DE102009045580A1 - Door for liquid-tight closure of a Wäscheaufgabe- or removal opening of a laundry treatment device, in particular a washing machine and / or a clothes dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a door (2) for at least splash-proof closing of a laundry loading or removal opening (9) of a laundry treatment device (1), in particular a washing machine and / or a laundry dryer, comprising at least one hinge for fastening the door (2) to a laundry treatment device (1), the door (2) on the laundry treatment device (1) being movable by a hinge into a closed position and a loading or removal position, the door (2) comprising at least one interface by means of which energy and / or data The laundry treatment device (1) can be coupled into the door (2), a metering device (7) for dispensing at least one flowable laundry treatment preparation is arranged in or on the door (2), with a cartridge (6) storing at least one flowable laundry treatment preparation can be coupled and the dosing device (7) with the interface for receiving energy and / or data connected is.

Description

The invention relates to a door for liquid-tight closure of a Wäscheaufgabe- or removal opening of a laundry treatment device, in particular a washing machine and / or a tumble dryer, in or on which a dosing device for dispensing a flowable laundry treatment preparation is arranged. Furthermore, the invention relates to a laundry treatment appliance with a corresponding door, a laundry treatment preparation storing cartridge for use in a dosing device and a dosing system consisting of a door, a laundry treatment device, a dosing device and a cartridge.

State of the art

Textile treatment agents, especially detergents, are available to the consumer in a variety of forms. Detergents are typically offered to the consumer in solid form, for example as powders or as tablets, but increasingly also in liquid form. For some time now, the main focus has been on the convenient dosing of detergents and cleaning agents and the simplification of the steps necessary to carry out a washing or cleaning process.

Further, one of the major goals of detergent manufacturers is to improve the cleaning performance of these detergents, with a recent focus on cleaning performance in low temperature or reduced water consumption cleaning cycles. For this purpose, the cleaning agents were preferably added to new ingredients, for example, more effective surfactants, polymers, enzymes or bleach. However, since new ingredients are available only to a limited extent and the amount of ingredients used for each cleaning cycle can not be increased to any extent for ecological and economic reasons, this approach has natural limits.

In this context, in particular, devices for the multiple dosing of detergents and cleaners have recently come into the field of vision of the product developers. In these devices it is possible to distinguish between devices integrated in the textile washing machine on the one hand and independent devices independent of the textile washing machine on the other hand. By means of these devices, which contain the multiple of the amount of detergent necessary for carrying out a cleaning process, portions of washing or cleaning agent are metered into the interior of the washing machine in an automatic or semi-automatic manner in the course of several successive cleaning processes. For the consumer eliminates the need for manual dosing with each cleaning or washing cycle. Examples of such devices are disclosed in the European patent application EP 1 759 624 A2 (Reckitt Benckiser) or in the German patent application DE 53 5005 062 479 A1 (BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH).

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide an improved metering system for dispensing preparations into the interior of a washing machine or a tumble dryer.

This object is achieved by a door for liquid-tight closure of a Wäscheaufgabe- or removal opening of a laundry treatment device, in particular a washing machine and / or a tumble dryer comprising at least one hinge for attaching the door to a laundry treatment appliance, wherein the door to the laundry treatment appliance by a hinge in a Closing position and a task or removal position is movable, wherein the door comprises at least one interface by means of which energy and / or data from the laundry treatment device in the door is coupled / is arranged in or on the door a dosing device for dispensing at least one flowable laundry treatment preparation in that a cartridge stockpiling at least one flowable or pourable laundry treatment preparation can be coupled and the dosing device is connected to the interface for receiving energy and / or data.

The door according to the invention comprises a metering device and a cartridge. The dosing device includes u. a. a control unit, an actuator and / or at least one sensor. The dosing device as well as the cartridge are described in more detail in the following section.

It is particularly preferred that the cartridge is arranged in the direction of gravity above the metering device. This makes it possible that the flowable preparations from the cartridge gravitational effects can flow into the dosing without this additional equipment, for example in the form of a pump, is necessary.

The dosing device can be detachably or firmly connected to the door.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, the door comprises at least one interface by means of which energy and / or data can be coupled from the door into the laundry treatment device. It is particularly advantageous in this context that the interface by means of which energy and / or data from the laundry treatment device in the door and / or from the door in the laundry treatment device can be coupled / are designed such that the transmission of energy and / or data wirelessly he follows.

It is further preferred that the cartridge has a plurality of chambers, in each of which different preparations are stored. It is particularly preferred that the cartridge has at least two chambers in which a bleach-containing preparation and an enzyme-containing preparation are stored.

The cartridge chambers can in particular be individually detachable from the dosing device with the dosing device and can be removed individually.

The preparation stored in the cartridge is advantageously provided for a plurality of washing or drying cycles.

It is particularly preferred that the metering device is positioned in the closed position of the door within the washroom, wherein it is particularly advantageous that the metering device is arranged in the manner in or on the door that it at least partially in a washing program of a washing machine Depending on the performed washing program immersed in the wash liquor.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a treatment device for introduction into the washing or drying drum is provided that can be coupled with the dosing device in such a way that energy and / or data from the treatment device to the dosing device and / or from the dosing device to the treatment device can be transferred. From the treatment device, on the one hand, measurement information can be obtained from the washing or drying drum, such as rotation of the drum, on the other hand, the treatment device can include means that support the cleaning or drying process in the drum. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the treatment device comprises a sound emitter, preferably an ultrasound emitter.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the operating unit for controlling the laundry treatment appliance is arranged on the outwardly directed side of the door.

This avoids having to route cable harnesses for the control out of the door into the machine.

The door according to the invention is in particular included in a laundry treatment appliance.

cartridge

For the purposes of this application, a cartridge is understood to mean a packaging material which is suitable for enveloping or holding together at least one flowable, free-flowing or dispersible preparation and which can be coupled to a metering device for dispensing at least one preparation.

In the simplest, conceivable embodiment, the cartridge has a preferably rigid chamber for storing a preparation. In particular, a cartridge can also comprise a plurality of chambers which can be filled with mutually different compositions.

It is advantageous that the cartridge has at least one outlet opening, which is arranged such that a gravity-induced release of preparation from the cartridge in the position of use of the dosing device can be effected. As a result, no further funding for the release of preparation from the cartridge are required, whereby the structure of the dosing easy and the production costs can be kept low. Furthermore, the use of funding, such. As pumps eliminated, whereby the life of a battery or batteries of the dosing device can be increased.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one second chamber is provided for receiving at least one second flowable preparation, the second chamber having at least one outlet opening arranged such that a gravity-induced product release from the second chamber in the use position of the dosing is feasible. The arrangement of a second chamber is particularly advantageous if in the separate chambers of the cartridge preparations are stored, which are usually not stable to each other, such as bleaching agents and enzymes.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that more than two, in particular three to four chambers are provided in or on a cartridge. In particular, one of the chambers can be designed for the delivery of volatile preparations, such as a fragrance to the environment.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is integrally formed. In this way, the cartridges, in particular by suitable blow molding, cost-effectively trained in a manufacturing step. The chambers of a cartridge can be separated from one another, for example, by webs or material bridges which are formed during or after the blow molding process.

The cartridge can also be formed in several pieces by injection molded and then assembled components.

Further, it is conceivable that the cartridge is formed in such a multi-piece, that at least one chamber, preferably all chambers, can be removed individually from the metering device or inserted into the metering device. This makes it possible, with a different consumption of a preparation from a chamber to exchange an already empty chamber, while the rest, which may still be filled with preparation, remain in the metering device. Thus, a targeted and needs-based refilling the individual chambers or their preparations can be achieved. In addition, it is conceivable to form the individual chambers in the form that the chambers can be coupled to one another or to the dosing device in only one specific position or position, thereby avoiding a user having a chamber in a position not intended for this purpose connects to the dosing device. For this purpose, the chamber walls can in particular be shaped such that they can be positively connected to one another. In the case of a cartridge formed from at least three chambers, the cartridges are shaped in such a way that the chambers can be positively connected to one another only in a specific defined position.

