RU2705144C2 - Automatic batcher - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: processing of textiles.

SUBSTANCE: disclosed is device (10) for automatic dispensing of at least one dry or fluid substance (S) into container (C), wherein device (10) is immersed into container (C) and withdrawn therefrom. Device comprises at least one compartment (12) with substance (S) and penetrating surface (14) for metered supply of substance (S) beyond compartment (12) into container (C). Also comprises at least one access control device (16) connected to penetrating surface (14) capable of achieving at least a full opening position for dispensing substance (S) through entire penetrating surface (14) and complete closure to stop dispensing of substance (S) through penetrating surface (14). Device comprises at least one actuator (18) coupled with access control means (16) to actuate it, controller (20) coupled with actuator (18) and programmable for automatic control of metered supply of substance (S) to container (C) by changing position of access control device (16), Device comprises power supply unit (22) connected to controller (20). Device (10) is movable relative to container (C), and metered supply of substance (S) into container (C) takes place due to movement of device (10) relative to container (C).

EFFECT: disclosed is an automatic dispenser.

20 cl, 11 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a device for automatically dosing at least one dry or fluid substance inside a container. The invention further relates to a system comprising said device and a programming device remotely connected to it. The invention also relates to a washing system comprising a device for performing a washing cycle, such as a washing machine, into which the said device is placed in order to use it at different stages of washing, and a programming device integrated in the washing device remotely connected to the said device.

BACKGROUND

In known washing systems, in particular in systems using washing machines for treating various types of fabrics, dispensing of detergent during the washing cycle is usually performed using a dispenser integrated in the washing machine in the form of a drawer with several sections filled with detergents or other laundry detergents, such as fabric softener, bleach, inhibitor, etc. Technical developments in this area also make it possible to regulate the dosed supply of substances during various washing steps due to the controlled access to the dispenser sections. Nevertheless, although such a system is very practical, the dosed supply of detergent in this case is not quite effective. Indeed, for the use of detergent in a drawer, it is necessary to supply water for the washing cycle inside the corresponding section through the network of internal channels, after which the mixture of water with the detergent should be removed from this section into the washing drum for interaction with the fabric being treated. Obviously, such a system requires a complex network of channels, occupying a certain volume inside the washing machine. In addition, it should be borne in mind that with this method, part of the detergent - dry, liquid or gel-like - inevitably lingers inside such a section or channel, thus leading to detergent losses as well as damage to some structural elements of the washing machine.

This led to the creation of mobile dispensers placed directly in the drum of the washing machine. An advantage of such detergent dispensers is that the detergent can be directly applied to the fabric during the washing step without any loss or delay of part of the detergent in the channels of the washing machine at the end of the washing cycle. For the most part, these types of dispensers are a container with open compartments into which a detergent is introduced, for example, in the form of a spherical dispenser, or granules, or a gel, soluble in water. However, the disadvantage of such a portioned injection means is that, for example, in the case of a container with open compartments, the detergent contained inside is supplied immediately at the beginning of the washing cycle when the rotating drum turns the container upside down without the possibility of programming the detergent supply. In the case of a tablet detergent that dissolves gradually during washing, it is also impossible to directly control the supply of detergent at various stages of the washing cycle. Another drawback of the mentioned types of dosing agents is the impossibility of mutually matching different washing programs with a dosed supply of detergent or other substances (inhibitor, fabric softener, ...).

The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above disadvantages of known dispensers and to create a device for a more efficient and functional dosed supply in automatic mode of dry or fluid substance placed in a container.

DESCRIPTION

The following discloses a device and a metered supply system of at least one dry or fluid substance inside a container and a corresponding washing system in accordance with the independent claims.

The device in accordance with the present invention is arranged to be placed inside the container and removed from the container. In particular, the device comprises at least one compartment loaded with a metered supply substance having a penetrating surface for dispensing a substance from the compartment outwardly into the container. Additionally, the device comprises at least one access control means connected to said penetrating surface and configured to achieve at least one full opening of the holes to provide a metered supply of substance through the entire penetrating surface, and to completely close the holes to stop the metered supply of material through a penetrating surface, and at least one actuator connected to said access control means for bringing it into action. In addition, the device in accordance with the present invention includes a controller that controls the actuator and is programmed to automatically control the dosed supply of the substance into the container by changing the position of the said access control means, and also includes a power supply connected to the controller to power the dosing device. The device in accordance with the present invention is characterized by mobility relative to the container, while a metered supply of substance into the container is performed by moving the device relative to the container.

Thus, the device according to the present invention can be used in the washing process in a washing machine as a device that is not part of such a washing machine, but is placed in and removed from the interior of the washing drum, and with the possibility of supplying the substance contained therein at time and / or in conditions according to the set washing program or by commands from an external device or user. As a specific and non-limiting example, the device can be used in a fabric washing cycle using a basket or drum type washing machine.

Additionally, this device can be used in other technologies that will benefit from the use of this device. A non-limiting example is the possibility of using a metering device by supplying a substance inside a tank, container or any other container during technological processes inside them. Another non-limiting example is the use of a metering device by feeding substances in agriculture when working with fertilizers, pesticides, etc.

Moreover, the use of the present device for supplying substances in medicine is provided, for example, for the dosed delivery of drugs in surgery or therapy.

In accordance with the present invention, after the container is filled with a dosing substance, it is possible to directly insert the device into the container and remove the device from the container after the metered supply procedure is completed, for its further reuse in another process. The shape and dimensions of the device should be designed in such a way as to ensure simple and quick insertion into (and removal from) the container in which the dosed supply of the substance takes place, for example, into the drum of the washing machine to carry out the washing process. Additionally, the shape and dimensions of the device should exclude the possibility of interference or damage to other objects in the container, for example, fabrics being processed in the washing machine and other devices and objects in contact with the device, including the drum / basket of the washing machine, as well as the user serving the device. Obviously, the shape and dimensions of the device must be varied depending on the internal configuration and volume of the container where the device is placed.

The device may have, for example, a cylindrical, spherical, ellipsoidal, etc. form.

The compartment is a cavity entirely delimited by the surfaces holding the substance that this compartment holds. The compartment may also include the placement of electrical components, such as a controller, power supply, or any others that require protection from the effects of the external environment. The compartment can be divided into at least two sections by means of a sealed partition, of which one section is designed to fill the dosed substance and provided with a penetrating surface, and the second fully sealed section is designed to accommodate the above-mentioned electrical components. In another embodiment of the invention, it is possible to equip one compartment entirely for electrical components only.

The compartments can have any shape and size, moreover, different from each other, subject to the geometry and dimensions of the device as a whole. Depending on the operating conditions, the compartments can be made of polymeric materials or metal.

The penetrating surface is made at least in the form of an open outward opening in the compartment to ensure a metered supply of the substance into the container. That is, such a surface is a portion of the surface of a given compartment designed to allow the metered substance to pass from inside the compartment to the outside, namely, from the device to the container. At the same time, this hole provides movement in the opposite direction - from the container to the compartment.

