U.S. patent application number 09/969709 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-11 for smart dosing device.
Invention is credited to Owens, Grover David, Van Rompuy, Tanya Cecile Corneel, Vandecappelle, Pedro Vincent, Varlet, Jean-Luc Andre Patrick, Wouwer, Chris Van Den.
Application Number | 20020088502 09/969709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25515886 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020088502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Van Rompuy, Tanya Cecile Corneel ;
et al. |
July 11, 2002 |
Smart dosing device
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a portable, self-contained,
device for dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into an
appliance for treating laundry or dishes, said device comprising a
housing with at least one openable compartment for containing said
at least one product, said device comprising at least one means for
storing energy and releasing it, such that said product is released
at one or more predetermined point(s) in time during the wash
cycle.
Inventors: |
Van Rompuy, Tanya Cecile
Corneel; (Surrey, BE) ; Wouwer, Chris Van Den;
(Borgerhout, BE) ; Owens, Grover David;
(Fairfield, OH) ; Vandecappelle, Pedro Vincent;
(Izegem/West-Vlaanderen, BE) ; Varlet, Jean-Luc Andre
Patrick; (Bruxelles, BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
25515886 |
Appl. No.: |
09/969709 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 33/37 20200201;
A47L 15/4454 20130101; A47L 2401/30 20130101; A47L 15/006 20130101;
A47L 2501/07 20130101; D06F 39/024 20130101; A47L 2401/12 20130101;
A47L 15/4463 20130101; A47L 2401/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/1 |
International
Class: |
B65B 003/04; B65B
001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 4, 2000 |
US |
PCT/US00/27322 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable, self-contained, device (1) for dosing and/or
dispensing at least one product, preferably a liquid product, into
an appliance for treating laundry or dishes, said device (1)
comprising a housing with at least one openable compartment (14)
for containing said at least one product, said device comprising at
least one means for storing energy (25) and releasing it, such that
said product is released at one or more predetermined point(s) in
time during the wash cycle, and wherein said at least one
compartment (14) is reclosable in such a way that the compartment's
contents is not contaminated by an external medium.
2. A device (1) according to claim 1, wherein one means (25) to
store and release energy is achieved by an electrical battery
(25).
3. A device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said electrical
battery (25) is rechargeable.
4. A device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the battery (25) is
integrated to said at least one compartment (14).
5. A device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said means to ensure
that the compartment's contents is not contaminated by an external
medium is achieved by a one-way valve (15) which allows products to
flow outside but avoids contamination of the interior of said
compartment (14) from an outside medium.
6. A device (1) according to claim 5, wherein said one-way valve
(15) is an elastomeric slit valve.
7. A device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said product is
released by means of a pump (17) which takes one dose of product at
a time from the compartment (14), and releases it outside the
device (1).
8. A device (1) according to claim 1, which comprises at least one
sensor (16), so as to analyze the composition of the environment of
said device and open said compartment (14) at the right time during
a wash cycle.
9. A device (1) according to claim 1, which is rechargeable via a
refill container (12) removable from the compartment (14).
10. A device (1) according to claim 9, wherein said refill
container (12) comprises at least one dose of product
11. A device (1) according to claim 10, wherein said refill
container (12) comprises at least two doses of product.
12. A device (1) according to claim 10, wherein said refill
container (12) comprises at least five doses of product.
13. A device (1) according to claim 10, wherein said refill
container (12) comprises at least ten doses of product.
14. A process of dosing and dispensing at least one product into an
appliance for treating laundry or dishes, by using a device (1)
according to claim 1, the process comprising the steps of: (i)
filling said device (1) with said at least one product, or
alternatively inserting at least one product refill (or cartridge)
(12) into said device; (ii) optionally manually closing said
device; (iii) placing said device within said appliance together
with the laundry or dishes items to be treated, and start said
appliance for a treatment cycle; (iv) optionally taking said device
out of said appliance together with the laundry or dishes, once
they have been treated.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to devices for dosing
treatment compositions to be released into a medium, in particular
those required for use in fabric and home care.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dosing devices for dosing treatment compositions in a dish
or laundry washing machine are representative of the various dosing
devices to which the present invention can apply. Typically, such
dosing devices comprise at least one compartment which is filled
with product by the consumer, and at least one opening which is
such that said product is mixed with wash water during a wash
cycle. Such dosing devices are interesting because the compartment
is usually designed such that it contains substantially the amount
of product necessary for one wash cycle. So the dosing device
allows for dosing and direct release of the product onto the items
to be treated. Such dosing devices are usually re-usable.
[0003] A lot of improvements have been brought to dosing devices
through the years, all directed to a better dosing and/or release
of the product during the wash. Especially, it was seen as an
important feature that the release of the product may be delayed,
for example till the last phase of the wash cycle.
