U.S. patent application number 15/757004 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-13 for laundry product dosing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER, Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER. The applicant listed for this patent is Conopco, Inc.,d/b/a UNILEVER, Conopco, Inc.,d/b/a UNILEVER. Invention is credited to Deborah Jane COOKE, David MOORFIELD, Katharine Jane SHAW.
Application Number | 20180258575 15/757004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54072778 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180258575 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COOKE; Deborah Jane ; et
al. |
September 13, 2018 |
LAUNDRY PRODUCT DOSING DEVICE
Abstract
A laundry product dosing device (1) for placing in a washing
machine drum. Reservoir cartridges (7) configured for use with such
a device. Methods of laundering articles in a washing machine using
devices.
Inventors: |
COOKE; Deborah Jane;
(Chester, GB) ; MOORFIELD; David; (Buckley,
GB) ; SHAW; Katharine Jane; (Bebington, Wirral,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Conopco, Inc.,d/b/a UNILEVER |
Englewood Cliffs |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Conopco, Inc., d/b/a
UNILEVER
Englewood Cliffs
NJ
|
Family ID: |
54072778 |
Appl. No.: |
15/757004 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
September 1, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/070636 |
371 Date: |
March 2, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/024
20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 9, 2015 |
EP |
15184558.3 |
Claims
1. A laundry product dosing device (1) for placing in a washing
machine drum, the device comprising a sensor and a processor in
electronic communication, and a chamber (4) for housing laundry
product, the chamber (4) being sealable by a valve, the valve being
openable on receipt of a signal generated by the processor to
dispense laundry product.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to
generate a signal to dispense laundry product when conditions
indicating that a second or subsequent rinse cycle is in progress
are detected, so that laundry product is dispensed after
commencement of the second or subsequent rinse cycle.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the signal is generated in
response to the device determining that a final or penultimate
rinse cycle is in progress.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to
generate a signal to dispense laundry product when an integer
number of iterations of conditions indicating that a rinse cycle is
in progress have been detected.
5. The device claim 1, wherein the laundry product is a fabric
treatment agent, suitably a fabric conditioner.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor and processor are in
electronic communication with a pressure generating means
configured to increase the pressure of the laundry product on
receipt of a signal generated by the processor such that pressure
is exerted on the valve and the value opens.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an accelerometer or
gyrometer, and/or the processor is integral with the sensor or
integral with the valve.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is one of a plurality
of sensors, optionally wherein each sensor of the plurality of
sensors is selected from an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a
magnetometer, a thermometer, a microphone, and a conductivity
meter.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured to
receive a reservoir cartridge (7) containing laundry product, and
wherein the chamber comprises mating means to attach the reservoir
cartridge such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable by the
valve, optionally wherein the reservoir cartridge is sealed with a
frangible film which is pierced or otherwise broken on mating with
the device.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to
generate a signal to dispense laundry product when conditions
indicating that a wash cycle is in progress are detected.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a plurality
of valves, each value being openable on receipt of a specific
signal generated by the or a further processor.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the chamber is configured to
receive a plurality of reservoir cartridges, wherein the chamber
comprises a first mating means to attach a first reservoir
cartridge such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable by a first
valve; the chamber further comprising a second mating means to
attach a second reservoir cartridge such that the reservoir
cartridge is sealable by a second valve; wherein the contents of
the first reservoir are dispensable on receipt of a first signal
generated by a processor and the contents of the second reservoir
are dispensable on receipt of a second signal generated by a
processor, optionally wherein each of the plurality of reservoir
cartridges is sealed with a frangible film which is pierced or
otherwise broken on mating with the device
13. A reservoir cartridge comprising laundry product configured for
use with a device according to claim 1, optionally wherein the
reservoir cartridge is sealed with a frangible film which is
pierced or otherwise broken on mating with the device.
14. A method of laundering articles in a washing machine, the
method comprising introducing laundry product into the or a chamber
of a device according to claim 1, placing the device in a washing
machine drum with the articles, and running a wash program.
