EP4337821A1

EP4337821A1 - Laundry system

Info

Publication number: EP4337821A1
Application number: EP22727092.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jun Shen; Sainan SU; Lixiao ZHANG
Original assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2021-05-11
Filing date: 2022-05-03
Publication date: 2024-03-20
Also published as: US20240287719A1; CN117295859A; WO2022238172A1; JP2024521044A

Abstract

Disclosed is a cartridge (103) comprises a reservoir (106) for storing a laundry product and a product delivery mechanism (107) comprising a product delivery outlet (108) in fluid communication with the reservoir (106), and a laundry system (100) comprising a laundry product dispenser (102) mountable to a washing machine and comprising a cavity (194) for receipt of a laundry product and a dispenser outlet (114) for dispensing the laundry product into a drum of the washing machine. The system (100) further comprises said cartridge (103) removably receivable in the cavity of the dispenser (102).

Description

- 1

LAUNDRY SYSTEM

Technical Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to laundry systems for dispensing laundry products into washing machines.

Background of the Invention

Use of a washing machine (for washing e.g. clothing) typically involves adding a dose of laundry product, such as laundry detergent or fabric conditioner, to the drawer of the washing machine before a wash cycle. These laundry products (which may be in the form of a liquid or powder) are typically sold in containers that are sized to contain sufficient product for many wash cycles. In most cases, to ensure the correct dosage is supplied to the washing machine, a user is instructed to use a measuring device (such as a scoop or cap) to transfer an optimal amount of the laundry product from the container containing the laundry product to a laundry product drawer of the washing machine.

This transfer of laundry product is time consuming and often results in spillage of the laundry product from the measuring device. Such spillage produces a mess and results in wastage of laundry product. In some cases, to speed up this process (and to reduce mess), users will simply pour laundry product directly from a container into the drawer of the washing machine. This involves estimating the optimal amount of laundry product, which can lead to an incorrect dosage and thus non-optimal performance of the washing machine. Further, the containers in which laundry products are sold (due to the need for them to hold a sufficient quantity of laundry product for many wash cycles) can be cumbersome. This makes such containers generally inconvenient for a user to handle, and it also makes it difficult to control the amount of laundry product poured into the washing machine drawer (leading to both incorrect dosage and spillage).

At least some of these issues are addressed by automatic dosing washing machines. These washing machines are configured to receive a bulk volume of laundry product (i.e. in a container thereof) and to automatically dispense a desired dose of the laundry product (via an in-built dispensing mechanism) for each wash cycle. However, the provision of an automatic dispensing mechanism significantly increases the complexity of such washing machines. This increases the cost of these washing machines and, for this reason, automatic dispensing mechanisms are typically only provided in washing 2 machines for commercial (rather than domestic) use or in domestic washing machines of much higher cost. Another issue with such automatic systems is that once the container is filled with a laundry product it is not possible to replace that laundry product with a different laundry product until depletion of all the product held within container. Thus, for example, a user is prevented from using one laundry product for a first washing load and then a different laundry product for a successive second load (i.e. assuming the first load does not fully deplete the first laundry product).

Systems that can be retrofitted to non-automatic dosing washing machines are also known. These include a container for receipt of a bulk volume of laundry product and a dispensing mechanism that is connected to the washing machine for dispensing laundry product into the washing machine. In some arrangements, the container is mounted to the exterior of washing machine, which increases the overall size of the washing machine. In other arrangements, the container is mounted internally, but to allow for this internal mounting, sufficient modification of the washing machine is required. In either variation, significant modification of the washing machine is required for connection of the dispensing mechanism, which increases the cost of the washing machine and/or installation of the dispensing mechanism. Like in-built automatic dosing systems, these retrofitted systems also face the issue that a user cannot easily change laundry product without first depleting all the product stored within the container. That is to say, these retrofitted systems do not support fast switching of laundry products.

US 2009/0100881 A1 discloses a dispensing system for a liquid or viscous treating agent for use with a washing machine with a suds container configured to receive wash liquid.

KR 0123413 B1 discloses an antistatic agent input device for a washing machine that can easily inject an antistatic detergent into a washing machine tub.

Accordingly, there is a need to address one more of the problems discussed above.

Detailed Description of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided a laundry system comprising: a laundry product dispenser mountable to a washing machine and comprising a cavity for receipt of a laundry product and a dispenser outlet for dispensing the laundry product into a drum of the washing machine, and a cartridge removably receivable in the cavity of the dispenser, the cartridge comprising a reservoir for storing a laundry product and a product 3 delivery mechanism comprising a product delivery outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir, the product delivery mechanism actuatable, while received in the cavity, to supply a dose of laundry product from the reservoir into the cavity of the dispenser via the product delivery outlet.

The described laundry system provides convenient and accurate means for dispensing a dose of laundry product (such as a washing detergent, softener or disinfectant) into a washing machine (i.e. clothes washing machine) for use by the washing machine.

Instead of transferring a laundry product from a bulk container (in which it is sold) to the dispenser of the washing machine (via a measuring device or by pouring) a user can supply a dose of laundry product from a cartridge already inserted into the cavity. This avoids the spillage and inaccurate dosing issues of the conventional methods of adding laundry product to a washing machine.

Further, the reservoir may be able to store sufficient laundry product for a plurality of wash cycles. In effect, this means that the cavity of the dispenser can be used for storing laundry product (i.e. held within the cartridge) that would otherwise need to be stored elsewhere (externally of the washing machine). In other words, the washing machine itself can be utilised for storage of a bulk volume of laundry product.

