CN214655831U - Automatic dosing device and container, system and substrate processing machine comprising same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic dosing device and container for a substrate treatment composition applicable to a substrate treatment machine, such as a washing machine, and a system and substrate treatment machine comprising the same. An automatic dosing device comprising a) a body and b) a base attached thereto configured to support a container of a substrate treatment composition in an inverted position, the base comprising i) a neck extending in a longitudinal direction to receive the container and having an open end and a receiving body having a closed bottom end longitudinally opposite the open end and having an outlet, the open end having an annular rim supporting the container through which the composition can flow; ii) a penetrating member arranged in the receiving body for opening the container; and iii) a venting feature configured to place the interior of the container in fluid communication with outside air through the body when the container is supported on the base, and the body includes (i) a reservoir supporting the base and in fluid connection with the base to receive the composition from the container via the base and (ii) a delivery assembly configured to controllably deliver the composition from the reservoir to a substrate treatment machine.

Description

Automatic dosing device and container, system and substrate processing machine comprising same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an automatic dosing device, a container for use with the automatic dosing device and an automatic dosing system for the device and the container. The invention also relates to a substrate processing machine comprising said automatic dosing device or said system.

Background

Currently, with most domestic and shared washing machines, laundry compositions such as detergents require manual dosing. The amount of detergent dosed varies and is very random from user to user, which easily results in dosing too much or too little. Too much detergent will result in incomplete rinsing of the residue and affect the appearance of the laundry, while too little will not clean the laundry. Another disadvantage is that the detergent will remain in the washing machine's box or spill out during dosing, which may leave stains and negatively impact the user experience.

Often in schools or public laundries, without intelligent dosing, the user has to carry the detergent himself, which can be a burden and very inconvenient.

However, there is a need to develop an automatic dosing device by which the replacement of the substrate treatment composition is easy to handle and leakage at the time of replacement of the substrate treatment composition can be avoided. Accordingly, the present inventors have developed an automatic dosing device for a container for use with the automatic dosing device to meet such a need.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, the present invention provides an automatic dosing device (1) for a substrate treatment composition applicable to a substrate treatment machine, such as a washing machine, the automatic dosing device (1) comprising: a) a body (3), b) a base (4) connected to the body (3) configured to support a container (2) of the substrate treatment composition in an inverted position, wherein the base (4) comprises: i) a receiving body (24) extending in a longitudinal direction for receiving the neck (12) of the container (2) and having an open end (30) with an annular rim (25) for supporting the container (2) and a closed bottom end (31) opposite the open end (30) in the longitudinal direction and having an outlet (32), through which outlet (32) the substrate treatment composition can flow; ii) a through-member (21) arranged in the receiving body (24) for opening the container (2); and iii) a venting feature configured to place the interior of the container (2) in fluid communication with outside air through the body (3) when the container (2) is supported on the base (4), wherein the body (3) comprises: (I) a reservoir (5) supporting the base (4) and in fluid connection with the base (4) to receive the substrate treatment composition from the container (2) via the base (4); and

(II) a delivery assembly (6) configured to controllably deliver the substrate treatment composition from the reservoir (5) to a substrate treatment machine.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a container (2) for a substrate treatment composition for use with an automatic dosing device (1) of the invention, the container (2) comprising a substrate treatment composition in the interior of the container and a cap (13), wherein the cap comprises a through-passage (17) and a plug (18), wherein the plug (18) is removably insertable into the through-passage (17) and is inwardly releasable.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a system for automated dosing of a substrate treatment composition comprising an automated dosing device as defined above and a container.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides a substrate processing machine, such as a washing machine, comprising an automatic dosing device or system as defined above.

