Delivery unit for conveying fluid from selectable fluid sources and household appliance with such a delivery unit

Abstract

Delivery unit (1) for conveying fluid from a plurality of fluid sources (2, 3, 4, 5) selectable by switching into a fluid sink (6), having exactly one fluid pump (10) for fluid delivery, a valve arrangement (20) with a plurality of switching positions (22, 23, 24, 25), in which the fluid pump (10) is fluidically connected to at least one of the fluid sources (2, 3, 4, 5) or to none of the fluid sources (2, 3, 4, 5), depending on the respective switching position (22, 23, 24, 25), and a control unit (30) for switching the valve arrangement (20) between the switching positions (22, 23, 24, 25), wherein the conveying unit (1) further comprises exactly one drive unit (40) which is designed to drive the fluid pump (10) for conveying the fluid into the fluid sink (6) in a first operating mode and the actuating mechanism (30) for switching the valve arrangement (20) between the switching positions (22, 23, 24, 25) in a second operating mode.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conveying unit for conveying fluid from different fluid sources that can be selected by switching, as well as to a household appliance with such a conveying unit, such a household appliance being in particular a washing machine.

[0002] Pumps in general, and metering pumps in particular, for conveying and metering fluids have long been known. Their use in household appliances, and in particular in washing machines, for example, to meter liquid detergents, is also known and is disclosed, for example, in WO 2014 / 146761 A1.

[0003] Particularly in washing machines, but also in other household appliances and technical applications, it is often necessary to pump different fluids or fluids from different fluid sources. For this purpose, the use of multiple fluid pumps is often provided, each of which is precisely and exclusively assigned to a fluid source and pumps fluid from the fluid source to one or more fluid sinks.

[0004] Since several pumps are necessary, this solution or a product realized through it is complex, error-prone and expensive to manufacture.

[0005] Alternatively, a switchover could be provided, creating a fluid-flowable connection between a single pump and the various fluid sources. However, this would require a separate drive and control system for the switchover, which would further increase costs and increase the risk of errors.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and of providing a conveying unit for conveying fluid from various fluid sources that can be selected by switching, which, however, is at the same time cost-effective and easy to manufacture.

[0007] This problem is solved by the combination of features according to claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, a conveying unit for conveying fluid from a plurality of fluid sources, which can be selected by switching, into a fluid sink is therefore proposed, wherein the fluid sources can be different fluid sources and / or any number of fluid sources. A fluid source can be understood, for example, as a fluid reservoir or fluid tank or also a fluid connection, for example a water connection, wherein in particular a mixing device for mixing the fluids or a container, such as a tub or a washing drum, can be understood as a fluid sink. The fluid itself can be, for example, liquid detergent, fabric softener, washing additives that can be conveyed by the pump, water or media in general that can be conveyed by the fluid pump mentioned below.What is essential to the invention is that the delivery unit has precisely one fluid pump for conveying fluid, wherein a valve arrangement and a control mechanism are also provided. The valve arrangement, which can also be referred to as a fluid switch, has a plurality of switching positions in which, depending on the respective switching position, the fluid pump is fluidically connected to at least one of the fluid sources or the flow connection is completely blocked off from any fluid source. For example, the valve arrangement can connect the fluid sink via the fluid pump in a first switching position to exclusively a first fluid source, in a second switching position to exclusively a second fluid source, and in a third switching position to the first and second fluid sources.In an exemplary fourth switching position, the fluid sink may not be connected to any of the fluid sources to prevent any unintentional seepage of fluid into the fluid sink. The control mechanism serves to switch the valve arrangement between the switching positions. It is also essential to the invention that the delivery unit further comprises precisely one drive unit, such as an electric motor, which is configured to drive the fluid pump for conveying the fluid into the fluid sink in a first operating mode and to drive the control mechanism for switching the valve arrangement between the switching positions in a second operating mode.

[0009] Consequently, no additional drive units such as electric motors or coils are required to switch the valve arrangement, as is usually the case in the state of the art.

[0010] In principle, a drive unit according to the invention can be realized, for example, by using a slip clutch and / or by using at least one freewheel, as will be described in more detail below.