The laundry system can be used with an existing washing machine with minimal (if any) modification to the washing machine. That is because of the provision of the self- contained cartridge that is capable of supplying (i.e. dispensing) laundry product, and the ability to use that cartridge in an existing (or slightly modified) dispenser of a washing machine. That is, the described laundry system uses existing washing machine infrastructure to provide laundry product dispensing.

The use of a (removable) cartridge also means that it is possible to change the laundry product without having to wait until all the laundry product has been dispensed. For example, a partially full cartridge can be removed from the dispenser and replaced with an alternative cartridge (containing a different laundry product) if a user wishes to change laundry product between wash cycles.

Optional features of the first aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect. 4

When the cartridge is received in the cavity of the dispenser, a product flow path may be defined for flow of laundry product from the product delivery outlet to the dispenser outlet. The product flow path may be defined by both the cartridge and the dispenser (when the cartridge is received in the cavity). That is, the product flow path may be defined between the cartridge and the dispenser. The product flow path may extend underneath cartridge when received in the cavity.

In other embodiments, the product flow path may be defined entirely (or substantially entirely) by the cartridge (e.g. in the form of a conduit extending through a portion of the cartridge). Alternatively, the product flow path may be defined entirely (or substantially entirely) by the dispenser (e.g. in the form of a conduit extending through a portion of the dispenser).

The dispenser may comprise first and second opposite ends. An end wall may be provided at the first end of the dispenser. The dispenser outlet may be disposed at the second end of the dispenser. Opposed spaced sidewalls may extend from the end wall towards (or to) the second end. The dispenser may comprise a base portion defining a bottom of the cavity. The base portion may extend between (to connect) lower ends of the sidewalls and end wall. Thus, the cavity may be defined between the end wall, sidewalls, and the base portion. As should be appreciated, one or more of the described walls may be integrally formed (to form a single wall).

The system may comprise at least one spacer for spacing the cartridge from the dispenser (e.g. from the base portion) to define the product flow path therebetween. The at least one spacer may space the entire cartridge from the base portion of the dispenser. Spacing the entire cartridge from the base portion (i.e. a bottom surface of the cavity) may ensure that external surfaces of the cartridge do not come into the contact with laundry product once supplied to the cavity.

The at least one spacer may form part of (e.g. may protrude from) the cartridge or the dispenser. For example, the at least one spacer may comprise a protrusion protruding from an internal surface of the dispenser (e.g. from the base portion) and into the cavity. The protrusion may protrude in an upward direction. In this way, the cartridge may rest on a distal end of the protrusion when the cartridge is received in the cavity. In such embodiments the product flow path may pass around the spacer. 5

Alternatively, the at least one spacer may comprise a protrusion protruding from an outer surface (e.g. a lower portion of the outer surface) of the cartridge, for example in a downward direction.

For the avoidance of doubt, use of the terms “upward” and “downward” (and “upper” and “lower”) when used with respect to the dispenser are to be read in the context of the dispenser being oriented as it would be in normal use (i.e. when mounted to a washing machine). Similarly, when these terms are used with respect to the cartridge, they should be read in the context of the cartridge being oriented as it would be in normal use (i.e. when received in the cavity).

The system may comprise a plurality of spacers (e.g. protrusions). The system may comprise first and second spacers, each as described above. The first and second spacers may be spaced from one another along the product flow path. The first and second spacers may be spaced from one another in a direction from the first end of the dispenser to the second end of the dispenser.

The product delivery outlet may be disposed at (or proximate to) the first end of the dispenser when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The product delivery outlet may be arranged to discharge laundry product towards the end wall and/or the base portion of the dispenser in use. The product delivery outlet may be horizontally directed, downwardly directed or a combination of downwardly and horizontally directed (when the cartridge is received in the dispenser).

The product flow path may comprise upstream and downstream ends. The upstream end of the product flow path may be proximate to the product delivery outlet when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The downstream end of the product flow path may be disposed proximate to (or at) the dispenser outlet. In this respect, the upstream end of the product flow path may be disposed at the first end of the dispenser and the downstream end of the product flow path may be disposed at the second end of the dispenser.

The product flow path may extend on a decline from the upstream end to the downstream end. The product flow path extends on a continuous decline from the upstream end to the downstream end. The base portion of the dispenser may be sloped (e.g. continuously) from the first end of the dispenser to the second end of the dispenser. The 6 provision of a product flow path on a decline may facilitate flow of laundry product from the product delivery outlet to the dispenser outlet in use.

The dispenser may be in the form of a (laundry product) dispenser drawer. Thus, for example, the dispenser may be movable, when mounted to a washing machine, between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position the dispenser may extend from the washing machine and an upper opening of the cavity may be exposed (for receipt of the cartridge). In the retracted position, the dispenser may be stowed within the washing machine.

The laundry system may be configured for use with (or as part of) a front-loading washing machine.

The first end of the dispenser may be that which is distal from the washing machine when the dispenser is in the extended position. The second end of the dispenser may be proximate to the washing machine when the dispenser is in the extended position.

The system may comprise a fluid inlet (e.g. a nozzle) for discharging fluid (such as water) into the cavity of the dispenser (e.g. when mounted to a washing machine). The fluid inlet may form part of or may be fluidly connectable to a washing machine to which the dispenser may be mounted. The fluid inlet may be arranged to discharge fluid into an end of the cavity at which the product delivery outlet is disposed when the cartridge is received in the cavity.

The fluid inlet may be arranged to discharge fluid into the cavity at the first end of the dispenser. The fluid inlet may be located above an upper opening of the cavity in use and may be arranged to discharge fluid downwardly into the cavity (i.e. the fluid inlet may be directed downwardly).

When the dispenser is in the form of a dispensing drawer the above discussed positioning of the fluid inlet may be a reference to the positioning of the fluid inlet when the dispensing drawer is in the retracted position.

