APPARATUS FOR DOSING DETERGENT, CONTAINER FOR RECEIVING AND DOSING POWDER DETERGENT AND/OR LIQUID DETERGENT, AND CORRESPONDING SYSTEM

Abstract

A device (1) for dosing detergent, in particular powder detergent, is shown and described, comprising a housing (3) with at least one first receiving area (5), wherein the at least one first receiving area (5) is designed to receive a first container (9) for a detergent, a dosing device (29) for dosing the detergent, wherein the dosing device (29) has a dosing setting for dosing detergent which depends on a determined weight of laundry to be washed, wherein the first receiving region (5) has a dosing device receiving region (27) for receiving the dosing device (29), and wherein an actuating and/or driving device (39) for the dosing device (29) is arranged in the dosing device receiving region (27).

Claims

1-51. (canceled)

52. Device (1) for dosing detergent, in particular powder detergent, comprising a housing (3) with at least one first receiving area (5), wherein the at least one first receiving area (5) is designed to receive a first container (9) for a detergent, a dosing device (29) for dosing the detergent, wherein the dosing device (29) comprises a dosing setting for dosing of detergent which depends on a determined weight of a laundry to be washed, wherein the first receiving area (5) comprises a dosing device receiving area (27) for receiving the dosing device (29), wherein an actuating and/or driving device (39) for the dosing device (29) is arranged in the dosing device receiving area (27), wherein the dosing device (29) is connected to the first container (9) and wherein the first container (9) and the dosing device (29′) are interchangeable and are designed as disposable articles, wherein the dosing device (29) comprises a screw conveyor (57) and a screw conveyor housing (59), wherein the screw conveyor (57), preferably in its full length, is inserted into the screw conveyor housing (59) and is rotatably arranged therein, wherein the screw conveyor housing (59) has an inlet (63) with an inlet opening (35) and an outlet (67) with an outlet opening (69).

53. Device (1) according to claim 52, wherein the at least one first receiving area (5) is designed to receive a first container (9) for a powder detergent, and/or, wherein the screw conveyor (57) and the screw conveyor housing (59) extend around a common screw conveyor longitudinal axis (61).

54. Device (1) according to claim 52, wherein from a drive end (82) of the screw conveyor (57) a coupling device (91) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor (57), the coupling device (91) being designed to interact in a coupling manner with, in particular to engage the actuation and/or driving device (39) and/or wherein the screw conveyor housing (59) has an an outer wall (83) with a plurality of ribs (85), wherein the ribs (85) preferably extend in the axial direction at least partially between the first end (71) and the second end (73), and/or wherein the ribs (85) extend essentially away from the outer wall (83) in the radial direction, wherein preferably two of the ribs (85) limit the outlet opening (69) on opposite sides in the peripheral direction of the outer wall (83), and wherein, preferably, two further of the ribs (85) limit the outlet opening (69) on opposite sides in the axial direction of the outer wall (83).

55. Device (1) according to claim 52, wherein the first receiving area (5) comprises a container receiving area (25) for receiving the first container (9), wherein the container receiving area (25) preferably is arranged above the dosing device receiving area (27) and/or wherein one or more side walls (15, 17) of the container receiving area (25) comprise a plurality of ribs (53) which extend away from the one or more side walls (15, 17), and/or wherein a first guide element (31) and a second guide element (33) are arranged between the container receiving area (25) and the dosing device receiving area (27), wherein the guide elements (31, 33) extend from the open front side (23) to the rear wall (13) and/or wherein the guide elements (31, 33) extend away from the side walls (15, 17).

56. Device according to claim 52, wherein the dosing device (29) comprises a closure or flap element, wherein the closure or flap element is designed to be opened automatically or manually, wherein, preferably, the closure or flap element is designed to close the dosing device (29) and/or the first container (9) in an airtight manner.

57. Container (9) for receiving and dosing powder detergent comprising: a housing (111) having an interior space (112) for receiving powder detergent; and an outlet (113) in communication with the interior space (112) , wherein the outlet (113) is connectable to an inlet (63) of a dosing device (29), said dosing device (29) having an outlet (67) such that actuation of said dosing device (29) delivers a dosage of said powder detergent through said outlet (67), wherein the dosing device (29) is connected or connectable to the container (9). wherein the container (9) and/or the dosing device (29) are interchangeable and are designed as disposable articles. wherein the dosing device (29) comprises a screw conveyor (57) and a screw conveyor housing (59), wherein the screw conveyor (57), preferably in its full length, is introducable and rotatably arranged in the screw conveyor housing (59).

58. Container (9) according to claim 57, wherein the container (9) is deliverable pre-filled with powder detergent, and/or wherein the container (9) is designed to be inserted into and received by a device (1) for dosing detergent comprising a housing (3) with at least one first receiving area (5), wherein the at least one first receiving area (5) is designed to receive a first container (9) for a detergent, a dosing device (29) for dosing the detergent, wherein the dosing device (29) comprises a dosing setting for dosing of detergent which depends on a determined weight of a laundry to be washed, wherein the first receiving area (5) comprises a dosing device receiving area (27) for receiving the dosing device (29), wherein an actuating and/or driving device (39) for the dosing device (29) is arranged in the dosing device receiving area (27), wherein the dosing device (29) is connected to the first container (9) and wherein the first container (9) and the dosing device (29′) are interchangeable and are designed as disposable articles, wherein the dosing device (29) comprises a screw conveyor (57) and a screw conveyor housing (59), wherein the screw conveyor (57), preferably in its full length, is inserted into the screw conveyor housing (59) and is rotatably arranged therein, wherein the screw conveyor housing (59) has an inlet (63) with an inlet opening (35) and an outlet (67) with an outlet opening (69), as a first container (9), and/or wherein the screw conveyor (57) and the screw conveyor housing (59) extend around a common screw conveyor longitudinal axis (61), and wherein the inlet of the dosing device (29) is arranged in or on the screw conveyor housing (59), wherein the outlet (113) of the container (9) is firmly connected, preferably screwed or glued, to the inlet (63) in the screw conveyor housing (59), and/or wherein the screw conveyor housing (59) is integrated into the container (9).

59. Device (1) according to claim 52, wherein the housing (3) comprises at least one second receiving area (7), wherein the at least one second receiving area (7) is designed to receive a second container (11) for a liquid detergent, wherein, preferably, the first receiving area (5) is connected or connectable to the second receiving area (7), and/or wherein the second container (11) is interchangeable and is designed as a disposable article.

60. Device (1) according to claim 59, wherein the at least one second receiving area (7) comprises a rear wall (157), two spaced apart side walls (159) which are oriented transversely to the rear wall (157), a lower limit (161) which is oriented transversely to the side walls (159), and an open upper (163) opposite the lower limit (161), wherein the at least one second receiving area (7) for receiving the second container (11) is formed between the side walls (159), wherein, preferably, the at least one second receiving area (7) is designed for receiving a lifting system (303) for dosing liquid detergent, wherein, preferably, the first container (9) and/or the second container (11) and/or the dosing device (29) comprise a bioplastic or a bio-based plastic, preferably stone paper and/or wood.

61. Container (11) for holding and dosing liquid detergent comprising: a housing (203) having an interior space (205) for holding liquid detergent, and an outlet (209) in communication with the interior space (205), wherein a dosage of the liquid detergent is dispensable through the outlet (209) of the container (11), wherein the container (11) is interchangeable and is designed as disposable article, wherein the container (11) is designed to be inserted into and received by a device for dosing detergent (1) according to claim 1 as a second container, wherein the container (11) comprises a positioning and holding device (285) designed to position and hold the container (11) in the second receiving area (7) of the device (1) for dosing detergent.

62. The container (11) of claim 61, wherein the container (11) comprises an inlet (207) in communication with the interior space (205), and/or wherein the container (11) is deliverable pre-filled with the liquid detergent, and/or wherein the container (11) is connected or connectable to a dosing device or wherein the container (11) comprises a dosing device, wherein, preferably, the dosing device is a lifting system (303), wherein the lifting system (303) is designed for dosing the liquid detergent from the interior of the second container (11).

63. Device according to claim 52, wherein the device is designed for automatic dosing of detergent, in particular of powder detergent and/or liquid detergent, wherein, preferably, the dosing setting for dosing the detergent is preferably controllable in dependence of the weight and/or the type and/or the volume and/or the degree of soiling of a laundry and/or the drum size of the washing machine, wherein, preferably, the dosing setting for dosing the detergent preferably is controllable in dependence of the degree of hardness of a tap water available for washing the laundry.

64. Device according to claim 63, wherein the dosing setting for dosing the detergent is controllable by application software, for example a mobile app, and/or wherein the dosing setting for dosing the detergent is controllable by Bluetooth or wireless LAN, and/or wherein by an application software, for example a mobile app, the filling level of the powder detergent in the first container (9) and/or the filling level of the liquid detergent in the second container (11) is automatically indicated, for example by a signal tone or a signal light.