[0004] Some dosing devices comprise more than one compartment.
Typically this type of devices are used for products that are
incompatible, but which must be added in the same wash water, for
example in EP.0.236136 A1 to Unilever.
[0005] Some other devices comprise a means for releasing their
contents progressively during the wash cycle, or even at some point
in time during the wash, for example at the spin drying phase or
during the last rinse. In case the release needs to be progressive,
the device comprises for example vents shaped as restricted
openings, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,872 to Procter and
Gamble. In case the release needs to be delayed in the wash cycle,
the device comprises mechanical means, for example it uses
temperature of the wash water, and the difference of retraction
properties of its constitutive materials: for example U.S. Pat. No.
5,768,918 discloses a device comprising a main compartment and a
cover to releasably close said compartment, both made out of two
different materials. Before the wash, the user fills the device and
closes the compartment with the cover. During the wash, at the time
the temperature of the wash water changes, typically during the
last rinse, the retraction of the cover is more important than the
retraction of the compartment's material, such that said cover
slides open from said compartment, thereby releasing the contents.
Another means used for release product at one point in time during
the wash is the use of the centrifugal force at the time of the
spin drying, in the case of laundry machines. Devices using a
compartment releasably closed with a cover that is closed by the
user before the wash and then opened by the centrifugal force is
for example disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,391 to Procter and
Gamble.
[0006] Other embodiments were found to improve the release of the
product at one point in time during the wash, for example the use
of porous membranes, for example as disclosed in EP.0.236136
A1.
[0007] The dosing devices which can be found in the art solve some
issues. However, it appears that in some cases, the conditions in
the wash water change from one wash cycle to another, when using
the same washing machine. Such conditions depend on the amount of
items to be washed, the nature and amount of product that is used,
the water hardness, and other parameters. So one main disadvantage
is that release of the product cannot be pre-determined, but
depends only on wash water characteristics, which are likely to
vary from one wash cycle to another.
[0008] In addition, it has been found that it can be fastidious to
refill a dosing device at each new wash cycle, so there is a need
for a device that contains several doses and so which is meant to
be used along several wash cycles without the need for external
intervention, for instance to refill it. In such dosing devices
containing several doses, it is important however that the product
contained therein is not contaminated by the wash liquor or any
other type of media during storage, but also while the product is
being released.
[0009] It is therefore one main object of the present invention to
provide with a dosing and dispensing device for detergent
compositions which is portable and self contained, so that it can
be used for in-house applications, which comprises a means to
release the device's contents at a predetermined moment of the wash
cycle. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a device that allows to release products that could not be
released by a washing machine.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
dosing and dispensing device for detergent compositions, which
prevents contamination of the product stored inside by any type of
outside media, especially while said product is being released.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a self-contained dosing device that comprises at least one
compartment for containing several doses of product(s) to be
dispensed during a wash cycle, and said device further comprises a
means to warn the user that time has come to refill said device
with product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is directed to a portable,
self-contained, device for dosing and/or dispensing at least one
product into an appliance for treating laundry or dishes, said
device comprising a housing with at least one openable compartment
for containing said at least one product, said device comprising at
least one means for storing energy and releasing it, such that said
product is released at one or more predetermined point(s) in time
during the wash cycle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the components of a
dosing device according to the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the embodiment of a
device of the invention where the one-way dispensing of product is
achieved by a rotating wheel.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the
embodiment of a dosing device that is placed into a dishwasher, and
is activated by a remote relay device that is placed onto the
detergent compartment door of the dishwasher.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] As per FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a dosing device (1) is provided.
While the device (1) of the present invention can be used with
various types of automatic washing machines, it is primarily and
preferably intended for use in automatic dishwashers.
[0018] Said device (1) comprises a housing (10) with at least one
refill opening (11). It is an essential feature of the device
according to the present invention that it cannot be contaminated
by an outside medium (liquid or solid), especially at the time its
contents is released inside the washing machine.
[0019] While the dosing device (1) can have any suitable shape, in
one embodiment it comprises a parallelepipedic housing (10) divided
into at least two different compartments, one being a product
compartment (14) for containing at least one product to be
released, or alternatively, to place a product refill container,
and the other compartment being an electromechanical compartment
(13) containing the power supply, at least one sensor (16), a pump
system (17), and a microchip (18) for driving a logic control
program.
