EP3762530B1 - Device for use in a domestic appliance for textile treatment and use of a sensor - Google Patents

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a device for use in a household appliance, the device having at least one output module and at least one sensor module.

Background of the Invention

Devices and methods for controlling and/or regulating household appliances, such as washing machines or tumble dryers, are known from the prior art. The goal when operating such household devices is typically to achieve a high level of user-friendliness and at the same time the best possible result (in the case of a washing machine, in particular, the most flawless possible cleaning result).

If, for example, increased soiling is to be taken into account, a user must take this into account manually, for example, and select a corresponding program or detergent. Approaches are known in which parameters of the household appliance are automatically adjusted in order to achieve the best possible result. In this case, for example, parameters of the household appliance are adapted to parameters defined by the cleaning agent used. For example, the washing program of a washing machine is adapted to the detergent used.

document DE1020100028354 A1 describes a mobile dispensing system that dispenses a cleaning composition inside the drum of a household appliance, the dispensing system including a sensor that detects the presence of water.

The document DE102007042863 A1 describes a metering device for household appliances that includes a sensor and a control mechanism.

The disadvantage is that in many situations and scenarios the result to be achieved is still in need of improvement.

General description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

Against the background of the prior art presented, it is the object of the present invention to variably improve the result to be achieved with a household appliance with regard to the many possible situations and scenarios and to ensure the highest possible reliability of the devices used.

• mindestens ein Gehäuse,
  • wobei das Gehäuse dafür eingerichtet ist, in einem Behandlungsraum eines Haushaltsgeräts positioniert zu werden;
• wobei das Gehäuse aufweist:
  • mindestens ein Ausgabemodul, welches dafür eingerichtet ist, mindestens eine Zubereitung in den Behandlungsraum des Haushaltsgeräts abzugeben und/oder eine Ausgabe auszulösen;
    und
  • mindestens ein Sensormodul, welches dafür eingerichtet ist, eine für den Zustand des Behandlungsraums des Haushaltsgeräts und/oder der Vorrichtung charakteristische Sensorinformation zu bestimmen;
  • wobei das Sensormodul zumindest einen Sensor umfasst, wobei die Sensorinformation zumindest teilweise eine mittels des zumindest einen Sensors ermittelte Information repräsentiert;
  • wobei die von dem Sensor ermittelte Information zumindest teilweise indikativ für einen Beladungszustand des Behandlungsraums des Haushaltsgerätes ist; und
  • wobei die Abgabe und/oder das Auslösen der Ausgabe der Zubereitung durch das mindestens eine Ausgabemodul zumindest teilweise basierend auf der Sensorinformation erfolgt.

According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus according to claim 1 is disclosed. Further aspects of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. For example, a device for use in a household appliance is disclosed, comprising the device

• at least one housing,
  • wherein the housing is adapted to be positioned in a treatment space of a household appliance;
• wherein the housing 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 trigger dispensing;
    and
  • at least one sensor module which is set up to determine sensor information characteristic of the state of the treatment room of the household appliance and/or of the device;
  • wherein the sensor module comprises at least one sensor, wherein the sensor information at least partially represents information determined by means of the at least one sensor;
  • wherein the information ascertained by the sensor is at least partially indicative of a load status of the treatment chamber of the household appliance; and
  • wherein the delivery and/or the triggering of the delivery of the preparation by the at least one delivery module takes place at least partially based on the sensor information.

"Household appliance" in the sense of the invention refers to household appliances for treating textiles, in particular textile washing machines, tumble dryers or ironing devices. Devices for treating dishes, such as dishwashers, are not household appliances within the meaning of the invention.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is disclosed a device for use in a household appliance, the device comprising: at least one housing, the housing being adapted to be positioned in a treatment space of a household appliance; wherein the housing has: at least one sensor module which is set up to determine sensor information characteristic of the state of the treatment chamber of the household appliance and/or the device; wherein the sensor module comprises at least one sensor, wherein the sensor information at least partially represents information determined by means of the at least one sensor; wherein the information ascertained by the sensor is at least partially indicative of a load status of the treatment chamber of the household appliance; and wherein the delivery and/or the triggering of the delivery of the preparation by the at least one delivery module takes place at least partially based on the sensor information.

According to the first and/or the second aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a device for use in a household appliance, the device comprising: at least one housing, the housing being adapted to be positioned in a treatment space of a household appliance; wherein the housing 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 trigger dispensing; and/or at least one sensor module which is set up to determine sensor information which is characteristic of the state of the treatment room of the household appliance and/or the device; wherein the sensor module comprises at least one sensor, wherein the sensor information at least partially represents information determined by means of the at least one sensor; wherein the information ascertained by the sensor is at least partially indicative of a load status of the treatment chamber of the household appliance; and wherein the delivery and/or the triggering of the delivery of the preparation by the at least one delivery module takes place at least partially based on the sensor information.

The device according to the first aspect of the invention is, for example, a dosing device for dispensing a preparation comprising treatment agents, fragrances, detergents and/or cleaning agents. The device according to the second aspect of the invention is, for example, a sensor device for detecting sensor information relating to the treatment process (e.g. cleaning program) in the household appliance. The device according to the first and second aspect is, for example, a dosing device in combination with a sensor device comprising at least one sensor, in particular in a common housing.

According to the first aspect of the invention there is also disclosed a method using one or more devices according to the first aspect, the method comprising: acquiring and/or obtaining output information (e.g. comprising the sensor information) at the output module; and determining and/or effecting the determination of output control information at least partially as a function of the output information, the output control information being particularly representative of at least one property of a storage container for a preparation, an application specification for a preparation contained in the storage container and/or a property of a product in the storage container included preparation, wherein the output control information is set up to control the dispensing of the preparation by the dispensing module at least partially.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a method using one or more devices according to the second aspect is also disclosed, the method comprising: detecting and/or obtaining sensor information on the sensor module that is characteristic of the state of a treatment room of the household appliance; determining and/or causing the determination of output information at least in part as a function of the sensor information; and outputting and/or triggering the outputting of the output information.

According to the first and second aspects of the invention, there is also disclosed a method using one or more devices according to the first aspect and one or more devices according to the second aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a system comprising a device according to the first and/or second aspect of the invention is disclosed, the system further comprising at least one household appliance, for example a washing machine or a tumble dryer. The system according to the third aspect can comprise further devices and/or means, for example a communication network and/or a server.

Means of the device according to the first and/or second aspect and of the system according to the third aspect of the invention can comprise hardware and/or software components. The means can include, for example, 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. Accordingly, according to the first and second aspect of the invention, a device should also be understood as disclosed, which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory with program instructions, the at least one memory and the program instructions being set up together with the at least one processor, the output module or to cause the sensor module to carry out and/or to control the method according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the invention.

Alternatively or additionally, the means of the device according to the first and/or second aspect can also include one or more sensors and/or one or more communication interfaces.

A communication interface is to be understood, for example, as a wireless communication interface and/or a wired communication interface.

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 radio local area network technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and/or Near Field Communication (NFC) and/or Bluetooth (e.g. Bluetooth Version 2.1 and/or 4.0) and/or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) . For example, RFID and NFC are specified according to ISO standards 18000, 11784/11785 and ISO/IEC standards 14443-A and 15693. For example, WLAN is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.11 family. Another example of a wireless communication technology is a long-distance radio network technology such as cellular 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).

A wired communication interface is, for example, a communication interface based on wired communication technology. Examples of 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). CAN bus is specified according to the ISO standard ISO 11898, for example. For example, LAN is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.3 family. It goes without saying that the output module and/or the sensor module can also include other means that are not listed.

Furthermore, according to the first, second and/or third aspect of the invention, a computer program is disclosed, comprising program instructions that are designed to use a device for executing and/or controlling the method according to the first and/or second aspect or the system according to to cause the third aspect when the computer program is executed by a processor.

Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is disclosed, which contains a computer program according to the first, second and/or third aspect of the invention. A computer-readable storage medium can be embodied, for example, as a magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, optical and/or other type of storage medium. Such a computer-readable storage medium is preferably physical (ie “touchable”), for example it is designed as a data carrier device. Such a data carrier device is, for example, portable or permanently installed in a device. Examples of such a data carrier device are volatile or non-volatile random-access memory (RAM) such as NOR flash memory or sequential-access memory such as NAND flash memory and/or read-only memory (ROM ) or read-write access. Computer-readable should be understood to mean, for example, that the storage medium can be read and/or written by a computer or server device, for example by a processor.

The features of the devices and methods according to the first and second aspect or of the system according to the third aspect of the invention are described below, partly by way of example.

