EP3728719A1

EP3728719A1 - Device comprising a core and a housing having a first and a second casing element

Info

Publication number: EP3728719A1
Application number: EP18826234.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Arnd Kessler; Lars Zuechner; Robert RUIZ HERNANDEZ
Original assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Current assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date: 2017-12-19
Filing date: 2018-12-13
Publication date: 2020-10-28
Also published as: CN111212942A; DE102017223218A1; US20200385912A1; WO2019121295A1; KR20200096840A; CN111212942B

Abstract

The invention relates to, inter alia, a device (12, 210, 220) for use in a household appliance (11), said device (12, 210, 220) comprising a core (212, 222) having at least one dispensing module (213, 223) which is configured to release at least one preparation into the treatment chamber (111) of the household appliance (11) and/or to trigger a dispensing, and comprising a housing (211, 221), wherein the housing (211, 221) is configured to be positioned in a treatment chamber (111) of a household appliance (11), wherein the housing (211, 221) has a first (214, 224) and a second casing element (215, 225), wherein the first casing element (214, 224) is formed of a first material and the second casing element (215, 225) is formed of a second material, and wherein the housing (211, 221) at least partially surrounds the core (212, 222).

Description

An apparatus comprising a core and a housing having first and second sheath members

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a device for use in a household appliance, in particular in a washing machine, in a dishwasher, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer, the device comprising a core and a housing, which has a first and a second casing element.

Background of the invention

Devices are known in the art for operating or controlling operation of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, clothes dryers or washing dryers. However, it has proved to be problematic that the devices are not sufficiently protected against the environmental influences acting on them during use in household appliances, that the household appliances during the

Damage to the use of the devices, and that the devices due to adverse interactions with household appliances, such as household goods, textiles, crockery and / or cutlery, during use in

Home appliances do not work optimally.

General description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

An object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to improve, for example, the result to be achieved with a household appliance with respect to the above-mentioned problems and thereby avoid damage to the devices and household appliances as well as a reliable and constant functioning of the devices used to ensure. According to the invention there is disclosed a device for use in a household appliance, the device comprising: a core comprising at least one dispensing module adapted to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment room of the household appliance and / or to effect dispensing; a housing, wherein the housing is adapted to be positioned in a treatment room of a household appliance, wherein the housing has a first and a second sheath member, wherein the first sheath member of a first material and the second sheath member of a second material is formed, and wherein the housing is at least partially enclosing the core. For example, the housing may be configured such that at least one means, for example the output module, enclosed by the core is not enclosed by the housing. For example, in this case, the dispensing module may be arranged with solid, liquid and / or gaseous substances (eg with water), in particular in a treatment room of a household appliance (eg

Washing machine), to get in touch.

The device according to the invention is, for example, a metering device for dispensing a preparation comprising treatment agents, fragrances, detergents and / or cleaning agents.

According to the invention, a system comprising at least one device according to the invention is also disclosed, the system further comprising at least one household appliance, for example a washing machine, a dishwasher, a tumble dryer and / or a washer-dryer. The system according to the invention may comprise further devices and / or means, for example means for establishing and operating a communication connection and / or a

Server device. Here, a server device is to be understood as meaning a single server as well as a plurality of servers operatively connected to one another, such as a server cloud.

In addition, a use of at least one device according to the invention in a domestic appliance, in particular in a washing machine, in a dishwasher, is disclosed

Tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer.

Means of the device according to the invention and of the system according to the invention can

Hardware and / or software components include. By way of example, the means may comprise at least one memory with program instructions of a computer program and at least one processor designed to execute program instructions from the at least one memory.

Alternatively or additionally, the means may further comprise one or more sensor modules and / or one or more communication interfaces. A sensor module is set up, for example, at least one characteristic of the state of the treatment room of the household appliance and / or the device

To determine sensor information. Such a sensor information may be, for example, at least one parameter of a movement (in particular speed and / or acceleration, in particular of the device and / or the housing and / or the

Treatment space), the conductivity (for example, a substance in the treatment room such as water and / or a washing or cleaning solution or liquor) and / or the temperature, for example the temperature in the treatment room and / or the temperature of a substance located in the treatment room (eg water ) act. Accordingly, the sensor module may include one or more sensors, which for the detection of a

characteristic sensor information are set up, for example a

Accelerometer, a conductivity sensor and / or a

Temperature sensor (for example, a thermocouple). Under a sensor is on

for example, a mechanical sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) and / or an optical sensor (e.g., a CCD sensor). In addition to an optical sensor, the sensor module may further comprise a light generating means configured to generate light in the visible and / or invisible region. An example of a light generating means is one

Light emitting diode (LED).