[0020] In a first and highly preferred embodiment of the device (1)
of the present invention, in addition to the one-way opening system
(15), preferably achieved by a one-way valve (15), the device (1)
also comprises a pump system. The pump system can comprise one or
several pumps, which can be of any suitable type, such as gear
pumps, piston pumps, peristaltic pumps and the like. In a second
embodiment of a device according to the present invention, the
one-way dispensing is achieved by a rotary wheel (19) with
compartments, as shown in FIG. 2. The wheel (19) is divided into
compartments, each capable of containing a dose of product. Walls
delimit each compartment. In its normal position, the wheel is
oriented such that the walls of the open compartment (20) (i.e. the
compartment that is oriented towards the outside of the device)
sealingly close the device (the seal between the device's walls and
the wheel's walls can be achieved by any suitable means, for
example rubber lips), such that the interior of the device is
protected against any water, or other fluid, splashes. At any time,
the compartment (21) preceding the open compartment (20) is filled
with a dose of product. When the device is activated and is to
release a dose of product contained therein, the wheel rotates, to
place the compartment (21) in front of the device's opening, such
that the dose of product contained therein is released.
[0021] The dosing device (1) according to the present invention is
primarily suitable for dosing any type of product that is used for
treatment of items. Preferably it is for dosing products for use in
fabric or dish care, more preferably detergent compositions, for
example for use in dish care. Products suitable for use with the
dosing device (1) of the present invention include but are not
limited to: laundry detergents and additives, bleach-based
products, hypochlorite-based products, dishwashing compositions,
perfumes, malodor removal compositions, fabric softeners,
disinfectant, easy ironing, detergent boosters (enzymes) . . . .
The dosing device (1) of the present invention can have various
uses that require release of treatment product into a medium, at
one time or sequentially. Such uses include but are not limited to:
dish-washing, hot air drying of fabrics or the like, release of
body care products in a bathtub, release of shower gel or shampoo,
release of light duty liquids in the sink for assisting hand dish
washing, release of cleaning or perfuming products in the tank of
toilets, etc . . . . In the following description, and for the sake
of clarity, the example will be given of application of the dosing
device (1) for treatment of cutlery or dishes in an automatic
dishwashing machine.
[0022] By dosing device (1), it is meant a device with which it is
possible to measure the right amount of product to be released
during a wash cycle, depending on the wash conditions, including
but not limited to the amount of items to be washed, the
composition of the washing environment (for instance the wash
water), the nature of the product which is used for the wash.
[0023] In a first embodiment, where the device's compartment(s)
is/are refillable, the dosing is made by the user her/himself. This
is done by using the size of the device's compartment to measure
the right amount of product to be released in the wash. In this
case, the device comprises a means, for example dosing line-up
marks, that will help the user chose the right amount of product to
fill in.
[0024] In a second and preferred embodiment, the user introduces a
cartridge (12) of product into the compartment (14) of the dosing
device (1), said cartridge (12) containing a predetermined amount
of product, e.g. for one or several wash(es). In such an
embodiment, the housing of the device comprises at least one
portion (23) with a protrusion or a recess, that is to match at
least one corresponding recess or protrusion (22) of the refill
container--or cartridge--. Such a system ensures that the refill
container cannot be wrongly inserted into the housing of the
device. The dosing is done by the device itself, which is
constructed so that one dose of product is measured, pumped, and
released by the device during a wash cycle, depending on certain
wash conditions. In this case, the compartment does not comprise
line-up marks. During the wash, the dosing device (1) first pumps
and releases a given amount of product, then senses when the
concentration of product is sufficient and stops pumping to prevent
over-dosing of the product. In this case, the concentration sensing
is done by checking one component that is a characteristic of the
product to be released, for example, the level of chlorine bleach
can be sensed, in case the product to be released is bleach. The
skilled person will be able to determine which compound must be
sensed, depending on which product is released. Of course, a
corresponding and suitable sensor (16) must be integrated to the
dosing device (1) in this case, and the control logic program must
be adapted accordingly.
[0025] When closed, the dosing device (1) can be of any suitable
shape, for example cubic or spherical, or with a plate-like shape
that can fit in the bottom rack of a dishwasher, and preferably it
is designed such that once closed and ready to be placed in a
washing machine, its overall surface is as smooth as possible, so
that no sharp protrusion can damage the items that are being
treated. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic components of
the dosing device (1), which are the heaviest part of said device
are located in the bottom portion of said device, so that when the
device is put on a flat surface, it always stays in the upright
position, or at least so that it stability is increased.
[0026] The materials used for the housing (10) might be of any
type, and said housing may be made out of one single or several
materials. Preferred materials for the housing (10) are synthetic
materials, for example plastic or rubber, so as to resist to
liquids and/or to temperature variations.
[0027] It is an essential feature of the device of the present
invention that, once closed, it be liquid-tight--by liquid tight,
it is meant that no external medium can contaminate the inside of
the device--. Of course, all materials constitutive of the dosing
device (1) will be chosen such that they resist to the conditions
of use. Preferably, they are heat resistant so as to be used in the
tumble of a clothes hot air dryer without damage, or into a
dishwashing machine. Example of hard materials include but are not
limited to polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), copolymers of
butadiene and styrene, and the like. Also the device (1) is heat
insulated, so that any composition contained therein, that
comprises heat-sensitive ingredients such as enzymes, is not
damaged, for example by hot wash water, or by the drying step at
the end of a dishwasher cycle.