The chambers of a cartridge can be fixed to one another by suitable connection methods, so that a container unit is formed. The chambers can be fixed by a suitable form-fitting, non-positive or cohesive connection releasably or permanently against each other. In particular, the fixation can be carried out by one or more of the types of compounds from the group of snap-in compounds, Kletverbindungen, press joints, fusions, glued joints, welded joints, solder joints, screw, wedge, clamp or bounce joints. In particular, the fixation can also be formed by a shrink sleeve (so-called sleeve), which is pulled in a heated state over the entire or sections of the cartridge and firmly encloses the chambers or the cartridge in the cooled state.

To provide advantageous residual emptying characteristics of the chambers, the bottom of the chambers may be funnel-shaped inclined towards the discharge opening. Furthermore, the inner wall of a chamber can be formed by suitable choice of material and / or surface design in such a way that a low material adhesion of the preparation to the inner chamber wall is realized. Also by this measure, the residual emptiness of a chamber can be further optimized.

In particular, the cartridge may also be asymmetrical. It is particularly preferred to form the asymmetry of the cartridge in such a way that the cartridge can only be coupled to the dosing device in a predefined position in which an otherwise possible incorrect operation by the user is prevented.

In or on a chamber, a metering chamber may be formed in a gravity-induced flow direction of the preparation in front of the outlet opening of a chamber. Through the dosing is the Preparation amount, which is to be released in the release of preparation from the chamber to the environment. This is particularly advantageous if the closure element of the dosing device, which causes the preparation output from a chamber to the environment, can only be put into a dispensing and a closure state without measuring or controlling the dispensing quantity. It is then ensured by the metering chamber that a predefined amount of preparation is released without an immediate feedback of the currently discharged, outflowing preparation amount.

The metering chambers can be formed in one piece or in several pieces. Furthermore, it is possible to firmly connect the metering chambers with the cartridge or detachably. In a dosing chamber detachably connected to the cartridge, it is possible in a simple manner to connect or exchange dosing chambers with different dosing volumes with a cartridge, whereby a simple adaptation of the dosing volumes to the preparation stored in each chamber and thus a simple assembly the cartridge for different preparations and their dosage is possible.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, one or more chambers in addition to a, preferably bottom-side outlet opening each have a liquid-tight sealable, preferably head-side second chamber opening. Through this chamber opening, it is possible, for example, to refill stored in this chamber preparation.

For ventilation of the cartridge chambers ventilation possibilities can be provided in particular in the head region of the cartridge in order to ensure a pressure equalization with decreasing filling level of the chambers between the interior of the cartridge chambers and the environment. These ventilation options can be designed, for example, as a valve, in particular silicone valve, micro-openings in a chamber or cartridge wall or the like.

Should not be aerated directly according to another embodiment, the cartridge chambers, but on the dosing or no ventilation, z. B. when using flexible containers, such as bags, be provided, this has the advantage that at elevated temperatures in the course of a rinse cycle of a dishwasher by the heating of the chamber contents, a pressure is built up, the preparations to be dosed in the direction of the outlet openings pushes, so that thereby a good emptying of the cartridge is achievable. Furthermore, in the case of such an air-free packaging, there is no risk of oxidation of substances of the preparation, which makes bag packaging or else bag-in-bottle packaging appear expedient, in particular for oxidation-sensitive preparations.

The cartridge can take on any spatial form. It can for example be cube-shaped, spherical or plate-like.

To provide an immediate optical level control, it is advantageous to form the cartridge at least in sections of a transparent material.

In order to protect heat-sensitive components of a preparation in a cartridge from heat, it is advantageous to produce the cartridge from a material with a low thermal conductivity.

Another way to reduce the influence of heat on a preparation in a chamber of the cartridge is to isolate the chamber by suitable measures such. B. by the use of thermal insulation materials such as Styrofoam, which enclose the chamber or the cartridge in a suitable manner, in whole or in part.

It is also possible to provide the cartridge or individual chambers completely or in sections with a radiation-reflecting coating which is particularly suitable for reflecting thermal radiation.

Another measure for protecting heat-sensitive substances in a cartridge is, in a plurality of chambers, their arrangement to each other.

For example, it is conceivable that the chamber, which contains a heat-sensitive product, is partially or completely enclosed by at least one further chamber filled with a product, which product and chamber in this configuration act as thermal insulation for the enclosed chamber. This means that a first chamber, which contains a heat-sensitive product, is partially or completely enclosed by at least one further product-filled chamber, so that the heat-sensitive product in the first chamber has a slower temperature increase when the environment is heated than the one Products in the surrounding chambers.

In order to bring about a further improvement of the heat insulation, when using more than two chambers, the chambers can be arranged around each other according to the matryoshka principle, so that a multilayer insulation layer is formed.

In particular, it is advantageous that at least one preparation which is stored in an enclosing chamber has a thermal conductivity between 0.01 and 5 W / m · K, preferably between 0.02 and 2 W / m · k, particularly preferably between 0.024 and 1 W / m · K has.

The cartridge is formed in particular dimensionally stable. However, it is also conceivable to design the cartridge as a flexible packaging such as a tube. Furthermore, it is also possible to use flexible containers such as bags, especially if they are used according to the "bag-in-bottle" principle in a substantially dimensionally stable receptacle. By using flexible packaging eliminates - unlike the dimensionally stable cartridge designs described above - the need to provide a ventilation system for pressure equalization.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge has an electronic detection means such as an RFID tag that contains at least information about the contents of the cartridge and by a sensor unit, which may be provided in particular in the metering device or washing machine or dryer, readable is.

This information can be used, for example, to select a dosing program stored in the dosing unit control unit. In this way it can be ensured that an optimal dosing program is always used for a particular preparation. It can also be provided that in the absence of an RFID tag or an RFID tag with a false or faulty identifier, no metering is done by the metering device and instead an optical or acoustic signal is generated that the user to the present Error indicates. Of course, it is also conceivable that information from a equipped with an RFID label and transferred in the washing or drying drum laundry item to the dosing device.

In order to prevent misuse of the cartridge, the cartridges may also have structural elements which cooperate with corresponding elements of the metering device according to the key-lock principle, so that, for example, only cartridges of a particular type can be coupled to the metering device. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible for information about the cartridge coupled to the dosing device to be transmitted to the control unit of the dosing device, as a result of which control of the dosing device coordinated with the contents of the corresponding container can take place.

The cartridge is designed in particular for receiving flowable detergents or cleaning agents. Particularly preferably, such a cartridge has a plurality of chambers for the spatially separated receiving in each case of different preparations of a washing or cleaning agent. Exemplary - but not exhaustive - are listed below some possible combinations of filling the chambers with different preparations: Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3 Chamber 4 A Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation - - B Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation softener - C Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation softener perfume D Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation softener disinfecting preparation e Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation softener pretreatment preparation F Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation 1 Enzymatic cleaning preparation 2 - G Alkaline cleaning preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation bleaching softener H Anti-wrinkle preparation (dryer) Fragrance / Fragrance Absorber (Dryer) Anti-static preparation

It is particularly preferred that all preparations are flowable, as this ensures rapid dissolution of the preparations in the wash liquor of the washing machine, whereby these preparations a rapid to immediate cleaning effect, especially on the walls of the washroom and / or a light guide of the cartridge and / or of the dosing device.

The cartridge usually has a total filling volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, more preferably <250 ml, most preferably <50 ml.

The chambers of a cartridge may have the same or different filling volumes. In a two-chamber configuration, the chamber volume ratio is preferably 5: 1, preferably 4: 1: 1 for a three-chamber configuration.

As mentioned above, the cartridge preferably has three chambers. For the use of such a cartridge in a washing machine, it is particularly preferred that one chamber contains an alkaline cleaning preparation, another chamber an enzymatic preparation and a third chamber a fabric softener, wherein the volume ratio of the chambers is approximately 4: 1: 1.

The chamber containing the alkaline cleaning preparation preferably has the largest filling volume of the existing chambers. Preferably, the chambers, which store an enzymatic preparation or a softener, have approximately equal filling volumes.

In a two- and / or three-chamber design of the cartridge is in particular possible to stockpile in particular a perfume, disinfectant and / or Vorbehandlungszubereitung in a detachably arranged on the cartridge or the dosing, another chamber.

The cartridge comprises a cartridge bottom, which is directed in the position of use in the direction of gravity down and on which preferably at least one outlet opening arranged in the direction of gravity at the bottom is provided for each chamber. The outlet openings arranged on the bottom side are in particular designed such that at least one, preferably all, outlet openings can communicate with the inlet openings of the dosing device, ie preparation via the outlet openings from the cartridge into the dosing device, preferably gravitationally effected, can flow in.

