Metering system for metered dispensing into a rotatable laundry drum

Abstract

The invention relates to a metering system (1) for metered dispensing of at least one preparation into a rotatable laundry drum of a washing machine, wherein the metering system (1) is suitable for being freely positioned in the laundry drum and for dispensing the preparation therein when the laundry drum rotates, wherein the metering system (1) comprises: a) a container (26) for storing the preparation, b) a metering device (25) which dispenses the preparation from the container (26) into the laundry drum in a metered manner, c) a housing (10) which accommodates the container (26) and the metering device (25) and has an inner shell (32) and a damping outer shell (33), and d) a dispensing outlet (21) having an opening (23), through which the preparation exits the housing (10), wherein the dispensing outlet (21) has an inner peripheral web (36), delimiting the opening (23), and an outer peripheral web (38), and wherein the outer shell (33) is shielded from the opening (23) by the outer web (38).

Description

[0001] Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2024P00313 WO

[0002] September 26, 2025

[0003] Dosing system for dispensing into a rotating washing drum

[0004] The invention relates to a dosing system for dispensing at least one preparation into a rotatable washing drum of a washing machine.

[0005] From EP 4 311 873 A1, a dosing system is known that can be freely positioned in the drum of a washing machine and is suitable for dispensing the preparation while the drum is rotating. The dosing system has a spherical housing with an inner and an outer shell. The outer shell is made of an elastic and damping thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material to cushion impact forces acting on the dosing system inside the drum. A reservoir for storing the preparation is arranged inside the housing. Furthermore, a dosing device is housed in the housing, which dispenses the preparation from the reservoir into the drum. The dosing system also includes a dispensing outlet with an opening through which the preparation exits the housing.

[0006] The container, which can be designed as a replaceable cartridge, can have several chambers, allowing the dosing device to dispense not only detergent but also a highly concentrated perfume oil preparation. Like the detergent, the perfume oil is absorbed by the laundry in the washing drum or by the wash water. With each dispensing cycle, a small residue of the perfume oil remains at the designated dispensing outlet and can penetrate the material of the surrounding outer casing. With many materials used for the elastic outer casing, foreign substances can become embedded in the material structure.Although the incorporation of certain foreign substances is sometimes intentionally used, for example, to achieve a longer shelf life, components of the perfume oil, which is often a complex mixture of many different individual substances, can also penetrate the material structure of the outer casing and lead to undesirable material weakening. With regular use of the dispensing system, the perfume oil can weaken the material structure of the outer casing to such an extent that the material detaches and causes visible damage. In the long term, there is a risk that the integrity of the elastic outer casing, and thus its damping function, will no longer be guaranteed.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a dosing system with an elastic or damping outer shell that can be freely positioned in a washing drum of a washing machine or a tumble dryer and is suitable for dispensing a preparation when the washing drum is rotating, without the dispensed preparation causing damage.

[0008] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the subject matter according to claim 1.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments can be found in the dependent claims to claim 1. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2024P00313 WO 26.09.2025

[0010] 2

[0011] According to the invention, the outlet has an inner circumferential rib that defines the opening and an outer circumferential rib, the outer casing being shielded from the opening by the outer rib. The inner circumferential rib can, for example, form an inner ring that is circular or oval. The outer circumferential rib can also form an outer ring, which is preferably circular or oval. It is also conceivable that the respective circumferential rib is a structure with rounded corners. In one embodiment, the opening, the inner ring, and the outer ring are arranged coaxially with respect to a central axis of the opening.

[0012] The outer circumferential ridge serves as an additional protective barrier, shielding the outer casing surrounding the dispensing outlet from the perfume oil. This outer ridge is preferably made of a plastic material that is not affected by the perfume oil. The outer ring, or rather the space between the outer and inner rings, creates an additional buffer zone, reducing direct contact between the perfume oil and the outer casing. Should a high concentration of perfume oil nevertheless reach the elastic outer casing, it will be dispersed over a larger radius, thus delaying the deterioration process. Once absorbed by the washing solution or the laundry, the perfume oil, due to its significantly reduced concentration, no longer poses a threat to the outer casing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outer bridge or ring is made of the same material as the inner bridge or ring. Preferably, the remaining components of the output outlet are also made of this same material.

[0014] The axial height of the outer rib can be greater than that of the inner rib. This results in particularly good protection of the outer rib. A groove can be provided between the inner and outer ribs, preferably forming a closed circumference like the inner and outer ribs. The portion of perfume oil that escapes from the dispensing outlet during dispensing and does not mix directly with the washing solution is initially collected in this groove without direct contact with the outer casing. The perfume oil collected in the groove is then gradually absorbed by the washing solution during the subsequent washing process, so that perfume oil is only present in the groove briefly during or immediately after dispensing.

[0015] The end of the inner bridge, facing away from the inner casing, may be rounded. Similarly, the end of the outer bridge, also facing away from the inner casing, may be rounded. These rounded ends allow the perfume oil from the dispensing outlet to mix quickly with the cleaning solution.