The system may comprise a plurality of fluid inlets, each as described above. The system may only comprise fluid inlets arranged to discharge fluid into the cavity at first end of the dispenser (or proximate to the product delivery outlet of the cartridge when - 7- received in the cavity). That is, the system may not include any fluid inlets (e.g. nozzles) arranged to discharge fluid into the cavity at the second end of the dispenser or at a central region of the dispenser (between the first and second ends).

Preferably, the system comprises from 1 to 40 fluid inlets for discharging fluid into the cavity of the dispenser, more preferably from 5 to 35 fluid inlets, most preferably from 10 to 30 fluid inlets. The system may comprise 10 to 30 fluid inlets arranged to discharge fluid into the cavity (but may nevertheless include further fluid inlets serving other cavities of the dispenser).

Providing fluid inlets only at the first end, or minimising the number of fluid inlets, may ensure that fluid can be directed into the space around the cartridge (when received in the cavity) rather than onto the cartridge.

The provision of such fluid inlet(s) may facilitate flow of laundry product along the product flow path. That is, the product may be carried along the product flow path by fluid (such as water) discharged from the fluid inlet(s).

The system may comprise a retaining arrangement configured to restrict movement of the cartridge relative to the dispenser when received in the cavity. The retaining arrangement may nevertheless be configured to permit removal from and insertion of the cartridge into the cavity. The retaining arrangement may be configured to restrict movement of the cartridge relative to the dispenser in at least one horizontal direction when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The retaining arrangement may be configured to restrict movement of the cartridge relative to the dispenser along an elongate axis (i.e. the long axis) of the cavity (e.g. an axis extending between the first and second ends of the dispenser).

Each of the cartridge and the dispenser may comprise a retaining portion (i.e. the retaining portions forming part of the retaining arrangement). The retaining portions may be engageable with one another. One retaining portion may comprise a protrusion and the other retaining portion may comprise a recess (complementary to the protrusion).

The protrusion may protrude from the dispenser or the cartridge and the recess may be disposed on the other of the cartridge and the dispenser. The recess may be in the form of a groove. The groove may extend at least partly about a periphery of the cartridge (e.g. may be a circumferential groove). The protrusion may extend from an internal 8 surface of the dispenser (e.g. the base portion) into the cavity. The protrusion may comprise an arcuate seat receivable in the groove when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The protrusion may be engageable in the groove to restrict movement of the cartridge relative to the dispenser.

The retaining arrangement may comprise the or each spacer as described above. That is, the protrusion of the retaining arrangement may be a spacer. Thus, at least one of the spacers may engage/interact with the cartridge when received in the cavity) to restrict movement of the cartridge as described above.

The product delivery mechanism of the cartridge may be configured to dispense a metered dose (i.e. repeatable fixed volume dose) of laundry product from the reservoir (through the product delivery outlet). That is, the product delivery mechanism may be configured to supply the same volume of laundry product each time it is (fully) actuated. The product delivery mechanism may comprise a pump that is actuatable to dispense a dose (e.g. metered dose) of laundry product from the reservoir. The product delivery mechanism (e.g. pump of the product delivery mechanism) may be configured to supply a dose having a volume from 1 to 40 ml, or from 1 to 30 ml, or from 1 to 20 ml.

The pump may comprise a valve (e.g. one-way valve) fluidly connected between the reservoir and the product delivery outlet. The pump may comprise a pump chamber, which may be downstream of the valve. The pump chamber may instead be upstream of the valve. The pump may comprise an inlet valve (e.g. one-way valve) located upstream of the pump chamber and an outlet valve (e.g. one-way valve) located downstream of the chamber. The pump may comprise a piston movable in the chamber to move laundry product from the chamber. The pump may be movable between a resting position and an activated position. Movement of the pump may cause laundry product held within the chamber to be discharged from the pump (e.g. by movement of the piston into the chamber). Movement of the pump from the activated position to the resting position may cause laundry product to be drawn into the chamber from the reservoir (e.g. by movement of the piston out of or away from the chamber). The pump may comprise a biasing means (e.g. a compression spring) arranged to return the pump to bias the pump into the resting position.

The product delivery mechanism may comprise a mechanism housing (or pump head). The mechanism housing may house the pump. The mechanism housing may connect 9 the product delivery mechanism to a reservoir housing defining the reservoir. The product delivery mechanism (and thus the mechanism housing) may be detachably mounted to the reservoir housing (e.g. by way of snap-fit, threaded, bayonet, etc. connection). This may allow the reservoir to be refilled.

The product delivery mechanism may comprise an airflow path extending from ambient air to the reservoir to allow for the equalisation of air pressure in the reservoir as laundry product is dispense therefrom. Thus, a wall of the chamber of the pump may comprise an aperture defining at least a portion of the air flow path. The aperture may be arranged so as to be blocked by the piston when the pump is in the resting position. The mechanism housing may comprise a drainage aperture in fluid communication with the chamber wall aperture, for drainage of any laundry product that leaks from the aperture in the chamber wall. The drainage aperture may be arranged to direct leaked laundry fluid into the dispenser in use (e.g. in a downward direction).

The product delivery mechanism may comprise a lever that is movable to actuate the pump (to dispense a dose). The lever may project from the pump. The lever may project upwardly (e.g. from the pump) when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The lever may be pivotable (pivotably mounted to e.g. the pump or mechanism housing). Pivoting of the lever may actuate the pump.

The length of the lever (i.e. the extent of the projection of the lever) may be such that it does not extend beyond a periphery of the reservoir housing. The length of the lever (i.e. the extent of the projection of the lever) may be such that it does not extend out of the cavity when the cartridge is received therein.