It is also conceivable that one or more chambers have a not arranged in the direction of gravity bottom outlet opening. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, a fragrance is to be delivered to the environment of the cartridge.

The cartridge is preferably formed from at least two elements connected to one another in a material-locking manner, wherein the connecting edge of the elements on the cartridge bottom extends outside the outlet openings, that is to say the connecting edge does not intersect the outlet openings. This is particularly advantageous, since in this way leakage problems are avoided in the coupling with the metering device in the region of the outlet openings, which occur in particular in the case of the high thermal cycling usually occurring in a dishwasher.

The cohesive connection can be produced for example by gluing, welding, soldering, pressing or vulcanization.

It is particularly preferable to connect the cartridge elements to one another by means of mirror welding. In the case of mirror welding, the boundary surfaces are heated by means of a metallic heating mirror, which contains the contour which brings the interfaces into contact, and shortly put into the plastic state, so that after removal of the heating mirror and joining of the parts, these plastic areas solidify again as a melt and solidify Connection result.

In addition to the known from the prior art mirror welding technique, individually molded parts, for example, can also be connected to each other by means of laser welding. In laser welding, one of the two materials that are to be melted at the interface must wear an absorbent to absorb the energy content of the laser beam and convert it into heat, which then causes the melting of the corresponding material area. This is typically accomplished with color pigments that thermally interact with the laser beam conducted into the material. These interfaces to be joined may also be obscured if the material in front of them in the direction of irradiation of the laser beam is transparent to the laser beam and has no absorption property.

Furthermore, it is possible to connect individual cartridge elements by means of ultrasonic welding or IR welding via electrodes.

It is advantageous that the connecting edge extends along the top, bottom and side surfaces of the cartridge. In this way, two cartridge elements can be produced in particular by injection molding, wherein either both elements are trough-shaped or an element trough-shaped and the second element is lid-like.

To form a two-chamber or multi-chamber cartridge, at least one of the two cartridge elements can comprise at least one separating web which, in the assembled state of the elements, separates two adjacent chambers of the cartridge from one another.

As an alternative to forming the cartridge by means of two cup-shaped cartridge elements, it is also conceivable for a cartridge element to be a cup-shaped container having at least one chamber and the second element to be the cartridge bottom or head connected in a fluid-tight manner to the cup-shaped container along the connecting edge.

Of course, it is also conceivable to combine the above-mentioned cartridge configurations in any suitable manner. For example, it is possible to form a two-chamber cartridge from a trough-shaped and a cover-like cartridge element and to arrange a third one-piece or multi-piece chamber at the head or lateral surface of the cartridge thus formed.

In particular, such a further chamber for accommodating a preparation may be arranged on the cartridge and be configured in such a way that a release of volatile substances such as, for example, fragrances from the preparation into the environment of the chamber is effected.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet openings of the cartridge are closed by closure means at least in the filled, unopened state of the cartridge. The closure means may be designed such that they allow a single opening of the outlet opening by destruction of the closure means. Such closure means are, for example, sealing foils or caps.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet openings are each provided with a closure which allows in the coupled state with a dispenser outflow of preparation from the respective chambers and in the uncoupled state of the cartridge substantially prevents leakage of preparation. In particular, such a closure is designed as a slotted silicone valve.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the vent openings of the cartridge are closed with a closure element before a first coupling with the dosing device. The closure element may in particular be a stopper or a cap which, when first coupled with the dosing device, is opened, for example punctured, by the coupling process.

It is particularly preferred that, prior to a first coupling of the cartridge with the metering device, all the outlet openings of the cartridge are closed with a slotted silicone valve and all the ventilation openings are capped.

The cartridge elements forming the cartridge are preferably formed from a plastic and can be formed in a common injection molding process, it may be advantageous to form a hinge acting as a connecting web between the two elements, so that after molding the two elements abut each other by folding and cohesively connected along the connecting edge.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge for coupling with a positionable in the interior of a washing machine or dryer dosing for dispensing at least one detergent and / or detergent preparation, at least one chamber for storing at least one flowable or free-flowing washing and / or detergent preparation, wherein the cartridge in the coupled state with the dosing device before entry of wash water in the chamber (s) is protected and the cartridge at least one bottom in the direction of gravity discharge opening for - especially gravitationally - release of preparation of at least one chamber and at least one in the direction of gravity bottom-side ventilation opening for ventilation of at least one chamber, wherein the ventilation opening is separated from the discharge opening and the ventilation opening communicating with at least one chamber of the cartridge is connected.

It is particularly preferred that the cartridge comprises at least two chambers, very particularly preferably at least three chambers. In this case, it is advantageous that one ventilation opening and one discharge opening are provided for each chamber.

It is further preferred that the bottom-side ventilation opening is communicatively connected to a ventilation duct whose end facing away from the ventilation opening in the dispensing position of the cartridge coupled to the dosing device opens above the maximum fill level of the cartridge.

In this context, it is advantageous that the ventilation duct is completely or partially formed in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge. In particular, the ventilation channel can be integrally formed in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.

For this purpose, the ventilation duct can advantageously be formed by joining at least two elements forming the cartridge. For example, a ventilation duct may be formed by joining a separating web of the cartridge formed in the shell-shaped element with two webs which surround the separating web and are arranged on the cartridge element.

In this case, it is advantageous if the ventilation channel is formed by integral joining, in particular by welding, of a separating web of the cartridge formed in the shell-shaped element with two webs which surround the separating web and are arranged on the cartridge element.

Alternatively, the ventilation duct, for example, as so-called. Be formed dip-tube.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to arrange the ventilation channel opening approximately in the middle of or in the chamber wall of the cartridge head.

To ensure the functionality, for example, even after a horizontal position of the cartridge, it is advantageous if the viscosity of a flowable preparation and the ventilation duct are configured in such a way that the preparation is not drawn via capillary forces in the ventilation duct when the preparation at the Vent duct opening is present.

The coupling of the cartridge with the dosing device is advantageously to be designed such that a dosing device communicating with the inlet opening of the dosing device is arranged on the dosing device, which cooperates with the dockable cartridge or cartridge chamber in such a way that when coupling the ventilation opening of the cartridge or Cartridge chamber with the dosing of the mandrel displaced a volume .DELTA.v in the ventilation duct, whereby a pressure .DELTA.p is generated in the ventilation duct, which is suitable to transport in the ventilation duct, flowable preparation in the connected to the ventilation duct, preparation-storing chamber.

It is preferred that the vent opening of a chamber is communicatively connected to the metering device side mandrel before the closed outlet opening of the corresponding chamber is opened, for example by the communicating connection with the inlet opening of the metering device.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a ventilation chamber is arranged between the ventilation opening and the ventilation channel.

The cartridge may be designed such that it can be detachably or firmly arranged in or on the dosing device and / or a washing machine and / or tumble dryer.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dispenser for dispensing at least one flowable detergent and / or detergent preparation inside a washing machine or eiens tumble dryer coupled with the dispenser cartridge wherein the cartridge stores at least one flowable detergent and / or detergent preparation and the cartridge in the direction of gravity at the bottom has at least one outlet opening communicating with an inlet port of the dosing device in the coupled state with the dosing device and the cartridge having means cooperating in such a way that releasable locking between the dosing device and the cartridge can be produced, wherein the metering device and the cartridge in the latched state against each other about a pivot point (SP) are pivotally, and
in that the outlet opening of the cartridge and the inlet opening of the dosing console are configured in such a way that they are connected in a communicative manner between the dosing console and the cartridge after the locking between cartridge and dosing device has been established by pivoting the cartridge in the coupling state.

In particular, it is preferable that the outlet openings of the chambers and the inlet openings of the metering device are arranged and configured such that they are sequentially connected to each other by the pivoting in the latching state in the coupling state of metering device and cartridge.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, means may be provided on the dosing device and / or the cartridge which, in the coupling state of the dosing device and the cartridge, effect a releasable fixing of the cartridge to the dosing device.

It is also advantageous to form means on the dosing device and / or cartridge which, in the latched state of the cartridge and the dosing device, cause the cartridge to be guided during pivoting into the coupling state of the cartridge and dosing device. This can be realized, for example, by a collar running on the bottom of the cartridge, which is set back slightly relative to a corresponding dosing device-side collar, so that it is guided on the cartridge-side collar inside the dosing device-side collar.

