EP2139374B1 - Mobile dosing system for the release of preparations capable of flow or dispersion - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a mobile dispensing and dosing system for dispensing flowable or spreadable preparations, in particular preparations containing detergents or cleaning agents, in dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers or the like.

State of the art

The precise and appropriate dosage of active substances is relevant for a variety of applications. In particular, in the household sector, the dosage of active substances is of increasing importance, which is primarily based on the exact and demand-controlled dosage of the corresponding active ingredients, which on the one hand protects the environment by conserving resources and avoiding overdose and overdoses, on the other hand, the efficiency of the drugs so dosed is optimized.

Detergents for dishwashers are often used today in the form of detergent tablets. Although the application and dosage for the user is relatively simple and convenient, the drug release from the tablets is not optimized in terms of rinsing and drying cycles of the respective dishwasher.

Dosing devices for dispensing cleaning agents during the washing cycles of a dishwasher are, for example WO2006 / 021764 known. The dispensing of cleaning agents is controlled by a bimetal that triggers a spring mechanism upon reaching a predetermined temperature, which causes the release of cleaning agents in the dishwasher.

A major disadvantage of this metering device is its complex mechanical structure, whereby the cost of their production are high. It is Therefore, regularly desirable to provide a metering device with the simplest possible mechanical configuration.

Furthermore, the off WO2006 / 021764 known device not suitable to release liquid or gelatinous preparations. However, this would be particularly advantageous, since higher concentrations of active compound than in solid dosage forms such as powders or tablets can usually be realized in liquids or gels.

In particular, by a one-time, surge-like dosage (often referred to as "one-shot"), as today largely as. is common by washing or cleaning tablets, it may happen that when supplying such surfactant preparations, for example, during a cleaning cycle of a dishwasher, the preparations are coated immediately after dosing in the dishwasher interior and the contact with water of gel layers, then a rapid resolution Also prevent the enclosed by the gel layer preparation. This effect is all the more pronounced, the larger the dosing amount is, which is delivered once gushing and the colder the water is in which the preparation is to be dissolved.

This may result in retarded cooking residues left in the dishwasher or on the dishes at the end of the wash program, and insufficient surfactant may be released during the wash program to provide satisfactory cleaning performance of the formulation, particularly in low temperature wash and clean programs.

It is therefore further desirable to have a metering device which liberates surfactant mixtures which tend to gel in such a way that gelling is largely prevented or at least significantly reduced.

For this purpose, it is also necessary to effect the release of such preparations at a defined temperature, so that a rapid and complete dissolution of the preparations is achieved in warm rinse water.

Furthermore, the US 2003/0182732 A1 to take a generic metering device for a washing machine or dishwasher, with at least one container for receiving a product preparation and a control unit for situational delivery of product preparation during the wash cycle. For this purpose, the control unit comprises an independent energy supply in the form of a battery, at least one sensor for detecting certain washing parameters, a control element for sensor-dependent control of the product delivery and an actuator system, which causes the actual product delivery depending on the control by the control element. In this case, the actuator system is actuated electromechanically or by electric motor. A disadvantage of such a metering proves in addition to the complex overall design, the insufficient precise control of the product delivery quantities.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art and to provide a dispensing and metering device that realizes the release of a defined metered amount of a flowable or spreadable product in a simple, controlled manner.

The object is achieved by a dispensing and metering device having the features of claim 1.

Movable in the sense of this application means that the dispensing and metering system is not inseparably connected to a device such as a dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer or the like, but can be removed, for example, from a dishwasher or positioned in a dishwasher.

A significant advantage of the invention is to be seen in the separation of the metering device in a control unit and in a coupled with the control unit container, whereby the control unit can be used flexibly for a variety of applications.

Since the metering device does not use mechanical control elements such as those known from the above-described prior art spring-bimetallic arrangements for product release, the metering device can be miniaturized such that it is critical in applications where the size of the metering device is critical, such as at Dishwasher dosing or toilet flushing, can be used.

In the metering device necessary for the operation of the metering energy source, a control unit, a sensor unit and at least actuator and dispenser is integrated. Preferably, the dosing device consists of a splash-proof housing, that the penetration of splashing water, as it may occur, for example, when using the dosing device according to the invention in a dishwasher, prevented in the interior of the dosing.

