WO2011131260A1

WO2011131260A1 - Metering system for use in conjunction with a water-conducting household appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, clothes dryer or the like

Info

Publication number: WO2011131260A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/066771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik BRÜCKNER; Arnd Kessler; Christian Nitsch
Original assignee: Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa
Priority date: 2010-04-20
Filing date: 2010-11-04
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Also published as: US20130042652A1; EP2524079B1; KR20130062271A; DE102010027991A1; EP2524079A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a metering system (1) for use in conjunction with a water-conducting household appliance (2) such as a washing machine, dishwasher, clothes dryer or the like, comprising at least one storage reservoir (3a, 3b, 3c) for storing a plurality of metering portions of at least one flowable preparation (4a, 4b, 4c), at least one metering device (5a, 5b, 5c) that can be coupled to a storage reservoir (3a, 3b, 3c) and is provided to be positioned outside of the treatment chamber (6) of the water-conducting household appliance (2) and that does not have any connection to a water-conducting line of the water-conducting household appliance (2), at least one sensor that detects at least the presence of water in the water-conducting household appliance, at least one pump or vibratory atomizer for conveying or releasing the preparation from the storage reservoir or metering device, at least one control unit that cooperates with the sensor and the pump or vibratory atomizer such that, when a defined sensor signal is present which represents the presence of water and/or the operation of the water-conducting household appliance, at least one preparation is delivered from the storage reservoir or metering device by means of the pump or vibratory atomizer. The metering system according to the invention further comprises at least one fluid line (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) that connects the storage reservoir (3a, 3b, 3c) or metering device (5a, 5b, 5c) to the treatment chamber (6) of the water-conducting household appliance (2), so that a preparation (4a, 4b, 4c) can be fed from the metering device (5a, 5b, 5c) positioned outside of the treatment chamber (6) of the water-conducting household appliance (2) into the treatment chamber (6) of the water-conducting household appliance (2) via an opening (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 9, 10, 10a, 10b, 10c) of the water-conducting household appliance (2), said opening being connected to the treatment chamber (6).

Description

Dosing apparatus for use in connection with a water-conducting domestic appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer or the like

The invention relates to a metering system for use in conjunction with a water-conducting household appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer or the like, which is provided for positioning outside the treatment room of the water-conducting household appliance and has no connection to a water-carrying pipe of the water-conducting household appliance. In particular, the invention relates to a metering system with at least one fluid line, which connects the metering system with the treatment chamber of the water-conducting household appliance via an opening in communication with the treatment room.

State of the art

Machine washing and dishwashing detergents are available to the consumer in a variety of forms. These machine washing and dishwashing agents are typically offered to the consumer in solid form, for example as powders or as tablets, but increasingly also in liquid or gel form. For some time now, the main focus has been on the dosage of detergents and cleaning agents and the simplification of the steps necessary to carry out a washing or cleaning process.

Further, one of the major goals of the machine wash and cleanser manufacturers is to improve the washing and cleaning performance of these agents, with increased attention recently being paid to the washing and cleaning performance of low temperature washing and cleaning operations or washing and cleaning operations reduced water consumption. For this purpose, the laundry detergents and cleaners were preferably added to new ingredients, for example more active surfactants, polymers, enzymes or bleaches. However, since new ingredients are available only to a limited extent and the amount of ingredients used for each washing and cleaning cycle can not be increased to any extent for ecological and economic reasons, this approach has natural limits.

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

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a metering system for a water-conducting household appliance that provides an improved dosage of a plurality of preparations in the treatment room of the water-conducting household appliance.

This object is achieved by a metering system with the features of claim 1 and by methods for the release of preparations into the interior of a water-conducting household appliance with the features of claim 16.

The metering system according to the invention for use in connection with a water-conducting household appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer or the like comprises

At least one storage container for storing a plurality of dosing portions of at least one flowable preparation,

At least one dosing device,

o which can be coupled with a reservoir and

o which is provided for positioning outside the treatment room of the water-conducting household appliance and

o that has no connection to a water-carrying pipe of the water-conducting household appliance

At least one sensor that at least detects the presence of water in the water-bearing household appliance,

At least one pump which causes a conveyance of preparation from the storage container or metering device,

• At least one control unit, which interacts with the sensor and the pump in such a way that, when a defined sensor signal, at least one preparation from the storage container or metering device is conveyed by means of the pump, as well as

• At least one fluid line, which connects the reservoir or the dosing device with the treatment chamber of the water-bearing household appliance, so that a preparation from outside the treatment room of the water-bearing Household appliance positioned dosing over a communicating with the treatment room opening of the water-conducting household appliance in the treatment room of the water-bearing household appliance can be fed.

The dosing system according to the invention can be used with existing water-conducting household appliances without having to structurally change existing water-conducting domestic appliances. Furthermore, it is possible to integrate the dosing system in the water-conducting household appliance, that the fluid line preferably for the user is not visible within the water-bearing household appliance. Furthermore, the dosing system, in particular the preparation contained reservoir, positioned outside of the treatment room, so that it is no mechanical, hydraulic or thermal influences that usually prevail in a treatment room (rotating laundry drum, hot water, steam, etc.) is exposed.

In particular, the dosing system permits precise and appropriate dosing, in particular of preparations which are not storage-stable with one another. The invention makes it possible to deliver liquid detergent composition in a time-optimized manner to a washing process, so that excellent washing performance can be achieved with minimal use of raw materials, in particular in the area of enzymatically degradable and bleachable soils in connection with a very appealing perfuming on the laundry.

dosing

The metering system according to the invention comprises a metering device and at least one storage container which can be coupled to the metering device and contains at least one flowable preparation, preferably with a plurality of chambers, in particular preferably with 3-4 chambers.

The metering device is configured such that it can meter a plurality of preparations from the chambers of a storage container and / or from several storage containers into the interior of a washing machine. For this purpose, at least one actuator and / or at least one closure element and / or at least one control unit and / or at least one sensor and / or at least one energy source can be provided in the dosing device.

The dosing device can be fixed with a water-conducting household appliance, eg. B. a washing machine be installed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dosing device is not permanently installed with the water-conducting household appliance, but freely movable in, on or on a water-bearing household appliance by a user positionable. It is particularly preferred that the dosing device comprises at least a first interface which cooperates with a corresponding interface formed in or on a water-conducting domestic appliance in such a way that transmission of electrical energy and / or signals from the water-conducting domestic appliance to the dosing device and / or or is realized by the metering device for water-conducting household appliance.

In one embodiment of the invention, the interfaces are formed by connectors. In a further embodiment, the interface cells can be designed in such a way that a wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical and / or optical signals is effected. In this case, it is particularly preferred that the interfaces provided for the transmission of electrical energy are inductive transmitters or receivers of electromagnetic waves. Thus, in particular, the interface of a water-conducting domestic appliance, as an alternating current-operated transmitter coil with iron core and the interface of the dosing device can be designed as a receiver coil with iron core. In an alternative embodiment, the transmission of electrical energy can also be provided by means of an interface, the home appliance side an electrically operated light source and dosiergeräteseitig a light sensor, such as a photodiode or a solar cell comprises. The light emitted by the light source is converted by the light sensor into electrical energy, which in turn feeds, for example, a metering device side accumulator.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, an interface on the dosing device and the water-conducting domestic appliance for the transmission (ie transmission and reception) of electromagnetic and / or optical signals, which in particular Betriebszustandands-, measurement and / or control information of the dosing and / or the water supply- represent the household appliance trained.

