WO2019121299A1

WO2019121299A1 - Device having dispensing module and/or sensor module and energy store, method and use

Info

Publication number: WO2019121299A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/084706
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arnd Kessler; Lars Zuechner; Robert RUIZ HERNANDEZ
Original assignee: Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa
Priority date: 2017-12-19
Filing date: 2018-12-13
Publication date: 2019-06-27
Also published as: ES2958841T3; DE102017223221A1; EP3728718A1; EP3728718B1

Abstract

The invention relates to, inter alia, a device (100) for use in a household appliance (108), in particular a washing machine and/or a dishwasher, said device (100) comprising at least one housing (104), wherein the housing (104) is designed to be positioned in a treatment chamber (106) of a household appliance (108), wherein the housing (104) has at least one dispensing module (110) which is designed to release at least one preparation into the treatment chamber (106) of the household appliance (108) and/or to trigger a dispensing action, and/or at least one sensor module (112) which is designed to determine characteristic sensor information for the status of the treatment chamber (106) of the household appliance (108) and/or the device (100), and comprising at least one electrochemical energy store (114) for supplying the dispensing module (110) and/or the sensor module (112) with electrical energy, wherein the energy store (114) is arranged inside the housing (104) and has temperature resistance and/or impulse stability with respect to electrical discharges.

Description

Device with output module and / or sensor module and energy storage, method and use

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a device for use in a household appliance, in particular in a washing machine and / or a dishwasher, the device comprising at least one dispensing module and / or at least one sensor module.

Background of the invention

The prior art discloses devices and methods for operating or controlling operation of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers or clothes dryers. The aim in operating such household devices is typically to achieve a high degree of user-friendliness and at the same time the best possible result (in the case of a washing machine, in particular, the best possible cleaning result).

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

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

General description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

Against the background of the state of the art presented, it is the object of the present invention to variably improve the result to be achieved with a domestic appliance with regard to the many possible situations and scenarios, and thereby to ensure the highest possible reliability of the devices used. According to a first aspect of the invention there is disclosed an apparatus for use in a household appliance, the apparatus comprising: at least one housing, the housing being adapted to be positioned in a treatment room of a household appliance; wherein the housing comprises: at least one dispensing module adapted to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment room of the household appliance and / or to trigger an output; with at least one electrochemical energy store for supplying the output module and / or the sensor module with electrical energy, wherein the energy store is arranged within the housing.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is disclosed a device for use in a household appliance, the device comprising: at least one housing, the housing being adapted to be positioned in a treatment room of a household appliance; wherein the housing comprises: at least one sensor module which is set up to determine a sensor information characteristic of the state of the treatment space of the household appliance and / or of the device; with at least one electrochemical energy store for supplying the output module and / or the sensor module with electrical energy, wherein the energy store is arranged within the housing.

According to the first and / or the second aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for use in a household appliance, the apparatus comprising: at least one housing, the housing being adapted to receive in a treatment room a

Home appliance to be positioned; wherein the housing comprises: at least one

Output module, which is adapted to at least one preparation in the

Dispensing the treatment room of the household appliance and / or triggering an output; and / or at least one sensor module, which is set up for the state of the

Treatment room of the household appliance and / or the device characteristic

Determine sensor information; with at least one electrochemical energy store for supplying the output module and / or the sensor module with electrical energy, wherein the energy store is arranged within the housing.

The device according to the first aspect of the invention is for example a metering device for dispensing a preparation comprising treatment agents, fragrances, detergents and / or cleaning agents. The device according to the second aspect of the invention is, for example, a sensor device for acquiring sensor information regarding the

Treatment process in the household appliance, such as the movement such as speed and / or acceleration, conductivity and / or temperature. The device according to the The first and second aspects, for example, a metering device in combination with a sensor device, in particular in a common housing.

According to the first aspect of the invention, there is also disclosed a method using one or more devices according to the first aspect, the method comprising: detecting and / or obtaining output information at the output module; and determining and / or effecting determination of output control information at least in part depending on the output information, wherein the output control information is particularly representative of at least one property of a preparation reservoir, an application default for a preparation contained in the reservoir, and / or a characteristic of one in the reservoir contained preparation, wherein the output control information is arranged to control the output of the preparation by the output module at least partially; wherein the output module is supplied with electrical energy via the at least one electrochemical energy store.

According to the second aspect of the invention, there is also disclosed a method using one or more apparatuses according to the second aspect, the method comprising: detecting and / or obtaining sensor information characteristic of the state of a treatment room of the home appliance on the sensor module; Determining and / or effecting determining output information at least partially dependent on the sensor information; and outputting and / or triggering outputting the output information; the

Sensor module is supplied via the at least one electrochemical energy storage with electrical energy.

According to the first and second aspects of the invention, a method is also disclosed

Use of one or more devices according to the first aspect and one or more devices according to the second aspect disclosed.

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

Means of the device according to the first and / or second aspect and the system according to the third aspect of the invention may include hardware and / or software components. The means may for example comprise at least one memory with program instructions of a computer program and at least one processor designed to execute Comprise program instructions from the at least one memory. Accordingly, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, a device is to be understood as disclosed, the at least one processor and at least one memory with

Program instructions, wherein the at least one memory and the

Program instructions are arranged, together with the at least one processor, to cause the output module or the sensor module to execute and / or to control the method according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the invention.