Under a communication interface, for example, a wireless

Communication interface and / or a wired communication interface are understood.

A wireless communication interface is, for example, a communication interface according to a wireless communication technique. An example of a wireless

Communication technology is a local radio network technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and / or Near Field Communication (NFC) and / or Bluetooth (eg Bluetooth Version 2.1 and / or 4.0) and / or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). For example, RFID and NFC are specified in accordance with ISO standards 18000, 11784/11785 and ISO / IEC standards 14443-A and 15693. The Bluetooth specifications are currently available on the Internet at www.bluetooth.org. For example, WLAN is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.11 family. Another example of a wireless communication technology is an over-the-air radio network technology, for example a mobile radio technology, for example Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and / or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and / or Long Term Evolution (LTE). The GSM, UMTS and LTE specifications are maintained and developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and are currently available on the Internet at www.3gpp.com, among others. A wired communication interface is for example a

Communication interface according to a wired communication technology. Examples of a wired communication technology are a local area network (LAN) and / or a bus system, for example a controller area network bus (CAN bus) and / or a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the CAN bus is specified according to the ISO standard ISO 1898. For example, LAN is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.3 family. It will be appreciated that the dispensing module may also include other unlisted means.

In the following, the features of the device according to the invention, of the system according to the invention and of the use according to the invention are described - in part by way of example.

Under a household appliance in particular a washing machine and / or a

Dishwasher, especially a (laundry and / or washing) dryer and / or an ironing device understood. Corresponding household appliances may have a treatment room which is adapted to receive items such as household goods, textiles, crockery and / or cutlery and to undergo treatment within the treatment room, for example a cleaning, drying and / or ironing.

For example, the treatment room on an inner wall, within which the

Device can be positioned. In particular, the housing is adapted to be positioned in the treatment room of the household appliance within the inner wall.

The device according to the invention has a core. By the core is meant, for example, that portion of the device (e.g., imaginary) that is in the center (e.g., in the spatial center) of the device. For example, the core is the area within the housing. For example, the core is in contact with the housing of the device, for example, in direct or indirect contact. For example, one or more means of the device are arranged in the core. For example, the core is formed as a structural unit in which one or more means of the device are arranged. For example, the core has an outer shell, in particular an outer shell formed from a plastic.

The core comprises at least one dispensing module, which is set up to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment chamber of the household appliance and / or to effect an output. For example, the dispensing module may be an agent of the device. By dispensing a preparation, for example comprising washing and / or cleaning agents, it should be understood, for example, that the preparation is dispensed to the surroundings of the dispensing module and / or a storage container for the preparation. The output occurs, for example, through the output module. Alternatively or additionally, the For example, the dispensing module causes the preparation to be dispensed through the storage container. For example, the preparation is dispensed through an outlet opening of the dispensing module and / or the storage container to the environment of the dispensing module and / or the storage container.

The reservoir is designed, for example, to receive a preparation (for example a certain amount of a detergent and / or cleaner). For example, the storage container has one or more storage chambers for receiving the preparation. If the

Storage tank having a plurality of pantries, for example, each of the pantries may contain a different preparation as another detergent and / or detergent and / or another detergent and / or detergent mixture. The reservoir may be formed, for example, in a certain spatial form (e.g., cubic, spherical, and / or plate-like). The reservoir can be formed, for example, at least partially dimensionally stable. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the storage container may be designed to be at least partially flexible, for example as a flexible packaging means (for example as a tube and / or as a bag). It is understood that the storage container can also be designed as an at least partially flexible container which is surrounded by an at least partially dimensionally stable receptacle, for example as a bag in an essentially dimensionally stable frame.

The preparation, in particular a washing and / or cleaning agent, for example, in solid, liquid, and / or gaseous form contained in the reservoir. For example, the preparation is a pure substance and / or a mixture of substances. A solid preparation such as a washing and / or cleaning agent may be contained for example as a powder, as a tablet and / or as a tab in the reservoir. A liquid preparation, for example an aqueous or non-aqueous preparation, may for example be contained in the reservoir as a gel, as a concentrated and / or as a dilute solution. It is understood that the preparation of the preparation as a foam, as a rigid foam, as an emulsion, as a suspension and / or as an aerosol in the

Reservoir may be included. Non-exhaustive examples of preparations or

Detergents and / or cleaning agents and / or their ingredients are one or more components from a group of components comprising surfactants, alkalis, builders, grayness inhibitors, optical brighteners, enzymes, bleaches, soil release polymers, fillers, plasticizers, fragrances, dyes , Care substances, acids, starch, isomalt, sugar, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, carboxymethylcellulose, polyetherimide, silicone derivatives and / or

Polymethylimine. Other non-limiting example ingredients are bleach activators, chelants, builders, electrolytes, non-aqueous solvents, pH adjusters,

Perfume carriers, fluorescers, hydrotropes, silicone oils, bentonites, anti-redeposition agents, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-crease agents, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, Bittering agents, ironing aids, repellents or impregnating agents, swelling or slip-resistant agents and / or UV absorbers.