[0016] The inner web can be integrally molded onto the inner shell. The same applies to the outer web. The inner web, outer web, and inner shell can form a single component. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2024P00313 WO 26.09.2025

[0017] 3 which can be manufactured by an injection molding process. In one embodiment, the inner shell and the output outlet form a single component made of a plastic material.

[0018] The outer casing can rest against an outer wall of the outer bridge. However, due to the protective effect of the outer bridge, the concentrated perfume oil does not reach the outer wall of the outer bridge. The outer bridge can protrude beyond the outer casing, at least in an area near the dispensing outlet.

[0019] The dispensing outlet can have a receptacle and preferably a plug-in receptacle for a supply line to the dosing device. This (plug-in) receptacle can be integrally molded onto the inner casing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the housing can be spherical. Since the housing determines the shape of the dosing system, the spherical housing results in a spherical dosing system. The spherical shape allows the dosing system to move freely within the washing drum and constantly change its orientation, which promotes even distribution of the detergent solution. The spherical shape of the housing or the dosing system is not affected if, as provided in one embodiment, the housing has two flattened poles that can be diametrically opposed.

[0021] The outer casing can feature a ribbed structure with numerous spaced ribs. These individual ribs absorb the impact forces acting on the dosing system when it moves within the washing drum and—especially when the drum is only partially filled—strikes against the drum's inner wall. The ribs act like individual shock absorbers, dampening and cushioning the impact. The forces acting on the dosing system components housed within the casing are thus largely absorbed, providing mechanical protection for the dosing unit and its container. This ribbed structure allows for effective protection against mechanical stress with comparatively little material.

[0022] Preferably, the outlet is arranged between two adjacent ribs. The adjacent ribs thus provide effective protection against mechanical stress on the outlet.

[0023] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawing.

[0024] They show:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a dosing system with a spherical housing in perspective view;

[0026] Figure 2 shows a cross-section through the dosing system with container and dosing device; Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2024P00313 WO 26.09.2025

[0027] 4

[0028] Figure 3 shows a section of one half of the housing;

[0029] Figure 4 shows a section A of Figure 3 on an enlarged scale, which shows an output outlet; and

[0030] Figure 5 shows a section through part of the output outlet.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a dosing system, which is designated as a whole by 1. The dosing system 1 can be placed in the drum of a standard household washing machine or tumble dryer and is freely movable within it. The dosing system 1 has a spherical housing 10 with a first housing half 11 and a second housing half 12, between which a flat dividing line 13 runs.

[0032] The spherical housing 10 has a first pole 14 and a second pole 15, which is diametrically opposite the first pole 14 and is hidden in Figure 1. A plurality of S-shaped ribs 16 extend from the first pole 14 to the second pole 15. These S-shaped ribs 16 can also be referred to as longitudinal ribs. As can be seen in Figure 1, the longitudinal ribs 16 meet a circular annular rib 17 at the first pole, which encloses a control panel 18. The dosing system can be operated externally by pressing a button on this control panel 18. Another annular rib 19 defines a charging field 20, which allows the dosing system 1 to be electrically charged by induction.

[0033] Between two adjacent longitudinal ribs 16a, 16b, a first dispensing outlet 21 and a second dispensing outlet 22 are arranged. The first dispensing outlet 21 has an opening 23 through which a first preparation, which can be dispensed by the dosing system, exits the housing 10. Through an opening 24 of the second dispensing outlet 22, a second preparation can exit through the housing 10 to the outside.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the dosing system 1, with the two housing halves 11 and 12 separated. The first housing half 11 of the housing 10 serves to accommodate a dosing device.

[0035] 25. A container 26, which serves to store the first preparation and the second preparation, can be inserted into the second housing half 12. The container 26 has a first chamber 27 in which the first preparation is located. In this case, the first preparation is a highly concentrated perfume oil. A first dosing lance 28 and a first seal of the container allow for the dispensing of the first preparation.

[0036] The first chamber 27 of the container 26, which is covered by a removable protective cap 29, can be connected to the dosing device 25 (the protective cap 29 must be removed before connecting). The dosing device 25 can then dispense the perfume oil from the first chamber 27 through the opening 23 of the dispensing outlet 21 into the washing drum. A second dosing lance 30 and a second seal, also covered by the protective cap 29, allow for further dispensing. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2024P00313 WO 26.09.2025

[0037] 5

[0038] A connection is established between a second chamber 31 and the dosing device 25. The second chamber 31 is significantly larger than the first chamber 27 and serves to hold a detergent, which can be dispensed via the second dispensing outlet 22.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a section through the first housing half 11, with the section plane passing through the first dispensing outlet 21. Figure 4 shows, on an enlarged scale, a circular section, which is labelled A in Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 3 clearly shows that the housing 10, or rather the first housing half 11, has an inner shell 32 and an outer shell 33. The outer shell 33 is made of a soft plastic, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer. The inner shell 32 is also made of a plastic material, but this material differs from that of the outer shell. The output outlet 21 is integrally molded onto the inner shell 32.

