This has the advantage that the sealing cap has a diameter that is essentially the same size both in the closed position and in a suction position and can reliably seal the coupling unit. In addition, can advantageously excessive deformation of the sealing unit in the area of the sealing cap, for example during a decoupling process, can be reduced, as a result of which the sealing quality can also be maintained over the long term. In addition or as an alternative to the stiffening element formed as a transverse web, the sealing cap can also have, for example, two transverse webs arranged in the manner of a cross or a fixed, circumferential ring as stiffening elements.

According to a further embodiment, the sealing cap can be connected to the connecting web via a fold. The fold can be designed, for example, to hold the sealing cap close to the cartridge side in a closed position, so that the sealing cap seals the coupling unit. If there is a negative pressure in the coupling unit, the fold can be unfolded and thereby lengthen the sealing cap along the coupling unit. A negative pressure can arise, for example, when the system is decoupled. This can be due to the fact that, for example, a front O-ring of the intake manifold seals on the inner circumference of the coupling unit, while the sealing cap of the sealing unit also seals on the inner circumference of the coupling unit. This can create a vacuum in the space between the sealing cap and the O-ring. This negative pressure can cause the sealing unit to become severely deformed. Furthermore, the negative pressure can impede the decoupling. In addition, the negative pressure can cause liquid to be sucked out of the cartridge into the cavity, which then drips into the guide when the cartridge is removed. By shaping the sealing cap with a fold, problems arising due to negative pressure can advantageously be prevented, since the fold can be deformed during decoupling and thus prevent negative pressure. In this case, the fold, for example on the cartridge side of the sealing unit, can only be formed with a slight incline. In this way, it can advantageously be achieved that the area of the sealing unit on the cartridge side is only slightly deformed during a coupling. The fold can also be implemented as a double fold or a similar geometry, for example.

According to a further embodiment, the sealing cap can be connected to the connecting web via a stiffened retaining ring. For example, the retaining ring can be firmly connected to the sealing unit formed in one piece and arranged on the cartridge side, whereby in the closed position it can rest on the coupling unit closed by the sealing cap. As a result, the retaining ring can advantageously counteract a pull on the sealing unit that is generated by negative pressure in the coupling unit. This can prevent the sealing unit from being severely deformed during decoupling. At the same time, the retaining ring can form an additional sealing edge on the coupling unit during decoupling.

According to a further embodiment, the sealing cap can include a further sealing edge, wherein the further sealing edge can have a larger outside diameter than the sealing edge. For example, the further sealing edge can be arranged further on the cartridge side of the sealing cap than the sealing edge. The further sealing edge can be arranged in such a way that it does not seal in the basic state of the sealing unit. If decoupling occurs, the further sealing edge can be moved into the coupling unit due to the resulting negative pressure and thus advantageously ensure an additional seal during decoupling.

According to a further embodiment, the sealing unit can be formed with a length of 3 mm to 40 mm and additionally or alternatively with a diameter of 3 mm to 20 mm. For example, the sealing unit can have a length of 5 mm to 30 mm and a sealing diameter of 5 mm to 15 mm. Advantageously, the sealing unit can thus be optimally matched to the size of the metering cartridge and the intake port.

In addition, a dosing cartridge with a coupling unit and a variant of a previously presented sealing unit is presented, wherein the fastening ring of the sealing unit is fastened or can be fastened in a recess of the coupling unit. The depression can be arranged, for example, on the device side of the coupling unit. Thus, the sealing unit can be fixed to the coupling unit by means of the fastening ring arranged in the recess, wherein the connecting web between the fastening ring and the sealing cap arranged on the cartridge side of the coupling unit can be slightly prestressed. Advantageously, with the combination presented here, all components can be optimally matched to one another and the advantages described above can thus be optimally implemented.

In addition, a washing machine with a variant of the dosing cartridge presented above is presented, the washing machine comprising at least one suction nozzle for sucking in detergent via a coupling unit to the dosing cartridge. Advantageously, as a result, the intake port can be optimally matched to the coupling unit and the dosing cartridge, as a result of which the sealing unit can be used optimally.