With such an apparatus, a container of a substrate treatment composition can be mounted directly to an automatic dosing device to be connected to a substrate treatment machine for automatic dosing of the substrate treatment composition. It eliminates the need for manual dosing by existing machines and saves time and effort for the user. Furthermore, such an automatic dosing device with a base solves any inaccuracies caused by manual dosing and avoids spillage of the substrate treatment composition. The replacement of the substrate treatment composition is easy to handle and leakage at the time of replacement of the substrate treatment composition can be avoided.

Preferably, the automatic dosing device comprises a control circuit board configured to communicate with the processing machine and to control the delivery. Preferably, the automated dosing device comprises a module configured to send and/or receive data or signals to and/or from a remote server.

The receiving body may be of any suitable shape to receive the neck of the container, but preferably the receiving body is a cylindrical body.

Preferably, the penetrating member is arranged at a bottom surface of the bottom end of the receiving body and extends therefrom in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the through-member is hollow having a base end open to the interior of the reservoir through the bottom surface, and a closed distal end, and the at least one vent hole defines a portion in a side wall of the through-member that is a venting feature. Preferably, the vent hole is closer to the open end of the receiving body than the outlet in the longitudinal direction. A pair of opposing elongated vent holes may be defined in the side wall in the longitudinal direction. The outlet may be defined in a bottom surface and/or a side surface of the receiving body. The penetrating member may be shaped as a frustum at the distal end.

The annular rim may define at least one air inlet as part of the ventilation feature for fluidly communicating the interior of the reservoir with outside air. The annular rim may taper in the longitudinal direction on the side of the bottom end and extend radially outward on the side of the open end. The annular rim may be provided with a restriction structure which cooperates with a complementary restriction structure arranged in the reservoir to restrict the base from separating from the reservoir. The receiving body and the through-penetrating member may be formed as a single piece.

The reservoir may take any form having an internal volume that receives the substrate treatment composition, but it is preferably cylindrical in shape.

In order to limit the base from falling out when the container is removed, the reservoir is preferably provided with complementary limiting features at its open end to cooperate with the limiting features of the base. Preferably, the interior of the reservoir is configured to be in fluid communication with the air inlet of the base to allow air to flow in, more preferably without any intermediate connection.

Preferably, a drain is defined at the bottom of the reservoir to connect to a dosing tube of the automatic dosing device.

Preferably, a sensor is disposed in the reservoir for sensing the level of the substrate treatment composition. More preferably, the level is below a predetermined value and the sensor is capable of sending a signal to the control circuitry to control replenishment of the substrate treatment composition.

Preferably, the delivery assembly comprises a water inlet tube to be connected to the tap. Preferably, the delivery assembly comprises a pump, more preferably a metering pump, even more preferably a two-way piston pump, most preferably a single two-way piston pump. More preferably, the delivery assembly comprises a water inlet pipe to be connected to the tap, a flow meter and a normally open solenoid valve arranged at the water inlet pipe, a dosing pipe connected at one end to the reservoir and at the other end to the water inlet pipe downstream of the solenoid valve, a pump for pumping the substrate treatment composition into the dosing pipe and a liquid outlet pipe connected to the substrate treatment machine for supplying thereto the mixed water and substrate treatment composition.

The container may take any form, but preferably it comprises a bottle body having a neck closed by a cap 13. Preferably, the bottle body is made of a rigid plastic. The plastic may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, such as Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyamide (PA), ABS, nylon, acetal, and/or polyphenylene sulfide. Preferably, the plastic comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene and/or polyethylene. More preferably, the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The volume of the container can be very large to reduce the frequency of replacement. Preferably, the volume of the container is from 100ml to 30L, more preferably from 0.5L to 10L, most preferably from 2L to 5L.

Preferably, the container comprises identification information, such as a QR code and/or a barcode.

Preferably, the through passage is formed to be penetrated by the penetrating member to release the plug in the interior of the cap when the container is inverted and mounted to the automatic dosing device.

More preferably, the plug is fastened to the annular portion by a fastening ring via a flexible tether, the through channel being formed in the annular portion, and further preferably the plug is inward from a surface of the cap with insertion in the through channel.