The storage container is connected, for example, to the dispensing module and / or connectable. Preferably, the reservoir is releasably connected to the output module and / or releasably connectable. A releasable connection is for example a compound in which the

Reservoir and the output module can be connected and disconnected non-destructively. For example, more than one storage container are connected and / or connectable to the dispensing module at the same time. For example, the reservoir may be mechanically connected to the dispensing module and / or connectable. For example, the output module and the

Reservoir corresponding connecting means for establishing a connection between the reservoir and the output module. The connection can be for example

be form-fitting, for example in the form of a latching mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the connection may be non-positive, for example in the form of a screwed and / or Velcro connection. Furthermore, alternatively, the compound may be cohesive, for example in the form of a

Bond.

In particular, the reservoir is part of the core and / or comprises of the core. Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir is arranged, for example, outside the core.

For example, the reservoir of the housing at least partially, in particular completely, enclosed.

Furthermore, the connection between the reservoir and the output module for

Transport of the preparation of the reservoir into the output module serve. For example, the connecting means are arranged to produce a liquid-tight, vapor-tight and / or gas-tight connection for transporting the preparation from the storage container into the dispensing module. Exemplary connection means for producing such a connection are a cannula (eg a cannula of the reservoir) and a membrane (eg a membrane of the dispensing module), self-sealing plug and / or screw connections, sealed plug and / or screw connections, Luer connectors and / or Luer couplings.

If more than one storage container is connected to the dispensing module at the same time and / or connectable, the storage containers can alternatively or additionally also be connected to one another and / or connectable. For example, at least those storage containers that are connected to the dispensing module may also be interconnected and / or connectable.

Alternatively or additionally, the core may comprise at least one sensor module, which is set up for at least one for the state of the treatment chamber of the household appliance and / or the device to determine characteristic sensor information. Such sensor information may be, for example, at least one parameter of a movement (in particular speed and / or acceleration, in particular of the device and / or the housing and / or the treatment room), the conductivity (for example, a substance in the treatment room such as water and / or or a washing or

Cleaning solution or liquor) and / or the temperature, for example the temperature in the treatment room and / or the temperature of a substance in the treatment room, such as water. Accordingly, the sensor module may comprise one or more sensors which are set up for the acquisition of a characteristic sensor information,

For example, an accelerometer (accelerometer), a conductivity sensor and / or a temperature sensor (for example, a thermocouple). By a sensor is further understood, for example, a mechanical sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) and / or an optical sensor (e.g., a CCD sensor). In addition to an optical sensor, the sensor module may further comprise a light generating means configured to generate light in the visible and / or invisible region. An example of a light generating means is one

Light emitting diode (LED).

The housing is adapted to be positioned in a treatment room of a household appliance and in particular has a corresponding size, which allows to remove the housing at least partially from the treatment room. In particular, the housing can be positioned loosely and / or without connecting means in the treatment space. For example, the housing in a washing machine or dishwasher together with the objects to be cleaned in the treatment room and / or to remove. The housing of the device may, for example, partially or completely enclose one or more means of the device, for example in addition to the core. For example, the one or more means may be disposed in the core. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more means may be located outside the core, for example, in the event that the housing is not in direct contact with the core.

The housing is in particular a housing of a mobile and / or portable device and / or a housing of a device other than the household appliance. A mobile and / or portable device should be understood, for example, to mean a device whose external dimensions are less than 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm, preferably less than 15 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm. A device other than a domestic appliance is, for example, a device which has no functional connection with the domestic appliance and / or does not represent a part permanently connected to the domestic appliance. For example, under a mobile and / or portable and a household appliance different device for the duration of a treatment process in the washing and / or cleaning area of the household appliance (eg the washing drum of a washing machine) by a user introduced (eg inserted) device can be understood. An example of such a mobile and / or portable as well as a household appliance different device is a metering device and / or

Sensor device, the before the start of the washing process in the washing drum of a

Washing machine is laid. For example, the device according to the invention corresponds to such a metering device and / or sensor device, or the device according to the invention is, for example, part of such a metering device and / or sensor device.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention may comprise, for example, at least one electrochemical energy store, in particular for supplying the output module and / or the sensor module with electrical energy. For example, the at least one electrochemical energy store is disposed within the housing (e.g., within the core).