65. Device according to claim 52, wherein the first container (9), for example after emptying the powder detergent or after reaching a certain filling level, and/or the second container (11), for example after emptying the liquid detergent or after reaching a certain filling level, can be ordered automatically on the Internet, and/or wherein the weight of the laundry can be determined by moans of-a scale, for example a hanging scale or a platform scale, wherein, preferably, the scale being connected or connectable to a laundry basket, preferably the scale being connected or connectable as a platform scale to the bottom of the laundry basket, wherein, preferably, the scale is integrated in a washing machine or wherein the scale is positioned below the washing machine, wherein, preferably, the scale comprises at least one weighing measuring cell, a display element and/or a control element, which, preferably, are integrated in a box, wherein, preferably, the scale further comprises a camera element and/or a support plate.

66. System comprising a device (1) for dosing detergent, in particular powder detergent, comprising a housing (3) with at least one first receiving area (5), wherein the at least one first receiving area (5) is designed to receive a first container (9) for a detergent, a dosing device (29) for dosing the detergent, wherein the dosing device (29) comprises a dosing setting for dosing detergent which depends on a determined weight of a laundry to be washed, wherein the first receiving area (5) includes a dosing device receiving area (27) for receiving the dosing device (29), wherein an actuating and/or driving device (39) for the dosing device (29) is arranged in the dosing device receiving area (27), whereby the weight of the laundry is determinable by scales, and wherein the scale is positioned below the washing machine, for example integrated in feet or as a weighing mat or as load cells placed under standard washing machine feet.

67. The system of claim 66, further comprising: a first container (9) for holding and dosing powder detergent comprising: a housing (111) having an interior space (112) for receiving powder detergent; and an outlet (113) in communication with the interior space (112) , wherein the outlet (113) is connectable to an inlet (63) of a dosing device (29), said dosing device (29) having an outlet (67) such that actuation of said dosing device (29) delivers a dosage of said powder detergent through said outlet (67), wherein the dosing device (29) is connected or connectable to the container (9). wherein the container (9) and/or the dosing device (29) are interchangeable and are designed as disposable articles. wherein the dosing device (29) comprises a screw conveyor (57) and a screw conveyor housing (59), wherein the screw conveyor (57), preferably in its full length, is introducable and rotatably arranged in the screw conveyor housing (59), and/or a second container (11) for holding and dosing liquid detergent comprising: a housing (203) having an interior space (205) for holding liquid detergent, and an outlet (209) in communication with the interior space (205), wherein a dosage of the liquid detergent is dispensable through the outlet (209) of the container (11), wherein the container (11) is interchangeable and is designed as disposable article, wherein the container (11) is designed to be inserted into and received by a device for dosing detergent (1) according to any one of the preceding claims as a second container, wherein the container (11) comprises a positioning and holding device (285) designed to position and hold the container (11) in the second receiving area (7) of the device (1) for dosing detergent.

68. Computer-implemented method for controlling a device for dosing detergent, in particular powder detergent, according to claim 52, the method comprising: Dosing the detergent, for example powder detergent, from the first container (9) by the dosing device (29), Dosing the liquid detergent from the second container (11) by a further dosing device.

69. The computer-implemented method of claim 68, the method further comprising: Determining the filling level in the first container (9), which is designed to hold a detergent, for example powder detergent, and Determining the filling level in the second container (11), which is designed to hold a liquid detergent, and/or Identification of the detergent, for example powder detergent, and/or of the liquid detergent, and Re-ordering of the detergent and/or liquid detergent based on the detected level.

70. Method for dosing detergent by a device (1) according to claim 52, comprising the following step: Dosing the detergent by the dosing device (29), the dosing device (29) having a dosing setting for dosing detergent which depends on a determined weight of a laundry to be washed.

71. The method according to claim 70, wherein the dosing setting for dosing detergent further depends on a degree of hardness of a tap water available for washing the laundry and/or on a degree of soiling of the laundry to be washed and/or on a drum size of a washing machine, and/or comprising a step of determining or ascertaining the weight of the laundry by scale (289), for example a hanging scale or a platform scale or a load cell or a weighing mat positioned under the scale or feet of a washing machine, wherein, preferably, the determination or ascertainment of the weight of the laundry is carried out with a scale (289) connected or connectable to a laundry basket (287), preferably the scale (289) is connected or connectable as a platform scale to the bottom of the laundry basket (287).

Description

[0294] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, an embodiment example of a device 1 for dosing detergent, in particular powder detergent and/or liquid detergent, is explained.

[0295] In this embodiment, the device 1 for dosing detergent comprises a first receiving area 5 designed to receive a first container 9 of powder detergent. Furthermore, the device 1 for dosing detergent comprises a second receiving area 7, which is designed to receive a second container 11 with liquid detergent.

[0296] The first receiving area 5 may be connectable to the second receiving area 7, or the first receiving area 5 may be connected to the second receiving area 7. At this point, it is expressly pointed out that FIGS. 1 to 9 describe a conceivable embodiment example. Equally well, the device 1 for dosing detergent may comprise a plurality of first receiving areas 5, the first receiving areas 5 each being designed to receive a first container 9 of powder detergent. Further, the device 1 for dispensing detergent may comprise a plurality of second receiving regions 7, the second receiving regions 7 each being designed to receive a second container 11 of liquid detergent. The individual receiving regions 5, 7 are connectable to one another or may be connected to one another. However, the device 1 for dosing detergent may also comprise only a first receiving area 5 for receiving a first container 9 and not comprise a second receiving area 7 for receiving a second container 11. Alternatively, the device 1 for dosing detergent may comprise only a second receiving area 7 for receiving a second container 11 and not comprise a first receiving area 5 for receiving a first container 9.

[0297] The first receiving area 5 is designed to at least partially receive a first container 9 for powder detergent. The first receiving area 5 comprises a rear wall 13, two spaced-apart side walls 15, 17, which are oriented at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transversely to the rear wall 13, an upper limitation 19 and a lower limitation 21, which are oriented at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transversely to the side walls 15, 17. Furthermore, the first receiving area 5 comprises an at least partially open front side 23 opposite the rear wall 13, so that the first receiving area 5 is formed between the side walls 15, 17, the upper and lower limitations 19, 21, the rear wall 13 and the at least partially open front side 23. The upper and lower limitations 19, 21 may be arranged e parallel to each other, and the rear wall 31 may be arranged essentially transversely to the upper and lower limitations 19, 21 such that the upper and lower limitations 19, 21 each extend in a plane oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the rear wall is arranged.

[0298] In the figure description, terms such as top, bottom, left, right, front, rear, horizontal, vertical, above, below, etc. refer to the exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for dosing detergent selected in the respective figures. In particular, the terms horizontal and vertical refer to the planes in which the upper limitation 19 and the lower limitation 21 of the device 1 extend.

[0299] The first receiving area 5 comprises an upper container receiving area 25 for receiving the first container 9 and a lower dosing device receiving area 27 for receiving a dosing device 29. The container receiving area 25 is preferably disposed above the dosing device receiving area 27.

[0300] Furthermore, FIGS. 1 to 3 show the second receiving area 7 in the device 1 for dosing detergent, which is designed to at least partially receive a second container 11 for a liquid detergent (in particular liquid). The second receiving area 7 comprises a rear wall, two side walls spaced apart from one another and oriented at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transversely to the rear wall, a lower limitation oriented at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transversely to the side walls, and an open upper side opposite the lower wall, the second receiving area 7 for receiving the second container 11 being formed between the side walls. The side walls of the second receiving area have one or more, preferably a plurality of, clamping elements 155 extending from a front side of the second receiving area 7 opposite the rear wall to the rear wall and configured to position the second container 11 in the device 1 and/or to dispense the liquid detergent inside the second container and/or to store the liquid detergent inside the second container in a sterile manner. In particular, the clamping elements 155 are configured as clamps, with two of the clamps being arranged opposite each other and in a plane parallel to the lower limitation. The distance of the clamping elements 155 relative to the lower limitation and/or relative to the open upper side is variable. The lower limitation of the second receiving area 7 has a through-hole configured to receive an outlet of the second container 11.

[0301] With reference to FIGS. 4 to 14, the first receiving area 5, the first container 9, and the dosing device 29 are further described in more detail.

[0302] FIG. 4 shows that the dosing device receiving area 27 comprises an actuating and/or driving device 39 for the dosing device 29. The actuation and/or drive device 39 is disposed in or on the rear wall 13 and/or comprises a coupling member or drive shaft 41 extending essentially away from the rear wall 13. The lower limitation 21 comprises a receptacle 43 for the dosing device 29 extending essentially from the open front 23 to the rear wall 13 essentially along a longitudinal receptacle axis 45. The drive shaft 41 in the rear wall 13 and the receptacle 43 for the dosing device 29 extend in the same plane transverse to the lower limitation 21 and/or essentially perpendicular to the receptacle longitudinal axis 45.