15. A method of laundering articles in a washing machine, the
method comprising the steps of: placing a device in the drum of the
washing machine, along with the articles to be laundered; and
running the wash program; wherein the device is configured to:
detect conditions indicating that a second or subsequent rinse
cycle is in progress; and dispense a fabric treatment agent when it
is determined that the washing machine is in a second or subsequent
rinse cycle.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a laundry product dosing device for
placing in a washing machine drum. The invention further relates to
use of said device in the laundering of articles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the developed and developing world, washing machines are
used for laundering articles, such as clothes and household linens.
Laundry products, including detergent and often fabric
conditioners, are added to the wash. In some cases, products are
added via a drawer in the washing machine. In other cases, products
are added directly to the drum. At its simplest, this may be
sprinkling laundry detergent flakes on top of articles to be
laundered before the wash cycle begins. However, increasingly
commonly, liquid detergents are introduced into the drum via a
dosing ball. Dosing balls are typically small plastic receptacles
into which a consumer pours a measured amount of liquid detergent
product. Dosing balls are an efficient way to introduce laundry
products such as detergents into a wash: because the product is
already within the drum, all of the product is used. Furthermore,
when a product is added via a drawer, residues may remain after the
wash. These may "carry over" into further washes, and may
contribute to a build-up of slime in the drawer and pipes.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention seeks to address some of the problems
associated with conventional dosing balls. The invention relates to
a laundry product dosing device that is sealable with a valve.
Accordingly, in contrast to the dosing balls of the prior art, the
laundry product in the laundry product dosing device of the present
invention is sealed within the device when placed inside the
washing machine drum. The device has a sensor which senses
conditions within the washing machine drum (that is, the conditions
experienced by the device). This information enables the device to
generate a signal causing the laundry product to be dispensed.
[0004] This offers, at least, two advantages over the dosing balls
of the prior art. As the laundry product in the device of the
invention is sealed when it is placed into the wash, it is not
accessible to children and pets. Potential access is a particular
concern where a laundry load is prepared in the machine, but the
cycle not started for any of a number of reasons.
[0005] Laundry products may be harmful if ingested, in contact with
the skin for prolonged periods, or if brought into contact with
mucus membranes such as eyes. The sealed nature of the device also
means that the risk of damage to clothes is reduced. With a dosing
ball as is currently used, laundry product may be spilt when the
ball is placed in the drum. This means that concentrated laundry
product may come into contact with articles without water; this is
a particular concern if a wash is delayed, for example to take
advantage of cheaper overnight electricity or if the intention is
to start the wash after a particular family activity has ended or
when the family leave the home.
[0006] Dosing device in the context of this specification refers to
a device for dispensing an amount of laundry product. In other
words, the doing device may be termed a dispensing device.
[0007] Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention relates
to a laundry product dosing device for placing in a washing
machine, the device having a sensor and a chamber for housing
laundry product, the chamber being sealable by a valve, wherein the
valve is openable on receipt of a signal.
[0008] The sensor obtains readings of the conditions inside the
drum. It will be appreciated that the conditions within the drum
will vary depending on whether or not a wash program is in
progress, and the stage or cycle of the wash program at that point.
Common cycles and stages in a wash program, and typical conditions
associated therewith, are described below. Typically, the device
will comprise a processor. This processor is configured to
interpret the measurements taken by the sensor, and generate a
signal which causes the valve to open (for example, through opening
of an electronic valve, or through increasing the pressure of the
laundry product).
[0009] Accordingly, in the first aspect the present invention may
provide a laundry product dosing device for placing in a washing
machine drum, the device comprising a sensor and a processor in
electronic communication, and a chamber for housing laundry
product, the chamber being sealable by a valve, the valve being
openable on receipt of a signal generator by the processor to
dispense laundry product.
[0010] Suitably, the device comprises a sensor, processor, and
dispensing means in electronic communication. The dispensing means
may be the valve itself (in other words, the valve may be
electronic and open on receipt of a signal to dispense laundry
product) or may be a pressure generating means configured to
increase the pressure of the laundry product such that pressure is
exerted on the valve and the value opens.
