EP3922767A1 - Domestic appliance with a dosing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a washing machine with a tub for holding washing liquid, and a control device for carrying out a washing or treatment cycle, at least one metering device for pre-portioned units of treatment agent being provided, with at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent being automatically added to the tub is feedable.

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a washing machine with a tub for receiving washing liquid and a control device for carrying out a washing or treatment cycle.

Such household appliances are in particular washing machines or also dishwashers. A household appliance usually includes a tub in which the items to be washed and the washing liquid are located. Usually a container is provided which is used to hold a treatment agent. Such treatment agents are, for example, detergents, fabric softeners, detergent additives and rinse additives. The container can be provided in the form of a so-called detergent drawer or dispensing compartment. In household washing machines, the treatment agent is usually added to the container by hand. This is rinsed into the tub with water after the start of the washing or treatment cycle. In order to simplify the loading of the treatment agent, pre-portioned units of treatment agent are offered. These are placed manually in the layer container.

It is felt to be disadvantageous that the pre-portioned units of treatment agent can only be stored in a child-proof manner with difficulty. Often people forget to add the pre-portioned units. Furthermore, precise dosing is not possible due to the pre-portioned units.

The object of the present invention is to provide a household appliance, in particular a washing machine, which solves the problems mentioned.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the present claim 1.

Accordingly, we provide a household appliance, in particular a washing machine, with a tub for holding washing liquid, and a control device for carrying out a washing or treatment cycle, at least one metering device being provided for pre-portioned units of treatment agent, with at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent being automatically added to the tub is feedable.

In the following, reference is made in particular to a household appliance in the form of a washing machine. However, this should not be understood as a limitation of the present invention. A corresponding application to other household appliances, such as dishwashers, would also be conceivable. A washing or treatment cycle is understood to mean a program of the household appliance. A sequence of the washing or treatment process is specified in the washing or treatment cycle or program. This process is tailored to the objects to be washed or treated in the tub. The pre-portioned units are also known as pods, caps or tabs. The treatment agent can advantageously be packed in sachets or foils. These sachets or foils can in turn advantageously be water-soluble. It would also be conceivable that the pre-portioned units are designed in such a way that the treatment agent is pressed into a specific geometric shape. The pre-portioned units can also comprise several treatment agents, for example a detergent, a fabric softener and / or other additives. The additives can also be added at different times if the water solubility of the films or sachets differs from that of the other treatment agents. The pre-portioned units are thus individual physical, self-contained bodies, pieces or piece goods. These are to be distinguished from the treatment agents usually available in the form of liquids, powders, granulates or other bulk goods. Such a pre-portioned unit advantageously comprises the required amount of treatment agent for a specific washing or treatment cycle.

The automatic supply of the pre-portioned units ensures that at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is present in the tub for each washing or treatment process. It would be conceivable, however, that the automatic supply of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent can be selected. The household appliance or the washing machine preferably also has a common container for receiving at least one treatment agent. In washing machines, such a container is usually provided in the form of a so-called detergent drawer or dispensing compartment. The user can preferably specify whether the at least one metering device, the container for receiving at least one treatment agent or both are used. It would of course also be conceivable for the at least one pre-portioned units of treatment agent to be supplied manually. In the case of such a manual addition, the addition can advantageously be communicated by means of the communication device or by means of some other input means to the control device and / or the server, whereupon the washing or treatment cycle is preferably adapted accordingly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the household appliance comprises a communication device, by means of which a communication connection with a server and / or with a communication device of a user can be established.

The communication device is preferably suitable and provided for communicating via a wide area radio network (WAN) and / or a mobile radio network and / or a WLAN network or a combination of the networks. Possible cellular networks are 2G (USM) networks, 3G (UMTS) networks, 4G (LTE) networks, 5G networks and other similar networks. It would be conceivable that the communication device is initially integrated into a WLAN network (Wireless Local Area Network) or a LAN network (Local Area Network). Advantageously, an external communication connection and / or an Internet connection can also be used to communicate with a server. It would also be conceivable that the communication device is suitable and provided for communicating with a server via a wide area radio network (WAN) and / or a mobile radio network. Of course, other connections, such as radio connections, for example in the ISM band, can also be considered. Such wide area radio networks are used for the so-called Internet of Things (loT). Such IoT networks can be a Narrow-Band IoT radio network (NBloT), a Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). An IoT network has the advantage that the required transmitting and receiving devices can work extremely energy-efficiently.

The server then communicates with the user's communication device. A cellular network is preferably used for this purpose. However, the use of a wide area radio network (WAN) of a WLAN network, another radio network or a combination of the networks would also be conceivable. Possible cellular networks are 2G (USM) networks, 3G (UMTS) networks, 4G (LTE) networks, 5G networks and other similar networks.