[0303] In particular, the receptacle 43 has a cross-section transverse to the receiving longitudinal axis 45 of the receptacle which is concave in shape. In other words, the receiving 43 is embedded as a concave portion in the lower limitation 21. The lower limitation 21 may thus have a surface having a first horizontal surface portion 47 adjoining or near to a first of the side walls 15, 17 and a second horizontal surface portion 49 adjoining or near to the second of the side walls 15, 17, the receptacle 43 being disposed as a concave surface portion between the first and second surface portions 47, 49. A receptacle outlet opening 51 may be disposed on the receiving longitudinal axis 45, particularly adjoining or near to the rear rear wall 13.

[0304] A first guide member 31 and a second guide member 33 are disposed between the container receiving area 25 and the dosing device receiving area 27, wherein the guide members 31, 33 extend from the open front 23 to the rear wall 13 and/or wherein the guide members 31, 33 extend away from the side walls 15, 17. The guide elements 31, 32 divide the first receiving area 5 into the upper container receiving area 25 and the lower dosing device receiving area 27, such that the upper container receiving area 25 is limited by the upper limitation 19 and by the two guide elements 31, 33 on opposite sides. The lower dosing device receiving area 27 is limited by the two guide elements 31, 33 and the lower limitation 21 on opposite sides. After the first container 9 and the dosing device 29 have been inserted and/or at least partially received in the first receiving area 5, the first container 9 is arranged between the guide elements 31, 33 and the upper limitation 19 and the dosing device 29 is arranged at least partially between the guide elements 31, 33 and the lower limitation 21. The guide elements 31, 33 are oriented essentially in a plane parallel to the upper limitation 19 and the lower limitation 21 and are inclined upwardly out of the plane toward the open front 23 toward the container receiving area 25. The guide members 31, 33 thus have a essentially parallel portion 35 and an inclined portion 37. The essentially parallel portion 35 extends from the rear wall 13 to the inclined portion 37, and the inclined portion 37 extends from the essentially parallel portion 35 to the open front 23.

[0305] One or more side walls 15, 17 in the container receiving area 25 comprise a plurality of ribs 53 which extend away from the one or more side walls 15, 17. In particular, the plurality of ribs 53 extend essentially parallel to the upper limitation 19 and/or lower limitation 21. Preferably, the plurality of ribs 53 extend from the open front 23 to the rear wall 13.

[0306] In particular, the plurality of ribs 53 is arranged in pairs on the two side walls 15, 17. In each case, two of the ribs 53 extend as pairs of ribs 55 in a plane essentially transverse to the side walls 15, 17 and/or essentially parallel to the upper or lower limitation 19, 21. The pairs of ribs 55 are regularly arranged at preferably equal distances on the side walls 19, 21 in the container receiving region 25, preferably between the guide elements 31, 33 and the upper limitation 19.

[0307] The dosing device 29 is designed for dosing the powder detergent from the first container 9 out of the second container 11. In this regard, the dosing device 29 may be connectable to the first container 9. Thus, the dosing device 29 may be connected to the first container 9 so that, when connected to the first container 9, the dosing device 29 may be inserted or received in the first receiving area 5 by a movement essentially perpendicular to the rear wall 13 of the first receiving area 5, as seen.

[0308] The dosing device 29 comprises a screw conveyor 57 and a screw conveyor housing 59, which are shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. As shown in FIG. 8, the screw conveyor 57 may be inserted, preferably in its full length, into the screw conveyor housing 59 and rotatably disposed therein so that the screw conveyor 57 and the screw conveyor housing 59 extend approximately a common screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61. In the following, the features of the screw conveyor 57 and the screw conveyor housing 59 are described in relation to the common longitudinal screw conveyor axis 61, even if the screw conveyor 57 is not inserted into the screw conveyor housing 59, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0309] The screw conveyor housing 59 comprises an inlet 63 having an inlet opening 35 and/or an outlet 67 having an outlet opening 69. The inlet 63 and the outlet 67 are arranged on opposite sides, as viewed transversely to the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61, in the screw conveyor housing 59. The screw conveyor housing 59 extends between a first end 71 and an opposite second end 73 along the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61. The outlet 67 is disposed adjoining or near the first end 71, and the inlet 63 is disposed adjoining or near the second end 73.

[0310] In particular, the inlet 63 comprises a flange 75 having a peripheral wall 77, the peripheral wall 77 at least partially surrounding the inlet opening 65 and/or extending essentially in radial direction, away from the screw conveyor housing 59 as viewed along the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61. As shown in FIG. 6, the peripheral wall 77 extends essentially along a first peripheral wall central longitudinal axis 78. In particular, the peripheral wall central longitudinal axis 78 may have a length of approximately 47 mm. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 77 extends along a second peripheral wall central longitudinal axis 80, which is oriented at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transversely, preferably perpendicularly to the first peripheral wall central longitudinal axis 78, and may in particular have a length of approximately 29 mm.

[0311] The flange 75 is configured for connecting the dosing device 29 to the first container 9 and/or for inserting the dosing device 29 into the dosing device receiving portion 27. For example, the peripheral wall 77comprises a first abutment surface 79 and a essentially opposing second abutment surface 81, the first and second abutment surfaces 79, 81 being aligned parallel to each other. These abutment surfaces 79, 81 allow for particularly easy insertion of the dosing device 29 into the dosing device receiving area 27. In particular, during insertion into the dosing device receiving area 27, the abutment surfaces 79, 81 can slide essentially along the guide elements 31, 33 in the first receiving area 5 and/or can essentially abut the lateral guide elements 31, 33 after being received into the dosing device receiving area 27.

[0312] In particular, the screw conveyor housing 59 comprises an outer wall 83 having a plurality of ribs or screw conveyor housing ribs 85, the ribs 85 preferably extending in an axial direction at least partially between the first end 71 and the second end 73 of the screw conveyor housing 59. The ribs 85 extend essentially in radial direction, away from the outer wall 83 as viewed from the longitudinal axis 61 of the screw conveyor.

[0313] Two of the ribs 85, as a first pair of limiting ribs 87, limit the outlet opening 69 of the screw conveyor housing 59 on opposite sides in the peripheral direction of the outer wall 83. Two more of the ribs 85, as a second pair of limiting ribs 89, limit the outlet opening 69 on opposite sides in the axial direction of the outer wall 83. This embodiment prevents powder detergent from coming into contact with the first receiving area 5, which, unlike the dosing device 29 and the container 9, is not interchangeable.

[0314] The screw conveyor 57 comprises a drive end 82 in the direction of the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61. A coupling device 91 extends from or at the drive end 82 of the screw conveyor 57 essentially along the longitudinal axis 61 of the screw conveyor, the coupling device 91 being configured to interact in a coupling manner, in particular to engage, with the actuating and/or drive device 39 or with the drive shaft 41.

[0315] The coupling device 91 may be configured as a essentially cylindrical cavity 93 or receiving, such that after insertion and at least partial reception of the dosing device 29 into the dosing device receiving area 27, the coupling element 41 may be at least partially received in the dosing device receiving area 27 in the (cylindrical) cavity 93. The inner wall 95 of the (cylindrical) cavity 93 preferably comprises an inner profile that is engageable with an outer profile of the outer wall 96 of the coupling element 41. The outer profile of the coupling element 41 has at least one material elevation 97 that can engage or interact with at least one material recess 99 in the inner profile of the cylindrical cavity 93. Thus, the coupling element 91 is configured as a drive shaft so that insertion of the coupling element 41 into the (cylindrical) cavity 93 enables the dosing device 29 to be driven and thus the screw conveyor 57 to rotate.

[0316] The screw conveyor 57 is preferably configured as a shaft around which one or more helical flights 101 in the form of flat guide surfaces or sheets or rubber lobes are helically wound, extending transversely away from the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61 in the form of a worm thread 107.

[0317] FIG. 8 shows the dosing device 29 inserted and received by the dosing device receiving area 27 in the first receiving area 5 of the device 1 for dosing detergent. The screw conveyor 57 preferably extends inside the screw conveyor housing 59, wherein the coupling element 41 on the rear wall 13 is inserted into and/or can drive the cylindrical cavity 93 of the screw conveyor 57. Powder detergent introduced into the interior of the screw conveyor housing 59 through the inlet opening 65 may be guided along the one or more helical flights 101 essentially along the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61 to the outlet 67, and/or exit the interior of the screw conveyor housing 59 through the outlet opening 69. An insertion element or removal element 105 is preferably disposed at the second end 73 of the screw conveyor housing 59.

[0318] FIG. 9 shows a front view of the dosing device receiving area 27 with the dosing device 29 inserted. In the state inserted into the dosing device receiving area 27 of the first receiving area 5, the lateral abutment surfaces 79, 81 of the peripheral wall 77 of the dosing device 29 and two of the ribs 85 abut the two guide elements 31, 33. In particular, the abutment surfaces 79, 81 may abut the edges 107 of the guide elements 31, 33 extending away from the side walls 15, 17, and the two ribs may abut the underside 109 of the two guide elements 31, 33 facing the lower limitation 21.