Access control means are connected to the penetrating surface in such a way as to ensure that at least two positions are achieved: full closure and full open. The full shutter position prevents the substance from escaping through the entire penetrating surface. Complete closure is accomplished by closing the penetrating surface depending on the movement of said access control means relative to this surface. A similar result is obtained by controlling the permeability of the access control means, or part thereof, located near the penetrating surface, i.e. by achieving complete impermeability. On the contrary, the position of full opening provides the dosing of the substance through the entire penetrating surface. Full opening is carried out by opening the penetrating surface depending on the distance of the remoteness of said access control means from the surface. As noted earlier, a similar result is obtained by controlling the permeability of the access control means - or part thereof - located near the penetrating surface, i.e. by achieving complete impermeability.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the access control means is movable relative to the penetrating surface so that the open and closed positions are determined by relative translational movement or rotation. However, a fixed position of the access control means near the penetrating surface is also allowed to completely cover it. In this case, the opening and closing positions can be achieved by changing the chemical and physical properties of the access control means, which makes it permeable or impermeable depending on the situation.

To activate the access control means in order to achieve the mentioned provisions, it is connected with an actuator. The actuator can be any mechanism capable of converting an input command, for example, an electrical signal from a controller, into the mechanical operation of an access control device, such as moving or rotating, or into a chemical or physical effect by changing, for example, the permeability properties of an access control device . The actuator may be an electromechanical or electromagnetic drive, consisting of an electric motor, a piezoelectric, an electroactive polymer, etc.

The device is equipped with a controller connected to the actuator and, therefore, with access control means for automatically controlling it. The controller is configured to control any other electronic element within the device. The controller can be programmed directly by the user according to, for example, the set time. It is possible to include an integrated programming system on the external surface in the device. In particular, the device may be equipped with a display with programming buttons for manually programming the opening and closing times of the penetrating surface by activating the access control means. In addition, the user has the opportunity to program the controller and decide, in accordance with the criteria of the established technological process of dosed supply, after what period of time the access control means can be activated and brought into the fully open position for dosed supply of the substance into the container. The controller can also be programmed to repeatedly run access control means to open and close the penetrating surface at predetermined times so that, for example, the dosed supply of the substance is not performed only once.

In addition, the controller can be programmed to run a given program and receive commands from a device that is external to the device. That is, the controller can in turn be controlled by another device through a communication system so that the access control means is controlled by equipment external to the device. Further, the controller can execute the program, including single instructions, interacting with built-in electronic devices (such as sensors), and / or respond to signals from other external devices.

Thanks to the automatic control of the controller, the metered feed can be performed, for example, without interrupting the washing process. That is, there is no need for manual intervention in the functioning of the access control means for the metered supply of the substance into the container.

The device is equipped with a power supply for powering various elements of the device, in particular, the controller and other components of electronic equipment.

The power supply is equipped with a storage element, such as a rechargeable battery or electric capacitor. Additionally, the power supply is provided in both wired and wireless versions with respect to external power sources for the device. For example, the device may be equipped with a connector for connecting to a power cable from an external power source. Alternatively or in combination, power can be supplied through connection to a separate energy recovery platform in the energy storage system. Alternatively or in addition, the device can be equipped with an antenna, for example, a radio frequency identification system (RFID), or a coil for receiving energy through electromagnetic waves of an appropriate length.

In accordance with the configuration in which the platform is external to the device of the platform and connected to the network or other power source of this platform, this platform converts electrical energy into electromagnetic waves and transfers them to the device through an antenna or winding.

The power supply unit of the device transforms the electromagnetic waves received from the platform into electrical energy to restore the charging of rechargeable batteries. The antenna and the power supply unit may be located inside the compartment - or occupy part of the internal space of the compartment - made with the possibility of placing elements of electronic equipment, such as a controller.

Such a power supply unit, configured to power the device, does not require direct contact between the electrical equipment of the device and the external electrical network. To improve the energy exchange between the platform and the device, the external platform can be adapted to this device, which allows you to optimize the distance between the antennas or windings / coils. The device is recharged if not used during the washing process.

Data on the charging status of the device’s rechargeable batteries is displayed on the device’s display or transmitted through the communication system to the control unit of the washing machine during the washing cycle, to the external electrical equipment platform during charging and / or to other external terminals associated with the device.

All components of the electrical equipment of the device can be made and involved in the optimization and saving of overall energy consumption.

Alternatively, the external power source may be another type of platform external to the device and connected to the mains, or another power source from which the platform receives electricity.

The platform can be equipped with a cable ending with a connector with the possibility of supplying, through the connection, energy to the device.

This arrangement implies that the device is also equipped with a detachable element, to which the connector of the external electrical system is connected for powering through the wiring. This energy is used to charge batteries.

The detachable element of the device can be mounted on a compartment made with the possibility of placing elements of electrical equipment. A detachable element mounted on the device, depending on operating conditions and functions performed, must be waterproof and have a design that is protected from the penetration of other substances and from the physical and chemical effects of the process. This condition can also be fulfilled by means of a protective element covering the detachable element.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a mobile design relative to the container. This means that in addition to being able to place and remove the device from the container, the said device is independent of the container, i.e. the device is not fixed at any point inside the container, providing it with freedom of movement within this container. In particular, the device may be attached to or completely detachable from the container by means of an intermediate flexible member configured to attach to or disconnect from the device. Inside such an element can pass the power cable of the components of the electrical equipment of the device. The flexibility of the intermediate element in any case provides the device with mobility with respect to the container in the sense that despite the possible effect of the movement of one on the movement of the other, the device can be freely removed from the container.

Additionally, the substance contained in the compartment is dosed into the container due to the relative movement of the device relative to the container. That is, the metered supply does not occur “in one direction” - from the inside of the compartment to the outside by gravity due to, for example, placing the metering compartment at a certain distance from the bottom of the container, but on the basis of “two-way” penetration using diffusion exchange, which is facilitated by the relative relative movement of the device and container. It should be noted that the relative relative movement of the device and the container means any position in which these two elements move relative to each other. This is the case, for example, in the case when the container is equipped with an electric motor that allows, for example, the container to rotate around its axis, if the said device contains an electric drive (micro electric motor), or if neither the container nor the device is equipped with an electric drive, but the device is driven, for example, a stream of air or water circulating inside a container. Alternatively, the dosed supply of the substance is due to the mutual movement of the device and the fluid inside the container. For example, the device can be fixed relative to the container, and a fluid (liquid or gas), moving inside the device compartment, can activate a metered supply or diffusion of the substance.

In the present embodiment, a partial opening position of the access control means is provided between the full opening position and the full closing position, in which the substance is metered only through a portion of said penetrating surface. Thus, it is possible to control the intensity of the dosed supply depending on the volume of the substance supplied in a given time interval. When the washing machine performs a washing cycle, the device can, for example, dispense a small portion of the substance at the initial stage of the prewash, and then, in the second stage, dispense the remaining volume of the substance in order to perform the main wash.

The partial opening position, in turn, may include a plurality of partial opening positions, which vary by the difference between the full opening position and the full closing position. That is, the controller can control the access control means through the actuator in such a way as to dose the substance in portions entering through a penetrating surface open at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, - or through a penetrating surface, open in a different percentage.

In another embodiment, the device comprises communication means for receiving and transmitting data coupled to a power supply unit and to a controller.

Thus, it is possible to exchange information between this device and another external device or equipment, for example, an electronic control unit for a washing machine, smartphone or remote control. Such information includes commands or instructions necessary for the operation of the device during operation and, in particular, the equipment components of this device, such as a controller, including any sensors, communications equipment, power supply and other electrical components.

Communication can be via a wired or wireless channel. Communication signals of various types are applicable: electromagnetic and / or optical, and / or mechanical signals, and / or sound pressure signals, and / or voice control commands.