In this case, the treatment may include washing, treatment with a rinse additive, conditioning, softening, cleaning, stain removal, scrubbing, refreshing, freshening, bleaching, disinfecting, deodorizing, and the like.

The objects processed by the substrate processing machine may be of any suitable type, including substrates, substrate articles, garments, bedding articles, towels, and the like, as well as dishware, where "dishware" is used herein in a broad sense and includes essentially any article that may be found in a dishwashing load, including ceramic ware, glassware, plastic ware, hollow ware, and cutlery, including silverware.

The substrate treatment composition may comprise any composition or formulation in liquid or gel form designed to clean soiled materials. Such compositions may include, but are not limited to, laundry cleaning compositions, fabric softening compositions, fabric enhancing compositions, fabric freshening compositions, laundry pre-wash compositions, laundry pre-treatment compositions, laundry additives (e.g., rinse additives, laundry additives, etc.), post-rinse fabric substrate treatment compositions, dry cleaning compositions, ironing aids, dishwashing compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, and other suitable compositions that may be apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. The matrix treatment composition may also be in the form of a flowable solid, such as granules, powder, granules, and the like. Preferably, the composition comprises a laundry cleaning composition, a fabric softening composition, a fabric enhancing composition, a fabric freshening composition, a laundry sanitizing composition or mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the matrix treatment composition is a liquid or gel. Preferably, it is used at 20 ℃ for about 20s^-1Has a viscosity of at least 50 mPa-s, as measured by the relatively high shear rate of (a). This prevents the substrate treatment liquid from being too thin/diluted. Preferably, it is used at 20 ℃ for about 20s^-1The high shear viscosity of (a) does not exceed 15000 mPa-s, as this may impair the ability of any pump to function. More preferably, it is used when the temperature is 20 ℃ for about 20s^-1The high shear viscosity is in the range of 100-1000 mPas, even more preferably 150-500 mPas, most preferably 150-300 mPas, when measured at a relatively high shear rate.

Preferably, the automated dosing system comprises at least two containers. More preferably, the automated dosing system comprises at least two containers, and the substrate treating composition in each container is different.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an automated dosing system for a substrate treating composition applicable to a substrate treating machine;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic dosing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a container of the automatic dosing system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a lid of the container;

FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a base of the automatic dosing system;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the base with the cover disposed inside, showing the closure of the cover pushed open; and

fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the base and cover of fig. 8.

Detailed Description

Examples

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, an automated dosing system for a substrate treatment composition comprises an automated dosing device 1 and two containers 2 of substrate treatment composition mounted thereon. It is contemplated that the automated dosing system may be designed with one or more containers. However, it is preferred that the automated dosing system comprises at least two containers. The automatic dosing device 1 is configured to be connected to a substrate treating machine (not shown), such as a washing machine, to deliver a substrate treating composition stored in a container 2 during treatment.

As best seen in fig. 2, the automatic dosing device 1 comprises a body 3, a base 4 connected to the body 3 to receive the container 2 in an inverted position, a reservoir 5 housed in the body 3 and connected to the base 4 to receive the substrate treatment composition from the container 2 via the base 4, a delivery assembly 6 configured to deliver the substrate treatment composition from the reservoir 5 to a substrate treatment machine. Preferably, the automated dosing device comprises a control circuit board (not shown) configured to communicate with the substrate processing machine and control the delivery.

The delivery assembly 6 is schematically shown in fig. 2 and comprises a water inlet pipe 7 connected to a tap, a flow meter 8 and a normally open solenoid valve 9 arranged at the water inlet pipe 7, a dosing pipe 10 connected at one end to the reservoir 5 and at the other end to the water inlet pipe 7 downstream of the solenoid valve 9, a pump 11 for pumping the substrate treatment composition into the dosing pipe 10 and a liquid outlet pipe 42 to be connected to the substrate treatment machine for supplying thereto the mixed water and substrate treatment composition.