A household appliance is understood to mean in particular a washing machine, in particular also a (laundry) dryer and/or an ironing device. Corresponding household appliances can have a treatment room which is set up to accommodate objects such as textiles and to subject them to a treatment within the treatment room, for example cleaning, drying and/or ironing.

The housing is set up to be positioned in a treatment room of a household appliance and in particular has a corresponding size which allows the housing or the device to be at least partially removed from the treatment room. In particular, the housing or the device can be positioned loosely and/or without connecting means in the treatment room. For example, in the case of a washing machine or dryer, the housing or the device is to be brought into and/or removed from the treatment room together with the objects to be cleaned. The housing of the device in particular partially or completely encloses individual or all means of the device. In particular, the housing is designed to be watertight, so that individual or all means of the device do 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.

The device or the housing according to the first and/or second aspect is in particular a mobile and/or portable device and/or a device that is different from the household appliance. A mobile and/or portable device should be understood to mean, for example, 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 that is different from a household appliance is, for example, a device that has no functional connection to the household appliance and/or is not a part that is permanently connected to the household appliance. For example, under a mobile and/or portable device that is different from a household appliance, a device is to be brought into the washing and/or cleaning area of the household appliance (e.g. the washing drum of a washing machine) by a user for the duration of a treatment process (e.g. cleaning program). (E.g. inserted) device can be understood. An example of such a mobile and/or portable device that is different from a household appliance is a dosing device and/or sensor device that is placed in the washing drum of a washing machine before the start of the washing process. For example, the output module and/or sensor module is part of such a dosing device and/or sensor device according to the first and/or second aspect of the present invention.

The housing can have 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 trigger dispensing. The dispensing of a preparation, for example comprising detergents and/or cleaning agents, is to be understood, for example, as meaning that the preparation is released to the surroundings of the dispensing module and/or a storage container for the preparation. The output takes place, for example, by the output module. Alternatively or additionally, dispensing can be effected by the dispensing module, e.g. the dispensing module causes the preparation to be dispensed through the storage container. For example, the preparation is dispensed through a dispensing opening of the dispensing module and/or the storage container to the surroundings of the dispensing module and/or the storage container.

The housing has at least one sensor module which is set up to determine at least one piece of sensor information that is characteristic of the state of the treatment chamber of the household appliance and/or the device. Such sensor information can be, for example, at least one conductivity parameter (for example, a substance in the treatment room, such as water and/or a washing or cleaning solution or liquor).

For example, the sensor information includes the information determined by means of the at least one sensor. The sensor information can accordingly in particular more, z. B. from further one or more sensors (e.g. temperature sensor, optical sensor, acceleration sensor, or a combination thereof, to name just a few non-limiting examples) comprised by the sensor module.

The information ascertained by the at least one sensor is at least partially indicative of a load status of the treatment chamber of the household appliance. The load status is characterized, for example, by a load quantity of objects that can be arranged in the treatment space of the household appliance. The load status of the treatment chamber of the household appliance is represented, for example, by the fact that the determined information represents a full, quarter full, half full, three quarters full or empty treatment chamber of the household appliance. In addition or as an alternative, the loading status can be indicated by a percentage, e.g. B. be represented from 0% to 100%.

The delivery and/or the triggering of the delivery of the preparation by the at least one delivery module takes place at least partially based on the sensor information. If the information detected by the sensor represents, for example, an empty treatment room of the household appliance, the delivery and/or the triggering of the delivery of the preparation can be prevented, for example, until z. B. a threshold of a loading amount of treatment room is exceeded by the household appliance. The threshold value can, for example, reflect an energy cost analysis, e.g. B. energy to be consumed and / or water to be consumed, which are required to carry out a cleaning program by the household appliance, justifies a corresponding implementation.

In one embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the information ascertained by the at least one sensor is at least partially indicative of a status of a cleaning program carried out by the household appliance.

The status of the cleaning program carried out by the household appliance represents, for example, an identification of that status of the cleaning program which corresponds, for example, to the current and carried out step of the cleaning program on the part of the device. This can be carried out at least partially based on the information ascertained by the sensor or a plurality of pieces of information ascertained by the acceleration sensor which reflect or comprise one or more parameters characterizing the state of the treatment room of the household appliance. A parameter characterizing the state of the treatment chamber of the household appliance also represents, for example, a temperature, a liquid level (e.g. water), a number of revolutions of the treatment chamber of a household appliance designed as a washing machine, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

At least partially based on the determined status of the cleaning program carried out by the household appliance, the device can be controlled and/or regulated, for example, or a possible control and/or regulation of the device that is intended to be carried out can be determined. For example, the device can be controlled and/or regulated to this effect or a possible control and/or regulation of the device that is intended to be carried out can be determined at what point in time (date, time, step of the cleaning program, or the like) is best a delivery or the triggering of a delivery of the at least one preparation (e.g. cleaning agent) is to take place, a consideration of the type and/or type (e.g. manufacturer and device identification number) of the household appliance, and/or whether a Delivery or triggering of a delivery of the at least one preparation (e.g. cleaning agent) is to take place if a step of the cleaning program (e.g. rotating the treatment chamber in a household appliance designed as a washing machine) is to take place or not.

For this purpose, for example, a query can be made to the database in which, for example, relevant historical information is stored. On the basis of this historical information, for example, the device can be controlled and/or regulated. a possible control and/or regulation of the device that is intended to be carried out can be determined. In particular, the use of historical information can be combined with the use of an artificial neural network. Further details on the use of an artificial neural network can be found in the description below.

For example, the method according to the first and/or the second aspect of the invention comprises detecting and/or obtaining sensor information on the sensor module that is characteristic of the state of a treatment room of the household appliance and determining and/or causing the determination of output information at least partially depending on the sensor information. The sensor information also represents, for example, measured values of one or more physical and/or chemical variables that are characteristic of the condition of the treatment room and/or the device, for example for the washing and/or cleaning process, such as a temperature of the washing and/or cleaning suds , a duration of the washing and/or cleaning process and/or a concentration of washing and/or cleaning agents in the washing and/or cleaning suds. A status of a cleaning program carried out by the household appliance can be obtained from these measured values, for example at least in part. If, for example, there is water, washing and/or cleaning suds or the like in the treatment room, the cleaning program of the household appliance has not yet been completed, for example.

In a further embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the information determined by the at least one sensor is at least partially indicative of a liquid level in the treatment chamber of the device.

The information determined by the at least one sensor represents, for example, whether or not the treatment chamber of the household appliance is filled with a liquid, such as water, washing and/or cleaning suds or the like. In addition, the information determined by the at least one sensor can represent how much liquid is arranged in the treatment chamber, e.g. B. whether more liquid can be added to the treatment room, and/or an indication as a percentage of the maximum possible capacity for receiving liquid in the treatment room of the household appliance. The amount of liquid used to carry out a cleaning program can, for example, influence the cleaning quality of objects arranged in the treatment room.

For example, in training cases, a low liquid level and the associated cleaning result and such a liquid level can be given in the treatment room, in which the treatment room is completely filled with liquid, and then the sensor can be used to provide corresponding information characterizing the respective state are recorded. These can, for example, be stored as reference values in a database. In the database, for example, depending on the status of the treatment room, recommendations for dispensing and/or triggering the dispensing of preparation into the treatment room can also be defined by the household appliance, which ensure a particularly reliable cleaning result. Additionally or alternatively, recommendations for the cleaning program to be carried out by the household appliance can be included in the database, for example depending on the state of the treatment room. The information stored in the database or contained in the database can be used, for example, to control and/or regulate both the device and the household appliance.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention is characterized in that the at least one sensor is a magnetic field sensor.

The sensor information can be determined or recorded, for example, by at least one magnetic field sensor. Such a magnetic field sensor is also referred to as a magnetometer. A magnetic field sensor is in particular a sensory device for measuring magnetic flux densities. Magnetic flux densities are measured in units of tesla (T).

If the determined sensor information represents, for example, a substantially uniform harmonic vibration behavior (e.g. the curve represented by the sensor information equals or resembles such a vibration behavior), this corresponds, for example, to a turning of the treatment chamber of the household appliance. If such a curve is determined by the magnetic field sensor, independently of the spatial axis (e.g. x, y, and/or z axis), it can be clearly recognized, for example, that the treatment room is moving from the household appliance (e.g (e.g. a turning of a drum of a washing machine). Accordingly, it can be determined that, for example, a cleaning program has started to be carried out by the household appliance and that the device is accordingly definitely located within the treatment area of the household appliance.