The product delivery mechanism may comprise a grip. Both the grip and the lever may be arranged so as to be on an upper portion of the cartridge when received in the cavity (with the product delivery outlet directed into the cavity). The grip may be fixed with respect to the product delivery mechanism and/or reservoir housing (or reservoir). The grip may project from the mechanism or reservoir housing. The grip may project upwardly (e.g. from the mechanism or reservoir housing) when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The lever and the grip may extend in substantially the same direction. Accordingly, both the lever and the grip may extend in an upward direction (when the cartridge is received in the cavity). 10

The length of the grip (i.e. the extent of the projection of the grip) may be such that it does not extend beyond a periphery of the reservoir housing. The length of the grip (i.e. the extent of the projection of the grip) may be such that it does not extend out of the cavity when the cartridge is received therein.

The lever and grip may be in opposed spaced relation with one another. The lever and grip may be spaced from one another in a direction extending from the first end of the dispenser to the second end of the dispenser when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The lever may be closer to the first end of the dispenser than the grip.

The lever may project at an angle to the grip (i.e. may not be parallel to the grip). An angle defined between the direction of projection of the grip and the direction of projection of the lever may be an acute angle.

The lever and/or the grip may extend in a direction that is different to a direction in which the product delivery outlet discharges laundry product in use. The lever and/or grip may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular (or between e.g. 60 and 120 degrees from) a direction in which the product delivery outlet discharges laundry product in use.

The lever may be movable (e.g. pivotable) towards and away from the grip. Movement of the lever towards the grip may actuate the pump (to dispense a dose of laundry product). The lever may comprise a first (e.g. planar) gripping surface. The grip may comprise a second (e.g. planar) gripping surface. The first and second gripping surfaces may face away from one another (i.e. in substantially opposite directions). Thus, the first and second gripping surfaces may be arranged to be squeezed together by a user (e.g. between a user’s thumb and finger) in use to actuate the pump. One or both of the first and second gripping surfaces may be planar.

Such an arrangement may be particularly advantageous when the dispenser is in the form of a dispensing drawer. The provision of the grip may ensure that the drawer can be maintained in the extended position while the lever is moved. As may be appreciated, in the absence of the grip, pushing on the lever could result in movement of the drawer towards the retracted position (e.g. via a transfer of force from the cartridge to the drawer). 11

The cartridge (e.g. reservoir housing) may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the cavity of the dispenser. That is, the cartridge (e.g. reservoir housing) may fit closely within the cavity of the dispenser when the cartridge is received therein. For example, when received in the cavity, the cartridge may fill more than 50%, or more than 70% or more than 80% of the volume of the cavity. The cartridge may be configured to fit entirely within the cavity (i.e. so as to allow the dispenser to be stowed with the cartridge remaining therein).

The reservoir housing may comprise a proximal end at which the product delivery mechanism is located and an opposite (closed) distal end. The proximal end may be disposed towards the first end of the dispenser and the distal end may be disposed towards the second end of the dispenser when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The proximal end may comprise an opening, which may be sealed by the product delivery mechanism. The distal end may comprise a distal wall.

The reservoir housing may comprise an in-use upper wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The upper wall may be disposed at (or proximate to) an upper opening of the cavity when the cartridge is received in the cavity.

The reservoir housing may comprise an in-use lower wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The lower wall may be opposite the upper wall. The lower wall may be disposed at (or proximate to) the base portion of the dispenser when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The lower wall may partly define the product flow path.

As may be appreciated, the upper and lower walls may be integrally formed (i.e. they may form portions of a single wall defining the reservoir housing).

The lower wall may be sloped (in a direction extending between the distal and proximal ends) with respect to the upper wall. That is, the lower wall may be obliquely arranged with respect to the upper wall. Thus, when the cartridge is received in the cavity, the upper wall may be substantially horizontal and the lower wall may be sloped with respect to horizontal (in a direction extending between the distal and proximal ends). In particular, the lower wall may extend on a decline from the proximal end to the distal end of the reservoir housing. The slope of the lower wall may extend for a substantial portion of the length of the reservoir housing (taken along an axis between the proximal and distal ends). For example, the slope may extend for more than 50%, or more than 80% of 12 the length of the reservoir housing. The slope may extend for substantially the entire length of the reservoir housing. The slope may be substantially parallel to that of the base portion of the dispenser (when the cartridge is received in the cavity).

A join between the lower wall and distal wall may define a trough for receipt of laundry product (i.e. located at a lower distal end region of the reservoir). The trough may define a low point of the reservoir.

At least a portion of an interior surface of the distal wall may be arranged on a decline in a direction towards the proximal end of the reservoir housing (i.e. when the cartridge is received in the cavity). The interior surface of the distal wall may comprise a first portion that is substantially perpendicular to the upper and/or lower wall, and a second portion (i.e. the sloped portion) that is arranged on a decline from the first portion to the lower wall. Thus, the sloped (second) portion may join with the lower wall to define the trough.

The cartridge may comprise a dip tube, which may extend from the product delivery mechanism into the reservoir. The dip tube may comprise a dip tube inlet fluidly connected to the product delivery outlet (via the pump). The inlet of the dip tube may be disposed in a region of the reservoir proximate to a low point of the reservoir when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The inlet of the dip tube may be located proximate to a lower distal end of the reservoir (i.e. distal from the product delivery mechanism).

The laundry product may be a liquid. The laundry product may comprise a detergent.

The laundry product may comprise a softener (i.e. fabric softener). The laundry product may comprise a disinfectant.