[0011] In addition, it should be noted that although preferably exactly one fluid sink is provided, alternatively several fluid sinks can also be provided, wherein one of the fluid sinks or several fluid sinks can also be selected via the control unit and the valve arrangement or it can be switched between them.

[0012] A piston pump, gear pump, peristaltic pump or any other pump suitable for pumping the fluid can be used as a fluid pump.

[0013] With regard to the valve arrangement, it should be noted that this can be designed, for example, as exactly one multi-way valve, the flow channels of which can be switched by the valve slide mentioned below, or the valve body of which, having the flow channels, can be the valve slide or can be connected to it.

[0014] However, a particularly advantageous variant, which is expandable as desired and at the same time technically simple, provides for the valve arrangement to comprise several individual fluid valves, preferably one fluid valve per fluid source. As explained below, the valve spool can then be configured to actuate the individual fluid valves in their assigned switching positions and to establish a flow connection from the respectively assigned fluid source to the fluid sink through the respective fluid valves.

[0015] In particular, if the drive unit is an electric motor, it is preferably provided that the drive unit is designed to drive a drive shaft in a first rotational direction in the first operating mode and in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the second operating mode, and that the drive shaft, when rotating in the first rotational direction, drives the fluid pump for conveying the fluid into the fluid sink and, when rotating in the second rotational direction, drives the actuator for switching the valve arrangement between the switching positions.

[0016] Furthermore, the conveying device can have a first mechanical freewheel which is driven by the drive shaft and assigned to the fluid pump and is designed to drive the fluid pump to convey the fluid when the drive shaft rotates in the first direction of rotation, i.e. to transmit a force and a movement, and to run freely when the drive shaft rotates in the second direction of rotation, i.e. to transmit neither force nor movement to the fluid pump. Additionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that the conveying device has a second mechanical freewheel which is driven by the drive shaft and assigned to the positioning device and is designed to drive the positioning device to switch the valve arrangement between the switching positions when the drive shaft rotates in the second direction of rotation and to run freely when the drive shaft rotates in the first direction of rotation.

[0017] Preferably, the valve arrangement comprises a valve slide that is linearly displaceable along a valve axis and that, upon displacement along the valve axis, can be locked into detent positions corresponding to a respective switching position. The actuator is configured to displace the valve slide along the valve axis when the drive unit is operated in the second operating mode.

[0018] As already explained, the valve slide can be provided to form the valve body of a multi-way valve.

[0019] Alternatively, it can be provided that the valve slide is designed to actuate at least one fluid valve assigned to the switching position in its detent positions corresponding to the switching positions, so that for each detent position at least one of several fluid valves is actuated, which, when actuated, establish a flow connection between the fluid sink and a fluid source assigned to the fluid valve.

[0020] Based on this, the valve slide can be displaceable along the valve axis from a first detent position along the valve axis to a last detent position along the valve axis, wherein the valve arrangement has a spring-loaded return device which is designed to return the valve slide to the first detent position when displaced beyond the last detent position.

[0021] With regard to the locking positions, it should be clarified that in each locking position, one or more predetermined fluid sources are or will be fluidically connected to the fluid sink by the valve spool.

[0022] If several fluid sinks are provided, the locking positions are such that in each locking position one or more predetermined fluid sources are or will be fluidically connected to one or more predetermined fluid sinks by the valve spool.

[0023] According to the sequence of the detent positions on the valve slide, the detent positions and thus the switching positions can be switched successively from the first detent position or the first switching position to the last detent position or the last switching position and can be reset to the first detent position if the displacement goes beyond the last detent position.

[0024] A further advantageous variant is one in which the interlocking mechanism has an axially movable gearwheel which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a driver and is mounted therewith for linear displacement along a interlocking mechanism axis. When the drive unit is operated in the first operating mode, the axially movable gearwheel is moved together with the driver by the drive unit in a first axial direction. When the drive unit is operated in the second operating mode, the axially movable gearwheel is moved together with the driver by the drive unit in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. For this purpose, the gearwheel can, for example, have a correspondingly designed helical gearing.When the drive unit is operated in the second operating mode, the driver is brought into engagement which displaces the valve spool along the valve axis and is brought out of engagement when the drive unit is operated in the first operating mode.