When the user selects the wash mode, the substrate treating machine is activated and the water inlet valve (not shown) is opened to fill with water. Once the flow meter 8 detects that the water is full, the solenoid valve 9 is closed to block the flow of water and the delivery assembly 6 starts to operate. A pump 11 pumps the substrate treatment composition from the reservoir 5 through a dosing tube 10 into the inlet tube 7 and then opens the solenoid valve 9 to allow the substrate treatment composition to be mixed with water and supplied to the substrate treatment machine to improve wash performance. A check valve (not shown) is arranged in the dosing tube 10 to prevent water from flowing into the dosing tube 10 and the reservoir 5.

In addition to communicating with the substrate processing machine, the automated dosing device 1 may also send data or signals to a remote server via a communication device such as those of the internet of things. With this configuration, a user or operator can remotely control the process.

The container 2, base 4 and reservoir 5 of the automated dosing system will be described in further detail below.

Container with a lid

Fig. 3 to 5 schematically show the container 2. Removably and fluidly connected to an automatic dosing device 1 applicable to a substrate processing machine.

The container 2 is designed for storing a substrate treatment composition. It may be provided with identifying information, such as a QR code or bar code, on its body to show what substrate treatment composition it contains. Such information can be read or scanned and sent to a substrate processing machine or server.

The container 2 may take any form, but preferably comprises a bottle body having a neck 12 closed by a cap 13, as shown in fig. 3.

The lid 13 of the container 2 may be of the screw type as shown in figure 4. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cap 13 showing the cap 13 having a central aperture 14 in its planar surface 15. The annular portion 16 stands from the periphery of the central hole 14 inward from the lid 13 so that a through passage 17 is formed inside the annular portion 16. To prevent the substrate treatment composition from flowing out of the container 2 during storage, transport or replacement of the container 2 with a new container 2, the plug 18 is configured to be removably received in the through-passage 17 to seal it. In addition, the central bore 14 may be covered from the outside by a thin seal (not shown) to limit the plug 18 from being pushed open by unintended forces applied from the outside. The thin seal can be easily peeled off when the container 2 is intentionally mounted on the automatic dosing device 1.

Referring to fig. 5, the plug 18 may be in the form of a plug insertable into the through passage 17 of the cap 13. The plug 18 is preferably formed by a bottomed receiver 19 and is configured to be pushed at the bottom 20 by a through member 21 (which will be described later) of the base 4 to exit the through passage 17. The plug 18 may be of any other shape, for example H-shaped or solid, as long as it has a surface to be pushed by the through-going member 21. To prevent any free floating in the container 2 after being pushed out, the plug 18 may be connected with a fastening ring 22 via a flexible tether 23. The fastening ring 22 is configured to fit tightly on the annular portion 16 of the cap 13. When the plug 18 is pushed away from the through-channel 17, the fastening ring 22 remains fastened to the annular portion 16 of the cover 13, so that the plug 18 will not move at will.

Base seat

Returning now to fig. 2, the base 4 is configured to sit on the reservoir 5 to support the container of substrate treatment composition 2 in an inverted position. When the container 2 is inverted and mounted on the base 4, the lid 13 is opened by the through-members 21 of the base 4 so that the substrate treatment composition flows by gravity from the container 2 to the base 4 and then into the reservoir 5.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the base 4 includes a bottomed receiver 24 extending in the longitudinal direction and a penetrating member 21 disposed in the receiver 24.

The receiving body 24 has an annular rim 25 at its open end 30 for supporting the container 2 thereon in an inverted position. The annular rim 25 preferably tapers in the longitudinal direction on the side of the bottom end 31, i.e. towards the bottom end 31 of the receiving body 24, to accommodate containers of different sizes. Optionally, the annular rim 25 extends radially outward on one side of the open end 30 (i.e., the side opposite the bottom end 31 of the receiver 24) and forms a flange 27. The form of the flange 27 is merely preferred and not essential.