It would also be conceivable that the communication device can communicate directly with a communication device of a user. For this purpose, the networks mentioned above, such as a wide area radio network (WAN) and / or a cellular network and / or a WLAN network, could be used. Alternatively or cumulatively, the use of RFID or NFC technology would also be conceivable. The user's communication device is preferably a smartphone, tablet computer, PC or a similar communication-capable device.

The user can preferably receive information about the washing or treatment cycle from the control device directly or via the server. It would also be conceivable that the user can make entries on the washing or treatment cycle directly or via the server.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one metering device comprises at least one storage device in which a plurality of pre-portioned units of treatment agent can be stored. The at least one storage device advantageously has an access opening through which the pre-portioned units of treatment agent can be introduced into the at least one storage device. At least one conveying device is advantageously provided, by means of which the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent can be fed from the at least one storage device to the tub. The at least one conveyor device preferably has a feed channel which connects the metering device and the tub.

According to a preferred embodiment, the household appliance has a housing. The at least one storage device is preferably arranged at least in sections within the housing of the household appliance or on the housing of the household appliance. The at least one storage device or the at least one metering device is preferably arranged entirely within a housing of the domestic appliance. The access opening is preferably integrated in the housing of the household appliance or is accessible through it. The at least one storage device can also be arranged entirely outside the housing of the household appliance or outside on the housing of the household appliance. Accordingly, the feed channel would preferably run through the housing into the interior of the household appliance. The at least one storage device can also be arranged at least in sections outside the housing of the domestic appliance.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one metering device comprises a plurality of storage devices. Different types of pre-portioned units of treatment agent can preferably be stored in the storage devices. A conveying device is preferably provided for each storage device. The use of at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent can preferably be selected. The user can accordingly select from which storage device a pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is to be taken. The user could advantageously also choose that at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agents is taken from a plurality of storage devices. Accordingly, the pre-portioned units of treatment agent required in each case can be used on the basis of the objects to be washed or treated. For example, pre-portioned units of treatment agent can be provided for wool washes, delicates and full linen. It would also be conceivable that pre-portioned units of treatment agents with additives, such as fabric softeners or disinfectants, can be selected. The respective conveying devices can each have a separate supply channel to the tub or at least in sections have a common supply channel to the tub.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the metering device comprises only one storage device. Only one conveyor device is preferably provided. It would also be conceivable for a plurality of metering devices to be provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one conveying device comprises a shovel element which is arranged in the at least one storage device is. The blade element can advantageously be rotated about an axis of rotation. The at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent can preferably be fed from the storage device to the feed channel by rotating the shovel element. The shovel element preferably rotates relative to the storage device. By providing the shovel element, a conveying device is realized which supplies the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent from the storage device to the tub without the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent being damaged. Furthermore, such a conveying device can convey different types of pre-portioned units of treatment agent. The pre-portioned units of treatment agent can be individually removed from the storage device and conveyed. A configuration of the conveying device would be conceivable to the extent that a gripping element is provided by means of which the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent can be fed from the storage device to the feed channel.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the storage device is formed from two elements. The two elements can preferably be rotated relative to one another. The two elements preferably enclose a storage space in which the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is stored. The storage device preferably comprises a first element which is arranged in a stationary manner. This first element can accordingly be firmly fixed on or in the housing. The storage device preferably comprises a second element which can be rotated relative to the first element. It is advantageous here that the paddle element of the conveying device is arranged on the second element. The blade element advantageously rotates with the second element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the second element is essentially disk-shaped. The second element preferably rests against a circular contact section of the first element. A guide device is preferably provided, by means of which the rotation of the second element is guided relative to the first element. This can be implemented, for example, by a circumferential recess in the second element, in which the contact section of the first element engages. The second element preferably has an outlet opening which is connected to the feed channel. The feed channel is preferably designed as a tubular element which is arranged in a stationary manner on and / or in the household appliance. Therefore the second element advantageously also rotates relative to the tubular element or the feed channel. The shovel element of the conveying device is preferably arranged on an inner surface of the essentially disk-shaped second element. The first element can be hood-shaped and / or hemispherical.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a drive device is provided which drives the rotation of the second element. Such a drive device can be an electric motor, for example. A transmission device is preferably provided between the drive device and the second element. Such a transmission device can be a gear, a belt or the like. The transmission device preferably comprises at least one toothed wheel which engages in a toothed ring provided on a lateral surface of the second element. This jacket surface extends along a circumferential direction U of the second element. The drive device is activated by the control device. The control device can also receive a corresponding signal from the server and / or the communication device of the user through the communication device to start up the drive device.