[0025] To switch the valve arrangement, the control mechanism can have a control sleeve with a control cam designed as a projection and a stop. When the drive unit is operated in the second operating mode, the driver rests against the control cam or is brought into contact with it and moves the control sleeve linearly against the valve spool via the control cam and the valve spool along the valve axis and thus in particular from detent position to detent position or from switching position to switching position. When the drive unit is operated in the first operating mode, the driver rests against the stop or is brought into contact with it and the control sleeve rotates over the stop without any displacement of the valve spool or the control sleeve, which essentially corresponds to free rotation in a freewheel.

[0026] If a second freewheel is provided, i.e. one assigned to the signal box, this preferably has a first part and a second part, wherein the first part of the second freewheel is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the control sleeve and is formed by at least one ramp and the second part of the second freewheel is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the valve slide and is formed by a further ramp opposite the ramp, so that when the drive unit is operated in the second operating mode, the ramps engage with one another in a rotationally fixed manner, for example via tooth flanks formed by the ramps, and when the drive unit is operated in the first operating mode, they slide over one another, allowing rotation.

[0027] The valve arrangement preferably has at least one switching position, but more preferably a plurality of switching positions, in which the valve arrangement fluidically connects the fluid pump to exactly one respective fluid source. Additionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that the valve arrangement has a switching position for each fluid source, in which the valve arrangement fluidically connects the fluid pump to exactly one respective fluid source.

[0028] In addition, or alternatively, and for producing a mixture, it can also be provided that the valve arrangement has at least one further switching position in which the valve arrangement fluidically connects the fluid pump to at least two of the fluid sources.

[0029] The control unit and the valve arrangement can be designed integrally with each other and / or as a common structural unit. This applies both to the case where the valve arrangement is essentially designed as a multi-way valve and to the case where the valve arrangement comprises several fluid valves.

[0030] A further aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance, and in particular to a washing machine with a conveying device according to the invention. A water connection and / or a storage container or reservoir for storing liquid detergent, fabric softener, or laundry additives can be provided as fluid sources. The fluid sink can be a washing drum, a tub, a tub, or a mixing device for mixing the fluids.

[0031] Furthermore, and especially in a variant with several fluid sinks between which one can choose, it would also be possible for the fluid sink or one of the fluid sinks to be a fluid connection, such as a sewage pipe.

[0032] The features disclosed above can be combined as desired, as long as this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0033] Other advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a conveyor unit; Fig. 2 a development of a control curve; Fig. 3 a first part of a second freewheel formed integrally with a control sleeve; Fig. 4 Washing machine with conveyor unit according to the invention.

[0034] The figures are schematic examples. Like reference numerals in the figures indicate like functional and / or structural features.

[0035] In Fig. 1 shows the schematic structure of a conveyor unit 1 as used in a household appliance designed as a washing machine 7 according to Fig. 4 can be integrated.

[0036] Basically, the device according to the invention is a conveying unit 1 for conveying fluid from various fluid sources 2, 3, 4, 5, which can be selected by switching, into a fluid sink 6.

[0037] By way of example, various fluids are to be conveyed into a fluid sink selectively from a first fluid source 2, which can be a fresh water connection of the washing machine 7, from a second fluid source 3, for example a storage container for liquid detergent, from a third fluid source 4, for example a storage container for washing additive, and from a fourth fluid source 5, for example a storage container for a fabric softener, wherein in the context of the Fig. In the washing machine 7 shown in Figure 4, the fluid sink is the washing drum.

[0038] Regarding the Fig. In the washing machine 7 shown in Fig. 4, it is necessary to convey certain fluids and, if necessary, certain quantities of fluid from the various fluid sources 2, 3, 4, 5 into the fluid sink 6 at certain times of the washing program.

[0039] A correspondingly designed control system of the washing machine, which can also be integrated into the conveyor unit 1, is designed to control a drive unit 40 and only the drive unit 40 of the conveyor unit 1 and thereby both to convey the fluid and to select the fluid source or, if necessary, several predetermined interconnected fluid sources. To control the conveyor unit 1 or the drive unit 40, additional components can be present and, for example, connected to the control system. For example, a speed sensor can be provided for detecting a speed of the drive unit 40 designed as an electric motor and can further preferably be integrated into the drive unit 40.