In particular, it is advantageous that the outlet openings of the chambers are arranged one behind the other in the pivoting direction. It is very particularly preferred that the outlet openings of the chambers are arranged in the pivoting direction on a line (L).

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the outlet openings of the chambers have approximately the same distance from each other.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention corresponds to the largest distance of an outlet opening of a chamber from the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge in about 0.5 times the distance of the cartridge width (B).

In particular, at least two chambers of the cartridge may have different volumes from each other.

Advantageously, the chamber of the cartridge with the largest volume on the largest distance from the pivot point (SP) of the cartridge 1.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the ventilation opening of a chamber in the pivoting direction when coupling the cartridge with the dosing device is in each case in front of an outlet opening of the chamber.

Preferably, the ratio of depth (T) of the cartridge to width (B) of the cartridge is about 1:20. The ratio of height (H) of the cartridge to width (B) of the cartridge is preferably about 1: 1.2.

It is also preferred that the ventilation opening of a chamber in the pivoting direction when coupling the cartridge with the metering device is in each case in front of an outlet opening of the chamber. This ensures that the ventilation opening of the cartridge is first opened before the opening of the outlet opening of the cartridge takes place when the cartridge is coupled to the dosing device.

Fiber optic cartridge

The cartridge for coupling with a dosing device for dispensing at least one detergent and / or detergent preparation from the cartridge into the interior of a washing machine or tumble dryer In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a light conductor arranged in or on the cartridge into which a light signal can be coupled from outside the cartridge. It is particularly preferred to couple a light signal that is emitted from the dosing device into the cartridge.

In particular, the light guide may be wholly or partly formed in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to form the light guide integrally in or on the walls and / or webs of the cartridge.

The light guide preferably consists of a transparent plastic material. However, it is also possible to form the entire cartridge from a transparent material.

It is preferred that the light guide is capable of directing light in the visible range (380-780 nm). It is particularly preferable that the light guide is capable of directing light in the near infrared range (780 nm-3,000 nm). In particular, it is preferred that the light guide is suitable for guiding light in the mid-infrared range (3.0 μm-50 μm).

In particular, the light guide consists of a transparent plastic material with a high refractive index.

Advantageously, the light guide is at least partially completely or partially enclosed by a material having a lower optical refractive index. In particular, the lower refractive index material may be a preparation stored in a chamber of the cartridge.

Particularly advantageous are a ratio of the refractive indices of the preparation and light guide of 1: 1.10-1: 5, preferably, 1: 1.15-1: 1.35, particularly preferably 1: 1.15-1: 1.20 , wherein the refractive index was determined in each case at a wavelength of 589 nm. The refractive index of the light guide, for example, after DIN EN ISO 489 be determined. The refractive index of the preparation can be measured by means of an Abbe refractometer DIN 53491 be determined.

It is particularly advantageous that the preparation which completely or partially encloses the light guide has a transmittance of 45% -95%, particularly preferably 60% -90%, very particularly preferably 75% -85%. The light guide preferably has a transmittance of> 75%, very particularly preferably> 85%. The transmittance can after DIN 5036 be determined.

It is further preferred that the wavelength of the light which is transmitted through the optical waveguide corresponds approximately to the wavelength of at least one preparation which at least partially surrounds the optical waveguide, which is not absorbed from the visible spectrum by the preparation. It is particularly preferred here that the wavelength of the light which is transmitted through the light guide and the wavelength which is not absorbed by the preparation is between 600-800 nm.

The light signal which can be coupled into the optical waveguide is in particular a carrier of information, in particular, for example, with respect to the operating state of the dosing device and / or the filling level of the cartridge.

In a preferred development of the invention, the light guide is designed in such a way that the light signal which can be coupled into the light guide can also be decoupled from the light guide.

In this case, it may be advantageous for the light guide to be configured in such a way that the light signal can be coupled out at a position of the cartridge which is different from the point in which the light signal can be coupled into the cartridge.

The coupling or decoupling of the light signal can be realized in particular on a prismatic edge of the cartridge.

It is particularly preferred to form the input or output points of the light signal in the corresponding injection molding tool by highly polished or hard chrome plated tool surfaces, so that the reflection property of the input or output point is low and the desired signal coupling is possible.

The distance of the light source arranged in the dosing device, in particular an LED, to the point of introduction of the light into the cartridge in the coupling state of the cartridge and dosing device should be kept as low as possible.

It is also advantageous that the light signal and the light guide are configured in such a way that a visible to a user light signal to and / or can be generated in the cartridge.

According to a further embodiment, the light guide can be severed at at least one point in the cartridge in such a way that preparation can fill the separation point. As a result, a fill level sensor and / or an inclination sensor can be realized in a simple manner, wherein a light signal that passes through the separation point without preparation differs from the light signal that passes through the separation point completely or partially filled with preparation.

dosing

In the dosing device necessary for the operation control unit and at least one actuator are integrated. Preferably, a sensor unit and / or a power source is also arranged on or in the metering device.

Preferably, the metering device consists of a splash-proof, in particular also watertight housing that the penetration of spray water and wash water, as may occur, for example, when used in a washing machine, in the interior of the dosing by at least the control unit, sensor unit and / or actuator arranged are prevented.

It is particularly advantageous to shed in particular the control unit and the sensor unit in such a way that the metering device is substantially watertight, ie the metering device is able to function even when fully enclosed with liquid. As potting materials, for example, multicomponent epoxy, and acrylate potting compounds such as methacrylate esters, urethane-metha and cyanoacrylates or two-component materials can be used with polyurethanes, silicones, epoxy resins.

An alternative or supplement to the casting represents the encapsulation of the components in a suitably designed, moisture-proof housing. Such a configuration will be explained in more detail in the following place.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to arrange the components or assemblies on, on and / or in a component carrier in the dosing device, and this will also be explained elsewhere.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the material from which the dosing device is formed prevents or at least reduces the growth of a biofilm. For this purpose, it is possible to use corresponding surface structures of the material known from the prior art, and additives such as biocides. It is also conceivable areas of the dosing device endangered by microbial growth, in particular areas in which rinsing water may be present, are provided in part with a material which prevents or at least reduces the growth of a biofilm. In this case, for example, correspondingly effective films can be used.

It is particularly preferred that the dosing device comprises at least a first interface, which cooperates in or on a washing machine or dryer formed corresponding interface in such a way that a transfer of electrical energy and / or signals from the washing machine or dryer for dosing and / or or is realized by the metering device for washing machine or dryer.

In one embodiment of the invention, the interfaces are formed by connectors. In a further embodiment, the interface cells can be designed in such a way that a wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical and / or optical signals is effected.

In this case, it is particularly preferred that the interfaces provided for the transmission of electrical energy are inductive transmitters or receivers of electromagnetic waves. Thus, in particular, the interface of a water-conducting device, such as a dishwasher, can be designed as an alternating-current transmitter coil with iron core and the interface of the dosing device as a receiver coil with iron core.

In an alternative embodiment, the transmission of electrical energy can also be provided by means of an interface, the household appliance side, an electrically operated light source and dosiergeräteseitig a light sensor, such as a photodiode or a solar cell comprises. The light emitted by the light source is converted by the light sensor into electrical energy, which in turn feeds, for example, a metering device side accumulator.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, an interface on the dosing device and the washing machine or dryer for transmitting (ie sending and receiving) of electromagnetic and / or optical signals, which in particular Betriebszustandands-, measuring and / or control information of the dosing and / or the Represent washing machine or dryer, trained.

Of course, it is possible to provide only an interface for transmitting signals or an interface for transmitting electrical energy, or to provide an interface for transmitting signals and an interface for transmitting electrical energy or to provide an interface which is suitable both for transmission of electrical energy and signals.

In particular, such an interface can be designed such that a wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or electromagnetic and / or optical signals is effected.

It is particularly preferred that the interface is configured to transmit and / or receive optical signals. It is very particularly preferred that the interface is configured to emit or receive light in the visible range. Here, the washing machine or dryer is to be configured such that prevails in the washing or drying room during operation of the machine darkness, so that signals in the visible, optical range, for example in the form of signal pulses or light flashes emitted from the dosing and / or detected can be. It has proven particularly advantageous to use wavelengths between 600-800 nm in the visible spectrum.

Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous that the interface is configured to emit or receive infrared signals. In particular, it is advantageous that the interface is configured to emit or receive infrared signals in the near infrared range (780 nm-3,000 nm).

In particular, the interface comprises at least one LED. Particularly preferably, the interface comprises at least two LEDs. It is also possible according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention to provide at least two LEDs which emit light in a mutually different wavelength. This makes it possible, for example, to define different signal bands on which information can be sent or received.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in a further development of the invention that at least one LED is an RGB LED whose wavelength is adjustable. For example, an LED can be used to define different signal bands that emit signals at different wavelengths.

The interface of the dosing device can be configured so that the LED is provided both for the transmission of signals inside the dishwasher, in particular when the machine door is closed, as well as for visual display of an operating state of the dosing device, in particular when the machine door is open.

It is particularly preferred that an optical signal is designed as a signal pulse with a pulse duration between 1 ms and 10 seconds, preferably between 5 ms and 100 ms seconds.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the interface of the dosing device is configured such that it emits an optical signal with the washing machine or tumble dryer closed and unloaded, that an average illuminance E between 0.01 and 100 lux, preferably between 0.1 and 50 lux measured on the washing or drying space limiting walls (laundry or drying drum) causes. This illuminance is then sufficient to cause multiple reflections with or on the other washing or drying space walls and thus to reduce or prevent possible signal shadows in the washing or drying space, in particular in the loading state of the washing machine or tumble dryer.

The signal emitted and / or received by the interface is in particular a carrier of information, in particular a control signal or a signal representing an operating state of the dosing device and / or the washing machine or tumble dryer.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, the dosing device for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation from a cartridge into the interior of a washing machine or a tumble dryer has a light source, by means of which a light signal can be coupled into a light guide of the cartridge. In particular, the light source may be an LED. This makes it possible, for example, light signals that represent, for example, the operating state of the dosing to couple from the dosing into the cartridge, so that they are visually perceptible to the cartridge by a user. By coupling the light from the dosing device into the cartridge, the corresponding light signals can also be slid, for example, into the head region of the cartridge.

Furthermore, it is possible for the light signal coupled into the optical waveguide of the cartridge and passing through the optical waveguide to be detectable by a sensor located on the dosing device. This will be explained in more detail in a subsequent section.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the dosing device for dispensing at least one washing and / or cleaning agent preparation inside a household appliance comprises at least one optical transmitting unit, wherein the optical transmitting unit is configured in such a way that signals from the transmitting unit in a coupled with the dosing device Cartridge can be coupled and signals from the transmitting unit in the environment of the dosing device are radiated. As a result, both a signal transmission between the dosing device and a washing machine or tumble dryer as well as the signal input into a cartridge can be realized by means of an optical transmitting unit.

In particular, the optical transmitting unit may be an LED, which preferably emits light in the visible and / or IR range. It is also conceivable, another suitable optical transmitting unit, such. As a laser diode to use. It is particularly preferable to use optical transmission units that emit light in the wavelength range between 600-800 nm.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the dosing device may comprise at least one optical receiving unit. This makes it possible, for example, that the dosing device can receive signals from an optical transmission unit arranged in the washing machine or tumble dryer. This can be realized by any suitable optical receiving unit, such as photocells, photomultipliers, semiconductor detectors, photodiodes, photoresistors, solar cells, phototransistors, CCD and / or CMOS image sensors. It is particularly preferred that the optical receiving unit is suitable for receiving light in the wavelength range of 600-800 nm.

In particular, the optical receiving unit on the dosing device can also be configured such that the signals that can be coupled from the transmitting unit into a cartridge coupled to the dosing device can be decoupled from the cartridge and detected by the optical receiving unit of the dosing device.

The signals emitted by the transmitting unit into the surroundings of the metering device may preferably represent information regarding operating conditions or control commands.

metering

The dosing device for dispensing at least one flowable detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation into the interior of a washing machine or tumble dryer may in particular have a dosing chamber communicating with the dosing device coupled cartridge communicating with a dosing device located in the dosing chamber, so that in the position of use of the dosing Preparation gravitational effects from the cartridge into the metering chamber flows in a direction of gravity the Dosierkammereinlass subsequent Dosierkammerauslass is closed by a valve which is arranged in the metering a float, whose density is less than the density of the preparation, the float in the Art is designed so that preparation can circulate the float and / or flow through and the float and the Dosierkammereinlass are configured in such a way that the Dosierkammereinlass by the float v is openable.

Depending on the configuration of the density of the preparation and the density of the float and the resulting buoyancy, the float may or may not seal the dosing chamber inlet seal tightly. In a non-sealing closure of the float is indeed at the Dosierkammereinlass, but this seals not against inflow of preparation from the cartridge, so that an exchange of preparation between the cartridge and the metering chamber is possible. The float body acts in this embodiment of the invention as a targeted throttle, which minimizes the slip between Dosierkammereinlauf and Dosierkammerauslass when opening the valve and thus co-determines the dosing accuracy.

Alternatively, the float and the metering chamber can be designed as a self-closing valve, on the one hand, in order to bring about the lowest possible energy consumption in an energy self-sufficient dosing device; on the other hand, a defined amount of preparation, which corresponds approximately to the filling volume of the dosing, released.

It is particularly advantageous to select the density of the detergent and / or cleaning agent preparation and the density of the floating body such that the floating body has a rate of rise of 1.5 mm / sec to 25 mm / sec, preferably 2 mm / sec to 20 mm / sec, in particular preferably 2.5 mm / sec to 17.5 mm / sec in the washing and / or cleaning agent preparation. This ensures a sufficiently rapid closing of the metering chamber inlet by the ascending float and thus a sufficiently short interval between two preparation dosages.

The rate of climb of the floating body can advantageously also be stored in the control unit of the dosing device which activates the valve. This makes it possible to connect the valve so that a release of preparation is greater than the volume of the metering realized. In this case, the valve is then reopened before the float reaches its upper closure position at Dosierkammereinlass and closes the Dosierkammereinlass.

In order to ensure an accurate metering from the metering chamber into the surroundings of the metering device, it has proven to be advantageous that the floating body and the metering chamber are configured such that in the delivery position of the valve associated with the metering chamber outlet, the rate of rise of the floating body in the washing and / or cleaning agent preparation is smaller than the flow rate of the preparation surrounding the floating body from the metering chamber.

It is preferred to form the float substantially spherical. Alternatively, the float may also be substantially cylindrical.

It is preferable that the metering chamber is substantially cylindrical. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the diameter of the metering chamber is slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical or spherical floating body, so that a slip between the metering chamber and floating body arises with respect to the preparation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the float is made of a foamed, polymeric material - in particular of foamed PP - formed.

In a further preferred embodiment, the metering chamber is L-shaped.

Further, in the metering chamber, a diaphragm between the Dosierkammereinlass and Dosierkammerauslass be arranged, wherein the aperture is formed such that it is sealingly or non-sealingly closed by the float, the float is preferably disposed between the aperture and the Dosierkammereinlass.

component support

The dosing device comprises a component carrier on which at least the actuator and the closure element and the control unit and / or the sensor unit and / or the dosing chamber are arranged.

The component carrier has receptacles for the said components and / or the components are formed integrally with the component carrier.

The receptacles for the components in the component carrier can be provided for a positive, positive and / or cohesive connection between a corresponding component and the corresponding receptacle.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that for easy disassembly of the components from the component carrier, the dosing chamber, the actuator, the closure element, the control unit and / or the sensor unit is in each case arranged detachably on the component carrier.

It is also advantageous that the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are arranged in a module on or in the component carrier. In an advantageous further development of the invention, the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are combined in an assembly. This can be realized, for example, in that the control unit and the sensor unit are arranged on a common electrical printed circuit board.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the component carrier is designed trough-like, manufactured as an injection molded part. It is particularly preferred that the metering chamber is formed integrally with the component carrier.

By the component carrier a largely simple automatic assembly with the necessary components of the dosing device is possible. The component carrier can be prefabricated as a whole, preferably automatically and assembled to form a dosing device.

The trough-like component carrier can be closed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention after the assembly liquid-tight from a, for example, cover-like closure element. The closure element may be formed, for example, as a film which is liquid-tight, materially connected to the component carrier and forms one or more liquid-tight chambers with the trough-like component carrier.