The blade element preferably has at least one curvature. A front end of the blade element is arranged on or near an inner wall of the first element. A rear end opens into the exit opening of the second element. It is also advantageous that the blade element has a trough which extends between the front and the rear end. The blade element preferably has at least one curvature between the front and the rear end. A helical shape of the blade element would also be conceivable. As a result of the rotation of the second element, or the shovel element, the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent reaches the shovel element and is guided along the channel to the outlet opening or the feed channel. An intake cycle can preferably be defined in which the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is fed to the feed channel. In this recording cycle, the blade element performs a predetermined number of rotations and / or a rotation over a predetermined angular range.

Preferably, a control / closure device is provided at the exit opening, which is suitable and provided for only a predetermined number of pre-portioned Allow units of treatment agent to access the delivery channel. Preferably, only one pre-portioned unit is conveyed into the feed channel. The control / closure device can advantageously transmit an error signal to the control device if no pre-portioned unit of treatment agent was fed to the feed channel when the intake cycle was carried out. The control device can accordingly initiate the output of an error signal and / or carry out at least one further recording cycle. This error signal can be sent to the server and / or to the user's communication device by means of the communication device.

After the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent reaches the feed channel, it can slide into the tub. At least one auxiliary transport device can advantageously be provided in or on the feed channel. Such a transport auxiliary device can support the sliding of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent. Such a transport auxiliary device can be a fan, for example. It would also be conceivable to use a conveyor belt or at least one conveyor wheel.

The access channel advantageously opens into an opening in the tub. This opening can preferably have a closure device which seals this opening and is opened when the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is supplied. For this purpose, the control device can preferably control the locking device. In the case of a household appliance in the form of a washing machine, the tub is advantageously a drum. When the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is supplied, the drum is preferably positioned in such a way that the opening is oriented upward along the vertical axis Z '.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a first sensor device is provided, by means of which a fill level of the storage device can be detected. The filling of the storage space with pre-portioned units of treatment agent can accordingly be detected with the first sensor device. Such a fill level can accordingly be transmitted to the control device and / or the server and / or the communication device. This can be done continuously or at specific intervals. It would also be conceivable that a corresponding signal is only transmitted to the control device when the control device falls below a certain limit value. The first sensor device can, for example, be a weight sensor and / or an optical sensor, a radar sensor and / or further suitable sensors. For example, the back reflection of a light or radar signal from the pre-portioned units of treatment agent in the storage device could be evaluated on the basis of its transit time and thus a level could be deduced. The control device can initiate a corresponding output if the fill level falls below a limit value. It would therefore be conceivable for the server to automatically reorder the corresponding pre-portioned unit of treatment agent. Such a reorder can also be made automatically by the communication device. It would also be conceivable for the user to be presented with a request to approve the reorder before the reorder is carried out.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a second sensor device is provided, by means of which the type of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent can be identified. The type of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is preferably not to be understood as an exact determination of the ingredients. Rather, the specific type of common pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is identified. This can advantageously be done by identifying external features of the packaging or the pre-portioned units of treatment agent themselves. It would also be conceivable that certain identification devices are present on the packaging of the pre-portioned units of treatment agent or the pre-portioned units of treatment agent themselves. The second sensor device preferably comprises an optical sensor. The second sensor device can preferably include at least one first sensor which is provided on the housing of the domestic appliance. Before the pre-portioned units of treatment agent are filled in, the user can determine the type of pre-portioned units of treatment agent to be filled using the at least one first sensor. This can be done by scanning a QR code, a barcode or a similar feature. It would also be conceivable that the at least one sensor is a camera, by means of which an image of the packaging of the pre-portioned units of treatment agent can be recorded. The type of pre-portioned units of treatment agent can then be determined by means of an image recognition method. This image recognition method can be carried out by the control device and / or the server. It would also be conceivable to use RFID or NFC technology to determine the type of pre-portioned units of treatment agent. Correspondingly detectable tags etc. could then be provided on the packaging. It would also be conceivable that the second sensor device comprises at least one second sensor which is arranged in the metering device and / or the storage device and / or the conveying device. The at least one second sensor could be an optical sensor which can detect certain identification features of the pre-portioned unit of treatment agent. The second sensor device can be associated with the washing machine.