[0040] Starting from Fig. 1, a conveying unit 1 according to the invention has for this purpose exactly one fluid pump 10 for conveying fluid, a valve arrangement 20 with a plurality of switching positions 22, 23, 24, 25 and a control unit 30 for switching the valve arrangement 20 between the switching positions 22, 23, 24, 25 and the said drive unit 40, wherein exactly one drive unit 40 is provided.

[0041] Optionally, a gear 50 can also be provided, which transmits and converts power and rotational speed from the drive unit 40, which is designed as an electric motor, to the positioning device 30 or, via the positioning device 30, to the fluid pump 10. If necessary, a further gear and a first freewheel, which are not shown here, can be provided between the positioning device 30 or its axially movable gear 31, which will be explained below, and the fluid pump 10.

[0042] It is essential that the fluid pump 10 is fluidically connected to at least one of the fluid sources 2, 3, 4, 5 by the valve arrangement 20 depending on the respective switching position 22, 23, 24, 25.

[0043] In the present case, it is provided that the fluid pump 10 is fluidically connected to the first fluid source 2 in the first switching position 22 and can thus pump fresh water into or to the fluid sink 6.

[0044] Furthermore, in the second switching position 23, the fluid pump 10 is fluidly connected to the second fluid source 3, so that the fluid pump 10 can pump liquid detergent into or to the fluid sink 6.

[0045] In the second switching position 23, the fluid pump 10 is fluidly connected to the second fluid source 3, so that the fluid pump 10 can pump liquid detergent into or to the fluid sink 6.

[0046] In addition, in the third switching position 24, the fluid pump 10 is fluidly connected both to the second fluid source 3 and to the third fluid source 4, so that the fluid pump 10 can pump a mixture of liquid detergent and washing additive into or to the fluid sink 6.

[0047] In the fourth switching position 25, the fluid pump 10 is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid source 5 so that the fabric softener can be pumped into the fluid sink 6, for example into the washing drum.

[0048] The precisely one drive unit 40 is designed to drive the fluid pump 10 for conveying the fluid into the fluid sink 6 in a first operating mode and the control unit 30 for switching the valve arrangement 20 between the switching positions 22, 23, 24, 25 in a second operating mode.

[0049] According to the variant shown, the drive unit 40 is designed as an electric motor that drives a drive shaft 41 in a rotational manner, wherein the drive shaft 41 is driven in a rotational manner in a first rotational direction R1 in the first operating mode and in a second rotational direction R2 opposite to the first rotational direction R1 in the second operating mode.

[0050] If the drive shaft 41 rotates in the first rotational direction R1, the fluid pump 10 is driven via the gear 50 and via the positioning device 30 or the axially movable gear 31 of the positioning device 30, which may be displaced along a positioning device axis A2 in the first axial direction X1, so that fluid is pumped from the fluid source 2, 3, 4, 5 selected by the switching position 22, 23, 24, 25 into the fluid sink 6.

[0051] If the drive shaft 41 rotates in the second rotational direction R2, the valve arrangement 20 or its valve spool 21 is driven via the gear 50 and via the positioning mechanism 31 or the axially movable gear 31 of the positioning mechanism 30, which may be displaced along the positioning mechanism axis A2 in the second axial direction X2, so that the valve spool 21 is displaced linearly along its valve axis A1 and successively reaches the various switching positions 22, 23, 24, 25.

[0052] Although the valve spool 21 itself can be designed as the valve body of a multi-way valve, in the present case it is provided that the valve arrangement 20 has exactly one fluid valve 29 for each fluid source 2, 3, 4, 5, wherein the corresponding four fluid valves 29 are of identical construction and can each be actuated mechanically. For mechanical actuation, actuating elements 28 designed as pins are provided on the valve spool 21, which can actuate the fluid valves 21 when the valve spool 21 is moved. Thus, if a pin 28 corresponding to the associated fluid valve 29 is provided at the switching positions 22, 23, 24, 25, the fluid valve 29 is switched when the valve spool 21 is moved into the respective switching position 22, 23, 24, 25, establishing a fluid connection between the fluid source 2, 3, 4, 5 and the fluid sink 6. If no pin 28 is provided, the associated fluid valve 29 is not switched and no flow connection is established.