The housing has a first and a second casing element. For example, a sheath member is intended to mean an element that is at least part of or forms the housing (e.g., the entire housing). For example, at least some or all shell elements together form the housing. For example, in a variety of

The plurality of sheath members envelope the housing (e.g., with a plurality of first and second sheath members).

The first sheath element is made of a first material and the second sheath element is formed of a second material. For example, the first material is a different material from the second material. Exemplary materials include polymers (e.g., elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets), organic materials (e.g., wood), metals, ceramics, and / or glasses. It is understood that different materials differ

Material properties may have. Examples of such material properties are

Material hardness, elasticity, hydrophilicity, lipophilicity, coefficient of friction against other objects (for example household goods, textiles, crockery and / or cutlery), electrical conductivity,

Thermal conductivity and / or specific heat capacity. For example, the first material may be an elastomer (e.g., rubber). For example, the second material may be a thermoset.

Alternatively, the first and the second material may be the same material, which, for example, however, has different material properties (eg the abovementioned material properties). For example, the material properties of such a material may differ depending on a particular treatment (eg, as a result of chemical and / or physical treatment). In the inventive device comprising the housing, the housing having a first and a second casing element, wherein the first casing element is formed of a first material and the second casing element of a second material, it is a particularly advantageous embodiment, the one for the respective application tailor-made design of the housing allows. Thus, for example, by training with a first material that is particularly elastic, an improved damping of the device according to the invention against physical environmental influences are made possible. Such

Training is advantageous, for example, when using the device in one

Household appliance, in which the treatment room moves particularly strongly during use of the device (for example in a washing machine, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer). Due to the improved damping, the device is protected during use in the household appliance from damage, as well

Damage to the household appliance during use of the device according to the invention avoided. At the same time, for example, by training with a second material that is particularly robust against chemical and / or physical environmental influences, high protection of introduced into the household appliance objects (eg textiles) and the avoidance of adverse interactions of the device according to the invention with such objects be enabled. For example, when used in a washing machine, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer dryer by training with such a robust second material entanglement of textiles in the device according to the invention and thus an impairment of the function of the device according to the invention or a

Damage to the textiles can be avoided by the device according to the invention during use. The device according to the invention thus makes it possible, for example, by means of the choice of the first and the second material an optimal balance between the damping of the device according to the invention during use in a washing machine, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer and the protection of the textiles in the

Washing machine, make in the dryer and / or in the washer-dryer and to ensure the full functionality of the device according to the invention.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first one

Casing element designed such that it has sound-absorbing and / or shock-absorbing properties.

Among such properties, for example, such a design of the first

Cover element understood that the device is inhibited in the generation of noise and / or shocks. Such generation can be achieved, for example, by the interaction of the device with the household appliance, in particular during use in the appliance

Household appliance, occur. The generation can be particularly when using the device in a household appliance, in which the treatment room during the use of the device moves particularly strong (eg in a washing machine, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer) occur. A design of the first casing element that it has sound-damping and / or shock-absorbing properties, for example, by the choice of a first material that is particularly elastic and / or has a high damping (eg, an elastomer, in particular a rubber). Alternatively or additionally, the first sheath element may be arranged in the housing such that it is arranged at least at the extreme positions of the housing. By way of example, such extreme positions are to be understood as meaning positions in which there is a high probability of contact with the domestic appliance or with objects introduced into the domestic appliance.

Such a design of the first casing element is particularly advantageous because, on the one hand, damage on the one hand of the device, on the other hand of the household appliance, on the other hand, but also a disturbing noise pollution of the user can be avoided. As a result, in addition to the advantages mentioned above, the

Ease of use can be increased.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second sheath element has a lower coefficient of friction than the first sheath element in relation to objects introduced into the treatment space, in particular household goods, textiles, crockery and / or cutlery. Alternatively or additionally, the second sheath element may have a lower coefficient of friction than the first sheath element with respect to the inner wall of the

Treatment room have. For example, a friction coefficient is understood to mean a dimensionless measure of the friction force in relation to the contact force between two bodies. It is understood that the coefficient of friction can be, for example, a static friction coefficient or a sliding friction coefficient.

