DEVICE COMPREHENSIVE OF A CORE AND A HOUSING, WHICH HAS A FIRST AND A SECOND SHELL ELEMENT

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a device for use in a household appliance, in particular in a washing machine, in a dishwasher, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer, the device comprising a core and a housing having a first and a second shell element. Background of the invention

[0002] Devices for operating or controlling the operation of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers, or washer-dryers, are known from the prior art. However, it has proven problematic that the devices are not sufficiently protected against the environmental influences affecting them during use in household appliances, that the household appliances are damaged during use of the devices, and that the devices do not function optimally during use in household appliances due to adverse interactions with objects placed in the household appliances, such as household goods, textiles, dishes, and / or cutlery.

[0003] Document WO2008110300 A1 describes a spherical structure that delivers a biocide into a household appliance. Document US5768917A describes a spherical device that delivers a cleaning agent into a household appliance. Document EP3085828 A1 describes another exemplary device for delivering a cleaning agent into a household appliance. General description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the above-mentioned problems and, for example, to improve the result to be achieved with a household appliance with regard to the above-mentioned problems and, in doing so, to avoid damage to the devices and household appliances and to ensure the most reliable and constant functionality of the devices used.

[0005] According to the invention, a device for use in a household appliance is disclosed, the device comprising: a core which comprises at least one dispensing module which is configured to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment chamber of the household appliance and / or to effect dispensing; a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be positioned in a treatment chamber of a household appliance, wherein the housing has a first and a second shell element, wherein the first shell element is formed from a first material and the second shell element from a second material, and wherein the housing at least partially encloses the core. For example, the housing can be designed such that at least one means enclosed by the core, for example the dispensing module, is not enclosed by the housing.For example, in this case, the dispensing module may be configured to come into contact with solid, liquid and / or gaseous substances (e.g., water), in particular in a treatment chamber of a household appliance (e.g., a washing machine).

[0006] The device according to the invention is, for example, a dosing device for dispensing a preparation comprising treatment agents, fragrances, washing and / or cleaning agents.

[0007] Also disclosed is a use of at least one device according to the invention in a household appliance, in particular in a washing machine, in a dishwasher, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer.

[0008] The means of the device according to the invention can comprise hardware and / or software components. The means can, for example, comprise at least one memory with program instructions of a computer program and at least one processor configured to execute program instructions from the at least one memory.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the means may further comprise one or more sensor modules and / or one or more communication interfaces.

[0010] A sensor module is configured, for example, to determine at least one piece of sensor information characteristic of the state of the treatment chamber of the household appliance and / or the device. Such sensor information can, for example, be at least one parameter of a movement (in particular speed and / or acceleration, in particular of the device and / or the housing and / or the treatment chamber), the conductivity (for example of a substance located in the treatment chamber, such as water and / or a washing or cleaning solution or liquor) and / or the temperature, for example the temperature in the treatment chamber and / or the temperature of a substance located in the treatment chamber (e.g., water).Accordingly, the sensor module can comprise one or more sensors configured to detect characteristic sensor information, for example, an acceleration sensor (accelerometer), a conductivity sensor, and / or a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple). A sensor can also be understood to mean, for example, a mechanical sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) and / or an optical sensor (e.g., a CCD sensor). In addition to an optical sensor, the sensor module can further comprise a light-generating means configured to generate light in the visible and / or non-visible range. An example of a light-generating means is a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0011] A communication interface should be understood to mean, for example, a wireless communication interface and / or a wired communication interface.

[0012] A wireless communication interface is, for example, a communication interface according to a wireless communication technology. An example of a wireless communication technology is a local area network technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and / or Near Field Communication (NFC) and / or Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth version 2.1 and / or 4.0) and / or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). RFID and NFC, for example, are specified according to ISO standards 18000, 11784 / 11785, and ISO / IEC standards 14443-A and 15693. The Bluetooth specifications are currently available online at www.bluetooth.org. WLAN, for example, is specified in the IEEE 802.11 family of standards.Another example of a wireless communication technology is a long-distance radio network technology, such as a cellular technology, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and / or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and / or Long Term Evolution (LTE). The GSM, UMTS, and LTE specifications are maintained and developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and are currently available online, including at www.3gpp.com.