Alternatively or additionally, the means of the device according to the first and / or second aspect may further comprise one or more sensors and / or one or more

Include communication interfaces.

Under a communication interface, for example, a wireless

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

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

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

A wired communication interface is for example a

Communication interface according to a wired communication technology. Examples of a wired communication technology are a local area network (LAN) and / or a bus system, for example a controller area network bus (CAN bus) and / or a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the CAN bus is specified according to the ISO standard ISO 11898. The USB specifications are currently available on the Internet at www.usb.org. LAN is to Example specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.3 family. It is understood that that

Output module and / or the sensor module may include other unlisted means.

Furthermore, according to the first, second and / or third aspect of the invention

Computer program disclosed comprising program instructions, which are adapted to cause an apparatus for performing and / or controlling the method according to the first and / or second aspect or the system according to the third aspect, when the

Computer program is executed by a processor.

Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is disclosed, which contains a computer program according to the first, second and / or third aspect of the invention. A computer-readable storage medium can be designed, for example, as a magnetic, electrical, electro-magnetic, optical and / or different type of storage medium. Such

computer-readable storage medium is preferably representational (ie "touchable"), for example, it is designed as a data carrier device. Such a data carrier device is for example portable or permanently installed in a device. Examples of such

Data carrier devices are volatile or non-volatile random access memory (RAM) such as NOR flash memory or with sequential access such as NAND flash memory and / or read only access memory (ROM) or write access memory. read access. For example, computer readable shall be understood to mean that the storage medium can be read from and / or written to by a computer or a server device, for example by a processor.

The following describes the features of the devices and methods according to the first and second aspects or of the system according to the third aspect of the invention - in part by way of example.

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

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

The housing is adapted to be positioned in a treatment room of a household appliance and in particular has a corresponding size, which allows to remove the housing or the device at least partially from the treatment room. In particular, the housing or the device is loose and / or without connecting means in the Positionable treatment room. For example, the housing or the device is to bring in a washing machine or dishwasher together with the objects to be cleaned in the treatment room and / or to remove. The housing of the device in particular encloses some or all means of the device partially or completely. In particular, the housing is made waterproof, so that any or all means of the device do not come into contact with water when the device is positioned in a treatment room, for example the treatment room of a washing machine and especially during a treatment.

The device or the housing according to the first and / or second aspect is in particular a mobile and / or portable device and / or one of the household appliance

different device. A mobile and / or portable device should be understood, for example, to mean a device whose external dimensions are less than 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm, preferably less than 15 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm. A device other than a domestic appliance is, for example, a device which has no functional connection with the domestic appliance and / or does not represent a part permanently connected to the domestic appliance. For example, under a mobile and / or portable as well as by a

Applicator is a device for the duration of a treatment process in the washing and / or cleaning area of the household appliance (for example, the washing drum of a washing machine) by a user introduced (for example, inserted) device to be understood. An example of such a mobile and / or portable device other than a domestic appliance is a dosing device and / or sensor device which is placed in the washing drum of a washing machine before the start of the washing process. For example, the dispensing module and / or sensor module is part of such a dosing device and / or

Sensor device according to the first and / or second aspect of the present invention.

The housing may have at least one dispensing module which is adapted to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment chamber of the household appliance and / or to trigger an output. By dispensing a preparation, for example comprising washing and / or cleaning agents, it should be understood, for example, that the preparation is dispensed to the surroundings of the dispensing module and / or a storage container for the preparation. The output occurs, for example, through the output module. Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing may be effected by the dispensing module, e.g. does that

Output module that the preparation is dispensed through the reservoir. For example, the preparation is through an output port of the output module and / or the

Reservoir dispensed to the environment of the output module and / or the reservoir. The housing may have at least one sensor module which is set up to determine at least one sensor information characteristic of the state of the treatment space of the household appliance and / or of the device. In such a

Sensor information can be, for example, at least one parameter of a movement (in particular speed and / or acceleration, in particular of the device and / or the housing and / or the treatment room), the conductivity (for example, a substance located in the treatment room such as water and / or a washing - or

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

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

Light emitting diode (LED).

At least one electrochemical energy store for supplying the output module and / or the sensor module with electrical energy is provided, wherein the energy store is arranged within the housing.

The problem with the use of electrochemical energy storage in devices for positioning in a treatment room of a household appliance during a treatment, for example a metering device and / or a sensor device on the one hand, the requirements for the discharge behavior and the life of the energy storage in particular due to repetitive impulse discharges, for example by the output module and or the sensor module, wherein corresponding pulse discharges may include short time intervals, high currents and / or loads. On the other hand, the device and thus the energy storage are exposed to stress by the environment in the treatment room, in particular changing, for example, high temperatures and mechanical stresses.