For example, the first and the second sheath element each have different

Coefficient of friction compared to introduced into the treatment room objects and / or with respect to the inner wall of the treatment room. For example, the

Coefficient of friction of the respective sheath element (e.g., the first or second

Hull element) in relation to different objects introduced into the treatment space and the inner wall of the treatment space. For example, at least with respect to one type of objects introduced into the treatment space (eg textiles), the second covering element may have a lower coefficient of friction than the first covering element. Alternatively, however, the second sheath element may have a lower coefficient of friction than the one with respect to several types or each type of objects introduced into the treatment space and / or with respect to the inner wall of the treatment space have first shell element. For example, the first material of the first sheath element and the second material of the second sheath element each have a different one

Coefficient of friction compared to introduced into the treatment room objects and / or with respect to the inner wall of the treatment room. For example, the second material has a lower coefficient of friction than in the treatment room

introduced objects and / or with respect to the inner wall of the treatment room as the first material. For example, the first material having, for example, a lower coefficient of friction with respect to objects introduced into the treatment space and / or with respect to the inner wall of the treatment space than the second material, and the second material with an at least partial checkerboard arrangement of the first and second cover elements, for example, evenly distributed over the outer surface of the housing.

By such a design of the second casing element, for example, a particularly high level of protection of the objects introduced into the household appliance can be made possible. Furthermore, for example, the occurrence of adverse interactions of the device with such objects can be avoided.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first material is an elastomer, in particular a rubber, and the second material is a thermoset and / or a

Thermoplastic.

A thermoset is to be understood as meaning a plastic which can not be deformed after being cured by heating or other measures. A thermoplastic is, for example, a plastic that can be reversibly deformed in a certain temperature range. An elastomer is for example a plastic that can be deformed elastically under tensile and / or compressive load, but then returns to its original, undeformed shape. For example, the use of such materials as a first and second material allows a particularly advantageous balance between the damping of the device during use in a household appliance, for example during use in a washing machine, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer, and the protection of the objects introduced into the household appliance, for example textiles. In addition, for example, the occurrence of disadvantageous interactions of the device with such objects can be avoided, and for example as unrestricted as possible

Functionality of the device can be ensured.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing has a plurality of first shell elements and / or a plurality of second shell elements. For example, a multiplicity of first or second casing elements should be understood to mean at least two first and / or second casing elements, preferably at least 10 first and / or second casing elements, particularly preferably at least 100 first and / or second casing elements. For example, the housing may include a plurality of first sheath members and a second sheath member. For example, however, the housing may also have a first casing element and a plurality of second casing elements. In the event that the housing has a plurality of first shell elements and a plurality of second ones

Has shell elements, for example, the number of first and second

Cover elements be different. For example, the housing has more first than second sheath elements or more second than first sheath elements. Alternatively, however, the number of first and second envelope elements can be the same.

Thus, for example, a distribution of first and second envelope elements which is as accurate as possible for the intended use of the device, for example with regard to the respective material properties of the first and the second envelope elements, may be made possible.

In addition, the housing, for example, per unit area of the outer surface of the housing have a first sleeve member and a second sleeve member.

By the outer surface of the housing is meant, for example, that surface of the housing which is located substantially distal to the core. The area unit of the outer surface of the housing may, for example, in the case of a substantially spherical design of the device, for example, be essentially a spherical cap. The outer surface of the housing, for example, in the case of a substantially cuboidal design of the device, be substantially flat. A surface unit may for example be 10 mm × 10 mm, preferably 3 mm × 3 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm × 1 mm. For example, in each case a first and a second envelope element per unit area may be arranged in the housing. In this case, for example, the first and the second casing element can be arranged uniformly per unit area. For example, with a unit area of 10 mm x 10 mm, the first shell element has an area of 5 mm x 10 mm and the second one

Cover element an area of 5 mm x 10 mm. Alternatively, however, the first and the second envelope element may also be arranged unevenly per unit area. For example, with a unit area of 10 mm × 10 mm, the first casing element has an area of 9 mm × 10 mm and the second casing element has an area of 1 mm × 10 mm. An arrangement of first and second sheath members, wherein the housing per unit area of the outer surface of the housing has a first sheath member and a second sheath member, allows, for example an arrangement of first and second shell elements in the same number as possible and ensures the most uniform arrangement of first and second shell elements.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first sheath members and the plurality of second sheath members are uniformly distributed over an outer surface of the housing. For example, the plurality of first shell elements and the plurality of second shell elements may at least partially

be arranged like a checkerboard.

A uniform distribution should be understood, for example, as a uniform planar distribution and / or a uniform spatial distribution. By such

Arrangement, in particular by an at least partially checkerboard-like arrangement, it can be ensured that the first and second envelope elements are distributed as evenly as possible and as possible over the entire device. For example, it may be ensured that the advantages of the material properties of the first material (e.g., damping) and the advantages of the material properties of the second material (e.g.

Coefficient of friction against objects introduced into the treatment room) can be used at any point of the device.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first sheath member and the second sheath member are at least partially in direct contact with the core or the plurality of first sheath members and the plurality of second sheath members are at least partially in direct contact with the core.

