EP0533238A1 - Système de distribution de détergent - Google Patents

Système de distribution de détergent Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0533238A1
EP0533238A1 EP92202667A EP92202667A EP0533238A1 EP 0533238 A1 EP0533238 A1 EP 0533238A1 EP 92202667 A EP92202667 A EP 92202667A EP 92202667 A EP92202667 A EP 92202667A EP 0533238 A1 EP0533238 A1 EP 0533238A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
detergent
dispensing
supply pack
solid
dispensing system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92202667A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0533238B1 (fr
Inventor
Gerrit Klaas Bunschoten
Lambertus Gerardus P. Van Der Heyden
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Original Assignee
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever PLC, Unilever NV filed Critical Unilever PLC
Publication of EP0533238A1 publication Critical patent/EP0533238A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0533238B1 publication Critical patent/EP0533238B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4436—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants in the form of a detergent solution made by gradually dissolving a powder detergent cake or a solid detergent block
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F21/00—Dissolving
    • B01F21/20—Dissolving using flow mixing
    • B01F21/22—Dissolving using flow mixing using additional holders in conduits, containers or pools for keeping the solid material in place, e.g. supports or receptacles

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a dispensing system to be used for solid detergent products for institutional washing machines.
  • the invention also relates to a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device, which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the invention.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of dispensing a solid detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing machine.
  • US-A-4,569,781 (Ecolab) describes a detergent container for a cast detergent solid suitable for use in dishwashing machines.
  • the container contains a detergent product produced from a melt and allowed to solidify.
  • the detergent product is subsequently dissolved from the container on contact with a stream of aqueous liquid from a spray means when placed in a dispensing device.
  • the advantage of a block form detergent product and dispensing device of this type is that, with proper handling, contact with the skin is virtually eliminated. Owing to the shape thereof, however, the container described in this patent has shown to leave residues of detergent after emptying by spraying. This situation is unacceptable for economic, safety and environmental reasons.
  • Detergent residues in the container are a potential danger source to the user when a supposedly empty container is being replaced by a completely full container. Moreover, from an environmental point of view such a rigid container is less attractive because of its impact to the environment and non-collapsibility.
  • US-A-4,426,362 (Ecolab) describes a dishwasher distributor for a solid block form moulded detergent product.
  • the block form detergent product of this reference is positioned with its casting mould in the receiving means of the distributor so that the casting mould surrounds the detergent block during the flushing out process and touches it on all sides except for one free face.
  • US-A-4,774,014 discloses a detergent supply pack for a cast detergent block which pack is suitable for ready dissolution of the block in the dispensing device associated with an institutional dishwashing machine, such that water consumption is not appreciably higher than in the case of powder-form detergents, even towards the end of the block.
  • the detergent supply pack has to be opened before positioning the pack in the dispensing device and therefore skin contact with the alkaline detergent is possible.
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide a detergent dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack for a detergent powder or, preferably, a block form detergent product and a dispensing device associated with an institutional washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, whereby an economic and effective use of the detergent in the dispensing device is ensured. It is an other object of the invention to provide a detergent dispensing system whereby the detergent supply pack is adapted to the dispensing device such that the detergent can be introduced into the device without the need to open the pack before positioning the pack in the dispensing device and loading the device. This eliminates the risk of any skin contact and thus contributes to safety.
  • the present invention provides a dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack (4) for supplying solid state detergent material to a dispensing device (6) associated with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises packaging material for said solid state detergent material, said solid state detergent material and a closing/release device for promoting release of the detergent solid from the supply pack into the dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device essentially consists of two parts (1,2) in between which the packaging material is fixed and is adapted to the dispensing device such that the closing/release device can be easily removed in conjunction with the dispensing device for introducing the detergent solid into the dispensing device.
  • the invention also provides a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the present invention. Furthermore, the invention provides a method of dispensing a solid detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing machine, whereby a dispensing system according to the invention is applied.
  • the invention provides a dispensing system comprising a supply pack for a solid state detergent product, which may contain detergent powder, detergent briquettes and/or detergent tablets.