Accordingly, the energy storage can have a pulse stability and / or a temperature stability, in particular with respect to electrical discharges. Pulse stability is understood in particular to mean that the discharge voltage of the

Energy storage in a pulse discharge (in particular by the supply of the

Output module and / or sensor module) varies only insignificantly, in particular as a function of the discharge state of the energy storage (especially in an incomplete discharge), the temperature of the energy storage and / or the mechanical stress of the

Energy storage (for example, an acceleration). That the discharge voltage of the

Energy storage varies only insignificantly in a pulse discharge may mean that the discharge voltage despite Variation further ensures a function of the output module and / or sensor module and / or allows. Incomplete discharge may mean that the energy store is discharged at most 95%, in particular at most 90% or at most 80% of the maximum capacity or the nominal capacity. The temperature of the energy store and / or the mechanical stress of the energy store can be predetermined by the use in the household appliance.

In particular, the pulse stability is given by the fact that the energy storage is set up for a pulse discharge in the intended for the treatment chamber of the household appliance during a treatment temperature range and incomplete discharge of the energy storage a deviation of the discharge voltage as a function of the depth of discharge of less than 30% of the rated voltage in particular less than 20%, less than 10% or less than 5%. With the impulse stability in particular the variation of the

Discharge voltage depending on the depth of discharge be designed so that a secure

Supply of the output module and / or the sensor module is guaranteed. The type of pulse discharge can be predetermined by the use of the output module and / or sensor module. In particular, a pulse discharge of 100 to 1000 mA (in particular 100 to 500 mA) at a pulse length of 10 ms to 2 s (in particular 0.1 to 2 s) of

Determination of pulse stability (especially a pulse discharge of constant 300 mA or 700 mA with 1 s pulse length). A corresponding impulse discharge can be given at an otherwise constant base load of 100 to 500 kQ, in particular 300 kQ.

Incomplete discharge may mean that the energy storage at most 95%, in particular at most 90% or at most 80% (ie, for example, a depth of discharge of 1520 mAh, 1440 mAh or 1280 mAh of energy storage with a maximum capacity of 1600 mAh). The temperature range envisaged during a treatment can in particular range from -20 ° to 90 ° C, 20 ° C to 90 ° C, in particular from 20 ° C to 75 ° C or from 30 ° C to 60 ° C. In particular, the pulse stability is given by the fact that the discharge voltage varies only insignificantly during a discharge pulse as a function of the pulse duration at incomplete discharge, for example, less than 30% of the rated voltage, less than 20%, less than 10% or less than 5%. With the impulse stability in particular the variation of the

Discharge voltage depending on the pulse duration be designed so that a secure

Supply of the output module and / or the sensor module is guaranteed. The

Pulse discharge may in this case be predetermined by the use of the output module and / or sensor module, in particular a pulse discharge of 100 to 1000 mA (in particular 100 to 500 mA) with a pulse length of 10 ms to 2 s (in particular 0.1 to 2 s)

The temperature resistance can be given by the fact that the energy storage is set up for a given discharge and Entladelast and within the

Temperature range of -40 ° C to 90 ° C, especially from -30 ° C to 70 ° C (or from -20 ° to 90 ° C, 20 ° C to 90 ° C, in particular from 20 ° C to 75 ° C. or from 30 ° C to 60 ° C) to provide a deviation of the discharge voltage of the energy storage in dependence of the depth of discharge of less than 30% of the rated voltage, in particular less than 20%, less than 10% or less than 5%. The discharge can in this case by the use of the output module and / or

Specifically, a pulse discharge of 100 to 1000 mA (in particular 100 to 500 mA) with a pulse length of 10 ms to 2 s (in particular 0.1 to 2 s) is used to determine the pulse stability (in particular a pulse discharge of constant 300 mA or 700 mA with 1 s pulse length). A corresponding impulse discharge can be given at an otherwise constant base load of 100 to 500 kQ, in particular 300 kQ.

The temperature resistance is particularly advantageous when used in a household appliance, since electrochemical energy stores usually outside of the usual for the operation of energy storage temperature range (which range from 10 - 25 ° C or 20 - 40 ° C) losses in life, stability of the discharge voltage and To be safe. In particular at higher temperatures, an acceleration of the production of possible by-products of the components of the energy store or even a short circuit may occur. At low temperatures, the capacity of the energy storage can be reduced. By using a temperature-stable energy storage, these disadvantages can be avoided or at least reduced. For example, the electrochemical energy store comprises one or more electrical energy sources, for example primary energy stores and / or secondary energy stores (battery and / or accumulator). The electrochemical energy store may comprise one or more electrochemical cells, in particular in one system, whereby also cells of different types may be combined in one system. The electrochemical

Energy storage may include a control system which monitors and / or controls, for example, discharge voltage, discharge current, discharge depth, charge and / or temperature. The electrochemical energy store or individual cells can have different geometries, for example cylindrical, button-shaped, pin-shaped, plate-shaped or prismatic and / or as a pouch cell. Further possible electrical energy sources are a power supply unit, a capacitor and / or a solar cell. For example, the electrochemical energy store is designed such that the device according to the first and / or second aspect is self-sufficient and in particular independent of an external power supply. For example, the power supply means is replaceable, for example in the form of a replaceable battery. For example, the electrochemical energy store is liquid-tight, in particular waterproof.