[0011] In some cases, the sensor, processor, and valve are in
electronic communication and the value is configured to open on
receipt of a signal.
[0012] In other words, the device may be a laundry product dosing
device for placing in a washing machine drum, the device comprising
a sensor, a processor, and a chamber for housing laundry product,
the chamber being sealable by a valve, wherein the sensor,
processor, and valve are in electronic communication, the valve
being openable on receipt of a signal generated by the processor to
dispense laundry product.
[0013] In some cases, the device comprises a pressure generating
means configured to increase the pressure of the laundry product
such that pressure is exerted on the valve and the value opens.
This may be, for example, a piston arrangement or a bellows system
which may primed with a spring and set in motion when it receives
the signal from the processor.
[0014] It will be appreciated that the device of the invention is
placed in a washing machine drum before a wash cycle begins. It may
be placed on top of the articles to be laundered, as is
conventional with a dosing ball, or because the laundry product is
sealed within the device at this stage, the device may simply be
"gathered up" with the articles to be laundered and placed in the
machine. In some cases, the device is suitable for use in a
domestic washing machine. Suitably, in some cases, the device is
dimensioned to be placed in the drum by hand, for example, it may
be dimensioned to sit in an adult user's hand.
[0015] The sensor determines conditions within the washing machine
drum. In other words, it may be configured to detect conditions
within the drum. The sensor may detect across a range of
conditions, detecting incremental or continuous variation, and feed
this information to the processor, or it may simply operate between
two states (a first state and second state, which may be simply on
and off).
[0016] It will be appreciated that a variety of sensors may be used
to determine conditions within the washing machine drum. The sensor
may be, without limitation, selected from an accelerometer, a
gyrometer (sometimes called a gyroscope), a magnetometer, a
thermometer, a microphone, and conductivity meter. An accelerometer
or gyrometer measures the movement and/or vibration of and within
the drum: in detail, an accelerometer measures the vibrations
experienced by the device inside the drum and a gyrometer measures
the orientation of the device with respect to gravity and the rate
of rotation of the device. A microphone may take a raw sound
recording and/or determine the noise volume within the drum.
Naturally, a thermometer measures the temperature within the drum.
A conductivity meter may be used both to determine the presence of
water, and to determine the ion content of water. This latter
determination may provide readings as to water hardness (in other
words the carbonate and bicarbonate ionic content) and the presence
of certain laundry product ingredients such as ionic surfactants. A
magnetometer measures the core magnetic field and variations in
magnetic field. This can be used to detect and/or measure the
output from the motor in the washing machine.
[0017] Preferably, the device comprises a sensor which is an
accelerometer or a gyrometer. Without limitation, the inventors
have shown that it is desirable to determine the vibration of the
drum. This represents a reliable and robust measurement for
determining the conditions in the washing machine.
[0018] Preferably, the device comprises a plurality of sensors. By
obtaining multiple lead-ins, the processor is able more accurately
to determine the conditions. Data obtained from each of the sensors
may be considered additively, or may be cross referenced. For
example, vibration above a certain threshold combined with
increasing or copious water content, and/or elevated temperatures,
may indicate a wash cycle or rinse cycle.
[0019] Similarly, high vibration, optionally with decreasing water
content, may indicate a spin cycle. It will be appreciated that
each sensor may be selected from an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a
magnetometer, a thermometer, a microphone, and a conductivity
meter. Each sensor in the device may be different, or the device
may comprise more than one sensor of a certain type. For example,
the device may comprise two accelerometers and so on.
[0020] It will be appreciated that the location of a sensor on or
within the device may be determined by the nature of the sensor.
For example, it may be preferable that a thermometer or
conductivity meter is located on the exterior of the device, as it
is here that the sensor will be in best contact with the liquid in
the drum. The device may be provided with one or more channels to
permit water ingress to the sensors, enabling the sensors to be
located at a more protected position within the drum casing.