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

In particular, such an interface can be designed such that a wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or electromagnetic and / or optical signals is effected. It is particularly preferred that the interface is configured to transmit and / or receive optical signals. It is very particularly preferred that the interface is configured to emit or receive light in the visible range. It has proven particularly advantageous to use wavelengths between 600-800 nm in the visible spectrum.

Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous that the interface is configured to emit or receive infrared signals. In particular, it is advantageous that the interface is configured for transmitting or receiving infrared signals in the near infrared range (780nm-3,000nm). In particular, the interface comprises at least one LED. Particularly preferably, the interface comprises at least two LEDs. It is also possible according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention to provide at least two LEDs which emit light in a mutually different wavelength. This makes it possible, for example, to define different signal bands on which information can be sent or received.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in a further development of the invention that at least one LED is an RGB LED whose wavelength is adjustable. For example, an LED can be used to define different signal bands that emit signals at different wavelengths. It is particularly preferred that an optical signal is designed as a signal pulse with a pulse duration between 1 ms and 10 seconds, preferably between 5 ms and 100 ms seconds.

The signal emitted and / or received by the interface is in particular a carrier of information, in particular a control signal or a signal representing an operating state of the dosing device and / or the water-conducting domestic appliance.

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

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

The signals emitted by the transmitting unit into the surroundings of the metering device may preferably represent information regarding operating conditions or control commands. The dosing device is arranged outside the washing machine in a preferred embodiment. The metering device may be designed so that it can be coupled with a container Vorratsbe and is provided for positioning outside the treatment chamber of the water-conducting household appliance and has no connection to a water-carrying pipe of the water-conducting household appliance. Furthermore, such a dosing device comprises at least one sensor which detects at least the presence of water in the water-conducting domestic appliance and / or the operation of a water-conducting domestic appliance, at least one pump which effects a delivery of preparation from the storage container or dosing apparatus, at least one control unit , which cooperates with the sensor and the pump in such a way that in the presence of a defined sensor signal, at least one preparation from the reservoir or metering device is conveyed by means of the pump, and at least one fluid line, the reservoir or the dosing device with connects the treatment room of the water-conducting household appliance, so that a preparation from the outside of the treatment room of the water-conducting household appliance positioned dosing over a communicating with the treatment room opening of the water-conducting household appliance in the treatment room of water-conducting household appliance can be supplied.

sensor

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

The dosing system preferably has at least one sensor which is suitable for detecting a temperature. The temperature sensor is designed in particular for detecting a water temperature. It is further preferred that the dosing system comprises a sensor for detecting the conductivity, whereby in particular the presence, the flushing and / or the spraying of water in a water-conducting domestic appliance is / are detected.

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

In particular, a sensor from the group of timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, sound pressure sensors, "lab-on-a-chip" Sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors, position sensors, gyro sensors, optical, electrical and / or mechanical displacement sensors, and / or MEMS sensors selected.

It is particularly preferred that at least two sensors for measuring mutually different parameters are provided in or on the dosing system, wherein very particularly preferably one sensor is a conductivity sensor and another sensor is a temperature sensor.

The sensors are in particular adapted to detect the beginning, course and end of a treatment program of a water-conducting household appliance, such as a washing or rinsing program. For this purpose, by way of example and not limitation, the sensor combinations listed in the following table can be used

Sensor 1 Sensor 2 Sensor 3 Sensor 4

conductivity sensor

temperature sensor

Conductivity sensor temperature sensor

Conductivity sensor Temperature sensor Brightness sensor

Conductivity sensor Temperature sensor Brightness sensor Turbidity sensor

Sound sensor temperature sensor

Sound sensor conductivity sensor

Vibration sensor conductivity sensor

Vibration sensor temperature sensor By means of the conductivity sensor can be detected, for example, whether the conductivity sensor is wetted by water, so that can thus determine, for example, whether water is in the water-bearing household appliance or flushed.

Treatment programs in water-bearing household appliances, such as washing and rinsing programs, usually have a characteristic temperature profile, the u. a. is determined by the heating of the washing or rinsing water, which can be detected by a temperature sensor.

By means of a brightness sensor, for example, the light penetration into the interior of a dishwasher can be detected when the dishwasher door is opened, resulting in e.g. indicates an end to the washing program.

By means of a vibration sensor, it is for example possible to detect natural oscillations or the resonance of a household appliance with a rotating treatment room, for example, if the washing drum is accelerated to spin the laundry to correspondingly high numbers of revolutions. Thus, it is conceivable to detect by means of a vibration sensor the beginning or the end of a spin cycle.

In order to determine the degree of soiling of the washing or washing items to be cleaned in the washing machine or dishwasher, a turbidity sensor can also be provided. From this it is also possible, for example, to select a dosing program in the dosing system which is appropriate for the identified contamination situation. It is also conceivable to recognize the course of a treatment program of a water-conducting domestic appliance with the aid of at least one sound sensor, by recording specific sound and / or vibration emissions, e.g. when pumping or pumping out of water, are detected.

Of course, it is possible for a person skilled in the art to use any suitable combinations of several sensors to achieve a monitoring of a treatment program of a water-conducting domestic appliance.

The data line between the sensor and the control unit can be realized via an electrically conductive cable or wirelessly. In principle, it is also conceivable that at least one sensor outside the metering system in the interior of the water-bearing household appliance, such as in the treatment room, positioned or positioned and a data line - especially wireless - is designed to transmit the measurement data from the sensor to the dosing. A wirelessly formed data line is in particular due to the transmis- formed electromagnetic wave or light. It is preferable to form a wireless data line according to standardized standards such as Bluetooth, IrDA, IEEE 802, GSM, UMTS, etc.

It is preferred that at least one sensor is arranged on the distal end of the fluid line projecting into the treatment space. The sensor is in particular configured such that it is suitable for detecting the operation of the water-conducting domestic appliance and / or the flushing of water into the water-conducting domestic appliance. In particular, the sensor on the distal end of the fluid line projecting into the treatment space is a conductance and / or a temperature sensor and / or a sound or vibration sensor. pump

The dosing system according to the invention preferably comprises at least one pump and / or at least one atomizer or nebulizer for conveying or dispensing preparation from the dosing system into the treatment chamber of a water-conducting domestic appliance.

A pump in the sense of this application is a fluid energy machine for moving or conveying a fluid by converting a mechanical drive power into a flow rate. In the following, fluids are liquids and gases, as well as mixtures thereof and solids.

The pump can be selected from the group of positive displacement pumps, oscillatory pumps, diaphragm pumps, piston pumps, rotary pumps, dynamic pumps, centrifugal pumps, electrohydrodynamic pumps, electroosmotic pumps, magnetohydrodynamic pumps, surface acoustic wave pumps, capillary force pumps, electrowetting Pumps, thermo-capillary pumps.