Figure 6 shows that the annular rim 25 defines an air inlet 28 through which air can enter the reservoir 5 when the base 4 is mounted thereon. Although four air inlets 28 are shown, the number is not limited thereto and may be more or less. Similarly, the shape, size and location of the air inlets 28 are not limited as long as air can flow through them into the reservoir 5. The air inlet 28 forms part of a ventilation structure which allows air to flow from the outside into the container 2 so that the substrate treatment composition in the container 2 can flow out into the reservoir 5.

Preferably, the annular rim 25 is provided with a limiting feature 29 at its bottom side, as shown in fig. 7. The restraining feature 29 is intended to secure the base 4 to the reservoir 5 so that the base 4 will not be separated from the reservoir 5 when the container 2 is removed or replaced with a new container. The restraining feature 29 may be in the form of a protrusion which can engage with a complementary recess of the reservoir 5 after the base 4 has been rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as shown by the block arrow 33 in figure 6, so that the base 4 is locked relative to the reservoir. To unlock the base 4, it may simply be rotated in the opposite direction. Preferably, the two projections are arranged diagonally at the bottom side of the annular rim 25, but the number and location thereof are not limited thereto as known to those skilled in the art. It is also contemplated that the limiting feature 29 may be a recess that may mate with a complementary protrusion of the reservoir 5. Other restraining structures (e.g., snap-in and wedge-in restraining structures) are possible, so long as the base 4 can be restrained from falling out of the reservoir 5.

The receiving body 24 of the base 4 has a closed bottom end 31, which is opposite the open end 30 in the longitudinal direction. A bottom surface 26 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is defined at the bottom end 31. At least one outlet 32 is provided at the bottom end 31 through which the substrate treatment composition can flow. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, two circular and two rectangular outlets 32 (one not shown) are arranged in the bottom surface 26 at 90 degrees intervals in the circumferential direction. However, more or fewer outlets 32 having different shapes (e.g., oval, square, triangular, etc.) may be arranged, and the outlets 32 may be arranged in a different manner at locations other than the bottom surface 26, such as at a side surface of the receiving body 24.

Referring now to fig. 6, the pass-through member 21 is shown located in the receiver 24, and is preferably centrally disposed at a bottom surface 26 thereof. The penetrating member 21 is configured to open the container 2 when the container 2 is received by the base 4, and thus it is not limited to positioning as shown, but may be located at a side surface as long as it can be inserted into the container 2 to open the container.

As shown in fig. 7, the through-member 21 is provided at the base end 34 to the bottom surface 26 of the receiver 24 and extends in the longitudinal direction from the base end 34 to a distal end 35, said distal end 35 being configured to engage with the through-channel 17 of the container 2 to release the plug 18. Between the base end 34 and the distal end 35 is a side wall 36 of the through member 21. The penetrating member 21 is hollow to allow air to flow therethrough. At the base end 34, the penetrating member 21 is opened outside the base 4 through the bottom surface 26 to suck air. At least one vent hole 38 is defined in the side wall 36 to allow air to flow out into the container 2 when installed. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6 and 7, a pair of opposed elongated vents 38 are formed in the side wall 36. Thus, the penetrating member 21 is formed with an air passage to let outside air in, thereby letting the substrate treatment composition flow out of the container 2. The through-member 21 is preferably closed at the distal end 34 and forms a frustum, for example a truncated cone, for better engagement with the through-passage 17 of the container 2.

Preferably, the ventilation hole 38 is closer to the open end 30 of the receiving body 24 in the longitudinal direction than the outlet 32 at the bottom end 31. That is, there is a difference between the heights of the vent 38 and the outlet 32, so that when the container 2 is mounted on the base 4, more air can enter the container 2 to discharge more substrate treatment composition than if the vent 38 were at the same or a lower level than the outlet 32. This design may allow most or all of the substrate treatment composition to flow out and avoid waste due to residue. It is further preferred that the vent 38 begins at a location at or near the bottom surface 26 and extends completely along the side surface 36 in the longitudinal direction up to the distal end 35 to increase its surface area and height differential. Although the two vent holes 38 are shown in the drawing as being symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction, the number and positions thereof are not limited thereto.