However, it would also be conceivable that the second sensor device belongs to the communication device of the user. Such a second sensor device can include the above-described features of the second sensor device associated with the washing machine. A second sensor device of the communication device preferably has an optical sensor. This optical sensor can be used to scan a QR code, a barcode or a similar feature. It would also be conceivable that the packaging of the pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is detected and conclusions can be drawn about the type of pre-portioned unit of treatment agent by means of an image recognition method. The image recognition method can be carried out by the communication device and / or the server and / or the control device. It would also be conceivable that the type of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent can be selected or entered by means of the communication device. The data of this input or also the data of the second sensor device can advantageously be sent directly or indirectly via the server to the communication device of the household appliance. The data are preferably fed from the communication device to the control device.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control device can modify the washing or treatment cycle to the type of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent used. The control device can preferably use the identification data of the second sensor device to call up parameters of the pre-portioned unit of treatment agent from a database. Such parameters can include the concentration, amount, or chemical composition of the treating agents. On the basis of such data, for example, the amount of water supplied and / or the washing treatment duration and / or the temperature can be adapted. Under the type of at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent, the specific type of common pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is identified. The pre-portioned units of treatment agent can differ in what treatment agent is included. Accordingly, a detergent, a fabric softener or some other additive can be provided. The detergent can also be predetermined for certain materials, for example wool, silk, etc. This information is preferably reproduced in the parameters. Some pre-portioned units of treatment agent also comprise a combination of different treatment agents, for example detergents and fabric softeners. This information can also be included in the parameters. The pre-portioned units of treatment agent offered by different manufacturers can also differ in terms of dosages and concentrations. This information can also be included in the parameters. The washing program can be modified or optimized on the basis of the parameters. Accordingly, the washing process can be optimized. Furthermore, underdosing or overdosing can be avoided, resulting in ecological and economic advantages.

The parameters can also provide information about whether several treatment agents, for example detergents, fabric softeners or other additives, are provided in the pre-portioned unit of treatment agent. The washing or treatment cycle can accordingly be adapted so that additives, fabric softener, etc. are supplied from a further metering device, a further storage device or from a further container for receiving at least one treatment agent.

It would also be conceivable that the control device can download an optimized program for the washing or treatment cycle from a server. The server preferably creates this optimized program from the parameters of the pre-portioned units of treatment agents that are stored in a database. It is advantageous here if the identification data of the second sensor device are transmitted to the server.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the household appliance comprises a further third sensor device, by means of which state parameters can be detected. Such a state parameter can preferably be the weight of the load in the tub. It would also be conceivable that the degree of soiling is a status parameter. Furthermore, the water hardness can advantageously be a state parameter. These status parameters can advantageously be made available to the control device and / or the server. The server and / or the control device can take these status parameters into account when optimizing the washing or treatment cycle.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the user can enter and / or select the type of objects to be washed or treated. This selection can be made by means of an input device on the household appliance. The type of objects to be washed or treated can preferably be entered and / or selected by means of the at least one communication device. In the case of a washing machine, such an input and / or selection can include, for example, woolen laundry, delicate laundry or silk, colored laundry, hot laundry, or the temperature tolerance of the objects / laundry.

In the case of an advantageous manual addition of a pre-portioned unit of treatment agent, the type of the added pre-portioned unit of treatment agent can preferably be entered by means of the at least one communication device. This addition can then be taken into account when optimizing the washing or treatment cycle.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the metering device comprises a fan device. An air flow can preferably be generated in the supply duct by means of the fan device. The household appliance can preferably adopt a ventilation mode in which an air flow is generated through the tub. The household appliance preferably comprises an automatic locking device, by means of which the locking device of the tub can be locked or unlocked. It would also be conceivable that an opening device is provided by means of which the locking device can be opened. In an advantageous embodiment of the household appliance as a washing machine, the closure device can be, for example, a so-called porthole. After completion of the washing or treatment cycle, the locking device can then be automatically unlocked by the control device. If necessary, the closure device is opened automatically by means of the opening device. The fan device can then generate an air flow through the supply channel and the tub. After the washing treatment process, the washed or treated objects may have residual moisture in the tub. The advantageous air flow can bring about a certain drying of the objects in the tub and prevent the formation of odors.

The present object of the invention is also achieved by a system. The system comprises at least one household appliance, in particular a washing machine, according to one of the Above-mentioned embodiments at least one server and at least one communication device.

The system can be equipped with all the features already described above in the context of the household appliance individually or in combination with one another and vice versa.

The present object of the invention is also achieved by a method for operating a domestic appliance, in particular a washing machine. The method can be equipped with all the features already described above in the context of the household appliance individually or in combination with one another and vice versa.

The method can be equipped with all the features already described above in the context of the household appliance and / or the system, individually or in combination with one another, and vice versa.

1. a) Identifizieren der Art der zumindest einen vorportionierten Einheit von Behandlungsmittel;
2. b) Abrufen von Parametern über die zumindest eine vorportionierte Einheit von Behandlungsmittel;
3. c) Anpassen des Wasch - oder Behandlungszyklus an die Art der zumindest einen vorportionierten Einheit von Behandlungsmittel anhand der abgerufenen Parameter;
4. d) Zuführen zumindest einer vorportionierten Einheit von Behandlungsmittel in den Laugenbehälter durch die Dosiereinrichtung.