Without limitation, an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a magnetometer,
and a microphone may be provided as part of a printed circuit board
(PCB). The printed circuit board may also serve as the processor.
Accordingly, in some cases, the processor is integral with the
sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be
integral with the valve.
[0021] Suitably, the device comprises a power source to provide
power to at least the processor. The power source may, for example,
be a windable mechanism or a battery. Preferably, it is a battery,
for example, a rechargeable battery. In some cases, the device may
comprise a power docking station to enable the device power source
to be charged without the need to remove the power source from the
device.
[0022] The device comprises a chamber for housing laundry products.
In this context, the term laundry product includes both detergent
products and fabric treatment products, as described herein.
[0023] This chamber is sealable by a valve. It will be appreciated
that laundry product is added to the chamber for use; for example,
the exterior of the chamber or a portion of the exterior of the
chamber (the chamber wall) may be detachable from the device. For
example a portion of the device may unscrew to provide an open
chamber into which laundry product is poured by the user. Mating
this with the remainder of the device forms the chamber.
[0024] Laundry product may also be introduced into the device in
the form of a reservoir cartridge. The reservoir cartridge may have
stiff walls. The reservoir cartridge may have flexible walls. It
will be appreciated that the cartridge may be configured to suit
the dispensing means used. Said reservoir cartridge may be, without
limitation, a pouch or stiff plastic container. The reservoir
cartridge is fixable in the chamber, such that the reservoir
cartridge is sealable by the valve. Suitably, therefore, the
chamber comprises mating means configured to engage with
complementary mating means on the reservoir such that, when in
place, the reservoir cartridge is held securely within the chamber
and laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or
released according to whether the valve of the device is in a
closed or open state.
[0025] In some cases, the laundry product is a detergent product or
booster that is desirably released before or during the main wash
cycle. Accordingly, the laundry product may be a detergent. The
laundry product may be a booster, for example an enzyme composition
or optical brightener. The signal to dispense the detergent or
booster may be generated by the processor when the processor
determines that the wash cycle is in progress. For example, and
without limitation, the signal may be generated when the
conductivity meter detects the first presence of water, or at a
certain time delay after water has first been detected. The
processor may generate the signal when the magnetometer first
measures output from the motor, when the magnetometer measures an
output from the motor above a certain threshold, or at a
predetermined time after said determination. The processor may
generate the signal when the thermometer detects that water is
being heated, when water temperature reaches a certain threshold,
or at a certain time interval after said determination. The
processor may generate the signal when the audio recording obtained
by the microphone can be used to determine water/agitation or at
some predetermined time after said determination. The processor may
generate the signal when an accelerometer or gyrometer first
detects rotation or reciprocation of the drum, when the rotation or
reciprocation matches a certain pattern or threshold, or at some
predetermined time interval time after said determination.
[0026] In some cases, the laundry product is a fabric treatment
agent, for example, a fabric conditioner, that is desirably
released towards the end of the wash program, for example, in the
final or penultimate rinse. Examples of other fabric treatment
agents that may be desirably released later in the wash program may
include, without limitation, UV protectors, perfumes, water
repellents, and insect repellents.
[0027] Accordingly, in some cases, the laundry product is a fabric
conditioner. In some cases, the laundry product may be a fabric
treatment agent selected from a UV protector, a perfume, a water
repellent, and an insect repellent. The signal to dispense the
product may be generated by the processor when the processor
determines a certain predetermined set of conditions has been met.
For example, and without limitation, the signal may be generated
when the device determines that the first rinse cycle is in
progress, the second rinse cycle in progress, the third rinse cycle
in progress. It will be appreciated that different machines vary in
the number of rinse cycles. It will also be appreciated a single
machine typically provides a variety of wash programs, which may
themselves comprise different numbers of rinse cycles. To optimise
the balance of machine/program compatibility and maximising fabric
conditioner or treatment agent benefits, preferably, the product is
dispensed during the second rinse cycle.