Communications may include an antenna for the exchange, transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves with a frequency selected in the range, as a non-limiting example, from hundreds of MHz to about GHz, converters of signals received from the antenna into signals adapted for the electrical components of this device, including including - various sensors and any other components of electrical equipment, as well as converters of signals from the components of the electronic equipment of the device, into signals for transmission through the antenna.

The power of the transmitted signal should provide communication between the device and the external communication system and at the same time optimize the energy saving of the energy accumulated by the device.

In another embodiment, an electromechanical drive is used as an actuator. Thus, it is possible to convert the electrical signal from the controller into mechanical work, for example, moving or rotating the access control means to set it to one of the possible positions (full opening, full closing or partial opening).

In another embodiment, the device comprises at least one sensor connected to a controller that recognizes physical or chemical contents within the container.

The device can be equipped with one or more sensors to determine, for example, the temperature, hardness and pH of the water inside the container or any other parameter that is significant for the process that accompanies the dosed supply of the substance into the container, for example, when practicing washing steps in a washing machine. It is possible to install integrated positioning sensors (accelerometers or compasses). The data collected by the sensors can be analyzed and applied directly by the controller or transmitted outside the device via communication.

In another embodiment of the invention, the device may also include controls coupled to the controller, with a power supply, with means of communication, if any, with installed sensors, if any, and with any other component of the electronic equipment of the device to collect information about the status of devices connected to it electrical components.

In the present embodiment, the controller includes an actuator control circuit and a hardware-software logic circuit for monitoring and regulating said circuit, said actuator, and all of the various electrical components of this device, such as a power supply, communication means, if any, sensors, if any and any other components of electronic equipment to collect information about their condition.

The hardware-software logic circuitry includes, in particular, at least one programmable element, for example, a microcontroller, and at least one memory device. The programmable element is made with the possibility of remote programming, for example, from the control unit of the washing machine, from a smartphone, from a personal computer, from a remote control, or directly on the device itself.

The hardware-software logic circuit can, for example, be programmed to fulfill the time schedule for the supply or dosed supply of a substance.

This possibility is realized using timers of various types built into the microcontroller, or other timers synchronized with the synchronization signal and with signals transmitted remotely.

The hardware-software logic circuit can also be programmed to remotely control the access control means, for example, from the control unit of the washing machine, from a smartphone, from a personal computer, or from a remote controller.

Thus, if the device will be used inside the washing machine, the washing steps can be timed and monitored directly using the control unit of the washing machine, which through the communication and control means will directly control the access control means of the present device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hardware-software logic circuit can monitor the state of the microcontroller, for example, by reading signals from the port and / or internal registers of the microcontroller and comparing them with the set values and / or transferring them to the control unit of the washing machine.

Additionally, the hardware-software logic control circuitry provides for monitoring the state of charge of the batteries, for example, by reading indicators of the amount of charge of the battery or capacitor using a chip or other microcircuit, for the state of the power supply system, and comparing the readings with preset values and / or transmitting them to the control unit of the washing machine. If the charge is lower than the set level, the control unit may receive a request to notify the user, through sound, light or other alarms, about the state of charge and a possible transition to charging mode.

Additionally, the hardware-software control logic may verify the received program. Verification can be performed, for example, in the form of verification with the control unit by sending to the control unit a program entered into the device’s memory after receiving it directly from the control unit.

Similarly, the hardware-software control logic provides verification of the received command. Such verification can be performed, for example, in the form of verification with the control unit by sending to the control unit the command entered into the device’s memory after receiving it directly from the control unit.

The hardware-software logic control circuit is also designed to perform the on-off operation of the device. For example, if the antenna or coil / winding of the device’s power supply unit receives a signal of the proper frequency, power and energy, which can power a specific component of the hardware-software logic circuits, activating the power supply to all components of the device. A power outage can be performed by hardware-software logic when exposed to the power switching organs of the components of the electrical equipment of the dispenser. For example, if a device is to be turned off from normal washing program mode, the washing machine control unit may transmit a shutdown signal to the device. In another example, the hardware-software logic circuitry receives or generates an interrupt signal and / or a failure signal requiring the device to be turned off. That is, by transmitting to and receiving the antenna the corresponding signals, it is possible to turn on and off the power supply. The power supply remains turned off until the antenna receives the next signal, which resumes the operation of the device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a plurality of compartments, at least two of which are adjacent to each other, and each contains a dry or fluid substance for dosed supply into the container through a penetrating surface, the controller being programmed to control the dosed supply of substance from each compartment at various given points in time.

Thus, it is possible both independent and simultaneous control of the dosed supply of various substances during the same technological process at different intervals of the dosed supply. In the case of using this device inside the washing machine, the separate compartments may contain substances that are to be dosed alternately into the container at successive intervals during the washing steps. In a non-limiting example, one compartment of the device may contain detergent used for prewash at the initial stage, the second compartment may contain detergent used for the middle stage of the wash cycle, the third compartment may contain fabric softener, and the fourth compartment is an inhibitor. Due to the automated and programmable control of the controller, the dosed detergent from the first compartment can occur at the initial stage of the washing cycle, the dosed detergent from the second compartment can occur later, at the middle stage of the washing cycle, the dosed supply of fabric softener can occur at the last stage together with the inhibitor . Thus, a more predetermined use of substances dispensed at optimal times in accordance with the selected washing mode can be achieved.

A plurality of compartments may be a different number of sections of one compartment divided by common internal partitions. For example, a cylindrical device can be divided into sections obtained by a cross-section so that a plurality of compartments will be represented by adjacent cylinders with common circle-shaped partitions. Alternatively, the sections can be made in longitudinal section of a cylindrical device so that the plurality of compartments will be represented by cylinder segments separated by common rectangular partitions. Obviously, the compartments can have any geometry and dimensions, based on the original shape of the device.

In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one part of the partition separating two adjacent compartments is openable, which allows two substances to be mixed in two adjacent compartments inside the device.

In this case, the common partition can be equipped with its own access control means, driven by a separate actuator, controlled and controlled by the controller. Thus, it is possible to contact the substances contained in adjacent compartments before they are dosed outward for subsequent dosed supply of the resulting mixture outside the device, namely, to the container. In particular, by streamlining the functions of the controller, it is possible to contact, mix and interact two or more substances before their further metered feeding into the container, and not earlier than the calculated moment in the process.

As an example, we can consider two substances, the mixing of which produces a detergent, whose effectiveness reaches a maximum one minute after mixing these substances. In this case, these substances are placed in two adjacent compartments separated by a partition provided with access control means. One minute before the expected dosed supply of detergent, the substances are mixed by manipulating the access control device installed between the compartments.

Then, after one minute, at the moment of maximum detergent efficiency, controlling the means of access control of the compartment, the substance is dosed into a container, for example, into a drum of a washing machine. This approach is applicable in medicine, when mixing two drugs is required before a dosed supply of a substance.

In another embodiment of the invention, in an embodiment with multiple compartments, the device comprises a plurality of access control means connected to the penetrating surface of each of the compartments, in which the controller is programmed to independently control the positions of the access control means of each of the compartments.

Thus, it is possible to independently control the dosed supply of substances contained in separate compartments by directly affecting each individual means of access control. For example, this allows, if necessary, to simultaneously dose two or more substances, for example, when two substances must act together, or when they must be mixed when fed into a container.