While it is preferred that the air passages be formed inside the hollow pass-through member 21 to improve ventilation, it is also contemplated that the pass-through member 21 be formed as an elongated rod with the air passages formed around the rod to allow air to pass through. The channel may be formed by a space between adjacent ribs extending along the rod.

Preferably, the receiving body 24 and the through-member 21 are integrally formed as a single piece, for example by injection moulding.

Fig. 8 and 9 show the lid 13 and base 4 of the container 2 in a mutually mated condition, in which the plug 18 is pushed away by the through-member 21. As best seen in fig. 9, after the plug 18 is released by the through member 21, it is still connected to the cap 13 by the fastening ring 22 via the tether 23 and does not move into the container 2 to impede the flow of the matrix treatment composition.

Reservoir

Returning now to fig. 2, the reservoir 5 is configured to support the base 4 and the container 2 at its open end to receive the substrate treatment composition flowing from the container 2 through the base 4.

Although shown as cylindrical in fig. 2, the reservoir 5 may take any form having an internal volume that receives the substrate treatment composition.

In order to limit the base 4 from falling out when the container 2 is removed, the reservoir 5 is provided with a complementary limiting feature (not shown) at its open end to cooperate with the limiting feature 29 of the base 4. For example, where the restraining feature 29 of the base 4 is a protrusion, the complementary restraining feature of the reservoir 5 is a recess that receives the protrusion after the base 4 is rotated into position, and vice versa. Other features, such as snap-in or wedge-in structures, may also be employed.

The interior of the reservoir 5 is configured to be in fluid communication with the air inlet 28 of the base 4 to allow air to flow in. Preferably, the air inlet 28 of the base 4 directly faces the interior of the reservoir 5 without any intermediate connection. However, intermediate connections, such as pipes, may also be used, as known to those skilled in the art.

A sensor 39 is disposed in the reservoir 5 for sensing the level of the substrate treatment composition. If the level is below a predetermined value, the sensor 39 sends a signal to the control circuit board of the automatic dosing device 1 indicating when the substrate treating composition is replenished.

A vent 40 is defined at the bottom of the reservoir 5 to connect to the dosing tube 10 of the automatic dosing device 1. In operation, the substrate treatment composition flows into the dosing tube 10 through the discharge port 40.

The three assemblies of container 2, base 4 and reservoir 5 operate as follows.

Referring to fig. 2 and 9, before the substrate processing machine is in operation, the container 2 is inverted and mounted to the automatic dosing device 1, more precisely to the base 4 of the automatic dosing device 1, in a state in which the base 4 is locked with respect to the reservoir 5. When the container 2 is seated on the base 4, the through-member 21 penetrates into the lid 13 and forces the plug 18 upwards to clear the through-passage 17. With the ventilation features of the base 4 and the reservoir 5, air flows into the container 2 from the outside through the air inlet 28, the interior of the reservoir 5 and the air passages in the through-going member 21 in that order. With the air pressures inside and outside the container 2 balanced, the substrate treatment composition therein flows by gravity through the gap 41 (shown in fig. 9) between the penetrating member 21 and the annular portion 16 of the lid 13 into the receiving volume 24 of the base 4 and then through the outlet 32 of the base 4 into the reservoir 5 so that they are automatically dosed for subsequent processing.