If the determined sensor information represents, for example, one or more pauses, through which, for example, a uniform harmonic vibration behavior (e.g. the curve profile equals or resembles such a vibration behavior), the determined sensor information can be characteristic of a specific cleaning program carried out by the household appliance, so that the cleaning program carried out can be identified. These breaks can B. take place at certain intervals, which are also referred to as pause behavior, these specific intervals between the pauses being characteristic of one of many possible cleaning programs that can be carried out by the household appliance. So can at least partially based on such a pause behavior an identification (z. B. by means of an analysis and a database query in a so-called look-up table) can be concluded on the cleaning program carried out by the household appliance.

For example, as part of a cleaning program carried out by a household appliance designed as a washing machine, to determine whether z. B. a spin cycle takes place or not, or to determine the speed of the treatment room (z. B. in a washing machine, washer-dryer, and dryer), the information determined by the magnetic field sensor can be evaluated for their determination. Here, for example, based at least in part on the duration of an oscillation amplitude (e.g. from a first zero crossing to a second zero crossing, or a frequency of such oscillation amplitudes, to name just a few non-limiting examples), the speed of the treatment room is at least approximately determined or .determined (e.g. calculated).

The curve profile represented by the information can also be evaluated in such a way, for example, that z. B. in a household appliance designed as a washing machine, a filling quantity or a filling level (e.g. in % of the maximum possible filling quantity of the treatment room, which is set at 100%), is determined.

In the event that, for example, a harmonic sinusoidal oscillation is not present, this behavior is, for example, characteristic of a loading of the treatment room with less than 50% of the maximum possible loading quantity of the treatment room. With larger loads of up to 100% of the maximum possible load of the treatment room, the behavior (or the movement) of the device changes. This is represented, for example, by the course of the curve of the determined sensor information. The movement of the device changes within the treatment room, this being represented by the curve shape, which depicts the vibration behavior as a harmonic vibration (eg a sinusoidal curve shape).

The sensor information is an oscillation behavior of the magnetic flux density measured by the magnetic field sensor. The load status of the treatment room is determined by analyzing the vibration behavior, with a harmonic sine wave being indicative of a drum loaded more than 50%, and a disharmonic sine wave being indicative of a drum loaded less than 50%.

The magnetic field sensor can be configured to detect deviations of a few gauss. Such variations are of the same magnitude or smaller than the value of the Earth's magnetic field.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention is characterized in that the at least one sensor is a conductivity sensor.

A conductivity sensor is understood to mean a sensor which, in particular, detects information indicative of the conductivity of liquids and in particular specifically of aqueous solutions or electrolytes or water of different purity. Furthermore, by means of a conductivity sensor, the recorded information can in particular represent whether or not a liquid is present in the vicinity of the conductivity sensor.

1. i) der Konzentration eines gelösten Stoffes in der Flüssigkeit des Behandlungsraums, der Art seiner Dissoziation und/oder einem Dissoziationsgrad;
2. ii) der Wertigkeit und der Beweglichkeit der gebildeten Anionen bzw. Kationen in der Flüssigkeit; und
3. iii) der Temperatur der Flüssigkeit, wobei mit steigender Temperatur die Leitfähigkeit regelmäßig zunimmt.

The conductivity depends on one or more of the following parameters i) to iii):

1. i) the concentration of a solute in the liquid of the treatment space, the nature of its dissociation and/or a degree of dissociation;
2. ii) the valence and the mobility of the anions or cations formed in the liquid; and
3. iii) the temperature of the liquid, where the conductivity regularly increases with increasing temperature.

For example, based on the knowledge of the information detected by the conductivity sensor, for example whether liquid is arranged in the treatment chamber of the household appliance or not, a (e.g. optimal) point in time for dispensing and/or triggering a dispensing of the preparation can be controlled and/or be managed. Furthermore, based on knowledge of the information detected by the conductivity sensor, for example the concentration of a liquid, e.g. B. water that has been mixed with a cleaning and / or washing liquor can be determined whether z. B. more liquid (e.g. water) or other preparation to increase the concentration of the cleaning and / or washing suds should be added to the treatment room.

Additionally or alternatively, the liquid level in the treatment chamber of the household appliance can be determined, e.g. B. by means of a comparison with a determined (z. B. measured) concentration of active ingredients by the conductivity sensor. This can result, for example, in improved cleaning of objects in the treatment room, based at least in part on the dosage of preparation, with the dosage resulting in a dilution of the preparation, e.g. B. determined by water in the treatment room of the household appliance.

Furthermore, the sensor module can include more than one conductivity sensor. This may, for example, allow one or more of the following information to be determined based at least in part on the information sensed by the more than one conductivity sensor:
For example, the degree of soiling of objects in the treatment chamber can be determined by, for example, first information representing a liquid that is determined by one of the conductivity sensors when the liquid is put into the treatment chamber of the household appliance, and second information representing the liquid that is determined when it is left of the liquid in the treatment room of the household appliance is determined by a further conductivity sensor. A specific difference between the first piece of information and the second piece of information can be used to draw conclusions about the degree of soiling of the objects in the treatment room, for example. The flushing properties of the household appliance can also be determined using this principle. If, for example, a cleaning program has been completely carried out by the household appliance, clear water, for example, which flows around the objects in the treatment room, can be entered into the treatment room. The water subsequently leaving the treatment room can be measured again by a conductivity sensor. If, for example, there is no degree of contamination in the water that flows out of the treatment room, the cleaning process was successful thanks to the cleaning program that was carried out.

Furthermore, it can be determined, for example by means of information recorded by a conductivity sensor, whether a cleaning program has been completed or ended. For example, the information recorded by the conductivity sensor can be used to count the wash cycles that have taken place. These can be compared, for example, with the rinsing cycles provided according to the cleaning program that has been carried out. If, for example, there is a difference in the result, the cleaning program has not yet been completely carried out by the household appliance, or an error has occurred. Furthermore, such information detected by the conductivity sensor can be used, for example, to determine whether a last rinse cycle to be carried out by the cleaning program is being carried out. In this case, for example, the dispensing or triggering of a dispensing of a preparation, such as a cleaning agent, can be suppressed.

A further embodiment according to all aspects of the invention is characterized in that the sensor information also at least partially represents information determined by means of one or more additional sensors, the one or more additional Sensors are one or more of the following sensors: temperature sensor, optical sensor and acceleration sensor.

For example, the sensor module further comprises an acceleration sensor (accelerometer) and a temperature sensor (for example a thermocouple). Furthermore, the sensor module can further comprise, 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 can also include a light generating means that is set up to generate light in the visible and/or non-visible range. An example of a light generating means is a light emitting diode (LED). The sensor module can, for example, also have more than one corresponding sensor of one type of sensor (eg temperature sensor or acceleration sensor).

An acceleration sensor is a sensor that measures its acceleration. This is done, for example, by determining the inertial force acting on a mass of the acceleration sensor. Thus e.g. B. can be determined whether a speed increase or decrease takes place.

An acceleration sensor can represent a movement sensor, for example. Such a motion sensor can detect a change in position, for example. For example, a movement can be detected by means of an acceleration sensor such that z. B. movements can be calculated as an integration of recorded information (z. B. measured values) of an acceleration sensor. For example, such a position determination of the device, z. B. be carried out in the treatment room of the household appliance.

The information recorded by the acceleration sensor represents, for example, an acceleration and/or movement of the device. Furthermore, the information recorded by the acceleration sensor represents, for example, a specific position of the device.

The information ascertained by the acceleration sensor can, for example, be at least partially indicative of a load status of the household appliance. The information ascertained by the acceleration sensor represents, for example, whether the treatment room is loaded with the household appliance or not. In addition, the information ascertained by the acceleration sensor can represent how full (eg as a percentage of the maximum possible capacity) the treatment room is loaded (or filled) with the household appliance. In the event that the information determined by the acceleration sensor characterizes relatively frequent movement of the device (e.g. little movement within a time interval, e.g. B. 5 seconds; e.g. B: more than one movement per second), the knowledge can be gained, for example, that the treatment room of the household appliance is correspondingly lightly loaded. In the event that the information determined by the acceleration sensor characterizes a relatively infrequent movement of the device (e.g. only one movement per second), it can be realized, for example, that the treatment room of the household appliance is accordingly fully charged. For example, in training cases, a treatment room that is only slightly loaded and a treatment room that is fully loaded can be given, and corresponding information characterizing the respective state can be recorded by means of the acceleration sensor. These can, for example, be stored as reference values in a database. In the database, for example, depending on the status of the treatment room, recommendations for dispensing and/or triggering the dispensing of preparation into the treatment room can also be defined by the household appliance, which ensure a particularly reliable cleaning result. Additionally or alternatively, recommendations for the cleaning program to be carried out by the household appliance can be included in the database by the household appliance, for example depending on the state of the treatment room. The information stored in the database or contained in the database can be used, for example, to control and/or regulate both the device and the household appliance.