The process comprises the following steps:

1. a) identifying the type of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent;
2. b) Retrieving parameters about the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent;
3. c) adapting the washing or treatment cycle to the type of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent on the basis of the parameters retrieved;
4. d) Feeding at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent into the tub by the metering device.

Further advantages, objectives and properties of the present invention are explained on the basis of the following description of the attached figures. Components of the same type can have the same reference symbols in the various embodiments.

Fig.1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Haushaltsgeräts insbesondere einer Waschmaschine mit einer Dosiereinrichtung;

Fig.2

eine Dosiereinrichtung nach einer Ausführungsform;

Fig.3

eine Prinzipskizze eines Haushaltsgeräts mit einer Fremdkörperfalleneinrichtung nach einer Ausführungsform;

Fig.4

eine Prinzipskizze eines Systems nach einer Ausführungsform.

In the figures show:

Fig.1

a perspective view of a household appliance, in particular a washing machine with a metering device;

Fig. 2

a metering device according to one embodiment;

Fig. 3

a schematic diagram of a household appliance with a foreign body trap device according to one embodiment;

Fig. 4

a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment.

Figures 1 to 3 show a household appliance 1, in particular a washing machine with a tub 2 for receiving washing liquid, and a control device 3 for carrying out a washing or treatment cycle, at least one metering device 4 being provided for pre-portioned units of treatment agent 5, with at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 can be automatically fed to the tub 2. The pre-portioned units of treatment agent 5 are individual physical closed bodies, pieces or piece goods and are also referred to as PODS, CAPS or TABS.

The household appliance 1, or the washing machine, extends along a longitudinal axis X ', a width axis Y' and a height axis Z '. The metering device extends along a longitudinal axis X, a width axis Y and a height axis Z.

In Figure 3 a schematic diagram of the possible components of the household appliance with a foreign body trap device is shown.

In Figure 1 a household appliance 1 is shown in the form of a washing machine. The household appliance comprises a housing 13. The metering device 4 is arranged completely within the housing 13. It would of course also be conceivable that the metering device 4 is provided completely or partially outside the housing 13. The metering device can be attached to the housing. The household appliance comprises a closure device 26 which closes the tub 2. In so-called “front loader” washing machines, such a closure device 26 is also called a porthole. The locking device 26 can be locked with a locking device 25. This locking device 25 is activated by the control device 3. As a rule, after the washing or treatment cycle or washing program has been carried out, this locking device 25 is unlocked, whereby the user gains access to the tub 2 and can remove the corresponding washed objects.

The household appliance 1 comprises a communication device 6, by means of which a communication connection with a server 7 and / or with a communication device 8 of a user can be established. This shows Figure 4 a system 100 comprising the household appliance 1, a server 7 and a communication device 8. The communication device 6 is preferably suitable and provided for communicating via a wide area radio network (WAN) and / or a cellular network and / or a WLAN network . It would be conceivable that the communication device 6 is initially integrated into a WLAN network (Wireless Local Area Network) or a LAN network (Local Area Network). Advantageously, an external communication connection and / or an Internet connection can also be used in order to communicate with the server 7. It would also be conceivable that the communication device 7 is suitable and provided for communicating with a server 7 via a wide area radio network (WAN) and / or a mobile radio network. It would also be conceivable that the communication device 6 can communicate directly with a communication device 8 of a user. For this purpose, the networks mentioned above, such as a wide area radio network (WAN) and / or a cellular network and / or a WLAN network, could be used. Alternatively or cumulatively, the use of RFID or NFC technology would also be conceivable. The communication device 8 of the user is preferably a smartphone, tablet computer, PC or a similar communication-capable device.

According to the embodiment according to Figure 4 the server 7, the communication device 6 are connected via a first network 31, which can be a WLAN network, an Internet connection, WAN network, a cellular network or a combination of these networks. The server 7 and the communication device 8 of the user are connected via a second network 32, which can be a cellular network.

The at least one metering device 4 comprises at least one storage device 9 in which a large number of pre-portioned units of treatment agent 5 can be stored. The at least one storage device 9 has an access opening 10 through which the pre-portioned units of treatment agent 5 can be introduced into the at least one storage device 9. Furthermore, at least one conveying device 11 is provided, by means of which the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 can be fed from the at least one storage device 9 to the tub 2. The at least one conveying device 11 has a feed channel 12 which connects the dosing device 4 and the tub 2. The at least one storage device 9 can be arranged completely in the housing 13.