In order to ensure operation at elevated temperatures, as occur, for example, in individual washing cycles of a dishwasher, the dosing device can be formed from materials which are dimensionally stable up to a temperature of 120 ° C.

Since the preparations to be dosed may have a pH between 2 and 12, depending on the intended use, all components of the dosing device which come into contact with the preparations should have a corresponding acid and / or alkali resistance. Furthermore, these components should be replaced by a suitable choice of materials be largely chemically inert, for example against nonionic surfactants, enzymes and / or fragrances.

It is particularly advantageous, in particular to shed the energy source, 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 encapsulation is the encapsulation of the components in a suitably designed, moisture-proof housing.

container

A container in the sense of this application is understood to mean a packaging material which is suitable for wrapping or holding together flowable or dispersible preparations and which can be coupled to a control device for dispensing the preparation.

In particular, a container can also comprise a plurality of chambers which can be filled with different compositions from each other. It is also conceivable that a plurality of containers to a unit, for example, a cartridge is arranged.

According to the invention it is provided that the container has at least one outlet opening, which is arranged such that a gravity-induced product release from the container in the position of use of the delivery system can be effected. As a result, no further funding for the release of product from the container is required, whereby the Structure of the metering device simple and the manufacturing cost can be kept low.

Furthermore, according to the invention, at least one second container is provided for receiving at least one second flowable or spreadable product, wherein the second container has at least one outlet opening, which is arranged such that a gravitational product release is effected from the second container in the use position of the dispensing system. The arrangement of a second container is particularly advantageous if in the separate containers 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 containers are provided in the dispensing and metering system. In particular, one of the containers may be designed to deliver fragrance to the environment.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the containers are integrally formed. As a result, the containers can be inexpensively formed in a production step, in particular by means of suitable blow molding processes. The containers can in this case be connected to one another, for example, by webs or material bridges.

However, it is also conceivable that the containers are formed in several pieces, so that at least one container, preferably all containers, can be removed individually from the metering device or inserted into the metering device. This makes it possible, with a different levels of consumption of a product from a container to replace an already emptied container, while the rest, which may still be filled with product, remain in the metering unit. Thus, a targeted and needs-based refilling the individual containers or their products can be achieved.

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

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

The containers may have the same or different filling volumes. In a two container configuration, the ratio of container volumes is preferably 5: 1, and in a three container configuration it is preferably 4: 1: 1, which configurations are particularly suitable for use in dishwashers.

According to the invention, a dosing chamber is also arranged in or on a container in the flow direction of the product in front of the outlet opening. The dosing chamber determines the amount of product that is to be released to the environment during the release of product from the container. This is Particularly advantageous if the dispenser of the dosing unit, which causes the product delivery from the container to the environment, only in a dispensing and a closure state without control of the dispensing amount can be added. The metering chamber then ensures that a predefined amount of product is released without immediate feedback of the amount of product dispensed.

The metering chamber may be formed integrally with the container or in several pieces.

It may be advantageous to mold the metering chambers in one piece with the container, whereby a cost-effective production of container and metering chamber is achieved by an integral manufacturing step.

However, there are also applications conceivable in which a simple and variable setting of different metering ratios between the different preparations is desired. For this purpose, it is advantageous to form the metering chambers and the container in two pieces.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, one or more containers each have a liquid-tight sealable container opening. Through this container opening, it is possible, for example, to refill stored in this container product.

However, a refill of a container can also be perceived by the user as being inconvinient. However, to allow multiple use of the control unit, the control unit may also be releasably connected to one or more of the containers. In particular, snap-in or snap-in connections are preferred.

Preferably, the volume ratio formed from the overall volume of the metering device and the filling volume of the container <1, more preferably <0.1, particularly preferably <0.05. This ensures that, for a given total construction volume of metering device and container, the overwhelming portion of the construction volume is taken up by the container and the preparation contained therein.

The container usually has a filling volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, more preferably <250 ml, very particularly preferably <50 ml.

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

The dosing unit can in particular be adapted to the geometries of the devices on or in which they are used in order to ensure the least possible loss of useful volume.

To use the dosing unit in dishwashers, it is particularly advantageous to mold the dosing unit in accordance with dishes to be cleaned in dishwashers. For example, the dosing unit can be plate-shaped, approximately in the dimensions of a plate. As a result, the metering unit can be positioned to save space in the lower basket. Furthermore, the correct positioning of the dosing unit opens up to the user intuitively through the plate-like shape.