In particular, in the case of preparations which tend to form deposits during prolonged storage, it may be advantageous - in order to prevent damage to the pump by such preparations - to arrange the reservoir contained in the preparation on the pressure side of the pump. In this configuration, a fluid, such as air, that is free of deposit forming substances is pumped by the pump under pressure into a reservoir containing preparation. The container may, for example, have a pressure compensation valve that releases the product flow from the storage container or from the metering system when a defined pressure in the storage container is exceeded. This makes it possible, in particular, to use the metering system for a wide variety of preparations without endangering the functionality of the pump by possible deposits or reactions between two preparations. Schwinqzerstäuber

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

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

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

As a result, several advantageous effects can be achieved before the start of a water-releasing washing program of the washing machine. On the one hand, a suitable preparation can suppress the formation of bad odors through biological decomposition processes. On the other hand, a corresponding preparation can cause a "softening" of the soiling possibly adhering to the laundry, so that they can easily and completely be removed in the washing program of the washing machine, in particular in the case of low-temperature programs.

Furthermore, it is possible to apply a preparation by means of the vibrating atomizer on the laundry after completion of a washing program. This may be, for example, an antibacterial preparation or a preparation for the modification of textile surfaces.

It is further preferable to form the vibrating atomizer as a piezoelectric element.

It is very particularly preferred to configure and operate a piezoelectric element both as a sound or vibration sensor and atomizer or nebulizer in a component. For this purpose, the dosing device can be configured such that a control unit is provided, which is connected to the energy source, a sensor unit, a delivery element and a sound transducer, wherein □ the sensor unit is a piezoelectric element, which is suitable to absorb vibrations, in particular sound waves in a frequency range of 1 kHz - 300 kHz, preferably 20-25 kHz and / or structure-borne noise from the environment of the dosing and convert it into a sensor signal which in the Control unit is converted into a control signal, in particular for the delivery element,

The delivery element is a piezoelectric element that is supplied with electrical signals by the control unit and that sprays at least one first preparation from at least one chamber of the cartridge, which is communicatively connected to the delivery element,

□ the sensor unit and the discharge element are formed as a component.

It is very particularly preferred that the electrical signals which cause the spraying of a preparation have a frequency of 70-400 kHz, preferably 80-90 kHz.

It is highly preferred to configure and operate a piezoelectric element both as a sound or vibration sensor, atomizer or atomizer and sound transducer in a component. For this purpose, the dosing device can be configured such that a control unit is provided, which is connected to the energy source, a sensor unit, a delivery element and a sound transducer, wherein

□ the sensor unit is a piezoelectric element, which is suitable to absorb vibrations, in particular sound waves in a frequency range of 1 kHz - 300 kHz, preferably 20-25 kHz and / or structure-borne noise from the environment of the dosing and convert it into a sensor signal which in the Control unit is converted into a control signal, in particular for the delivery element,

□ the transducer is a piezoelectric element that is applied by the control unit with electrical signals and the piezoelectric element in audible acoustic signals in a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, preferably 5 - 15 kHz, particularly preferably 7 - 10 kHz walks and

□ the sensor unit, the delivery element and the sound transducer are designed as a component.

It is very particularly preferred that the electrical signals which cause the spraying of a preparation have a frequency of 70-400 kHz, preferably 80-90 kHz, and the electrical signals which cause the generation of an audible acoustic signal a frequency of 20 Hz - 20 kHz, preferably 5 - have 15 kHz and more preferably 7 - 10 kHz.

The electrical signals that cause the spraying of a preparation and the generation of an audible acoustic signal can be applied to the piezoelectric element by the control unit at the same time and / or with a time delay.

Thus, the above-described piezoelectric element provides a method of operating a metering system comprising:

a. a sensor unit, which is a piezoelectric element, receives vibrations, in particular sound waves in a frequency range of 1 kHz - 300 kHz, preferably 20-25 kHz, and / or structure-borne noise from the environment of the dispenser and in a

Sensor signal converts,

b. a delivery element, which is a piezoelectric element, from the control unit in the presence of a defined sensor signal, which in particular the presence of water and / or the operation of the washing machine, is supplied with electrical signals, so that at least a first preparation of at least one

Chamber of the cartridge, which is communicatively connected to the discharge element, in particular into the interior of the washing machine, preferably sprayed into the treatment room of the washing machine and / or is atomized,

c. a sound transducer, which is a piezoelectric element, from the control unit

and / or during and / or after the spraying of the preparation with electrical signals is applied, which converts the piezoelectric element into audible acoustic signals in a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, preferably 5 - 15 kHz, particularly preferably 7 - 10 kHz.

The piezoelectric element is particularly preferably configured in such a way that it detects the natural frequency or a multiple of the natural frequency of the washing machine, in particular during spin processes.

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

It is preferred that all preparations are metered by means of a vibrating atomizer. However, it is also conceivable that each preparation is metered in each case via a vibrating atomizer assigned to the corresponding preparation. It is of course possible to dose a preparation by means of a vibrating atomizer and another preparation by means of a pump, a valve or gravitationally effected in the interior of a water-conducting household appliance. The person skilled in the art will here select a suitable combination of the listed delivery elements for the corresponding preparations.

reservoir

For the purposes of this application, a storage container is understood as meaning a packaging material which is suitable for wrapping or holding together at least one flowable preparation and which can be coupled to a metering device for dispensing at least one preparation. The storage container is provided for storing a plurality of dosing portions of at least one flowable preparation. Preferably, the storage container for storing 10 to 50, more preferably 15 to 30, most preferably 20 to 25 Dosierportionen formed.

Preferably, the reservoir has at least three, preferably dimensionally stable chambers for storing mutually different preparations. In this case, it is preferred that each of the chambers is designed to store from 10 to 50, particularly preferably 15 to 30, very particularly preferably 20 to 25 metering portions.

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

It is advantageous that the storage container has at least one outlet opening which is arranged such that a gravity-induced release of preparation from the storage container in the position of use of the dosing device can be effected. As a result, no further funding for the release of preparation from the cartridge is required, whereby the structure of the metering device can be kept simple and the manufacturing cost low. Furthermore, the use of conveying means, such as e.g. Pumps omitted.

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

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

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

The reservoir can also be formed in several pieces by injection molded and then assembled components. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the storage container is formed in such a multi-piece, that at least one chamber, preferably all chambers, can be removed individually from the metering device or inserted into the metering device. This makes it possible, with a different consumption of a preparation from a chamber to exchange an already empty chamber, while the rest, which may still be filled with preparation, remain in the metering device. Thus, a targeted and needs-based refilling the individual chambers or their preparations can be achieved. In addition, it is conceivable to design the individual chambers in the form that the chambers can be coupled to one another or to the dosing device in only one specific position or position, thereby avoiding a user having to move a chamber in a position not intended for this purpose. tion with the dosing unit connects. For this purpose, the chamber walls can in particular be shaped such that they can be positively connected to one another. In the case of a storage container formed from at least three chambers, it is shaped in such a way that the chambers can be positively connected to one another only in a specific defined position relative to one another. The chambers of a storage container can be fixed to each other by suitable connection methods, so that a container unit is formed. The chambers can be fixed by a suitable form-fitting, non-positive or cohesive connection releasably or permanently against each other. In particular, the fixation can be achieved by one or more of the types of connections from the group of snap-in connections, Velcro connections, press connections, fusible links, glued connections, welded connections, soldered connections. conditions, screw connections, wedge connections, clamp connections or bounce connections. In particular, the fixation can also be formed by a heat-shrinkable tube (so-called SIeeve), which is pulled in a heated state over the entire or sections of the storage container and firmly encloses the chambers or the storage container in the cooled state.