It would be conceivable that the at least one metering device 1 comprises a plurality of storage devices 9. Different types of pre-portioned units of treatment agents 5 can be stored in the storage devices 9. A conveying device 11 could be provided for each storage device 9. It would be possible for each of the storage devices 9 to be connected to the tub 2 by means of a separate feed channel 12. It would also be conceivable that only one feed channel 12 is provided, at least in sections. Furthermore, the use of at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 can be selected from a specific storage device 9. This can be done by the control device 2, for example. This would control a corresponding selection based on an input by the user through the communication device 8 or by means of the server. However, it would also be conceivable for the control device to carry out the selection automatically.

The at least one conveying device 11 comprises a shovel element 14 which is arranged in the at least one storage device 9. The blade element 14 can be rotated about an axis of rotation 18. The axis of rotation 18 preferably extends along the width axis Y of the metering device 4 and runs centrally through the storage device 9. By rotating the paddle element 14, the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 from the storage device 9 can be fed to the feed channel 12.

However, the invention is not restricted to this embodiment. It would also be conceivable, for example, that the conveying device 11 comprises a gripping element which grips at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agents 5 and feeds it from the storage device 9 to the feed channel.

The storage device 9 can be arranged completely in the housing 13 of the household appliance 1. It would also be conceivable that the storage device 9 is arranged at least in sections outside the housing 13. The storage device 9 can be attached to the housing 13. The access opening 10 is provided in a preferably cylindrical access device 29. This access device 29 is arranged in an upper region of the storage device 9. If the storage device 9 is arranged completely in the housing of the household appliance 1, the Access device 29 can be integrated in the housing 13. Furthermore, a closure 30 is provided on the access device 29.

The storage device 9 comprises two elements 15, 16 which can be rotated relative to one another. The two elements 15, 16 enclose a storage space 17 in which the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5, preferably a plurality of pre-portioned units of treatment agent 5, is stored. The storage device 9 comprises a first element 15 which is arranged in a stationary manner. The first element can accordingly be fixedly fixed to the housing 13. Furthermore, the storage device 9 comprises a second element 16 which can be rotated relative to the first element 15. The second element 16 is preferably rotatable about the axis of rotation 19. The shovel element 14 of the conveying device 11 is arranged on the second element 16. Accordingly, the second element 16 and the blade element 14 rotate together.

The second element 16 is essentially designed in the form of a disk. The second element 16 rests against a circular contact section 15a of the first element 15. The contact section could be arranged in a guide device in the form of a circumferential recess of the disk-shaped second element 16. The first element 15 can be hood-shaped and / or hemispherical. Furthermore, the second element 16 has an outlet opening 20 which is connected to the supply channel 12. The shovel element 14 of the conveying device 11 is arranged on an inner surface 16a of the essentially disk-shaped second element 16.

Furthermore, a drive device 18 is provided which drives the rotation of the second element 16 and the blade element 14. Such a drive device 18 can for example be an electric motor. The drive device 18 is activated by the control device 3. The control device 3 can also receive, through the communication device 6, a corresponding signal for starting up the drive device 18 from the server 7 and / or the communication device 8 of the user. Furthermore, a transmission device 21 is provided between the drive device 18 and the second element 16, which transmission device comprises at least one gearwheel. Of course, other types of transmission devices are also conceivable. These could be belt drives, friction drives, etc., for example. According to the embodiment according to Figure 2 the second element 16 comprises a jacket surface extending along the circumferential direction U 16b. A toothed ring is provided on this lateral surface 16b, in which a toothed wheel of the transmission device engages.

As from the Figure 2 As can be seen, the blade element 14 has at least one curvature. A front end 14a of the blade element 14 is arranged on or near an inner surface 15b of the first element 15. A rear end 14b of the blade element 14 opens into the outlet opening 20 of the second element 16. A channel 14c extends between the front end 14a and the rear end 14b. This trough has a curved course. In the present case, this curvature is concave. However, several curved sections can also be provided in the trough. A helical course would also be conceivable. As a result of the rotation of the second element 16 and the shovel element 14, the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 reaches the shovel element 14 and is guided along the channel 14c to the outlet opening 20 or the feed channel 12. An intake cycle can preferably be defined in which the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 is fed to the feed channel 12. In this pick-up cycle, the blade element 14 performs a predetermined number of rotations and / or a rotation over a predetermined angular range. The supply channel 12 is designed as a tubular element 12 a, which is arranged in a stationary manner on and / or in the household appliance 1. Accordingly, the second element 16 also rotates relative to the pipe element 12a or the supply channel 12.

A control / closure device 27 can be provided at the outlet opening 20, which is suitable and provided for allowing access to the feed channel 12 only for a predeterminable number of pre-portioned units of treatment agent 5. Preferably, only one pre-portioned unit 5 is conveyed into the feed channel 12. The control / locking device 27 is signal-connected to the control device 3 and can transmit an error signal to it in the event of an error. The control device can then generate a notification signal to the server 7 and / or the communication device 8.