[0319] With reference to FIGS. 10 to 14, embodiments of the first container 9 for holding and/or dosing powder detergent are described.

[0320] As can be seen from FIG. 10, the first container 9 may comprise a housing 111 having an interior space 112 for receiving powder detergent and an outlet 113 in communication with the interior space 112. The first container 9 is configured to be inserted and/or received, at least in part, in a device 1 for dispensing detergent as previously described in the context of FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0321] The outlet 113 is connectable to an inlet of a dosing device 29 comprising a screw conveyor 57 and a screw conveyor housing 59, wherein the screw conveyor 57, preferably in its full length, is inserted into the screw conveyor housing 59 and is rotatably arranged so that the screw conveyor 57 and the screw conveyor housing 59 extend around a common longitudinal axis, the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61. The outlet 113 of the first container 9 is connectable to the inlet 63 of the screw conveyor housing 59, the screw conveyor housing 59 having an outlet 67 such that a predetermined or predeterminable amount (or dosage) of powder detergent is dispensed through the outlet 67 by actuation of the dosage means 29. The outlet 113 of the first container 9 may be screwed or bonded to the inlet 63 in the screw conveyor housing 59, or the inlet 63 may be, however the screw conveyor housing 59 may also be integral with or fixed to the first container 9.

[0322] The first container 9 may comprise an inlet opening 115, the inlet opening 115 preferably being arranged essentially opposite the outlet 113 and/or an outlet opening 117 in the outlet 113. The inlet opening 115 may be closable by means of a closure element 119, preferably by means of a zipper or zipper. The closure element 119, preferably the zipper, is designed to be at least partially inserted into a groove in the first receiving area 5 of the device 1 for dispensing detergent.

[0323] Adjoining or near to the closure element 119 is a tab 121 having an inner opening 123. The inner opening 123 can serve as a carrying handle, such that the first container can be carried from one location to another location in a simplified manner.

[0324] As can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first container 9 at least partially comprises a tapered portion 125, wherein the periphery of the first container 9 in the tapered portion 125 reduces or tapers (preferably essentially conically) towards the outlet 113.

[0325] The first container 9 may comprise a cross-section transverse to the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61 of the screw conveyor housing 59 (as viewed when connected to the first container 9), the tapered portion 125 being laterally limited by a first side edge 135 and a second side edge 137. The first lateral edge 135 may extend essentially at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially transversely, preferably at an angle less than 90°, more preferably at an angle of approximately 45°, with respect to the plane of the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61 of the screw conveyor housing 59 (as seen in the connected condition). The second lateral edge 137 may extend at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially transversely, preferably at an angle less than 90°, particularly preferably at an angle of approximately 45°, to the plane of the longitudinal conveying screw axis 61 of the conveying screw housing 59. The first side edge 135 and/or the second side edge 137 may each comprise a side edge portion 136 that may extend at an angle of 90° to the plane of the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61 of the screw conveyor housing 59 (as viewed when connected). The side edge section 136 may extend in the plane of the first side edge 131 or the second side edge 133 of the essentially symmetrical section.

[0326] The first container 9 may at least partially comprise a first essentially symmetrical section 127. The periphery of the first container 29 within the first essentially symmetrical section 127 is preferably constant. The first essentially symmetrical section 127 is spaced further from the outlet 113 than the tapered section 125. The first container 9 may have a cross-section transverse to the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61 of the screw conveyor housing 59 as viewed when connected to the first container 9, wherein the first essentially symmetrical section 127 is laterally limited by a first side edge 131 and a second side edge 133. The first side edge 131 and the second side edge 133 are oriented essentially parallel to each other and/or at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially transversely, preferably at an angle of approximately 90°, with respect to the plane of the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61 of the screw conveyor housing 59 (as seen in the connected state). The first side edge 131 of the first essentially symmetrical section 127 may be coplanar with the first side edge 135 of the tapering section 125 and/or the second side edge 133 of the first essentially symmetrical section 127 may be oriented at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially transverse to the second side edge 137 of the tapering section 125.

[0327] Adjoining or near to the outlet 113, the first container 9 may comprise a second essentially symmetrical section 129, wherein the periphery of the first container 9 within the second essentially symmetrical section 129 preferably remains essentially the same and essentially corresponds to the periphery of the outlet 113 and/or the periphery of an outlet opening in the outlet 113. The second essentially symmetrical section 129 may serve as an outlet through which the powder detergent may be passed from the interior space 112 of the first container 9. The side edges 139 and 141 of the second essentially symmetrical section 129 may preferably have a length of 10 to 30 mm, particularly preferably a length of 15 mm.

[0328] However, it is also conceivable that the side edges 139 and 141 of the second essentially symmetrical section 129 have a length of greater than 30 mm, preferably between 70 and 110 mm, particularly preferably of 90 mm. This can be provided in particular if the dosing is not carried out by means of the dosing device 29 with a screw conveyor 58 and a screw conveyor housing 59, as previously described, however if clamping elements or clamps are provided adjoining or near to the side walls 15, 17 in the first receiving area 5 for dosing the powder washing detergent, which are designed analogously to the clamping elements 155 or clamps described later in connection with the second container 11 and the second receiving area 7.

[0329] The first container 9 may comrpise a cross-section transverse to the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61 of the screw conveyor housing 59 as viewed when connected to the first container 9, the second essentially symmetrical section 129 being laterally limited by a first side edge 139 and a second side edge 141 oriented essentially parallel to each other. The first side edge 139 and the second side edge 141 extend at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially transversely, preferably at an angle of approximately 90°, with respect to the plane of the screw conveyor longitudinal axis 61 of the screw conveyor housing 59 (as seen in the connected state). The first side edge 139 of the second essentially symmetrical section 129 may be coplanar with the first side edge 135 of the tapered section 125 and with the first side edge 131 of the first essentially symmetrical section 127.

[0330] The tapered section 125 is disposed between the first essentially symmetrical section 127 and the second essentially symmetrical section 129. The second essentially symmetrical section 129 preferably has a periphery that is smaller than the periphery of the first essentially symmetrical section 127, and the second essentially symmetrical section 129 surrounds a volume of the first container 29 that is smaller than a volume surrounding the first essentially symmetrical section 127.

[0331] FIG. 13 shows further, conceivable embodiments of the first container 9, which is connectable to the dosing device 29 and/or which is configured to be inserted and received in the previously described device 1 for dosing detergent. The dosing device 29 may comprise a plate 143, which is configured as a stand plate and may be arranged on the screw conveyor housing 59 and/or connectable to the screw conveyor housing 59. This stand plate 143 serves in particular to better position or align the first container 9 and/or to protect it from falling over, in particular when the first container 9 is positioned to receive powder detergent. It is further conceivable that the screw conveyor housing 59 comprises an enclosure 145, wherein the enclosure 145 comprises at least one flat surface 147 serving as a stand plate and/or a stand foot, so that the first container 9 can be better positioned and protected from falling over. However, it is also conceivable that the first container 9 comprises another essentially symmetrical section instead of the tapering section 125. In this case, the first side edges 131, 135, 139 of the three sections may extend in a plane and the second side edges 133, 137, 141 may extend in a plane, the two planes being oriented essentially parallel to each other.

[0332] FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the first container 9, in which one and the same opening 117 serves to receive the powder detergent into the first container 9 and to remove the powder detergent from the first container 9. In this case, the opening corresponds to the outlet opening 117, so that the first container 9 does not comprise a separately formed inlet or inlet opening. The powder detergent is first received into the first container 9 through the outlet 113 or outlet opening 117, and the outlet 113 is thereafter connected to the dosing device 29. In particular, after receiving the powder detergent, the outlet 117 may be connected to the inlet 63 of the dosing device 29 by means of a connecting element 149, for example an adhesive element in the form of an adhesive strip 151, or a clip 153.

[0333] Referring to FIGS. 15A to 24, the second receiving area 7 of the device 1, the second container 9, and the dosing device 29 are described in more detail.

[0334] As shown in FIG. 15A, the second receiving area 7 comprises a rear wall 157, two spaced apart side walls 159 oriented transversely to the rear wall 157, a lower limitation 161 oriented transversely to the side walls 159, and an open top 163 opposite the lower limitation 161. The second receiving area 7 for receiving the second container 11 is formed between the side walls 159. Adjoining or near to the side walls 159 is a plurality of clamping members 155 extending at least partially between a front face 159 opposite the rear wall 157 and the rear wall 165 of the second receiving area 7.

[0335] The embodiment of the second receiving area 7 shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C comprises three pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 arranged adjoining or near to the side walls 159. Each of the pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 is arranged in a plane essentially parallel to the lower limitation 161 of the second receiving region 7. The clamping elements 155 may be in the form of clamps, each two of the clamps being arranged opposite each other and in the plane parallel to the lower limitation 161 of the second receiving area 7.