[0028] The housing (10) is preferably made by injection molding. In
case it is made out of more than one material, co-injection molding
process will be preferred, where applicable, since it is less
expensive than molding several insert portions separately and then
assemble them. For instance, co-injection molding can be used for
the housing (10), to make it out of hard plastic, with some
portions out of a non-slipping rubber material. It is preferred
that at least some portions of the dosing device's outer surface
are made out of a rubber like material, which will help to prevent
noise from tumbling and knocking with other items in the
dishwasher. Alternatively, in one embodiment of this invention, the
dosing device (1) can be secured to the walls of the washing
machine's drum, for example by means of a magnet. In this way, the
noise due to the tumbling of said dosing device (1) inside the drum
during the wash is canceled, or at least substantially reduced.
[0029] Alternatively, a rubber sleeve is fitted around the device's
main body.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the
present invention, and especially in case the device is to contain
and dispense heat-sensitive products, the housing--or at least said
product compartment--is heat-insulated. Indeed, the use of a
dispensing device that contains several doses of product to be
dispensed over several wash cycles can expose the contents to
degradation due primarily to the high temperatures produced inside
the washing machine, which can reach 70.degree. C. This is
especially true for products that are exposed several times to the
high temperatures, and also degradation can occur to products that
contain heat-sensitive ingredients, such as enzymes, surfactants,
bleach, solvents, etc . . . . The heat protection (24) can be built
in the device's compartment, or compartment holder (in case the
device is to contain refills), by means of a double wall where
insulation material (24) is placed between inside and outside
walls. The insulation material can be EPS (expanded polystyrene),
phase change materials that use the characteristic of constant
temperature during a physical phase change--solid to liquid or
liquid to gas phase change--and the heat required to change phase
as an insulation material, heat pumps, or any other insulation
material known in the art. The skilled person will be able to
calculate the right amount and location of insulation, depending on
what is to be placed into the device. For example, in case the
device is to release enzyme-containing composition, the temperature
inside the product compartment should always stay below 25.degree.
C. Depending on the configuration of the dispensing device, the
entire device housing can be insulated, or alternatively, only the
device's compartment can be insulated, or merely the product refill
(in case the device is recharged in product via refill cartridges)
can be insulated.
[0031] It is an essential feature of the dosing device (1) of the
present invention that it comprises at least one means for storing
energy (25) and releasing it, such that the contents of said dosing
device (1) is released at a given predetermined time during a wash
cycle. It is highly preferred that the dosing device (1) also
comprises at least one sensor (16) which is linked to the means, to
determine when the environment, for example the wash water,
requires that the product be pumped within the device and released.
Finally, the dosing device (1) further comprises a microchip (18)
that monitors the data received from the sensors (16), and gives a
signal to the actuator (17) to release said product at the right
time during the wash cycle.
[0032] It is also an essential feature of the dosing device (1) of
the present invention that it be portable, that is to say that it
is not too bulky and heavy and can easily be handheld and
manipulated by a user for in-house usage. Its dimensions must be
such that it can be put into the drum of an automatic washing
machine, or clothes hot air dryer, or into a dishwasher.
Preferably, its greatest outer dimension does not exceed 30 cm.
Also preferably, its overall weight does not exceed 5 kg when
empty, more preferably, it does not exceed 2.5 kg when empty, even
more preferably its weight is not more than 1 kg when empty.
[0033] Finally, it is an essential feature of the dosing device (1)
of the present invention that it be self-contained. By
self-contained, it is meant that the dosing device (1), once filled
with product and closed, can work independently from any other
device. Particularly, it comprises its own power source, and all
means necessary for it to determine properly the right time its
contents needs to be released, only by sensing its external
environment. In one alternative, the power is transmitted via a
coil transmitter, which receives electricity via a remote
generator.
[0034] Dosing devices according to the present invention need to be
activated at the start of a wash cycle, so that they can detect the
wash conditions into the washing machine, then dose their contents
and release it into the wash liquor at the right time, and in the
right amount. In a first embodiment, the device is manually
activated by the user at the start of each wash cycle. In this
case, the device comprises a on/off button that is activated by the
user, prior to closing the washing machine's door. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the device is activated by the
washing machine at the start of the washing cycle. In this case,
the washing machine, and the device are linked via two RF
transmitter-receivers. At the time the washing machine is
activated, the dosing device contained therein is also activated.
At the time the washing machine stops, the device is deactivated.