It is the same considerations out, it is also conceivable to form the dosing in cup form.

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

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

Another way to reduce the effect of heat on a product in a container is to isolate the container by suitable means, e.g. by the use of heat-insulating materials such as Styrofoam, which enclose the container in a suitable manner, in whole or in part.

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

Thus, for example, it is conceivable that the container containing a heat-sensitive product is partially or completely enclosed by at least one further container filled with a product, this product and container functioning as thermal insulation for the enclosed container in this configuration. This means that a first container containing a heat-sensitive product is partially or completely enclosed by at least one further container filled with a product, so that the heat-sensitive product in the first container has a slower temperature rise when the environment is heated than the products in the surrounding containers.

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

In particular, it is advantageous that at least one product stored in an enclosing container 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 invention is particularly suitable for dimensionally stable containers such as cups, cans, cartridges, cartridges, bottles, canisters, cans, boxes, drums or tubes, but can also be used for flexible containers such as bags or sacks, in particular if they are in accordance with the bag. be used in-bottle principle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container has an RFID tag that contains at least information about the contents of the container and that can be read by the sensor unit.

This information can be used to select a dosing program stored in the 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 label or an RFID label with a false or faulty identifier, no dosage is carried out by the metering device and instead an optical or acoustic signal is generated that the user to the present Error indicates.

In order to prevent misuse of the container, the containers 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 containers of a particular type can be coupled to the metering device. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible for information about the container coupled to the dosing device to be transmitted to the control unit, as a result of which control of the dosing device coordinated with the contents of the corresponding container can take place.

The delivery ports of the containers, which may be coupled to one or more dispensers for controlled delivery of product, are preferably one Line arranged, whereby a slender, plate-shaped design of the dispenser is enabled.

In a pot-shaped or cup-shaped design of the container or its cup-shaped or cup-shaped grouping, however, it may also be advantageous to arrange the discharge openings of the container in a circular arc.

sensor

For the purposes of this application, a sensor is a measuring sensor or measuring 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 has at least one sensor that 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 also conceivable for a temperature-dependent viscosity curve of at least one preparation to be deposited in the control unit, wherein the dosage is adjusted by the control unit according to 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.

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

energy

For the purposes of this application is understood as an energy source, a component of the metering device, which is expedient to provide a self-sufficient operation of the metering suitable energy.

Preferably, the energy source provides electrical energy. The energy source may be, for example, a battery, a power supply, solar cells or the like.

It is particularly advantageous to make the energy source replaceable, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.

However, it is also conceivable to form mechanical energy sources consisting of one or more coil spring, torsion spring or torsion bar spring, spiral spring, air spring / gas spring and / or elastomer spring.

In particular, batteries and accumulators can be provided as the electrical energy source.

For example, a battery may be selected from the group of alkaline manganese batteries, zinc carbon batteries, nickel oxyhydroxide batteries, lithium batteries, lithium iron sulfide batteries, zinc air batteries, zinc chloride batteries, Mercury oxide zinc batteries and / or silver oxide zinc batteries.

Lead accumulators (lead dioxide / lead), nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, alkaline manganese batteries, silver-zinc batteries, nickel batteries, etc. Hydrogen batteries, zinc bromine batteries, sodium nickel chloride batteries and / or nickel-iron batteries.

The accumulator may in particular be designed in such a way that it can be recharged by induction.

Furthermore, means for energy conversion can be provided in or on the dosing unit, which generate a voltage by means of which the accumulator is charged. For example, these means may be designed as a dynamo, which is driven by the water flows during a rinse cycle in a dishwasher and emits the voltage thus generated to the accumulator.

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 which it processes 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 are stored on the microprocessor, which can be selected and executed according to the container coupled to the dosing device.

The control unit has, in a preferred embodiment, no connection to the possibly existing control of the household appliance. Accordingly, no information, in particular electrical 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 position a sensor on or in a dishwasher, preferably on or at the dosing chamber embedded in the door of the dishwasher, which wirelessly transmits a signal to the dosing unit when the control of the dosing unit Domestic appliance causes the dosage, for example, a detergent from the metering chamber or rinse aid.

Frequently, such dosing chambers are actuated in dishwashers by magnetic actuators, so that the opening of the dosing chamber is to be detected, for example, by a Hall sensor.