The energy store can be set up for a C rate of 2 to 30, in particular 3 to 20. In particular, the discharge voltage has only insignificant variation for corresponding C-rates. Here, the C-rate may represent the current which corresponds to the fraction or multiple of the discharge of the maximum capacity or nominal capacity in one hour (for example, the C-rate is 1 when discharging an energy store of 2000 mAh with a current of 2000 mA and is the C-rate 2 when discharging an energy storage of 2000 mAh with a current of 4000 mA). Corresponding energy stores are characterized by high current capability.

In a further embodiment, the energy store comprises at least one primary and / or secondary energy store, in particular a lithium-ion energy store. In particular, energy stores based on lithium ions have particularly high energy densities (in particular volumetric energy densities and gravimetric energy densities) and have high performance. In particular, the energy store comprises at least one energy store based on lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and / or lithium (poly) carbon monofluoride (LCF). A base for the energy storage can also be based on lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) and / or lithium nickel oxide (L1C0O2, Li (Co, Ni) O 2, LiNiO 2), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) (Li (Ni) Mn, Co) 02), lithium-nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide (NCA)

(Li (Ni, Co, Al) 02), lithium iron phosphate (LFP) (LiFePCL) and / or lithium titanium oxide (LUTisO · ^). In particular, the energy store has at least one in particular primary cell with a volumetric energy density of 100 to 1100 Wh / I, in particular of 500-650 Wh / I. In particular, the energy store has at least one cell with a gravimetric

Energy density of 80 to 600 Wh / kg, in particular from 150 to 300 Wh / kg.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the first and / or second aspect, the energy store has a maximum capacity or rated capacity of 1000 to 5000 mAh, in particular 1600 to 2600 mAh, in particular to 2400 mAh.

In one embodiment, the energy store comprises a rechargeable (secondary) energy store, in particular a lithium-ion accumulator. LMO accumulators are characterized in particular by a very high pulse stability and high possible discharge currents and also have a long service life. Likewise, LMO batteries are environmentally friendly to manufacture and recycle compared to other types of lithium-ion batteries. LCF accumulators are characterized in particular by a high temperature stability and pulse stability and a high stability of the discharge voltage. LCF batteries also have a low self-discharge.

In particular, the energy store may also contain at least one lithium-cobalt oxide (LCO) and / or lithium-nickel-oxide accumulator (L1CO 2, Li (Co, Ni) O ₂ _, LiNiO ₂ ), lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (NMC). Rechargeable battery (Li (Ni, Mn, Co) 0 ₂ ), lithium-nickel-cobalt-alumina (NCA) -accumulator (Li (Ni, Co, Al) 02), lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) -accumulator (LiFeP04 ) and / or a lithium titanium oxide accumulator (LUTisO · ^).

In particular, the energy storage device has a service life of 800 to 2000 discharges, in particular of 1000 to 1500 discharges. In this case, the service life can be understood as meaning the number of possible cycles of discharge and charging up to a service end, as prescribed by DIN 43539 (accumulators, testing, stationary cells and batteries) when the storage capacity falls below 80% of the nominal capacity.

In particular, the determination of the lifetime is based on full cycles.

In particular, the energy store has at least one in particular secondary cell with a volumetric energy density of 150 to 700 Wh / I, in particular from 200 to 400 Wh / I or 500-700 Wh / I. In particular, the energy store has at least one cell with a gravimetric energy density of 80 to 300 Wh / kg, in particular of 100 to 120 Wh / kg or 150 to 250 Wh / kg. In a further embodiment of the energy store, the energy store comprises at least one (accumulator) cell and at least one capacitor or consists thereof. In this case, the cell and capacitor can form a physical unit or be arranged spatially separated. Here, the accumulator and the capacitor interact with each other such that the accumulator can charge the capacitor and in the case of a pulse discharge or

Pulse load of the pulse is partially or completely unwound via the capacitor. In particular, the pulse can in this case reach and / or exceed a defined value (in particular discharge voltage, discharge duration and / or discharge current), for example a value which is above the continuous load of the cell (or of the accumulator) the cell or the accumulator are charged. This procedure is particularly advantageous when the pulse currents are high, for example, correspond to a multiple of the permanent base load. High pulse currents burden the energy storage or the battery and affect their lifetime. In this respect, the capacitor for

Contribute extension of the lifetime of the energy storage device or the battery and may be advantageous for the entire energy management of the device, in particular the dosing device.

In particular, the energy store may comprise at least one electrostatic and / or at least one electrochemical capacitor. The at least one capacitor can in this case be polarized or not polarized. Possible types of capacitors are, in particular, variable capacitors, trim capacitors, ceramic, vacuum, air, mica, glass, silicon, paper capacitors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors, tantalum electrolytic capacitors and / or niobium electrolytic capacitors. Capacitors can be constructed as double-layer and / or pseudocondensers. In particular, at least one supercapacitor is provided, which in particular can have a particularly high power density, in particular based on the weight, and thus can be advantageously used in the device for use in a domestic appliance.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the first and / or second aspect, the energy store is arranged in the housing via at least one damping element.

For example, the energy store is elastically mounted in the housing, so that an attenuation of mechanical stresses of the energy storage takes place during treatment in a household appliance, for example during a spin cycle of a washing machine. Accordingly, the life and safety of the energy storage can be increased.