In addition, a method for operating a variant of a previously presented sealing unit is presented, the method comprising a step of inserting the intake connector into the coupling unit in order to move the sealing cap from the closed position into an intake position, in which the sealing cap is at least partially arranged outside of the coupling unit move to draw in detergent. Furthermore, the method includes a step of pulling the suction connector out of the coupling unit in order to move the sealing cap from the suction position into the closed position.

Even if the approach described is described using a household appliance, the device/method described here can be used in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small sterilizer, a large-capacity disinfector or a container washing system be used.

The approach presented here also creates a device that is designed to carry out, control or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. The object on which the invention is based can also be achieved quickly and efficiently by this embodiment variant of the invention in the form of a device.

The device can be designed to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can represent, for example, a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the device. An output signal may represent a control signal or a data signal that may be provided at an output interface of the device. The device can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing specification implemented in hardware or software. For example, the device can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit or a software module and can be implemented as a discrete component, for example, or can be comprised of a discrete component.

A computer program product or computer program with program code, which can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory, is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or a device, then the program product or program can be used to carry out, implement and/or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above.

Figur 1

eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dosierkartusche mit einer Kopplungseinheit und einer Dichteinheit in Verschlussstellung;

Figur 2

eine schräge Draufsicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dichteinheit;

Figur 3

eine Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dichteinheit;

Figur 4

eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dosierkartusche mit einer Kopplungseinheit und einer Dichteinheit mit eingeführtem Ansaugstutzen;

Figur 5

eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dosierkartusche mit einer Kopplungseinheit und einer Dichteinheit mit teilweise eingeführtem Ansaugstutzen;

Figur 6

eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dichteinheit mit einer Falte;

Figur 7

eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dosierkartusche mit einer Kopplungseinheit und einer Dichteinheit mit einer Falte;

Figur 8

eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dichteinheit mit einem Haltering;

Figur 9

eine schräge Draufsicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dichteinheit mit einem Haltering;

Figur 10

eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dichteinheit mit einer weiteren Dichtkante;

Figur 11

eine schräge Draufsicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dichteinheit;

Figur 12

eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Dichteinheit;

Figur 13

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben einer Dichteinheit; und

Figur 14

ein Blockschaltbild eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung zum Betreiben eines einer Dichteinheit gemäß einer hier vorgestellten Variante.

An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows

figure 1

a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dosing cartridge with a coupling unit and a sealing unit in the closed position;

figure 2

an oblique plan view of an embodiment of a sealing unit;

figure 3

a side view of an embodiment of a sealing unit;

figure 4

a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dosing cartridge with a coupling unit and a sealing unit with inserted intake manifold;

figure 5

a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dosing cartridge with a coupling unit and a sealing unit with a partially inserted intake manifold;

figure 6

a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing unit with a fold;

figure 7

a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dosing cartridge with a coupling unit and a sealing unit with a fold;

figure 8

a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing unit with a retaining ring;

figure 9

an oblique plan view of an embodiment of a sealing unit with a retaining ring;

figure 10

a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing unit with a further sealing edge;

figure 11

an oblique plan view of an embodiment of a sealing unit;

figure 12

a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing unit;

figure 13

a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a sealing unit; and

figure 14

a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for operating a sealing unit according to a variant presented here.

figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dosing cartridge 100 with a coupling unit 105 and a sealing unit 110 in a closed position. The dosing cartridge 100, which is shown as a partial representation in the figure shown here, is designed to dispense detergent in a dosed manner from a cartridge interior 115 through the coupling unit 105, which can also be referred to as a flange, when the sealing unit 110 is in a suction position. In the closed position shown here, which can also be referred to as the sealing position, the coupling unit 105 is closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of the sealing unit 110 so that detergent is prevented from escaping from the cartridge interior 115 . For this purpose, the coupling unit 105 is closed on a cartridge side 120 facing the cartridge interior 115 by means of a sealing cap 125 of the sealing unit 110 , the sealing cap 125 being partially inserted into the coupling unit 105 . For positive sealing of the In the coupling unit 105, the sealing cap 125 has a peripheral sealing edge 127 in this exemplary embodiment, which bears against an inner wall of the coupling unit 105.