After the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 reaches the feed channel 12, it can slide into the tub. At least one auxiliary transport device can also be provided in or on the feed channel 12. By means of such a transport auxiliary device, the sliding of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 are supported. Such a transport auxiliary device can be a fan, for example. It would also be conceivable to use a conveyor belt or at least one conveyor wheel. The access channel 12 opens into an opening of the tub 2. This opening can preferably have a closure device which seals this opening and is opened when the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 is supplied. For this purpose, the control device 3 can preferably control the locking device. In a household appliance 1 in the form of a washing machine, the tub 2 is designed as a drum. The opening is accordingly provided on an outer wall of the drum. In the washing mode, the opening rotates relative to the tubular element 12a. When the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 is supplied, the control device 3 controls the rotation of the drum in such a way that the opening rests against the pipe element 12a or the supply channel 12. When the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent is supplied, the drum is preferably positioned in such a way that the opening is oriented upward along the height axis Z '. A lateral alignment along the longitudinal axis X or the width axis Y would also be conceivable. With such a lateral alignment, it is advantageous that the opening is provided along the height axis Z above a central axis. This has the advantage that the supply is still possible when loading and / or filling with washing liquid.

How out Figure 3 As can be seen, the metering device 4 can preferably comprise a first sensor device 22, by means of which a fill level of the storage device 9 can be detected. The first sensor device 22 can for example comprise a weight sensor and / or an optical sensor and / or further suitable sensors. The detected fill level is transmitted to the control device 3. If the filling falls below a predetermined limit value, the control device 3 can generate a corresponding output. This output can be a note to the user and / or also trigger an automatic reorder. It would therefore be conceivable for the server 7 to automatically reorder the corresponding pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5. Such a reorder can also be made automatically by the communication device 8. It would also be conceivable for the user to be presented with a request to approve the reorder before the reorder is carried out.

Furthermore, a second sensor device 23 can be provided, by means of which the type or the type of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 can be identified. This can advantageously be done by identifying external features of the packaging or the pre-portioned units of treatment agent 5 themselves. It would also be conceivable that certain identification devices are present on the packaging of the pre-portioned units of treatment agent or the pre-portioned units of treatment agent themselves. The second sensor device 23 can accordingly be provided in the housing 13 of the household appliance 1 and / or in the metering device 4. The second sensor device 23 can, for example, be a camera by means of which a QR code or a barcode can be scanned.

The control device 3 can adapt the washing or treatment cycle to the type of at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 used. Preferably, the control device 3 can use identification data of the second sensor device 23 to call up parameters of the pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5 from a database. This database can be present locally or integrated in the server 7, the control device 3 being able to call up the parameters by means of the communication device. Such parameters can include the concentration, amount, or chemical composition of the treating agents. On the basis of such data, for example, the amount of water supplied and / or the washing treatment duration and / or the temperature can be adapted. Accordingly, the washing process can be optimized. Furthermore, underdosing or overdosing can be avoided, resulting in ecological and economic advantages. The parameters can also provide information about whether several treatment agents, for example detergents, fabric softeners or other additives, are provided in the pre-portioned unit of treatment agent 5. The washing or treatment cycle can accordingly be adapted so that additives, fabric softener, etc. are supplied from a further metering device 4, a further storage device 9 or from a further container for receiving at least one treatment agent.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the household appliance comprises a further third sensor device 28, by means of which state parameters can be detected. Such a state parameter can preferably be the weight of the load in the tub 2. It would also be conceivable that the degree of soiling is a status parameter. Furthermore, the water hardness can advantageously be a state parameter. These state parameters can advantageously be provided to the control device 3 and / or the server 7. The server 7 and / or the control device 3 can take these status parameters into account when optimizing the washing or treatment cycle.

The metering device 4 furthermore comprises a fan device 24, by means of which an air flow can be generated in the supply channel 12. The household appliance 1 can adopt a ventilation mode in which an air flow is generated through the supply channel 12 and the tub 2. After the washing or treatment cycle has ended, the control device 3 instructs the locking device 25 to be unlocked, as a result of which the closure device 26, which closes the tub 2, is or can be opened. It can be provided that the closure device 26 is automatically opened at least a gap by means of a corresponding mechanism. After the washing treatment process, the washed or treated objects in the tub 2 may have residual moisture. The air flow generated by the fan device 24 passes through the tub 2 and through the opened closure device 26 and can bring about a certain drying of the objects in the tub 2 and prevent the formation of odors.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are new to the state of the art, individually or in combination. It is further pointed out that features have also been described in the individual figures, which can be advantageous in themselves. The person skilled in the art immediately recognizes that a certain feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual or in different figures.