An optical sensor is understood to be a sensor that can capture optical information, such as light, as information. For example, an LED as an optical sensor can both emit and detect light. A load status of the treatment room of the household appliance can be determined by at least one transmitter LED and an optical sensor comprising at least one receiver LED. If the transmitter LED and receiver LED are structurally identical, transmission or attenuation of the radiation due to the prevailing load in the treatment room can be determined by the household appliance in a particularly simple and direct manner. The receiver LED can, for example, outside the device, z. B. be covered by the treatment room of the household appliance. Likewise, an arrangement of transmitter LED and receiver LED can be provided in a reflection or emission measurement.

An optical sensor is also understood to mean, in particular, a sensor that can determine an intensity of incident radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation in the visible range and alternatively or additionally beyond that, in a non-visible range. The optical sensor can include an image sensor, in particular a digital image sensor. In order to determine the intensity of the radiation, in particular at least one semiconductor element, diodes, CCD elements, for example a Bayer sensor, or CMOS elements, for example a sensor of the type Foveon X3, can be used. The optical sensor can contain optical filters and in particular a spectrometer. The use of monochrome sensors without color resolution is also conceivable. Likewise, optical sensors can be used, which are limited to specific wavelength ranges. For example, the optical sensor can be based on at least one photodiode and/or at least one LED element. Individual elements or arrays of elements such as photodiodes or light sensitive devices such as LEDs can be used. It can be advantageous to optimize the size of the individual sensors, for example the individual photodiodes, with regard to dynamics, resolution and/or sensitivity.

One optical sensor includes at least one camera-like element, for example, and provides image information. Accordingly, digital cameras can be used as optical sensors for the device.

In particular, information can be recorded by means of an optical sensor which indicates cloudiness, soiling and/or color of objects in the treatment room of the household appliance.

A temperature sensor is understood to be a sensor that detects information indicative of a temperature prevailing in the vicinity of the temperature sensor.

For example, an (optimal) point in time for dispensing and/or triggering the dispensing of preparation into the treatment chamber of the household appliance can be determined as a function of information recorded by a temperature sensor, which represents a prevailing temperature in the treatment chamber of the device. For example, a preparation unfolds a particularly effective cleaning in particular at a predetermined temperature.

If several sensors are included in the sensor module, they can be dedicated or used together, e.g. B. be comprised by the sensor module, so for example be formed as a unit together with the sensor module, or be at least electrically connected to the sensor module, so that in particular from the respective sensor, ie z. B. the temperature sensor, the conductivity sensor, the optical sensor, or a combination of these detected information can be transmitted to the sensor module, and the sensor module can determine the sensor information accordingly.

1. i) pH-Sensor;
2. ii) Tensid-Sensor;
3. iii) Oberflächen-Sensor; sowie
4. iv) akustischer Sensor.

Furthermore, the sensor module can include one or more of the following sensors i) to iv):

1. i) pH sensor;
2. ii) surfactant sensor;
3. iii) surface sensor; as well as
4. iv) acoustic sensor.

A pH sensor is understood to mean an electrochemical sensor which, for example, carries out a quantitative determination of ions in a liquid. This is done, for example, using an electrical potential, so that, for example, a change in the present pH value of liquid (e.g. when the liquid is put into the treatment room and when the liquid is removed from the treatment room of the household appliance) can be detected.

Under a surfactant sensor z. B. understood a sensor that can detect a surface tension of a liquid (z. B. water) as information.

A surface sensor is understood to mean a sensor that is set up on a surface of the sensor module for detecting information indicative of stress, strain, elasticity and/or friction that acts on the device in the treatment room.

An acoustic sensor is understood to mean a sensor that can detect acoustic information. Such an acoustic sensor includes or is a microphone, for example. The information recorded by the acoustic sensor can represent noise, for example. Information recorded by the acoustic sensor is, for example, indicative of a mechanical state of the device and/or the household appliance, in particular the treatment room of the household appliance. Unusual noises, for example, indicate a defect in the device and/or the household appliance. Furthermore, information recorded by the acoustic sensor can be indicative of a loading condition of the treatment room and/or of a liquid level in the treatment room of the household appliance.

The sensors mentioned above, or at least one of these sensors mentioned above (acceleration sensor, optical sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, surfactant sensor; surface sensor and/or acoustic sensor) can be used in particular to verify the data determined by the at least one sensor information is used.

For example, an acceleration sensor can be used to verify whether, for example, a cleaning program that has been carried out on the household appliance has ended or not, since e.g. B. in this case, information detected by the acceleration sensor represents that there is no movement of the device (anymore).

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the output module and/or the sensor module are set up to communicate with the household appliance, in particular to communicate wirelessly with the household appliance.

A further embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the output module and/or the sensor module are set up to carry out and/or prevent communication with the household appliance at least based on the sensor information recorded by the sensor module.

The output module and/or the sensor module, which are set up to communicate with the household appliance, can communicate with the household appliance using the communication interface included in the device, for example. The communication interface is designed in particular to communicate wirelessly with the household appliance. The output module can also be set up to communicate with the sensor module, in particular to communicate wirelessly.

In a further configuration of the device according to the first and/or second aspect, the output module and/or the sensor module is set up to carry out and/or prevent communication with the household appliance at least based on the sensor information recorded by the sensor module.

In one embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the communication with the household appliance includes the transmission of feedback information, the feedback information being indicative of feedback to the household appliance with regard to at least one parameter characterizing the treatment room from the household appliance.

1. i) Information indikativ für einen mechanischen Zustand der Vorrichtung;
2. ii) Information indikativ über einen Beladungszustand des Behandlungsraums des Haushaltsgeräts; und
3. iii) Information indikativ für eine Empfehlung eines durchzuführenden oder einer Veränderung eines durchgeführten Reinigungsprogramms des Haushaltsgerätes.

The feedback information includes or represents, for example, one or more of the following parameters i) to iii):

1. i) information indicative of a mechanical condition of the device;
2. ii) information indicative of a load status of the treatment space of the household appliance; and
3. iii) Information indicative of a recommendation of a cleaning program to be implemented or a change in an implemented cleaning program of the household appliance.

The feedback information can be a control and/or regulation, e.g. B. trigger a delivery of at least one preparation in the treatment room of the household appliance or trigger such a delivery. This can for example be done in such a way that the household appliance Feedback information taken into account. For example, such a cleaning program for the household appliance can be selected, or an already selected cleaning program for the household appliance can be adjusted, which takes into account the loading status of the treatment room. For example, a cleaning program that carries out particularly intensive cleaning can be selected in the event that the treatment room is e.g. B. is particularly fully loaded.

Alternatively or additionally, for example, a recommendation for a cleaning program to be carried out can be issued, e.g. B. via a display device of the household appliance, or to an electronic device having or comprising a display device (e.g. a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable, to name just a few non-limiting examples). Based on the output, for example, a user can manually z. B. select an appropriate cleaning program or change an already selected cleaning program (e.g. changing the temperature, duration, or other special parameters (e.g. spin speed for a household appliance designed as a washing machine, to name just a few non-limiting examples). This makes it possible, in particular, to use the device with household appliances that cannot be controlled and/or regulated automatically.

The feedback information can, for example, also control and/or regulate the household appliance, e.g. B. switching on and / or off of the household appliance. With regard to switching the household appliance on and/or off, it can be influenced, for example, whether (at all) the household appliance is switched on and/or off and/or at what point in time (time, date, or e.g. immediately) the household appliance switched on and/or off. For example, based on the specific sensor information, the feedback information can cause such feedback to the household appliance that it is aware that z. B. the treatment room of the household appliance is fully (or almost fully) loaded. Furthermore, the feedback information can also provide the household appliance with information about the type of load (for example laundry, color of the laundry, or a combination thereof, to name just a few non-limiting examples), so that an influencing of a selection, compilation and/or or dispensing a cleaning program to be carried out by the household appliance and/or a cleaning agent to be used for the household appliance. For example, the amount to be dosed (e.g. the amount of detergent in a washing machine), the time of dosing, the product to be dosed or individual ingredients (e.g. soil-dissolving polymers, bleaching agents, enzymes, hygiene detergent in a washing machine, to name just a few non- to name limiting examples) or combinations thereof. Compatibility of combinations of ingredients can also be taken into account become, e.g. to avoid incompatibility (such as, for example, bleach and enzymes).

The operating mode of the household appliance can be influenced, for example, by selecting a specific (e.g. pre-programmed) program, running through additional programs, influencing the program runtime (e.g. lengthening or shortening it), individual parameters of the Cleaning program (in the case of a washing machine, for example, the temperature, the spin speed, or the like) are changed.