[0336] A first of the clamping element pairs 167, 169, 171 is arranged as a lower clamping element pair 167 such that the clamping elements of the first, lower clamping element pair 167 have a first distance D1 to the lower limitation 161. A second of the pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 is arranged as an upper pair of clamping elements 169 such that the clamping elements of the second, upper pair of clamping elements 169 have a second distance D2 to the lower limitation 161, which is greater than the first distance D1 to the lower limitation 161. The first, lower pair of clamping elements 167 is arranged adjoining or near to the lower limitation 161 in the second receiving region 7. The second, upper pair of clamping elements 169 is arranged adjoining or near to the open top 163. Further, a third of the clamping element pairs 167, 169, 171 may be arranged as a middle clamping element pair 171 between the first clamping element pair 167 and the second clamping element pair 169 and comprise a third distance D3 from the lower limitation 161 that is greater than the first distance D1 and less than the second distance D2.

[0337] The distance or spacing of the clamping elements 155 relative to the lower limitation 161 or relative to the open top 163 is variable. In particular, the third, middle pair of clamping elements 171 is height-adjustable in that the third distance D3 is variable. This enables precise dosing of the desired amount of liquid detergent (in particular amount of liquid) for dosing detergent. However, the first, lower clamping element pair 167 and the second, upper pair clamping elements 169 can also be adjustable in height, so that the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 can be changed.

[0338] The second container 11 may be inserted into the second receiving area 7 as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, and received by the second receiving area 7 as shown in FIG. 15C. FIG. 15C shows the state of the second container 11 received in the second receiving area 7. The second container 11 is inserted into the second receiving area 7 by a essentially perpendicular movement as viewed from the lower limitation 161.

[0339] In the condition received in the second receiving area 7, the second container 11 is laterally held or clamped by three pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171. In this regard, the three pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 can assume a first position (see FIG. 15C) and a second position (not shown). In the first position, the three pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 laterally adjoining and/or contact the second container 11 such that the pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 exert pressure on opposing first and second sidewalls 173, 175 of the second container 11. In the second position, the three pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 do not abut and/or contact the second container 11 such that the pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 do not exert pressure on the side walls 173, 175 of the second container 11.

[0340] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of one of the three clamping element pairs 167, 169, 171 and the arrangement of a first clamping element 177 and a second clamping element 179 of one of the clamping element pairs 167, 169, 171 relative to each other. In the position in which the first clamping element 177 and the second clamping element 179 are arranged relative to each other, the individual clamping elements of the three pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 are also arranged relative to each other in the second receiving region 7.

[0341] Each of the clamping members 155, 177, 179 comprises a first clamping member surface 181 and a second clamping member surface 183, wherein the clamping member surfaces 181, 183 are arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinal clamping member axis 185, preferably wherein the two clamping member surfaces 181, 183 are connected by means of a third clamping member surface 186, and wherein the third clamping member surface 186 has a essentially conically shaped cross-section transverse to the longitudinal clamping member axis 185.

[0342] The first and second clamping element surfaces 181, 183 are arranged essentially parallel to each other and each extend in the direction of the longitudinal clamping element axis 185 between a first end 187 and a second end 189. The first clamping element surface 181 extends in a first plane and the second clamping element surface 183 extends in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are aligned parallel to each other and/or wherein the longitudinal clamping element axis 185 is arranged in a plane between the first and second planes. The width B of the two clamping element surfaces 181, 183, i.e., the width B of the two clamping element surfaces 181, 183 at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transverse to the longitudinal clamping element axis 185, tapers from the first end 187 toward the second end 189. Furthermore, each of the clamping elements 177, 179 comprises a connecting plate 191 arranged at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transverse to the longitudinal clamping element axis 185. The first clamping element surface 181 has a first end 187 connected to the connecting plate 191, and the second clamping element surface 183 may have a first end 187 connected to the connecting plate 191.

[0343] The connecting plate 191 can be used to connect the individual clamping elements 155, 177, 179 to the second receiving area 7, in particular to the rear wall 157 of the second receiving area 7, so that the clamping elements 155, 179, 179 extend essentially transversely to the rear wall 157 at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transversely, so that the second end 189 of the individual clamping element surfaces 181, 183 are spaced from the rear wall 157 and the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 extend adjoining or near to the side walls 173, 175 between the front 165 and the rear wall 157.

[0344] The third clamping element surface 186 extends from a first side edge 193 of the first clamping element surface 181 to a first side edge 195 of the second clamping element surface 183. The first side edges 193, 195 extend in the same plane, which extends at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably at an angle of 90°, in particular transverse to the longitudinal clamping element axis 185. The third clamping element surface 186 is arranged at an angle of 90° to the first clamping element surface 181 and to the second clamping element surface 183, and respectively at an angle of 90° to the connecting plate 191 and to the rear wall 157 of the second receiving region 7 when the connecting plate 191 is connected to the rear wall 157. Each of the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 of the individual clamping element pairs 167, 169, 171 may thus have a third clamping element surface 186, the third clamping element surfaces 181 of the individual clamping elements 155, 177, 179 of each clamping element pair 167, 169, 171 being aligned parallel to one another when the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 are connected to the rear wall 157 by means of the connecting plate 191. The connecting plate 191 comprises at least one through-hole 192 so that the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 can be connected to the rear wall 157 by means of a connecting element, for example a screw. However, it is also conceivable that the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 are not connected to the rear wall 157 by means of a connecting plate 191, however that the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 are arranged or connectable displaceably to the rear wall 157 and/or to the side walls 159 of the second receiving area 7 by means of a carriage or by means of a rail or guide rail element.

[0345] The third clamping element surface 186 may comprise a clamping element edge 197 extending essentially in the direction of the longitudinal clamping element axis 185 and between the first side edge 193 of the first clamping element surface 181 and the first side edge 195 of the second clamping element surface 183. The clamping element edge 197 extends in the same plane as the clamping element longitudinal axis 185.

[0346] The clamping elements 155, 177, 179 have an open configuration opposite the third clamping element surface 186 and as viewed transversely to the longitudinal clamping element axis 185. In other words, each of the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 comprises an inner cavity 199 limited by the three clamping element surfaces 181, 183, 186 and comprises an open side 201. However, it is also conceivable that the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 are formed without an inner cavity 199. In the state of the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 connected to the second receiving area 7, for example when the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 are connected to the rear wall 157 by means of the connecting plate 191 or when the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 are connected to the rear wall 157 and/or the side walls 159 by means of a carriage or rail or guide rail element, the open side 201 of the inner cavity 199 faces one of the two side walls 159 of the second receiving area 7. At least one of the clamping element surfaces 181, 183, 186, preferably the third clamping element surface 186, may be configured as a bearing surface, preferably a rubberized bearing surface. Preferably, each of the clamping elements 155, 177, 179 comprises a spring element (not shown). The spring element may be disposed adjacent or contiguous to the first end 187 of the first clamping element surface 181 or the second clamping element surface 183. The clamping elements 155, 177, 179 may be formed of or comprise an elastomer to provide a uniform surface pressure when the second container 11 is held or clamped by the clamping elements 155, 177, 179.

[0347] FIG. 17A and B show a possible embodiment of the second container 11 for receiving and dosing liquid detergent for dosing detergent, which is configured to be inserted and received in a device 1 for dosing detergent. The second container 11 comprises a housing 203 having an interior space 205 for receiving liquid detergent, an inlet 207 in communication with the interior space 205, and an outlet 209 in communication with the interior space 205. The housing 203 may be formed of a flexible material, such as a sheet material. Further, the inlet 207 of the second container 11 is connectable to an outlet 211 or to an outlet opening 255 of a liquid detergent reservoir 213, such that a dosage of the liquid detergent for dispensing detergent is dispensable through the outlet 209 of the second container 11.

[0348] The inlet 207 of the second container 11 comprises an inlet opening 215, preferably arranged essentially opposite the outlet 209 of the second container 11 as viewed in the direction of a longitudinal container axis 217 and/or essentially opposite an outlet opening 219 of the outlet 209 of the second container 11 as viewed in the direction of the longitudinal container axis 217.

[0349] Thus, the second container 11 comprises an inlet 207 having an inlet opening 215 and an outlet 209 having an outlet opening 219, the outlet 209 being disposed on a side opposite the inlet 207.

[0350] When the second container 11 is inserted into the second receiving area 7 by a essentially vertical movement through the open top 163, the second container 11 is received by the second receiving area 7 such that the outlet 209 is disposed in a lower region 221 of the second receiving area 7, adjoining or near to the first, lower pair of clamping members 167 and adjoining or near to the lower limitation 161. Thus, the outlet 209 of the second container 11 can be passed through the through-hole 223 in the lower limitation 161 of the second receiving region 7, preferably by a essentially perpendicular movement to the lower limitation 161 (see FIG. 18). At the same time, the inlet 207 of the second container 11 is arranged in an upper region 225 of the second receiving region 7, adjoining or near to the open top 163 and adjoining or near to the second, upper pair of clamping elements 169.