[0053] The valve spool 21 engages at locking points corresponding to the switching positions 22, 23, 24, 25 and thus establishes the corresponding fluid connection(s) via the fluid valves 29. If the valve spool 21 is displaced from a first switching position 22 or a first locking point via the intermediate locking points or switching positions 23, 24 and into the last switching position 25 or the last locking point and then beyond to a reset position 26, the valve spool 21 is returned to the first switching position 22 by a spring-loaded reset device 27.

[0054] The displacement of the valve spool 21 and its return by means of the return device 27 is made possible by the actuating mechanism 30, which for this purpose has a driver 32 which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the axially movable gear 31 and which engages in a control sleeve 33 of the actuating mechanism 30, which is decoupled from the valve spool 21 via the second freewheel 60.

[0055] A control cam 34 and a stop 35, designed, for example, as a wall, are provided in or on the control sleeve 33.

[0056] When the drive unit 40 is operated in the second operating mode, i.e., the control mode, the driver rests against the control cam 34 or is brought into contact with it by operation. As a result, a rotational and axial force is applied to the control cam 34 by means of the driver, and the control sleeve 33 is displaced against the valve spool 21, as well as the valve spool 21, linearly along the valve axis A1, so that the switching positions 22, 23, 24, 25 are switched through accordingly, and the desired switching position is set depending on the duration of operation of the drive unit in the second operating mode.

[0057] When the drive unit 40 is operated in the first operating mode, i.e. the pumping mode, the driver rests against the stop 35 or is brought into contact therewith, wherein the control sleeve 33 is driven in rotation via the stop 35 without causing a linear displacement of the control sleeve 33 or of the valve spool 21 decoupled via the second freewheel 60.

[0058] The linear displacements caused on the control sleeve 33 and also on the valve slide 21 are shown in the figure by means of a development of the control cam 34 in Fig. 2. As described, the control sleeve 33, together with the valve spool 21, is linearly displaced along a travel path V1 by means of the force transmitted by the driver 32, switching through the switching positions 22, 23, 24, 25. If the valve spool 21 is displaced along the travel path V1 to the reset position 26, the reset device 27 is triggered, which returns the valve spool 21, together with the control sleeve 33, to the first switching position 22 by means of a spring force, skipping the switching positions 23, 24, 25 lying between the first switching position 22 and the reset position 26 along the return path V2.