[0013] A wired communication interface is, for example, a communication interface according to a wired communication technology. Examples of a wired communication technology are a local area network (LAN) and / or a bus system, for example, a controller area network bus (CAN bus) and / or a universal serial bus (USB). CAN bus is specified, for example, according to the ISO standard ISO 11898. LAN is specified, for example, in the standards of the IEEE 802.3 family. It is understood that the output module may also comprise other means not listed.

[0014] The features of the device according to the invention are described below, partly by way of example.

[0015] A household appliance is understood to mean, in particular, a washing machine and / or a dishwasher, and in particular also a (tumble and / or washer-)dryer and / or an ironing device. Corresponding household appliances may have a treatment chamber configured to accommodate objects such as household goods, textiles, dishes, and / or cutlery and to subject them to treatment within the treatment chamber, for example, cleaning, drying, and / or ironing. For example, the treatment chamber has an inner wall within which the device can be positioned. In particular, the housing is configured to be positioned within the inner wall of the treatment chamber of the household appliance.

[0016] The device according to the invention has a core. The core is to be understood, for example, as that (e.g. imaginary) region of the device which is located in the center (e.g. in the spatial center) of the device. For example, the core is to be understood as that region within the housing. For example, the core is in contact with the housing of the device, for example in direct or indirect contact. For example, one or more means of the device are arranged in the core. For example, the core is designed as a structural unit in which one or more means of the device are arranged. For example, the core has an outer shell, in particular an outer shell made of a plastic.

[0017] The core comprises at least one dispensing module which is configured to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment chamber of the household appliance and / or to effect dispensing. The dispensing module can, for example, be a means of the device. Dispensing a preparation, for example comprising washing and / or cleaning agents, should be understood to mean, for example, that the preparation is dispensed into the environment of the dispensing module and / or a storage container for the preparation. Dispensing takes place, for example, through the dispensing module. Alternatively or additionally, dispensing can be effected by the dispensing module; for example, the dispensing module causes the preparation to be dispensed through the storage container. For example, the preparation is dispensed into the environment of the dispensing module and / or the storage container through a dispensing opening of the dispensing module and / or the storage container.

[0018] The storage container is designed, for example, to hold a preparation (e.g., a specific amount of a washing and / or cleaning agent). For example, the storage container has one or more storage chambers for holding the preparation. If the storage container has multiple storage chambers, each of the storage chambers can, for example, contain a different preparation, such as a different washing and / or cleaning agent and / or a different washing and / or cleaning agent mixture. The storage container can, for example, be designed in a specific spatial shape (e.g., cube-like, spherical, and / or plate-like). The storage container can, for example, be at least partially dimensionally stable. Alternatively or additionally, the storage container can, for example, be at least partially flexible, for example as a flexible packaging medium (e.g., as a tube and / or as a bag).It is understood that the storage container can also be designed as an at least partially flexible container enclosed by an at least partially dimensionally stable receiving container, for example as a bag in a substantially dimensionally stable frame.

[0019] The preparation, in particular a washing and / or cleaning agent, is contained in the storage container, for example, in solid, liquid, and / or gaseous form. For example, the preparation is a pure substance and / or a mixture of substances. A solid preparation such as a washing and / or cleaning agent can, for example, be contained in the storage container as a powder, as a tablet and / or as a tab. A liquid preparation, for example an aqueous or non-aqueous preparation, can, for example, be contained in the storage container as a gel, as a concentrated and / or as a diluted solution. It is understood that the preparation can also be contained in the storage container as a foam, as a rigid foam, as an emulsion, as a suspension and / or as an aerosol. Non-exhaustive examples of preparations orDetergents and / or cleaning agents and / or their ingredients are one or more components from a group of components comprising surfactants, alkalis, builders, graying inhibitors, optical brighteners, enzymes, bleaching agents, soil-release polymers, fillers, plasticizers, fragrances, dyes, care substances, acids, starch, isomalt, sugar, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, carboxymethylcellulose, polyetherimide, silicone derivatives and / or polymethylimines.Other non-exhaustive examples of ingredients are bleach activators, complexing agents, builders, electrolytes, non-aqueous solvents, pH adjusters, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, hydrotropes, silicone oils, bentonites, anti-redeposition agents, shrinkage inhibitors, crease inhibitors, dye transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing aids, repellents or impregnating agents, swelling or slip-resistant agents and / or UV absorbers.