The laundry product may comprise anionic and/or non-anionic surfactants. The laundry product may comprise a polymer system including one or more particulate soil removal polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, and/or soil release polymers. The laundry product may comprise water. The laundry product may comprise fatty acid and/or soap. The laundry product may comprise lubricants, free perfumes and/or encapsulated perfumes. The laundry product may be a concentrated (e.g. high concentration) detergent. The total water content of the laundry product may be less than 40wt%, or less than 30wt%, or less than 20wt%, or less than 15wt%.

The reservoir may comprise the laundry product. 13

In a second aspect there is provided a laundry product cartridge for removable receipt in a laundry product dispenser drawer of a washing machine, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir for storing a laundry product; a product delivery mechanism comprising: a product delivery outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir; a pump actuatable to discharge laundry product in the reservoir from the product delivery outlet; and a lever operably connected to the pump; a grip in opposed spaced relation with the lever, the lever moveable towards the grip to actuate the pump; wherein both the grip and the lever are arranged so as to be on an upper portion of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in a cavity of a laundry product dispenser with the product delivery outlet directed into the cavity.

The provision of both a lever and grip that are on an upper portion of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in a dispenser drawer facilitates actuation of the pump (while the cartridge is received in the drawer). The upper location of these parts means that they are accessible to a user when the cartridge is received in the dispenser drawer.

The grip provides leverage when moving the lever. That is, the grip ensures that the dispenser drawer can be maintained in an extended position while the lever is moved. Typically, the dispenser drawer of a washing machine will not be locked in the extended position (so that it is freely movable back to a retracted/stowed position). Thus, without the provision of a grip, applying force to the lever could cause movement of the drawer instead of the lever (i.e. by transfer of force from the cartridge to the drawer).

As already discussed above, the term “upper” (or the term “lower”) as used herein is to be read in the context of the cartridge as it would be oriented when received in the cavity of a laundry product dispenser. The term “upward” (or “downward”) as used herein, should be read in a similar manner. For the avoidance of doubt, these terms are not intended to require a strictly vertical direction.

Optional features of the second aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect. 14

Both the grip and the lever may be arranged to extend upwardly when the cartridge is received in a cavity of a laundry product dispenser with the product delivery outlet directed into the cavity. By extending upwardly, the grip and the lever may be more easily gripped by a user when the cartridge is received in the cavity.

The cartridge may comprise a first end at which the product delivery mechanism is located and an opposite (second end) towards which the reservoir is located. An elongate axis of the cartridge may extend between the first and second ends (i.e. the cartridge being elongate in the direction of the axis). The product delivery outlet may be disposed at an end of, or at a lower portion of, the cartridge.

The cartridge of the second aspect may be as described above with respect to the first aspect. That is, the cartridge of the second aspect may further include one or more of the optional features described above with respect to the first aspect.

In a third aspect, there is provided a dispenser for a washing machine, the dispenser comprising: a cavity for receipt of a cartridge containing a laundry product; a dispenser outlet for dispensing laundry product supplied from the cartridge into a drum of a washing machine; a base portion defining the bottom of the cavity; at least one spacer for spacing a laundry product cartridge, when received in the cavity, from the base portion.

The provision of a spacer allows the dispenser to define a product flow path when a cartridge is received in the cavity. This ensures that, when the cartridge is received in the cavity, laundry product supplied from the cartridge can flow to the outlet (and be dispensed into a drum of a washing machine to which the dispenser may be mounted).

Optional features of the third aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

The dispenser may be mountable to a washing machine. For example, the dispenser may comprise a mounting portion configured for mounting to a washing machine. - 15-

The dispenser of the third aspect may be as described above with respect to the first aspect. That is, the dispenser of the third aspect may further include one or more of the optional features described above with respect to the first aspect. For example, the dispenser may be a drawer dispenser (movable between extended and retracted positions). Further, the at least one spacer may be as described above (e.g. may be a protrusion extending upwardly from the base portion).

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a washing machine comprising a dispenser according to the third aspect.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a washing machine comprising a laundry system according to the first aspect.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of dispensing a dose of laundry product into the drum of a washing machine, the method comprising: providing a laundry system according to the first aspect; actuating the product delivery mechanism while the cartridge is received in the cavity to supply a dose of laundry product into the cavity; discharging water into the cavity to dispense the laundry product from the cavity into the drum of the washing machine.

Optional features of the seventh aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

The water may be discharged from one or more fluid inlets disposed above the cavity.

The water may be discharged as part of a wash cycle of the washing machine.

The method may further comprise, prior to actuating the product delivery mechanism, extending the dispenser from the washing machine. The method may further comprise, after actuating the product delivery mechanism, retracting the dispenser.

Examples

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the figures, in which:

Figure 1A is a front view of a washing machine including a laundry system;

Figure 1 B is a top view of the washing machine of Figure 1 A;

Figure 2A is a side sectional view of the laundry system of Figure 1 A; - 16-

Figure 2B is a top view of the laundry system of Figure 1A;

Figure 3 is a side view of a cartridge of the laundry system of Figure 1 A;

Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a product delivery mechanism of the cartridge of Figure 3; and

Figure 5 is a side view of a reservoir housing of the cartridge of Figure 3.

Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the figures, the dimensions of elements maybe exaggerated for clarity. Also, the relative dimensions of elements shown in the figures is not necessarily representative of the actual relative thicknesses of the elements in all embodiments.

Figures 1 A and 1 B depict a laundry system 100 forming part of a washing machine 101. The laundry system 100 includes a dispenser 102 in the form of a dispenser drawer and a cartridge 103 received in a cavity 104 (or compartment) of the dispenser 102. The dispenser 102 is moveable between a retracted position in which it is stowed within an interior of the washing machine 101, and an extended position (as shown in Figure 1B) in which it extends from the washing machine 101. As is apparent from Figure 1B, when in the extended position, an upper opening 105 of the cavity 104 is exposed, such that the cavity 104 is accessible for insertion of the cartridge 103 therein or removal of the cartridge 103 therefrom.