  • the supply pack preferably contains a compacted detergent block, which is readily dissolvable on contact with flushing water.
  • the supply pack includes flexible packaging material which functions as a protective means against moisture uptake and also as a handling aid for the introduction of the naked detergent block into the detergent dispensing device of a washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, without contact with the skin.
  • the packaging material is generally also collapsible in order to minimize the volume of packaging material to be disposed of after emptying the supply pack.
  • any material which can perform the above mentioned functions may be used, such as cardboard, coated paper, and laminated material, but plastic material such as polyethylene and polypropylene is preferred.
  • the most preferred type of packaging material is polyethylene.
  • the supply pack of the invention thus comprises flexible packaging material which conforms to the shape of the detergent solid, a solid detergent block which is usually produced by compaction of dry mixed powder, and release means for releasing the solid detergent product from the supply pack into the distributing device.
  • solid detergent blocks constitute a non-dusty and therefore attractive product form in view of the often aggressive chemicals used. Furthermore, they are economical in use because they can be manufactured and transported as very concentrated products.
  • EP-A-375,022 Unilever
  • the supply pack of the invention comprises a closing/release device essentially consisting of two parts in between which the flexible packaging material of the pack is fixed.
  • these parts act as a sort of closing clamp for the detergent supply pack.
  • these parts have an oblong shape, whereby their dimensions are such that one of these parts can be placed inside the other part while leaving just enough room to fully close the supply pack.
  • these parts could have any cross-sectional shapes, but preferably the cross-section of the inner part is shaped as a triangle and that of the outer part as a hollow tube open to one side.
  • the inner part is preferably connected to the outer part in order to ensure simultaneous removal of both parts when opening the pack.
  • inner and outer part are preferably connected by way of a plastic hinge.
  • the dispensing system comprises a dispensing device of which the dimensions are such that solid detergent material, preferably a solid detergent block, can be effectively and safely introduced into it from out of a detergent supply pack according to the present invention.
  • a solid detergent block is to be applied, the supply pack containing the detergent block is placed on a support to facilitate the introduction of the detergent block into the dispensing device when opening the supply pack by removal of the closing device. Thereafter, the naked detergent block is allowed to fall down onto a grid-type support provided with a flexible sealing in the bottom part of the detergent dispenser, such that only the bottom side of the block is contacted with water originating from a spray nozzle situated underneath this support.
  • Figure 1 indicates the tube-shaped outer part of the closing/release device, in which the triangle-shaped inner part (2) is situated. Also means (3a) is shown by which the inner part is connected to the outer part. As a result, using handle (3) the entire closing device can be removed from the supply pack (4), which is depicted in Fig. 2.
  • this supply pack can be introduced into the dispensing device (6) by way of handle (5).
  • the dimensions of this dispensing device which is schematically shown in Figure 4-7, are such that the contents of the detergent supply pack can be safely and effectively introduced into it.
  • a top lid (12) of the device (6) is turned from a horizontal into a fixed vertical position (see Figure 5).
  • the supply pack is placed on top of a spring-loaded support lid (7) and the handle (5) of the supply pack is positioned onto hook (11) which is connected to the top lid (12) (see Figure 6).
  • the detergent material is made to fall into the dispensing device and to push the support lid (7) into a vertical position. Thereafter, the lever (10) is pushed back into its position of preference by action of spring (13). After the empty supply pack is removed, the top lid (12) can be closed and the inner part of the hook (11) automatically fixed by the action of the spring loaded lever (10). As a result, the dispensing device is completely closed and cannot be opened by unauthorised people (see Figure 7).
  • the detergent material (14) is positioned on a grid-type support (9) provided with a flexible sealing and being sprayed on by way of spray-nozzle (8). The fexible sealing connected to th grid-type support is located such that only the bottom part of the detergent material is contacted with water.
  • support lid (7) When the detergent material inside the dispensing device (14) has been dissolved so far that the spring loaded support lid (7) has turned back into a horizontal position (see Figure 4), lever (10) turns such that the fixation of the top lid hook (11) is released.
  • Support lid (7) thus acts as an indicator telling the operator that the contents of a new supply pack can be introduced into the dispensing device.
  • support lid (7) may be connected to an alarm system which is activated when the fixation of the top lid hook (11) is released.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)
EP92202667A 1991-09-19 1992-09-03 Système de distribution de détergent Expired - Lifetime EP0533238B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB919120034A GB9120034D0 (en) 1991-09-19 1991-09-19 Detergetn dispensing
GB9120034 1991-09-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0533238A1 true EP0533238A1 (fr) 1993-03-24
EP0533238B1 EP0533238B1 (fr) 1996-04-03