In particular, the reservoir can also be designed asymmetrically. It is particularly preferred to form the asymmetry of the reservoir so that the reservoir can be coupled only in a predefined position in with the dosing device, whereby an otherwise possible incorrect operation is prevented by the user. In or on a chamber, a metering chamber may be formed in a gravity-induced flow direction of the preparation in front of the outlet opening of a chamber. Through the metering chamber, the preparation amount that is to be released in the release of preparation from the chamber to the environment, set. This is particularly advantageous if the closure element of the dosing device, which causes the preparation output from a chamber to the environment, can only be put into a dispensing and a closure state without measuring or controlling the dispensing quantity. It is then ensured by the metering chamber that a predefined amount of preparation is released without an immediate feedback of the currently discharged, outflowing preparation amount.

In a first preferred embodiment, a storage container with a plurality of chambers, which preferably contain mutually different preparations, is provided.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of storage containers, each of which stores different preparations, are coupled to the dosing device.

It is also conceivable that a plurality of dosing devices, each coupled to at least one reservoir, are dosed by the dosing each different preparations.

Fluidleitunq

The metering system according to the invention has at least one fluid line which connects the storage container or the metering device to the treatment chamber of the water-bearing household appliance, so that a preparation from the metering device positioned outside the treatment chamber of the water-conducting domestic appliance has a connection with the treatment room Opening the water-conducting household appliance in the treatment room of the water-conducting household appliance can be fed. It is particularly preferred that in each case a fluid line for each preparation is present.

The fluid line may be formed, for example, of a flexible hose. However, it is also conceivable to form the fluid line as a dimensionally stable channel.

In a first preferred embodiment of the dosing system according to the invention, the opening of the water-conducting domestic appliance which is in communication with the treatment chamber is the dispenser drawer of a washing machine.

In this case, it is particularly advantageous to provide an adapter by means of which the fluid line can be coupled to the dispensing drawer of a washing machine

In a further embodiment of the invention, the opening of the water-conducting household appliance that is in communication with the treatment chamber is the washing machine or dishwasher door.

Finally, it is also conceivable that the opening associated with the treatment room is formed as an interface between the water-conducting household appliance and the metering system.

control unit

A control unit in the sense of this application is a device which is suitable for influencing the transport of material, energy and / or information. For this purpose, the control unit influences at least one actuator with the aid of information, in particular of measuring signals of the sensor unit, which processes it in the sense of the control target. In particular, at least one sensor is connected to the control unit, wherein it is particularly preferred that the sensor sends a signal to the control unit that represents the presence of water, for example in the washing machine and / or the operation of the washing machine.

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

The control unit has, in a preferred embodiment, no connection to the possibly existing control of the household appliance. Accordingly, no formations, in particular electrical, optical or electromagnetic signals, exchanged directly between the control unit and the control of the household appliance.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit is coupled to the existing control of the household appliance. Preferably, this coupling is wireless. For example, it is possible to position a transmitter on or in a dishwasher, preferably on or at the dosing chamber embedded in the door of the dishwasher, which wirelessly transmits a signal to the dosing unit when the control of the domestic appliance controls the dosing of, for example, a detergent from the dosing unit Dosing or rinse aid causes. The delivery of preparations from the dosing device can be controlled by the control unit, sequentially or simultaneously.

It is particularly preferred to dose a plurality of preparations sequentially in a rinsing program. In particular, dosing sequences are to be preferred, which are explained in more detail below. Dosiersequenzen

It is preferred that by means of the sensor a signal is provided which represents the presence of water and / or the operation of a domestic water-conducting appliance such as a washing machine, this signal allowing the dosage of at least one first preparation into the treatment room e.g. a washing machine triggers. The sensor signal can be provided in particular by means of a conductivity sensor, temperature sensor, sound sensor, vibration sensor, motion sensor and / or turbidity sensor - and any combination of the aforementioned sensors.

A particularly preferred method for controlling a metering device for use in the metering system according to the invention comprises a metering device with at least one temperature sensor and / or a conductivity sensor, wherein the temperature sensor and / or the conductivity sensor can be arranged in and / or on and / or outside of the metering device , and a dispensing means for releasing a preparation from the dispenser inside the dishwasher, comprising the measurement of a first resistor R, wherein when the condition R <R _Re f, where R _Re f is a predefined reference resistance, the presence of water on Leitwertsensor represents a release of at least one volume V1 of a first preparation from the metering device takes place inside the water-bearing household appliance. According to a highly preferred embodiment of the method for controlling the dosing device, a measurement of a first temperature Ti inside the water-bearing household appliance by means of the temperature sensor and measurement of the resistance R at the conductivity sensor, wherein in the presence of the conditions Ti> T _Re fi, where T _Re fi is a predefined, first reference temperature which is at least 21 ° C., preferably at least 30 ° C., and wherein, when the condition R <R _Re f, where R _Re f is a predefined reference resistance representing the presence of water at the conductivity sensor, is one Release of at least one volume V1 of a first preparation from the metering device takes place inside the water-bearing household appliance. The use of temperature and conductivity information prevents, among other things, that the dosing device in a warm environment, such as during transport, initiates an undesired dosing process, which could happen by the sole use of temperature information for the control of the dosing device.

The temperature T-i and the resistance R at the conductivity sensor can be measured one after the other or at the same time. It is preferred that first the temperature T-i and subsequently the resistance R is measured. However, it is also conceivable first to measure the resistance R and then the temperature T-i.

Furthermore, in the presence of the aforementioned conditions, it is also possible to dose more than one volume V1 of a preparation from the metering device into the interior of the water-bearing household appliance. For example, a first volume V1 of a first preparation and a second volume V2 of a second preparation can also be dosed substantially simultaneously, wherein it is particularly preferred that the preparations are different from one another.

It is particularly preferable to design the method in such a way that, when the condition T |> T _Ref and R <R _{Ref is present,} a temperature measurement of a second temperature T ₂ after a predefined time interval t _dif .in particular after 10 -600 sec, preferably after 30-240 sec, more preferably 45-100 sec carried out by means of the temperature sensor and in the condition T ₂ > Τ-ι + ΔΤ, where ΔΤ within the limits of the function interval (0.5 [° C / min] ^* t _dif min]) to (5 [° C / min] ^* t _dif [min]), a release of at least one volume V1 of a first preparation from the dosing device takes place inside the water-bearing household appliance. In this way, in particular, a temperature rise, which is detected in the heating phase of the water-conducting household appliance, in particular in the pre-washing or Hauptspül- or washing section of a rinsing or washing program.