In another embodiment of the invention, a sliding shutter is included in the design of the access control means, sliding along the penetrating surface, thereby defining the initial position as the beginning of the stroke and the final position as the end of the stroke. In the initial position of the start of the stroke, the actuator acts on the shutter, as a result of which the shutter completely closes the penetrating surface, preventing the release of matter outside the compartment, i.e. - into the container. In the extreme position of the end of the stroke, the actuator acts on the shutter, as a result of which the shutter completely opens the penetrating surface, freeing the exit of the substance outside the compartment, i.e. - into the container. Moving from the starting position of the start of the stroke to the extreme position of the end of the stroke, the shutter can slide in parallel along the internal or external surface of the compartment. This eliminates any delay in the dosed supply of the substance, or any likelihood of jamming or engagement of the shutter for any object in the container. Obviously, alternative shutter designs and patterns of its movement relative to the penetrating surface are acceptable, taking into account all the mentioned technical conditions, including possible delays in the dosed supply of the substance and possible contact with foreign objects.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electromagnetic type actuator is used, comprising at least one induction coil / winding and magnetized elements, wherein the induction coil is located on the sides of the sliding shutter, and the magnetized elements are placed inside the shutter and at the start and end positions of the shutter.

In particular, the actuator also comprises an internal magnetized element called a “core” integrated in the surface of the access control means, i.e. - shutter. As an alternative solution, permanent magnetization of the entire surface or only part of the access control means is permissible. The magnetized element can have the same geometric shape as the access control means, only a few smaller sizes that would allow it to be embedded inside the access control means.

Magnetized elements installed near the end point and the starting point, perform the stop function in the absence of excitation in the inductor. These elements act on the built-in magnetized element of the access control means with a minimum but sufficient force within the chemical and physical conditions of the washing process so that, in the absence of excitation in the induction coil, the access control means, if it is in the position of the starting point or in the position of the end point remains in that position.

In this way, the access control means is held in the fully open or fully closed position.

An induction coil can be energized through an electric circuit to generate such a force on the built-in magnetized element to overcome the stopping force of the side magnetized elements and move the access control means from the starting point to the ending point, or back from the ending point to the starting point.

To move the access control means in two opposite directions, it is necessary that the coil is connected to the electrical circuit in such a way that the coil is excited by electric currents in opposite directions.

The duration of the coil excitation depends on the time it takes to move the access control means from the start point to the end point or vice versa.

Obviously, the concept of using the interaction between induction coils and magnetized elements can be extended to any other type of structure, both in terms of the geometry of the attracted elements and in terms of their quantity or configuration.

In another embodiment, the access control means comprises a plurality of membranes with a partially impermeable surface. In this case, the access control means rotates relative to the penetrating surface. In a preferred embodiment, the membranes are stacked on top of each other to form a single stacked structure. Membranes can be characterized by various permeability and shape properties. Due to the superimposed structure, it is possible to form permeability and impermeability sections taking into account the properties of the dosed substance.

The rotation of the access control means relative to the penetrating surface allows you to vary the location of the permeable portion of the structure of the superposed membranes relative to the penetrating surface with a change in position from full opening to full closure. In the fully open position, the permeability section reaches the same size with the penetrating surface. In the fully closed position of the same size with the penetrating surface, the impermeability section reaches.

The membranes that make up the superimposed structure can move synchronously or independently from each other. For example, it is possible the joint or joint movement of several membranes at the same time while keeping the remaining membranes stationary.

The membrane surface formed by the overlay can be connected to a single penetrating surface to dynamically change the surface through which the substance is supplied. Such a superimposed structure may, for example, contain many permeable sections of various sizes so that by moving the access control means relative to the penetrating surface, the metered flow of the substance from the fully closed position to the fully open position will be smoothly controlled. In addition, it is possible to connect the same surface formed by the application of membranes with different penetrating surfaces of different compartments. Thus, it is possible to use one common access control means for a large number of compartments. By moving the access control means, for example, by rotating the superimposed membrane structure, the permeable / impermeable portion of said structure can be shifted from the penetrating surface of one compartment to the penetrating surface of the adjacent compartment. Obviously, in order for such a design to work, it is necessary that the area of the permeability section is equal to or less than the area of the penetrating surface of the compartment from which the metered feed of the substance is carried out, while the area of the impermeability section must be equal to or greater than the penetrating surface of the compartment, with respect to which is the termination of the dosed supply of the substance in it.

In another embodiment of the invention, the membranes are made in the form of disks rotating about an axis passing through their center due to a drive connected to them. The drive can be an electric motor with a mechanical transmission system of disks from the shaft. Thus, it is possible to operate the access control means, avoiding any possible obstacles to the dosed supply of the substance and any possible contact with other objects in the container.

In another embodiment of the invention, the access control means comprises a plurality of circular membranes, one of which has sectors rotating about its own central axis. The rotation of the sector allows you to open the penetrating surface of the corresponding compartment for dosed supply of the desired substance. The rotational movement of each of the sectors is provided by its connection with an electric motor or the like.

As noted previously, the use of the present invention relates to washing fabrics in a washing machine.

Therefore, the container into which the device is placed and from which it is taken is a drum or a basket of a washing machine. Thus, in the private embodiment of the washing machine, this device is immersed in an aqueous medium with the presence of chemicals dosed introduced during the washing cycle. Therefore, the device should be designed to maintain proper performance even when completely immersed in an aqueous solution of chemicals with different properties. In addition, the device must be resistant to standard influences inside the drum of the washing machine, which is movable at all stages of the washing program, including the maximum load during centrifugation.

In a preferred embodiment, in the fully closed position, the compartment is sealed against the external environment. Thus, the substance inside the compartment remains isolated from external conditions until the moment of the start of the dosed supply. This prevents premature leakage of the substance from the compartment to the outside or leakage of substances from the external environment, such as water, into the compartment.

In accordance with the present invention, the device and the system are entirely placed and fixed in a protective housing, while the hollow elements are provided with at least one opening for the passage of matter from the device to the container and from the container to the device.

The case, which serves as a means of protection, protects against excessive loads or external influences within the limits provided for by the technological process and the functionality of the components that are experiencing compartments, access control, sensors and other components that may be damaged during the process.

The body as a means of protection should be, in the amount of technical requirements for the washing process or other technological process, waterproof, resistant to other substances, objects, physical and chemical conditions provided for by the process. Additionally, this protection should not in any way affect the performance of the device. For example, its elements should not impede the loading of substances into compartments in the same way as if this means of protection were absent. For example, the protective housing may be equipped with a manual opening device such as a door for direct access to the compartments.

The protective housing may be of any shape that meets the same device configuration requirements as described above. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the protective housing has a cylindrical, spherical or ellipsoidal shape. It can be made of polymer to provide resistance to, for example, centrifugal forces inside the drum of the washing machine. The dimensions of the holes in the protective case must be such as to ensure an effective dosed supply of the substance outside the device, but at the same time to prevent the penetration of small objects present in the container into the protective case and cause damage to the device.

On the walls of the protective housing, holes of the same or different sizes can be made.

To simplify the operation of removing the device from the protective housing, it can be made detachable in several places. In particular, the protective housing can be dismantled and thus open for access to the compartment and to the access control means. This is convenient, for example, for loading substances into the compartment, for emptying the compartment, for cleaning, checking and maintaining the compartments and access control means.

In accordance with the present invention, the system for supplying at least one dry or fluid substance into the container comprises the device described above and a programming device for remotely controlling and programming the controller of said device. In particular, the programming device is connected to the device via communication means integrated into the device.