Likewise, the energy storage itself can be configured with regard to a better resistance to mechanical loads. For example, the energy store may comprise an electrolyte comprising solid material. In particular, the electrolyte of the

Energy storage mainly or completely made of solid material. For example, the Energy storage aprotic electrolytes such as propylene carbonate and / or dimethyl carbonate, especially in combination with energy storage based on Li ions.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the first and / or second aspect, at least one conversion element is provided, wherein the conversion element is adapted to mechanical energy from the movement of the device into electrical energy for charging the energy storage device and / or for supplying the output module and / or the sensor module and / or further means of the device (eg a communication interface) to convert. By way of example, the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy can be exploited to move the device or housing during a treatment, for example during a rotation of a treatment space of a washing machine during the washing process and in particular during a spin cycle. About a corresponding conversion element so-called energy harvesting can be made. As a result, recharging and / or replacement of the energy storage becomes less necessary. Likewise, an energy storage can be used with a lower capacity, which saves both manufacturing costs and material, weight and / or volume. The conversion element may comprise at least one mechanical energy source.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the first and / or second aspect and the system according to the third aspect, the output module and / or the sensor module is adapted to communicate with the household appliance, in particular to communicate wirelessly with the household appliance. For this purpose, one or more

Communication interfaces may be provided. The output module may also be configured to communicate with the sensor module, in particular to communicate wirelessly.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the first and / or second aspect, the output module and / or the sensor module is adapted to perform and / or prevent communication with the household appliance based at least on the sensor information detected by the sensor module. The communication to the household appliance requires a certain amount of energy, which in particular at least partially by the

Energy storage is covered. The energy requirement for the communication, in particular a wireless communication, depending on other circumstances, for example, whether the device moves relative to the household appliance, whether the device in the treatment room under the influence of a substance is (the device can, for example, in water or in a wash - or cleaning solution, whereby the communication is difficult) and / or the temperature in the treatment room. For example, a communication with strong movement, under the influence of a substance and / or at extreme temperatures may be faulty or not possible, so that communication attempts repeated or more energy-intensive means must be used to ensure process-reliable communication. If the output module and / or the sensor module is set up to perform and / or prevent communication with the household appliance based at least on the sensor information acquired by the sensor module, the sensor information (for example with respect to movement, environment and / or temperature in the treatment room or at the device) can be advantageously used to decide if and how a communication is performed. For example, a communication is performed when the motion (eg, acceleration and / or speed), environment (eg, the electrical conductivity in the treatment room and / or the position of the device in the treatment room), and / or the temperature are within respective allowable ranges, and / or prevents communication if the respective parameters are outside the permissible ranges. For example, a choice is made between the use of a plurality of possible communication interfaces as a function of the sensor information.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the first and / or second aspect, the dispensing module is configured to perform and / or inhibit issuing and / or effecting a preparation by the dispensing module based at least on the sensor information acquired by the sensor module , Herewith, the energy demand can be reduced.

Detecting reservoir information and / or obtaining reservoir information may be performed. By detecting a reservoir information, it should be understood, for example, that a reservoir information is detected by the output module or by a means of the output module. For example, the detection of the reservoir information may be based on sensor information.

By obtaining a reservoir information, it should be understood, for example, that the reservoir information is obtained by the dispensing module or a means of the dispensing module. For example, receiving the reservoir information means receiving and / or reading the reservoir information through the output module or a reservoir

Communication interface of the output module are understood.

The reservoir information, for example, represents a characteristic of the reservoir. Under a reservoir information, which is characteristic of a property of a reservoir, should be understood, for example, an information containing one or more information on a maximum date of use of the reservoir, on the spatial configuration of the reservoir, a volume and / or a capacity of the Reservoir and / or for the identification of the reservoir or the type of reservoir represents and / or contains.

Further, the reservoir information may be an application default for one in the

Represent reservoir contained preparation. Such an application specification contains and / or represents, for example, one or more indications of a recommended dosage of the preparation for a particular application. Alternatively or additionally, a reservoir information which represents an application specification for a preparation contained in the storage container should also be understood as meaning information which

Output control information identified and / or at least partially represents and / or contains the output control information.

Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir information represents a property of a preparation contained in the reservoir such as washing and / or cleaning agents. Under such a reservoir information, which is characteristic of a property of a preparation which is contained in a reservoir, should be understood, for example, an information containing one or more information on a chemical and / or physical property of the preparation, on the nature of the preparation and / or to identify the preparation

represents and / or contains. By a chemical and / or physical property is intended, for example, a chemical and / or physical composition of the

Preparation and / or the physical state of the preparation (for example solid, liquid or gaseous). For example, the reservoir information represents values of one or more physical and / or chemical quantities (e.g., one or more values of physical and / or chemical quantities that describe one or more properties of the formulation). An indication of a type of preparation comprising a washing and / or cleaning agent indicates, for example, whether it is a heavy-duty detergent, a mild detergent, a laundry detergent, disinfectant, a machine dishwashing detergent and / or another type of detergent and / or cleaning agent is and / or which ingredients and / or builder composition comprises the washing and / or cleaning agent. An example of an indication for identifying the preparation is, for example, an identifier for identifying the preparation, such as a product name and / or a product number.