[0020] The storage container is, for example, connected and / or connectable to the dispensing module. Preferably, the storage container is detachably connected and / or detachably connectable to the dispensing module. A detachable connection is, for example, a connection in which the storage container and the dispensing module can be connected and separated non-destructively. For example, more than one storage container is connected and / or connectable to the dispensing module at the same time. For example, the storage container can be mechanically connected and / or connectable to the dispensing module. For example, the dispensing module and the storage container have corresponding connecting means for establishing a connection between the storage container and the dispensing module. The connection can, for example, be positive-locking, for example in the form of a locking mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the connection can be force-locking, for example in the form of a screw and / or Velcro connection.Alternatively, the connection can be materially bonded, for example in the form of an adhesive bond.

[0021] In particular, the storage container is part of the core and / or is enclosed by the core. Alternatively or additionally, the storage container is arranged outside the core, for example. For example, the storage container is at least partially, in particular completely, enclosed by the housing.

[0022] Furthermore, the connection between the storage container and the dispensing module can serve to transport the preparation from the storage container to the dispensing module. For example, the connecting means are configured to establish a liquid-tight, vapor-tight, and / or gas-tight connection for transporting the preparation from the storage container to the dispensing module. Examples of connecting means for establishing such a connection are a cannula (e.g., a cannula of the storage container) and a membrane (e.g., a membrane of the dispensing module), inherently sealed plug-in and / or screw connections, sealed plug-in and / or screw connections, Luer connectors, and / or Luer couplings.

[0023] If more than one storage container is connected and / or connectable to the dispensing module at the same time, the storage containers can alternatively or additionally be connected and / or connectable to each other. For example, at least those storage containers connected to the dispensing module can also be connected and / or connectable to each other.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the core can comprise at least one sensor module configured to determine at least one piece of sensor information characteristic of the state of the treatment chamber of the household appliance and / or the device. Such sensor information can, for example, be at least one parameter of a movement (in particular speed and / or acceleration, in particular of the device and / or the housing and / or the treatment chamber), the conductivity (for example of a substance located in the treatment chamber, such as water and / or a washing or cleaning solution or liquor), and / or the temperature, for example the temperature in the treatment chamber and / or the temperature of a substance located in the treatment chamber, such as water.Accordingly, the sensor module can comprise one or more sensors configured to detect characteristic sensor information, for example, an acceleration sensor (accelerometer), a conductivity sensor, and / or a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple). A sensor can also be understood to mean, for example, a mechanical sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) and / or an optical sensor (e.g., a CCD sensor). In addition to an optical sensor, the sensor module can further comprise a light-generating means configured to generate light in the visible and / or non-visible range. An example of a light-generating means is a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0025] The housing is designed to be positioned in a treatment chamber of a household appliance and, in particular, has a size that allows the housing to be at least partially removed from the treatment chamber. In particular, the housing can be positioned loosely and / or without connecting means in the treatment chamber. For example, in the case of a washing machine or dishwasher, the housing can be introduced into and / or removed from the treatment chamber together with the objects to be cleaned. The housing of the device can, for example, partially or completely enclose one or more means of the device, for example in addition to the core. For example, the one or more means can be arranged in the core. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more means can be arranged outside the core, for example in the event that the housing is not in direct contact with the core.

[0026] The housing is, in particular, a housing of a mobile and / or portable device and / or a housing of a device different from the household appliance. A mobile and / or portable device is to be understood, for example, as a device whose external dimensions are less than 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm, preferably less than 15 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm. A device different from a household appliance is, for example, a device that has no functional connection with the household appliance and / or is not a part permanently connected to the household appliance. For example, a mobile and / or portable device different from a household appliance is to be understood as a device that is introduced (e.g. inserted) by a user into the washing and / or cleaning area of ​​the household appliance (e.g. the washing drum of a washing machine) for the duration of a treatment process.An example of such a mobile and / or portable device, as well as a device different from a household appliance, is a dosing device and / or sensor device that is placed in the washing drum of a washing machine before the start of the washing cycle. For example, the device according to the invention corresponds to such a dosing device and / or sensor device, or the device according to the invention is, for example, part of such a dosing device and / or sensor device.