The programming device can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, remote control, or any other device compatible and paired with a device for exchanging data and transmitting commands. Data exchange can be done through a remote connection or through a cable connection.

That is, this device is configured to remotely program an external device in relation to it to implement all of the mentioned features of the invention. Additionally, the device itself can send information to the device, for example, about the readings of various sensors regarding charging the battery, the state of the dosed feed process, etc. All this information can be displayed on the display of the programming device.

In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided to connect the device to the Internet and download the data necessary for the progress of the metered feed process, which can be transferred directly to the metering device. For example, a device is placed inside a washing machine of a particular brand. The device is configured to download information about washing programs for this particular washing machine and program the device, especially its controller, based on these programs. That is, the programming device serves as the electronic control unit of the washing machine and can directly control the functions of the device. To implement this functionality, a computer application may be developed for direct download to a programming device.

In accordance with the present invention, the washing system comprises a washing device comprising at least one supporting structure with a container in which at least one washing object is placed, said container being movable relative to the supporting structure. Additionally, the washing device comprises at least one washing unit with a container for filling and draining water and at least one unit for controlling the movement of the container. Additionally, the system includes a device similar to the one immersed inside the container, containing a substance for dosed supply during the washing cycle of the object, and a programming device for remote control and programming the controller of the said device, the programming device being integrated into the supporting structure of the washing device and connected to the device via means of communication built into the device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the washing device is provided in the form of a washing machine in which, instead of the traditional pull-out container with sections for loading detergent and / or other substances necessary for the washing cycle, said dispenser is placed before the washing process begins inside the drum . Through direct action on the programming device integrated in the washing machine, it is possible to directly program or control the device, in particular its controller, so that the substances needed for the washing cycle are metered in according to a certain sequence defined by the selected washing program. The device can send information to the programming device, for example, about the readings of the sensors regarding the charge level of the battery, the state of the dosed feed process, etc. All this information can be displayed on the display of the programming device. It is also possible to connect the programming device to the Internet to download data, for example, updates of washing programs.

Obviously, such a washing system, in particular a washing machine, no longer requires the use of a conventional pull-out detergent container. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, the washing system can be designed and manufactured without such a retractable container and, accordingly, without numerous channels from and to it and the associated electronic equipment. This provides significant savings in the production of the final product and makes it possible to exclude components that cause malfunctions from the design.

These and other aspects of the present invention are more clearly disclosed in the description of a number of preferred embodiments of the invention presented below.

Figure 1 schematically shows the components of a device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 schematically shows a device in accordance with the present invention;

In figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f, the device is schematically shown in the positions of full opening (a, b), full closing (c, d) and partial opening (e, f);

Figures 3Aa and 3Ab schematically illustrate an embodiment of an actuator actuator in accordance with the present invention;

In figures 3BA, 3Bb and 3BC schematically shows a device in which the drive shown in figure 3A;

The figure 4 schematically shows a device with many adjacent compartments;

5A and 5B schematically illustrate a housing as a means of protection in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d schematically illustrate a device placed inside a protective housing in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c schematically illustrate an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 8A and 8B schematically show access control means in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 7;

Figures 8Aa, 8Ab, and 8Ac schematically show an embodiment of a technical solution for access control means in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 schematically shows a system comprising a device in accordance with the present invention, placed in a drum of a washing machine with the possibility of remote control by means of a programming device via remote communication;

Figure 10 schematically shows a system comprising a device in accordance with the present invention, placed in a drum of a washing machine with remote control by means of a programming device through a cable connection; and

Figure 11 schematically shows a washing system comprising a device in accordance with the present invention, placed in a drum of a washing machine with the possibility of remote control by means of a programming device built into the washing machine, via remote communication.

The figure 1 shows a block diagram of a device 10 for automatic dosing of at least one dry or fluid substance S inside the container C.

The device has a compartment 12 for loading the dosed substance S. The compartment 12 has a penetrating surface or hole 14 that allows the substance S to be accessed from the compartment 12 beyond, i.e. - into the container C. Connected to the penetrating surface 14, an access control means 16 is provided that sets the positions of different degrees of closure or opening outwardly on the penetrating surface 14. The access control means 16 is driven by an associated actuator 18.

The device also includes a controller 20, coupled to the actuator 18 and programmed to automatically control the metered supply of the substance S to the container C by changing the position of the access control means 16. To provide power to the entire device 10, it is equipped with a power supply 22 connected to the controller 20.

Additionally, the device 10 includes communication means 24 with the antenna 25 for receiving and transmitting data, and a sensor 26 for determining a physical quantity inside and outside the device 10. The communication means 24 and the sensor 26 are directly connected to the controller 20. Additionally, the communication means 24 and the sensor 26 can be directly connected to the power supply 22. In the basic configuration, the device 10 does not contain a means of communication 24 with the antenna 25 or a sensor 26. Therefore, these elements are depicted in figure 1 by dashed lines. In an expanded configuration, the device comprises communication means 24 with an antenna 25 and / or a sensor 26.

The controller 20, in turn, contains a control logic 28 including a programmable element, such as a microcontroller 30, and a memory 32 for storing data received from elements of the internal or external equipment of the device 10. Additionally, the controller 20 contains control loops 34 for monitoring and regulation the functions of the various components of the device 10, such as the actuator 18, access control means 16, power supply 22, communication means 24 if present and sensor 26 if present.

The figure 2 shows a view of the device 10 from the outside.

The device 10 is in the form of a capsule, i.e. a cylindrical structure with beveled areas at the bases for uniform introduction into the container C. In the specific case of using the drum / basket of the washing machine as the container C, the capsule shape allows the device 10 to move freely inside the drum during various washing steps and especially promotes the rotation of the device 10 during rotation drum. Additionally, the beveled shape of the corners prevents possible damage to objects located in the container C, as well as the walls of the container C. The figure shows a penetrating surface 14 having an approximately rectangular geometry through which the substance S is dispensed. The access control means 16 has a shutter shape that is partially covers the penetrating surface 14.

Figures 3a, 3c, and 3e each show a cross section of the device 10 of Figure 2 and show access control means 16 in three different positions. In particular, the access control means 16 has an impenetrable surface (shutter) and is slidable on the inside of the side surface of the compartment 12 to assume a fully open position (Figures 3a, 3b), fully closed (Figures 3c, 3d) or partially open (Figures 3e, 3f) of the penetrating surface 14 and, accordingly, changes in the surface area 36 of the supply of substance S. In particular, the access control means 16 enters the cavity 38 in the thickness of the wall of the compartment 12. The penetrating surface 14 has four sides. Two of these four sides are two separate straight-line segments parallel to a rectangle passing through the center of the bases of compartment 12. These two sides are at the same distance from the bases. The other two sides are two arcs connecting the extreme upper and lower points of the two sides described above. The front view of the penetrating surface 14 from a point located at right angles to the side surface of the capsule is a rectangle. At the same time, the view of the penetrating surface 14 from a point located at right angles to the bases is an arched half-arch.

The penetrating surface 14 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3a. In particular, figure 3a shows a view from a point perpendicular to the base, while figure 3b shows a view from a point perpendicular to the side surface of the device.

The access control means 16 can be moved with corresponding tolerances tangentially to one or more circles, the center of which runs perpendicularly through the base of the cylindrical structure forming the capsule, parallel and concentrically relative to the cylindrical bases, on which the circular arched part, forming the outlet, along which slides, rests access control means 16, and with a radius defined as the distance between the access control means 16 and the perpendicular to the base of the cylinder passing through the center of such a base. If we assume that the median (central) axis of the access control means 16 is part of a concentric arc and parallel to the base of the cylinder, then tangents to such an arc as the directions of movement of the access control means 16 can be adopted.

