RU2560307C2 - Metering device with gradual release and sealing of household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: personal use articles.

SUBSTANCE: metering device with a gradual release of at least one substance into the household appliance is proposed, comprising the presence of aqueous working fluid characterised in that it comprises a shell inside which there is a large number of doses of the said substances required for the corresponding large number of operation cycles of the said device. The said shell is at least partially formed by a material permeable to the said working fluid, and is capable to release at least a dose of the said substance in each cycle of the device operation. The substance comprises at least a substance agent active at washing, active at dishwashing or active at cleaning, from the group comprising surfactants, washing components, water softening agents, zeolites, silicates, polymers, carbonates, carboxylates, sulfonates, bleaches, bleaching activators, bleaching stabilisers, bleaching catalysts, washing co-components, alkalising agents, acidifying agents, redeposition inhibitors, dyes, flavouring agents, optical brighteners, UV filters, conditioners for fabric and means for rinsing.

EFFECT: improvement of the design.

13 cl, 17 dwg

Description

The object of the present invention is a metering device with a gradual release of substances, both in electric and non-electric household appliances, which require, in particular, the periodic presence of water for their operation.

In particular, this invention can be applied in some household electrical appliances, for example, washing machines or dishwashers, to release auxiliary substances during various successive cycles of operation, the preferred references to which will be made below by way of example only.

It is known that before the start of each washing cycle, the consumer pours into the appropriate trays, in a specially adapted compartment, or in containers that must be directly introduced into the drum, detergent and other additives, such as, for example, fabric softener, bleach, antibacterial agents or anti-limescale.

The market offers a growing number of products that are soluble or can be suspended in washing water, to be added to a conventional detergent before the traditional washing cycle, which are selected to improve washing efficiency or to protect the condition of a household appliance. To obtain the desired result, however, the consumer should not forget to add the substances mentioned above with each wash cycle, but sometimes, especially with some products, this does not happen due to laziness or carelessness of the consumer.

Especially the anti-scale agent is a product that the consumer often forgets to introduce, as it takes a preventive effect, and therefore does not give the consumer immediate and real evidence of effectiveness, as is the case with an air conditioner that softens washed items, or in the case of bleach, which makes the washed laundry lighter, or in the case of dishwasher aroma diffusers that remove odors, or with a rinse aid that I improves the gloss of dishes. Such substances provide effects that the consumer sees immediately on their sensations, and this encourages him to the continuous use of such additives.

Moreover, not all household electrical appliances intended for washing have a special compartment for introducing anti-scale, since the problem of scale deposits on the mechanical parts of household electrical appliances depends on the geographic location of the consumer, and not all types of water have such a hardness index to require methodical use of the product against scale.

Similar consumer missteps also apply to other products, such as, for example, antibacterial agents or agents capable of protecting or cleaning the mechanical parts of a household appliance, such as a gasket, water inlets or tubes that transfer detergent to the washing drum.

Similarly, in sanitary equipment, for example, in the toilet, products are often added to maintain hygiene and clean the toilet.

Such products can be poured into the toilet manually and periodically, but their effectiveness and their retention in the toilet are limited in time, especially due to the use of flushing devices, and therefore, constant application of such products is necessary.

In this case, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to propose a metering device with the gradual release of substances into household appliances that require the presence of water for their operation, which can eliminate the disadvantages described above.

Within the framework of this technical task, the main object of the present invention is to develop a metering device with the gradual release of substances into household appliances that require the presence of water, which is simple and practical for use and which does not allow the consumer to forget about the introduction, with each wash or in general with each use of the device, any type of substance that may be necessary or useful for a better work of the device.

Another object of the present invention is the development of a metering device with the gradual release of substances into sanitary-hygienic equipment, such as, for example, a toilet, which can be used for various cycles of equipment operation.

Another object of the present invention, ultimately, is the development of a metering device with the gradual release of substances into household equipment, which can be used in already sold equipment of this type.

The refined technical task and specific objects are essentially achieved by means of a metering device with the gradual release of substances into household equipment, characterized in that the device includes technical features of one or more of the attached claims.

The substance contained in the device depends, of course, on the intended use of the device. It, for example, may contain surfactants, such as anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof.