[0351] The outlet 209 of the container 11 is designed for insertion into the through-hole 223 in the lower limitation 161 of the second receiving area 7.

[0352] The outlet 209 of the second container 11 may be configured as an elongated member, for example, the outlet 209 may be tubular and extend between a first end 227 and an opposite second end 229 along a longitudinal outlet axis 231. The outlet 209 comprises an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the through-hole 223 in the lower limitation 161 of the second receiving area 7, allowing the outlet 209 of the second container 11 to pass through the through-hole 223 in the lower limitation 161 of the second receiving area 7 when the second container 11 is inserted into the second receiving area 7. The second end 229 of the outlet 209 may lie in a plane that is below the plane of the lower limitation 161 when the second container 11 is received in the second receiving region 7.

[0353] The second container 11 extends between an inlet end 233 and an opposite outlet end 235 along the longitudinal container axis 217. Adjoining or near to the inlet end 233 are the inlet opening 215 and the inlet 207. Adjoining or near to outlet end 235 are outlet 209 and outlet opening 219. The outlet longitudinal axis 231 may extend in the same plane as the container longitudinal axis 217, which corresponds essentially to a central longitudinal axis of the second container 11. However, it is also conceivable that the outlet longitudinal axis 231 extends in a plane parallel to the container longitudinal axis 217.

[0354] The second container 11 comprises a first sidewall 173 and an opposing second sidewall 175 extending essentially parallel to the plane of the longitudinal container axis 217 between the inlet end 233 and the outlet end 235. The second container 11 comprises a tapered portion 241 at least partially in the lower region adjacent the outlet end 235, wherein the periphery of the second container 11 decreases, preferably essentially conically, in the tapered portion 241 toward the outlet 209. In the tapering section 241, the distance between the first sidewall 173 and the second sidewall 175 decreases towards the outlet 209, preferably essentially conically. This enables the liquid detergent (in particular, the liquid) to be directed almost entirely from the second container 11 through the outlet 209.

[0355] The second container 11 comprises a essentially symmetrical portion 243 at least in part, wherein the periphery of the second container 11 remains the same within the essentially symmetrical portion 243, and wherein the essentially symmetrical portion 243 is spaced further from the outlet 209 of the second container 209 than the tapering portion 241.

[0356] In the essentially symmetrical section 243, the first sidewall 173 and the second sidewall 175 each extend in a plane parallel to the plane of the longitudinal container axis 217. The essentially symmetrical section 243 extends between the inlet end 233 and the tapered section 241. In the inserted or received condition of the second container 11 in the second receiving region, the clamping elements 155 of each pair of clamping elements 167, 169, 171 abut the sidewalls 173, 175 in the essentially symmetrical section 243 and apply pressure to the sidewalls 173, 175.

[0357] Preferably, the distance between the two side walls 173, 175 in the essentially symmetrical section 243 is between approximately 20 mm to 60 mm (e.g., approximately 30 mm) and/or the length of the two side walls 173, 175 175 in the essentially symmetrical section 243 is in the range of approximately 150 mm to 300 mm (e.g., approximately 220 mm).

[0358] The distance between the two sidewalls 173, 175 decreases in the tapered section 241 from approximately 20 mm to 60 mm (e.g., approximately 30 mm) toward the second end 229 of the outlet 209 to approximately 10 mm to 50 mm (e.g., approximately 20 mm). Preferably, the distance between the two sidewalls 173, 175 in the outlet (209) is approximately 10 mm to 50 mm (e.g., approximately 20 mm).

[0359] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the inlet 207 of the second container 11 is connectable to an outlet 227 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213 so that liquid detergent (in particular liquid) can be fed from the liquid detergent reservoir 213 to the interior of the second container 111 and by means of the clamping elements 155 of the individual pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171, the liquid detergent can be dosed in the desired amount necessary for dosing detergent and fed out of the second container 11 through the outlet 209. The inlet 207 of the second container 11 may be firmly connected, for example screwed or bonded, to the outlet 255 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213. However, the liquid detergent reservoir 213 may also be integral with the second container 11.

[0360] The second container 11 may comprise a essentialy horizontal plate 245 disposed adjoining or near to the inlet opening 215 and/or adjoining or near to the inlet 207 of the second container 11. The plate 245 is particularly advantageous when the liquid detergent reservoir 213 is not configured as a dimensionally stable container and/or when it is not a combination container 284 as described later with respect to FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 26. Preferably, the plate 245 is connectable to the second container 11, or the plate 245 is ffirmly connected to the second container 11, or the plate 245 is integral with the second container 11. The plate 245 or suspension tab may be firmly or releasably connectable to the upper portion adjacent the inlet end 233 of the second container 11. The plate 245 may be integrally formed with the second container 11. Preferably, the plate 245 has a surface shape essentially corresponding to the surface shape of a cross-section of the second container 11 at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably at an angle of 90°, in particular as viewed transversely to the longitudinal container axis 217 of the second container 11. In this case, the surface shape of the plate 245 is, for example, rectangular. The distance between two opposite sides of the plate is preferably equal to or greater than the distance between two opposite side surfaces, for example the distance between the first side wall 173 and the second side wall 175 of the second container 11, when the second container 11 is inserted and accepted in the second receiving area 7 or when it is filled with a liquid detergent or when a liquid detergent is received in the interior space 205 of the second container 11. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the second container 11 is received in the second receiving region 7, the plate 245 rests against the edges or edge surfaces of the open top 163 so that the plate 245 at least partially covers the open top 163, preferably completely covers the open top 163.

[0361] The plate 245 has a through hole 247, the through hole 247 preferably comprising a first flange 249 having a first peripheral wall 251, the first peripheral wall 251 at least partially surrounding the through-hole 247 and extending at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially transversely away from a first side 253 of the plate 245. The first flange 249 is configured to connect the plate 245 to the outlet 211 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213 and/or to an outlet opening 255 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213.

[0362] FIGS. 19 and 20 show an embodiment in which the first flange 249 may be connectable to the outlet 211 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213, for example, by a plug-in connection. The liquid detergent reservoir 213 is designed as a tank. Accordingly, the outer diameter of the first flange 249 or the first peripheral wall 251 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet 211 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213. Thus, the outlet 211 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213 can be easily plugged onto the first flange 249 and thus connected to the first flange 249 so that the liquid detergent can be reliably introduced into the second tank 11.

[0363] FIG. 21 shows an embodiment in which the first flange 249 is connectable to the outlet 211 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213 by a threaded connection. In this case, the liquid detergent reservoir 213 is a bottle in which liquid detergent suitable for dosing detergent is accommodated and which can be purchased, for example, in a supermarket. The first peripheral wall 251 of the first flange 249 comprises a first thread 257, wherein the first thread 257 is disposed on the inner side of the first peripheral wall 251 facing the through-hole 247 in the plate 245. The first thread 257 is configured to threadingly engage a second thread 259 on the exterior of a peripheral wall 261 of the outlet 211 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213.

[0364] The plate 245 may be connectable to the second container 11, or firmly connected to the second container 11, or integrated with the second container 11. In particular, the plate 245 may be firmly connected to or integrated with the second container 11 with a second side 262 disposed opposite the first side 253, wherein the through-hole 247 of the plate 245 is fluidly connected to the inlet 207 of the second container 11.

[0365] As shown in FIG. 21, the through hole 247 may comprise a second flange 263 having a second peripheral wall 265, the second peripheral wall 265 at least partially surrounding the through hole 247 and extending essentially transversely away from the second side 262 of the plate 245. The second flange 263 is configured to connect the plate 245 to the inlet 207 and/or to the inlet port 215 of the container 11.

[0366] The second flange 263 and the second peripheral wall 265 are disposed on the second side 262 of the plate 245 such that the second flange 263 and the second peripheral wall 265 at least partially surround the through-hole 247 of the plate 245. The second flange 263 and the second peripheral wall 265 are essentially the same as the first flange 249 and the first peripheral wall 251. The first flange 249 and the second flange 263 surround the same flange central longitudinal axis 267, which extends at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transversely to the plane of the plate 245 and/or through the through opening 247 of the plate 245. Thus, the plate 245 is connectable to the liquid detergent reservoir 213 by means of the first flange 249 and to the inlet 207 of the second container 11 by means of the second flange 263, wherein a liquid detergent reservoir central longitudinal axis 269 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213 and the container longitudinal axis 217 of the second container 11 are in the same straight line with the flange central longitudinal axis 267 when the liquid detergent reservoir 213, the plate 245 and the second container 11 are connected to each other.