[0027] Furthermore, the device according to the invention can, for example, comprise at least one electrochemical energy store, in particular for supplying the output module and / or the sensor module with electrical energy. For example, the at least one electrochemical energy store is arranged within the housing (e.g., within the core). The housing has a first and a second shell element. A shell element is understood, for example, to be an element that is at least part of the housing or forms the housing (e.g., the entire housing). For example, at least some or all of the shell elements together form the housing. For example, if there are a plurality of shell elements, the plurality of shell elements forms the housing (e.g., if there are a plurality of first and second shell elements).

[0028] The first shell element is made of a first material, and the second shell element is made of a second material. For example, the first material is different from the second material. Examples of materials are polymers (e.g., elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets). The first material is an elastomer (e.g., rubber), and the second material is a thermoset.

[0029] The device according to the invention comprising the housing, the housing having a first and a second shell element, wherein the first shell element is made of a first material and the second shell element is made of a second material, is a particularly advantageous embodiment which enables the housing to be designed precisely for the respective intended use. Thus, by designing it with a first material which is particularly elastic, improved damping of the device according to the invention against physical environmental influences can be enabled. Such a design is advantageous when the device is used in a household appliance in which the treatment chamber moves particularly vigorously during use of the device (e.g. in a washing machine, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer).The improved damping protects the device from damage during use in the household appliance, and also prevents damage to the household appliance during use of the device according to the invention. At the same time, the construction with a second material that is particularly robust against chemical and / or physical environmental influences enables a high level of protection for objects (e.g., textiles) introduced into the household appliance, as well as preventing adverse interactions between the device according to the invention and such objects.For example, when used in a washing machine, tumble dryer and / or washer-dryer, the design with such a robust second material can prevent textiles from becoming caught in the device according to the invention and thus impairing the function of the device according to the invention or damaging the textiles by the device according to the invention during use. The device according to the invention thus makes it possible, by means of the selection of the first and second materials, to achieve an optimal balance between the damping of the device according to the invention during use in a washing machine, tumble dryer and / or washer-dryer and the protection of the textiles in the washing machine, tumble dryer and / or washer-dryer, as well as to ensure the unrestricted functionality of the device according to the invention.

[0030] According to the present invention, the first shell element is designed to have noise-insulating and / or shock-absorbing properties.

[0031] Such properties are to be understood as a design of the first casing element such that the device is inhibited in the generation of noise and / or shocks. Such generation can occur through the interaction of the device with the household appliance, in particular during use in the household appliance. The generation can occur in particular when the device is used in a household appliance in which the treatment chamber moves particularly vigorously during use of the device (e.g. in a washing machine, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer). A design of the first casing element such that it has noise-insulating and / or shock-absorbing properties is possible by choosing a first material that is particularly elastic and / or has high damping (an elastomer, in particular a rubber).Additionally, the first casing element can be arranged in the housing such that it is located at least at the extreme positions of the housing. Such extreme positions are understood, for example, to be positions where there is a high probability of contact with the household appliance or with objects inserted into the household appliance.

[0032] Such a design of the first casing element is particularly advantageous because, on the one hand, it prevents damage to the device and, on the other hand, to the household appliance, and, in particular, it also prevents disturbing noise for the user. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, this also increases user-friendliness.

[0033] According to the present invention, the second casing element has a lower coefficient of friction than the first casing element with respect to objects introduced into the treatment chamber, in particular household goods, textiles, dishes, and / or cutlery. Additionally, the second casing element can have a lower coefficient of friction than the first casing element with respect to the inner wall of the treatment chamber. A coefficient of friction is a dimensionless measure of the frictional force in relation to the contact force between two bodies. It is understood that the coefficient of friction can be a static friction coefficient or a sliding friction coefficient.

[0034] For example, the first and second casing elements each have different coefficients of friction with respect to objects introduced into the treatment chamber and / or with respect to the inner wall of the treatment chamber. For example, the coefficient of friction of the respective casing element (e.g., the first or second casing element) can be different with respect to different objects introduced into the treatment chamber and with respect to the inner wall of the treatment chamber. For example, the second casing element can have a lower coefficient of friction than the first casing element with respect to at least one type of object introduced into the treatment chamber (e.g., textiles).

[0035] The second material has a lower coefficient of friction with respect to objects introduced into the treatment chamber and / or with respect to the inner wall of the treatment chamber than the first material. For example, the first material, which has a lower coefficient of friction with respect to objects introduced into the treatment chamber and / or with respect to the inner wall of the treatment chamber than the second material, and the second material are uniformly distributed, for example, evenly over the outer surface of the housing, in an at least partially checkerboard-like arrangement of the first and second shell elements.