When the access control means 16 is in the fully open position (figures 3a and 3b), the supply surface 36 of the substance S has the largest area. In this case, the penetrating surface 14 coincides with the surface 36 of the supply of the substance. When the access control means 16 is in the fully closed position (figures 3c and 3d), the access control means 16 completely covers the penetrating surface 14. In this case, the release area 36 is completely closed and the substance S cannot leave the compartment 12.

When the access control means 16 is in a partially open position (figures 3e and 3f), it only partially overlaps the penetrating surface 14. In this case, the supply surface 36 has an intermediate value between zero and a maximum value corresponding to the area of the penetrating surface 14. Depending on the degree of coverage of the penetrating surface 14 with access control means 16, it is possible to optimize the metered supply of the substance S outside the compartment 12 into the container C.

Figure 3A shows the initial position of the actuator 18 before operating the access control means 16. The actuator 18 includes at least one induction coil / winding 33 and a plurality of magnetized elements 35, 37, 39. The figure shows a portion of the compartment wall 41 12, into which the drive components are built-in 18. It should be taken into account that the figure shows an exemplary image of a wall element 41 deployed in length on a plane, despite the fact that the walls of compartment 12 actually have curved shape. In particular, FIG. 3Aa shows a position in which the access control means 16 is pushed into the inside of the wall portion 41, and FIG. 3Ab shows the position in which the access control means 16 is removed from the part of the wall 41.

An induction coil / winding 33 is placed inside a portion of the wall 41 near the penetrating surface 14 and is configured to enclose the access control means 16 when it slides in the form of a shutter along the wall of the compartment 12 inside the cavity 38. The coil 33 is mounted so as not to overlap, i.e. e. do not impede in any way the supply of material through the surface 36 of the compartment 12. The coil 33 is connected to the circuit of the voltage generator 43 controlled by the controller 20. Moreover, the coil 33 is directly connected to the power supply 22, which supplies energy to the entire device 10. At the edges of the wall 41, at the start and end points of the sliding stroke of the shutter, two magnetized elements 35 are placed that completely cover the transverse profile of the wall portion 41. The access control means 16 is in turn provided with magnetized elements 37, 39. Per hour NOSTA, the access control means is provided with inner member 37 extending over the entire length of the shutter, and the two elements 39 mounted on the edges of the shutter.

The magnetized elements 35, installed near the end point and the starting point, perform the stop function in the absence of excitation in the inductor 33. These elements act on the built-in magnetized elements 37 and 39 of the access control means 16 with a minimum but sufficient force in the chemical and physical conditions of the washing process so that in the absence of excitation in the induction coil 33, the access control means 16, if it is in the position of the starting point or in the position of the end point, remains in in that position. In this way, the access control means is held in the fully open or fully closed position.

Based on the voltage applied to the heads of the coil 33, a magnetic field is excited around the access control means 16. Thus, a force is generated to overcome the holding force of the magnetized elements 35 to move the access control means 16 from the start point to the end point of the stroke, or vice versa, from the end to the starting point of the move. The movement of the access control means 16 in one or the other direction depends on the direction of the current passing through the coil 33 and inducing a magnetic field.

Figure 3BA shows a device 10 in cross section, which shows the actuator 18 shown in figure 3A. The figure shows the end and starting points of the positions of the magnetized elements 35 and the coil 33 relative to the penetrating surface 14. The shift of the access control means 16 inside the cavity 38, caused by the magnetic field induced by the coil 33, determines the degree of opening or closing of the penetrating surface 14.

3Bb is a front view of a penetrating surface 14. In this case, the device 10 is in the fully closed position. In contrast, FIG. 3Bc shows a state in which the access control means 16 covers only a portion of the penetrating surface 14, forming the passage 36 of the substance S. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the device 10 comprises five adjacent compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ , 12 ₄ and 12 ₅ , not mutually communicating and mutually isolated.

Four of these five bays are 12_one, 12₂, 12₃ and 12_four - each has an access control means, 16_one, 16₂, 16₃ and 16_four, for dosed supply of substances S contained in them outside the device 10. Remaining compartment 12₅ not equipped with access control means and adapted to accommodate the built-in components of the device 10, namely, the controller 20, the communication device 24, the power supply 22, etc.

Access control means 16 ₁ , 16 ₂ , 16 ₃ and 16 ₄ are shown in the figure in the partial opening position. It is noteworthy that the different release surfaces 36 ₁ , 36 ₂ , 36 ₃ and 36 _{4 of the} respective compartments are different from each other. Moving each one of these access control means 16 ₁ , 16 ₂ , 16 ₃ and 16 ₄ opens access to the inside of each respective compartment 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ .

In this embodiment, the device 10 is designed to load up to four different substances S. For example, if the device 10 is used inside the washing machine, compartment 12 ₁ can be used to load a dose of detergent for prewash, the second compartment 12 ₂ can be used to load a portion of detergent for the second stage of the washing cycle, in the third compartment 12 ₃ you can load the air conditioner. The fourth compartment 12 ₄ can be used for dosing during the washing process any other substance S, for example, perfume, dye, stain remover, inhibitor, etc. Depending on the type of substance S, it is possible to reconfigure the moment of time and / or the intensity of the dosed supply by continuously adjusting the opening-closing positions. Fragrance, for example, can be served at the end of the wash cycle, while the stain remover is supplied at an earlier stage.

Figures 5A and 5B show a protective housing 40 that can be disassembled in three places 40 ₁ , 40 ₂ and 40 ₃ to house the device 10. The protective housing 40 is in the form of a cylindrical capsule. Figure 5a shows the components of the complete assembly, and figure 5b shows the structure in a disassembled position where the side walls 40 ₁ and 40 ₃ and the middle part 40 _{2 are} distinguishable.

Sidewalls 40 ₁ and 40 ₃ have an extension along the axis of the cylinder with a concentrically decreasing radius of the side surface. The extension is provided with an external thread 42. The middle part 40 ₂ , on the contrary, is provided with two internal threads 44 located at the ends of the part 40 ₂ .

The two external threads 42 correspond to the two internal threads 44, whereby the side parts 40 ₁ and 40 _{3 are} twisted and untwisted relative to the middle part 40 ₂ , as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5b. Both sidewalls 40 ₁ and 40 ₃ , and the central part 40 _{2 of the} protective housing 40 contain many holes 46 for the passage of the substance S from the device 10 into the container C and other substances, such as washing water, from the container C to the device 10. That is the housing as a means of protection 40 prevents the device 10 from falling into it from the outside of foreign objects that can cause damage. However, it does not interfere with the release of substance S from compartment 12, or the entry, for example, of water for mixing with substance S.

Figure 6 shows the device 10 inserted into the protective housing 40 in an unassembled state (Figures 6a, 6b and 6c) and in an unassembled state (Figures 6d).

The protective case 40 is provided with fastening means 48 for fixing the device 10. These fastening means 48, if necessary, can be made in the form of shock absorbers, damping part of the shock energy acting on the protective case 40, and thus reducing the load on the device 10. The figures show that the device 10 is fixed only in the central part 40 ₂ of the protective cover 40. to the side portions 40 ₁ and 40 ₃ the device 10 is not fixed and may freely be unscrewed and separated from the central part 40 _2, even when the device 10 is inserted into the prote pleasing body 40.