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

The call of the corresponding program is carried out, as described above, by appropriate RFID label or geometrical information carrier formed on the container. Thus, it is possible, for example, to use the same control unit for a plurality of applications, for example for metering detergent in dishwashers, for dispensing perfumes in room fragrancing, for applying cleaning substances to a toilet bowl, etc.

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.

actuator

For the purposes of this application, an actuator is a device which converts an input quantity into a different output quantity and with which an object is moved or whose movement is generated, the actuator being such coupled with at least one dispenser, that indirectly or directly the release of product from at least one of the containers 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 drives, 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.

The carriage described at the outset or else the magnetic element for actuating the dispenser is preferably arranged between the container openings in a configuration of the metering element with two containers in the rest or initial position. As a result, the operation of the dispenser can be realized solely by the change of the drive direction.

donor

For the purposes of this application, a dispenser is a component that acts on the actuator and that as a result of this action causes the opening or the closure of the product discharge opening of the container.

For example, the dispenser may be valves that may be brought into a product dispensing position or closed position by the actuator.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the embodiment of the dispenser and the actuator in the form of a solenoid valve, wherein the dispenser are configured by the valve and the actuator by the electromagnetic or piezoelectric drive of the solenoid valve. In particular, when using a plurality of containers and thus to be metered substances, 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 delivery of product from each product delivery port of a container to a solenoid valve by the solenoid valve directly or indirectly determining the release of product from the product delivery port.

indicator

An indicator in the sense of this application is an element arranged on the dosing device which is suitable for achieving or leaving certain physical, chemical, electrical or mechanical states to visually, acoustically and / or haptically indicate to a user in the metering device or its surroundings.

For example, an indicator in the form of a luminous means, such as an LED, or acoustic signal transmitter can be provided for monitoring the voltage of a battery.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide an indicator for level monitoring of the container, in particular when the container is opaque.

The dispensing and metering device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in dishwashers. However, it is also conceivable to use the dispensing and dosing unit in any other applications in which a controlled release of active ingredient is desired, such as in washing machines, clothes dryers, fragrance dispensers, toilet cleaning and / or disinfecting devices or the like.

• Fig. 1
  Figur 1 zeigt ein schematisches Blockschaltbild der Dosiereinheit 1. Die Dosiereinheit 1 besteht aus dem Steuergerät 2 sowie einen mit dem Steuergerät 2 koppelbaren Behälter 3. Innerhalb des Steuergerätes 2 ist mindestens eine Energiequelle 6, optional ein oder mehrere Bedienelemente 7, wenigstens ein Sensor 8, eine Steuereinheit 9, ein Aktuator 10, optional ein Indikator 11 sowie ein Spender 12 angeordnet.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing illustrating only embodiments. In this case, particularly preferred embodiments and particularly preferred combinations of features are further described in detail. Show it:

• Fig. 1
  FIG. 1 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the dosing unit 1. The dosing unit 1 consists of the control unit 2 and a container 3 which can be coupled to the control unit 2. Within the control unit 2 is at least one energy source 6, optionally one or more control elements 7, at least one sensor 8, a control unit 9, an actuator 10, optionally an indicator 11 and a dispenser 12 are arranged.

The control unit 2 is enclosed by a housing, so that the housing interior is protected from the entry of moisture.

The sensor 8 is connected to the control unit 9. It can, depending on the nature of the sensor 8, be fed from the energy source 6 with the energy possibly required to operate the sensor 8. The signals of the sensor 8 are transmitted to the control unit 9.

The control unit 9, which is preferably designed as a programmable microprocessor and may have various retrievable programs forms from the sensor information manipulated variables, which are forwarded to the actuator 10. The control unit 9 is powered by the power source 6, which is a battery or accumulator, with electrical voltage.

The actuator 10 actuated by the control unit 9 converts the control signals of the control unit 9 into a movement which causes actuation of the dispenser 12 to release product from the container 3 or to close the container 3. The eventual necessary energy receives the actuator 10 from the power source. 6

To control the operating state of the control unit 2, the actuator 10 and / or the control unit 9 may be connected to an indicator 11. The indicator 11 indicates operating states of the control unit 2 in a visual acoustic or other perceptible manner.