In addition or as an alternative, it is possible not only for the household appliance to be controlled and/or regulated (automatically), taking into account in particular the information recorded by the acceleration sensor, but also for the user to be given a recommendation. For example, it may be possible that, in addition to an automated adjustment of the household appliance, a manual pre-treatment (for example of clothing) is also necessary. Such a recommendation can be displayed or communicated to the user, for example, by means of a display device—as described above.

In a further embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the output module and/or the sensor module are set up to communicate with at least one server, the communication being used in particular to transmit feedback information (e.g. indicative of a status of the device, such as such as mechanical condition and/or a cleaning program carried out by the household appliance) can be used.

The at least one server is a remote server, for example. This at least one remote server has a connection to a communication network (eg the Internet), for example. For example, the output module and/or the sensor module can communicate with the server via this communication network. The communication between the output module and/or the sensor module and the at least one server is in particular a bidirectional communication. To enable communication with the server, the communication interface of the device is set up, for example, to establish a connection to this communication network (eg the Internet).

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that a user profile can be generated at least partially based on the feedback information, the user profile comprising one or more items of information specifying the user.

1. i) Eine oder mehrere Informationen hinsichtlich der von dem Nutzer verwendeten Reinigungsmittel;
2. ii) Eine oder mehrere Informationen hinsichtlich des Umfangs (Häufigkeit, Regelmäßigkeit, Frequenz oder dergleichen) der Nutzung des Haushaltsgerätes durch den Nutzer;
3. iii) Eine oder mehrere Informationen hinsichtlich der jeweiligen Beladungsmenge während eines Reinigungsvorgangs von dem Haushaltsgerät des Nutzers;
4. iv) Eine oder mehrere Informationen hinsichtlich des Zeitpunkts (Datum, Uhrzeit, Wochentag) der Nutzung des Haushaltsgerätes durch den Nutzer;
5. v) Eine oder mehrere Informationen hinsichtlich der jeweiligen Menge von verwendetem Reinigungsmittel;
6. vi) Eine oder mehrere Informationen hinsichtlich der Art des seitens des Nutzers gewählten Reinigungsprogramms von dem Haushaltsgerät;
7. vii) Eine oder mehrere Informationen hinsichtlich einer Empfehlung für zu verwendendes Reinigungsmittel für den Nutzer;
8. viii) Eine oder mehrere Informationen hinsichtlich der durch die Benutzung des Haushaltsgerätes verursachten Energiekosten; und
9. ix) Eine oder mehrere Informationen hinsichtlich einer Optimierung einer Reinigungsstrategie zur Erzielung eines verbesserten Reinigungsergebnisses.

The one or more pieces of information specifying the user are indicative of, for example, one or more of the following parameters i) to ix):

1. i) One or more pieces of information regarding the cleaning products used by the user;
2. ii) One or more pieces of information regarding the extent (frequency, regularity, frequency or the like) of the use of the household appliance by the user;
3. iii) One or more items of information regarding the respective loading quantity during a cleaning process of the user's household appliance;
4. iv) One or more pieces of information regarding the time (date, time, day of the week) when the user used the household appliance;
5. v) One or more pieces of information regarding the respective amount of detergent used;
6. vi) One or more pieces of information regarding the type of cleaning program selected by the user for the household appliance;
7. vii) One or more pieces of information regarding a recommendation for the user on the cleaning agent to be used;
8. viii) One or more pieces of information regarding the energy costs caused by the use of the household appliance; and
9. ix) One or more items of information regarding an optimization of a cleaning strategy to achieve an improved cleaning result.

A further embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that it can be determined at least partially based on the sensor information whether the device is arranged in the treatment room of the household appliance or not, with the determination being able to be carried out using an artificial neural network in particular.

For example, the sensor information may be communicated (e.g., transmitted) to a server that includes or is connected to an artificial neural network. The determination of whether or not the device is arranged in a treatment room of the household appliance can then be carried out, for example, by means of the artificial neural network. The result can then be communicated to the device and/or the household appliance, for example.

The artificial neural network includes an evaluation algorithm, for example, so that examples can be learned from training cases and these can be generalized as a basis after the end of the learning phase in order to determine a result. That means, the examples are not simply learned by heart, but patterns and regularities in the learning data are recognized. To this end, different approaches can be pursued. For example, supervised learning, semi-supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforced learning, and/or active learning may be employed. Supervised learning can take place, for example, using an artificial neural network (such as a recurrent neural network) or using a support vector machine. Unsupervised learning can also take place, for example, by means of an artificial neural network (for example an autoencoder). Sensor information received several times or the output variables (or results) of the artificial neural network determined after a run then serve as learning data, for example.

It is also possible for the repeated receipt and/or determination of the sensor information or the output variables to be used for machine learning. For example, the user profile or one or more items of information comprised by the user profile can be determined, for example, at least partially based on machine learning.

These measures can increase the reliability of the determination of a control and/or regulation of the device and/or the household appliance and, as a result, in particular the treatment by the household appliance, in particular for removing impurities.

Each of the training cases can be given, for example, by an input vector, a piece of sensor information and an output vector of the artificial neural network.

Each training case of the training cases can be generated, for example, by the control and/or regulation of the device and/or household appliance associated with the training case, as well as the release or triggering of the release of a preparation into the treatment chamber of the household appliance, in a predetermined state (e.g. defined contamination in the treatment room of the household appliance) is transferred, and then a sensor information representative of the state of the treatment room characteristic sensor information is generated, and at the same time a z. B. manual analysis of the condition of the treatment room of the household appliance is carried out. The sensor information determined is transmitted as an input vector, and the (actual) state of the treatment room of the household appliance is transmitted as an output vector of the training case.

The artificial neural network can be used, for example, to be able to derive or determine further information from the specific sensor information, e.g. B. whether a cleaning program is completed or ended, a counting of completed rinses carry out a weighing against rinse cycles included in the cleaning program carried out, or the like, just to name a few non-limiting examples. Based at least in part on information derived or determined from the artificial neural network, e.g. B. control and / or regulation of the household appliance, and / or such information can, for. B. be communicated to household appliance for output to a user.

In one embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the temperature range provided for the treatment chamber of the household appliance during a treatment is 20°C to 150°C, in particular 20°C to 75°C or 30°C to 60°C.

In a further configuration of the device according to the first and/or second aspect, the dispensing module is set up to carry out and/or prevent the dispensing and/or causing the dispensing of a preparation by the dispensing module at least based on the sensor information detected by the sensor module.

Capturing reservoir information and/or obtaining reservoir information can also be performed. The acquisition of storage container information (of preparation stored by the device) is to be understood, for example, as storage container information being acquired by the dispensing module or by means of the dispensing module. For example, the reservoir information can be detected on the basis of sensor information.

For example, receiving the storage container information is to be understood as meaning the receiving and/or reading out of the storage container information by the output module or a communication interface of the output module.

The reservoir information represents, for example, a characteristic property of the reservoir. Storage container information that is characteristic of a property of a storage container is to be understood, for example, as information that contains one or more pieces of information about a maximum usage date of the storage container, about the spatial configuration of the storage container, about a volume and/or a filling quantity of the storage container and /or represents and/or contains to identify the reservoir or the type of reservoir.

Furthermore, the storage container information can represent an application specification for a preparation contained in the storage container. Such an application specification contains and/or represents, for example, one or more details about a specific application Application recommended dosage of the preparation. Alternatively or additionally, storage container information that represents an application specification for a preparation contained in the storage container should also be understood as information that identifies the output control information and/or at least partially represents and/or contains the output control information.

Alternatively or additionally, the storage container information represents a property of a preparation contained in the storage container, such as a detergent and/or cleaning agent. Such storage container information, which is characteristic of a property of a preparation contained in a storage container, is to be understood, for example, as information that contains one or more details about a chemical and/or physical property of the preparation, the type of preparation and /or represents and/or contains to identify the preparation. A chemical and/or physical property is to be understood as meaning, for example, a chemical and/or physical composition of the preparation and/or the physical state of the preparation (e.g. solid, liquid or gaseous). For example, the reservoir information represents values of one or more physical and/or chemical quantities (e.g., one or more values of physical and/or chemical quantities that describe one or more properties of the preparation). An indication of a type of preparation comprising a detergent and/or cleaning agent indicates, for example, whether it is a heavy-duty detergent, a delicate detergent, a colored detergent, disinfectant and/or another type of detergent and/or cleaning agent and /or which ingredients and/or builder composition the washing and/or cleaning agent has. An example of an indication for identifying the preparation is, for example, an identifier for identifying the preparation such as a product name and/or a product number.