The closure element can also be a console, in which the component carrier can be inserted, wherein the console and the component carrier in the assembled state form the dosing device. The component carrier and the console in the assembled state cooperate in such a way that between the component carrier and the console, a liquid-tight connection is formed, so that no rinse water can get into the interior of the dosing device or the component carrier.

Furthermore, it is preferred that in the position of use of the metering device, the receptacle for the actuator on the component carrier in the direction of gravity is arranged above the metering chamber, whereby a compact design of the metering device can be realized. The compact design can be further optimized by the Dosierkammereinlass is arranged on the component carrier above the receptacle of the actuator in the position of use of the dosing device. It is also preferable for the components to be arranged on the component carrier substantially in a row relative to one another, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the component carrier.

In a further development of the invention, the receptacle for the actuator has an opening which is in line with the Dosierkammerauslass so that a closure element from the actuator through the opening and the Dosierkammerauslass can be moved back and forth.

It is particularly preferred that the component carrier is formed of a transparent material.

Advantageously, the component carrier comprises at least one optical waveguide, via which light from the environment of the dosing device can be directed to an optical transmitting and / or receiving unit into and / or out of the interior (s) of the dosing device or the component carrier, the optical waveguide in particular is formed integrally with the transparent component carrier.

Furthermore, it is therefore preferred that at least one opening is provided in the dosing device, by means of which light from the environment of the dosing device in and / or out of the optical waveguide can be coupled in and / or out.

actuator

For the purposes of this application, an actuator is a device which converts an input variable into a different output quantity and with which an object is moved or whose movement is generated, wherein the actuator is coupled to at least one shutter element, directly or indirectly releasing the preparation at least one cartridge chamber can be effected.

The actuator may be driven by drives selected from the group of gravity drives, ion drives, electric drives, motor drives, hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives, gear drives, threaded spindle drives, ball screws, linear drives, roller screws, auger drives, piezoelectric actuators, chain drives, and / or recoil drives.

In particular, the actuator may be formed of an electric motor coupled to a transmission that converts the rotational movement of the motor into a linear motion of a carriage coupled to the transmission. This is particularly advantageous for a slim, plate-shaped design of the dosing unit.

At least one magnetic element can be arranged on the actuator, which causes a product discharge from the container with a magnet element with the same polarity on a dispenser as soon as the two magnetic elements are positioned against one another such that magnetic repulsion of the homopolar magnetic elements is effected and a non-contact release mechanism is realized.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a bistable solenoid, which forms a pulse-controlled, bi-stable valve together with an engaging in the bistable solenoid, designed as a plunger core closure element.

Bistable lifting magnets are electromechanical magnets with linear direction of movement, wherein the plunger locked in each end position without current.

Bistable lifting magnets or valves are known in the art. A bistable valve requires a pulse to change valve positions (open / closed) and then remains in that position until a counter pulse is sent to the valve. Therefore, one speaks of a pulse-controlled valve. A significant advantage of such pulse-controlled valves is that they do not consume energy to dwell in the Ventilendlagen, the closed position and discharge position, but only need an energy pulse to change the valve layers, thus the Ventilendlagen are considered to be stable. A bistable valve remains in that switching position, which last received a control signal.

By means of a current pulse, the closure element (plunger core) is moved to an end position. The power is switched off, the closing element holds the position. By current pulse, the closure element is moved to the other end position. The power is switched off, the closing element holds the position.

A bistable property of solenoids can be realized in different ways. First, a division of the coil is known. The coil is split more or less centrally so that a gap is created. In this gap, a permanent magnet is used. The plunger core itself is both the front and the back so turned off that he has in the respective end position a flat surface lying to the frame of the magnet. The magnetic field of the permanent magnet flows over this surface. The diving core sticks here. Alternatively, the use of two separate coils is possible. The principle is similar to the bistable solenoid with split coil. The difference is that they are actually two electrically different coils. These are controlled separately, depending on the direction in which the plunger is to be moved.

It is therefore particularly preferable that the closure element is coupled to the actuator in such a way that the closure element from the actuator in a closed position and in a passage position (dispensing position) is displaceable, wherein the closure element is designed as open / close valve element, that the actuator is designed such that it controlled by a suitable pulse selectively determinable occupies one of two end positions and without activation, the reached end position stably maintained, and thus that the combination forms a pulse-controlled, bistable open / close valve.

In particular, the actuator may for this purpose be designed as a bistable solenoid with an armature receiving space and a surrounding outer receiving space. The armature of the bistable solenoid may be configured to form or couple to the closure element.

In order to effect a separation between a wet and a dry space in the dosing, the armature receiving space of the actuator from the outer receiving space of the actuator may be liquid-tight and preferably also gas-tight.

It is furthermore advantageous to form at least the outer surface of the armature from a material which can not be attacked by the washing or cleaning agent to be metered, in particular from a plastic material.

The armature preferably comprises a core of a magnetizable, in particular a ferromagnetic material and a permanent magnet positioned in the outer receiving space, wherein a coil is arranged at each of its two axial ends.

It is further preferred that in the armature at its axial ends permanent magnets are arranged axially antipolig and that in the outer receiving space at both axial ends yoke rings of a ferromagnetic material, in particular iron, and between these a coil winding are arranged.

It is advantageous that the axial distance of the yoke rings is greater than the axial distance of the permanent magnets.

Further, yoke rings can be arranged in the armature at its axial ends, wherein in the outer receiving space at both axial ends of permanent magnets are arranged axially antipolig and between these a coil winding is arranged. The axial distance of the permanent magnets is in this case preferably greater than the axial distance of the yoke rings.

In particular, the one actuator / closure element combination is provided in a metering device of a metering system with a cartridge for flowable washing or cleaning agent having a plurality of chambers for spatially separated receiving each different preparations of a detergent or cleaning agent and with a detachable with the cartridge Dosing device, wherein the dosing device comprises: a power source, a control unit, a sensor unit, an actuator, which is so connected to the power source and the control unit, that a control signal of the control unit causes an actuation of the actuator, a closure element, with the actuator in the Art is coupled so that it is displaceable by the actuator in a Verschließstellung and in a passage position (dispensing position), at least one metering chamber communicating communicates with at least one of the cartridge chambers of the cartridge in a combined with a cartridge dosing is, wherein the metering chamber has an inlet for the flow of detergent or cleaning agent from a cartridge chamber and an outlet for the discharge of detergent or cleaning agent from the metering chamber into the environment and wherein at least the outlet of the metering chamber by the closure element closable or releasable is.

In particular, the actuator is arranged in a component carrier in the manner that in the use position of the metering device, a receptacle for the actuator on the component carrier in the direction of gravity above the metering chamber is arranged. In this case, it is particularly advantageous that in the position of use of the dosing device, the inlet of the dosing chamber is arranged on the component carrier above the receptacle of the actuator.

It is also conceivable that the metering device has a component carrier in which a receptacle for the actuator on the component carrier is arranged laterally next to the metering chamber in the use position of the metering device.

The receptacle for the actuator preferably has an opening which is in line with the outlet of the metering chamber, wherein the closure element from the actuator through the opening to the outlet is movable back and forth.

closure element

In the context of this application, a closure element is a component that acts on the actuator and that as a result of this action causes the opening or the closure of an outlet opening.

By way of example, the closure element can be valves which can be brought into a product delivery position or closure position by the actuator.

Particularly preferred is the embodiment of the closure element and the actuator in the form of a solenoid valve, wherein the dispenser through the valve and the actuator by the electromagnetic or Piezoelectric drive of the solenoid valve are designed. In particular, when using a plurality of containers and thus to be dosed preparations, the amount and timing of the dosage can be controlled very accurately by the use of solenoid valves.

It is therefore advantageous to control the dispensing of preparations from each outlet opening of a chamber with a solenoid valve in that the solenoid valve directly or indirectly determines the release of preparation from the product discharge opening.

Sensor A sensor in the sense of this application is a measuring sensor or sensor which can quantitatively record certain physical or chemical properties and / or the material quality of its environment qualitatively or as a measured variable.

The dosing unit preferably has at least one sensor which is suitable for detecting a temperature. The temperature sensor is designed in particular for detecting a water temperature.

It is further preferred that the dosing unit comprises a sensor for detecting the conductivity, whereby in particular the presence of water in a washing machine, is detected.