[0041] The dispensing outlet 21 has a plug socket 34 into which a supply line from the dosing device 25 can be inserted. During the dosing process, the perfume oil flows through a channel 35, through the opening 23, and thus into the washing drum.

[0042] Figure 5 schematically shows an enlarged section of the discharge outlet 21. The longitudinal rib 16b is only sketchily indicated in Figure 5 as part of the outer shell 33.

[0043] The output outlet 21 has an inner circumferential rib 36 that defines the opening 23. In the present embodiment, the circumferential rib 36 forms an inner oval ring. The opening 23 is also oval-shaped. A central axis running through the middle of the opening 23 is designated 37.

[0044] The output outlet 21 has an outer circumferential rib 38, which forms an oval-shaped outer ring. The outer rib or ring 38 completely encloses the inner rib / ring 36. The axial height 39 of the outer rib 37 is greater than a comparable axial height of the inner rib 36.

[0045] A circumferential groove 40 is arranged between the inner rib 36 and the outer rib 38. The inner rib 36, the groove 40, and the outer rib 38 ensure that the perfume oil exiting the opening 23 does not have direct contact with the outer shell 33. As soon as the perfume oil leaves the space defined by the outer ring in both the radial and axial directions, it is present in a lower concentration due to mixing or distribution processes, at which point it is no longer harmful to the outer shell 33.

[0046] Figure 5 further shows that the outer shell 33 or the longitudinal rib 16b, which abuts an outer wall 41 of the outer web, is axially aligned with the outer web 38. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2024P00313 WO 26.09.2025

[0047] 6

[0048] The direction is set back slightly. Accordingly, a slightly rounded end face 42 of the outer web 38 projects axially beyond the connecting end of the longitudinal rib 16 b, which lies directly against the outer wall 41.

[0049] Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2024P00313 WO September 26, 2025

[0050] 7

[0051] Reference symbol list

[0052] I Dosing system

[0053] 10 cases

[0054] II first housing half

[0055] 12 second case half

[0056] 13 Dividing line

[0057] 14 first pole

[0058] 15 second pole

[0059] 16 Rib / Longitudinal rib (16a, 16b)

[0060] 17 Ring rib

[0061] 18 Control panel

[0062] 19 Ring rib

[0063] 20 loading bays

[0064] 21 first issue

[0065] 22 Opening

[0066] 23 second issue outlet

[0067] 24-hour opening

[0068] 25 Dosing device

[0069] 26 containers

[0070] 27 first chamber

[0071] 28 first dosing lance

[0072] 29 Protective cap

[0073] 30 second dosing lance

[0074] 31 second chamber

[0075] 32 inner sleeve

[0076] 33 Outer shell

[0077] 34 Receptacle / Plug-in Receptacle

[0078] 35 Channel

[0079] 36 inner bridge / inner ring

[0080] 37 Central axis

[0081] 38 outer bridge / outer ring

[0082] 39 axial height

[0083] 40 Nut

[0084] 41 Outer wall

[0085] 42 forehead end

Claims

1. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2024P00313 WO September 26, 2025 8 Patent claims 1. Dosing system (1) for dispensing at least one preparation into a rotatable washing drum of a washing machine, wherein the dosing system (1) is suitable for being freely positioned in the washing drum and for dispensing the preparation therein when the washing drum rotates, wherein the dosing system (1) comprises: a container (26) for storing the preparation; a dosing device (25) that dispenses the preparation from the container (26) into the washing drum; a housing (10) accommodating the container (26) and the dosing device (25), with an inner shell (32) and a damping outer shell (33); and a dispensing outlet (21) with an opening (23) through which the preparation exits the housing (10), characterized in that the dispensing outlet (21) has an inner circumferential rib (36) limiting the opening (23) and an outer circumferential rib (38), wherein the outer shell (33) is shielded from the opening (23) by the outer rib (38).

2. Dosing system (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that an axial height (39) of the outer web (38) is greater than an axial height of the inner web (36).

3. Dosing system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a groove (40) is provided between the inner web (36) and the outer web (38).

4. Dosing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an end face of the inner web, which is turned away from the inner sleeve (32) of the housing (10), and / or an end face (42) of the outer web (38), which is turned away from the inner sleeve (32) of the housing (10), is rounded.

5. Dosing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inner web (36) and / or the outer web (38) is integrally formed on the inner shell (32).

6. Dosing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the outer shell (3) abuts an outer wall (41) of the outer web (38).

7. Dosing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the outer web (38) projects beyond the outer shell (33) at least in a region of the outer shell (33) which is located near the dispensing outlet (21). Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 2024P00313 WO September 26, 2025 9 8. Dosing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the dispensing outlet (21) has a receptacle (34) for a supply line of the dosing device (25), wherein the receptacle (34) is integrally formed on the inner shell (32).

9. Dosing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the housing (10) is spherical.

10. Dosing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the outer shell (33) has a rib structure with a plurality of spaced-apart ribs (16).

11. Dosing system 0 according to claim 10, characterized in that the dispensing outlet (21) is arranged between two adjacent ribs (16a, 16b).

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