The reservoir is designed, for example, to hold a preparation (eg a specific quantity of a washing and/or cleaning agent). For example, the storage container has one or more storage chambers for holding the preparation. If the storage container has several storage chambers, each of the storage chambers can, for example, contain a different preparation such as a different washing and/or cleaning agent and/or a different washing and/or cleaning agent mixture. The reservoir can, for example, be designed in a certain spatial shape (eg cube-like, spherical and/or plate-like). The reservoir can, for example, be designed to be at least partially dimensionally stable. Alternatively or additionally, the storage container can be at least partially flexible, for example as flexible packaging (eg as a tube and/or as a bag). It goes without saying that the reservoir can also be of an at least partially dimensionally stable Receptacle included at least partially flexible container can be formed, for example as a bag in a substantially dimensionally stable frame.

The preparation, in particular a washing and/or cleaning agent, is contained in the reservoir in solid, liquid and/or gaseous form, for example. 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 can be contained in the reservoir, for example as a powder, as a tablet and/or as a tab. A liquid preparation can be contained in the reservoir, for example as a gel, as a concentrated and/or as a diluted solution. It goes without saying that the preparation can also be contained in the reservoir as a foam, as a hard foam, as an emulsion, as a suspension and/or as an aerosol. 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, graying inhibitors, optical brighteners, enzymes, bleaches, soil-release polymers, Fillers, plasticizers, fragrances, dyes, conditioners, acids, starch, isomalt, sugar, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyetherimide, silicone derivatives and/or polymethylimines. Other non-exhaustive exemplary components are bleach activators, complexing agents, builders, electrolytes, non-aqueous solvents, pH adjusters, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, hydrotropes, silicone oils, bentonites, antiredeposition agents, shrinkage inhibitors, 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 agents or anti-slip agents and/or UV absorbers.

The reservoir is and/or can be connected to the dispensing module, for example. Preferably, the storage container is and/or can be releasably connected to the dispensing module. A detachable connection is, for example, a connection in which the storage container and the dispensing module can be connected and disconnected without being destroyed. For example, more than one reservoir is and/or can be connected to the dispensing module at the same time. For example, the reservoir may be and/or be mechanically connectable to the dispensing module. For example, the dispensing module and the storage container have corresponding connection means for establishing a connection between the storage container and the dispensing module. The connection can, for example, be form-fitting, for example in the form of a latching mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the connection can be non-positive, for example in the form of a screw and/or Velcro connection. Furthermore, as an alternative, the connection can be materially bonded, for example in the form of an adhesive connection.

Furthermore, the connection between the storage container and the dispensing module can serve to transport the preparation from the storage container into the dispensing module. For example, the connecting means are set up to establish 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 making such a connection are a cannula (e.g. a cannula of the reservoir) and a membrane (e.g. a membrane of the delivery module) and/or luer connectors and/or luer couplings.

If more than one storage container is and/or can be connected to the dispensing module at the same time, the storage containers can also be and/or can be connected to one another as an alternative or in addition. For example, at least those reservoirs that are connected to the dispensing module can also be and/or can be connected to one another.

The output control information specifies one or more output parameters, for example. Examples of an output parameter are an output quantity, an output time, an output temperature and/or an output duration. For example, an output parameter specifies an output quantity, an output time, an output temperature and/or an output duration for the output. The fact that the output control information is set up to at least partially control the outputting by the output module should be understood, for example, in such a way that the output control information causes the output module to output the preparation in accordance with the output parameters specified by the output control information.

Determining the output control information at least partially as a function of the storage container information is to be understood, for example, as meaning that the output control information is selected and/or calculated at least partially as a function of the storage container information. For example, the output control information is determined by the output module, the sensor module and/or another device (e.g. a server device). For example, the determination of the output control information is based at least in part on the sensor information.

Accordingly, causing the output control information to be determined should be understood to mean, for example, that the output module causes the output control information to be determined by a device (eg a server) that is different from the output module. For example, the reservoir information is sent by the output module to the server device to cause the server device to determine the output control information.

As disclosed above, the output control information may specify one or more output parameters. For example, the dispensing module is set up to dispense the preparation contained in the storage container in accordance with the dispensing parameters specified by the dispensing control information and/or to effect the dispensing of the preparation contained in the storage container (e.g. through the storage container) in accordance with the dispensing parameters specified by the dispensing control information if the Reservoir is connected to the output module.

For example, the output module includes a control unit and at least one actuator, the control unit being set up to control the actuator. For example, the control unit is set up to control the actuator in such a way that the actuator is caused to move. For example, movement of the actuator causes a formulation to be dispensed. For example, the control unit is set up to control the actuator in such a way that the preparation is output in accordance with the output parameters specified by the output control information and/or the dispensing of the preparation contained in the reservoir (e.g. through the reservoir) is effected in accordance with the output parameters specified by the output control information .

An actuator should be understood to mean a movable component of the output module. For example, the actuator is set up in such a way that when it moves and the storage container is connected to the dispensing module, dispensing of the preparation is effected. Examples of an actuator are a pump (e.g. a peristaltic pump), a valve and/or a motor (e.g. a linear motor). If the actuator is a pump, the control unit controls the pump for dispensing the preparation, for example in such a way that the pump transports the preparation from the storage container to a dispensing opening (e.g. a dispensing opening of the storage container and/or the dispensing module). If the actuator is a valve, the valve is set up, for example, to close a dispensing opening (e.g. a dispensing opening of the reservoir and/or the dispensing module). To dispense the preparation, the control unit controls the valve, for example, in such a way that the valve opens so that the preparation can flow out of the dispensing opening.

Also disclosed is the use of an acceleration sensor in a dosing device and/or a sensor device, in particular a device according to the first aspect of the invention for a household appliance, with an acceleration sensor being set up to detect a characteristic of the state of the treatment chamber of the household appliance and/or the device To determine sensor information, and wherein the sensor information at least partially represents information determined by means of the at least one acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor or the device comprising the Acceleration sensor can be designed according to one or more features described above.

In particular, the previous or following description of method steps according to preferred embodiments of a method should also disclose corresponding means for carrying out the method steps by preferred embodiments of a device. Likewise, the corresponding method step should also be disclosed through the disclosure of means of a device for carrying out a method step.

Further advantageous exemplary configurations of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in particular in connection with the figures. However, the figures are intended for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to determine the scope of the invention. The figures are not to scale and are only intended to exemplify the general concept of the present invention. In particular, features contained in the figures should by no means be considered as a necessary part of the present invention.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Systems gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

ein Blockdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung zur Durchführung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung der Vorrichtung 100 aus Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 4

eine erste von einem Magnetometer, z. B. umfasst von einer Vorrichtung 100 nach Fig. 1, ermittelte Sensorinformation, die vorliegend einen Kurvenverlauf repräsentiert;

Fig. 5

eine zweite von einem Magnetometer, z. B. umfasst von einer Vorrichtung 100 nach Fig. 1, ermittelte Sensorinformation, die vorliegend einen Kurvenverlauf repräsentiert;

Fig. 6

eine dritte von einem Magnetometer, z. B. umfasst von einer Vorrichtung 100 nach Fig. 1, ermittelte Sensorinformation, die vorliegend einen Kurvenverlauf repräsentiert; und

Fig. 7

eine vierte von einem Magnetometer, z. B. umfasst von einer Vorrichtung 100 nach Fig. 1, ermittelte Sensorinformation, die vorliegend einen Kurvenverlauf repräsentiert.

In the drawing shows

1

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention;

2

a block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention for carrying out an embodiment of a method according to the invention;

3

a schematic representation of the device 100 from 1 in perspective view;

4

a first from a magnetometer, e.g. B. comprised by a device 100 according to 1 , determined sensor information, which in the present case represents a curve;

figure 5

a second from a magnetometer, e.g. B. comprised by a device 100 according to 1 , determined sensor information, which in the present case represents a curve;

6

a third from a magnetometer, e.g. B. comprised by a device 100 according to 1 , determined sensor information, which in the present case represents a curve; and

7

a fourth from a magnetometer, e.g. B. comprised by a device 100 according to 1 , determined sensor information, which in this case represents a curve.

Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

1 1 initially shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention, comprising the devices 100, 200, 300 and 400. The system 1 is set up to carry out exemplary methods according to the invention. The device 100 is an exemplary mobile device 100, which in this case can be brought into the treatment room 310 of the household appliance 300 (embodied here as a washing machine, for example). Both the device 100 and the washing machine 300 can each be a device according to the invention. Furthermore, the system 1 comprises the mobile device 200 in the form of a smartphone, tablet, wearable or the like (embodied here as a smartphone by way of example) as a further device. The mobile device 200 can also be a device according to the invention or can carry out individual steps of exemplary methods according to the invention. However, the device 200 can also be a computer, a desktop computer or a portable computer, such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA). In addition or as an alternative to the devices 300 and 200, the system can also include a server 400. It is also conceivable that the system 1 also includes fewer or more than three devices.