[0028] Accordingly, the device, for example, the processor, may
comprise a means for counting repetition in conditions and may be
configured to generate a signal at a subsequent instance of certain
conditions. In other words, the device, for example the processor
of the device, may be configured to detect a first rinse cycle,
then detect one or more further rinse cycles and, recognising the
pattern of repetition and the iteration number, generate a signal
to cause the valve to open, thereby dispensing laundry product.
[0029] As mentioned above, it can be desirable to release some
laundry products towards the end of the wash program. For instance,
this is the case when the laundry product is a fabric treatment
agent, for example, a fabric conditioner. Fabric treatment agents
should be used in the rinse phase. Previous devices do not enable a
stage in the wash program to be specified for the release of the
fabric treatment agent, but using the device of the present
application it is possible to release the fabric treatment agent at
a chosen stage in the rinse phase. Preferably, the fabric treatment
agent is released late on in the rinse phase of the wash program. A
typical wash program will have a rinse phase that includes one or
more rinse cycles, and frequently two or more being used. The
device is able to detect a first rinse cycle, a second and any
subsequent rinse cycles and release the fabric treatment agent
accordingly. In particular, it is preferable that the device
releases the fabric treatment agent in a second or subsequent rinse
cycle.
[0030] Accordingly, in some cases, the device may contain two or
more compositions, wherein a first composition might be a washing
composition and a second composition might be a fabric treatment
agent. The device may be configured to release the first
composition once it is determined that a first condition, or a
first set of conditions, has been met. For example, the first
condition may be that the wash phase has commenced. The device may
also be configured to release the second composition when it is
determined that a second condition, or a second set of conditions,
has been met. For example, the second condition may be that the
first rinse phase has finished or that a second or subsequent rinse
phase has commenced. The device is therefore able to be used in a
laundry machine and release laundry product, such as a fabric
treatment agent, especially a fabric conditioner, at a specific
stage in the wash program, wherein the specific stage can be chosen
to enhance the effect of the laundry product being dispensed. In
this way `targeted delivery` can be achieved.
[0031] It will be appreciated that in some cases, the device is
configured and/or used to dispense a single laundry product in a
wash.
[0032] However, the device of the present invention may be
configured to dispense more than one laundry product. Said laundry
products may be dispensed at the same point in the wash program
and, additionally or alternatively, said laundry products may be
dispensed at different points in the wash program.
[0033] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the device comprises a
plurality of valves, each valve being openable (either directly or
through exertion of pressure) on receipt of a specific signal
generated by the or a processor (suitably, a single processor is
used, but it will be appreciated that multiple processors may be
used).
[0034] Each valve may be in fluid communication with a single
chamber. In other words, the device may comprise a first chamber
sealable by a first valve and a second chamber sealable by a second
valve, wherein the first valve is openable on receipt of a first
signal generated by a processor and wherein the second valve is
openable on receipt of a second signal generated by said or a
second processor. The device may optionally comprises further
chambers and valves. The chambers may be partitioned by dividing
walls.
[0035] It will be appreciated that assorted laundry liquids may be
provided in the form of individual reservoir cartridges. For
example, in some cases the chamber is configured to receive a
plurality of reservoir cartridges, wherein the chamber comprises a
first mating means to attach a first reservoir cartridge such that
the reservoir cartridge is sealable by a first valve; the chamber
further comprising a second mating means to attach a second
reservoir cartridge such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable
by a second valve. The contents of the first reservoir may be
dispensed on receipt of a first signal generated by a processor and
the contents of the second reservoir may be dispensed on receipt of
a second signal generated by said or a second processor. For
example, the first valve may be openable on receipt of a first
signal generated by a processor and wherein the second valve may be
openable on receipt of a second signal generated by said or a
second processor. The device may optionally comprises further
mating means and valves.