The laundry system 100 is shown in more detail in figures 2A and 2B. The cartridge 103 comprises a reservoir 106 for storing a laundry product (such as a detergent, softener or disinfectant), and a product delivery mechanism 107 that includes a product delivery outlet 108 in fluid communication with the reservoir 106. The product delivery mechanism 107 is actuatable, while received in the cavity 104, to supply a dose of laundry product from the reservoir 106 to the cavity 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 104 in which the cartridge 103 is received is a main wash compartment of the dispenser 102. The dispenser 102 comprises two further cavities 109, 110 in the form of a (fabric) softener compartment 109 and a pre-wash compartment 110. As may be appreciated, these may also be configured for receipt of a cartridge similar to that received in the main wash cavity 104. For brevity, only the main wash cavity 104 is discussed further below. - 17-

The dispenser 102 comprises first 111 and second 112 opposite ends. An end wall 113 is provided at the first end 111 of the dispenser 102, and an outlet 114 of the dispenser 102 is defined by an opening to the cavity 104 at the second end 112. Opposing spaced parallel sidewalls 115 extend from the end wall 113 to the second end 112. The sidewalls 115 and the end wall 113 extend substantially vertically in normal use (i.e. when mounted in the washing machine 101).

A base portion 116 of the dispenser 102 extends between (to connect) lower edges of the sidewalls 115 and end wall 113. The base portion 116 extends on a decline from the first end 111 of the dispenser 102 (where it joins with the end wall 113) to the second end 112, and a curved transition is provided at the join between the end wall 113 and the base portion 116. As will be described later, this facilitates flow of laundry product to the outlet 114 of the dispenser 102.

The cavity 104 of the dispenser 102 is defined between the end wall 113, sidewalls 115, and the base portion 116. The upper opening 105 of the cavity 104 is defined by upper edges of the sidewalls 115 and the end wall 113 and, likewise, the dispenser outlet 114 is defined by a horizontal edge of the base portion 116 and vertical edges of the sidewalls 115. The base portion 116, end wall 113 and sidewalls 115 are integrally formed to form a unitary structure.

The dispenser 102 further includes first 117 and second 118 spacers for spacing the cartridge 103 from the dispenser 102. In particular, the spacers 117, 118 space the cartridge 103 from the base portion 116 of the dispenser 102. The spacers 117, 118 are spaced apart in a direction extending from the first end 111 of the dispenser 102 to the second end 112 of the dispenser, and each spacer 117, 118 is in the form of a protrusion protruding upwardly form the base portion 116. Thus, the cartridge 103, when received in the cavity 104, is supported on distal upper ends of the spacers 117, 118.

By spacing the (entire) cartridge 103 from the base portion 116, the spacers 117, 118 form a gap between an outer surface of the cartridge 103 and the base portion 116. This gap defines a product flow path (depicted with dashed arrowed lines) that extends from the product delivery outlet 108 to the dispenser outlet 114. In use, laundry product that is supplied from the product delivery outlet 108 can flow along the product flow path to the dispenser outlet 114 (for dispensing into the drum of the washing machine 101). - 18-

In addition to providing a product flow path, spacing the cartridge 103 from the base portion 116 avoids (or at least reduces the possibility of) laundry product coming into contact with the external surfaces of the cartridge 103. This may ensure that an outer surface of the cartridge 103 remains free of laundry product (which could otherwise lead to an undesirable build-up of laundry product on the cartridge 103).

To facilitate flow of laundry product along the product flow path, the laundry system 100 includes five fluid inlets 119, which discharge water into the cavity 104 during a wash cycle to flush laundry product from cavity 104 (into the drum of the washing machine 101). The fluid inlets 119 are mounted in a portion of the washing machine 101 disposed above the first end 111 of the dispenser 102 and are directed downwardly so as to direct water through the upper opening 105 of the cavity 104. As is evident from Figure 2B in particular, no fluid inlets are provided proximate to a central region of the dispenser or at the second end of the dispenser 102.

The cartridge 103 is shown removed from the dispenser 102 in Figure 3. As mentioned above, the cartridge 103 includes a product delivery mechanism 107. This is shown alone in Figure 4. As also noted above, the cartridge 103 includes a reservoir 106. The reservoir 106 is defined within a reservoir housing 120 (e.g. formed of plastic), which is illustrated alone in Figure 5. These components of the laundry system 100 will now be described in more detail.

In addition to the product delivery outlet 108, the product delivery mechanism 107 comprises a pump 121, a mechanism housing 122, a lever 123, a grip 124, and a dip tube 125. The lever 123 is pivotably mounted to the pump 121 and is pivotable towards the grip 124 to actuate the pump 121 (i.e. to cause the pump to supply a dose of laundry product from the reservoir 106 to the cavity 104 via the product delivery outlet 108).

The pump 121 is configured to provide a metered (i.e. fixed volume) dose of laundry product to the dispenser 102 upon actuation by the lever 123. The pump includes a chamber 126 in which laundry product is received from the reservoir 106 via the dip tube

125. A one-way inlet valve 141 is disposed upstream of the chamber 126 (adjacent the dip tube 125) and a one-way outlet valve 142 is disposed downstream of the chamber

126. A piston 143 is received in the chamber and is movable along the chamber by the lever 123. - 19-

Upon pivoting of the lever 123 towards the grip 124 (to put the pump 121 in an activated position), laundry product held within the chamber 126 is discharged from the chamber 126 via the product delivery outlet 108. This is caused by a piston 143 moving within the chamber 126 to move laundry product through the outlet valve 142 (with the inlet valve 141 preventing flow of laundry product back into the reservoir 106). In this way, a fixed volume dose of laundry product can be supplied to the dispenser 102.