Alternatively or additionally, sheath elements (e.g., the first and second sheath members) may, for example, be juxtaposed. For example, a variety of

Sheath members (e.g., a plurality of first and second sheath members) may be evenly distributed side by side (e.g., checkered).

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first one

Casing element or the plurality of first wrapping elements at least partially disposed between the core and the second casing element or the plurality of second casing elements. Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second sheath member or the plurality of second sheath members is at least partially disposed between the core and the first sheath member or the plurality of first sheath members.

For example, a first of a plurality of first shell elements is disposed between the core and a first of a plurality of second shell elements. In this case, you can For example, further shell elements of the plurality of first shell elements may be arranged alternately with further shell elements of the plurality of second shell elements. It is understood that a first of a plurality of second sheath elements may be arranged between the core and a first of a plurality of first sheath elements. Accordingly, for example, further casing elements of the plurality of second casing elements can then be arranged alternately with further casing elements of the plurality of first casing elements.

The first and the second envelope element can be arranged one above the other, for example. For example, the first or the second sheath element may be a shell or a part of a shell, wherein the shell is at least part of the housing or wherein the shell or the entirety of the shells corresponds to the housing. For example, such a shell may at least partially enclose the core. For example, with a plurality of first and second sheath members, one sheath member of the plurality of first and second sheath members may be in direct contact with at least one further sheath member of the plurality of first and second sheath members (eg, at least one adjacent sheath member of the plurality of first and second sheath members) shell elements). For example, each sheath member of the first and second sheath members may each be in direct contact with at least one further sheath member of the first and second sheath members (e.g., at least one adjacent sheath member of the first and second sheath members, respectively). Alternatively, however, at least one casing element of the first and second casing elements may not be in direct contact with another casing element of the first and second casing elements.

For example, adjacent sheath members of the first and second sheath members may be spaced from one another. For example, a cavity may be disposed between two adjacent sheath members of the first and second sheath members (e.g., in the form of an air chamber).

By such a configuration, for example, the material properties of the first and second shell elements can be combined. For example, only one of the first and second sheath elements may form the outer surface of the housing, so that when selecting the

Shell element that does not form the outer surface, for example, in the selection of the respective material no consideration must be taken to adverse interactions with objects introduced into the household appliance.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one air chamber is formed between the first envelope element or the plurality of first envelope elements and the second envelope element or the plurality of second envelope elements, the air chamber having sound-absorbing and / or shock-absorbing properties. By a such training with at least one air chamber, for example, in addition to sound-absorbing and / or shock-absorbing properties of the first and / or second casing element noise-absorbing and / or shock-absorbing properties of the at least one air chamber can be used. For example, the at least one air chamber is at least partially filled with foam and / or gas. By filling with foam and / or gas, the sound-absorbing and / or shock-absorbing properties can be further improved.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing encloses the core in a liquid-tight manner.

For example, the housing encloses the core in such a liquid-tight manner that the core does not come into contact with one or more types of fluids in a treatment room of a device when the device is positioned in a treatment room and in particular during a treatment. For example, the housing encloses the core waterproof.

For example, the core of the device and / or any or all means of the device does not come into contact with water when the device is positioned in a treatment room, for example the treatment room of a washing machine, and in particular during a treatment.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the core comprises at least one reservoir for a preparation.

By way of example, the at least one storage container is at least one of the storage containers disclosed above.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or the second material has biocidal properties. Alternatively or additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing further includes a third sheath member formed of a third material, the third material having biocidal properties.

Biocidal properties are to be understood as meaning those properties which lead to a reduction in the ability to multiply and / or infectious microorganisms (eg bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores) and / or to the killing and / or inactivation of microorganisms. This allows the improvement of hygiene in the use of the device. The housing has, in addition to the first and second sheath members, a third sheath member formed of a third material, the third material having biocidal properties, Thus, a formation of the device with biocidal properties without affecting the selection of the first and / or the second hull element is made possible. For example, this may avoid avoiding having to select the first and / or the second sheath element specifically with regard to their biocidal properties.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device is substantially spherical. Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment, the device is substantially parallelepiped-shaped, in particular with rounded corners and / or with rounded edges.

A spherical design of the device allows a highly symmetrical design of the device, so that, for example, the device during use in the

Household appliance is particularly protected from damage. Similarly, such a design of the device allows a particularly efficient prevention of damage to the household appliance during use of the device according to the invention. A

cuboidal design of the device allows easier handling of the device by the user, for example, when positioning in a treatment room of a household appliance.

The above-disclosed individual embodiments and embodiments of

Device according to the invention, the system according to the invention and the use according to the invention and the individual features of these embodiments and embodiments should also be understood as disclosed in all technically meaningful combinations.

