FR2606753A1 - DEVICE FOR DISPENSING POWDERED LAUNDRY IN WASHING MACHINES - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) serving both to extract the washing powder (17) when in the open position and to distribute it when in the closed position and placed in the drum of the washing machine. Application to the machine washing of linen with washing powders.

Description

The invention relates to the field of machine washing with detergents

  in powder. It relates to a dispensing device fulfilling several functions and having many advantages over the currently known technique. Machine washing with powder detergents is a technique widely used in the world. In general, the detergent is presented in containers of various sizes, in which the user takes the powder to the recommended dose, transferring it to a compartment provided for this purpose in the machine. The total amount of powder required for washing is set up initially,

  the powder is then entrained by circulation of water.

  Such a technique has many disadvantages, which are well known and accepted by men

of career.

  First of all, physical losses of powder are observed in the pump for discharging washing water from the washing machine. These losses in the evacuation circuit

  result in unnecessary product consumption.

  Due to the fact that the total amount of powder is used initially and before the start of the washing machine, the distribution of washing during the washing cycle is not satisfactory. The current system of repeated samples of the powder in its packaging up to the recommended dose, followed by transfer of the product each time, the packaging in the compartment (or drawer) of the machine,

  involves multiple maneuvers that take time.

  There are also deposits of laundry in the dispenser drawer of the washing machines, which requires

  frequently routine cleaning after use.

  The object of the invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks, by providing a device that is capable of both simplifying the removal of the powdered detergent from the package, and of ensuring a gradual and metered distribution of the detergent during the treatment cycle. washing. We have already proposed a method and device for the distribution of liquids in liquid form, especially concentrated. As relevant bibliographic references, mention may be made in this regard of the following patent applications, all of which are filed in the name of the applicant. The application FR 84 06151 of April 18, 1984 (publication 2.563.250) relates to a method of washing laundry machine with a liquid detergent using the device which is first filled with detergent p.uis placed in the> drum of the machine with the laundry to be washed. The application FR 84 13210 of August 24, 1984 (publication 2,570,720) relates to a device of the kind just mentioned, which is in substantially spherical form. A number of orifices allow the filling or dosing and / or diffusion of the liquid. It should be noted, however, that the problems to be solved in the case of liquid detergents and powder detergents are very different. In particular, the problem of picking in the packaging, measuring and loading in the washing machine arises mainly for powdered detergents, whereas, in the case of liquid detergents, the dosage of the liquid contained in the packaging is easily done by pouring the liquid, metered amount, in a separate utensil or, as described in the aforementioned French patent applications, in a dispensing device to be placed directly in the drum of the washing machine. Also, liquid detergents and powdered detergents have different properties of dissolution in water. As a result, we can not transpose

  directly technical solutions from one case to another.

  It should also be noted that in the prior art some powder dispensing devices have been suggested to be

used in a wash cycle.

  No. 3,400,808 discloses a container adapted to contain a powdered bleaching agent which differs from a lye and is intended to supply oxygen during the wash cycle after it has begun. This known device is made in two parts that must be separated from one another for filling the container, such a device is not suitable for the removal of the powder, which is there

introduced in a conventional manner.

  In its general form, the invention relates to a device for the distribution of powdered detergents in washing machines, said device comprising dispensing orifices and being characterized in that it has a body with at least one moving part. enabling it to occupy at least two distinct positions, namely a so-called open position, in which the device acts as a metered quantity of the detergent powder, and a so-called closed position, in which the device acts as a distribution means, the device being, in the latter position, placed in the drum

from the washing machine.

  In use, the device is first placed in the open position for the direct removal of powdered laundry in its packaging. After measuring the product at the desired level, the device is returned to the use position, that is to say in the closed position, in which it can be locked. The device is then introduced into the drum of the washing machine in the heart of the laundry. Appropriate number and size holes allow the progressive diffusion of the product during rotation of the drum of the washing machine during the washing cycle. Once the operation is over, the device is recovered completely empty of powder in the machine,

  and is, so ready for a new use.

  Distribution holes are provided in

  the body of the device or in the moving part of it

  this. As previously mentioned, the pick-up function, which is fulfilled by the device of the present invention, did not exist in liquid laundry dispensers. The person skilled in the art knows that in the case of powdered laundry, it is necessary to use unit doses corresponding to the properties of the

  powders, the load of laundry and the type of machine.