[0367] FIG. 22 shows an embodiment in which the inlet 207 of the second container 11 is directly connectable to the outlet 211 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213. The liquid detergent reservoir 213 is designed such that a plate 245 is not required. The outlet 211 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213 can be connectable to the inlet 207 of the second container 11 by means of a plug-in connection or by means of a screw connection as previously described. In the embodiment example shown in FIG. 22, the inlet 207 of the second container 11 has the first thread 257 on the inner side of the inlet 207 facing the inlet opening 215, and is screw connectable to the second thread 259 on the outer side of the outlet 211 as seen relative to the outlet opening 255 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213. The liquid detergent reservoir 213 comprises a housing 271 having a top surface 273 and a bottom surface 275, the top surface 273 and the bottom surface 275 being disposed at opposite ends relative to the liquid detergent reservoir central longitudinal axis 269. The outlet 211 of the liquid detergent reservoir 213 is arranged at the underside 275, the underside 275 extending in a essentially horizontal plane, or in a plane at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular at an angle of 90°, as viewed transversely to the liquid detergent reservoir central longitudinal axis 269. By virtue of its configuration, the underside 275 performs the function of the plate 245.

[0368] As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the second container 11 comprises at least one first magnet 277, wherein the at least one first magnet 277 is preferably disposed on an outer wall 279 of the tapered portion 241 of the second container 11, and wherein the at least one first magnet 277 is connectable to at least one second magnet 281 adjoining or near to the through hole 223 in the lower limitation 161 of the second receiving region 7. The at least one second magnet 281 is disposed on an inner wall 283 of the through hole 223. The at least one first magnet 277 may comprise a first magnetic plate and a second magnetic plate arranged on opposite sides at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular transverse to the longitudinal axis 217 of the container. The at least one second magnet 281 may comprise a first magnetic contact and a second magnetic contact disposed on opposite sides of the through hole 223 on the inner wall thereof. As shown in FIG. 24, the second container 11 can be correctly received or placed in the second receiving area 7 by the magnets 277, 281 so that the liquid detergent can be fed out of the outlet 209 of the second container 11 for dosing detergent without liquid detergent reaching the housing of the second receiving area 7. Alternatively to the first magnet 277 or the second magnet 281, a metal element (or a metal plate or a metal strip) may be provided in each case.

[0369] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a combination container 284, wherein the second container 11 and the liquid detergent reservoir 213 are connected together. The second container 11 and the liquid detergent reservoir 213 may be integrally connected together as a unit, with the liquid detergent reservoir 213 and/or the second container 11 being filled with liquid detergent. In this regard, it is also conceivable that only the liquid detergent reservoir 213 is filled with liquid detergent and the second container 11 or the dispensing area is folded in and attached to the liquid detergent reservoir 213. The liquid detergent reservoir filled with liquid detergent, for example a bottle of a commercially available detergent, may be separated from the second container 11 or from the dosing bag by a clip or by an adhesive strip

[0370] However, it is also conceivable that the second container 11 and the liquid detergent reservoir 213 are initially manufactured separately and then connected together as previously described, for example by bonding, and filled with liquid detergent. The combination container 284 may also comprise a positioning and holding device 285, which are provided as an alternative to the previously described connecting plate 191 and serve a essentially similar purpose. Preferably, the positioning and retaining device 285 is formed as a clamp or a C-clamp or a C-retaining element having a C-shape. This C-clamp is arranged between the second container 11 and the liquid detergent reservoir 213, preferably at the point where the second container 11 is connected to the liquid detergent reservoir 213. The C-clamp or C-retaining element may be attached, preferably glued, for example to the bottom of the liquid detergent reservoir 213 or to the top of the second container 11.

[0371] As FIG. 26 shows, the combination container 284 can be positioned and held by means of the positioning and holding device 285 against one of the side walls 159 of the second receiving area 7, preferably in an upper region of the second receiving area 7. However, it is also conceivable that a lid with an opening is provided (not shown), by means of which the open upper side 163 of the second receiving area 7 can be closed or covered, so that the combination container 284 can be positioned and held on the lid by means of the positioning and holding device 285. In this regard, the positioning and holding device 285 may be arranged around the opening on the lid such that the positioning and holding device 285 surrounds the opening, and the second bag 11 is arranged below the lid and the liquid detergent reservoir 213 is arranged above the lid when the combination container 284 is inserted into the second receiving area 7. The positioning and retaining device 285 prevents the combination container 284, when inserted into the second receiving area 7, from sliding downwardly toward the lower limitation 161 while the liquid detergent is being emptied. Thus, it is ensured that the second container 11 can empty completely.

[0372] The previously described device 1 for dosing the detergent can be controllable or adjustable via mobile app. For example, the mobile app may be installed on a user's smartphone so that dosing can be performed by the user at the touch of a button. The dosage then depends on various laundry-specific parameters, such as the type, volume, weight and/or degree of soiling of the laundry. These laundry-specific parameters can be determined by the same mobile app, so that once the laundry-specific parameters have been determined, dosing can be easily initiated by the user. Here, the degree of soiling can be determined either via a camera in a smart device, for example a smartphone, or via a camera that is integrated in or can be coupled with a laundry basket, or via manual setting, for example by means of a button on the device. The hardness level of the water can be preset, for example in the app, and can thus be done depending on the location or geographic position of the washing machine or the device. The weight of the laundry can be determined by augmented reality or by scales.

[0373] The mobile app comprises a warning system that is designed to alert the user to a separation of laundry. In other words, if the smartphone camera detects items of laundry that should not be washed together, for example, the user is made aware of this. This can be done by a warning signal issued by the smartphone. However, it is also conceivable that a corresponding message can appear on the smartphone screen.

[0374] The mobile app can be designed to order detergent online manually or automatically. The device comprises at least one sensor by means of which the fill level of the first container and/or the second container can be detected. This is then transmitted to the app via the control unit, so that new detergent can be ordered online, for example automatically.

[0375] The weight of the laundry can be determined by a scale, for example a hanging scale or a platform scale. The scale can be connected or connectable to a laundry basket, preferably the scale is connected or connectable as a platform scale to the bottom of the laundry basket. However, it is also conceivable that the scale is integrated in a washing machine.

[0376] FIG. 27 shows an embodiment of a scale 287 connected to a laundry basket 289. The scale 287 is connected or connectable to the bottom of the laundry basket 289, so that the laundry 288 that is gradually placed in the laundry basket 289 can be measured in a simple manner. The scale 287 comprises at least one weighing cell 291, a display element 293 and/or a control element 295, which are integrated in a box 297. The box 297 is connectable or connected to the laundry basket 289, in particular to the bottom thereof, by at least two connecting elements 299. The scale 287 may further comprise a camera element (not shown) and/or a support plate 301. Thus, the scale 287 can be used to easily measure or select the weight of the laundry 288 acting on the carrier plate. At the same time, the type or material of the laundry items can be determined by means of the camera element. These laundry-specific characteristics are then transmitted by means of the control element to the app, which in turn is in communication with the control unit of the device 1 for dosing detergent. In this way, the device 1 can dose the detergent as a function of these determined values.

[0377] FIG. 28 shows a lifting system 303 for dosing liquid detergent. The at least one, second receptacle area 7 can be designed to receive this lifting system, so that the second receptacle area 7 comprises the lifting system 393 as an alternative to the clamping elements 155 or pairs of clamping elements 167, 169, 171. The lifting system 303 comprises a piston pump by means of which the liquid detergent can be dosed and is coupled to the second container 11 (not shown). The lifting system 3003 further comprises a rotating plate 305, which is driven by means of a motor 307 and can exert a pressure on a piston 309. The piston 309 is deflected or moved by the rotating plate 305, and this deflection or movement enables the liquid detergent to be pumped from the second container 11 and properly dispensed. The lifting system further comprises a sensor 311, by means of which the level of the liquid detergent in the second container 11 can be determined.

[0378] FIG. 29 shows a schematic drawing of a lifting system 303 connected to the second container 11. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the lifting system 303 is ffirmly connected to the second container 11 in that the lifting system 303 is connected, for example glued or welded, to the opening of the second container 11, for example the outlet 209 of the second container 11. The lifting system 303 is connected or connectable to a container or cup or to the detergent chamber 313 of a commercial washing machine, for example via a hose system 315. Thus, the detergent correctly dosed by means of the lifting system 303 can be filled into the container or cup or directly into the detergent chamber 313 of a commercial washing machine. The container or cup or the detergent chamber 313 is arranged in the direction of gravity below the lifting system 303 connected to the second container 11. Thereby, the lifting system 303 is arranged or positioned between the container or cup or detergent chamber 313 and the second container 11 in the direction of gravity. Thus, the detergent can be easily gravity fed from the second container 11 towards the lifting system 303 and pumped from the second container 11 into the container or cup or detergent chamber 313. The lifting system 303 comprises a piston 309 and a rotating plate 305, which is configured as an eccentric. The eccentric is mounted on a shaft, the center of which lies outside the shaft axis. In the example from FIG. 29, the piston 309 is arranged above the eccentric and its shaft axis in the direction of gravity. The eccentric is connected to the motor 307. In this way, a rotational movement 317 of the eccentric can be converted in an advantageous manner into a translational movement 319 of the piston or into the piston stroke.