While the examples described here are described in particular in connection with a household appliance 300 in the form of a washing machine, the statements also apply analogously to other types of household appliances.

Each of the devices 100, 200, 300, 400 can have a communication interface in order to communicate with one or more of the other devices or to exchange information, e.g. B. directly via a wireless (Bluetooth, WLAN, Zigbee, NFC, to name just a few non-limiting examples) and / or wired (LAN) connection, and / or via a communication network 118, such. the Internet, and/or a local area network covering the devices 100,200,300.

2 FIG. 2 now shows a block diagram 20 of an embodiment of a device according to the invention for carrying out an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

The block diagram 20 off 2 can be used as an example for both the in 1 device 100 shown, washing machine 300 shown, mobile device 200 shown (or a part thereof), or server 400 shown.

Processor 210 of device 20 is embodied in particular as a microprocessor, microcontrol unit, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

Processor 210 executes program instructions stored in program memory 212 and stores, for example, intermediate results or the like in working or main memory 211. For example, program memory 212 is non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic memory, EEPROM memory ( electrically erasable programmable read only memory) and/or an optical memory. Main memory 211 is, for example, a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a random access memory (RAM) such as a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) and/or magnetic random access memory (MRAM).

Program memory 212 is preferably a local data carrier permanently connected to the device 20 . Data carriers permanently connected to the device 20 are, for example, hard disks that are built into the device 20 . Alternatively, the data carrier can, for example, also be a data carrier that can be connected to the device 20 in a detachable manner.

Program memory 212 contains, for example, the operating system of device 20, which is at least partially loaded into main memory 211 and executed by processor 210 when device 20 is started. In particular, when device 20 boots, at least a portion of the operating system core is loaded into main memory 211 and executed by processor 210 .

In particular, the operating system enables the device 20 to be used for data processing. For example, it manages resources such as main memory 111 and program memory 212, communication interface 213, input and output device 214, makes basic functions available to other programs through programming interfaces, and controls the execution of programs.

Processor 210 also controls the communication interface 213, which can be a network interface, for example, and can be embodied as a network card, network module and/or modem. The communication interface 213 is set up in particular to connect the device 100 to other devices, in particular via a (Wireless) communication system, such as a network to produce and communicate with them. For example, communications interface 213 may receive and forward data to processor 210 (via the communications system) and/or receive and transmit data from processor 210 (via the communications system). Examples of a communication system are a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (for example according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the Bluetooth (LE) standard and/or the NFC standard), a wired one network, a cellular network, a telephone network and/or the Internet. For example, the communication interface 213 can be used to communicate with the Internet and/or other devices. In the case of the devices 100, 200, 300, 400, the respective communication interface 213 can be used, for example, to communicate with the respective other devices 100, 200, 300, 400 or the Internet.

A communication interface 213 of this type can be used, in particular, to transmit sensor information that indicates the state and load state of a treatment chamber of a household appliance (e.g. washing machine 300 according to 1 ) characterized received (received). Furthermore, by means of the components shown (and other components if required), a control and/or regulation of a household appliance (e.g. washing machine 300 according to 1 ) and/or the device (e.g. device 100 according to 1 ) taking into account the sensor information received.

Furthermore, processor 210 can control at least one input/output device 214 . Input/output device 214 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, display, microphone, touch-sensitive display, speaker, reader, disk drive, and/or camera. For example, input/output device 214 may accept input from a user and forward it to processor 210 and/or receive information from processor 210 and output information for the user.

Finally, the device 20 can also include at least one conductivity sensor 215 and optionally one or more additional sensors 216 . One of the one or more additional sensors is, for example, an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or an optical sensor, just to name a few non-limiting examples. Further sensors disclosed in the general description of this specification can of course also represent one or more of the further sensors 216 .

3 FIG. 12 now shows a schematic representation of the device 100. FIG 1 in perspective view. The device 100 is a device formed separately from the washing machine 300 . The device 100 has a substantially spherical, watertight Housing, which consists at least partially of a non-rigid or elastic material. The device 100 includes, for example, a supply of preparation, such as. B. detergent or individual detergent components to be combined as required (not shown). The detergent or the individual detergent components can be delivered into the interior (the treatment space 310) of the washing machine 300 via the pump unit 115 via the outlet openings 115a during operation of the washing machine 300 . This is because the device 100 is designed to be placed in the laundry tub of the washing machine 300 and to be freely mixed with the laundry therein.

The device 100 can likewise be designed to send control signals for control and/or regulation to the washing machine 300, for example in order to influence the program sequence of the washing machine.

The device 100 has a housing 104 , the housing 104 being set up to be positioned in a treatment space 310 of a household appliance 300 . In 1 the devices are not shown to scale, in particular the housing 104 or the device 100 has a size that allows the housing 104 or the device 100 to be inserted into the treatment chamber 310 and removed again.

The housing 104 of the device 100 has a dispensing module 110 which is set up to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment chamber 310 of the household appliance 300 and/or to trigger dispensing. For example, the preparation is dispensed through a dispensing opening of dispensing module 110 and/or a storage container to the surroundings of dispensing module 110 and/or the storage container and thus reaches treatment room 310 in particular.

The housing 104 of the device 100 has a sensor module 112 which is set up to determine sensor information that is characteristic of the state of the treatment chamber 310 of the household appliance 300 and/or the device 100 . Furthermore, the sensor module 112 is set up to determine sensor information which is also indicative of a loading state of the treatment space 310 of the household appliance 300 . The sensor module 112 includes a sensor 115b, the z. B. is designed as a conductivity sensor. Furthermore, the sensor module can include one or more additional sensors 115c to 115e, each of which is included in the sensor module 112 and/or is electrically connected to it, e.g. B. an optical sensor 115c, an acceleration sensor 115d, and a temperature sensor 115e.

The device 100 is in wireless communication with the household appliance 300, for example via a communication network 118. Additional devices can be integrated into the communication, for example a server (e.g. server 400 below). 1 ), which in particular controls and/or regulates one or more method steps of the treatment in the household appliance 300 .

For example, a cleaning program is monitored based at least in part on sensor information captured by sensor module 112 . In particular, the cleaning program is at least partially controlled and/or influenced on the basis of the sensor information. The cleaning program can include, for example, causing the dispensing module to dispense a preparation, in particular via a storage container. For example, a washing and/or cleaning agent is output depending on the sensor information.

To save electrical energy or the capacity of an energy storage device (in 3 not shown), the output module 110 and/or the sensor module 112 can be set up to communicate with the household appliance 300 at least based on the sensor information recorded by the sensor module 112 . Furthermore, the dispensing module 110 can be set up to dispense and/or cause dispensing of a preparation by the dispensing module 110 at least based on the sensor information detected by the sensor module 112 . For example, communication and/or output is performed only when the movement of the treatment space 310 and/or the device 100 (e.g., acceleration and/or speed) are within respective allowable ranges. This is, for example, in a database (e.g. from the server 400 to 1 includes or connected with this) stored reference values feasible. A communication and / or output can be prevented if the respective parameters, for example, outside the permissible ranges, the z. B. can be defined by reference value are located.

The following exemplary embodiments according to all aspects of the invention should also be understood as disclosed:
4 shows one of a dosing device (e.g. device 100 according to 1 ) comprised magnetic field sensor determined (sensor) information or its curve. The curve profile represented by the information was taken in a household appliance designed as a washing machine (e.g. household appliance 300 according to 1 ) is determined, with its drum (e.g. treatment room 310 after 1 ) was fully loaded (i.e. with max. capacity; 100%). It can be seen that a uniform, harmonious vibration behavior (corresponds to a rotation of the drum, e.g. as part of a washing machine Cleaning program) is represented by the curve. If such a curve is detected by the magnetic field sensor, regardless of which spatial axis (e.g. x, y, and/or z axis), it can be clearly determined or recognized that the drum is rotating and a washing or drying process has started. With this information recorded over a specific time (period), the ascertained information can also be associated with a point in time (e.g. a time stamp). According to e.g. B. a dosing matrix, a corresponding cleaning agent can be dosed by the dosing device.

Furthermore, in the in 4 The course of the curve shown clearly also shows pauses in movement. The drum stands still and the dosing device does not move relative to the drum or not at all. These pauses can take place at certain intervals, which are also referred to as pause behavior, whereby these certain intervals can be characteristic of many cleaning programs of a household appliance (here the washing machine) and can therefore be used for identification (e.g. by means of an analysis and a database query in a so-called look-up table) of the cleaning program carried out by the household appliance.

figure 5 shows one of a magnetic field sensor, which is controlled by a dosing device (e.g. device 100 according to 1 ) is included, determined (sensor) information or its curve. The curve profile represented by the information was taken in a household appliance designed as a washing machine (e.g. household appliance 300 according to 1 ) is determined, with its drum (e.g. treatment room 310 after 1 ) was only a third loaded (e.g. with 2 kg of laundry with a max. load of 6 kg, to name just one non-limiting example).