The control unit 2 can be operated or controlled by one or more control elements 7 by a user. The controls 7 may be formed, for example, program selector switch for selecting a corresponding control program in the control unit 9 or as an on-off switch for the control unit 2.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the dosing unit 1 consisting of the container 3 and the control unit 2. As out FIG. 2 As can be seen, the container 3 is constructed from two individual containers 3a and 3b. The inner of this container 3b is enclosed by the outer container 3a. In the interior of the container 3b is a product 4b, which has a greater heat sensitivity than the product 4a in the outer container 3a.

With this configuration, the outer container 3a with the preparation 4a stored in the container 3a forms insulation which protects the inner container 3b from thermal influences. On the bottom side, both containers 3a and 3b each have an outlet opening 5a and 5b. By the bottom-side arrangement of the discharge opening 5a and 5b, a gravity-induced release of the products 4a and 4b from the containers 3a and 3b is possible.

The discharge ports 5a and 5b of the container 3 are coupled to the inlet ports 13a and 13b of the controller 2. The discharge opening 5a and 5b and the inlet opening 13a and 13b are configured in such a way that forms a liquid-tight connection between the openings, which prevents unintentional leakage of the products 4a and 4b from the container 3 coupled to the control unit 2.

Furthermore, the dispensing opening and the inlet opening 13 may provide means opening the first time the container 3 in the control unit 2 at the discharge openings 5a and 5b arranged tamper-evident closures (not shown). To secure the container 3 in the control unit 2 can further be formed snap, detent or plug connections.

Within the control unit 2 is a power source 6. The power source 6 may be formed in particular as an electrical energy source, for example as a battery or accumulator. The electrical energy source 6 is connected to the sensor 8, the control unit 9, and the actuator 10 and supplies these components with an electrical voltage. By the Operating element 7, the voltage supply of the battery to the electrical loads can be interrupted.

The sensor 8 is connected to the control unit 9, wherein the control unit 9 is in turn connected to the actuator 10. The actuator 10 in turn is connected to the two dispensers 12a and 12b. As in FIG. 2 The dispensers 12a and 12b can be designed as pumping elements, for example in the form of microdosing pumps or solenoid valves.

The product release from the containers 3a, 3b takes place through the dispensers 12a and 12b controlled by the control unit 9. The products 4a and 4b are discharged to the environment in the dispensing position of the dispensers 12a, 12b from the outlet openings 14a and 14b.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the container 3. The inner container 3c is enclosed by a second container 3b, wherein the second container 3b in turn is enclosed by an outer container 3a. Thus, an arrangement of the containers 3a, 3b, 3c similar to a Matroschkaprinzip of nested containers results. With this arrangement, the heat-sensitive product 4c is stored in the inner container 3c. The filled with the product 4b and 4a container 3a and 3b thus serve again as heat insulation. At the bottom of the containers, the product discharge ports 5a to 5c are arranged.

A further embodiment of the invention is in FIG. 4 displayed. The inner container 3c is enclosed by the cross-sectional profile L-shaped containers 3a and 3b. The outer containers 3a, 3b are fixed against each other by suitably selected fastening means. In particular, the Behälteranorndung can be held together by a sleeve.

The release mechanism for discharging product from the container 3 to the environment is shown in FIG FIG. 5 displayed. The release mechanism consists of the Actuator 10 and the dispenser 12. The actuator in turn consists of a bidirectional rotating motor 16 which is coupled to a transmission 17. The gear 17 is designed as a worm drive, to which the carriage 18 is coupled. By transmitted to the worm drive 17 rotational movement of the motor 16, the carriage 18 can be moved linearly and parallel to the drive axis back and forth.

The dispenser 12 is constructed from a piston 19, at the upper end of which a first sealing element 22 is located. A second sealing element 21 is secured to the piston rod at a distance therefrom. In the illustrated closure position of the dispenser 12, the sealing member 21 closes the product discharge opening of the container 3 in a sealed manner, the sealing member 22 releasing the dispensing opening 5 so that the product can flow from the container 3 into the dispensing chamber 15 located below. The tight interference fit of Dichtungslementes 21 in this position closure is effected by the spring element 20.

In the dispensing position of the dispenser 12, as in FIG. 6 is shown, the carriage 18 of the actuator is positioned below the piston and lifts it against the spring force of the spring member 20 upwards, so that the sealing member 22 closes the discharge opening 5, whereby a running of product from the container 3 into the metering chamber 15 is prevented and the sealing member 21 releases the product discharge opening for delivery of product to the environment.

