Scent-releasing device for dishwasher, dishwasher provided with scent-releasing device, and method for scenting dishwasher

Abstract

A scent-releasing device and related method, said device to be attached onto an inner side of the door of a dishwasher, including a storage chamber for accommodating a fragrance oil and a release chamber having a membrane through which a gas phase of the fragrance oil is able to pass. Wherein, in a first position of the scent-releasing device, the storage chamber and the release chamber are separated from one another, such that no fragrance oil reaches from the storage chamber into the release chamber. Wherein, in a second position of the scent-releasing device, the storage chamber and the scent-releasing device are connected such that fragrance oil reaches from the storage chamber into the release chamber. Wherein, when there is a change in position from the second position to the first position a defined amount of fragrance oil remains in the release chamber.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A scent-releasing device to be attached onto an inner side of the door of a dishwasher, comprising a storage chamber for accommodating a fragrance oil and a release chamber having a membrane through which a gas phase of the fragrance oil is able to pass, wherein, in a first position of the scent-releasing device, the storage chamber and the release chamber are separated from one another, such that no fragrance oil reaches from the storage chamber into the release chamber; wherein, in a second position of the scent-releasing device, the storage chamber and the scent-releasing device are connected such that fragrance oil reaches from the storage chamber into the release chamber; and wherein, when there is a change in position from the second position to the first position—which can be achieved by closing the opened door—a defined amount of fragrance oil remains in the release chamber. 
     
     
         2 . The scent-releasing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the volume of the storage chamber is 50 to 600 times greater than the volume of the release chamber. 
     
     
         3 . The scent-releasing device according to  claim 1 , comprising a storage bowl made of plastic and covered by the membrane. 
     
     
         4 . The scent-releasing device according to  claim 3 , wherein a partition having at least one window is arranged between the membrane and the storage bowl, wherein the partition is spaced apart from the membrane at least in some sections. 
     
     
         5 . The scent-releasing device according to  claim 1 , wherein a fragrance-impermeable activation layer is releasably attached to the membrane. 
     
     
         6 . The scent-releasing device according to  claim 1 , wherein a base release chamber is provided, wherein an amount of fragrance released from the base release chamber per unit time is significantly smaller than an amount of fragrance released from the release chamber per unit time. 
     
     
         7 . The scent-releasing device according to  claim 1 , wherein a fragrance-impermeable barrier layer having at least one hole is adhered onto the membrane. 
     
     
         8 . The scent-releasing device according to  claim 1 , wherein a usage position of the scent-releasing device, the first position can be achieved by having the door of the dishwasher in a horizontal position, and the second position can be achieved by having the door of the dishwasher in a vertical position. 
     
     
         9 . A dishwasher, comprising the scent-releasing device according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         10 . The dishwasher according to  claim 9 , wherein the door of the dishwasher is hinged onto the housing of the dishwasher so as to be able to pivot about a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein the scent-releasing device is located in the second position when in the vertical position of the door and is located in the first position when in the horizontal position of the door. 
     
     
         11 . The dishwasher according to  claim 9 , wherein the membrane is oriented toward the inner side of the door when in an installation position of the scent-releasing device. 
     
     
         12 . A method for scenting the internal space of a dishwasher having a door and the scent-releasing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the scent-releasing device is fastened to the inner side of the door of the dishwasher, and opening and closing of the door causes a metered amount of fragrance oil to be automatically released from the storage chamber into the release chamber. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the release of the fragrance oil from the storage chamber into the release chamber takes place with a time delay of 1 to 100 seconds.