In a further, advantageous embodiment of the method, if the condition Ti <T _Re fi is present, a renewed temperature measurement of the first temperature Ti is carried out after a preliminary -defined time t _dif, especially after 2-10 min, preferably 3-7 min, particularly preferably initiated 4-6 min. In order to keep the energy consumption for temperature monitoring low, the temperature is preferably measured not continuously, but at predefined time intervals. However, it is also conceivable that in the water-conducting domestic appliance - especially at the beginning of a cleaning program - the temperature rise of the measured temperature Ti in the water-bearing household appliance after a time interval t _{dif is} so great that a second reference temperature T _Re f2, which is greater than the first reference temperature T. _Re fi is exceeded. In this case of rapid and significant temperature increase, it is further advantageous that, when the condition T-> T _Ref2 , T _ref2 , a second reference _temperature which is at least 35 ° C, preferably at least 40 ° C, is a measurement of the resistance R takes place at the conductivity sensor and in the presence of the condition R <R _Re f, where R _Re f is a predefined reference resistance representing the presence of water at the conductivity sensor, an immediate release of at least one volume V1 of a first preparation from the metering device into the interior of the water-conducting household appliance.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, if the condition R> R _Ref , where R _{Ref is} a predefined reference resistance which represents the presence of water on the conductivity sensor, is a renewed temperature measurement of the first temperature Ti after a predefined time t _dif . in particular after 10-600 sec, preferably after 30-240 sec, particularly preferably 45-100 sec. Preferably, this time interval is less than or equal to the time interval that is before the measurement of the first temperature Ti in the presence of the condition Ti <T _Re fi. Thus, if a temperature inside the water-bearing household appliance above the first reference temperature T _Ref measured, but no water at the conductivity sensor, the dosing device is switched by shortened monitoring intervals in the measurement of the first temperature Ti in a tightened monitoring mode, so that by the shortened monitoring intervals a timely detection of water in water-bearing household appliance is made possible.

It may also be advantageous to provide the dosage of two different preparations, with a time delay. This is the case in particular when dosing two preparations which are not storage-stable with one another. Thus, it is provided in a further development of the method according to the invention that, after the first volume V1 has been metered, a second volume V2 of a second preparation from the metering device is introduced into the interior of the water-bearing domestic appliance, the first preparation being different from the second preparation and between the dosage of V1 and V2 is a predefined time interval t _diff , preferably between 30-300 sec, more preferably between 60-240 sec, most preferably between 60-150 sec. It is particularly preferred that the first preparation is an enzyme-containing preparation and the second preparation is an alkaline and / or bleach-containing preparation.

Further, it may be preferable that the first preparation is a first enzyme-containing preparation and the second preparation is a second enzyme-containing preparation, wherein the first and the second enzyme-containing preparation are different from each other.

Of course, it is also conceivable that the method according to the invention further develop in such a way that after the metering of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2, the metering of a third volume V3 of a third preparation from the metering device takes place inside the washing machine, the third preparation is different from the first and the second preparation.

In this case, it is particularly preferred that the third preparation is, for example, fragrance-containing preparation.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the metering of the third volume V3 takes place after the start of a wash program section in a wash program. The beginning of a wash program section is characterized in particular by the fact that after the main wash cycle has ended and before the start of the wash program section, a water change takes place in the washing machine, in which normally heated water is pumped off and cold wash water is fed to the wash process. This can be sensed by a conductivity measurement in connection with a temperature measurement, for example. Of course, other possible metrologically detectable characteristics that represent such a water change can be used.

It is particularly preferred that the metering of the third volume V3 takes place after a delay of 0.5 to 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 20 minutes, particularly preferably 5 to 15 minutes after the start of a washing program section in a washing program.

The discharge quantities of the first volume V1, of the second volume V2 and of the third volume V3 preferably have a ratio of 1: 4: 1, wherein the first volume V1 particularly preferably contains an enzyme-containing preparation, the second volume V2 an alkaline detergent preparation and the third volume a fragrance-containing preparation is.

energy

For the purposes of this application, the term "energy source" is understood to mean a component of the dosing system which is suitable for operating a dosing system or dosing system. appropriate energy. Preferably, the energy source is designed such that the dosing system is self-sufficient.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The energy source is dimensioned such that the dosing device can pass through about 1000 dosing cycles before the energy source is exhausted. It is particularly preferred that the energy source can run between 1 and 1000 dosing cycles, most preferably between 10 and 500, more preferably between 100 and 300, before the energy source is exhausted.

preparations

According to a preferred embodiment, the preparations stored in the storage container or in the chambers of the storage containers are free-flowing, preferably they have a viscosity of between 10 and 10,000 mPas (Brookfield viscometer RVD-VII at 20 rpm and 20 ° C., spindle 3). , According to the invention, the preparations in the chambers or the storage containers are different from each other. The possible constituents of the preparations are explained in more detail below.

enzymes

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the preparations stored in the cartridge chambers contains at least one enzyme, in particular e.g. from the group of proteases, amylases, catalases, peroxidases, cellulases, mannanase, polyesterases, xylanases, carrageenases, perhydrolases, pectinases, pectate lyases, oxidases, e.g. Glycose oxidases and / or lipases, and / or enzyme stabilizers, preferably in amounts of 0 to 50 wt .-%, preferably 5-30 wt .-%, particularly preferably 10-25 wt .-% in each case based on the total agent.

Particularly suitable enzymes are those from the classes of hydrolases such as the proteases, esterases, lipases or lipolytic enzymes, amylases, cellulases or other glycosyl hydrolases and mixtures of the enzymes mentioned. All of these hydrolases in the wash contribute to the removal of stains such as proteinaceous, greasy or starchy stains and graying. In addition, cellulases and other glycosyl hydrolases may contribute to color retention and to enhancing the softness of the fabric by removing pilling and microfibrils. Oxireductases can also be used for bleaching or inhibiting color transfer. Particularly suitable are bacterial strains or fungi such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Streptomyceus griseus and Humicola insolens derived enzymatic agents. Preferably, subtilisin-type proteases and in particular proteases derived from Bacillus lentus are used. Enzyme mixtures are, for example, from protease and amylase or protease and lipase or lipolytic enzymes or protease and cellulase or from cellulase and lipase or, respectively. lipolytic enzymes or from protease, amylase and lipase or lipolytic enzymes or protease, lipase or lipolytic enzymes and cellulase, but in particular protease and / or lipase-containing mixtures or mixtures with lipolytic enzymes of particular interest. Examples of such lipolytic enzymes are the known cutinases. Peroxidases or oxidases have also proved suitable in some cases. Suitable amylases include in particular α-amylases, iso-amylases, pullulanases and pectinases. Cellulases used are preferably cellobiohydroases, endoglucanases and .beta.-glucosideas, which are also cellobiases, or mixtures thereof. Since different cellulase types differ in their CMCase and avicelase activities, targeted mixtures of the cellulases can be used to set the desired activities. bleaching

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the preparations stored in the chambers or storage containers contains at least one bleach.

As the oxidizing agent or bleaching agent, any conceivable oxidizing agent can be used, e.g. Perborates, percarbonates, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, dichromate, dithionite, permanganate, chlorine, concentrated sulfuric acid, organic peracids, hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, peroxides, etc ..

According to a further preferred embodiment, the oxidizing agent is an oxidative bleaching agent, preferably based on oxygen, with particular preference being given to peroxycarboxylic acids.

surfactants

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the preparations stored in the chambers or storage containers contains at least one surfactant.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one preparation contains at least 0.1% by weight of surfactants. The surfactant content of the entire composition is preferably 0, 1-60% by weight.