The fastening means 48 of the protective housing 40 fix the device 10 on those parts of its surface where there is no penetrating surface 14, for example, in the area of the compartment 12 ₅ for accommodating the electrical components of the device 10.

The fastening means 48 can be made in plastic.

Figures 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of the invention to that proposed in Fig. 2-6, while maintaining the basic concept.

The device 10 is divided into five compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ , 12 ₄ and 12 ₅ , as in Figure 4, but located differently.

The cylindrical compartment 12 _{5 is} closed and adjacent to one of the bases of the cylinder forming the device 10. The other four compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ are placed along the axis of the cylinder. According to this embodiment of the invention, the device 10 has only one access control means 16 in the form of a disk located at one of the bases of the cylindrical structure forming the device 10.

The deaf compartment 12 ₅ does not have access control means 16 and is designed to accommodate a controller 20, communication means 24, power supply 22, etc.

Four compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ have the same dimensions and together form a cylinder, i.e. a cylindrical section forming the device 10.

As shown in figures 7b and 7c, the four compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ divide the circle of the base of the cylinder into four equal circular sectors.

Compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ have surfaces 50 ₁ , 50 ₂ , 50 ₃ and 50 ₄ parallel to the base of the cylinder of device 10, one of which is adjacent to the blind cylindrical compartment 12 ₅ . Surfaces 50 ₁ , 50 ₂ , 50 ₃ and 50 ₄ are coplanar.

The opposite surface parallel to the cylinder base of the device 10 has for each of the four compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ one hole 52 ₁ , 52 ₂ , 52 ₃ and 52 ₄ , each of which is a penetrating surface 14 for each compartment 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ .

The holes 52 ₁ , 52 ₂ , 52 ₃ and 52 _{4 of the} same size look against the background of the circle of the base of the cylinder as triangles with an arc at the base inscribed in circular sectors.

The holes 52 ₁ , 52 ₂ , 52 ₃ and 52 ₄ are closed by means of access control 16 in the form of a disk, and four compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ are separated from the internal volume of the device 10 by four dividing surfaces 56 ₁ , 56 ₂ , 56 ₃ and 56 _{4 are} rectangular in shape. As in the previous version of the layout, the dividing surfaces 56 ₁ , 56 ₂ , 56 ₃ and 56 ₄ (some or all) can have an opening part that can be opened by the controller 20 using the appropriate actuator for the flow of matter from one compartment 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ to another, adjacent to it, compartment 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ , i.e. for mixing two substances in communicating compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ before dosing from device 10 into container (C).

The access control means 16 is an established structure 58 of different elements of the circular shape 60 of two types. The elements 60 forming the superimposed structure 58 are of two types. The first type includes round disks that are completely impermeable except for the permeable circular sector 62. The second type includes round disks that are completely impermeable except for four permeable sections 64.

Figure 8 shows the superimposed structure 58, which is an access control means 16 in assembled (Figure 8a) and disassembled (Figure 8b). Elements 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ are disks of the first type, elements 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ are of the second type. All elements 60 ₁ , 60 ₂ , 60 ₃ , 60 ₄ and 60 ₅ have the size of the cylinder base of the device 10.

Each permeable circular sector 62 of the first type of disks 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ corresponds in size to the circular sector, which for each of the compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ is determined based on the cylindrical shape of the device 10. Each permeable section 64 of the second type of disk 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ corresponds to the hole size 52 ₁ , 52 ₂ , 52 ₃ and 52 _{4 of the} compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ . The impermeable portion of each element 60 of the superimposed structure 58 corresponds to the total area of the disc except for the permeable portion 62, 64. Therefore, the impermeable portion of each disc of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ corresponds to a surface approximately equal to three adjacent sectors of the circle 66, while the impermeable portion each disk of the second type 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ corresponds to a kind of grid formed by the cross structure 68 introduced into the circle.

The superimposed structure 58 in figure 8 consists of five disks 60 — two disks of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ and three disks of the second type 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ , while two elements of the second type 60 ₁ and the outermost are located in the superimposed structure 58 60 ₅ .

It should be taken into account that the superimposed structure 58 formed in this way prevents the substance S from leaving the compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ at the same time. However, it allows passage in one time interval through only one compartment 12. This is accomplished by rotating the first type of disks 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ by means of a rotary device located at the base of the cylindrical structure of device 10 (not shown in the figure). The disks of the second type 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ do not rotate with a rotating device, but remain fixed at the openings of the compartments 12. Each permeable section 64 coincides with one of the openings 52 ₁ , 52 ₂ , 52 ₃ and 52 _{4 of the} compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ .

The rotary device includes an electromechanical drive, for example, an electric motor equipped with a mechanical part, for example, a drive shaft system with transmission to the disks 60.

To provide access to the compartment 12 from the outside, it is necessary that the permeable portions 62 of both disks of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ have at least one part superimposed on the opening 52 of the compartment 12 to which access is required.

This is achieved by moving the discs of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ so that each of the median (central) axes 70 and 72 of the permeable circular sectors 62 of the discs of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 _{4 is} aligned in the same direction with the central axis of the opening 52 of the compartment 12 which access is required.

To close access to each compartment 12, the first type of disks 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ are set so that the central axes 70 and 72 of the permeable circular sectors 62 of the first type of disks 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ are between them at an angle of at least 90 degrees, a preferred embodiment of the invention is 180 degrees, and one is aligned with the central axis of the opening 52 of the compartment 12, and the other with the central axis of the opening 52 of the other compartment 12. The disks of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ do not move simultaneously, but alternately.

The disks of the second type 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ act as a seal between the two disks of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ and between the disks of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ and the polymer material surrounding the holes of the compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 ₄ . This reduces the likelihood of undesirable mixing of substances S from one compartment 12 with another, both during rotation of the first type of disks 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ , and during immobility.

The disks of the second type 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ also reduce friction during rotation of the disks of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ . The contact surface between the disk of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ and the disk of the second type 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 _{5 is} smaller than the contact surface between the two disks of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ .

The disks of both the first, 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ , and the second, 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ , of types are made of a material that improves the functionality of the device 10 and ensures optimal tightness and minimal friction.

The disks of the first type 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ are driven by an axis passing through their center, reaching the rotary device. This axis can also serve as a stop for discs 60 ₂ and 60 ₄ . A rotary device is installed inside the blind compartment 125.

The disks of the second type 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ are mutually fastened using an element external to the access control means 16, for example, a mask (not shown in the figure) made of the same impermeable material as the disks of the second type 60 ₁ , 60 ₃ and 60 ₅ , to completely cover the side surface of the cylinder forming the foot 58 of the access control means 16. This external element is installed near the base of the cylinder of the device 10, on which the openings 52 of the compartments 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ and 12 _{4 are located} .

FIG. 8Aa shows another embodiment of access control means 16 for use with the device 10 shown in FIG. 7. In particular, access control means 16 has two circular surfaces 61 ₁ and 61 ₂ superposed on one another.

As shown in FIG. 8Ab, the upper surface 61 ₁ is a circular disk of impermeable material having an area corresponding to a kind of cross-shaped mesh inserted inside circle 68. Surface 61 ₁ defines four open sectors 63.

The lower surface 61 ₂ is a circular disk having impervious sectors 65 of the same size with open sectors 63 of the upper surface 61 ₁ .

