DE10114256A1 - Dosing system for washing substances - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dosing system (1), especially for detergent substances, preferably for use in the washing compartment of a washing machine, and to a method for washing textiles in a washing machine.

Description

The present invention relates to a metering system according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular for washing substances, preferably for up took in the washing room of a washing machine, as well as a procedure according the preamble of claim 28.

Detergents and cleaning agents for washing machines and dishwashers are currently for the end customer as a so-called universal detergent offered all necessary functionalities. By combining Water softeners, alkalizing agents, surfactants, enzymes and bleaching agents In this way, the usual soiling on textiles can be achieved remove. The ratio of the individual ingredients corresponds to one previously established norm. In general, there are some Substances under or overdosed. For special applications such as special washing machines in the commercial sector are already individual compos nenten dosed separately, so z. B. the fresh water with ion exchangers softened, and less universal detergent must be used accordingly become. Water softening can be determined, for example simply determine the electrical conductivity of the softened water and control.

Developments, washing machines in the end customer area also with these Equipping facilities have already been done by the relevant equipment manufacturers implemented, but so far, appropriate devices have not prevail on the market. There are several reasons for this: The more complex technology increases the price of the device, the device The manufacturer must consider the selection of the ingredients to be dosed bind detergent producers, and market penetration takes place only very slowly, because only a fraction of the newly acquired washing machine are equipped with such a system.

A dosing system for incorporation into the washing is from the prior art drum of a washing machine with a space for the detergent and outlet openings known. This dosing system moves over in an uncontrolled manner  the entire washing process the entire amount of previously filled Detergent regardless of the degree of soiling and the amount of laundry free. The disadvantage of this system is in particular that the release of the Detergent permanent, d. H. uncontrolled and therefore not optimized ver runs and that too much detergent is used. Furthermore such a dosing system does not allow targeted dosing of the detergent at different times and certainly no dosage difference fabrics at different stages of the washing process. Such do Siersysteme are therefore only suitable for the provision of conventional Detergent or fabric softener.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved dosage system for washing substances and an improved method for washing to indicate a minimization of detergent consumption with optimal Allow washing result, in particular also an adjustment of the Detergent or the detergent composition, preferably after Type and amount to which the respective requirements are possible.

The above task is proposed by a dosing system according to An claim 1 or a method according to claim 28 solved. Advantageous training Applications are the subject of the subclaims.

A basic idea of the present invention is to do a siersystem ready for inclusion in the washing room of a washing machine place where the dispensing of the washing substance or more washing sub punching is controllable during the washing process.

According to the invention, the term “washing machine” does not mean just one Washing machine understood for laundry, but this term is intended according to the invention also on washing devices of all kinds, for. B. washing devices for cleaning dishes, especially dishwashers, or general my systems for cleaning objects, e.g. B. cleaning baths, be pull.

According to the invention, the term “washing substance” includes washing and / or cleaning-active substances and mixtures thereof. According to the invention  suitable examples of washing substances are in particular active washing and / or cleaning enzymes and enzymatic systems (ins special amylases, cellulases, lipases and proteases), enzyme preparation gen, d. H. Enzyme-rich formulations, with the help of which the enzymes process Soil repellent and soil release active ingredients can be made Bleaching agents (e.g. based on hypochlorite or peroxide), washing and / or cleaning agents cleaning active inorganic and organic acids, antimicrobial effect substances, graying and discoloration inhibitors, active substances for coloring protection, substances and additives for laundry care, surfactants of all kinds (e.g. Surfactants with fabric softener properties, ionic and non-ionic surfactants etc.), pH adjusting agents, in particular alkalis and pH buffer substances.

In a conventional universal detergent of the prior art, un different enzymes (e.g. proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases etc.) used for different types of soiling. Here is what Problem that the enzymes either from other components in the wash tel are inhibited or destroyed or negatively influence each other, especially because they are used at the same time. This has an effect in particular, the percarbonate contained as a bleaching agent has a negative effect on washing of enzymatic soiling.