[0036] Such a design of the second casing element enables particularly high levels of protection for objects inserted into the household appliance. Furthermore, the occurrence of adverse interactions between the device and such objects can be prevented.

[0037] According to the present invention, the first material is an elastomer, in particular a rubber, and the second material is a thermoset and / or a thermoplastic.

[0038] A thermoset is a plastic that, once hardened, can no longer be deformed by heating or other means. A thermoplastic is a plastic that can be reversibly deformed within a certain temperature range. An elastomer is a plastic that can be elastically deformed under tensile and / or compressive stress, but then returns to its original, undeformed shape. The use of such materials as the first and second material enables a particularly advantageous balance between the damping of the device during use in a household appliance, for example during use in a washing machine, tumble dryer and / or washer-dryer, and the protection of the objects placed in the household appliance, for example textiles.In addition, this can prevent the occurrence of adverse interactions between the device and such objects and ensure the most unrestricted functionality of the device possible.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing comprises a plurality of first shell elements and / or a plurality of second shell elements.

[0040] A plurality of first or second shell elements should be understood to mean, for example, at least two first and / or second shell elements, preferably at least 10 first and / or second shell elements, particularly preferably at least 100 first and / or second shell elements. For example, the housing can have a plurality of first shell elements and one second shell element. For example, the housing can also have a first shell element and a plurality of second shell elements. In the event that the housing has a plurality of first shell elements and a plurality of second shell elements, the number of first and second shell elements can be different, for example. For example, the housing has more first shell elements than second or more second shell elements than first. Alternatively, the number of first and second shell elements can also be the same.

[0041] For example, it is possible to ensure that the first and second casing elements are distributed as precisely as possible for the intended use of the device, for example with regard to the respective material properties of the first and second casing elements.

[0042] In addition, the housing may, for example, have a first shell element and a second shell element per unit area of ​​the outer surface of the housing.

[0043] The outer surface of the housing is to be understood, for example, as that surface of the housing which is located essentially distal to the core. The unit area of ​​the outer surface of the housing can, for example in the case of a substantially spherical design of the device, be essentially a spherical cap. The outer surface of the housing can, for example in the case of a substantially cuboid design of the device, be essentially flat. A unit area can, for example, be 10 mm x 10 mm, preferably 3 mm x 3 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm x 1 mm. For example, a first and a second shell element can be arranged per unit area in the housing. In this case, the first and second shell elements can, for example, be arranged evenly per unit area.For example, with a unit area of ​​10 mm x 10 mm, the first shell element has an area of ​​5 mm x 10 mm and the second shell element has an area of ​​5 mm x 10 mm. Alternatively, the first and second shell elements can also be arranged unevenly per unit area. For example, with a unit area of ​​10 mm x 10 mm, the first shell element has an area of ​​9 mm x 10 mm and the second shell element has an area of ​​1 mm x 10 mm. An arrangement of first and second shell elements in which the housing has a first shell element and a second shell element per unit area of ​​the outer surface of the housing allows, for example, an arrangement of first and second shell elements in as equal a number as possible and ensures the most uniform arrangement of first and second shell elements possible.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first shell elements and the plurality of second shell elements are arranged uniformly distributed over an outer surface of the housing. For example, the plurality of first shell elements and the plurality of second shell elements can be arranged at least partially in a checkerboard pattern.

[0045] A uniform distribution should be understood, for example, as a uniform areal distribution and / or a uniform spatial distribution. Such an arrangement, in particular an at least partially checkerboard-like arrangement, can ensure that the first and second shell elements are distributed as evenly as possible and, if possible, across the entire device. For example, this can ensure that the advantages of the material properties of the first material (e.g., damping) and the advantages of the material properties of the second material (e.g., a low coefficient of friction with respect to objects introduced into the treatment chamber) can be utilized at every point on the device.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first shell element and the second shell element are each at least partially in direct contact with the core, or the plurality of first shell elements and the plurality of second shell elements are each at least partially in direct contact with the core.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the shell elements (e.g., the first and second shell elements) can be arranged next to one another, for example. For example, a plurality of shell elements (e.g., a plurality of first and second shell elements) can be arranged next to one another in a uniformly distributed manner (e.g., in a checkerboard pattern).