Furthermore, the embodiments and embodiments described above are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.

Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in particular in conjunction with the figures. However, the figures should only serve the purpose of clarification, but not to determine the scope of the invention. The figures are not to scale and are merely intended to exemplify the general concept of the present invention. In particular, features included in the figures should by no means be considered as a necessary part of the present invention. Brief description of the figures In the drawings shows

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention;

Fig. 2a is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a

device according to the invention;

2b is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a

Device according to the invention.

Detailed Description of Some Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention

1 illustrates an exemplary system according to the invention comprising a household appliance 11 and a device 12. The domestic appliance 11 has a treatment space 111, for example a washing machine drum. The device 12 is shown in FIG. 1 as a mobile metering device for dispensing a preparation. Alternatively, the device 12 may also be formed as a stationary device, for example, stationary in the treatment room 11 of the household appliance 11. In Fig. 1, the household appliance 11 and the device 12 are not reproduced to scale, in particular, the device 12 has a size that allows the device 12 to insert into the treatment room 111 of the household appliance 11 and remove again.

The household appliance 11 and the device 12 may, for example, on the

Communication link 100 communicate. For example, the

Communication link 100 connects according to a wireless communication technique. For example, the communication link 100 is a communication link according to a mobile technology. It is understood that the communication link 100 may alternatively be wired. Further, the communication link 100 may also include wired and wireless portions, for example, in any number and order.

FIG. 2 a shows a first exemplary embodiment 210, FIG. 2 b shows a second exemplary embodiment 220 of a device according to the invention. The devices 210 and 220 may correspond, for example, to the device 12 of FIG. 1, respectively. The devices 210 and 220 are shown in section in Figs. 2a and 2b. Exemplary are the devices 210 and 220 each spherical. The device 210 comprises by way of example a housing 211 and a core 212, the device 220 a housing 221 and a core 222. The core 212 is partially enclosed by the housing 21 1, the core 222 by the housing 221, for example. The housings 211 and 221 are respectively adapted to be in the treatment space 111 of the

Household appliance 1 1 to be positioned.

The core 212 includes an output module 213. The core 212 also includes, for example, a reservoir 216. The reservoir 216 is exemplarily detachably connected to the dispensing module 213. For example, the housing 211 has a recess in the region of the output module 213. For example, the core 212 is not in direct contact with the housing 211 in the region of the dispensing module 213.

Correspondingly, the core 222 includes an output module 223 and, for example, a reservoir 226 that is detachably connected to the output module 223, for example. The housing 221 has, for example, in the region of the output module 223 a recess. For example, the core 222 is not in direct contact with the housing 221 in the region of the output module 223.

The housing 21 1 has, for example, a multiplicity of first casing elements 214 and a multiplicity of second casing elements 215. The housing 221 has, for example, a first 224 and a second sheath element 225. For example, the first sheath members 214 and 224 are formed to have sound-absorbing and shock-absorbing properties. It should be understood that the second sheath members 215 and 225 have, by way of example, a lower coefficient of friction than the first sheath members 214 and 224 with respect to textiles. The material of the first sheath members 214 and 224 is, for example, rubber. The material of the second sheath members 215 and 225 is, for example

Polyoxymethylene. Alternatively, the materials of the first sheath members 214 and 224 and / or the second sheath members 215 and 225 may be antimicrobial, for example

Have properties.

The housing 211 has, per unit area of the outer surface, a first sheath element 214 and a second sheath element 215. The plurality of first shell elements 214 and the plurality of second shell elements 215 are to be understood as arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Here, the plurality of first sheath members 214 and the plurality of second sheath members constitute the housings 211. The first sheath members 214 of the plurality of first sheath members 214 and the second sheath members 215 of the plurality of second sheath members 215 are at least partially in direct contact with the core, for example 212. For example, first wrapper elements 214 are the plurality of first wrapper elements 214 and second wrapper elements 215 of the plurality of second sheath elements 215 in the region of the output module 213 are not in direct contact with the core 212.

In the example of FIG. 2 b, the first sheath element 224 is arranged between the core 222 and the second sheath element 225. In the exemplary case that the device 220 has a multiplicity of first and second casing elements, in addition to those shown in FIG

shown first 224 and second shell elements 225 more first and second

Casing elements, for example, alternately, for example, be arranged between the first 224 and the second casing element 225.