The lower surface 61 ₂ is characterized in that each individual sector 65 can rotate around its central axis 67 in such a way as to allow the penetrating surface 14 of the corresponding compartment 12 to open and to supply the substance S. The rotational movement of the individual sectors 65 is carried out by means of a rotating means installed in the base of the cylindrical structure of the device 10 (not shown in the figure) or integrated into the device 10 near the central axes 67 of each sector 65. The rotating means comprises an electromechanical sky drive, for example, at least one electric motor, equipped with a mechanical part applicable, for example, the drive shaft system with sectorized transmission 65. Rotating the sectors 65 can be actuated independently of one another to simultaneously or alternately different opening sections 12.

Figure 8Ac shows a detail of the rotation of sector 65 around axis 67 when two surfaces 61 ₁ and 61 _{2 of} the access control means are superimposed 16. During rotation, part of sector 65 enters compartment 12, and part of sector 65 intersects open sector 63 of surface 61 ₁ in the direction beyond the sector 12, setting the surface 36 of the passage of substance S.

Figure 9 shows a system 100 including a device 10 immersed in a container C, which is the drum / basket of a washing machine L, and a programming device 74. The washing machine L is a standard washing machine of any brand currently sold. The device 10 is programmed and controlled by the programming device 74 from the outside relative to the container C. The programming device 74, for example, in the form of a tablet or smartphone exchanges data in a two-way mode 76 with the device 10 through the communication means 24.

Figures 10 and 11 show a washing system 200 in which the programming device 74 is integrated in the washing machine L and acts as a control unit of the washing machine itself. In one case (figure 10), the programming device 74 communicates with the device 10 via cable 78, 80, in the other case (figure 11) there is a two-way exchange of 76 information wirelessly by means of electromagnetic waves.

For wired exchange of information between the device 10 and the programming device 74, built into the washing machine L, use the communication bus 78, built into the washing machine L, and a cable 80 connecting the bus 78 to the device. In this arrangement, communication cables 80 can serve as an anchor guy.

For wireless remote information exchange using an antenna, which may have a similar design, configured to transmit energy.

It should be noted that the systems 100 and 200 shown in figures 9, 10 and 11, when implemented, are mutually compatible in any combination. For example, a system arrangement is feasible in which the programming device 74, integrated in the washing machine L, can be connected via cable 78 and 80 with the device 10 immersed in the container C, and at the same time in wireless mode 76 with an item of equipment external to the washing L. car

Additionally, it should be noted that any feature of the device described in figures 1-3 can be transferred and applied to the device depicted in figures 4-6 and 7-8 as part of the application of the process.

Although the present invention has been described above by describing some embodiments with the appended figures, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments; on the contrary, the present invention includes all possible changes or improvements that will appear obvious to those skilled in the art.

An experienced specialist in this field of technology in order to comply with new and unforeseen requirements, may make further modifications and changes to the device, system and the mentioned washing system, however, all of the above is included in the scope of protection of the present invention in accordance with the attached claims.

Claims (33)

1. A device (10) for automatically dispensing at least one dry or fluid substance (S) into a container (C), immersed in and removed from this container (C), characterized in that it contains: - at least one compartment (12) containing said substance (S) having a penetrating surface (14) for dosing the substance (S) outside the compartment (12) into the container (C); at least one access control means (16) connected to said penetrating surface (14) in such a way as to reach at least one full opening position to ensure a metered supply of substance (S) through the entire penetrating surface (14) and completely closing to stop the dosed supply of the substance (S) through the penetrating surface (14); - at least one actuator (18) associated with the access control means (16) for bringing said access control means (16) into action; - a controller (20), coupled with an actuator (18) and programmed to automatically control the dosed supply of the substance (S) inside the container (C) by changing the position of the said access control means (16); and - a power supply (22) connected to said controller (20) for powering the device (10); wherein said device (10) is movable relative to the container (C), and a metered supply of substance (S) inside the container (C) is performed depending on the movement of the device (10) relative to the container (C). 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the access control means (16) can additionally occupy the positions of partial opening between the positions of full opening and full closing to perform a metered supply of substance (S) only through a limited area of said penetrating surface ( fourteen). 3. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises communication means (24) for receiving and transmitting data, while said communication means (24) is connected to a power supply unit (22) and a controller (20). 4. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (18) is an electromechanical drive. 5. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains at least one sensor (26) connected to the controller (20) for determining the quantitative physical or chemical content inside the container (C). 6. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains many compartments (121, 122, 123, 124), of which at least two are adjacent to each other, with each compartment (121, 122, 123, 124) contains dry or fluid substance (S) intended for dosed supply into the container (C) through the penetrating surface (14), while the controller (20) is programmed to regulate the dosed supply of substance (S) from each compartment (121, 122, 123, 124) according to different timing. 7. The device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least a part of the wall separating the two said mutually adjacent compartments (121, 122, 123, 124) can be opened for mixing substances contained in these two adjacent compartments (121, 122, 123, 124) inside the device (10). 8. The device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it contains many access control means (161, 162, 163, 164), each of which is connected to the penetrating surface (14) of each compartment (121, 122, 123 , 124), while the controller (20) is programmed to control the position of the access control means (161, 162, 163, 164) of each compartment (121, 122, 123, 124) independently of each other. 9. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the access control means (16) has a sliding shutter, which, sliding along the penetrating surface (14), determines the initial position of the starting point and the extreme position of the end point. 10. The device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuator (18) is an electromagnetic drive and contains at least an induction coil (33) and magnetized elements (35, 37, 39), while the induction coil (33) is placed on both sides of the sliding shutter, and the magnetized elements (35, 37, 39) are installed inside the shutter and at the starting and ending points of its movement. 11. The device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the access control means (16) comprises a plurality of membranes (60) with a partially impermeable surface, said access control means (16) being able to rotate relative to the penetrating surface (14 ) 12. The device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the membranes are in the form of a disk (60) and rotate about an axis passing through their center, depending on the driving effect of the drive mechanism connected to them. 13. The device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the access control means (16) comprises a plurality of circular membranes (611, 612), one of which has sectors (65) rotating relative to its own central axis (67 ) 14. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the said container (C) is a drum of a washing machine (L). 15. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made with the possibility of immersion in the aquatic environment. 16. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the fully closed position the compartment (12) is sealed with respect to the external environment. 17. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the said device (10) is arranged to be placed entirely and secured inside the hollow protective casing (40) having at least one hole (46) for the passage of substances from the device ( 10) into the container (C) and from the container (C) to the device (10). 18. A system (100) for dosing at least one dry or fluid substance (S) inside a container (C), comprising: a device (10) according to claim 1 and a programming device (74) for remote control and programming the controller (20) of said device (10), wherein the programming device is connected to the device (10) via communication means (24) of the device (10). 19. The system (100) according to claim 18, wherein said programming device (74) is a computer, smartphone, tablet, laptop or remote control. 20. A washing system (200), comprising: - a washing device (L) containing at least a supporting structure with a container (C) for placing at least one object of washing, said container (C) being movable relative to the supporting structure; at least one washing unit with a container (C) for filling and draining water and at least one container control unit (C) for controlling the movement of said container; - a device (10) according to claim 1, intended for immersion in a container (C) for the dosed supply of a substance (S) used when washing an object; and - a programming device (74) for remote control and programming the controller (20) of said device (10), wherein the programming device (74) is integrated in the support structure of the washing device (L) and connected to the device (10) via communication means (24) devices (10).

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