Another possible embodiment of a product release mechanism is in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 shown. In this case, instead of a carriage 18, the actuator 10 has a magnetic element 24, wherein the actuator 10 is completely enclosed by a housing. On the piston 19 of the dispenser 12, a Gleichpoliges magnetic element 23 is also arranged. The two magnetic elements 23 and 24 are configured in such a way that the piston rod 19 against the spring force of the spring element 20 with the sealing element 22nd is pressed tightly against the discharge opening 5, as soon as the magnetic element 24 is moved by the gear 17 below the magnetic element 23. By means of this magnetic coupling of actuator 10 and dispenser 12, it is possible to realize a non-contact operative connection of these two components and to enclose the actuator completely, in particular in a liquid-tight manner in a housing.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The metering chamber 15 is in this case subdivided by the wall 25 into the two metering chamber regions 15a and 15b. In the first metering chamber section 15a, a first dispensing arrangement 12 is arranged, in the closed position as shown in FIG FIG. 9 is shown, the discharge opening 5 releases, while the outlet opening of the Dosierkammerabschnitts 15a is closed by the first donor element 12a.

In this position, product flows from the container 3 through the discharge opening 5 in the first Dosierkammerabschnitt 15a, wherein after exceeding a level height corresponding to the height of the wall 25, the product also flows into the Dosierkammerabschnitt 15b. Thus, at the end of this process, both chambers 15a and 15b are filled with product.

If now the carriage is moved by the gear arrangement 17 under the first dispenser arrangement 12a and the dispenser is thus brought into a product dispensing position, product first flows out of the dosing chamber section 15a into the environment. The dosing chamber 15b initially remains filled with the product. If the carriage subsequently continues to be moved under the dispenser arrangement 12b so that it too is brought into a product discharge position, product subsequently also flows out of the chamber 15b to the environment. By this configuration, in particular a simple time-delayed release of a product from the container 3 is possible.

In FIG. 10 is a flowchart for an executable in the control unit 9 program reproduced. This program sequence is particularly suitable when using a single container 3, wherein the control unit 9 is connected to only one sensor 8. In the control unit 9, a sensor triggering threshold is stored, at which point the control unit 9 generates a signal for switching on the actuator 10. The actuator 10 remains in the on state until a predefined actuator position 1 is reached. In this actuator position 1, for example, the delivery of product from the container by means of the dispenser 12 may be effected. The actuator is held in this position until a predefined manipulated variable, for example, time temperature, volume flow, etc. is reached. After reaching this manipulated variable, the actuator is turned on again by the control unit 9 and moves into an actuator position 2. In this actuator 2, the delivery of product to the environment by the dispenser 12 is prevented. Subsequently, a control signal for switching off the actuator is generated by the control unit and checked again whether the predefined sensor triggering threshold is reached.

In FIG. 11 is a schematic program flow for a configuration of the dosing unit 1 with a container and two mutually different sensors 8, which are connected to the control unit 9, shown. In the control unit 9, a first sensor 1 trip threshold and a second sensor 2 trip threshold are stored. The program flow stored in the control unit 9 is now configured in such a way that a signal for switching on the actuator is generated when the first sensor1 triggering threshold value is reached and when the second sensor2 triggering threshold value is reached. The following program flow chart is with the FIG. 10 known program sequence identical.

For a configuration of the dosing unit 1 with two different containers and a sensor connected to the control unit, a corresponding program sequence is in FIG. 12 displayed. In the control unit 9 is a first Sensor trip threshold1 and a second sensor trip threshold2 are stored. When the first sensor triggering threshold value 1 is reached, the control unit 9 generates a signal for switching on the actuator 10. The actuator is moved into a first actuator position 1 and held in this position in accordance with a predefined manipulated variable before the actuator is switched on again and into a second actuator position 2 is moved. If a second sensor Auslöseschwellenwert2 is reached, the actuator is moved by an appropriately generated signal of the control unit 9 from the actuator position 2 in an actuator position 3. There it is held until a predefined manipulated variable is reached. Subsequently, the actuator is turned on again until it has gone into an actuator 4.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Further embodiments are possible without departing from the scope defined in the claims.