Glass corrosion inhibitors

Glaskorrosioninhibitoren prevent the occurrence of turbidity, streaks and scratches but also iridescence of the glass surface of glasses, as used in particular for washing machine doors. Preferred glass corrosion inhibitors come from the group of magnesium and zinc salts and magnesium and zinc complexes.

With particular preference, at least one zinc salt of an organic carboxylic acid is used as the glass corrosion inhibitor.

In the context of the present invention, the content of zinc salt in detergents or cleaners is preferably between 0.1 and 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the glass corrosion inhibitor-containing agent.

In addition to the ingredients already mentioned, the preparations may contain further ingredients which further improve the performance and / or aesthetic properties of the preparation. In the context of the present invention, the preparations may additionally contain one or more substances from the group of builders, bleach catalysts, sators, bleach activators, enzyme stabilizers, electrolytes, solvents, pH adjusters, perfume carriers, fluorescers, dyes, hydrotopes, foam inhibitors, silicone oils, anti-redeposition agents, grayness inhibitors, anti-shrinkage agents, crease inhibitors, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives , Corrosion inhibitors (including glass corrosion inhibitors), antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing aids, repellents and impregnating agents, swelling and anti-slip agents, textile softening components, complexing agents, fragrances, optical brighteners, foam inhibitors, UV absorbers and other conditioning have.

Embodiments Reservoir

In the following, examples of possible flowable compositions for a plurality of storage containers, in particular three storage containers, and / or a plurality of chambers, in particular three chambers, of one or more storage containers of the metering system according to the invention are listed.

example 1

Example 1 shows in the following table a first assignment of three storage containers and / or chambers of a storage container. The first chamber is designed as an enzyme chamber, the second chamber as a bleaching chamber and the third chamber as a fragrance chamber. Further components of the respective chamber can be taken from the following table. The chamber 1 has a substantially neutral pH between 6-8, the chamber 2 has a substantially alkaline pH of 8-12, preferably 8-1 1, more preferably 8-10, and the chamber has a essentially neutral pH between 6-8.

The chamber 1 is dosed in a time interval immediately at the beginning up to 15 minutes after the start of a washing program. The second chamber is dosed between 10 and 30 minutes after the start of a wash program, it being preferred that the release of the first chamber and the second chamber is not simultaneous.

Furthermore, it is preferred that between the metering of the first chamber and the second chamber there is a time interval of 0.5-30 minutes, preferably 1-15 minutes, particularly preferably 5-15 minutes.

The third chamber is dosed after the beginning of a rinse program section. Preferably, the third chamber is dosed for 0.5-30 minutes, preferably 1-15 minutes, more preferably 5-15 minutes after the beginning of a rinse program section. Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme X

Enzyme stabilizer X

Bleach X

Surfactant X.

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent X

pH 6-8 8-12 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section

Example 2

Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 3 additionally contains a component for improving the softness in the form of at least one surfactant, preferably a cationic surfactant. Alternatively or additionally, suitable polymers can also be used as fabric softening compounds.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme X

Enzyme stabilizer X

Bleach X

Surfactant X X

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent X

pH 6-8 8-12 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section Example 3

Example 3 differs from Example 1 in that in chamber 3 additionally an antimicrobial compound, for. As a disinfectant contains. In this course, an acidic pH of 1 -3 is set in chamber 3.

Example 4

Example 4 differs from Example 1 in that in chamber 3 additionally contains an optical brightener.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme X

Enzyme stabilizer X

Bleach X

Surfactant X.

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent X

Optical brightener X

pH 6-8 8-12 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section Example 5

Example 5 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an antimicrobial compound, e.g. As a disinfectant, and contains an optical brightener.

Example 6

Example 6 differs from Example 1 in that chamber 2 additionally contains a bleach catalyst.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme X

Enzyme stabilizer X

Bleach X

Bleach catalyst X

Surfactant X.

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent X X

pH 6-8 8-12 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section Example 7

Example 7 differs from Example 1 in that in chamber 1 and chamber 2 additionally a foam inhibitor is present.

Example 8

Example 8 differs from Example 1 in that in chamber 1 and chamber 2 additionally a color transfer inhibitor is present.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme X

Enzyme stabilizer X

Bleach X

Surfactant X.

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent X X

Color transfer X X

inhibitor

pH 6-8 8-12 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section Example 9

Example 9 differs from Example 1 in that there is additionally an ironing aid in chamber 3.

Example 10

Example 10 differs from Example 1 in that the preparation stored in chamber 1 has a substantially acidic pH of 3-7, preferably 3-6. The dosage of a first, acidic preparation can prevent the formation and the setting of poorly soluble deocomponents (aluminum salts) by high pH values, so that such soiling can be easily removed by the surfactants and enzymes contained in an acidic environment.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme X

Enzyme stabilizer X

Bleach X

Surfactant X.

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent X X

pH 3-7 8-12 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section Example 1 1

Example 1 differs from Example 1 in that the lead-containing preparation stored in chamber 2 is metered into the washing process at two different times. Preferably, the bleach-containing preparation is dosed a first time between 10 and 30 minutes after the start of a wash program and a second time after the beginning of a wash program section, preferably 0.5-30 minutes, preferably 1-15 minutes, more preferably 5-15 minutes after the start of a Rinse program section dosed. It is very particularly preferred to dispense the bleach-containing preparation from the second chamber not at the same time but with a time delay to the fragrance-containing preparation from the third chamber after the beginning of the rinse program section.

Example 12

Example 12 shows in the following table a first allocation of three storage containers and / or chambers of a storage container. The first chamber is used as the first enzyme chamber, the second chamber as the second enzyme chamber, wherein the enzyme preparations of the first and second chambers are different from each other and the third chamber formed as a fragrance chamber. It is very particularly preferred for the first chamber to store at least one enzyme selected from the group of amylases, mananases, cellulases, lipases and / or pectate lyases and at least one surfactant and / or complexing agent at a pH of 6-8, and second chamber at least one protease and at least one surfactant and / or complexing agent at a pH of 6-8 stored.

Other components of the respective chambers can be found in the following table. The chamber 1 has a substantially neutral pH between 6-8, the chamber 2 preferably has a substantially neutral pH of 6-8 and the chamber has a substantially neutral pH between 6-8.

The third chamber is dosed after the beginning of a rinse program section. Preferably, the third chamber is dosed for 0.5-30 minutes, preferably 1-15 minutes, more preferably 5-15 minutes after the beginning of a rinse program section.

Example 13

Example 13 differs from Example 12 in that in chamber 3 additionally a component for improving the softness in the form of at least one surfactant, preferably a cationic surfactant, is present. Alternatively or additionally, suitable polymers may be used to improve the softness.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme enzyme (no protease) protease

Enzyme stabilizer X

Surfactant X X X

Complexing agent X Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent X

pH 6-8 6-8 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section

Example 14

Example 14 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an anti-microbial compound, e.g. As a disinfectant contains.

Example 15

Example 15 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an optical brightener.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme enzyme (no protease protease

se)

Enzyme stabilizer X

Surfactant X X

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water XXX Solvent XX

Optical brightener X

pH 6-8 6-8 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section

Example 16

Example 16 differs from Example 12 in that chamber 3 additionally contains an anti-microbial compound, e.g. As a disinfectant, and contains an optical brightener.