In contrast, in an independent metering system of the type according to the invention the individual components can be separated and the The previously described action is no longer applicable. Because e.g. B. proteases the remaining En can break down zyme in conventional universal detergents the enzymes e.g. B. in low concentration in granular carrier materials distributed and in this way the enzymes protected by dilution the. The separation of the individual enzymes in a Do according to the invention siersystem, especially in different dosing chambers, offers the big one Advantage that the negative influence of the enzymes on each other is closed and there is also the possibility, for example the En Use zyme with a time delay (e.g. protease delayed after exposure of the other enzymes so that they are not damaged by the protease) and thus further increase their washing performance.  

According to DE 43 12 010 A1, enzymes offer the great advantage that the Ge total volume of detergent used can be significantly reduced. While with a universal detergent, up to 150 g of washing-active substance Zen (surfactants, builders, alkalis, bleach, enzymes and perfume) are used that can already be a lot in the case of the metering system according to the invention of less than 2 g of enzymes - depending on their activity and on the Concentration of the formulation in which they are present - sufficient.

As an extension to the previous spectrum of enzymes in universal washing can be averaged, for example, in a metering system according to the invention also enzymes, such as B. use peroxidases, which from suitable sub Straten release peracids, which have a bleaching effect, the comparable with that of conventional percarbonates.

So that the enzymes attach to the soiling that they are supposed to break down can, small amounts of surfactants can be used as wetting agents the. Since this process is in the foreground and the dirt release on is generally not necessary due to the higher enzyme concentration mean a small amount of nonionic surfactants. That way z. B. the otherwise required water softening is eliminated.

As explained above, in the metering system according to the invention, the Ab administration of the washing substance during the washing process. It also comes the delivery of several washing substances, in particular independently of one another other and / or time-controlled.

In general, the washing substance 3 is dispensed as a function of at least one condition parameter or the change in such a condition parameter. The term "condition parameters" are inventions according to the invention, in particular physical or chemical parameters, which, in particular, describe the status or condition of the washing process, for. B. the amount of water, the water filling, the water wetting, the water inlet and / or outlet into the dosing system, its receiving space or in the wash room surrounding the dosing system during use, the length of time (e.g. release of the washing substance over a certain Duration), the time in particular with respect to the washing process (z. B. release of the washing substance after a certain washing time), the temperature, the pH, the water hardness, the ion concentration or the substance concentration and the like.

Specific physical, chemical and / or biochemical sensors possible, for example, concentrations of individual substances or the Ab running processes to track. Control is a simple example water softening via electrical conductivity. More specific type phrases are e.g. B. the determination (of concentrations) of surfactants, Enzymes and peracids as detergent substances or the direct determinants Water hardness measured using chemical sensors. With these sensors offers there is now the possibility of dosing the desired ingredients control that a desired activity in the wash liquor determines or he can be enough. The consumption of washing-active substances can in particular be determined in particular about their decrease in the wash liquor, and a Subsequent dosing can be done as required. That way, at for example indirectly the amount of laundry and the type and extent of Soiling is determined and the dosage of the individual components can be controlled without further user intervention.

The present invention enables an autonomously operating Sy stem the required substances in a washing process dosed.

Further advantages, properties, aspects and features of the present Er Findings result from the following description of one in the drawing illustrated preferred embodiment. The present inven However, this is in no way limited to this.

The single figure shows a schematic representation of an inventive dosing system.

The metering system 1 is particularly suitable for inclusion in the washing room of a washing machine, for example in the washing drum of a washing machine for laundry or in the washing room of a dishwasher or in general in the container of a device intended for cleaning purposes.

The metering system 1 has at least one receiving space 2 for at least one washing substance 3 and at least one assigned outlet 4 for dispensing the at least one washing substance 3 during the washing process.

In the embodiment shown, the dosing system 1 according to the invention has a plurality of receiving spaces 2 for the washing substances 3 and a plurality of assigned outlets 4 , the receiving spaces 2 being able to have different sizes.

In addition, the metering system 1 has at least one control element 5 , so that the dispensing of the washing substance 3 can be controlled during the washing process. The control element 5 can be an osmotically operating pump, a valve, an adjustable throttle, another conveying device or the like.

If there are several receiving spaces 2 for several washing substances 3 , the dispensing of all washing substances 3 can be controlled, in particular independently of one another.

The control element 5 can be assigned to the receiving space 2 , the outlet 4 and / or egg ner the receiving space 2 with the outlet 4 connecting line 6 . In particular, the outlet 4 and / or the line 6 can be shut off by means of the control element 5 if necessary.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing of the washing substance 3 can be interrupted in a controlled manner.