In a further development of the invention, the dosing unit has a sensor which can determine physical, chemical and / or mechanical parameters from the surroundings of the dosing unit. The sensor unit may comprise one or more active and / or passive sensors for the qualitative and / or quantitative detection of mechanical, electrical, physical and / or chemical variables, which are passed as control signals to the control unit.

In particular, the sensors of the sensor unit from the group of timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, Schallwechseleldrucksensoren, "Lab-on-a Chip sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, humidity sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and / or MEMS sensors.

Particularly in the case of preparations whose viscosity varies greatly depending on the temperature, it is advantageous for volume or mass control of the metered preparations to provide flow sensors in the metering device. Suitable flow sensors may be selected from the group of orifice flow rate sensors, electromagnetic flowmeters, Coriolis mass flow rate measurement, vortex flowmeter, ultrasonic flow rate measurement, variable area flow measurement, annular piston flow measurement, thermal mass flow measurement, or differential pressure flow measurement.

It is particularly preferred that at least two sensor units are provided for measuring mutually different parameters, wherein very particularly preferably a sensor unit is a conductivity sensor and a further sensor unit is a temperature sensor. Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one sensor unit is a brightness sensor.

The sensors are especially adapted to detect the beginning, the course and the end of a washing program. For this purpose, by way of example and not limitation, the sensor combinations listed in the following table can be used Sensor 1 Sensor 2 Sensor 3 Sensor 4 conductivity sensor temperature sensor conductivity sensor temperature sensor brightness sensor conductivity sensor temperature sensor brightness sensor turbidity sensor sound sensor temperature sensor scent sensor temperature sensor humidity sensor temperature sensor conductivity sensor temperature sensor Softness sensor

By means of the conductivity sensor can be detected, for example, whether the conductivity sensor is wetted by water, so that z. B. determines whether, for example, water is in the washing machine.

Washing or drying programs generally have a characteristic temperature profile, the u. a. is determined by the heating of the wash water and the drying of the laundry, which can be detected by a temperature sensor.

By means of a brightness sensor, for example, the light incident inside a dryer or a washing machine when opening the machine door can be detected, resulting in z. B. suggests an end of the washing or drying program.

In order to determine the degree of soiling of the laundry to be cleaned in the washing machine, a turbidity sensor can also be provided. From this it is also possible, for example, to select a dosing program in the dosing device that applies to the determined contamination situation.

It is also conceivable to detect the course of a washing or drying program using at least one sound sensor by specific noise and / or vibration emissions z. B. when pumping or pumping out of water, are detected.

Of course, it is possible for the skilled person to use any suitable combinations of several sensors to achieve a washing or drying program monitoring.

According to a further development of the invention, it is conceivable for a temperature-dependent viscosity curve of at least one preparation to be deposited in the control unit, the dosage being adapted by the control unit in accordance with the temperature and thus the viscosity of the preparation.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for direct determination of the viscosity of the preparation is provided.

The alternatives listed above for determining the metered quantity or the viscosity of a preparation serve to generate a control signal that is processed by the control unit in such a way for controlling a dispenser that essentially a constant metering of a preparation is effected.

The data line between the sensor and the control unit can be realized via an electrically conductive cable or wirelessly. In principle, it is also conceivable that at least one sensor outside of the dosing device is positioned or positionable in the interior of the washing machine or tumble dryer and a data line - in particular wireless - for transmitting the measured data from the sensor to the dosing device is formed.

A wirelessly formed data line is formed in particular by the transmission of electromagnetic waves or light. It is preferred to use a wireless data line according to standardized standards such as Bluetooth, IrDA, IEEE 802 , GSM, UMTS etc. train.

However, in order to enable efficient production and assembly of the dosing device, it is also possible for at least one sensor unit to be arranged on or in the control unit. For example, it is possible to provide a temperature sensor in the dosing device or directly on the board carrying the control unit, so that the temperature sensor has no direct contact with the surroundings.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit is arranged at the bottom of the dosing device, wherein in the position of use the bottom of the dosing device is directed downward in the direction of gravity. In this case, it is particularly preferred that the sensor unit comprises a temperature and / or a conductivity sensor. Such a configuration ensures that the rotation of the laundry drum water is brought to the bottom of the dosing and thus in contact with the sensor.

To reduce the energy consumption of the dosing device, the energy consumers of the dosing device, in particular the control unit, including an on / off switch can be connected to a power source and the power source charged only after reaching the on state of the on / off switch wherein a sensor unit forms the on / off switch or is connected to this and switches.

It is particularly preferred for the sensor unit to have two contacts in contact with the environment at the bottom of the dosing device, in particular configured as contact pins projecting downwards from the bottom, one contact as anode contact and the other contact as cathode contact the power source is connected and that without electrically conductive connection between the contacts of the off-state located on / off switch remains in the off state and upon the emergence of an electrically conductive connection between the contacts of the off-state on / off Switch in the on state switches.

It is further preferred that the on / off switch is provided or combined with a self-holding circuit which ensures latching of the energy supply of the energy consumers after reaching the on state of the on / off switch up to a switch-off signal of the control unit . causes.

The on / off switch can be designed in particular as a transistor circuit. It is preferable that the transistor of the on / off switch designed as a pnp transistor and the emitter, possibly via a drive circuit, to the supply voltage to the collector, possibly via a drive circuit to ground and to the cathode contact and the base on the one hand, possibly via a drive circuit, to the supply voltage, on the other hand, if necessary via a drive circuit to the anode contact, is connected.

The drive circuit preferably has at least one drive resistor, which is designed in particular as a resistance voltage divider.

It is particularly advantageous that, in addition to the on / off sensor unit, a sensor unit designed as a conductivity sensor is provided, which has two contacts in contact with the environment at the bottom of the dosing device and the anode contact of the on / off Sensor unit is simultaneously the anode contact of the conductivity sensor forming sensor unit. This makes it possible to realize an on / off switch and a conductivity sensor in a component, a transistor.

It is also possible for the sensor unit forming the temperature sensor to be integrated in a contact, in particular the cathode contact, of the sensor unit forming the conductivity sensor.

In this case, the contact of the sensor unit forming the conductivity sensor, which receives the temperature sensor, may preferably be designed as a hollow contact pin, in which the temperature sensor of the sensor unit forming the temperature sensor is arranged.

In order to realize a compact size, it is furthermore advantageous that the energy source, the control unit and the sensor unit are combined in an assembly on or in the component carrier.

It is particularly preferred that the contacts of a conductivity sensor arranged on the bottom side are surrounded by an electrically conductive silicone. The conductivity sensor may in this case be designed, in particular in the form of a resistance measurement, between two contacts spaced apart from one another and in contact with the surroundings of the dosing device. It is particularly preferred that the silicone is flush-mounted in the bottom of the metering device. Advantageously, the silicone has an approximately circular base. The silicone shows good wettability with water and thus provides good measurement results with regard to the detection of water in the washing machine or tumble dryer.

In order to avoid a polarization on the contacts of the conductivity sensor which impairs sensor accuracy when using a direct current source, it is advantageous to carry out two successive resistance measurements on the conductivity sensor, each with a different polarity, that is to say with an exchange of plus and minus pole. so that no charge surpluses can form at the contacts.

control unit

A control unit in the sense of this application is a device which is suitable for influencing the transport of material, energy and / or information. For this purpose, the control unit influences actuators with the aid of information, in particular of measuring signals of the sensor unit, which processes them in the sense of the control target.

In particular, the control unit may be a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dosing programs is stored on the microprocessor, which are selectable and executable in a particularly preferred embodiment according to the container coupled to the dosing device.

In a preferred embodiment, the control unit has no connection to the possibly existing control of the washing machine or the tumble dryer. Accordingly, no information, in particular electrical, optical or electromagnetic signals, is exchanged directly between the control unit and the control of the household appliance.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit is coupled to the existing control of the household appliance. Preferably, this coupling is wireless. For example, it is possible to have a transmitter on or in a washing machine or a tumble dryer which wirelessly transmits a signal to the dosing unit when the control of the tumble dryer or the washing machine causes the dosage of, for example, a detergent from the dosing chamber or softener.

The control unit can store several programs for releasing different preparations or releasing products in different applications.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the call of the corresponding program can be effected by means of corresponding RFID labels or geometric information carriers formed on the container.