Example 17

Example 17 differs from Example 12 in that in chamber 1 and chamber 2 additionally a foam inhibitor is present.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme enzyme (no protease) protease

Enzyme stabilizer X

Surfactant X X

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent XX Foam inhibitor XX

pH 6-8 8-12 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section

Example 18

Example 18 differs from Example 12 in that in chamber 1 and chamber 2 additionally a color transfer inhibitor is present.

Example 19

Example 19 differs from Example 12 in that in chamber 3 additionally an ironing aid is present.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme enzyme (no protease) protease

Enzyme stabilizer X

Surfactant X X

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent X X

Ironing aid X

pH 6-8 6-8 6-8 Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section

Example 20

Example 20 differs from Example 12 in that the preparation stored in chamber 1 has a substantially acidic pH of 3-7, preferably 3-6. The dosage of a first, acidic preparation can prevent the formation and the setting of poorly soluble deocomponents (aluminum salts) by high pH values, so that such soiling can be easily removed by the surfactants and enzymes contained in an acidic environment.

Example 21

Example 21 differs from Example 12 in that the preparation of the first chamber has a substantially neutral pH, while the preparation of the second chamber is made alkaline at a pH of 8-12.

Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Chamber 3

Enzyme enzyme (no protease) protease

Enzyme stabilizer X

Surfactant X X

Complexing agent X

Perfume X

Salt X X

Water X X X

Solvent X X

pH 3-7 8-12 6-8

Dosing time 0-15 min 10-30 min After beginning of a rinse program section Example 22

Example 22 differs from Example 12 in that the preparation of the second compartment is alkaline at pH 8-12 and compartment 2 contains a bleach.

Of course, it is possible to form any combinations of Examples 1-22.

The dosing system will be explained in more detail on the basis of illustrations showing merely exemplary embodiments. Show it:

1 shows a metering system for a washing machine with a fluid line opening into the dispensing drawer of the washing machine;

FIG. 2 shows a metering system for a washing machine with fluid lines opening in the dispensing drawer of the washing machine; FIG.

3 shows a metering system for a washing machine with a plurality of dosing devices;

Fig. 4 shows an adapter for coupling the dosing with a Einspülschublade a

Washing machine;

5 shows a metering system for a washing machine with a fluid line, which is guided through the washing machine door in the treatment room.

6 shows a washing machine with an interface for the metering system according to the invention; Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of the dosing system with reservoir on the suction side of the pump.

8 shows a schematic sectional view of the metering system with reservoir on the pressure side of the pump;

1 shows a first possible embodiment of the metering system 1 according to the invention. The metering system 1 consists of a metering device 5 which is detachably coupled to a plurality of storage containers 3a, 3b, 3c. The storage containers 3a, 3b, 3c can be removed individually from the dosing device 5. It is also conceivable to form the storage containers 3a, 3b, 3c as a cartridge which has three chambers 3a, 3b, 3c, the chambers 3a, 3b, 3c being fixed to one another in a separable or inseparable manner.

Within the dosing device 5 is a control unit for controlling the dosing device 5, an energy source, preferably as a battery, accumulator or power plug and a pump that promotes the preparations from the reservoirs 3a, 3b, 3c. At the metering device 5, a fluid line 7 is arranged, through which the pumped by the pump preparation to Einspülschublade 8 of the washing machine 2 are passed. The free, distal end of the fluid line 7 is positioned in the dispenser drawer 8. It is also possible to couple the fluid line 7 with the Einspülschublade 8 by means of an adapter provided for this purpose. This will be discussed in more detail elsewhere. Then, via the dispensing drawer 8, a preparation dosed by the dosing device 5 reaches the treatment chamber 6 of the washing machine 2.

At the free, distal end of the fluid line 7 is a conductivity sensor, through which the presence or the flushing of water is detected in the Einspülschublade 8 of the washing machine 2. In the presence of a corresponding sensor value representing the presence or the flushing in of water, the dosing device 5 doses at least one of the preparations from the storage containers 3a, 3b, 3c in accordance with a dosing program stored in the control unit.

The fluid line 7 may in particular be formed of a flexible hose, preferably of plastic. In this way, the fluid conduit 7 can be positioned in the Einspülschublade 8 in a manner that is simple for a user. The fluid line 7 can additionally be designed that it is pinch-proof, that is, the line cross-section is substantially maintained, even if the fluid line 7 is squeezed off, for example, by the Einspülschublade 8 of an object standing on the line. It is also conceivable to form the fluid line 7 as a rigid channel. Instead of or in addition to a pump, in particular at the distal end of the fluid line 7, a vibrating atomizer may be provided, which is in particular configured so that it can spray preparation and detect vibrations and / or sound from the environment.

FIG. 2 shows the metering system 1 known from FIG. 1, wherein a separate fluid line 7a, 7b, 7c is provided for each of the preparations to be released from the storage containers 3a, 3b, 3c. The free distal ends of the fluid lines 7a, 7b, 7c can be positioned in a dispensing chamber of the dispensing drawer 8 or in different dispensing chambers of the dispensing drawer 8.

In principle, it is also conceivable to combine a plurality of dosing devices 5a, 5b, 5c to form a dosing system 1, wherein in each dosing device 5a, 5b, 5c in each case a storage container 3a, 3b, 3c is coupled to preparations which are different from one another. This is shown by way of example in FIG. 3. Each of the dosing devices 5a, 5b, 5c has in each case a fluid line 7a, 7b, 7c whose free, distal end open into in each case different dispensing chambers 8a, 8b, 8c of the dispensing drawer 8. If preparations from the dosing system 1 are to be metered into a dispensing drawer 8 of a washing machine 2, it is advantageous to provide a corresponding adapter 11, as shown by way of example in FIG. 4, by means of which the fluid lines 7a, 7b, 7c in FIG Einspülschublade releasably fixed and with respect to their position relative to the existing Einspülkammern 8a, 8b, 8c of the Einspülschublade 8 are fixed. In addition to introducing a preparation by means of a fluid line 7 into the treatment chamber 6 via the dispensing drawer 8 of a washing machine 2, it is also possible, as shown in FIG. 5, to prepare by means of a fluid line 7 via the door 9 of the washing machine 2 to introduce into the treatment room 6.

The fluid line 7 is designed in particular as a squeeze-proof hose. The distal end of the fluid conduit 7 is fixed to the inside of the washing machine door, for example by a suction cup or an adhesive. At the distal end of the fluid conduit 7 there is provided a vibrating atomizer which is configured to spray preparation and to detect vibrations and / or sound from the environment. In the configuration shown in Fig. 5 can be dispensed with the use of a pump, since due to the geodetic difference in height between the dosing device and the vibrating atomizer at the distal end of the fluid conduit 7 preparation is always present at the distal end of the fluid conduit 7.

Furthermore, it is also possible that interfaces 10a, 10b, 10c are provided on the washing machine 2, which allow a coupling with the dosing device 5 in such a way that a fluid connection via the interfaces 10, 10b, 10c between a preferably rigid fluid line 7a, 7b, 7c of the metering device 5 and the treatment chamber 6 of the washing machine can be produced.