Furthermore, the metering system 1 according to the invention has a Steuereinrich device 7 . In particular, the control device 7 has a microprocessor or is formed by a microprocessor. The control device 7 controls the control element 5 .

The control element 5 can in particular be controlled electrically by the control device 7 and can be connected to the control device 7 via at least one electrical connecting line 8 .

Furthermore, it can be provided that the control device 7 a Zeitba sis, for. B. has a clock or a timer.

Control functions of the control device 7 are preferably programmable and in particular can be executed by a control program. For example, it can be closed or opened when certain limit values of the state parameters are exceeded or fallen short of, or a certain quantity can be released.

Furthermore, the metering system 1 according to the invention has at least one sensor 9 for detecting at least one state parameter. The sensor 9 can, for example, the amount of water, the water filling and / or wetting, the water inlet and / or outlet, the time duration and / or the time, in particular in relation to the washing process, the temperature, the pH value, the water hardness and / or detect the ion and / or substance concentration and / or their changes.

In particular, by means of the sensor 9 - optionally in conjunction with the control device 7 - at least a switching function can be triggered to be, in particular the switching on and / or off sondere of the metering system and / or from either of a control program, for example in response to wetting by Water, the presence of water, its temperature and / or a (longer) movement of the dosing system (in the washing drum).

Furthermore, the metering system 1 has an energy supply device 10 , in particular a voltage source (for example a battery or an accumulator).

The system 1 according to the invention enables in this way in particular the determination of the activity of the ingredients with sensors and a preparation of the required detergent substances and their dosage.

The following can be said about the volume of the system 1 according to the invention: The need-based metering of the substances 3 requires, in particular after an activation of the system 1, for example a determination of the concentration of the substances 1 with suitable sensors and the metering resulting from this data. System 1 should work independently, ie it should e.g. B. drum as a dosing dispenser together with the laundry in the detergent. For such use, it should not significantly exceed the size of a conventional detergent dispensing ball (e.g., 8 to 15 cm in diameter). Since this means that only a limited volume is available and such a metering dispenser contains the required detergent active substances for a number of wash cycles, e.g. B. should contain at least 25 washes, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the conventional detergent substances, such as those used in universal detergents, should not be used in such a dispenser. This problem can e.g. B. be circumvented by the fact that in particular enzymes are used as washing-active substances. Universal detergents with an increased concentration of enzymes and thus a reduced volume have already been described in the prior art. The possibilities for such enzymatic detergents can be found in the corresponding prior art literature.

The sensors 9 can be used in the system 1 according to the invention for various purposes. The system 1 should preferably be able to be put into operation using a simple switch, but in particular it should also be prevented that the system 1 reacts incorrectly and the substances contained are released in the event of unintentional start-up. A simple solution to this task is, for example, a moisture sensor which ensures that the metering is only active when the metering system 1 is sufficiently wetted with water. Another option for hedging is e.g. B. a temperature sensor. The start of the washing process can be determined in particular in that the fresh water supplied has a lower temperature and the start of a washing process can be detected via the rapid temperature drop during the washing-in process. Another possibility, for example, also offers a motion sensor which, for. B. detects a movement of the metering system 1 in the washing drum. In this way, the metering system 1 can, for example, distinguish between a simple unwanted flood and a washing process.

More important than the sensors described above for securing and / or controlling the functionality of the system are the sensors for determining the activity of the detergent substances. For example, if enzymes are used as wash-active substances, sensors can be used which can determine the activity of enzymes. As soon as the sensors detect a predetermined concentration of enzymes in the wash liquor, the dosing process is stopped. In the event of a malfunction of the chemical sensors, the independent metering system 1 can still be operated in a restricted function by z. B. a "standard amount" of detergent substances is added. The bleaching effect achieved with the peroxidases can be determined, for example, directly with biochemical sensors, so that for this process either the activity of the corresponding enzyme or indirectly the concentration of the peracid can be determined.

The dosing technology must meet some basic requirements. The most important criterion should be sufficient mechanical stability, so that the metering system 1 survives both a shock or fall and a spin cycle in the washing machine without damage. Since the dosing of liquid substances can be carried out more easily and with greater accuracy, these are preferably used. For example, enzymes can be stored and used very well as suspensions.

