Method for the dosing of cleaning agents

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10955823-B2
Application number	US-201716470361-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Dec 7, 2017
Priority date	Dec 21, 2016
Publication date	Mar 23, 2021
Grant date	Mar 23, 2021

Abstract

A method for the dosing of cleaning agents in cleaning machines includes the steps: receiving the control information items; wherein the control information items are dependent on an information item about a cleaning machine; determining the progress of a cleaning operation; dosing of cleaning agent depending on the received control information items and the determined progress of the cleaning operation; wherein the information item about the cleaning machine can be manually input via a user interface.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A method for dosing of cleaning agent in cleaning machines comprising the steps:
receiving control information items, wherein the control information items are dependent on an information item about a cleaning machine;
determining progress of a cleaning operation;
dosing the cleaning agent depending on the received control information items and the progress of the cleaning operation;
wherein the information item about the cleaning machine is manually received via a user interface;
wherein the information item about the cleaning machine comprises a brand name of the cleaning machine;
wherein a user profile is created based on measured values detected during a cleaning operation and the received control information items, wherein the user profile is stored on a nonvolatile memory arranged on the dosing device, and wherein the user profile is generated based on a user input provided by the user via the user interface as to a type of the user's cleaning machine;
wherein the measured variables detected during the cleaning operation and received control information items are analyzed and extended using a machine learning system comprising a processor of a dosing device; and
wherein the processor of the dosing device utilizes an autonomous, self-learning algorithm, which over time uses the information items prepared by the dosing device and related to individual washing operation of the cleaning machine, and the information items are additionally accessible from a memory or stored in a user profile, to learn a decision-making about an appropriate time and addition of suitable different cleaning substances in order to perform a cleaning optimized to circumstances pertaining to usage of the cleaning machine.

2. The method according to claim 1 ,
wherein the control information items comprise information items about a program structure of the cleaning machine.

3. The method according to claim 1 ,
wherein the information item about the cleaning machine further comprises a construction type of the cleaning machine.

4. The method according to claim 1 ,
wherein the method is implemented via a dosing device, and the control information items are stored in a memory comprising an external memory remote from the dosing device.

5. The method according to claim 4 ,
wherein a user for determining the control information items receives at least one destination address of the memory and is automatically connected to the destination address of the memory.

6. The method according to claim 4 ,
wherein the control information items are transmitted directly from the memory to the dosing device.

7. The method according to claim 1 ,
further comprising after receiving the control information items, matching real determined data with data stored in the memory for corresponding control information items.

8. A mobile dosing device for automatically dosing cleaning agents in a cleaning machine comprising:
at least one dosage chamber;
at least one sensor unit configured for the detection of measured variables;
at least one control unit configured to control the mobile dosing device;
at least one communication unit configured to receive control information items,
wherein the control information items are dependent on an information item about the cleaning machine that is manually input via a user interface;
wherein the dosing device is configured such that a dosed supply of cleaning agent is provided depending on the received control information items and a determined progress of the cleaning operation;
wherein the control unit of the mobile dosing device comprises a processor that utilizes an autonomous, self-learning algorithm, which over time uses the information items prepared by the dosing device and related to individual washing operation of the cleaning machine, and the information items are additionally accessible from a memory or stored in a user profile, to learn a decision-making about an appropriate time and addition of suitable different cleaning substances in order to perform a cleaning optimized to circumstances pertaining to usage of the cleaning machine;
wherein the user profile is created based on measured values detected during a cleaning operation and the received control information items, wherein the user profile is stored on a nonvolatile memory arranged on the dosing device, and wherein the user profile is generated based on a user input provided by the user via the user interface as to a type of the user's cleaning machine;
wherein the measured variables detected during the cleaning operation and received control information items are analyzed and extended using a machine learning system comprising a processor of a dosing device; and
wherein the processor of the dosing device utilizes an autonomous, self-learning algorithm, which over time uses the information items prepared by the dosing device and related to individual washing operation of the cleaning machine, and the information items are additionally accessible from a memory or stored in a user profile, to learn a decision-making about an appropriate time and addition of suitable different cleaning substances in order to perform a cleaning optimized to circumstances pertaining to usage of the cleaning machine.

9. The mobile dosing device according to claim 8 ,
wherein the at least one sensor unit has at least one sensor for detecting a state of a cleaning fluid selected from the group consisting of: viscosity, turbidity, pollen load, water hardness, color rinse, pH value, and odor.

10. The mobile dosing device according to claim 8 ,
wherein the communication unit is a wireless communication unit configured for wireless communication with other cleaning machines, for communication with portable user terminals, or for communication with further components of a private or public network.

11. The mobile dosing device according to claim 8 ,
wherein the dosing device has a plurality of dosing chambers formed as a structural unit or at least one electrical valve with associated control electronics.

12. The mobile dosing device according to claim 8 ,
wherein the dosing device comprises an autonomous energy conversion system, mobile power supply units, or a device for inductive and contactless transmission of electrical energy.

13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to learn decision-making about the appropriate time and addition of suitable different cleaning substances in order to perform the cleaning optimized to circumstances pertaining to usage of the cleaning machine, including energy usage by the cleaning machine.

14. The method of claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to learn decision-making about the appropriate time and addition of suitable different cleaning substances in order to perform the cleaning optimized to circumstances pertaining to usage of the cleaning machine, including cleaning by the cleaning machine.

15. The method of claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to learn decision-making about the appropriate time and addition of suitable different cleaning substances in order to perform the cleaning optimized to circumstances pertaining to usage of the cleaning machine, including noise generated by the cleaning machine.

16. The method of claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to learn decision-making about the appropriate time and addition of suitable different cleaning substances in order to perform the cleaning optimized to circumstances pertaining to usage of the cleaning machine, including each o

Assignees

• Henkel Ag & Co Kgaa

Inventors

• Kessler Arnd
• Weber Thomas
• Zipfel Johannes
• Nitsch Christian
• Zuechner Lars
• Franke Nadine
• Wawer Georg
• Mueller Alexander
• Juckel Thomas
• Arth Clemens

Classifications

• A47L15/0055 Primary

  Metering or indication of used products, e.g. type or quantity of detergent, rinse aid or salt; for measuring or controlling the product concentration · CPC title

• D06F34/22

  Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity · CPC title

• D06F2105/42

  Detergent or additive supply · CPC title

• D06F2103/20

  Washing liquid condition, e.g. turbidity · CPC title

• D06F2101/00

  User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers · CPC title