For dosing preparations which are in particular prone to gelling, the control unit can be configured in such a way that on the one hand the dosing takes place in a sufficiently short time to ensure a good cleaning result and on the other hand the dosing of the preparation does not occur so quickly. This can be realized, for example, by an interval-like release, whereby the individual metering intervals are set in such a way that the corresponding metered amount dissolves completely during a cleaning cycle.

It is particularly preferred that the metering intervals for dispensing a preparation are between 30-90 seconds, particularly preferably 45-75 seconds.

The delivery of preparations from the dosing device can be done sequentially or simultaneously.

It is particularly preferred to dose a plurality of preparations sequentially in a rinsing program. In particular, the following metering sequences are to be preferred 1st dosage 2nd dosage 3. Dosage 4. Dosage Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation rinse aid Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation softener Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation softener Disinfecting preparation / Hygiene Preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation softener perfume pretreatment preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation softener pretreatment preparation Enzymatic cleaning preparation Bleached cleaning preparation softener Enzymatic cleaning preparation Alkaline cleaning preparation Bleached cleaning preparation softener Bad odor preparation Odor / fragrance absorber perfume Anti-static preparation Anti-static preparation Anti-Wrinkle preparation

In an advantageous development of the invention, data such. B. control and / or dosing of the control unit or stored by the control unit operating parameters or logs are read from the control unit or loaded into the control unit. This can be realized for example by means of an optical interface, wherein the optical interface is correspondingly connected to the control unit. The data to be transmitted are then coded and transmitted or received as light signals, in particular in the visible range, the wavelength range between 600 and 800 nm being preferred. However, it is also possible to use a present in the metering sensor for transmitting data from and / or to the control unit. For example, the contacts of a conductivity sensor, which are connected to the control unit and which provides a conductivity determination by means of a resistance measurement at the contacts of the conductivity sensor, can be used for data transmission.

Schwingzerstäuber

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the dosing system has at least one vibrating atomizer, via which it is possible to transfer a preparation into the gas phase or to keep it in the gas phase. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, to evaporate preparations by means of the vibrating atomizer, to nebulise and / or to atomise, whereby the preparation passes into the gas phase or forms an aerosol in the gas phase, wherein the gas phase is usually air.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous when used in a dishwashing machine or washing machine, where a corresponding release of preparation into the gas phase takes place in a closable dryer or washroom. The introduced into the gas phase preparation can be evenly distributed in the dryer or laundry room and precipitate on the laundry located in the washer or dryer.

The preparation released by the vibrating atomizer may in particular be selected from the group of surfactant-containing preparations, enzyme-containing preparations, odor-neutralizing preparations, biocidal preparations, antibacterial preparations.

List of Figures

1 Washing machine with arranged in the door metering device

2 Washing machine with closed door and on the outside of the door arranged machine control

3 Door with integrated dosing device

4 Door with a receptacle for coupling to a doser

5 Washing machine with dosing device arranged in the door and a mobile device for arrangement in the washing drum

6 Washing machine with a mobile device coupled to the door

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Washer / Dryer

2

door

3

opening

4

window

5

Central area

6

cartridge

7

dosing

8th

machine control

9

Washer / dryer drum

10

connecting channel

11

Intake (cartridge)

12

discharge opening

13

inlets

14

Intake (dosing device)

15

mobile device

1 shows a washing machine or a tumble dryer 1 with an open door 2 that have an opening 3 to the washing or drying drum 9 releases. On the inside of the door 2 is centrally located a central area 5 in which the dosing device 7 and one with the dosing device 7 coupled cartridge 5 are located. The central area 5 is from a circular window 4 Edged, that looks inside the washing / drying drum 9 with the door closed 9 releases. This is exemplary in 2 shown.

The dosing device 8th is electrically conductive via the connection channel with the washing machine or the tumble dryer 1 connected.

It is also possible that the door 2 in the head of the washing machine or tumble dryer 1 what is also known as a "top loader".

Furthermore, it is possible that the window 4 deleted and the entire door 1 for receiving a dosing system consisting of dosing device 7 and cartouche 6 , is provided.

3 shows those from the 1 and 2 known door 2 , The dosing device is fixed to the door in this embodiment 2 connected. Above the dosing device 7 is a recording 11 for a cartouche 6 provided in the cartridge 7 taken and with the dosing device 7 can be coupled. The dosing device 7 has three inlet openings 13a -C, with the corresponding discharge openings 12a -C in the coupled state of dosing device 7 and cartouche 6 communicatively connected.

It is also possible that the dosing device 7 not fixed, but detachable on the door 2 is fixed. This is exemplary in 4 shown. The dosing device 7 can in a corresponding recording 14 in the door 2 be arranged, with corresponding interfaces for the transmission of energy and data between the dosing 7 and the recording 14 are provided.

Furthermore, it is conceivable what in 5 it can be seen that the dosing device 7 with a mobile device 15 inside the washing or drying drum 9 is arranged, communicating wirelessly connected. The mobile device can be, for example, a sensor unit for recording physical and / or chemical parameters, a unit for assisting the cleaning performance, for example an ultrasound unit, or the like.

The mobile device 15 after a cycle of use, in particular for electrical recharging of the power source of the mobile device 15 with the dosing device 7 be coupled. This is in 6 shown.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1759624 A2 [0004]
• DE 535005062479 A1 [0004]

Cited non-patent literature

• DIN EN ISO 489 [0104]
• DIN 53491 [0104]
• DIN 5036 [0105]
• IEEE 802 [0211]

Claims (15)

Door ( 2 ) for the at least splash-proof closure of a Wäscheaufgabe- or removal opening ( 9 ) of a laundry treatment appliance ( 1 ), in particular a washing machine and / or a tumble dryer comprising: • at least one hinge for fastening the door ( 2 ) on a laundry treatment appliance ( 1 ), the door ( 2 ) on the laundry treatment appliance ( 1 ) by a hinge in a closed position and a task or removal position is movable, characterized in that • the door ( 2 ) comprises at least one interface by means of which energy and / or data from the laundry treatment appliance ( 1 ) in the door ( 2 ) can be coupled in, • In or at the door ( 2 ) a dosing device ( 7 ) is arranged for dispensing at least one flowable laundry treatment preparation that with a at least one flowable laundry treatment preparation stockpiling cartridge ( 6 ) and • The dosing device ( 7 ) is connected to the interface for receiving power and / or data Door according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge ( 6 ) in the direction of gravity above the dosing device ( 7 ) is arranged. Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device ( 7 ) detachable or fixed to the door ( 2 ) connected is. Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device at least one sensor from the group of timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, Sound pressure sensors, "lab-on-a-chip" sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, humidity sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and / or Includes MEMS sensors. Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door comprises at least one interface by means of which energy and / or data from the door in the laundry treatment device can be coupled / are. Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface by means of which energy and / or data from the laundry treatment appliance ( 1 ) in the door ( 2 ) and / or from the door ( 2 ) into the laundry treatment appliance ( 1 ) can be coupled / are designed such that the transmission of energy and / or data is wireless. Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge has a plurality of chambers, in each of which different preparations are stored. Door according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the cartridge chambers can be coupled individually with the dosing device and individually removed from the dosing device. Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device is positioned in the closed position of the door within the washroom Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering device is arranged in the manner in or on the door, that it at least partially immersed in the wash liquor in a washing program of a washing machine. Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a treatment device for introduction into the washing or drying drum is provided that with the metering device ( 7 ) can be coupled in such a way that energy and / or data from the treatment device to the dosing device ( 7 ) and / or from the dosing device ( 7 ) are transferable to the treatment device. Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment device comprises a sound emitter, preferably an ultrasonic emitter. Door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an operating unit ( 8th ) for controlling the laundry treatment appliance ( 1 ) on the outermost side of the door ( 2 ) is arranged. Laundry treating appliance, characterized in that it comprises a door according to one of claims 1 to 15. Dosing system for a laundry treatment appliance comprising • a door ( 2 ) for liquid-tight closure of a Wäscheaufgabe- or removal opening ( 9 ) of a laundry treatment appliance ( 1 ), in particular a washing machine and / or a tumble dryer, • one in or on the inside of the laundry treatment appliance ( 1 ) adjacent side of the door ( 2 ) arranged dosing device, • one with the dosing device ( 7 ) detachable cartridge ( 6 )

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