The sealing unit 110 is fastened to the coupling unit 105 with a fastening ring 135 on a device side 130 arranged opposite the cartridge side. The fastening ring 135, which can also be referred to as a ring, is arranged in a recess 140 of the coupling unit 105, merely by way of example, and serves to fasten the sealing unit 110 by clamping this ring between the dosing cartridge 100 and the coupling unit 105. The sealing unit 110 is connected directly to the coupling unit 105 by means of a 2-component process, for example only. In another embodiment, the elastic component can also be attached directly to the cartridge. In this exemplary embodiment, a connecting web 145, which is only indicated in the cross-sectional view shown here, runs between the fastening ring 135 and the sealing cap 125 along the coupling unit 105 for connecting the sealing cap 125 to the fastening ring 135. The connecting web 145, which can also be referred to as a web, ensures this that the sealing unit 110 is in the closed position when the cartridge is stored. For this purpose, the connecting web 145 is dimensioned in such a way that it is slightly prestressed in this closed position. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing unit 110 is formed in one piece and is made of an elastomer, by way of example only, as a result of which each component of the sealing unit 110 is designed to be slightly stretchable. Overall, the sealing unit 110 has a length of 15 mm and a diameter of 10 mm, merely by way of example. In another exemplary embodiment, the length of the sealing unit can be between 3 mm and 40 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 30 mm, and the sealing unit can have a diameter of 3 mm to 20 mm, in particular 5 mm to 15 mm.

The system of coupling unit 105 and sealing unit 110 shown here can also be referred to as a valve assembly and is designed to seal the dosing cartridge 100 in its basic state. For this purpose, the sealing unit 110 is designed as a movable element, which enables the valve assembly to move the dosing cartridge 100 after an intake connector has been inserted, as shown in FIG figure 4 is described, no longer seals, so that liquid can be removed from the cartridge via the nozzle. In addition, the sealing unit 110 is designed to reseal the dosing cartridge 100 when the nozzle is removed.

figure 2 shows an oblique plan view of an embodiment of a sealing unit 110. The sealing unit 110 shown here corresponds or is similar to the sealing unit described in the previous figure. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing unit comprises 110 in addition to the connecting web 145, a second connecting web 200 for connecting the sealing cap 125 to the fastening ring 135. In another exemplary embodiment, the sealing unit 110 can also have a third connecting web and optionally also a fourth connecting web. By way of example only, the connecting web 145 and the second connecting web 200 are formed from a stretchable material so that they have a higher tension in a suction position than in a closed position.

In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing cap 125 of the sealing unit 110 also includes a stiffening element 205 which, by way of example, is formed from two transverse webs 207, 208 arranged in the shape of a cross. In another exemplary embodiment, the stiffening element 205 can be formed from just one transverse web or from more than two transverse webs, with the stiffening being able to vary in height. In this exemplary embodiment, the stiffening element 205 is designed to stiffen an end face 210 of the sealing cap 125 in order to facilitate insertion of the otherwise elastically designed sealing cap 125 into a coupling unit, as was described in the previous figure. In this case, the end face 210 of the sealing cap 125, which can also be referred to as the head of the sealing unit 110, is formed flat, merely by way of example. In another embodiment, the sealing cap can also be formed with a concave or convex end face.