To make the dosing system as simple and fail-safe as possible, who the control elements in dosing technology, for example pumping devices gene, used. However, it can also be used, for example, without such a pump device procedures: A possible alternative for the individual com Components are, for example, cartridges that are designed or pre-designed are excited that they empty themselves completely. Are one way  corresponding elastic materials that also have a larger mechanical Si Ensure safety in the event of impacts or the spin cycle.

The entire system 1 can, for example, be controlled via a microcontroller, which in particular detects and evaluates the data from the sensors 9 , determines the dosage of the individual components required at the moment and controls the corresponding dosage. The device 1 can in particular be put into operation via a simple switch. An algorithm in the control system, for example, determines the start of the washing process. For communication with the user, z. B. one or two preferably simple status light indicators, such as light emitting diodes or the same, which indicate the proper condition of the system and the requisite refilling one or more components.

The dosing system 1 thus generally consists of components with fundamentally different lifetimes and different consumption. While the central controller 7 and the metering system 1 have a long service life, the sensors 9 are possibly subject to a certain aging and have to be replaced after a certain number of washes. Finally, the wash-active substances 3 are an exclusive consumable, and the maximum number of washes results directly from their consumption and the volume of the metering system 1 .

Against this background, the metering system 1 offers z. B. a deposit and / or circulation method, wherein, for example, the wash-active substances 3 can be refilled at the manufacturer or at a service company and the state of the sensors 9 can be checked.

For filling or refilling washing substances 3 , if necessary, spaces 2 or more receptacles 2 , possibly also with an integrated control element 5 , can be provided from interchangeable tanks.

However, other constructive solutions are also possible. For example, washing substances 3 can be simply poured into and / or sucked into the system 1 by gravity - possibly with the opening of corresponding ventilation openings, for example by an internal or external pump or by correspondingly compressing the system 1 which can then be compressed as required.

The following is a concrete example of a system designed as a dosing ball with a 12 cm diameter. The dosing ball is activated, for example, by a simple switch and placed in the washing drum together with the delicates, and then a delicates or wool washing program is started. Due to, for example, the temperature reduction. B. by the incoming fresh water, the water itself and / or the movement of the washing drum, the metering process is started. The system 1 recognizes this start of the washing process in this way and ignores the cyclically recurring wash-in processes since the required activation via the switch has failed to materialize. As soon as a sufficient amount of water has been flushed into the washing drum - it can be determined, for example, using the moisture sensor or the elapsed time - the dosing of the active washing substances is started. Since the substances can have a negative influence under certain circumstances, they are metered in at a later time, ie after having previously B. amylases, cellulases and lipases have removed the appropriate conditions, then z. B. Proteases can be added. When using enzymes as washing-active substances, it is advisable to add surfactants - especially non-ionic surfactants - as wetting agents. After the cleaning process, for example, peroxidases can optionally be added to bleach the textiles, and after a first spin cycle - for example detected by the mechanical sensor - fabric softener and finally perfumes can also be metered as required.

According to this example, the metering system 1 can also be used in other applications. The most obvious option is certainly the dishwasher, but the wash-active subs dance and the operating parameters of the device must be adjusted accordingly.

Further application examples are aimed at all areas in which ei In a liquid environment, a defined amount of a special active ingredient  must be dosed. This can be done from a simple dosage of an active ingredient against algae growth in an aquarium via disinfection and Cleaning baths in medicine to process baths in industry chen. Depending on the respective application, the sensors must be and the sensor system to be adjusted accordingly, which was the basis However, the principle of independent, needs-based dosing remains received in all cases.

Claims (32)