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

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

The preparation, in particular a washing and / or cleaning agent, for example, in solid, liquid, and / or gaseous form contained in the reservoir. For example, the preparation is a pure substance and / or a mixture of substances. A solid preparation such as a washing and / or cleaning agent may be contained for example as a powder, as a tablet and / or as a tab in the reservoir. A liquid preparation may, for example, be present as a gel, as a concentrated solution and / or as a dilute solution in the storage container. It is understood that the preparation may also be present as a foam, as a rigid foam, as an emulsion, as a suspension and / or as an aerosol in the reservoir. Non-exhaustive examples of preparations or detergents and / or their ingredients are one or more components from a group of components comprising surfactants, alkalis, builders, grayness inhibitors, optical brighteners, enzymes, bleaching agents, soil release polymers, Fillers, plasticizers, perfumes, dyes, conditioners, acids, starch, isomalt, sugars, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, carboxymethylcellulose, polyetherimide, silicone derivatives and / or polymethylimines. Other non-exhaustive example ingredients are

Bleach activators, complexing agents, builders, electrolytes, non-aqueous solvents, pH adjusters, perfume carriers, fluorescers, hydrotropes, silicone oils, bentonites,

Anti-redeposition agents, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-crease agents, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives,

Corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing auxiliaries, repellents or impregnating agents, quick release lubricants and / or UV absorbers.

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

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

Reservoir corresponding connecting means for establishing a connection between the reservoir and the output module. The connection can be for example be form-fitting, for example in the form of a latching mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the connection may be non-positive, for example in the form of a screwed and / or Velcro connection. Furthermore, alternatively, the compound may be cohesive, for example in the form of a

Bond.

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

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

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

The output control information, for example, specifies one or more output parameters. Examples of an output parameter are an output quantity, an output time, an output temperature, and / or an output duration. For example, an output parameter specifies an output quantity, an output time, an output temperature, and / or an output duration for the output. That the output control information is arranged to at least partially control the output by the output module is to be understood, for example, as meaning that the output control information causes the output module to prepare

according to the output parameters given by the output control information.

By determining the output control information at least partially depending on the reservoir information, it should be understood, for example, that the

Output control information is selected and / or calculated at least in part depending on the reservoir information. For example, the output control information is determined by the output module, the sensor module and / or another device (for example a server device). For example, the determination of the

Output control information at least partially on the sensor information.

Accordingly, by causing the output control information to be determined, it should be understood, for example, that the output module causes the output signal to be output Output control information is determined by a device other than the output module (eg, a server device). For example, the bin information is sent by the output module to the server device to determine the

Effect output control information by the server device.

According to an exemplary embodiment according to the first and / or second aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises outputting and / or effecting the outputting of a preparation by the output module at least in part depending on the output control information.

As disclosed above, the output control information may specify one or more output parameters. For example, the dispensing module is set up to prepare the preparation contained in the storage container in accordance with the output control information

Issuing output parameters and / or outputting the preparation contained in the reservoir (for example, by the reservoir) according to the

Output control information to effect predetermined output parameters when the

Reservoir is connected to the output module.

For example, the output module comprises a control unit and at least one actuator, wherein the control unit is set up to control the actuator. For example, the

Control unit configured to control the actuator such that a movement of the actuator is effected. For example, the movement of the actuator causes a preparation to be dispensed. For example, the control unit is configured to drive the actuator so as to output the preparation in accordance with the output parameters given by the output control information and / or to dispense the contents (e.g., through the reservoir) contained in the reservoir in accordance with the same

Output control information predetermined output parameters is effected.

An actuator is to be understood as meaning a movable component of the output module. For example, the actuator is arranged so that when it moves and the

Reservoir is connected to the output module, an output of the preparation is effected. Examples of an actuator include a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump), a valve, and / or a motor (e.g., a linear motor). For example, when the actuator is a pump, the control unit controls the pump to dispense the preparation such that the pump transfers the preparation from the reservoir to a dispensing opening (e.g., a dispensing opening of the dispenser)

Reservoir and / or the output module) transported. For example, when the actuator is a valve, the valve is configured to close an output port (eg, an output port of the reservoir and / or the output module). To spend the preparation For example, the control unit actuates the valve such that the valve opens so that the preparation can flow out of the dispensing opening.

The energy store supplies the output module and / or the sensor module with electrical energy. For example, the energy store is set up, the actuator and / or the

Supply control unit with power. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the energy store may be at least partially occupied by a reservoir (e.g.

Output module connected and / or connectable reservoir) may be included.

The energy store is suitable, for example, for providing a suitable energy for operating the output module and / or the sensor module. The energy store can supply individual, several or all means of the output module and / or the sensor module at least partially with electrical energy, in particular control unit, actuator, pump, communication interface and / or sensors.

For example, the method according to the first and / or the second aspect of the invention comprises detecting and / or obtaining a sensor information characteristic of the state of a treatment room of the household appliance on the sensor module and determining and / or effecting an output information at least partially depending on the sensor information. The sensor information represents, for example, measured values of one or more physical and / or chemical quantities which are indicative of the state of the

Treatment room and / or the device, for example, for the washing and / or

Cleaning process are characteristic as a temperature of the washing and / or

Cleaning liquor, a duration of the washing and / or cleaning process and / or a

Concentration of detergents and / or cleaning agents in the washing and / or cleaning liquor.