[0059] To illustrate the second freewheel 60, the first part 61 of the second freewheel 60, which is formed integrally with the control sleeve 33, is shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0060] In the present case, this has two ramps 63, which correspond to two opposite ramps of the second part (not shown) of the second freewheel 60. Accordingly, the ramps can engage with one another in a rotationally fixed manner when the drive unit 40 is operated in the second operating mode and can slide over one another, allowing rotation, when the drive unit 40 is operated in the first operating mode. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2014 / 146761 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Delivery unit (1) for conveying fluid from a plurality of fluid sources (2, 3, 4, 5) selectable by switching into a fluid sink (6), having exactly one fluid pump (10) for fluid delivery, a valve arrangement (20) with a plurality of switching positions (22, 23, 24, 25), in which the fluid pump (10) is fluidically connected to at least one of the fluid sources (2, 3, 4, 5) or to none of the fluid sources (2, 3, 4, 5), depending on the respective switching position (22, 23, 24, 25), and a control unit (30) for switching the valve arrangement (20) between the switching positions (22, 23, 24, 25), wherein the conveying unit (1) further comprises exactly one drive unit (40) which is designed to drive the fluid pump (10) for conveying the fluid into the fluid sink (6) in a first operating mode and the actuating mechanism (30) for switching the valve arrangement (20) between the switching positions (22, 23, 24, 25) in a second operating mode. [2] Conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit (40) is designed to drive a drive shaft (41) in a first rotational direction (R1) in the first operating mode and in a second rotational direction (R2) opposite to the first rotational direction (R1) in the second operating mode, and wherein the drive shaft (41) drives the fluid pump (10) for conveying the fluid into the fluid sink (6) when rotating in the first direction of rotation (R1), and drives the actuator (30) for switching the valve arrangement (20) between the switching positions (22, 23, 24, 25) when rotating in the second direction of rotation (R2). [3] Conveying device according to claim 2 comprising a first freewheel driven by the drive shaft (41) and associated with the fluid pump (10), which is designed to drive the fluid pump (10) to convey the fluid when the drive shaft (41) rotates in the first rotational direction (R1) and to run freely when the drive shaft (41) rotates in the second rotational direction (R2), and / or comprising a second freewheel (60) driven by the drive shaft (41) and associated with the positioning mechanism (30), which is designed to drive the positioning mechanism (30) to switch the valve arrangement (20) between the switching positions (22, 23, 24, 25) when the drive shaft (41) rotates in the second direction of rotation (R2) and to run freely when the drive shaft (41) rotates in the first direction of rotation (R1). [4] Conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve arrangement (20) has a valve slide (21) which is linearly displaceable along a valve axis (A1) and which, when displaced along the valve axis (A1), can be locked in locking positions corresponding to a switching position (22, 23, 24, 25), wherein the positioning mechanism (30) is designed to displace the valve slide (21) along the valve axis (A1) when the drive unit (40) is operated in the second operating mode. [5] Conveying device according to the preceding claim, wherein the valve slide (21) is displaceable along the valve axis (A1) from a first locking position (22) along the valve axis (A1) to a last locking position (25) along the valve axis (A1), wherein the valve arrangement (20) has a spring-loaded return device (27) which is designed to return the valve slide (21) to the first detent position (22) in the event of a displacement (26) beyond the last detent position (25). [6] Conveying device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the signal box (30) has an axially movable gear (31) which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a driver (32) and is mounted together with the driver for linear displacement along a signal box axis (A2), wherein the axially movable gear (31) together with the driver (32) is moved in a first axial direction (X1) by the drive unit (40) during operation of the drive unit (40) in the first operating mode and is moved in a second axial direction (X2) opposite to the first axial direction (X1) by the drive unit (40) during operation of the drive unit (40) in the second operating mode, wherein the driver (32) is in engagement displacing the valve spool (21) along the valve axis (A1) when the drive unit (40) is operated in the second operating mode and is disengaged when the drive unit (40) is operated in the first operating mode. [7] Conveying device according to the preceding claim, wherein the control mechanism (30) has a control sleeve (33) with a control cam (34) designed in particular as a projection and a stop (35), wherein the driver (32) rests against the control cam (34) during operation of the drive unit (40) in the second operating mode and linearly displaces the control sleeve (33) against the valve slide (21) via the control cam (34) and displaces the valve slide (21) along the valve axis (A1), wherein the driver (32) rests against the stop (35) during operation of the drive unit (40) in the first operating mode and the control sleeve (33) rotates over the stop (35) without displacement of the valve slide (21). [8] Conveying device according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein a first part (61) of the second freewheel (60) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the control sleeve (33) and is formed by at least one ramp (63) and wherein a second part (62) of the second freewheel (60) is connected to the valve slide (21) in a rotationally fixed manner and is formed by a further ramp opposite the ramp (63), so that the ramps (63) engage with one another in a rotationally fixed manner when the drive unit (40) is operated in the second operating mode and slide over one another allowing rotation when the drive unit (40) is operated in the first operating mode. [9] Conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve arrangement (20) has at least one switching position in which the valve arrangement (20) fluidically connects the fluid pump (10) to exactly one fluid source (2, 3, 4, 5), and / or wherein the valve arrangement (20) has a switching position for each fluid source (2, 3, 4, 5), in which the valve arrangement (20) fluidically connects the fluid pump (10) to the respective exactly one fluid source (2, 3, 4, 5), and / or wherein the valve arrangement (20) has at least one further switching position in which the valve arrangement (20) fluidically connects the fluid pump (10) to at least two fluid sources (2, 3, 4, 5). [10] Conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning mechanism (30) and the valve arrangement (20) are formed integrally with one another and / or as a common structural unit. [11] Household appliance (7), in particular washing machine with a conveyor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid sources (2, 3, 4, 5) are a water connection and / or a storage container for storing liquid detergent, fabric softener or washing additives and / or wherein the fluid sink (6) is a washing drum, a lye container, a tub or a mixing device for mixing the fluids.

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