  Frequently, a volume of 250 to 600 cm3 is used on average. The invention provides devices capable of containing such a volume of powder, while being capable of being easily manipulated to, for example, be introduced into the most dimensioned packages.

  reduced on the market.

  In a first embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a body having the general shape of a shovel or bucket and a movable cover which, in the open position of the device, acts as a handle for the removal of the powder and, in the closed position, is capable of being removably closed

on the body.

  In an advantageous embodiment, the lid is slidably mounted at the upper part of the body, which makes it possible to ensure a shaving and consequently

a precise dosage of the powder.

  The interior of the body may include grooves for sliding the lid at various levels, for the introduction of varying amounts of powder inside the body. Said grooves may be oriented so that the lid is in a horizontal or oblique position relative to the

  bottom of the body, if it is laid flat.

  In this embodiment, it is preferred that the movable cover is provided with perforations for

  to ensure the diffusion of the product during the washing.

  Also, the mobile cover is advantageously provided with lateral notches in which the user can place the fingers during the removal of the powder in the package. Fixing the cover on the body, in the closed position of the device, can be achieved by any means known to those skilled in the art, for example by clipping and / or by conjugation of shapes, which is easy because the devices in cause are made of plastic. The choice of the material will be such that it will be compatible with repeated use in the washing machine, avoiding the sound of shocks with the drum machines. By way of example, which has proved to be of practical advantage, one of the side walls of the body has at its upper part notches cooperating with molded tabs of the lid, and the lid has at one of its ends a stop coming, in the closed position, applied to said wall. When the cover is slidably mounted, the locking in the closed position is ensured in combination with the grooves of the body

  in which the lid slides.

  According to another embodiment, the dispensing device according to the invention comprises a body of spherical general shape, provided with an opening, and a cover in extra thickness which, in the open position, leaves the opening unobstructed and, in the closed position, covers

  the opening in the manner of a cap.

  In this last embodiment, it is advantageous for the cover to have perforations for

  ensure the diffusion of the product during the washing.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cover is rotatable about two nipples or pins, facing the spherical body and provided on the outside thereof. It is also advantageous that the extreme edge of the cover cooperates, in the closed position, with a stop located on the spherical body. The lid is thus locked in the closed position, when the device is introduced into

the drum of the washing machine.

  To facilitate handling, striated portions can be seen outside the spherical body at the user's finger positioning locations, which is useful especially in the

removal of the powder.

  According to another embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a body of generally cylindrical shape with an opening on a side wall and a tilting drawer or bucket, comprising a

  cylindrical wall delimited by two flat walls vis-

  on opposite sides, each of the two planar walls being pivotally mounted on an edge of the opening of the body, the drawer in the outwardly tilted position (open position) for the sampling and, in the tilted position towards

  inside (closed position) for distribution.

  In this latter embodiment, it is advantageous that the perforations ensuring -diffusion of the product during washing are distributed over the body of the device. According to yet another embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a body of generally cylindrical shape having an opening in the vicinity of an end wall and a tilting lid, in the form of a shovel or bucket, pivotally mounted on the body, said cover, 'in pivoted outward position, allowing the removal of the powder and, in the folded position on

  the body, at least partially masking the opening.

  In this embodiment, the shape of the lid is complementary to that of the opening of the body, so that it is at least partially closed when the lid is tilted inwards. In this latter embodiment, perforations on the body ensure diffusion of the product during washing. In addition, it can be provided a light between the body and the lid when the latter is in the closed position, this light allowing

  also the passage of the powdered product.

  The embodiments described above are made so that the mobile part, in the closed position of the device, is removably secured to the body thereof. A wide variety of means can be used for this purpose, thanks to the combination of shapes or the presence of respectively cooperating surfaces of the movable part and the body, for example recesses, nipples, pins and other clipping means conferring stability to the closed position but able to be manipulated by force so that the movable part is removable. These means are easy to achieve by

molding of plastic material.

  In all the aforementioned embodiments, the body of the device may further comprise a flat which makes it possible to ensure its stability when it is laid down.

  especially after being filled with powdered laundry.

  The previously described embodiments have given good practical results for washing laundry machine. However, it is possible to use variants that do not depart from the general scope of the invention, as defined above. Thus, the structure of the mobile part must be adapted to the shape of the body of the dispensing device. Similarly, the method of fixing the mobile part on the body can

  take on multiple and diverse forms of

  This is facilitated by the fact that the device is made of plastic. The moving part can therefore move relative to the body, in various movements such as translation and / or rotation. For example, an embodiment that has not been shown in the drawings, could comprise an attachment of the mobile part by screwing or clipping on the body. Such variants are within the reach of those skilled in the art. It goes without saying that the definitive choice of a distributor takes into account its external forms in order to avoid any deterioration of

--loads of linen.