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first sheath element or the plurality of first sheath elements is at least partially arranged between the core and the second sheath element or the plurality of second sheath elements. Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second sheath element or the plurality of second sheath elements is at least partially arranged between the core and the first sheath element or the plurality of first sheath elements.

[0049] For example, a first of a plurality of first shell elements is arranged between the core and a first of a plurality of second shell elements. In this case, for example, further shell elements of the plurality of first shell elements can be arranged alternately with further shell elements of the plurality of second shell elements. It is understood that a first of a plurality of second shell elements can also be arranged between the core and a first of a plurality of first shell elements. Accordingly, for example, further shell elements of the plurality of second shell elements can then be arranged alternately with further shell elements of the plurality of first shell elements.

[0050] The first and second shell elements can, for example, be arranged one above the other. For example, the first or second shell element can be a shell or a part of a shell, wherein the shell is at least part of the housing or wherein the shell or the entirety of the shells corresponds to the housing. For example, such a shell can at least partially enclose the core. With a plurality of first and second shell elements, for example, one shell element of the plurality of first and second shell elements can be in direct contact with at least one further shell element of the plurality of first and second shell elements (e.g., with at least one adjacent shell element of the plurality of first and second shell elements). For example, each shell element of the first and second shell elements can each be in direct contact with at least one further shell element of the first and second shell elements (e.g.,to at least one adjacent shell element of the first and second shell elements). Alternatively, at least one shell element of the first and second shell elements may not be in direct contact with another shell element of the first and second shell elements. For example, adjacent shell elements of the first and second shell elements may be arranged at a distance from one another. For example, a cavity (e.g., in the form of an air chamber) may be arranged between two adjacent shell elements of the first and second shell elements.

[0051] Such a design allows, for example, the material properties of the first and second shell elements to be combined. For example, only one of the first and second shell elements can form the outer surface of the housing, so that when selecting the shell element that does not form the outer surface, for example, when selecting the respective material, no consideration needs to be given to adverse interactions with objects introduced into the household appliance.

[0052] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one air chamber is formed between the first enveloping element or the plurality of first enveloping elements and the second enveloping element or the plurality of second enveloping elements, wherein the air chamber has noise-insulating and / or shock-absorbing properties. By means of such a formation with at least one air chamber, for example, noise-insulating and / or shock-absorbing properties of the at least one air chamber can be utilized in addition to the noise-insulating and / or shock-absorbing properties of the first and / or second enveloping element. For example, the at least one air chamber is at least partially filled with foam and / or gas. The noise-insulating and / or shock-absorbing properties can be further improved by filling it with foam and / or gas.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing encloses the core in a liquid-tight manner.

[0054] For example, the housing encloses the core in a liquid-tight manner such that the core does not come into contact with one or more types of liquids in a treatment chamber of a device when the device is positioned in a treatment chamber, and in particular during a treatment. For example, the housing encloses the core in a watertight manner. For example, the core of the device and / or individual or all means of the device do not come into contact with water when the device is positioned in a treatment chamber, for example, the treatment chamber of a washing machine, and in particular during a treatment.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the core comprises at least one storage container for a preparation.

[0056] For example, the at least one storage container is at least one of the storage containers disclosed above.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or the second material has biocidal properties. Alternatively or additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing further comprises a third shell element formed from a third material, wherein the third material has biocidal properties.

[0058] Biocidal properties are understood to be properties that reduce the reproductive capacity and / or infectivity of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores) and / or lead to the killing and / or inactivation of microorganisms. This allows for improved hygiene during use of the device. If, in addition to the first and second shell elements, the housing has a third shell element made of a third material, wherein the third material has biocidal properties, this enables the device to be designed with biocidal properties without impairing the selection of the first and / or second shell elements. For example, this can avoid having to select the first and / or second shell elements specifically with regard to their biocidal properties.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device is substantially spherical. Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment, the device is substantially cuboidal, in particular with rounded corners and / or rounded edges.

[0060] A spherical design of the device enables a highly symmetrical configuration of the device, so that, for example, the device is particularly protected from damage during use in the household appliance. Likewise, such a design of the device enables particularly efficient prevention of damage to the household appliance during use of the device according to the invention. A cuboid design of the device allows for easier handling of the device by the user, for example, when positioning it in a treatment room of a household appliance.