On the other hand, pivoting of the lever 123 away from the grip 124 (to put the pump 121 in a resting position), causes laundry product to be drawn into the chamber 126 (through the one-way inlet valve 141. In particular, pivoting the lever 123 in this way moves the piston 143 towards the product delivery outlet 108 so as to create a drop in pressure in the chamber 126, which draws laundry product into the chamber 126.

To facilitate this, the product delivery mechanism 107 comprises airflow paths for flow of air into the chamber 126. These airflow paths are formed via a first aperture 144 and a second aperture 145. The first 144 and second 145 apertures are formed in a wall of the chamber 126 and fluidly connect the reservoir 106 to ambient air. When the piston 143 is moved by the lever 123 towards the reservoir 106, the apertures 144, 145 are unblocked and allow air to flow into the reservoir 106 (i.e. to equalise the air pressure in the reservoir).

The product delivery mechanism 107 further comprises a drainage aperture 146 formed in the mechanism housing 122 for drainage of any laundry product that leaks from the apertures 144, 145. As is evident from Figure 2A, the drainage aperture 146 is disposed in a lower, in use, portion of the mechanism housing 122 and is directed in a downward direction to direct the leaked laundry product into the dispenser 102.

The pump 121 includes a compression spring 127 that biases the pump 121 into the resting position (and thus also biases the lever 123 away from the grip 124).

Both the lever 123 and grip 124 are disposed on an upper portion of the cartridge 103 (when the cartridge is received in the cavity 104). The lever 123 and the grip 124 extend in generally the same direction from the product delivery mechanism 107. Accordingly, when the cartridge 103 is located in the cavity 104, both the lever 123 and the grip 124 extend in an upward direction (towards the upper opening 105 of the cavity 104). This ensures that the lever 123 and grip 124 are accessible by a user, for actuation, when the 20 cartridge 103 is located in the cavity 104 (i.e. and when the dispenser 102 is in the extended position).

Both the lever 123 and grip 124 extend generally perpendicularly to the direction of discharge of laundry product from the product delivery outlet 108. In use, the grip 124 extends generally vertically, while the lever 123 forms an acute angle with the grip 124.

The lever 123 includes a first planar gripping surface 137 and the grip 124 includes a second planar gripping surface 138. These gripping surfaces 137, 138 are outwardly facing surfaces of the lever 123 and grip 124, such that they face opposite directions (i.e. away from one another). To actuate the pump 121, a user can squeeze (e.g. using a finger and thumb) the gripping surface 137, 138 together so as to move the lever 123 towards the grip 124. The provision of the grip 124 ensures that the dispenser 102 is maintained in the extended position when the lever 123 is pivoted (i.e. without the grip 124, a force on the lever 123 could act to move the dispenser 102 to the retracted position rather than move the lever 123 itself).

As is evident from figures 4 and 5, the mechanism housing 122 is detachably engageable with the reservoir housing 120 to seal an opening 128 of the reservoir housing 120 when engaged therewith. The opening 128 is disposed at a proximal end 129 of the reservoir housing 120 that is opposite to a distal end 130 defined by a distal wall 131 of the reservoir housing 130. The reservoir housing 120 also comprises in-use upper 132 and lower 133 walls that are integrally formed with one another (i.e. forming a single circumferential wall) and that extend from the proximal end 129 to the distal end 130. As is particularly apparent from Figure 2A, when the cartridge 103 is received in the cavity 104, the upper wall 132 is disposed at the upper opening 105 of the cavity 104 and the lower wall rests on the spacers 117, 118 (i.e. proximate to the base portion 116 of the dispenser 102).

As should also be apparent from Figure 2A, the lower wall 133 is sloped (in a direction from the proximal end 129 to the distal end 130) with respect to the upper wall 133. In this way, when the cartridge 103 is received in the cavity 104, the upper wall 132 is aligned substantially horizontally and the lower wall 133 is on a slope that corresponds to the slope of the base portion 116 of the dispenser 102. In general, the shape of the reservoir housing 120 is such that it fits closely within the cavity 104. This maximises the volume of laundry product that can be stored in the reservoir 106. - 21

The distal wall 131 of the reservoir housing 120 comprises first 134 and second 135 portions. The first portion 134 is substantially perpendicular to the upper wall 132 and thus extends vertically when the cartridge 103 is received in the cavity 104. The second portion 135 is sloped (i.e. obliquely arranged) with respect to the first portion 134 (and with respect to the upper 132 and lower 133 walls). In particular, the second portion 135 is arranged on a decline (when the cartridge 103 is within the cavity 104) from the first portion 134 to the lower wall 133. In this way, the join between the second portion 135 and the lower wall 133 defines a product-collecting trough at a low point of the reservoir 106. As is illustrated in Figure 2A, an inlet 136 of the dip tube 125 is disposed at this product collecting trough to ensure that substantially all of the laundry product stored in the reservoir 106 can be supplied to the dispenser 102 via the product delivery mechanism 107.

The reservoir housing 120 further includes a circumferential groove 139 (that extends fully about a periphery of the reservoir housing 120). This groove 139 defines a retaining portion that forms part of a retaining arrangement of the laundry system 100, which will now be described.

In addition to the groove 139, the retaining arrangement includes the first spacer 117, a distal portion of which defines an arcuate seat 140 that is received in the groove 139 when the cartridge 103 is received in the cavity 104. The engagement of the seat 140 within the groove 139 restricts movement of the cartridge 103 relative to the dispenser 102. In particular, movement is restricted along an axis extending between the first 111 and second 112 ends of the dispenser 102.