  Laundry machine washing tests with a laundry powder dispenser device according to the invention have shown that this device provides significant advantages. It was found first of all a better washing efficiency of the laundry considered. Indeed, it is perfectly metered and, unlike the current washing technique, the powder is not removed in the water evacuation circuit of the machine. The device also provides a greater concentration of laundry on the laundry at the beginning of the wash cycle, which

  improves the removal of dirt.

  The fact that the distribution of powdered laundry is measured and gradual, avoids the

overconsumption of product.

  The device of the invention combines the functions of sampling and distribution. Thus, sampling, packaging, metering and loading into the washing machine can be done in a single operation with this device. It is no longer necessary, as currently, to repeatedly take the powder with a cup until the recommended dose, which must then be transferred to the compartment (or

drawer) of the washing machine.

  It can also be noted that the parasitic deposits of laundry powder in certain parts of the machine are avoided thanks to the invention. After being introduced into the drum and having followed the washing cycle at the same time as the laundry, the device according to the invention is recovered completely empty of powder and is thus ready for a new use, whereas the machine is not not soiled by parasitic deposits

  that it would have been necessary to clean.

  The invention will now be illustrated without

  in no way limited, by the following description,

  with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows in perspective a first embodiment of the device of the invention; - Fig. 2 is another perspective illustrating in more detail the structure of the device of FIG. 1; - Fig. 3 is yet another perspective view illustrating a mode of use of the device of FIG. 1; - Fig. 4 shows a powder removal operation in a package using a device according to FIG. 1; - Fig. 5 is a perspective of another embodiment of the device of the invention, the latter being in the closed position; - Fig. 6 is a perspective of the device of FIG. 5, but in open position; - Fig. 7 shows in perspective another embodiment, in the closed position; - Fig. 8 is a perspective of the device of FIG. 7, but in open position; Fig. 9 is a perspective of another embodiment of the device of the invention; the latter being in the closed position; - Fig. 10 is still a perspective illustrating the device of FIG. 9, but in position

  open, that is to say, in-position sampling.

  The device shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is designated by the general reference (1). It consists of a body (2) having the general shape of a shovel or bucket and a cover (3), movable by sliding. The lid (3) has perforations (4) allowing the

  diffusion of the powder during the washing cycle.

  Fig. 1 represents the device in the closed position: in this position the lid (3) is completely recessed by sliding, to cover the

  upper portion (6) open body (2).

  Fig. 2 shows the body (2) and the cover (3) in a separate manner to illustrate their mounting. On each side of the opening (6) and at the upper part of the body (2) are studs or bars (10). In the example chosen we see two rows of three

  strips (10) on the respective sides of the opening (6).

  Inside the body (2) are provided on each side face thereof strips (11, 12) which define with the upper webs (10) a passage (15) acting as a groove. There is thus a groove (15) on each side of the opening (6). The cover (3) can be slidably engaged in these grooves (15) to be placed on the body (2). Note also that the pair of bars (12) has inclined surfaces (13) whose role will be illustrated later with reference to FIG. 3. Finally, the face (14) of the body (2) presents at its

  upper part of the notches (9).

  lid (3) as shown in FIG. 2 comprises, on its side facing the inside of the body (2), three tongues (7) integrally molded, which, during the sliding of the lid (3) in the grooves (15) engage in the notches (9 ) provided at the upper part of.the face (14) of the body (2). The lid (3) also has a wafer-shaped element (8), which, when the lid is fitted on the body (2) acts as a stop while applying against the face (14) thereof . It will also be noted that, advantageously, the cover has notches (5) allowing easy handling, in particular during filling with

laundry powder.

  Fig. 3 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 when it is in the open position, that is, ready for

the removal of the powder.

  Fig. 4 illustrates the use of the device of FIG. 3 acting as a means of sampling. In the situation shown in FIG. 3, the cover (3) is partially engaged inside the body (2) passing along the inclined portions (13) of the bars (12). The lid (3) is held in this position because, moreover, the tongues (7) are inserted into the corresponding notches (9) of the body (2). In the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the cover (3) acts as a handle, the fingers of the user being applied at the notches (5), which makes handling easy. Fig. 4 shows a package (I6) containing powdered laundry (17). Fig. clearly shows how the device of FIG. 3 is used for the removal of the powder. Once the desired amount of powder has been introduced into the body (2), the device is closed by sliding the cover-handle (3) to reach the position shown in FIG. 1. Note that the closing of the device with the sliding cover (3) provides a shaving of the powder and therefore an accurate dosage thereof. Various levels of closure can be provided by successive rows of grooves (15). In the drawings of Figs. 2 and 3, there is shown a single groove (15) in which the cover (3) can slide. It goes without saying that other grooves facing each other could be arranged to ensure variable filling levels. When the device is filled and closed, it can be easily posed thanks to the presence of a

  flat (18) on the lower part of the body (2).

  In order to wash, the device containing the powder is placed in the drum of the washing machine, together with the laundry, and before the start of the washing cycle. The powdered detergent (17) contained in the device (1) gradually diffuse into the laundry through the perforations (4) as well as through the parts of the notches (5) which can give free passage to the powder for dissolution in water washing. Of course, the number and dimensions of the perforations (4) and notches (5) should be adapted to the conditions of the washing, namely the nature of the powdered laundry, soiling of laundry and other parameters to be taken into account.

consideration in washing.

  It can thus be seen that the device described above

  above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 is well suited to the use of powdered detergents, since it serves both for the removal of the detergent in the packaging and the gradual distribution of the powder by dissolving in the washing water during the cycle . The device is designed to receive powder volumes ranging from 450 to

600 cm3 approximately.

  The description of a complete example of

  device according to the invention having been given in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the

  description of alternative embodiments will be made

  after in a more summary way.

  The device (21) shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 comprises a body (22) of generally spherical shape, with an opening (26). The lid (23) is rotatable about two pivots (27), one of which is

visible in the figures.

  In the open position, as shown in FIG. 6, the lid (23) leaves the opening (26) unobstructed, which allows the filling of the body (22). Just grab the device '(21) by hand and immerse it in the package containing the powder. The

  Powder removal can be done at one time.

  Once this operation is complete, the cover (23) is tilted to the closed position shown in FIG. 5, wherein the cover (23) covers the opening (26) in the manner of a cap. In this position, the cover (23) is blocked by the cooperation of a lug (25) of the body (22) engaging in a corresponding recess (28) of the cover (23). Perforations (24) allow the progressive diffusion of the

  powder in the laundry during the wash cycle.

  The device (31), shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, comprises a body (32) of generally cylindrical shape,

  with an opening (36) on a side wall of the body.

  The moving part is a tilting drawer or bucket, formed by a cylindrical wall (33) delimited by two plane walls facing each other (35, 37). Each of these is pivotally mounted on an edge of the opening (36), as shown in (38). When the drawer is tilted outwards, as shown in FIG. 8, the

  device (31) serves for taking the powder.

  When in the inwardly tilted position, it closes the opening (36), the shape of the wall (33) being such as to ensure the continuity of the cylindrical wall of the body (32). To ensure the stability of the closed position shown in FIG. 7, a pin (40) is provided on each of the walls (35) to cooperate with a recess

  (40a) edges of the opening (36).

  In the position shown in FIG. 7, the device (31) serves for the distribution of the powder. It comprises for this purpose perforations (34) which, in this case, are provided on the body (32). For ease of handling, the device (31) has a portion (39) allowing it to be laid flat in a situation

stable.

  The device (41) shown in FIGS. 9 and still has a body (42) of generally cylindrical shape. In this case, the opening is provided not in a side wall of the cylinder, but in the vicinity of an end wall as shown in (46) on the FIG. 10. A lid (43), in the form of a shovel or bucket, has two walls (45, 47) facing each other around a portion (43). The open cup (43) is delimited by edges (48, 49) which are applied against the edges of two walls (52) defining the opening (46) of the body (42). The mounting of the bucket (43) on the body (42) is provided by two pivots (50) (only one is visible in Figures 9 and 10). In the position shown in FIG. 10, the device (41) serves for taking the powder, the

  bucket (43) being in the outwardly tilted position.

  In the position shown in FIG. 9, the device (41) is in the closed position. When it contains the desired amount of powder, it can be put into place in the drum of the washing machine, the powder gradually diffusing through the openings (44). To ensure the stability of the position shown in FIG. 9, a pin (53) is provided on each of the walls (45, 47) to cooperate with a corresponding recess (54) of

walls (52).

  The bucket (43) does not have to conform closely to the shape of the opening (46) on the body (42). In the folded position, the bucket can partially mask the opening (46) and thus let the powder diffuse not only through the orifices (44) but also through the intervals (51) left free to

the end of the body (42).

  It will be noted that the devices described above

  As examples, they can be easily made by plastic molding. When in the closed position, for the purpose of distributing the powder within the drum of the washing machine, it is advantageous that they have no sharp edges which could damage the laundry during washing. This is why the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 are

advantageously rounded.

  As previously mentioned, one skilled in the art can bring to the invention multiple

  changes or variants without departing from its scope.

Claims (21)

  1. Device for the distribution of powdered laundry in washing machines, said device comprising dispensing orifices and being characterized in that it has a body with at least one movable part enabling it to occupy at least two distinct positions , ie a so-called open position, in which the device acts as a metered quantity of powder washing means, and a so-called closed position, in which the device acts as a dispensing means, the device being, in this last provision, put in place in the drum of the washing machine.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing orifices are provided in the body of the device or in the part mobile of it.   3. Device according to one of the claims   1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a body (2) having the general shape of a shovel or bucket and a movable cover (3) which, in the open position of the device, serves as a handle for the removal of the powder (Fig. 4) and, in the closed position (Fig. 1) can be removably closed on the body (2).   4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover (3) is slidably mounted   at the upper part of the body (2).   5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the interior of the body (2) has grooves (15) for sliding the cover (3) at various levels, said grooves being oriented so that the cover occupies a horizontal or oblique position relative to the bottom (18) of the body (2) if it is laid flat.   6. Device according to any one of   Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that one (14) of the   side walls of the body (2) has at its upper part notches (9) cooperating with tabs (7) of the cover. 7. Device according to any one of   Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the cover   (3) has a stop (8) coming in closed position   apply on the wall (14) of the body (2).   8. Device according to any one of   Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the cover   is provided with perforations (4) intended to ensure   diffusion of the product during washing.   9. Device according to any one of   Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the cover   mobile (3) is provided with lateral notches (5) in which the user can place the fingers during the   removal of the powder in the package (Fig. 4). 10. Device according to one of the   1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a   body (22) of generally spherical shape provided with an opening (26) and a cover (23) of extra thickness which, in the open position (Fig. 6), leaves the opening (26) unobstructed, and, in the closed position ( Fig. 5), covers   the opening (26) in the manner of a cap.   11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover (23) has perforations (24) to ensure the diffusion of the product during washing. 12. Device according to one of the   Claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the cover   (23) is rotatable about two pins or pivots (27) mounted opposite the spherical body (22) outside of it.   13. Device according to any one of 2606? 53   Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, in   closed, the extreme edge of the cover (23) cooperates with a   stop (25) on the body (22). 14. Device according to one of the   1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a   body (32) of generally cylindrical shape, with an opening (36) on a side wall and a tilting drawer or bucket comprising a cylindrical wall (33) delimited by two flat walls (35, 37) facing each other, each the two flat side portions being pivotally mounted (38) on an edge of the opening (36) of the body (32), the slide in the outwardly tilted position (open position - Fig. 8) for picking, and in inward tilted position (closed position Fig. 7) used for distribution.   15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the perforations (34) ensuring the diffusion of the product during washing are distributed over the body (32). 16. Device according to one of the   1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a   body (42) of generally cylindrical shape having an opening (46) in the vicinity of an end wall and a tilting lid (43) in the form of a spade or bucket pivotally mounted (50) on the body, said lid in position pivoted outwards (Fig. 10) allowing the removal of the powder, and in the folded position on the body (Fig. 9) at least partially masking said opening. 17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the shape of the cover (43) is complementary to that of the opening (46) of the body (42) so that it is at least partially closed   when the lid is tilted inwards (Fig. 9). 18. Device according to one of the   16 or 17, characterized in that   perforations (44) are provided on the body (42) for   ensure the diffusion of the product during the washing.   19. Device according to any one of   Claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, in   closed, the lid (43) leaves free intervals or lights (51) also allowing the diffusion of the product in powder.   20. Device according to any one of   Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, in   closed, the movable part is made detachably secured to the body of the device, by means known per se conjugation of shapes or the presence of cooperating respective surfaces of the movable part and the body, for example recesses, nipples , pins and other clipping means imparting stability to the closed position, but capable of being manipulated forcefully that the moving part is removable.   21. Device according to any of the   Claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the body of this   device has a flat to ensure its stability when installed, especially after being filled with powdered laundry.