[0061] The above-disclosed individual embodiments and configurations of the device according to the invention as well as the individual features of these embodiments and configurations are also to be understood as being disclosed in all technically reasonable combinations with one another.

[0062] Furthermore, the embodiments and configurations described above are to be understood as exemplary only and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.

[0063] Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures. However, the figures are intended only for the purpose of illustration and not to define the scope of the invention. The figures are not to scale and are intended merely to reflect the general concept of the present invention by way of example. In particular, features contained in the figures should in no way be considered a necessary part of the present invention. Short description of the characters

[0064] In the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention; Fig. 2a is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2b is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention. Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0065] Fig. 1 shows a system according to the invention comprising a household appliance 11 and a device 12. The household appliance 11 has a treatment chamber 111, for example a washing machine drum. The device 12 is shown in Fig. 1 as a mobile dosing device for dispensing a preparation. Alternatively, the device 12 can also be designed as a stationary device, for example, stationary in the treatment chamber 111 of the household appliance 11. In the Fig. 1 the household appliance 11 and the device 12 are not shown to scale; in particular, the device 12 has a size that allows the device 12 to be inserted into the treatment chamber 111 of the household appliance 11 and removed again.

[0066] Household appliance 11 and device 12 can communicate, for example, via communication link 100. For example, communication link 100 is a connection according to a wireless communication technology. For example, communication link 100 is a communication link according to a mobile radio technology. It is understood that communication link 100 can alternatively also be wired. Furthermore, communication link 100 can also comprise wired and wireless sections, for example, in any number and order.

[0067] The Fig. 2a shows a first embodiment 210, the Fig. 2b a second embodiment 220 of a device according to the invention. The devices 210 and 220 can, for example, each correspond to the device 12 of the Fig. 1 The devices 210 and 220 are shown in the Fig. 2a und 2b shown in section. By way of example, devices 210 and 220 are each spherically shaped. Device 210 has a housing 211 and a core 212, while device 220 has a housing 221 and a core 222. Core 212 is partially enclosed by housing 211, and core 222 is partially enclosed by housing 221. Housings 211 and 221 are each configured to be positioned in treatment chamber 111 of household appliance 11.

[0068] The core 212 comprises a dispensing module 213. The core 212 also comprises, for example, a storage container 216. The storage container 216 is, for example, detachably connected to the dispensing module 213. For example, the housing 211 has a recess in the area of ​​the dispensing module 213. For example, the core 212 is not in direct contact with the housing 211 in the area of ​​the dispensing module 213.

[0069] Accordingly, the core 222 comprises a dispensing module 223 and, for example, a storage container 226, which is, for example, detachably connected to the dispensing module 223. The housing 221 has, for example, a recess in the area of ​​the dispensing module 223. For example, the core 222 is not in direct contact with the housing 221 in the area of ​​the dispensing module 223.

[0070] The housing 211 has, for example, a plurality of first shell elements 214 and a plurality of second shell elements 215. The housing 221 has a first shell element 224 and a second shell element 225. The first shell elements 214 and 224 are designed to have sound-insulating and shock-absorbing properties. It should be understood that the second shell elements 215 and 225 have a lower coefficient of friction with textiles than the first shell elements 214 and 224. The material of the first shell elements 214 and 224 is, for example, rubber. The material of the second shell elements 215 and 225 is, for example, polyoxymethylene. The materials of the first shell elements 214 and 224 and / or the second shell elements 215 and 225 can, for example, have antimicrobial properties.

[0071] The housing 211 has a first shell element 214 and a second shell element 215 per unit area of ​​the outer surface. The plurality of first shell elements 214 and the plurality of second shell elements 215 are to be understood as being arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The plurality of first shell elements 214 and the plurality of second shell elements form the housing 211. The first shell elements 214 of the plurality of first shell elements 214 and the second shell elements 215 of the plurality of second shell elements 215 are each, for example, at least partially in direct contact with the core 212. For example, the first shell elements 214 of the plurality of first shell elements 214 and the second shell elements 215 of the plurality of second shell elements 215 are not in direct contact with the core 212 in the region of the output module 213.