Accordingly, in use, a user can open the dispenser 102 (i.e. move it to the extended position) to expose the cavity 104 and can insert the cartridge 103 into the cavity 104 through the upper opening 105 such that a product flow path is defined between the cartridge 103 and the base portion 116. The user can then squeeze the lever 123 towards the grip 124 to actuate the pump 121 so as to supply laundry product from the reservoir 106 to the cavity 104. The user can then close the dispenser 102 (i.e. move it to the retracted position) with the cartridge 103 remaining in the cavity 104.

Subsequently, the user can control the washing machine 101 to initiate a wash cycle. During the wash cycle, water is injected into the cavity 104 via the fluid inlets 119 to flush the laundry product from the cavity 104 into the drum of the washing machine 101. 22

This process can be repeated (without the need to replace the cartridge 103) until all of the laundry product in the reservoir 106 is depleted. Alternatively, a user can replace the cartridge 103 with another cartridge containing a different laundry product.

Claims

-23-

1. A cartridge (103) for removable receipt in a cavity (104) of a laundry product dispenser (102) of a laundry system (100), the cartridge (103) comprising: a reservoir (106) for storing a laundry product; a product delivery mechanism (107) comprising: a product delivery outlet (108) in fluid communication with the reservoir (106); a pump (121) actuatable to discharge laundry product in the reservoir (106) from the product delivery outlet (108); and a lever (123) operably connected to the pump (121); a grip in opposed spaced relation with the lever (123), the lever (123) moveable towards the grip (124) to actuate the pump (121); wherein both the grip (124) and the lever (123) are arranged so as to be on an upper portion of the cartridge (103) when the cartridge (103) is received in a cavity (104) of a laundry product dispenser (102) with the product delivery outlet (108) directed into the cavity (104).

2. A cartridge (103) according to claim 1 wherein both the lever (123) and the grip (124) are arranged to extend in an upward direction when the cartridge (103) is received in a cavity (104) of a laundry product dispenser (102) with the product delivery outlet (108) directed into the cavity (104).

3. A cartridge (103) according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising a reservoir housing (120) defining the reservoir (106), the reservoir housing (120) comprising: a proximal end (129) at which the product delivery mechanism (107) is located; a distal end (130) opposite the proximal end (129); an upper wall (132) extending from the proximal end (129) to the distal end

(130); and a lower wall (133) extending from the proximal end (129) to the distal end (130).

4. A cartridge (103) according to claim 3 wherein the lower wall (133) is sloped with respect to the upper wall (132) in a direction extending between the distal (130) and proximal (129) ends. -24-

5. A cartridge (103) according to claim 3 or 4 comprising a distal wall (131) at the distal end (130), the distal wall (131) comprising a first portion (134) that is substantially perpendicular to the upper (132) and/or lower (133) wall, and a second portion (135) that is arranged on a decline from the first portion (134) to the lower wall (133).

6. A cartridge (103) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a groove (139) that extends at least partly about a periphery of the cartridge (103).

7. A laundry system (100) comprising: a laundry product dispenser (102) mountable to a washing machine and comprising a cavity (104) for receipt of a laundry product and a dispenser outlet (114) for dispensing the laundry product into a drum of the washing machine, and a cartridge (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 removably receivable in the cavity (104) of the dispenser (102), the cartridge (103) comprising a reservoir (106) for storing a laundry product and a product delivery mechanism (107) comprising a product delivery outlet (108) in fluid communication with the reservoir (106), the product delivery mechanism (107) actuatable, while received in the cavity (104), to supply a dose of laundry product from the reservoir (106) into the cavity (104) of the dispenser (102) via the product delivery outlet (108).

8. A laundry system (100) according to claim 7 wherein, when the cartridge (103) is received in the cavity (104) of the dispenser (102), a product flow path is defined between the cartridge (103) and dispenser (102) for flow of laundry product from the product delivery outlet (108) to the dispenser outlet (114).

9. A laundry system (100) according to claim 8 comprising at least one spacer for spacing the cartridge (103) from the dispenser (102) to define the product flow path therebetween.

10. A laundry system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9 comprising a retaining arrangement configured to restrict movement of the cartridge (103) relative to the dispenser (102) along an elongate axis of the cavity (104) when the cartridge (103) is received in the cavity (104); preferably the retaining arrangement comprises a -25- groove (139) extending at least partly about a periphery of the cartridge (103), and a protrusion (140) protruding from an internal surface of the dispenser (102) into the cavity (104), the protrusion (140) engageable in the groove to restrict movement of the cartridge (103) relative to the dispenser (102).

11. A laundry system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the dispenser (102) comprises first (111) and second (112) opposite ends and, wherein the system (100) only comprises fluid inlets (119), for discharging fluid into the cavity (104), above the first end (111) of the dispenser (102).

12. A dispenser (102) for a washing machine (101) comprising: a cavity (104) for receipt of a cartridge (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 containing a laundry product; a dispenser outlet (114) for dispensing laundry product supplied from the cartridge

(103) into a drum of a washing machine (101); a base portion (116) defining the bottom of the cavity (104); at least one spacer for spacing a laundry product cartridge, when received in the cavity (104), from the base portion (116).

13. A washing machine (101) comprising a dispenser (102) according to claim 12.

14. A washing machine (101) comprising a laundry system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

15. A method of dispensing a dose of laundry product into a drum of a washing machine (101) comprising: providing a laundry system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11; actuating the product delivery mechanism (107) while the cartridge (103) is received in the cavity (104) to supply a dose of laundry product into the cavity (104); discharging water into the cavity (104) to dispense the laundry product from the cavity (104) into the drum of the washing machine (101).