In another embodiment, the device is self-activated. In this case,
said device comprises a means to use the change of at least one
parameter into the washing machine to activate said device. For
example, when the temperature inside the washing machine is raised,
a bi-metal spring of the device bends and acts as a switch to
activate the device. In another example, the device is switched on
by the presence of water inside the washing machine. As soon as
water contacts two metallic plots of the device, said device is
switched on.
[0035] Yet, in another embodiment, especially in case the device of
the present invention is to be used into a dishwasher the device is
activated by a using the signal produced by the dishwasher solenoid
that activates the opening of the detergent door. Such a system
advantageously activates the device, independent of the dishwasher
type, manufacturer, or even independent of the wash cycle type that
was selected by the user. As shown in FIG. 3, a small relay device
is fastened to the dishwasher detergent compartment--for example by
means of fastening clips--, said small device comprising a copper
coil, a relay, and a light source. When the electromagnet in the
solenoid of the dishwasher compartment is activated to open the
door of said dishwasher compartment, the electric signal is picked
up by the copper coil, and then transmitted to the relay, and a
light is emitted. The dispensing device which has previously been
placed somewhere in the dishwasher comprises a optical sensor that
triggers activation of the pump, or wheel motor, in order to
dispense a dose of product. As an alternative to the light
transmission of the activation signal, the relay device and the
dispensing device can use radio frequency.
[0036] Means for storing energy
[0037] It is an essential feature of the dosing device (1) of the
present invention that it comprises at least one means for storing
energy (25) and releasing it, such that the contents of said dosing
device (1) is released at a predetermined point in time during the
wash. Preferably, said means is stored in the electromechanical
compartment (13) of the dosing device (1).
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, said means is a throwaway
battery, or rechargeable battery. More preferably, the battery is
not rechargeable, but contains sufficient energy for lasting at
least 6 months, preferably one year in normal conditions of use. By
normal conditions of use, it is meant an average of 1 to 5 uses per
week. For example, one or more AA rechargeable or disposable
batteries can be used, the batteries being housed in the device.
The voltage output of the battery is typically between 1.5 and 12
Volts, with a preferred output between 3 and 6V, for example one
DL223A 6 volt battery. A good alternative is lithium batteries
which are smaller and last longer.
[0039] In the case the device comprises rechargeable batteries, the
housing (10) can comprise a plug recess, in order for the user to
plug the dosing device (1) on the main electricity to recharge it,
or via a wireless connection.
[0040] In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the means
for storing energy (25) is a kinetic battery. The kinetic battery
comprises a rechargeable battery coupled to a mechanical movement
which transforms any movement of said battery into electricity that
can be stored. Such kinetic batteries are known, for example in the
watch industry, and the type of kinetic battery suitable for use
with the dosing device (1) according to the present invention will
be appropriately chosen by the person skilled in the art.
[0041] In a last and preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the battery is combined with a product recharge (or refill),
whatever the form of the product refill (sachet, pouch, bottle,
tank . . . etc.). The product recharge comprises electrical
contacts and pipe connections or similar, and when it is inserted
into the device (1), a connection is made, first for delivery of
cleaning composition through the pipe connections, and second, for
the power delivery through the electrical contacts.
[0042] Sensor technology
[0043] It is an essential feature of the dosing device (1) of the
present invention, that it comprises at least one sensor (16), as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. By sensor it is meant a chip or similar
electronic device which detects a stimulus in the dosing device's
environment, for example in the wash water. Preferably, the sensor
(16) is directly coupled to a microchip (18) that transforms the
stimulus into an electric impulsion that is sent to the pumping
means (17) to release the product into the wash medium in the
washing machine. The sensor (16) is housed in the electromechanical
compartment (13) of the device and secured for example with
brackets and screws. The microchip (18) which is preferably
integrated to the sensor (16) itself is an electronic circuit that
runs a basic program, so called logic control program. The logic
control program integrates different parameters of the wash which
are sensed in the medium (e.g. the wash water), and also integrates
the type of product that needs to be released, in order to
calculate at what time(s) during the wash, said products must be
released. The specific construction of the electronic circuit of
the microchip (18) will be appropriately chosen by a person skilled
in the art.
[0044] The sensor (16) structure and construction shall be adapted
to the stimulus to be detected, and the choice of the appropriate
sensor (16) construction will be easily determined by a person
skilled in the art. The dosing device (1) of the present invention
comprises at least one sensor (16), such that it can react to at
least one stimulus present in its environment. It will be
appreciated that the more stimuli said device detects, the more
accurate the product dosing and/or release will be. In the
following embodiments of the present invention, wash water in the
drum of a laundry washing machine is taken as one example of the
dosing device (1) environment, but this example shall not be meant
to restrict the scope of applications of the dosing device (1).