List of reference symbols

1

Household appliance, washing machine

2

Suds container

3

Control device

4th

Dosing device

5

pre-portioned unit of treatment agent

6th

Communication facility

7th

server

8th

Communication device

9

Storage facility

10

Access opening

11th

Conveyor

12th

Feed channel

12a

Tubular element

13th

Household appliance housing

14th

Blade element

14a

front end

14b

rear end

14c

Trough

15th

first element of the storage device

15a

Contact portion of the first element

15b

Inner surface of the first element

16

second element of the storage device

16a

inner surface of the second element

16b

radial lateral surface of the second element

16c

Ring gear

17th

Storage room

18th

Drive device

19th

Axis of rotation

20th

Exit opening of the second element

21

Transmission facility

22nd

first sensor device

23

second sensor device

24

Fan device

25th

Locking device

26th

Locking device

27

Control / locking device

28

third sensor device

29

Access facility

30th

Clasp

31

first network

32

second network

100

system

X '

Longitudinal axis of the household appliance

Y '

Latitude axis of the household appliance

Z '

Elevation axis of the household appliance

X

Longitudinal axis of the metering device

Y

Latitude axis of the metering device

Z

Height axis of the dosing device

U

Circumferential direction

Claims (13)

Household appliance (1), in particular a washing machine with a tub (2) for receiving washing liquid, and a control device (3) for carrying out a washing or treatment cycle,
characterized in that
at least one metering device (4) is provided for pre-portioned units of treatment agent (5), at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent (5) being able to be automatically fed to the tub (2). Household appliance (1) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the household appliance (1) comprises a communication device (6) by means of which a communication connection with a server (7) and / or with a communication device (8) of a user can be established. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the at least one metering device (4) comprises at least one storage device (9) in which a plurality of pre-portioned units of treatment agent (5) can be stored, the at least one storage device (9) having an access opening (10) through which the pre-portioned units of treatment agent (5) can be introduced into the at least one storage device (9), at least one conveyor device (11) being provided, by means of which the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent (5) from the at least one storage device (9) is transferred to the tub (2 ) can be fed in, the at least one conveying device (11) having a feed channel (12) which connects the metering device (4) and the tub (2). Household appliance (1) according to claim 3,
characterized in that
the household appliance (1) has a housing (13), the at least one storage device (9) being arranged at least in sections within the housing (13) of the household appliance (1) or on the housing (13) of the household appliance (1). Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 3 to 4,
characterized in that
the at least one metering device (1) comprises a plurality of storage devices (9), different types of pre-portioned units of treatment agents (5) can be stored in the storage devices (9), a conveying device (11) being provided for each storage device (9) wherein the use of at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent (5) can be selected. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5,
characterized in that
the at least one conveying device (11) comprises a shovel element (14) which is arranged in the at least one storage device (9), the shovel element (14) being rotatable about an axis of rotation (18), whereby a rotation of the shovel element (14) the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent (5) can be fed from the storage device (9) to the feed channel (12). Household appliance (1) according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the storage device (9) comprises two elements (15, 16) which can be rotated relative to one another, the two elements (15, 16) enclosing a storage space (17) in which the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent (5) is stored , wherein the storage device (9) comprises a first element (15) which is arranged stationary, wherein the storage device (9) comprises a second element (16) which is rotatable relative to the first element (15), wherein the shovel element ( 14) the conveyor (11) on the second element (16) is arranged. Household appliance (1) according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the second element (16) is essentially disk-shaped, the second element (16) resting against a circular contact section (15a) of the first element (15), the second element (16) having an exit opening (20) which is connected to the feed channel (12), the scoop element (14) of the conveying device (11) being arranged on an inner surface (16a) of the essentially disk-shaped second element (16). Household appliance (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 8,
characterized in that
a drive device (18) is provided which drives the rotation of the second element (16), a transmission device (21) being provided between the drive device (18) and the second element (16), the transmission device (21) having at least one gearwheel which engages in a toothed ring (16c) provided on a lateral surface (16b) of the second element (16). Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a first sensor device (22) is provided, by means of which a fill level of the storage device (9) can be detected. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a second sensor device (23) is provided, by means of which the type of the at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent (5) can be identified, the second sensor device (23) comprising an optical sensor. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the control device (2) can modify the washing or treatment cycle to the type of at least one pre-portioned unit of treatment agent (5) used is. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the metering device (4) comprises a fan device (24), with the fan device being able to generate an air flow in the feed channel (12), the household appliance (1) being able to adopt a ventilation mode in which an air flow is generated through the tub (2) .

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