FIG. 7 shows the metering system 1 according to the invention, which consists of the metering device 5 and a reservoir 3 connected to the metering device 5 and containing a preparation 4.

The dosing device 5 comprises an energy source 13, a control unit 14, a sensor 15 and a pump 12, these components preferably being integrated in a housing. The pump 12 is connected to the power source 13 via the control unit 14. The control unit 14 in turn is connected to the sensor 15, which conducts measurement signals to the control unit 14.

The pump 12 has a pressure-side fluid line 7 and a suction line 16, wherein the suction line 16 is connected to the reservoir 4 containing the preparation 4. The pump 12 thus promotes the flowable preparation 4 via the suction line 16 from the reservoir 3 into the pressure-side fluid line 7 from where the preparation 4 is discharged into the treatment chamber 6 of the water-conducting household appliance 2.

The reservoir 3 may have a pressure compensation valve 17, which causes a pressure equalization between the environment and the interior of the reservoir 3, when the pump 12 pumping preparation 4 from the reservoir 3 out.

The pump 12 can be controlled by the control unit 4 such that the conveying direction of the pump 12 is reversed and in the pump 12 and the lines 7 and 16 still located preparation 4 are returned to the reservoir 3. This backwashing can be particularly advantageous if the preparation 4, for example, for thickening and thus for bonding the lines 7 or 16 tends. FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the metering system known from FIG. 7, in which the storage container 3 is connected to the pump 12 on the pressure side. The pump 12 builds up a pressure in the reservoir 3 by pumping ambient air into the reservoir 3. On the preparation output side of the container 3, a valve 17b may be provided that releases the preparation 4 from the storage container 3 only when a defined pressure in the storage container 3 is reached. In addition, between the pump 12 and the reservoir 3 in the pressure line 7, a check valve 17 a may be arranged, which prevents the built-up in the reservoir 3 pressure escapes at standstill of the pump 12 through the pressure line 7. The preparation output side of the container 3 is connected via a fluid line, which is not shown, with the treatment chamber 6 of a water-conducting household appliance.

Claims

claims

A metering system (1) for use in connection with a water-conducting domestic appliance (2) such as a washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer or the like

At least one storage container (3a, 3b, 3c) for storing a plurality of dosing portions of at least one flowable preparation (4a, 4b, 4c),

At least one dosing device (5a, 5b, 5c),

o that with a reservoir (3a, 3b, 3c) can be coupled and

o which is provided for positioning outside the treatment room (6) of the water-conducting household appliance (2) and

o that has no connection to a water-carrying pipe of the water-conducting household appliance (2)

At least one pump or vibrating atomizer for conveying or releasing preparation from the storage container or metering device,

At least one control unit that interacts with the sensor and the pump or vibrating atomizer in such a way that in the presence of a defined sensor signal that represents the presence of water and / or the operation of the water-conducting household appliance, at least one preparation from the storage container or metering device is pumped by the pump or vibrating atomizer, as well as

• At least one fluid line (7, 7a, 7b, 7c), which connects the storage container (3a, 3b, 3c) and the metering device (5a, 5b, 5c) with the treatment chamber (6) of the water-conducting household appliance (2) in that a preparation (4a, 4b, 4c) from the dosing device (5a, 5b, 5c) positioned outside the treatment chamber (6) of the water-conducting domestic appliance (2) has an opening (8, 8) connected to the treatment space (6). 8a, 8b, 8c, 9, 10, 10a, 10b, 10c) of the water-conducting household appliance (2) in the treatment chamber (6) of the water-conducting household appliance (2) can be fed.

2. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor on the in the treatment chamber (6) projecting distal end of the fluid conduit (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) is arranged.

3. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device comprises at least one conductivity sensor and / or temperature sensor and / or sound sensor.

4. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vibrating atomizer and / or pump on the treatment space (6) projecting distal end of the fluid conduit (7,7a, 7b, 7c), is arranged

5. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of storage containers (3a, 3b, 3c), in particular three to four storage containers, each of which store different preparations (4a, 4b, 4c), with the dosing device (5 ) are coupled.

6. Metering system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of metering devices (5a, 5b, 5c), each with at least one reservoir (3a, 3b, 3c) are coupled, wherein of the metering devices (5a, 5b, 5c ) in each case different preparations (4a, 4b, 4c) are dosed.

7. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case a fluid line (7a, 7b, 7c) for each preparation (4a, 4b, 4c) is present.

8. Metering system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment space (6) in communication with the opening of the water-conducting household appliance, the Einspülschublade (8) is a washing machine.

9. dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adapter (1 1) is provided, by means of which the fluid conduit (7a, 7b, 7c) with the Einspülschublade (8, 8a, 8b, 8c) of a washing machine ( 2) can be coupled

10. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment chamber (6) in communication with the opening of the water-conducting household appliance (2) is the washing machine or dishwasher door (9).

1 1. Metering system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment chamber with the (6) communicating opening as an interface

(10a, 10b, 10c) between the water-conducting household appliance (2) and the dosing system (1) is formed.

12. dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least three Vorratsbe container and / or chambers of a reservoir are provided which contain different flowable preparations from each other, wherein

The first storage container or the first chamber holds at least one enzyme selected from the group of amylases, mananases, cellulases, lipases and / or pectate lyases and at least one surfactant and / or complexing agent,

The second reservoir or the second chamber holds at least one protease and at least one surfactant and / or complexing agent,

• the third reservoir or the third chamber at least a fragrance and / or an optical brightener and / or a fabric softening compound stockpiled.

13. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least three Vorratsbe container and / or chambers of a reservoir are provided which contain different flowable preparations from each other, wherein

The first storage container or the first chamber holds at least one enzyme, an enzyme stabilizer and a surfactant,

The second reservoir or the second chamber holds at least one bleach, one complexing agent,

14. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the dosing device is configured such that in the presence of at least one sensor signal that represents the presence of water in the interior of the water-conducting household appliance and / or the operation of the water-bearing household appliance, a Dosing from the first reservoir or the first chamber of the cartridge takes place.

15. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the dosing device is configured such that after a predefined time, which is between 0.1 sec and 30 min, preferably between 0.5 min and 15 min, after the dosage from the first reservoir or the first chamber is carried out, a dosage from the second reservoir or the second chamber is triggered.

16. A process for the release of preparations into the interior of a water-conducting household appliance comprising

At least one dosing device with at least one sensor which is suitable for detecting the presence of water inside the washing machine and

At least one storage container which can be coupled to the dosing device, o wherein the reservoir comprises at least three chambers and / or at least three reservoirs are provided which contain different flowable preparations, wherein

The first ^{compartment holds} at least one enzyme, an enzyme stabilizer and a surfactant,

^■ the second chamber either at least one bleaching and / or a complexing agent stored or the second chamber at least one protease and at least one surfactant and / or chelating stored,

^■ the third chamber stores at least one perfume and / or one optical brightener and

In the presence of at least one sensor signal that represents the presence of water inside the washing machine, a dosage from the first chamber takes place and

After a predefined time, which is between 0.1 sec and 30 min, preferably between 0.5 min and 15 min, after the metering has taken place from the first chamber, a metering from the second chamber is triggered.