[0045] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the sensor
(16) reacts to pH level into the wash water. In this case, a
preferred sensor (16) is a pH sensitive electrode for delicate
measurement in the drum of the washing machine. The pH of the wash
water essentially depends on the amount and composition of the
detergent. During a wash cycle, the pH varies between the main wash
and the last rinse, typically between 8.2 and 7.2 for a liquid
detergent, and between 12 and 7 for a powder detergent, of course,
these figures depend on the water hardness.
[0046] In a second embodiment, the sensor (16) reacts to the
variation of temperature in the wash water. Typically, the wash
water temperature varies from 12.degree. C. up to 95.degree. C.,
depending on the type of wash program that is selected. The
temperature also varies during a same wash cycle. For example, some
temperature profiles show a constant temperature for a while in the
main wash, whereas with some other washing machines, the
temperature increases, shows a peak and then decreases during the
main wash. A common denominator is the decrease of temperature at
the end of the main wash. This drop of temperature at the end of
the main wash is a common feature of all brands, types, and
programs of washing machines. This drop is due to the dilution by
adding cold water and/or the purge of the main wash water (except
for cold wash programs), followed by an addition of cold water for
the first rinse. This drop can be easily identified by using a
sensor (16) that detects a variation of temperature, or the speed
of variation of temperature over a period of time. This drop of
temperature at the end of the main wash can be used for releasing
for example bleach, in the first rinse.
[0047] In a third embodiment of the dosing device (1) according to
the present invention, the sensor (16) is a conductivity analyzer.
Such a sensor analyses the concentration of detergent or another
ionic liquid solution. Such a sensor can be achieved for example by
a four contact capacitive measurement device. This enables to coat
the contacts themselves with a thin layer of non-conductive
protective material thereby removing the risk of contact
degradation through electrochemical action. It should be noted that
any measurement of ionic conductivity, such as this, should be
preferably performed using alternating signals (AC) to prevent ion
migration opposing an applied dc field. The measurement with such a
four contact sensor is done by passing an AC current, which is
measured (A), through the liquid via the two outer contacts, and
measuring the voltage (V) developed across the two inner contacts.
The conductivity of the liquid is proportional to A/V, irrespective
of the contamination between the contacts and the liquid (such a
contamination is usually due to accumulation of compounds on the
surface of the electrodes).
[0048] In another embodiment of this invention, the dosing device
(1) is coupled to a sensor (16) which is secured into the washing
machine, for example into the powder or additive drawer of the
machine, or alternatively into the pipes of the dishwasher. Said
sensor (16) is a conductivity analyzer that determines when there
is addition of water. Said conductivity sensor (16) is coupled to
the dosing device (1) by radio-frequency link. This allows
determining addition of water to the wash, even when there is
already water inside the dishwasher, and thus, it allows the dosing
device (1) to detect a new addition of water while it is already
immersed during a wash cycle. This improves the accuracy of the
dosing device (1) in determining the different steps of a wash
cycle, and thus improve the determination of the right time to
release its contents.
[0049] Yet, in another embodiment, as previously described in more
detail above, the device (1) can be activated by a relay device
(26) placed onto the dishwasher detergent compartment door (27),
that is linked to the main dispensing device by a light or RF
(radio frequency) transmission.
[0050] All the above parameters can be detected one by one, but the
device preferably combines at least two, more preferably at least
three different sensors (16), so that it can better determine the
right time for releasing its contents. Indeed, one parameter, for
example temperature may vary from a washing machine to another, and
from one program to another. It has been found that, by combining
several parameters to be detected, the determination of the steps
of a wash cycle is more accurate.
[0051] The sensors (16) as described above are used for determining
the wash conditions, and more particularly in two distinct
situations: (a) learning what are the main steps of a wash cycle,
in case the dosing device comprises a learning memory, and/or (b)
determining the wash conditions, once the dosing device knows what
are the characteristics of the wash cycles that can be selected, so
that by sensing, said dosing device detects what phase of the wash
cycle is running.
[0052] Dispensing opening of the device
[0053] It is an essential feature of the device (1) of the present
invention, that it comprises at least one dispensing opening (11)
such that the interior of said device, and especially its at least
one compartment, cannot be contaminated by an outside medium
(liquid or solid), especially at the time the contents is released
inside the washing machine.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
one-way valve closes said opening, such that no external medium
(solid or liquid) can contaminate the inside of the device (1).