[0379] FIGS. 30A to 30C show a the previously described second container 11 connected to the previously described lifting system 303.

[0380] By means of the previously described device 1 for dosing detergent, the following method can be carried out, the method comprising the following step: Dosing the detergent by means of the dosing device (29), wherein the dosing device (29) comprises a dosing setting for dosing detergent which depends on a determined weight of a laundry to be washed. Further, the method comprises the step of determining or ascertaining the weight of the laundry by means of a scale, for example a hanging scale or a platform scale. The determination or ascertainment of the weight of the laundry may be performed using a scale 287 connected or connectable to a laundry basket 289, preferably the scale 287 is a platform scale connected or connectable to the bottom of the laundry basket 289. The dosage setting for dosing detergent may further depend on a hardness level of a tap water available for washing the laundry and/or on a degree of soiling of the laundry to be washed and/or on a drum size of a washing machine.

[0381] The system as previously described comprises a device 1 for dosing detergent, in particular powder detergent and/or liquid detergent, a first container 9 for receiving and dosing powder detergent and a second container 11 for receiving and dosing liquid detergent, so that the detergent can be dosed by means of this system. For this purpose, the first container 9 is designed for receiving and dosing powder detergent and for receiving and interacting with the device 1 for dosing detergent. The second container 11 is designed for receiving and dosing liquid detergent and for receiving and interacting with the device 1. The device 1 comprises the first receiving area 5 designed to receive the first container 9 and to receive and drive the dosing device 29 connectable to the container 9. By driving the dosing device 29 by the actuating and/or driving device 39, which is arranged in the dosing device receiving area 27 within the first receiving area 5, the powder detergent and/or the liquid detergent can be dosed correctly. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises the second receiving area 7 designed to receive the second container 11. By means of the clamping elements 155, which are arranged in the second receiving area 7, the liquid detergent can be correctly dosed. With the device 1, the powder detergent from the first container 9 and the liquid detergent from the second container 11 can be correctly dosed and filled into a container or cup or directly into one of the detergent chambers of a washing machine. The device 1 thus enables a simplified and correct dosing of detergent.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0382] 1 device

[0383] 3 housing

[0384] 5 first receiving area

[0385] 7 second receiving area

[0386] 9 first container

[0387] 11 second container

[0388] 13 rear wall

[0389] 15 side wall

[0390] 17 side wall

[0391] 19 upper limitation

[0392] 21 bottom limitation

[0393] 23 open front

[0394] 25 container receiving area

[0395] 27 dosing device pickup area

[0396] 29 dosing device

[0397] 31 guide element

[0398] 33 guide element

[0399] 35 essentially parallel area of the guide elements

[0400] 37 inclined area of the guiding elements

[0401] 39 actuating and/or driving device

[0402] 41 coupling element or drive shaft

[0403] 43 holder for a dosing device

[0404] 45 longitudinal axis

[0405] 47 first horizontal surface section

[0406] 49 second horizontal surface section

[0407] 51 receptacle outlet opening

[0408] 53 plurality of ribs

[0409] 55 pair of ribs

[0410] 57 screw conveyor

[0411] 59 screw conveyor housing

[0412] 61 screw conveyor longitudinal axis

[0413] 63 inlet of the screw conveyor housing

[0414] 65 inlet opening

[0415] 67 outlet of the screw conveyor housing

[0416] 69 outlet opening

[0417] 71 first end of the screw conveyor housing

[0418] 73 second end of the screw conveyor housing

[0419] 75 flange

[0420] 77 peripheral wall

[0421] 78 first peripheral wall central longitudinal axis

[0422] 79 first contact surface

[0423] 80 second peripheral wall center longitudinal axis

[0424] 81 second contact surface

[0425] 82 drive end of the screw conveyor

[0426] 83 outer wall of the screw conveyor housing

[0427] 85 plurality of ribs

[0428] 87 first pair of limiting ribs 87

[0429] 89 second pair of limiting ribs

[0430] 91 coupling device

[0431] 93 cylindrical cavity

[0432] 95 inner wall of the cylindrical cavity

[0433] 96 outer wall of the coupling element

[0434] 97 at least one material elevation

[0435] 99 at least one material recess

[0436] 101 helically wound flights

[0437] 103 screw thread

[0438] 105 insertion element or removal element

[0439] 107 edges of the guide elements

[0440] 109 bottom

[0441] 111 housing of the first container

[0442] 112 interior space of the first container

[0443] 113 outlet

[0444] 115 inlet opening of the first container

[0445] 117 outlet opening

[0446] 119 closure element

[0447] 121 tab

[0448] 123 inner opening

[0449] 125 tapered section

[0450] 127 first essentially symmetrical section

[0451] 129 second essentially symmetrical section

[0452] 131 first side edge of the first essentially symmetrical section

[0453] 133 second side edge of first essentially symmetrical section

[0454] 135 side edge of the tapered section

[0455] 137 second side edge of the tapered section

[0456] 139 first side edge of the second essentially symmetrical section

[0457] 141 second side edge of second essentially symmetrical section

[0458] 143 plate

[0459] 145 cover

[0460] 147 flat surface

[0461] 149 connecting element

[0462] 151 adhesive strip

[0463] 153 clip

[0464] 155 Clamping elements of the side walls of the second receiving area

[0465] 157 rear wall of the second exposure area

[0466] 159 side walls

[0467] 161 lower limitiation

[0468] 163 open top

[0469] 165 front

[0470] 167 first, lower pair of clamping elements

[0471] 169 second, upper pair of clamping elements

[0472] 171 Third, middle pair of clamping elements D1 first distance D2 second distance D3 third distance

[0473] 173 first side wall of the second container

[0474] 175 second side wall of the second container

[0475] 177 first clamping element

[0476] 179 second clamping element

[0477] 181 first clamping element surface

[0478] 183 second clamping element surface

[0479] 185 clamping element longitudinal axis

[0480] 186 third clamping element surface

[0481] 187 first end of the clamping element surfaces

[0482] 189 second end of the clamping element surfaces

[0483] B width of the clamping element surfaces

[0484] 191 connecting plate

[0485] 192 through hole

[0486] 193 first side edge of the first clamping element surface

[0487] 195 first side edge of second clamping element surface

[0488] 197 clamping element edge

[0489] 199 inner cavity

[0490] 201 open side of the cavity

[0491] 203 housing of the second container

[0492] 205 interior space

[0493] 207 inlet of the second container

[0494] 209 Outlet of the second container

[0495] 211 Liquid detergent reservoir outlet

[0496] 213 Liquid detergent reservoir

[0497] 215 Inlet opening of the second tank

[0498] 217 Container longitudinal axis

[0499] 219 Outlet opening of the second tank

[0500] 221 lower area of the second recording area

[0501] 223 through-hole in the lower limitation

[0502] 225 Upper area of the second exposure area

[0503] 227 first end of the outlet of the second container

[0504] 229 second end of the outlet of the second container

[0505] 231 longitudinal outlet axis

[0506] 233 inlet end

[0507] 235 outlet end

[0508] 241 tapering section of the second container

[0509] 243 essentially symmetrical section of the second container

[0510] 245 essentially horizontal plate

[0511] 247 through hole of the plate

[0512] 249 first flange of the plate

[0513] 251 first peripheral wall of the plate

[0514] 253 first side of the plate

[0515] 255 outlet opening of the liquid detergent reservoir

[0516] 257 first thread

[0517] 259 second thread

[0518] 261 peripheral wall of the outlet of the liquid detergent reservoir

[0519] 262 second side of the plate

[0520] 263 second flange of the plate

[0521] 265 second peripheral wall of the plate

[0522] 267 flange center longitudinal axis

[0523] 269 liquid detergent reservoir central longitudinal axis

[0524] 271 housing liquid detergent reservoir

[0525] 273 top of the liquid detergent reservoir

[0526] 275 bottom of the liquid detergent reservoir

[0527] 277 at least a first magnet

[0528] 279 outer wall of the tapering section

[0529] 281 at least a second magnet

[0530] 283 inner wall of the through hole

[0531] 284 combination container or combination bag

[0532] 285 positioning and holding device

[0533] 287 scale

[0534] 289 laundry basket

[0535] 291 weighing cell

[0536] 293 display element

[0537] 295 control element

[0538] 297 box

[0539] 299 connecting element

[0540] 301 support plate

[0541] 303 lifting system

[0542] 305 rotating plate

[0543] 307 motor

[0544] 309 piston

[0545] 311 sensor

[0546] 313 detergent chamber

[0547] 315 hose system

[0548] 317 rotatory movement of the eccentric

[0549] 319 translational movement of the piston