1. dosing system ( 1 ) for inclusion in the washroom, in particular the washing drum, a washing machine, with at least one receptacle ( 2 ) for at least one washing substance ( 3 ) and at least one assigned outlet ( 4 ) for dispensing the at least one washing substance ( 3 ) during the washing process, characterized in
that the metering system ( 1 ) has at least one control element ( 5 ) so that the dispensing of the washing substance ( 3 ) can be controlled during the washing process and / or
that the dosing system ( 1 ) has washing substances ( 3 ) ready for several washes and releases a certain amount of them per wash. 2. Dosing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the Abga be several washing substances ( 3 ), in particular independently of one another, is controllable. 3. Dosing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control element ( 5 ) the receiving space ( 2 ), the outlet ( 4 ) and / or egg ner the receiving space ( 2 ) with the outlet ( 4 ) connecting line ( 6 ) is assigned, in particular where the outlet ( 4 ) and / or the Lei device ( 6 ) by means of the control element ( 5 ) can be shut off if necessary. 4. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing of the washing substance ( 3 ) is controllable as a function of at least one condition parameter, in particular as a function of the amount of water, water filling and / or wetting, water entry and / or exit , Duration and / or point in time, in particular with respect to the washing process, temperature, pH, water hardness and / or ion and / or substance concentration. 5. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release of the washing substance ( 3 ) is controlled un breakable. 6. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing system ( 1 ) has a control device ( 7 ), in particular wherein the control device ( 7 ) operates electrically, has a microprocessor, is formed by a microprocessor and / or that Control element ( 5 ) controls. 7. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the control element ( 5 ) can be electrically controlled by the control device ( 7 ) and is preferably connected to and / or into the control device ( 7 ) via at least one electrical connecting line ( 8 ) is integrated. 8. dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the control device ( 7 ) has a time base and / and that the control device ( 7 ) has a basis for detecting a Temperaturgradien th, in particular a temperature rise. 9. dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that control functions of the control device ( 7 ) are programmable bar, in particular can be executed by a control program. 10. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the control element ( 5 ) comprises a pump, a valve, an adjustable throttle or other conveyor. 11. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing system ( 1 ) has at least one sensor ( 9 ) for detecting at least one state parameter. 12. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the sensor ( 9 ) the amount of water, the water filling and / or wetting, the water inlet and / or outlet, the duration and / or the time, in particular with respect to the Washing process, the temperature, the pH, the water hardness and / or the ion and / or substance concentration and / or changes detected. 13. dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that by means of the sensor ( 9 ) at least one switching function can be triggered, in particular the switching on and / or off of the dosing system ( 1 ) and / or the selection of a control program. 14. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing system ( 1 ) has a Energieversorgungsein direction ( 10 ), in particular a voltage source. 15. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the energy supply device ( 10 ) for the electrical supply of a control device ( 7 ), a sensor ( 9 ) and / or the control element ( 5 ) is used. 16. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the energy supply device ( 10 ) has a battery or an accumulator. 17. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing system ( 1 ) has a display device ( 11 ). 18. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 17, characterized in that the display device ( 11 ) has a digital display and / or a light-emitting diode. 19. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the display device ( 11 ) show a function and / or status display and / or has a charge indicator. 20. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing system ( 1 ) has an input or operating element. 21. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 20, characterized in that the input or control element enables switching on and / or off of the Do sier system ( 1 ) and / or the selection of a control program light. 22. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing system ( 1 ) enables data exchange with the washing machine, so that in particular the dosing system ( 1 ) can be controlled via input or control elements of the washing machine control. 23. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing system ( 1 ) has a particularly watertight housing ( 12 ), which is preferably spherical or ellipsoidal and / or at least partially transparent. 24. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 23, characterized in that the housing ( 12 ) is elastic and / or compressible. 25. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the housing ( 12 ) can be opened, in particular screwed on or locked in place. 26. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing system ( 1 ) has at least one filling and / or ventilation opening. 27. Dosing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space ( 2 ) or more receiving spaces ( 2 ) is or are formed by a tank, which in particular is removable and / or replaceable and / or refillable , 28. A method for washing laundry in a washing machine, wherein at least one washing substance ( 3 ) in the washing room, in particular the washing drum, the washing machine is released during the washing process from a metering system ( 1 ) located in the washing room, characterized in that the dispensing of the washing substance ( 3 ) controlled in the washroom he follows. 29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the dispensing of the washing substance ( 3 ) is controlled as a function of at least one state parameter of the washing process. 30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the delivery of the washing substance ( 3 ) depending on the amount of water, the water filling and / or wetting, the water inlet and / or outlet, the time period and / or the time in particular in relation to the washing process, the temperature, the pH, the water hardness and / or the ion and / or substance concentration is controlled. 31. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that a state parameter is detected by means of a sensor ( 9 ). 32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that by means of the sensor ( 9 ) the release of the washing substance ( 3 ) in the washroom is triggered by telbar or directly.