In addition, a use of an electrochemical energy store in a device, in particular a dosing device and / or a sensor device, in particular a device according to the first and / or second aspect, is disclosed

Household appliance. The energy storage can against electrical discharges a

Have impulse stability and / or temperature resistance. The energy store or the device can be designed according to individual or several features described above.

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

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

In the drawing shows

1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 100 according to the first and second aspects or a system 102 according to the third aspect; and

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the discharge voltage V of a

Energy storage 1 14 as a function of the discharge depth DoD; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the discharge voltage V of a

Energy storage 1 14 as a function of the pulse duration t.

1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device 100 according to the first and second aspects or a system 102 according to the third aspect.

The device 100 has a housing 104, wherein the housing 104 is adapted to be positioned in a treatment room 106 of a household appliance 108. In Fig. 1, the devices are not reproduced to scale, in particular, the housing 104 and the device 100 has a size that allows the housing 104 and the device 100 to insert into the treatment room 106 and remove again.

The housing 104 of the device 100 has an output module 110, which is set up to deliver at least one preparation into the treatment space 106 of the household appliance 108 and / or to trigger an output. For example, the preparation is dispensed through an outlet opening of the dispensing module 110 and / or a storage container to the surroundings of the dispensing module 110 and / or of the storage container and thus arrives, in particular, into the treatment space 106. The housing 104 of the device 100 has a sensor module 1 12 which is set up to determine a sensor information characteristic of the state of the treatment chamber 106 of the household appliance 108 and / or the device 100, for example at least one parameter of a movement (in particular speed and / or or acceleration, in particular the device 100 and / or the housing 104 and / or the treatment chamber 106), the conductivity (for example, a substance located in the treatment space 106 such as water and / or a washing or cleaning solution or liquor) and / or the temperature , For example, the temperature in the treatment room 106 and / or the temperature of a substance located in the treatment room 106.

At least one electrochemical energy store 1 14 for supplying the output module 1 10 and / or the sensor module 1 12 with electrical energy is provided, wherein the

Energy storage 1 14 is disposed within the housing 104. In particular, the energy store 1 14 has a pulse stability and / or against electrical discharges

Temperature resistance on.

A conversion element 1 16 is provided, wherein the conversion element 1 16 is adapted to mechanical energy from the movement of the device 100 during treatment in the treatment room 106 into electrical energy for charging the energy storage 1 14 and / or for supplying the output module 1 10 and / or the sensor module 1 12 and / or further means of the device (eg a communication interface) to convert.

The device 100 communicates with the home appliance 108 in wireless communication,

For example, via a communication network 1 18. Other devices can be involved in the communication with, for example, a server system 120, which controls in particular single or multiple steps of treatment in the household appliance 108 and / or causes their control.

For example, the treatment process is monitored at least partially based on sensor information acquired by the sensor module 1 12. The treatment process is in particular at least partially controlled and / or influenced on the basis of the sensor information. The

For example, a treatment process may include causing a preparation to be dispensed by the dispensing module 110, in particular via a storage container. For example, a washing and / or cleaning agent is output as a function of the sensor information.

In order to save electrical energy or the capacity of the energy accumulator 1 14, the output module 1 10 and / or the sensor module 1 12 may be configured to communicate with the household appliance 108 at least based on that detected by the sensor module 1 12 Perform sensor information and / or to prevent. Further, the dispensing module 110 may be configured to perform and / or inhibit dispensing and / or effecting dispensing of a preparation by the dispensing module 110 based at least on the sensor information sensed by the sensor module 12. For example, a

Communication and / or output only carried out when the movement of the

Treatment space 106 and / or the device 100 (for example, the acceleration and / or speed), environment (for example, the electrical conductivity in

Treatment room 106, the presence of a substance such as water, the preparation or a wash liquor in the treatment room 106 and / or the position of the device 100 in

Treatment room 106) and / or the temperature (e.g., in the treatment room) are within respective allowable ranges. Communication and / or output can be inhibited if the respective parameters are outside the permissible ranges.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the discharge voltage of an energy store 1 14 as a function of the discharge depth. The abscissa indicates the depth of discharge DoD (Depth of

Discharge) and with the ordinate the discharge voltage V is marked. For the

Discharge Depth DoD is the discharge specified up to the rated capacity Cn, which is one

corresponds to (theoretical) complete discharge. For the variation AV of the discharge voltage V, a discharge depth Cref is given as reference, for example, Cref corresponds to one

Discharge depth of up to 95%, in particular at most 90% or at most 80% of the nominal capacity Cref. For the discharge voltage V also the rated voltage Vn is marked.

The discharge voltage V varies with the discharge depth DoD and with the temperature T, with exemplary temperatures T1, T2, T3 and T4 being reproduced in FIG. With the impulse stability, in particular the variation AV of the discharge voltage V as a function of the discharge depth DoD should be designed so that a reliable supply of the output module 1 10 and / or the

Sensor module 1 12 is guaranteed. The type of impulse discharge can here by the

Use of the output module 1 10 and / or sensor module 1 12 be predetermined.