[0072] In the example of Fig. 2b the first sheath element 224 is arranged between the core 222 and the second sheath element 225. In the exemplary case that the device 220 has a plurality of first and second sheath elements, in addition to the Fig. 2b illustrated first 224 and second shell elements 225, further first and second shell elements can be arranged, for example alternating, for example between the first 224 and the second shell element 225.

[0073] The first shell element 224 is in the example of Fig. 2bat least partially in direct contact with the core 222 and at least partially in direct contact with the second shell element 225. Alternatively, the first shell element 224 can also be arranged at a distance from the core 222 and / or at a distance from the second shell element 225. For example, at least one air chamber can be formed between the core 222 and the first shell element 224 and / or between the first shell element 224 and the second shell element 225. For example, such at least one air chamber can have sound-insulating and / or shock-absorbing properties. It is understood that in the case of the presence of a plurality of first 224 and second shell elements 225, adjacent shell elements can each be arranged in direct contact or at a distance from one another.Also by way of example, in the case of the presence of a plurality of first 224 and second shell elements 225, at least one air chamber with the above-mentioned properties can be formed between adjacent shell elements.

[0074] Terms used in the patent claims such as "comprise," "have," "include," "contain," and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" encompasses both "partially" and "completely." The phrase "and / or" is intended to indicate that both the alternative and the combination are disclosed; thus, "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)." The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. A single device can perform the functions of several units or steps mentioned in the patent claims.

[0075] Devices. Reference symbols indicated in the claims are not to be construed as limitations on the means and steps employed.

Claims

1. A device (12, 210, 220) for use in a domestic appliance (11), in particular in a washing machine, in a dishwasher, in a tumble dryer and / or in a washer-dryer, the device (12) comprising: - a core (212, 222), comprising at least one output module (213, 223) which is designed to release at least one preparation into the treatment space (111) of the domestic appliance (11) and / or to initiate an output; - a housing (211, 221), wherein the housing (211, 221) is designed to be positioned in a treatment space (111) of a domestic appliance (11), wherein the housing (211, 221) comprises a first casing element (214, 224) and a second casing element (215, 225), wherein the first casing element (214, 224) is made of a first material and the second casing element (215, 225) is made of a second material, and wherein the housing (211, 221) at least partially encloses the core (212, 222), wherein the first material is an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, and wherein the second material is a thermoset and / or a thermoplastic, wherein the first casing element has noise-insulating and / or shock-absorbing properties on account of the choice of the first material, wherein the second casing element (215, 225) has a lower coefficient of friction than the first casing element (214, 224) with respect to objects introduced into the treatment space (111), wherein the objects are selected from the list comprising: household goods, textiles, crockery and / or cutlery.

2. The device (12, 210, 220) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (211) comprises a plurality of first casing elements (214) and / or a plurality of second casing elements (215).

3. The device (12, 210, 220) according to claim 2, wherein the housing (211) comprises one first casing element (214) and one second casing element (215) per unit of area of the outer surface of the housing (211).

4. The device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of first casing elements (214) and the plurality of second casing elements (215) are uniformly distributed over an outer surface of the housing, in particular at least partially in a checkerboard pattern.

5. The device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the first casing element (214) and the second casing element (215) are each at least partially in direct contact with the core (212), or wherein the plurality of first casing elements (214) and the plurality of second casing elements (215) are each at least partially in direct contact with the core (212).

6. The device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first casing element (224) or the plurality of first casing elements is at least partially arranged between the core (222) and the second casing element (225) or the plurality of second casing elements, or wherein the second casing element (225) or the plurality of second casing elements is at least partially arranged between the core (222) and the first casing element (224) or the plurality of first casing elements.

7. The device (12, 210, 220) according to claim 6, wherein at least one air chamber is formed between the first casing element (224) or the plurality of first casing elements and the second casing element (225) or the plurality of second casing elements, wherein the at least one air chamber has noise-insulating and / or shock-absorbing properties.

8. The device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the housing (211, 221) encloses the core (212, 222) in a liquid-tight manner.

9. The device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the core (212, 222) comprises at least one storage container (216, 226) for a preparation.

10. The device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the first and / or the second material has biocidal properties, and / or wherein the housing (211, 221) further comprises a third casing element made of a third material, wherein the third material has biocidal properties.

11. The device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the device (12, 210, 220) is substantially spherical.

12. The device (12, 210, 220) according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the device (12, 210, 220) is substantially cuboid-shaped, in particular with rounded corners and / or with rounded edges.