For example, to determine whether a spin cycle is taking place as part of a cleaning program carried out by the washing machine, or to determine the speed of the treatment chamber, the information determined by the magnetic field sensor can be evaluated to determine this. This is not possible with an acceleration sensor, for example, since the centrifugal forces are too high and, for example, exceed the measuring range of the acceleration sensor. For example, in a conventional washing machine with a capacity for 6 kg of laundry (e.g. with a drum diameter of 47 cm) at a spin speed of around 400 rpm there is already an acceleration of around 42 G, at 1200 rpm an acceleration of reached about 378 G. This can e.g. B. by accelerometers based on MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) are not detected. A magnetic field sensor, e.g. B. a magnetometer based on MEMS, however, is able to detect even the smallest changes relative to the earth's magnetic field. This makes it possible to determine any speed in a washing machine or tumble dryer. In addition to determining the absolute speed, a change in the speed can also be determined.

In figure 5 it can be seen, for example, that a harmonic sinusoidal oscillation clearly correlates with the speed of the drum. This in figure 5 The time window shown is 1 second, with the curve being determined with a sampling rate of 20 Hz. A certain sampling rate is required for a correct determination and associated determination (e.g. calculation) of the speed of the drum, because only with a sufficient amount of information (e.g. data volume) in particular higher speeds of the drum can be clearly detected. For example, in order to determine a full rotation of the drum, at least two, preferably three, particularly preferably four measured values of the determined information should be recorded at regular time intervals. For example, at a speed of 1600 rpm there is a second value of 26.667 revolutions of the drum. Consequently, it is possible with a sampling rate of e.g. B. at least 50 Hz, preferably up to at least 110 Hz, to reliably describe a sine curve resulting from a drum speed of 1600 rpm.

6 shows one of a magnetic field sensor, which is controlled by a dosing device (e.g. device 100 according to 1 ) is included, determined information or its curve. The curve profile represented by the information can also be evaluated in such a way, for example, that z. B. in a household appliance designed as a washing machine (e.g. household appliance 300 according to 1 ) the degree of filling (e.g. in %) is determined.

the inside 6 The curve shown was determined based on a drum with a maximum possible loading capacity of 6 kg with a 2 kg load as part of a main wash cycle of a cleaning program at around 50 to 55 rpm.

The dosing device (e.g. spherical) moves freely in the drum of the washing machine. There is no harmonic sine wave. This behavior is characteristic of a load of less than 50% of the maximum possible load on the drum. With larger loading amounts of up to 100% of the maximum possible loading amount of the drum, the behavior (or the movement) of the dosing device changes within the drum, and the vibration behavior becomes harmonious, this z. B. is represented by a sinusoidal curve.

7 shows another from a magnetometer, e.g. B. comprised by a device 100 according to 1 , Determined (sensor) information, which in this case represents a curve. the inside 7 The curve shown was based on a drum with a maximum possible load capacity of 6 kg load with this maximum load (present of about 6 kg laundry) as part of a main wash cycle of a cleaning program at about 50 to 55 rpm determined. It can be seen that compared to 6 a change towards a sinusoidal (harmonic) curve progression has taken place.

Although information determined in this way does not enable an exact determination of the filling quantity of a treatment room of a household appliance, at least partly based on a device that can be brought into the treatment room, the determined information is indicative, for example, of adapting a dosage of preparation to the loading quantity of the treatment room. Furthermore, the determined (sensor) information can be combined with other determined information, e.g. B. determined by one or more other sensors, which are included in the device, are combined, for example, with information determined by an acceleration sensor, for example to secure, confirm or correct the determined information of the magnetic field sensor.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and the optional features and properties listed in each case in this regard should also be understood to be disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature included in an exemplary embodiment - unless explicitly stated to the contrary - should not be understood in the present case in such a way that the feature is essential or essential for the function of the exemplary embodiment. The sequence of the method steps described in this specification in the individual flowcharts is not mandatory; alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The procedural steps can be implemented in different ways, so an implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware or a combination of both for the implementation of the procedural steps is conceivable.

Terms used in the claims such as "comprise", "have", "include", "contain" and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" includes both the case "partly" and the case "completely". The phrase "and/or" should be understood to mean that both the alternative and the combination should be disclosed, i.e. "A and/or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)". The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plural. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference signs given in the patent claims are not to be regarded as limitations on the means and steps used.

Claims (15)

1. A device (100) for use in a domestic appliance for textile treatment (300), the device (100) comprising:

   - at least one housing (104),

   - the housing (104) being designed to be positioned in a treatment space (310) of the domestic appliance (300);

   - the housing (104) comprising:

   - at least one output module (110) which is designed to release at least one preparation into the treatment space (310) of the domestic appliance (300) and/or to trigger an output;
   and

   - at least one sensor module (112) which is designed to determine sensor information characteristic of the state of the treatment space (310) of the domestic appliance (300) and/or of the device (100);

   - the sensor module (112) comprising at least one sensor (115b), the sensor information at least partially representing information determined by means of the at least one sensor (115b), the at least one sensor (115b) being a magnetic field sensor;
   the device being characterized in that

   - the information determined by the sensor (115b) is at least partially indicative of a loading state of the treatment space (310) of the domestic appliance (300); and

   - the release and/or the triggering of the output of the preparation by the at least one output module (110) is at least partially based on the sensor information.
2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the information determined by the at least one sensor (115b) is at least partially indicative of a status of a cleaning program carried out by the domestic appliance (300).
3. The device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the information determined by the at least one sensor (115b) is at least partially indicative of a liquid fill level of the treatment space of the device (100).
4. The device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor information is a vibration behavior of the magnetic flux density measured by the magnetic field sensor, and wherein the loading state of the treatment space is determined by an analysis of the vibration behavior, wherein a harmonic sinusoidal vibration is identified as being indicative of a drum loaded above 50%, and a disharmonious sinusoidal vibration is identified as being indicative of a drum loaded below 50%.
5. The device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor information also at least partially represents information determined by means of one or more other sensors (115c, 115d, 115e), wherein the one or more other sensors are one or more of the following sensors: temperature sensor (115e), optical sensor (115c), conductivity sensor, and acceleration sensor (115d).
6. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output module (110) and/or the sensor module (112) are designed to communicate with the domestic appliance (300), in particular to communicate wirelessly with the domestic appliance (300).
7. The device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the output module (110) and/or the sensor module (112) are designed to carry out and/or prevent communication with the domestic appliance (300) at least based on the sensor information detected by the sensor module (112).
8. The device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the communication with the domestic appliance (300) comprises transmitting feedback information, wherein the feedback information is indicative of a response to the domestic appliance (300) with respect to at least one parameter characterizing the treatment space (310) of the domestic appliance (300).
9. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the output module (110) and/or the sensor module (112) are designed to carry out communication with at least one server (400), wherein the communication can be used in particular for transmission of the feedback information.
10. The device (100) according to claim 9, wherein a user profile can be generated based at least in part on the feedback information, wherein the user profile comprises one or more pieces of information specifying the user.
11. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein it can be determined, based at least in part on the sensor information, whether or not the device is arranged in the treatment space (310) of the domestic appliance (300), wherein the determination in particular can be carried out by means of an artificial neural network.
12. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the temperature range provided for the treatment space (310) of the domestic appliance (300) during a treatment is 20°C to 150°C, in particular 20°C to 75°C or 30°C to 60°C.
13. The device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the output module (110) is designed to carry out and/or prevent the output and/or bringing about of the output of a preparation by the output module (110) at least based on the sensor information detected by the sensor module (112).
14. A system (1) comprising a device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, the system (1) further comprising at least one domestic appliance (300).
15. A use of a sensor (115b), or of a sensor (115b) and one or more other sensors (115c, 115d, 115e), in a metering device and/or a device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13 for a domestic appliance for textile treatment (300), a sensor (115b) or the sensor (115b) and one or more other sensors (115c, 115d, 115e) being characterized in that they are designed to determine sensor information characteristic of the state of a treatment space (310) of the domestic appliance (300) and/or of the device (100), the sensor information at least partially representing information determined by means of the at least one sensor (115b) or by means of the at least one sensor (115b) and the one or more other sensors (115c, 115d, 115e), and the information determined by the sensor (115b) being at least partially indicative of a loading state of the treatment space (310) of the domestic appliance (300).

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