Obviously, in case the pumping means is a peristaltic pump, there
is no need for additional pumps since the pump is already acting as
a valve. Said one-way valve opens only at the time the device's
contents is to be released. Preferably, the one-way valve is a
natural or synthetic elastomeric slit valve, for example a silicon
valve, whose surface is preferably concave, with the dome directed
towards the interior of the device. The portion of the slit valve's
membrane that comprises the dome is cut with at least one very fine
slit, or two very fine slits perpendicular to each other and
intersecting in each other's middle. At rest, the slit-valve is
closed and maintains a leak-tight barrier between the interior and
the exterior of the device's compartment. When a pressure is
exerted inside the device's compartment, for example by means of a
pumping means, the membrane of the slit valve is pushed outwards,
and a deformation applies to the surface of said membrane, that
opens the slits. Then, the product can flow outside of said device.
As soon as the pressure inside the device is released, said
membrane automatically comes back to its rest position, due to the
resilience of its constitutive material, and the slits close.
Furthermore, due to the concavity of the membrane, limited pressure
exerted from outside the device cannot open the slits. Thus, the
slit-valve is a one-way slit-valve.
[0055] Typically, the person skilled in the art will chose the
appropriate shape or concavity for the membrane, to ensure that a
pressure exerted for example by a water jets inside a dishwasher,
cannot open the slit-valve and contaminate the interior of the
device. To further enhance this protective effect achieved by the
concavity of the slit valve, it is preferred that said slit valve
be positioned into a recess of the device. This will for example
ensure that water jets inside a dishwasher cannot contact the
membrane of the slit-valve directly. Another means to reinforce the
one-way effect of the membrane is to limit the number and length of
the slits. Such slit valves are well know in the art, and the
skilled person will be able to appropriately chose the right
configuration for the valve, depending on the wash conditions
(temperature, viscosity of the product contained inside the device,
etc . . . ).
[0056] Compartment(s)
[0057] The main housing (10) comprises at least one product
compartment (14) for storing at least one product. Preferably, the
global containment volume is 100 ml to 31, with a 20% overfill
capacity. Preferably, all the moving parts and openings into the
compartments (for example the connections to the pumping means, or
to the exhaust pipe) are made leak-tight by means of Teflon.TM.
seals.
[0058] In addition, in case the battery is contained inside the
device itself, the housing (10) preferably also comprises a battery
door that is located at the bottom, or on a side of the dosing
device (1). This provides an access for the user to replace the
batteries in case those are not rechargeable. Said battery door is
sealed by a thermoplastic elastomer gasket, preferably a soft
SANTOPRENE.TM. elastomer gasket. Most preferably, there is no door
and the battery is sealed inside the device. While this prevents
changing the battery it gives an added level of security against
humidity. Obviously, in such a case, either the battery must have a
very long life duration, or it must be rechargeable without
directly accessing it. For example, it can be a NiCad battery that
is recharged via an induction process (similarly to electric
toothbrushes), using an electrical socket, which transmits an ac
current via an induction coiled wire, trough the surface of the
device, into the rechargeable battery. Finally, another type of
battery that does not need to be directly accessible to be
recharged, is batteries that comprise a kinetic system--the battery
is recharged each time the device is moved, by transforming the
mechanical movements into electric energy--.
[0059] In case the dosing device (1) comprises several
compartments, these compartments can each comprise a dispensing
opening with one-way dispensing valve, or alternatively, they can
be all linked to a single dispensing system via conducting pipes
that converge to the same dispensing opening--in this way, the
contents of the compartments is mixed just before being released
into the wash liquor.
[0060] Refill Indicator
[0061] Still in another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the user is warned that product needs to be added into
the device, by a refill indicator. In a first embodiment, the
refill indicator is visual. It can be achieved by a transparent
window in the device's housing and in the refill container (if
there is one), that allows the user to see what's inside the
device's compartment. Using this system, the user can visualize at
any time what amount of product is left in the device, and add some
more when necessary. The visual indicator can also be achieved by a
LED that blinks when the device runs out of product. In this
version, the device can be programmed such that the LED starts
blinking when there are at least 2 doses left in the device. This
will give more time to the user to go and purchase product refills,
and in this way, the device can never run out of product
completely.
[0062] In a second embodiment, the refill indicator is a sound
indicator that emits a sound at the start or the end of a device's
working cycle, to warn the consumer needs to be added. As for the
visual indicator, the sound signal can be given at any time when
the device starts running out of product (for example when there
are still 2 or 3 doses left in the device).
[0063] In both cases of visual or sound refill warning, if the
warning is triggered by a sensor, said sensor can detect different
parameters. For example the sensor can react to the weight of the
device's compartment. Alternatively, said sensor can detect the
presence or absence of an ingredient, and thus the level of product
inside the device's compartment, by sensing the conductivity inside
the device's compartment (like an electronic nose).
[0064] In a particularly beneficial embodiment of the present
invention, the two above described sound and visual refilling
indicators are combined.