Family

ID=10701674

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92202667A Expired - Lifetime EP0533238B1 (fr) 1991-09-19 1992-09-03 Système de distribution de détergent

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0533238B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU652074B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2078156A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69209600T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2085553T3 (fr)
FI (1) FI924186A (fr)
GB (1) GB9120034D0 (fr)
NZ (1) NZ244321A (fr)
ZA (1) ZA927168B (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994003097A1 (fr) * 1992-08-03 1994-02-17 Unilever N.V. Systeme de distribution de detergent
WO1994027489A1 (fr) * 1993-05-28 1994-12-08 Ecolab Inc. Alarme pour produits solides detectant la baisse de niveau du produit
US5975352A (en) * 1997-08-28 1999-11-02 Ecolab Inc. Dispenser

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8110233B2 (en) 2006-07-14 2012-02-07 Ecolab Usa Inc. Method of dispensing a solid product

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0225859A2 (fr) * 1985-11-06 1987-06-16 Ecolab Inc. Distributeur de bloc solide chimique pour système de nettoyage
EP0231603A1 (fr) * 1986-01-09 1987-08-12 Ecolab Inc. Distributeur de bloc solide chimique pour système de nettoyage
EP0374773A1 (fr) * 1988-12-21 1990-06-27 Norsk Hydro A/S Réceptacle souple avec moyen de déchargement partiel ou complet
US5007559A (en) * 1986-07-21 1991-04-16 Young Cecil B Method and apparatus for dispensing a particulate material
US5086952A (en) * 1988-09-12 1992-02-11 Diversey Corporation Detergent container

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0225859A2 (fr) * 1985-11-06 1987-06-16 Ecolab Inc. Distributeur de bloc solide chimique pour système de nettoyage
EP0231603A1 (fr) * 1986-01-09 1987-08-12 Ecolab Inc. Distributeur de bloc solide chimique pour système de nettoyage
US5007559A (en) * 1986-07-21 1991-04-16 Young Cecil B Method and apparatus for dispensing a particulate material
US5086952A (en) * 1988-09-12 1992-02-11 Diversey Corporation Detergent container
EP0374773A1 (fr) * 1988-12-21 1990-06-27 Norsk Hydro A/S Réceptacle souple avec moyen de déchargement partiel ou complet

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 15, no. 056 (C-804)26 November 1990 & JP-A-02 286 119 ( LION HAIJIIN KK ) *

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994003097A1 (fr) * 1992-08-03 1994-02-17 Unilever N.V. Systeme de distribution de detergent
US5417939A (en) * 1992-08-03 1995-05-23 Lever Brothers Company, Division Of Conopco, Inc. Detergent dispensing system
WO1994027489A1 (fr) * 1993-05-28 1994-12-08 Ecolab Inc. Alarme pour produits solides detectant la baisse de niveau du produit
US5417233A (en) * 1993-05-28 1995-05-23 Ecolab Inc. Low product alarm for solid products
AU671746B2 (en) * 1993-05-28 1996-09-05 Ecolab Inc. Low product alarm for solid products
US5975352A (en) * 1997-08-28 1999-11-02 Ecolab Inc. Dispenser
US6143257A (en) * 1997-08-28 2000-11-07 Ecolab Inc. Dispenser

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0533238B1 (fr) 1996-04-03
NZ244321A (en) 1994-04-27
DE69209600D1 (de) 1996-05-09
AU652074B2 (en) 1994-08-11
CA2078156A1 (fr) 1993-03-20
FI924186A (fi) 1993-03-20
GB9120034D0 (en) 1991-11-06
ZA927168B (en) 1994-03-18
ES2085553T3 (es) 1996-06-01
AU2459892A (en) 1993-03-25
FI924186A0 (fi) 1992-09-18
DE69209600T2 (de) 1996-08-22

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