In particular, a pulse discharge of 100 to 1000 mA (in particular 100 to 500 mA) at a pulse length of 10 ms to 2 s (in particular 0, 1 to 2 s) is based on the determination of the pulse stability (in particular a pulse discharge of constant 300 mA or 700 mA with 1 s pulse length). A corresponding impulse discharge can be given at an otherwise constant base load of 100 to 500 kQ, in particular 300 kQ.

The temperature range envisaged during a treatment can in particular range from -20 ° to 90 ° C, 20 ° C to 90 ° C, in particular from 20 ° C to 75 ° C or from 30 ° C to 60 ° C. Under the abovementioned boundary conditions, the pulse stability can be given by the fact that the energy store 1 14 is set up to provide a deviation AV of the discharge voltage V as a function of the discharge depth DoD of less than 30% of the rated voltage Vn, in particular less than 20%, less than 10 % or less than 5%.

Under the given boundary conditions, the temperature resistance can be given by the energy storage (1 14) is set up within the temperature range of -40 ° C to 90 ° C, in particular from -30 ° C to 70 ° C (or -20 ° to 90 ° C, 20 ° C to 90 ° C, in particular from 20 ° C to 75 ° C or from 30 ° C to 60 ° C) a deviation of the discharge voltage AV as a function of the discharge depth DoD of less than 30%, in particular less than 20%, less than 10% or less than 5% of the rated voltage Vn.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the discharge voltage V as a function of

Pulse duration t. The pulse stability can be given under the given boundary conditions in that the discharge voltage V during a discharge pulse as a function of the pulse duration t at incomplete discharge varies only insignificantly, for example, less than 30% of the rated voltage, less than 20%, less than 10% or less than 5% of the

Rated voltage Vn varies.

Claims

claims

A device (100) for use in a household appliance (108), in particular in a washing machine and / or a dishwasher, the device (100) comprising:

at least one housing (104),

wherein the housing (104) is adapted to be positioned in a treatment room (106) of a household appliance (108);

wherein the housing (104) comprises:

at least one dispensing module (110) arranged to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment room (106) of the household appliance (108) and / or trigger an output;

and or

at least one sensor module (1 12) which is set up to determine a sensor information characteristic of the state of the treatment space (106) of the household appliance (108) and / or of the device (100);

with at least one electrochemical energy store (1 14) for supplying the output module (1 10) and / or the sensor module (1 12) with electrical energy,

wherein the energy store (1 14) is disposed within the housing (104), wherein the energy store (1 14) has a pulse stability and / or temperature resistance to electrical discharges.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1,

wherein the pulse stability is given by the fact that the energy store (1 14) is adapted for a pulse discharge in the temperature range provided for the treatment chamber (106) of the domestic appliance (108) during a treatment and incomplete discharge of the energy store (1 14) Deviation of

Discharge voltage depending on the depth of discharge of less than 30% of the rated voltage to provide, especially at a pulse discharge of a constant 300 mA or 700 mA with 1 s pulse length.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the temperature resistance is given by, the energy storage device (1 14) is adapted for a given discharge and Entladelast and within the temperature range of -40 ° C to 90 ° C, in particular from -30 ° C to 70 ° C, a deviation of Discharge voltage of the energy storage (1 14) depending on the depth of discharge of less than 30% of the rated voltage to provide.

4. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the temperature range intended for the treatment chamber (106) of the domestic appliance (108) during a treatment is 20 ° C to 90 ° C, in particular 20 ° C to 75 ° C or 30 ° C to 60 ° C.

5. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4,

wherein the energy store (1 14) is set up for a C-rate of 2 to 30, in particular from 3 to 20.

6. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5,

wherein the energy store (1 14) comprises at least one lithium ion accumulator, in particular at least one lithium manganese oxide accumulator and / or lithium (poly) carbon monofluoride accumulator.

7. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6,

wherein the energy store (1 14) comprises an electrolyte comprising solid material, wherein in particular the electrolyte of the energy store (1 14) consists predominantly or completely of solid material.

8. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7,

wherein the energy store (1 14) comprises at least one electrostatic and / or at least one electrochemical capacitor.

9. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8,

wherein at least one conversion element (1 16) is provided, wherein the

Conversion element (1 16) is adapted to mechanical energy from the

Movement of the device (100) into electrical energy for charging the

Energy storage (1 14) and / or to supply the output module (1 10) and / or the sensor module (1 12) to convert.

10. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9,

wherein the dispensing module (110) and / or the sensor module (112) is adapted to communicate with the household appliance (108), in particular wirelessly with the home appliance (108)

Household appliance (108) to communicate.

1 1. A device (100) according to claim 10,

wherein the output module (1 10) and / or the sensor module (1 12) is adapted to perform and / or prevent communication with the household appliance (108) based at least on the sensor information from the sensor module (1 12).

12. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 1 1,

wherein the dispensing module (110) is adapted to perform and / or inhibit dispensing and / or inhibiting the dispensing of a preparation by the dispensing module (110) based at least on the sensor information acquired by the sensor module (11-12).

The system (102) comprising a device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the system (102) further comprising at least one home appliance (108).

14. Use of an electrochemical energy store (1 14) in a metering device and / or a sensor device, in particular a device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12 for a household appliance (108), wherein the energy store (1 14) against electrical discharges Impulse stability and / or

Temperature resistance has.