[0065] Additional features
[0066] In one embodiment of this invention, the dosing device (1)
is equipped with a scanner which can read a bar-code onto the label
of a bottle. This allows the user to use the same dosing device (1)
to dose and dispense different types of products, which should be
released at different times during a wash cycle. In this
embodiment, the at least one sensor (16) of the dosing device (1)
contains several programs, each of which is linked to one type of
product, for instance, one program for bleach, another one for
softeners. Before the wash, the user scans the bottle, so that the
dosing device's sensor (16) recognizes the type of products and
switches to the right program of detection. Several types of
scanners can be used, for example a barcode scanner or a RFID
scanner (radiofrequency identification scanner).
[0067] In another embodiment, the dosing device (1) comprises at
least one LED which works as an electronic guardian battery load
monitor. For example, the LED blinks when the system has proper
voltage, and it is steady when the voltage is low. The LED is
mounted in the electromechanical compartment (13), and yet, is
visible on the outside of the device through a plastic light pipe.
In one embodiment, the LED gives a signal, for example by blinking,
at the end of the wash to warn the consumer that the release of
product worked well. Alternatively, the signal can be given by a
sound.
[0068] Contents
[0069] The dosing device (1) according to the present invention is
primarily suitable for dosing any type of product, preferably it is
for dosing products for use in fabric and dish care, more
preferably detergent compositions. Products suitable for use with
the dosing device (1) of the present inventions include but are not
limited to: laundry detergents and additives, bleach-based
products, hypochlorite-based products, dishwashing compositions,
perfumes, malodor removal compositions, fabric softeners . . .
.
[0070] They can be used under any suitable form, including but not
limited to: nano-components in a liquid or gel medium, granules,
liquids, solid blocks to be grated, foams, gases, aerosols, salami
to be dosed in slices, mega-pearls, etc . . . .
[0071] Control logic
[0072] Once the dosing device (1) is constructed and ready to work,
it still needs to integrate two parameters: the type of product
that will be used, and the type of wash cycle. The type of product
will determine at which phase of the wash cycle, said product will
be released. It is not a subject of the present invention to give
an exhaustive list of products that can be released by using the
dosing device (1), nor to explain at what time during a wash they
must be released. This is within the normal knowledge of a skilled
person. The determination and memorization of what product and what
wash cycle type are selected is the role of the control logic
program that is driven by the dosing device's microchip (18). The
control logic program allows to define the specific time to release
the product.
[0073] Firstly, the dosing device (1) must memorize which product
needs to be released. In one embodiment, the type of product is
integrated into the dosing device (1) by programming it. This can
be done by the user, for example by scanning the product container
label. In this case, the label comprises a bar code that is read by
the dosing device (1). In another embodiment, the dosing device (1)
is constructed to be used with only one product, so the type of
product to be used is memorized at the time the dosing device (1)
is constructed.
[0074] Secondly, the dosing device (1) must memorize which type of
wash cycle will be used, especially, what are the main phases of
the wash cycle (main wash, rinses . . . etc.). It is known that
typically, the consumers use 2 or 3 different wash program types,
as a maximum. For each of them, the overall length of the cycle,
the temperature, the number of rinses differ, but they can easily
be learnt by the dosing device (1) after a few "training" washes.
In this case, the dosing device (1) comprises a learning memory, as
described above, which learns the 3 different types of wash types
with their respective characteristics during the first washes.
[0075] Once the dosing device (1) has in memory the characteristics
of the different types of wash cycles that can be used, and the
type of product that needs to be released, it can release the
product at the right time during a wash cycle, by using the sensors
(16) who can sense and tell the dosing device (1) which type of
wash cycle was selected, and what phase of the wash cycle is
currently running. For example, enzymes can be sequentially
released, and then inhibited by a specific inhibitor during the
main wash, or a bleach can be released in the first rinse, or rinse
additives such as fabric softener, easy ironing product, color care
products can be released in the least rinse. This list of example
is not exhaustive, and it can also apply to other types of
treatments depending on the type of items to be treated
(dishwashing, hot air fabric drying, etc.)
[0076] Process of using the dosing device
[0077] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a process of dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into an
appliance for treating laundry or dishes, by using a device
according to claims 1 to 7, the process comprising the steps
of:
[0078] (i) filling said device with said at least one product, or
alternatively inserting at least one product refill (or cartridge)
into said device;
[0079] (ii) optionally manually closing said device;
[0080] (iii) placing said device within said appliance together
with the laundry or dishes items to be treated, and start said
appliance for a treatment cycle;
[0081] (iv) optionally taking said device out of said appliance
together with the laundry or dishes, once they have been
treated.
[0082] The appliances in which the dosing device (1) is used
includes but is not limited to vertical or horizontal laundry
washing machines, automatic dishwashing machines, or hot air
clothes dryers.
* * * * *