figure 3 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sealing unit 110. The sealing unit 110 shown here corresponds to or is similar to the sealing unit 110 described in the previous figures, with the difference that, in addition to the connecting web 145 and the second connecting web 200, it also has a third connecting web 300. The tie bar 145, the second tie bar 200 and the third tie bar 300 are formed to form an in figure 1 to partially enclose the coupling unit described, while the sealing cap 125 of the sealing unit 110 can be inserted into the coupling unit. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing cap 125 has a circumferential sealing edge 127 for the form-fitting closure of the coupling unit. The sealing edge 127, which can also be referred to as a sealing lip, is formed as an elastic elevation with a larger outside diameter than the remaining part of the sealing cap 125. The flanks 305, 310 of the sealing edge 127 are only designed as an example in such a way that they facilitate the insertion of the sealing cap 125 and support the sealing effect. For this purpose, the flank 305 in the insertion direction, ie the flank 305 aligned with the device side 130, is formed at a shallower angle with respect to the insertion direction than the other flank 310 on the cartridge side 120, which is formed at a steeper angle. In other words, the sealing unit 110 seals the coupling unit in that the sealing cap 125 can be inserted into the coupling unit, the sealing edge 127 of the sealing cap 125 overlapping an inner wall of the coupling unit Is provided. The angles of the flanks 305, 310 of the sealing edge 127 are designed in such a way that they facilitate the insertion of the sealing cap 125 and support the sealing effect. For this purpose, the angle 305 is flat in the insertion direction and the angle 310 is steep on the media side.

figure 4 shows a cross-sectional representation of an exemplary embodiment of a dosing cartridge 100 with a coupling unit 105 and a sealing unit 110 with an inserted suction nozzle 400. The dosing cartridge 100 shown here corresponds or is similar to that in FIG figure 1 described dosing cartridge 100, with the difference that the dosing cartridge 100 is used in this embodiment in a washing machine 405, whereby a coupling process via the coupling unit 105 takes place. In the representation shown here, the suction connection 400 of the washing machine 405, which can also be referred to as a connection piece, is passed through the coupling unit 105 and presses against the sealing unit 110. The connecting webs of the sealing unit 110 described in the previous figures are stretched and the sealing cap 125 is moved out of the coupling unit 105 . The coupling unit 105 is thus no longer closed by the sealing unit 110 and the sealing unit 110 is in a suction position. The suction position allows detergent to be sucked out of the cartridge interior 115 since a suction opening 410 of the suction nozzle 400 is exposed and protrudes into the cartridge interior 115 . The sealing unit 110 and the coupling unit 105 are aligned radially in such a way that no connecting web is arranged directly in front of the suction opening 410, ie the accumulation of detergent is not impeded. In order to prevent undesired ingress of detergent into the coupling unit 105, the intake manifold 400 in this exemplary embodiment comprises a front O-ring 415 and a rear O-ring 420. The front O-ring 415 and the rear O-ring 420 are merely exemplary formed with a sealing material to seal the intake port 400 to the coupling unit 105 out. The rear O-ring 420 ensures that the system is sealed from the outside when coupled, so that no detergent gets into the guide 425 . By way of example only, the sealing unit 110 and the intake connector 400 are shaped in such a way that the connector can engage in the elastic component and thus ensure a return during decoupling.

figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dosing cartridge 100 with a coupling unit 105 and a sealing unit 110 with a partially inserted intake port 400. The dosing cartridge 100 shown here corresponds or is similar to that in FIG figure 1 and figure 4 described dosing cartridge 100, with the difference that the suction port 400 of the washing machine 405 is shown in the figure shown here during a decoupling process. For this purpose, the intake port 400 has already been partially withdrawn from the coupling unit 105 and the sealing unit 110 is in a closed position in which the coupling unit 105 is closed by the sealing cap 125 is. The suction opening 410 of the suction connector 400 is thus arranged within the coupling unit 105 that is sealed off from the cartridge interior 115, as a result of which suction of detergent is prevented. At the same time, the front O-ring 415 of the intake manifold 400 seals it on the inner circumference of the coupling unit 105 . Consequently, when the system is decoupled, a negative pressure is created in the coupling unit 105 in the space between the sealing edge 127 and the front O-ring 415.

figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing unit 110 with a fold 600. The sealing unit 110 shown here corresponds or is similar to the sealing unit 110 described in the previous figures, with the difference that the sealing cap 125 has a circumferential fold 600 with the connecting web 145, the second Connecting bridge 200 and the third connecting bridge 300 is connected. In other words, the sealing head of the sealing unit 110 is designed to be elastic with a wave profile in this exemplary embodiment. By way of example only, the fold 600 is configured to flex upon decoupling as in the previous FIG figure 5 was described to deform, and thus to prevent negative pressure. In another exemplary embodiment, the fold 600 can also be implemented as a double fold or with a similar geometry. In this exemplary embodiment, the fold 600 in an upper area 605, which is arranged on the cartridge side 120, is only formed with a slight incline. As a result, the upper area 605 is only slightly deformable during coupling or decoupling. The shape shown here is only an example of the in figure 2 replaces the stiffening element described, since the introduction of such a stiffening element would reduce the mobility of the fold 600 and thus impede the pressure equalization.

figure 7 12 shows a dosing cartridge 100 with a coupling unit 105 and a sealing unit 110 with a fold 600. The dosing cartridge 100 shown here corresponds or is similar to that in the previous ones figures 1 , 4 and 5 dosing cartridge 100 described, wherein the sealing unit 110 used in this exemplary embodiment comprises a sealing cap 125 formed with a fold 600 . As in figure 5 described, in the figure shown here, an intake manifold 400 is partially inserted into the coupling unit 105 and the sealing unit 110 is shown in a closed position. A negative pressure in the coupling unit 105 caused by the retraction of the intake manifold 400 is prevented in this exemplary embodiment in that the sealing cap 125 is slightly deformed by the fold 600 in the course of an onset of negative pressure and thus compensates for it. By forming the sealing unit 110 with an elastic material, such a deformation is reversible and there is no long-term severe deformation of the sealing unit 110.

figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing unit 110 with a retaining ring 800. The sealing unit 110 shown here corresponds or is similar to that in FIG The sealing unit 110 described in the preceding figures, with the difference that the sealing cap 125 is connected to the connecting web 145 and the second connecting web 200 via a stiffened retaining ring 800 . In the illustration shown here, the sealing unit 110 assumes a closed position, with the sealing cap 125 being inserted into the coupling unit 105 and the connecting web 145 and the second connecting web 200 enclosing the coupling unit 105 from the outside. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing unit 110 is partially reinforced on the cartridge side 120 by the retaining ring 800 . This prevents the sealing unit 110 from being severely deformed during decoupling. At the same time, retaining ring 800 formed an additional seal on coupling unit 105 during decoupling.

figure 9 shows an oblique plan view of an embodiment of a sealing unit 110 with a retaining ring 900. The sealing unit 110 shown here corresponds or is similar to the sealing unit 110 described in the previous figures. As in the previous figure 8 described, the sealing cap 125 is connected to the connecting web 145 and the second connecting web 200 via a stiffened retaining ring 800 .

figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a sealing unit 110 with a further sealing edge 1000. The sealing unit 110 shown here corresponds or is similar to the sealing unit 110 described in the previous figures, with the difference that the sealing cap 125 is formed with a further sealing edge 1000. The further sealing edge 1000 is arranged closer to the cartridge side 120 than the sealing edge 127, or the further sealing edge 1000 is introduced in an upper region of the sealing cap 125. In this exemplary embodiment, the further sealing edge 1000 is formed with a larger outside diameter than the sealing edge 127, and it is arranged in such a way that it does not seal in the basic state. The further sealing edge 1000 can only be moved into the coupling unit 105 by the resulting negative pressure during a decoupling process and then ensures a seal. Furthermore, the further sealing edge 1000 does not impede the return of the sealing edge 127 to the closed positions since it does not seal in the basic state.

figure 11 shows an oblique plan view of an embodiment of a sealing unit 110. The sealing unit 110 shown here corresponds to or is similar to the sealing unit 110 described in the previous figures, with the difference that the sealing cap 125 is partially weakened, i.e. it is designed with recesses 1100. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing unit 110 comprises a connecting web 145, a second connecting web 200, a third connecting web 301 and a fourth connecting web 1105. In this exemplary embodiment, recesses 1100 are formed between the connecting webs 145, 200, 300, 1105, so that the connecting webs 145, 200, 300, 1105 merge directly into the sealing cap 125 without a further intermediate element. The sealing unit 110 is correspondingly weakened in the upper area. As a result, the entire sealing cap 125 can be moved into the coupling unit when decoupling, in that the webs expand. When the decoupling is complete, that is to say there is no longer any negative pressure, the sealing cap 125 can be moved back into the basic position by means of the webs. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, the elastic sealing cap 125 is recessed in such a way that the sealing cap 125 can be easily drawn into the flange during decoupling and thus compensates for the negative pressure.

figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing unit 110. The sealing unit 110 shown here corresponds or is similar to the sealing unit 110 described in the previous figures, with the difference that the stiffening element 205 is implemented as an inner circumferential ring.

figure 13 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1300 for operating a sealing unit. This can be one of the sealing units 110 that was described in one of the previous figures. The method 1300 includes a step 1305 of inserting the suction nozzle into the coupling unit in order to move the sealing cap from the closed position into a suction position, in which the sealing cap is arranged outside the coupling unit, in order to suck in detergent. In addition, the method 1300 includes a step 1310 of pulling the intake connector out of the coupling unit in order to move the sealing cap from the intake position to the closed position.

figure 14 14 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a device 1400 for operating a sealing unit according to a variant presented in one of the preceding figures. The device includes an insertion unit 1405 for controlling insertion of the intake manifold. In addition, the device 1400 includes a pull-out unit 1410 for controlling a pull-out of the intake manifold from the coupling unit.

Claims (15)

Sealing unit (110) for sealing a dosing cartridge (100) for the metered dispensing of detergent in relation to a coupling unit (105) for receiving a suction nozzle (400) for sucking in the detergent, the sealing unit (110) having the following features: a sealing cap (125) for closing the coupling unit (105) in a closed position in which the sealing cap (125) is at least partially inserted into the coupling unit (105); at least one fastening ring (135) for fastening the sealing unit (110) to the coupling unit (105); and at least one connecting web (145) for connecting the sealing cap (125) to the fastening ring (135). Seal unit (110) according to claim 1, wherein the seal unit (110) is molded in one piece. Sealing unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing cap (125) has a peripheral sealing edge (127) for positively locking the coupling unit (105). Sealing unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting web (145) is elastic and has less tension in the closed position than in a suction position in which the sealing cap (125) is arranged outside of the coupling unit (105). Sealing unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, with a second connecting web (200) for connecting the sealing cap (125) to the fastening ring (135). Sealing unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing cap (125) has at least one stiffening element (205) for stiffening at least a partial region of the sealing cap (125). Sealing unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing cap (125) is connected to the connecting web (145) via a fold (600). Sealing unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing cap (125) is connected to the connecting web (145) via a stiffened retaining ring (800). Sealing unit (110) according to one of Claims 3 to 8, the sealing cap (125) comprising a further sealing edge (1000), the further sealing edge (1000) having a larger outer diameter than the sealing edge (127). Sealing unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing unit (110) is formed with a length of 3 mm to 40 mm and/or with a diameter of 3 mm to 20 mm. Dosing cartridge (100) with a coupling unit (105) and a sealing unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening ring (135) of the sealing unit (110) is fastened or can be fastened in a recess (140) of the coupling unit (105). Washing machine (405) with a dosing cartridge (100) according to claim 11, wherein the washing machine (405) comprises at least one suction nozzle (400) for sucking in detergent via a coupling unit (105) to the dosing cartridge (100). Method (1300) for operating a sealing unit (110) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, the method (1300) comprising the following steps (1305, 1310): Inserting (1305) the suction nozzle (400) into the coupling unit (105) in order to move the sealing cap (125) from the closed position to a suction position in which the sealing cap (125) is located outside the coupling unit (105) in order to dispense detergent to suck and Pulling out (1310) the suction nozzle (400) from the coupling unit (105) in order to move the sealing cap (125) from the suction position to the closed position. Apparatus (1400) configured to perform the steps (1305, 1310) of the method (1300) of claim 13 in respective units (1405, 1410). Computer program product with program code for performing the method (1300) according to claim 13, when the computer program product is executed on a device (1400).

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