reference numeral

1. 1 dosing unit
2. 2 control unit
3. 3 containers
4. 4 product
5. 5 discharge opening
6. 6 energy source
7. 7 control element
8. 8 sensor
9. 9 control unit
10. 10 actuator
11. 11 indicator
12. 12 donors
13. 13 inlet opening
14. 14 outlet opening
15. 15 dosing chamber
16. 16 engine
17. 17 gears
18. 18 sleds
19. 19 pistons
20. 20 spring element
21. 21 sealing element
22. 22 sealing element
23. 23 magnetic element
24. 24 magnetic elements
25. 25 wall

Claims (14)

1. A mobile dispensing and dosing system (1), in particular for preparations containing a washing and cleaning agent, comprising

   • at least two containers (3a, 3b), particularly preferably three containers (3a, 3b, 3c), for receiving flowable or dispersible products (4a, 4b, 4c) that are different from one another,

   - preparations that usually cannot be stably stored together being stored in the containers which are separate from one another,

   - and the containers (3a, 3b, 3c) each having a dispensing orifice (5a, 5b, 5c), which is arranged in such a way that a gravity-induced release of the product from the particular container is brought about in the use position of the dispensing system (1),

   • a control device (2) which can be coupled to the dispensing orifices (5a, 5b, 5c) of the containers (3a, 3b, 3c) and controls dosing and release of at least the flowable or dispersible products (4a, 4b, 4c) from the containers (3a, 3b, 3c) into the environment, said control device comprising

   - at least one sensor (8) which detects physical and/or chemical properties and/or the material composition of its environment either qualitatively or quantitatively as a measured variable,

   - a control unit (9) which converts signals from the sensor (8) by means of at least one control program stored in the control unit (9) into at least one control signal which can be used for an actuator (10),

   - an actuator (10) which converts a control signal from the control unit (9) into a different type of output variable, by means of which output variable an object (12, 18, 24) moves or movement of the object is induced,

   - at least one dispenser (12) on which the actuator (10) either indirectly or directly acts, a dispensing orifice (5a, 5b, 5c) of one of the containers (3a, 3b, 3c) being opened or closed as a result of this action, and

   - at least one energy source (6) which supplies at least the control unit (9) and the actuator (10) with a suitable form of energy,

   characterized in that a dosing chamber (15) is arranged on at least one of the containers (3a, 3b, 3c), upstream of the outlet opening of the dosing device in the flow direction of the product, the amount of product that is intended to be dispensed into the environment when product is released from the container (3a, 3b, 3c) being determined by the dosing chamber (15), and in that the dispenser (12) and the actuator (10) are formed as a solenoid valve.
2. The dispensing and dosing system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the containers (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to dispense fragrance into the environment.
3. The dispensing and dosing system according one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the containers (3a, 3b, 3c) are formed in one piece.
4. The dispensing and dosing system according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the containers (3a, 3b, 3c) are formed in multiple pieces.
5. The dispensing and dosing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the dosing chamber (15) is formed in one piece with the container (3a, 3b, 3c).
6. The dispensing and dosing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the dosing chamber (15) is formed in two pieces or multiple pieces with the container (3a, 3b, 3c).
7. The dispensing and dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first container (3b, 3c), which contains a heat-sensitive product (4b, 4c), is surrounded in part or completely by at least one further container (3a, 3b), which is filled with a product (4a, 4b), completely or in part such that the heat-sensitive product (4b, 4c) in the first container (3b, 3c) exhibits a slower rise in temperature when the environment is heated than the products (4a, 4b) in the surrounding containers (3a, 3b).
8. The dispensing and dosing system according to claim 7, characterized in that the product (4a) or the products (4a, 4b) in the surrounding container (3a) or surrounding containers (3a, 3b) exhibits or exhibit a thermal conductivity of 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.
9. The dispensing and dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of the sensors (8) is selected from the group of timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, temperature sensors, movement sensors, expansion 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, gradient sensors, pH sensors, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall-effect sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and/or MEMS sensors.
10. The dispensing and dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy source (6) is formed as an electrical energy source, in particular as a battery or accumulator.
11. The dispensing and dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (9) comprises a programmable microprocessor.
12. The dispensing and dosing system according to claim 11, characterized in that a plurality of dosing programs are stored on the microprocessor and can be selected and executed according to the container coupled to the dosing device.
13. A system comprising a domestic appliance and the dispensing and dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is coupled to an existing control unit of the domestic appliance.
14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit is wirelessly coupled to the existing control unit of the domestic appliance.

Images