Other embodiments are intentionally within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims (20)

1. An automated dosing device (1) for a substrate treatment composition applicable to a substrate treatment machine, characterized in that the automated dosing device (1) comprises:

a) a main body (3),

b) a base (4) connected to the body (3) configured to support the container (2) of the substrate treatment composition in an inverted position,

wherein the base (4) comprises:

i) a receiving body (24) extending in a longitudinal direction for receiving the neck (12) of the container (2) and having an open end (30) with an annular rim (25) for supporting the container (2) and a closed bottom end (31) opposite the open end (30) in the longitudinal direction and having an outlet (32), through which outlet (32) the substrate treatment composition can flow;

ii) a through-member (21) arranged in the receiving body (24) for opening the container (2); and

iii) a venting feature configured to place the interior of the container (2) in fluid communication with the outside air through the body (3) when the container (2) is supported on the base (4), and

wherein the body (3) comprises:

(i) a reservoir (5) supporting the base (4) and in fluid connection with the base (4) to receive the substrate treatment composition from the container (2) via the base (4); and

(ii) a delivery assembly (6) configured to controllably deliver the substrate treatment composition from the reservoir (5) to a substrate treatment machine.

2. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the through-going member (21) is provided at the bottom surface (26) at the bottom end (31) of the receiving body (24) and extends therefrom in the longitudinal direction.

3. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said through member (21) is hollow, having a base end (34) open to the interior of said reservoir (5) through a bottom surface (26), and a closed distal end (35), and at least one ventilation hole (38) defines a portion in a side wall (36) of said through member (21) as said ventilation feature.

4. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said vent hole (38) is closer to said open end (30) of said receiving body (24) than said outlet (32) in said longitudinal direction.

5. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a pair of opposite elongated ventilation holes (38) is defined in a side wall (36) in said longitudinal direction and/or said outlet (32) is defined in a bottom surface (26) and/or a side surface of said receiving body (24).

6. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said penetrating member (21) is shaped as a frustum at a distal end (35).

7. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said annular rim (25) defines at least one air inlet (28) as part of said ventilation feature for fluidly communicating the interior of said reservoir (5) with the outside air.

8. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said annular rim (25) tapers in the longitudinal direction on the side of said bottom end (31) and extends radially outwards on the side of said open end (30).

9. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said annular rim (25) is provided with a limiting structure (29) cooperating with a complementary limiting structure arranged in said reservoir (5) to limit said seat (4) from separating from said reservoir (5).

10. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said receiving body (24) and said through member (21) are formed as a single piece.

11. The automatic dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a sensor (39) is provided in the reservoir (5) for sensing the level of the substrate treatment composition therein.

12. A container (2) for a substrate treatment composition for use with an automatic dosing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the container (2) comprises a substrate treatment composition and a lid (13) inside the container, wherein the lid comprises a through-passage (17) and a plug (18), wherein the plug (18) is removably inserted into the through-passage (17) and is inwardly releasable.

13. A container according to claim 12, characterized in that the through channel (17) is formed to be penetrated by the penetrating member (21) to release the plug (18) of the interior of the cap (13) when the container (2) is inverted and mounted to the automatic dosing device (1).

14. Container according to claim 12, characterized in that the plug (18) is fastened to the ring-shaped portion (16) by means of a fastening ring (22) via a flexible tether (23), the through-passage (17) being formed in the ring-shaped portion (16).

15. A container according to claim 14, characterized in that the plug (18) is inwardly from the surface (15) of the lid (13) in the inserted condition in the through-channel (17).

16. A container (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that it is heated at 20 ℃ for 20s^-1Has a viscosity of at least 50 mPa-s, measured at a relatively high shear rate.

17. The container according to claim 16, characterized in that it is used for 20s when at 20 ℃^-1Has a shear rate of 10 when measured at a relatively high shear rateA viscosity of 0 to 1000 mPas.

18. A system for automated dosing of a substrate treatment composition, characterized by comprising an automated dosing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a container (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 17.

19. A substrate processing machine characterized by comprising an automatic dosing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a system according to claim 18.

20. The substrate processing machine of claim 19 wherein the substrate processing machine is a washing machine.

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