[0036] Each valve is openable on receipt of a signal to dispense
the corresponding laundry product. For example, and not by way of
limitation, a first valve may be openable on receipt of signal
generated during the (first) wash cycle to dispense detergent or a
suitable booster. A second valve may be openable on receipt of
signal generated during the rinse phase (for example, on the second
rinse cycle) to dispense fabric conditioner or a fabric treatment
agent.
[0037] Naturally, three products may be dispensed. For example, two
laundry products (such as a detergent and booster) may be dispensed
in the wash cycle, while a fabric conditioner is dispensed in the
rinse phase. In some cases, more than three products, for example,
four products, or even five products, may be dispensed.
[0038] Suitably, the device is reusable. In other words, suitably
the chamber is suitable to be refilled as necessary. For example,
the device maybe used in place of a dosing ball, filled before each
wash. Alternatively, the device may be configured to last for a
plurality of washes. For example, a first chamber/reservoir may be
dispensed in a first wash, and a further chamber/reservoir
dispensed in a further wash. Alternatively or additionally, the or
each chamber may be configured to dispense only a portion of total
volume of laundry product houseable therein.
[0039] Suitably, the device is suitable for domestic use. Suitably,
the device is dimensioned and of appropriate weight to be used
one-handed (for example, it may be held in one hand while laundry
product is poured into the chamber or a cartridge is fitted with
the other hand). For example, the device may have a length of less
than 20 cm, optionally less than 15 cm. The device may weigh less
than 1 kg, for example, less than 750 g, less than 500 g, or even
lighter.
[0040] The device exterior may comprise a plastic shell, for
example a moulded plastic shell.
[0041] The device may further comprises a light, suitably visible
from the exterior of the device. Said light may illuminate to
indicate that the device is on, or ready to be used in a wash.
Suitably, the light is in electronic communication with the
processor. Preferably, the colour and/or intensity of the light
alters in response to changes in sensor readings (through a portion
or the entirety of the colour spectrum and from off to visible,
optionally variation in brightness). In other words, the colour and
or/intensity of the light may be changeable in response to a signal
generated said processor. For example, and not by way of
limitation, the light colour and/or intensity may alter to signify
the stage in the wash program (to indicate a particular cycle or
phase), to signify that the or a laundry product has been
dispensed, to indicate water temperature, or to warn that a program
is nearly complete. Additionally or alternatively, the light colour
and/or intensity may be configured to indicate which boosters or
custom option cartridges have been selected.
[0042] In a further aspect, the invention provides a reservoir
cartridge configured for use with a device according to the first
aspect. Suitably, the reservoir cartridge comprises a laundry
product as described herein. It may be sealed with a frangible film
which is pierced or otherwise broken on mating with the device such
that, when the valve opens, the reservoir cartridge dispenses
product. The film may, for example, be foil or plastics
material.
[0043] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of
laundering articles in a washing machine, the method comprising
introducing laundry product into the or a chamber of a device
according to the first aspect, placing the device in the washing
machine drum with the articles, and running a wash program.
Laundering in this context refers to both cleaning, for example,
with a detergent product and other fabric treatment (for example,
conditioning) within a washing machine.
[0044] The step of introducing laundry product may comprise opening
the chamber, pouring a liquid laundry product into the chamber,
then sealing the chamber.
[0045] The step of introducing laundry product may comprise opening
the chamber, fitting a reservoir cartridge containing laundry
product to mating means within the chamber such that the reservoir
cartridge is sealable by the or a valve, and closing the
chamber.
[0046] Optionally, more than one laundry product is introduced.
[0047] The washing machine may be a front-loading washing machine
or a top-loading washing machine. The washing machine may be a
domestic washing machine or an industrial (for example, commercial)
scale washing machine.
[0048] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of
laundering articles in a washing machine, the method comprising the
steps of: placing a device in the drum of the washing machine,
along with the articles to be laundered; and running the wash
program; wherein the device is configured to: detect conditions
indicating that a second or subsequent rinse cycle is in progress;
and dispense a fabric treatment agent when it is determined that
the washing machine is in a second or subsequent rinse cycle.
[0049] It will be appreciated that all preferences and optional
features are combinable, except where expressly stated
otherwise.
DESCRIPTION
[0050] The invention will now be described without limitation with
reference to the following diagrammatical drawings in which:
[0051] FIG. 1 shows (left hand side) a device according to the
present invention with the chamber partially open and four
reservoir cartridges in place and (right hand side) a device
according to the present invention with one reservoir cartridge not
mated within the chamber.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows data obtained by a sensor measuring
acceleration with respect to gravity in a commercial front-loading
washing machine (Miele W1714).
[0053] The device 1 as shown in FIG. 1 has a housing separable into
two parts, a base 2 and a lid 3. The base and the lid mate together
to form the exterior of the device and to define a chamber 4. The
exterior of the device is made from moulded plastics material. The
device is ovoid, the rounded shape reducing the risk of damage to
articles. The device comprises a rubberised buffer portion 5 which
may protect the device if dropped, and reduce noise and the risk of
damage during use in the drum. In the device as shown, the buffer
portion 5 is shaped to ease disengagement and engagement of the
base 2 and lid 3. A shaped recess portion 6 is provided on the base
to assist handling. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of
buffer portions (if present) and recessed portions (if present) may
be varied. Textured portions to improve grip during use may also be
provided.
[0054] The chamber 4 houses four reservoir cartridges 7a, 7b, 7c,
and 7d. Prior to use, each of these may house a laundry product.
Suitable laundry products are described herein. For example, 7a may
house a detergent composition, 7b an enzyme composition (enzymes
are not always compatible, so it is advantageous to provide them in
separate cartridges--for example, 7a may include a lipase, while
the composition of 7b may include a protease); 7c may contain a
brightener, and 7d may contain a fabric conditioner.
[0055] The reservoir cartridges 7 are quarter segment shaped in
cross section, such that they fit together snugly in the chamber,
maximising space efficiency. Naturally, the segment shape will
depend on the number of cartridges to be housed.
[0056] Each reservoir cartridge as shown in the left-hand picture
is mated within the chamber 4. For clarity, the right-hand picture
shows a reservoir cartridge 7d disengaged from the chamber housing.
In other words, the cartridge is being inserted.
[0057] The reservoir cartridges mate with the chamber by
complementary mating means (not shown). The chamber bottom
comprises four valves (not shown). Each valve is provided along a
conduit between the chamber and exterior of the device.
[0058] Each reservoir cartridge mates with the chamber mating means
such that it is sealable by the valve. At this stage, each valve is
in its closed state. Suitable mating means are apparent to the
skilled person, but include a push-lock fitting (for example, the
chamber may comprise a recess into which a portion of the reservoir
is inserted snugly--a rim or other protrusion(s) may be provided to
result in audible or tactile feedback.
[0059] The reservoir cartridges have an aperture frangibly sealed
with a foil film or similar. This film is broken when the cartridge
mates with the device. The respective valve then seals the
reservoir.
[0060] Accordingly, to use, the user selects appropriate cartridges
for the articles and degree and nature of soiling, inserts them
into the chamber as described, and replaces the lid 3. The device
is then placed in the drum with the articles. The wash program may
be started immediately, or may be delayed.
[0061] The device comprises at least one sensor and a processor
located in the base 2. The device further comprises a power source,
for example a battery which may be conventional, disposable
battery, or a rechargeable battery. When the wash cycle begins, the
sensor(s) gather data concerning the conditions in the drum. These
data are relayed to the processor. The processor is programmed to
open each of the valves (by sending a "dispense" signal to said
valve) under certain predetermined conditions, which may include
assessing repetition of certain conditions (for example, detecting
a second rinse cycle). When a valve opens, the content of the
reservoir cartridge is dispensed into the water/wash liquor.
[0062] Variations will be apparent to one of skill in the art. For
example, in a further embodiment, the valve is not
electronically-controlled. Instead, it is non-drip valve, for
example, a non-drip silicone valve. The device comprises a pressure
generating means configured to increase the pressure of the laundry
product such that pressure is exerted on the valve and the value
opens. For example, the device may comprise a bellows or
piston.
Sensors in Operation
[0063] The following data show how sensors located in a device
according to the invention gather data, and the processing of said
data to generate the "dispense" signal.
[0064] In one example a sensor measuring acceleration with respect
to gravity was used to measure the conditions within a commercial
front-loading washing machine (Miele W1714) (FIG. 2). The sensor
was contained within a protective casing and used with a model wash
load totaling 1.5 kg fabric. Once the sensor was placed within the
machine and a wash cycle initiated (30.degree. C. cotton cycle) the
data profile shown was collected over the first two minutes. The
pattern and values of signals measured by the sensor and processor
can be used to determine a cycle has begun and a `dispense` signal
generated to enable dispensing of wash product.
Definitions
Wash Program
[0065] A washing machine typically has one or more programs which
the user selects to suit the articles to be laundered and the
degree of soiling. Each program is a sequence of stages with varied
conditions (duration, water/solution volume, speed, temperature).
As used herein, the word cycle refers to an individual stage and
the word program means a combination of those stages.
[0066] Typically, the stages of a wash program include:
1. a wash cycle (in which the drum is filled to a certain level and
the articles agitated in the solution, then the solution drained);
spinning may be used to aid solution removal; 2. a rinse phase (in
which the drum is filled with water to a certain level and the
articles agitated in the water, then the water drained); the rinse
phase may include one or more rinse cycles, with two or three being
frequently used; spinning may be used to aid solution/water
removal; 3. a spin cycle, in which the basket is spun rapidly with
the drain open such that remaining water, including water absorbed
within the fabric of the articles, is removed by centrifugal
force.
Laundry Product
[0067] Laundry product, as used herein, refers to compositions used
in the cleaning and related treatment of articles, typically but
not exclusively in automatic washing machines.
[0068] The laundry product may be a detergent. In other words, it
may perform some cleaning function. Detergent laundry products are
known in the art and may include surfactants, builders, and
enzymes. The laundry product may be a fabric treatment product
(agent). In this context, fabric treatment agent refers to a
product that may be used to treat or otherwise condition articles
in a washing machine. Examples may include fabric conditions, UV
protectors, water repellents, perfumes, and insect repellents.
[0069] Accordingly, a method of laundering articles, as described
herein may, but does not necessarily, include a cleaning
product.
Sensor
[0070] The sensor is an electronic sensor. It is provided in
electronic communication with the processor. Indeed, in some cases,
the sensor(s) and processor are provided as a single unit. For
example, the sensor and processor may be provided as a single
printed circuit board or similar. As will be appreciated, more than
one sensor may be present. For example, two or more sensors may be
provided as a single unit, optionally with a processor.
Processor
[0071] At its most basic, the processor obtains data from the
sensor, and is configured to generate a response to that data under
certain conditions. Where only dispensing means (for example, only
one electronic valve) is electronic communication with the
processor, the processor states may be YES NO (for example
corresponding to send a "dispense" and do not send a "dispense". It
will be appreciated that in some cases, the processor may be
configured to cross reference and interpret data from two or more
sensors. Where more than one sensor is present, each sensor may be
in electronic communication with a single processor, which sends
the signal, or different sensors may be in electronic communication
with different processors. Where more than one dispensing means
(for example, only one electronic valve) is present, different
dispensing means may be in electronic communication with different
processors. In some cases, only one processor is provided.
Suitable Valves
[0072] The valves are may be electric valves. They may also be
referred to as electronic fluid flow controllers. Suitable valves
include, without limitation, solenoid valves. The valves may be
valves that are not electronic where other dispensing means (such
as a plunger or bellows) are provided. The valves be pressure
valves, for example, a squeezy non-drip type valve, which may be
made of silicone.
[0073] It is to be understood that the examples and embodiments
described herein are for illustrative purposes and that various
modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to a
person skilled in the art and are included in the spirit and scope
of the invention and the appended claims.
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