The first sheath element 224 is in the example of FIG. 2b at least partially in direct contact with the core 222 and at least partially in direct contact with the second sheath element 225. Alternatively, the first sheath element 224 may also be spaced from the core 222 and / or spaced from the core second envelope member 225 may be arranged. For example, at least one air chamber may be formed between the core 222 and the first casing element 224 and / or between the first casing element 224 and the second casing element 225. For example, such an at least one air chamber may have sound-damping and / or shock-absorbing properties. It is understood that in the case of the presence of a plurality of first 224 and second sheath members 225, adjacent sheath members may each be disposed in direct contact or spaced apart. By way of example, in the case of the presence of a plurality of first 224 and second shell elements 225 between adjacent shell elements, in each case at least one air chamber with the properties mentioned above can be formed.

The embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and the respective optional features and properties in this regard are to be understood as being disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, should also the

Description of a feature encompassed by an embodiment, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, is not understood to mean that the feature is essential or essential to the operation of the embodiment.

Terms used in the claims, such as "comprising," "comprising," "including," "containing," and the like, do not exclude other elements or steps. Under the

The wording "at least partially" includes the case "partially" as well as the case "complete". The expression "and / or" should be understood to mean that both the alternative and the combination should be disclosed, ie "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)". The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a majority. A single device may perform the functions of a plurality of units or devices mentioned in the claims. Execute devices. Reference signs indicated in the claims should not be regarded as limitations on the means and steps employed.

Claims

claims

Device (12, 210, 220) for use in a domestic appliance (11), in particular in a washing machine, in a dishwasher, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer, the device (12) comprising:

a core (212, 222) comprising at least one dispensing module (213, 223) adapted to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment space (111) of the household appliance (11) and / or to effect dispensing;

a housing (211, 221), the housing (211, 221) being adapted to be positioned in a treatment space (11) of a household appliance (11), the housing (211, 221) having a first (214, 224) ), and a second sheath member (215, 225), wherein the first sheath member (214, 224) is formed of a first material and the second sheath member (215, 225) is formed of a second material, and wherein the housing (21 1, 221 ) is at least partially encloses the core (212, 222).

The device (12, 210, 220) of claim 1, wherein the first sheath member (214, 224) is configured to provide sound-absorbing and / or shock-absorbing

Features.

3. Device (12, 210, 220) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the second

Casing element (215, 225) has a lower coefficient of friction than the first

Cover element (214, 224) opposite to the treatment room (111) introduced objects, in particular household goods, textiles, crockery and / or cutlery has.

4. Device (12, 210, 220) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first material is an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the second material is a thermoset and / or a thermoplastic.

5. Device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the housing (211) has a plurality of first sheath elements (214) and / or a plurality of second sheath elements (215).

6. Device (12, 210, 220) according to claim 5, wherein the housing (211) per

Area unit of the outer surface of the housing (211) has a first casing element (214) and a second casing element (215).

The apparatus (12, 210, 220) according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein the plurality of first sheath members (214) and the plurality of second sheath members (215) are uniform distributed over an outer surface of the housing, in particular at least partially checkerboard-like, are arranged.

8. Device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the first

The sheath element (214) and the second sheath element (215) are at least partially in direct contact with the core (212) or wherein the plurality of first sheath elements (214) and the plurality of second sheath elements (215) each at least partially in direct contact with the core (212).

9. Device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the first

Sheath element (224) or the plurality of first sheath elements is at least partially disposed between the core (222) and the second sheath element (225) or the plurality of second sheath elements or wherein the second sheath element (225) or the plurality of second sheath elements at least partially between the core (222) and the first sheath member (224) or the plurality of first sheath members is arranged.

10. The device (12, 210, 220) according to claim 9, wherein between the first cladding element (224) or the plurality of first cladding elements and the second

Casing element (225) or the plurality of second shell elements at least one air chamber is formed, wherein the at least one air chamber has sound-absorbing and / or shock-absorbing properties.

1 1. A device (12, 210, 220) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the housing encloses the core liquid-tight.

12. Device (12, 210, 220) according to any one of claims 1-1 1, wherein the core (212, 222) comprises at least one reservoir (216, 226) for a preparation.

13. Device (12, 210, 220) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the first and / or the second material biocidal properties, and / or wherein the housing (21 1, 221) further comprises a third sheath member, the is formed of a third material, wherein the third material has biocidal properties.

14. Device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-13, wherein the device (12, 210, 220) is formed substantially spherical.

15. Device (12, 210, 220) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the device (12, 210, 220) is substantially cuboid, in particular with rounded corners and / or with rounded edges formed.

16. System (10), comprising:

at least one device (12, 210, 220) according to any one of claims 1-15, and at least one household appliance (11), in particular a washing machine, a

Dishwasher, a tumble dryer and / or a washer-dryer.

17. Use of at least one device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-15 in a household appliance (11), in particular in a washing machine, in one

Dishwasher, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer.