KR20020037366A - A smart dosing dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device comprising a housing having at least one compartment closed by at least one corresponding cover and containing at least one product, wherein the at least one product is administered into an electrical appliance for processing laundry or dishes. And / or a portable self contained device for dispensing, the device comprising at least one means for storing and releasing energy such that the product is released at one or more predetermined points in time during a cleaning cycle. It is characterized by including. Preferably the means is a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery. Further, preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one sensor and / or at least one actuator to detect when cleaning conditions are optimal and when at least one of the at least one compartment must be opened to release the product. It includes.

Description

Smart dosing dispenser

Dosing devices for administering the treatment mixture in a dish or washing machine represent various dosing devices to which the present invention may be applied. Typically, such dosing devices comprise at least one compartment filled with the product by the consumer and at least one opening into which the product is mixed with the wash water during the wash cycle. Such dosing devices are generally of interest because the compartments are designed to accommodate substantially the amount of production required for one wash cycle. Therefore, such dosage devices release the product directly onto the item to be administered and processed.

Over the years, many improvements have been made to better administering and / or releasing the product during washing. In particular, it is considered an important feature that the release of the product can be delayed, for example, to the final stage of the cleaning cycle.

Some dosing devices include one or more compartments. Typically, devices of this type are incompatible, but are used for products which are to be added to the same wash water of Unilever's European Patent No. 0.236.136Al.

Some other devices include means for gradually releasing their contents during a cleaning cycle or at any point during cleaning, such as during a spin drying step or a final rinse step, for example. In the case where the release operation requires gradual action, the device comprises vents in the form of, for example, limited openings in US Pat. No. 4,703,872 to Procter and Gamble. If the discharge operation needs to be geothermal in a cleaning cycle, the device comprises, for example, mechanical means that utilize the temperature of the wash water and take advantage of the difference in shrinkage properties of the constituent material: US Pat. Disclosed is an apparatus comprising a compartment and a cover made of two different materials and releasably closing the compartment. Before washing, the user fills the device and closes the compartment with a cover. At the temperature change of the wash water, during washing, usually during the final rinse, the shrinkage of the cover is more important than the shrinkage of the compartment material, so that the cover slides open from the compartment, thereby releasing the contents. Another means used to release the product at a point in time during the cleaning process uses centrifugal force at spin drying time. Devices using compartments that are releasably closed with a cover that is closed by the user prior to washing and then centrifugally open are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,888,391 to Procter & Gamble.

For example, as described in EP 0.236136 A1, there is another embodiment that uses a porous membrane to improve the release behavior of the product at a point in time during cleaning.

Dosage devices that can be identified in the art solve some problems. In some cases, however, it has been shown that the conditions of wash water change from one wash cycle to another even when using the same washer. These conditions depend on the quantity of products to be cleaned, the nature and quantity of the products used, the water hardness and other variables. Therefore, one major disadvantage is that it is not possible to predetermine the opening of the dosing device and the release behavior of the product, only depending on the characteristics of the wash water changing from one wash cycle to another.

The present invention relates to a device for administering a treatment mixture released into a medium, in particular a device for use in the textile sector and in home care.

1 is a side view of an administration device according to the invention in a closed position, with the cover in an open position towards the outside of the device;

2 is a side view of the dosing device according to the invention in an open position, with the cover in an open position towards the interior of the device;

3 is a side view with a plunger rod and cover and a housing of an administration device according to the invention.

4 and 5 are side views illustrating various embodiments of the actuator.

6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are schematic diagrams illustrating various embodiments of a locking mechanism for securing an administration device in a closed position.

The present invention relates to a device comprising a housing having at least one compartment closed by at least one corresponding cover and containing at least one product, wherein the at least one product is administered into an electrical appliance for processing laundry or dishes. And / or a portable self contained device for dispensing, the device comprising at least one means for storing and releasing energy such that the product is released at one or more predetermined points in time during a cleaning cycle. It is characterized by including.

Preferably the means is a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery.

Further, preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one sensor and / or at least one actuator to detect when cleaning conditions are optimal and when at least one of the at least one compartment must be opened to release the product. It includes.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the administration device 1 of the invention comprises a housing 10 having at least one opening 11. The opening 11 is removably closed by the cover 12. Inside the housing 10, the dosing device 1 comprises at least one compartment for an electromechanical component and at least one other product compartment 14 which is filled with a product for administration and dispensing. The at least one product compartment 14 may have any suitable shape such that once the dosing device 1 is open, its contents are readily and completely released (although gradually). Although the administration device 1 may have any suitable form, in one embodiment it is made of two hemispheres, where one hemisphere has at least one product compartment 14 for containing at least one product released. The other hemisphere comprises an electromechanical compartment 13 containing a power supply, at least one sensor 16, an actuator system 17 and a microchip 18 for driving a logic control program. .

The dosing device 1 according to the invention is suitable for the administration of any type of product which is mainly used for processing items. Preferably, the dosing device 1 is for administering products, especially synthetic detergents, for use in textiles and dishes. Suitable products for use with the dosing device (1) of the present invention include laundry detergents and additives, bleach base products, hypochlorite-based products, dish washing agents, fragrances, odor removal synthetics. Fabric softeners, fungicides, easy ironing, synthetic detergent boosters [enzymes] and the like. The administration device 1 of the present invention may have a variety of uses that require the release of the treated product once or continuously into the medium. These applications are intended for dish washing, for dry drying of fabrics, for the release of human protective products in kegs, for releasing shower gels or shampoos, for light liquid discharge from sinks to assist in dish washing by hand. liquids), for example, to clean or release fragrances from tanks in toilets. In the following description, for the sake of clarity, the application of the dosing device 1 for the treatment of the fabric in a washing machine, for example, is described.

With respect to the dosing device 1, the release during the wash cycle is not limited to the amount of items to be cleaned, the composition of the wash environment (eg wash water), the nature of the product used for the wash, and the like, and the wash conditions which comprise them. It means a device that can measure the correct quantity of the product.

In one preferred embodiment, the administration operation is performed by the user. For example, this can be done by using the size of the compartment of the device to measure the correct amount of product released in the cleaning operation. In this case, the device comprises, for example, dosing line-up marks, means to assist the user in selecting the correct amount of product to be filled. Alternatively, the user may introduce a cartridge of the product into the dosing device 1, which receives the quantity of product for one or several cleaning operations.

In another embodiment, the dosing may be done by the device itself configured to open at least one compartment and close again during the wash. In this case, the compartment does not contain a line-up mark and the user completely fills the product before cleaning. During washing, the dosing device 1 is first opened to release the product, and then finally closed to detect when the concentration of the product is sufficient and to prevent overdose of the product. In this case, the act of sensing the concentration is done by checking an element that is characteristic of the product being released, for example, if the product being released is a bleach, it is possible to detect the chlorine level. Those skilled in the art can determine whether the composite should be detected depending on the product being released. Of course, the corresponding suitable sensor 16 should in this case be integrated into the dosing device 1 and the control logic program should be configured accordingly.

The dosing device 1 may take any suitable form, for example cubic, when closed, but is preferably substantially spherical and, more preferably, once closed and immediately placed in the washing machine Its entire surface is designed to be as smooth as possible so that there are no sharp protrusions damaging the items to be processed. In fact, one possible use of the dosing device 1 of the present invention is to release the fabric protection product in the washing machine, so that even when the device is open, the surface of the device should be as smooth as possible so as not to tear the fabric during cleaning. need. In a preferred embodiment, the dosing device 1 comprises means for standing the dosing device 1 on a flat surface, for example on a table. The means can be, for example, a flat or stand outside the surface of the housing 10. Alternatively, since the electronic component of the dosing device 1, which is the heaviest part of the dosing device 1, is located at the bottom of the dosing device 1, when the dosing device 1 is placed on a flat surface Always maintain an upright posture.

Once opened, the dosing device 1 is best maintained in one whole part, so that the user does not have to move one or more parts of the dosing device 1 from the drum of the washing machine after the cleaning operation.

The materials used for the housing 10 and the cover 12 may be of any kind and may be made of a single material or of multiple materials. Preferred materials for the housing 10 and cover 12 are synthetic materials such as, for example, plastic or rubber, in order to be durable against liquid and / or temperature changes. Once the dosing device 1 is closed, it is very good to have a liquid seal. Of course, all materials constituting the administration device 1 can be selected if they are durable to the conditions of use. Preferably, it is desirable to be heat resistant for use in treating cloth with hot air without damage or for use in dishwashers. Examples of solid materials include, but are not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), copolymers of butadiene and styrene, and the like.

The housing 10 and cover 12 are preferably made by injection molding. Where the housing 10 and the covers 12 are made of one or more materials, an applicable co-injection molding process is preferred, since the various inserts are molded separately and then assembled It is cheaper than it is. For example, common injection molding can be used for the housing 10 to make the housing 10 partly non-slip rubber material into a rigid plastic. At least a portion of the outer surface of the dosing device (including the housing 10 and the cover 12) is preferably made of a rubber-like material which helps to prevent processing noise in the machine. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the invention, the dosing device 1 may be fixed to the wall of the washing machine drum, for example with a magnet. In this way, noise due to tumbling of the dosing device 1 inside the drum during washing is eliminated or at least almost reduced.

Alternatively, a rubber sleeve is installed around the body and cover 12 of the device.

An essential form of the dosing device 1 of the present invention comprises at least one means for storing and releasing energy 15, such that the contents of the dosing device 1 are released at a given time during the wash cycle. In order to determine when it is necessary for the environment, for example when the wash water is required to release the product by opening the dosing device 1, it is very likely that the dosing device 1 comprises at least one sensor 16 connected to the means. Good. Also preferably, the administration device 1 comprises an actuator 17 connected to the cover 12 for activating the opening 11 of the cover 12 during washing. Finally, the dosing device 1 monitors the data received from the sensor 16 and provides a signal to the actuator 17 to open the dosing device 1 at the correct time during the cleaning cycle. Additionally included.

In addition, the essential form of the administration device 1 of the present invention is portable, i.e., not bulky or heavy, so that it is easy for the user to handle and manipulate in-house usage. Its size should also be able to fit into the drum of an automatic washing machine or into a cloth dryer or dish washer of hot air. Preferably, its largest outline size does not exceed 20 cm. Further, preferably, the total weight thereof does not exceed 5 kg, more preferably, it does not exceed 2.5 kg even when empty, and more preferably, it does not exceed 1 kg when the weight is empty. At the same time, the size and / or shape of the dosing ball should not be caught between two parts of the washing machine, for example, between the outer casing or dryer and drum of a particularly American washing machine.

Finally, an essential form of the administration device 1 of the present invention is that it is accepted by itself. By being housed on its own, the administration device 1 is designed to operate independently of any other device once it has been filled with the product and sealed. In particular, the dosing device 1 comprises all the means necessary to properly determine the correct time at which its contents are released by merely sensing its external environment and its own power source. In another alternative, power is delivered via a coil tranmitter that receives electricity through the remote generator.

Energy storage

Since the essential form of the dosing device 1 of the present invention comprises at least one means for storing and releasing energy 15, the contents of the dosing device 1 are to be released at some point during washing. Preferably, the means is stored in an electromechanical compartment 13 of the administration device 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the means is a throw-away battery or a rechargeable battery. More preferably, the battery is not rechargeable, but receives enough energy to last at least one year under normal use conditions. Normal conditions of use mean 1 to 2 per week. For example, one or more AA rechargeable or reprocessable batteries can be used, which are embedded in the device. The output voltage of the battery is typically between 1.5 and 12 volts, and the good output voltage is between 3 and 6 volts, for example one DL223A is a 6 volt battery. A good alternative is a smaller and longer lasting lithium battery.

In the case where the device comprises a rechargeable battery, the housing 10 preferably comprises a plug recess for the user to plug or wirelessly connect the dosing device 1 to mains electricity.

In another embodiment of the invention, the means for storing energy 15 is a kinetic battery. This active battery includes a rechargeable battery associated with mechanical motion that converts any kinetic energy of the battery into electricity that can be stored. Such active batteries are known, for example, in the clock industry and the type of active battery suitable for use with the administration device 1 according to the invention is suitably selected by a person skilled in the art.

Sensor technology

The essential form of the administration device 1 of the present invention comprises at least one sensor 16, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As for the sensor, it refers to a chip or similar electronic device that detects a stimulus in the environment of the administration device, for example, wash water. Preferably, the sensor 16 is directly connected to the microchip 18, which transforms the stimulus signal into an electric impulsion and the electric motive force is transmitted to the means and then the actuator ( 17). The sensor 16 is housed in the electromechanical compartment 13 of the device, for example fixed with brackets and screws. Preferably, the microchip 18 itself integrated into the sensor 16 is an electronic circuit that executes a basic program called a logic control program. The logic control program incorporates the different parameters of the cleaning operation detected in the medium and also incorporates the type of product that needs to be released in order to calculate at what time the product should be released during the cleaning. The particular configuration of the electronic circuitry of the microchip 18 will be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.

The structure and configuration of the sensor 16 are adapted to the stimulus signal to be detected, and the configuration of the appropriate sensor 16 will be readily determined by those skilled in the art. Since the administration device 1 of the present invention includes at least one sensor 16, it can respond to at least one stimulus signal given in its surroundings. It will be appreciated that the more stimulus signals detected by the device, the more accurate the administration and / or release of the product will be. In the following examples of the invention, the wash water in the drum of the washing machine is taken as an example of the environment of the dosing device 1, but this example is not intended to limit the scope of application of the dosing device 1.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the dosing device 1 is connected to a sensor 16 which is fixed into the pipe of the washing machine in a washing machine, for example a powder drawer or additive drawer of the washing machine or in another way. The sensor 16 is a conductivity analyzer that determines when to add water. The sensor 16 is coupled to the dosing device 1 by a radio-frequency connection, which makes it possible to determine when to add water to the cleaning operation even when there is already water in the drum, so that the dosing device 1 Is already locked during the wash cycle but makes it possible to detect fresh water addition. This improves the accuracy with which the dosing device 1 determines the different stages of the wash cycle and hence the accuracy with which it determines the correct time to release its contents.

All these variables can be detected in turn, but the device preferably comprises at least two sensors, more preferably at least three sensors 16, so that it is possible to more accurately determine the correct time to release the contents. In fact, one variable, for example, temperature, can vary from one washing machine to another and from one program to another. By combining the various variables detected, it has been found that determining the steps of the cleaning cycle becomes more accurate. Surprisingly, it has been found that the combination of the detection of conductivity and acceleration allows a very good decision when to release the product during the cleaning cycle, which is improved when combining the conductivity and acceleration of the drum with the temperature of the wash water.

As described above, the sensor 16 learns cleaning conditions, in particular two distinct situations: (a) what are the main steps of the cleaning cycle when the administration device comprises a learning memory, And / or (b) once the dosing device knows the characteristics of the wash cycle from which it can be selected, it is used to determine the wash conditions so that the dosing device detects what is the stage of the wash cycle. .

Act

Ejecting the stored product during the cleaning cycle opens the cover 12 in accordance with the operation of the means. In a first embodiment of the invention, the opening 11 of the cover 12 and the contents of the dosing device are released by means of storing energy 15, for example by means of a battery, an electromechanical actuator 19. ), For example, powered through an electric motor, solenoid or nitinol wire.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the energy used to move the cover 12 to the open position is the mechanical energy provided by the user himself before washing. This mechanical energy is stored in the mechanical actuator 20. When the device detects that the product needs to be released, the electromechanical actuator 19 (powered by the means for storing energy 15) releases the mechanical energy stored into the mechanical actuator 20, It acts as a conversion actuator. The main prerequisites for such a conversion actuator are as follows: The administration device 1 should be as light and small as possible, since it should be easy and convenient to use. A good way to make the dosage device 1 light and small is to reduce the size of the parts, in particular the means for storing energy 15. The amount of energy to open the cover 12 is quite large and if the energy is supplied only by, for example, a battery, the magnitude of the energy must be very large, in terms of the weight and size of the dosing device 1. Does not meet the above mentioned prerequisites. Thus, it has been found that the energy used directly to open the cover 12 can be purely mechanical given by the user himself. Means for storing energy 15, for example a battery, are only used to release the mechanical energy.

The mechanical energy for moving the cover 12 to the open position can be provided by any suitable means, but in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the mechanical energy is a coil spring 20, more preferably FIGS. It is provided by the metallic coil spring 20 shown in FIG. When the user presses the cover 12 to close the dosing device 1, the coil spring 20 is compressed and loaded with mechanical energy. The coil spring 20 stores elastic energy into the device to reduce the amount of energy used from the battery to actuate the opening 11 of the device.

The device comprises locking means 22 which releaseably lock the coil spring 20 in a compressed position, which is unlocked by an electromechanical actuator 19 powered by a battery. The locking means 22 is preferably achieved by a locking teeth 23 located on the plunger rod 21. The plunger rod 21 is connected to the cover 12. 4, 5, 6a to 6d, the retractable shaft 24 connected to the electromechanical actuator 19 corresponds to the locking teeth 23. When the user closes the device, the shaft of the electromechanical actuator 19 engages with the locking teeth 23 of the plunger rod 21 to lock the spring in the compression stage.

If the dosing device 1 comprises one or more compartments, each compartment is closed by a cover 12 connected to a separate plunger rod 21, each plunger rod 21 having a corresponding electromechanical actuator ( Locking / unlocking by the shaft of 19). Optionally, when the dosing device 1 is used by the user to measure the correct amount of product to be administered prior to the cleaning operation, the plunger rod 21 can be used to fill dosing for different sizes of dosage. marks). In one embodiment of the invention, the cover 12 of the administration device 1 can be removed. For example, the screwing can be released from the plunger rod 21. Accordingly, the upper end of the plunger rod 21 includes a threaded portion 25 that is engaged with a corresponding threaded portion of the cover 12. Alternatively, the thread may be replaced by bayonet means. Preferably, both cover 12 and plunger rod 21 include mating double lead threads for faster mating.

Once the dosing device 1 is filled, before being placed into the washing machine, the user switches on the dosing device using an on / off mechanism.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the on / off mechanism is integrated into the bottom of the plunger rod 21 to operate the device when the user closes the device, and the device is opened and housed therein during the cleaning operation. When it releases, it stops.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the on / off mechanism depends on the plunger rod 21 and the cover 12, but is independent when the dosing device 1 is closed: the switch is "turn to activate". Switch. To switch on the device, the user twists using the cover 12.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the switch is independent of the plunger rod 21 and the cover 12 and is preferably located on the face of the housing 10 of the device and independent of any other operation, such as any other switch. Used.

The first embodiment is preferred if the dosing device 1 releases its contents in one operation during the cleaning operation. In this case, the device is switched off automatically after the cover 12 is opened. One advantage is that the battery lasts longer because it is not used during the rest of the wash cycle. In the second and third embodiments, since the device is not switched off after the first release, these configurations are good if the device is a means for releasing its contents at one or more times during the cleaning cycle.

Preferably, the plunger rod 21 is designed in the form of a flat half-spin on one side to prevent turning during the cleaning operation. This also prevents rotation of the plunger rod 21 when the dosing device 1 is turned on / off by twisting the cover 12.

The electromechanical actuator 19 may be any suitable means such as linear or rotary actuators, for example servomotors, solenoids, stepper motors, pancake motors or custom made linear or rotary actuators, permanently. It may be made through a magnet or an electronic magnet. If the dosing device 1 comprises one or more compartments and the compartments are intended to be opened at different times during the wash cycle, then the dosing device 1 is preferably designed to actuate the openings 11 of the compartments individually. It includes a separate electromechanical actuator.

In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the electromechanical actuator 19 consists of a solenoid 19, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. This solenoid 19 comprises a retractable shaft 24 which moves into / out of the locking teeth 23 of the plunger pin. When the solenoid 19 is operated by a battery, the shaft retracts from the locking teeth 23 of the plunger rod 21 into the solenoid 19, thereby releasing the stored mechanical energy into the compressed coil spring 20 The cover 12 is moved to an open position and the product can be released from the administration device 1.

As shown in Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, there are other alternatives for electromechanical actuation. For example, it may be a reciprocating cam style (a), or multiple leads (c) or racks and pinions (d) or reciprocating (not shown) formed with a cam style or rotary thread with a lever arm pivot (b). ) May be a crankshaft.

Compartment (s) / valve (s)

The main housing 10 includes at least one compartment 14 for storing at least one product. Preferably, the total storage volume is 100 ml with 20% overcharge capacity, more preferably 150 ml with 20% overcharge capacity. Also preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, the compartments are perforated on the floor, allowing the plunger rod 21 to slide to open / close the cover 12. More preferably, the perforations are covered with a chemically durable plunger rod 21 seal with an inclined coil spring that controls wear on the rod. For example, the chemically durable plunger rod 21 seal is made of Teflon ^™ .

Once in the closed position, the thermoplastic elastomeric gasket preferably seals the interface between the cover 12 and the housing 10 of the dosing device 1. More preferably the gasket is made of a soft urethane elastomer.

In addition, the housing 10 preferably also includes a battery door located on the bottom of the dosing device 1, which allows access for the user to replace the battery if the battery cannot be recharged. do. The battery door is similarly sealed in the product compartment 14 with a thermoplastic elastomeric gasket, preferably a soft SANTOPRENE ^™ elastomeric gasket. Most preferably, there is no door and the battery is sealed inside the device. This prevents battery replacement, but increases the level of protection against leakage.

If the administration device 1 comprises several compartments, the compartments may be closed by the same cover 12 or individually. In a first embodiment of the invention, the compartments are closed with diaphragms similar to those used in the camera industry, i.e., apertures comprising several panels sliding over each other. In another embodiment, the compartments are closed by an interposed plate that is movable and progressively retracts from each other: the first plate moves to open the first compartment and then moves and presses the second plate to press the second Open the compartment, etc. This open / close system uses a system that is reduced in size and uses very little energy, but can effectively monitor the opening / closing of the compartment.

Other forms

In one embodiment of the invention, the dosing device 1 is equipped with a scanner capable of reading a bar-code on the label of the bottle, which allows the user to use the same dosing device 1 It is possible to administer and dispense different types of products that must be released at different times during the wash cycle. In this embodiment, at least one sensor 16 of the administration device 1 accommodates several programs each connected to one type of product, for example one program for bleach, another program for emollients. Before washing, the user scans the bottle, so the sensor 16 of the dosing device recognizes the type of product and is converted to the correct program of detection. Various types of scanners may be used, for example barcode scanners or RFID scanners (radio frequency identification scanners).

In another embodiment, the dosing device 1 comprises at least one LED which acts as an electronic protective battery load monitor. For example, the LED flashes when the system has the proper voltage and stabilizes when the voltage is low. The LED is installed in the electromechanical compartment 13 and can be seen from the outside of the device through a plastic light pipe. In one embodiment, the LED provides a signal at the end of the cleaning operation, for example by blinking, to inform the consumer that the product has been properly discharged.

Contents

The dosing device 1 according to the invention is mainly suitable for administering any type of product, preferably for administering products used in fabrics, dishwashers, and more preferably in detergent compositions. Products suitable for use with the dosing device 1 of the present invention include, but are not limited to, laundry detergents and additives, bleach base products, chlorite base products, dishwashing compounds, fragrances, odor removal compounds, fabric softeners, and the like. It doesn't work.

These products contain nano-components in liquid or gel media, particles, liquids, rubbed solid blocks, foaming resins, gases, aerosols, salamis administered in pieces, large grains, and the like. It may be used in any suitable form including but not limited to.

Control logic

Once the dosing device 1 is configured and ready for immediate operation, it is necessary to integrate two variables: the type of product used and the type of washing cycle. The type of product will determine at what stage of the cleaning cycle the product should be released. It is not an object of the present invention to provide an exhaustive list of products that can be released by using the administration device 1 and to explain when products should be released during washing. This is within the scope of general knowledge of those skilled in the art. Determination and memory of what to choose between the type of product and the type of cleaning cycle is the main role of the control logic program driven by the microchip 18 of the dosing device. The control logic program can define a specific time to release the product.

First, it is to be remembered that the dosage device 1 needs to release what product. In one embodiment, the type of product is programmed into it and integrated into the dosing device 1, which can be done by the user, for example, by the user scanning the product container label. In this case, the label comprises a bar code read by the administration device 1. In another embodiment, the dosage device 1 is configured for use with only one product, so the type of product used is stored at the time the dosage device 1 is configured.

Second, the dosing device 1 should remember which type of cleaning cycle, in particular which major steps of the cleaning cycle (main wash, rinse, etc.) are used. Typically, consumers use up to two or three different cleaning program types. For each other washing program, the total length of the cycle, the temperature and the number of rinses are different, but the programs can be easily learned by the dosing device 1 after some practice washing operation. In this case, the dosing device 1 comprises a learning memory, as described above, which learns three different types of washing types with their respective properties during the first cleaning operation.

Once the dosing device 1 remembers the different types of wash cycles that can be used in the memory and the characteristics of the type of product that needs to be released, what type of wash cycle has been chosen and the By using a sensor 16 which senses what steps are being taken and informs the dosing device 1, it is possible to release the product at the correct time during the cleaning cycle. For example, it is possible to release enzymes continuously and then inhibited by specific inhibitors during the main cleaning operation or release bleach during the first rinse process, or as fabric softeners, ironing agents, color protectors, etc. The rinse additive may be released at least in the rinse process. This list of examples is not exhaustive and may apply to other types of treatments depending on the type of items being processed (dish washers, hot air dryers, etc.).

Process of Use of Dosing Device

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for administering and / or dispensing at least one product into an electrical appliance for the treatment of laundry or dishes by using the apparatus according to claims 1 to 7. silver

Filling the device with the at least one product;

Manually closing the device thereby loading the device with mechanical energy and switching it on;

Placing the device in the electrical appliance with the items of laundry or dishes to be treated and starting the electrical appliance for a processing cycle;

After processing the laundry or dishes, removing the device with the laundry or dishes from the electrical appliance.

Electrical appliances in which the dosing device 1 is used include, but are not limited to, vertical or horizontal washing machines, automatic dishwashers or hot air clothes dryers.

As described above, the administration device 1 can be started by twisting the cover 12 before pressing the device to close the device. Alternatively, the dosing device 1 comprises an electrical switch at the bottom of the plunger rod 21 which closes the electrical circuit when the user presses the cover 12 to close the device and starts the device. . Alternatively, the on / off switch is independent of the plunger rod 21 and the cover 12 and there is a switch on the surface of the housing 10 of the device.

Claims (9)

A device comprising a housing having at least one compartment closed by at least one corresponding cover and containing at least one product, wherein the at least one product is dispensed into and / or into an electrical appliance for processing laundry or dishes. In a self contained device for dispensing, And the device comprises at least one means for storing and releasing energy such that the product is released at one or more predetermined points in time during a cleaning cycle. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one means for storing and releasing energy is achieved with an electric battery. The device of claim 2, wherein the electric battery is rechargeable. 4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, further comprising at least one actuator to open the cover of the at least one compartment. 5. The actuator of claim 4 wherein the actuator is achieved by a mechanical actuator connected to the cover, the mechanical actuator being manually loaded with mechanical energy when the consumer presses the cover before placing the device into the washer, the mechanical energy being locked Means for storing by locking the mechanical actuator in the loading position via means and released when the locking means is unlocked by an electromechanical actuator powered by a battery. 6. The locking tooth according to claim 5, wherein the mechanical actuator is a metal coiled spring, the mechanical energy is spring compression energy, the electromechanical actuator is a solenoid, and the locking means is a locking tooth located on the movable plunger rod. ) And a shaft of a solenoid moving in / out the toothed projection to lock / unlock the spring respectively. 4. The device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor to analyze the composition of the environment of the device and to determine when an actuator should open the at least one compartment. A sensor for use in the dosing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 connected to a battery and / or an actuator. A method of dispensing and / or dispensing at least one product into an electrical appliance, in order to process laundry or dishes, by using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Filling the device with the at least one product; Manually closing the device thereby loading the device with mechanical energy; Placing the device in the electrical appliance with the items of laundry or dishes to be treated and starting the electrical appliance for a processing cycle; After processing the laundry or dishes, removing the device along with the laundry or dishes from the electrical appliance.