Examples of anionic surfactants are linear or branched alkyl sulfates and alkyl polyalkoxylated sulfates, also known as alkyl ether sulfates. Such surfactants can be produced by sulfonation of higher C ₈ -C ₂₀ fatty alcohols.

Examples of primary alkyl sulfate surfactants are surfactants of the formula:

ROSO ₃ ^- M ⁺ ,

where R represents a linear C ₈ -C ₂₀ -carbonyl group, and M represents a water-solubilizing cation. Preferably, R is C ₁₀ -C ₁₆ alkyl, for example C ₁₂ -C ₁₄ , and M is an alkali metal such as lithium, sodium, or potassium.

Examples of secondary alkyl sulfate surfactants are surfactants that have a sulfate residue on the "backbone" of the molecule, for example, surfactants of the formula:

CH ₂ (CH ₂ ) _n (CHOSO ₃ ^- M ⁺ ) (CH ₂ ) _m CH ₃ ,

where m and n independently of each other have a value of 2 or more, the sum of m + n is usually from 6 to 20, for example, from 9 to 15, and M is a water-soluble cation, such as lithium, sodium or potassium.

Particularly preferred secondary alkyl sulfates are (2,3) -alkyl sulfate surfactants of the formulas:

CH ₂ (CH ₂ ) _x (CHOSO ₃ ^- M ⁺ ) CH ₃ and

CH ₃ (CH _{2) x} (CHOSO ₃ ^- M ⁺⁾ CH ₂ CH ₃

for 2-sulfate and 3-sulfate, respectively. In the above formulas, x has a value of at least 4, for example, from 6 to 20, preferably from 10 to 16. M represents a cation, such as an alkali metal, for example, lithium, sodium or potassium.

Examples of alkoxylated alkyl sulfates are ethoxylated alkyl sulfates of the formula:

RO (C ₂ H ₄ O) _n SO ₃ ^- M ⁺ ,

where R represents a C ₈ -C ₂₀ alkyl group, preferably C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ , for example C ₁₂ -C ₁₆ , n has a value of at least 1, for example, from 1 to 20, preferably from 1 to 15 , in particular from 1 to 6, and M represents a salt-forming cation, such as lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, alkylammonium or alkanolammonium. Such compounds may provide the benefits of particularly desirable tissue cleaning characteristics when used in combination with alkyl sulfates.

Alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates are usually used in the form of mixtures containing alkyl chains of varying lengths and, if alkoxylation is present, with varying degrees of alkoxylation.

Other anionic surfactants that can be used are fatty acid salts, for example C ₈ -C ₁₈ fatty acids, in particular sodium, potassium or alkanolammonium salts, and alkylbenzenesulfonates, for example C ₈ -C ₁₈ -alkyl- .

Examples of nonionic surfactants are fatty acid alkoxylates. Ethoxylated and propoxylated nonionic surfactants are preferred. Preferred alkoxylated surfactants can be selected from the classes of nonionic condensates of alkyl phenols, nonionic ethoxylated alcohols, nonionic alkoxylated / propoxylated fatty alcohols, nonionic alkoxylated / propoxylated condensates with propylene glycol and nonionic ethoxylate condensates with propylene diamine oxide / ethylene adducts. Fatty acid ethoxylates are preferred, especially of the formula:

R (C ₂ H ₄ O) _n OH,

where R represents a linear or branched C ₈ -C ₁₆ alkyl group, preferably a C ₉ -C ₁₅ -, for example, a C ₁₀ -C ₁₄ - or C ₁₂ -C ₁₄ -alkyl group, and n has a value of at least , 1, for example, from 1 to 16, preferably from 2 to 12, more preferably from 3 to 10.

A non-ionic alkoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant will often have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) that ranges from 3 to 17, more preferably from 6 to 15, most preferably from 10 to 15.

Examples of fatty alcohol ethoxylates are ethoxylates derived from alcohols containing from 12 to 15 carbon atoms and which contain about 7 moles of ethylene oxide. Such materials are marketed under the trademarks Neodol 25-7 and Neodol 23-6.5 by Shell Chemical Company. Other useful products of the Neodols brand are Neodol 1-5, an ethoxylated fatty alcohol with an average carbon number of 11 in its alkyl chain and with approximately 5 moles of ethylene oxide; Neodol 23-9, ethoxylated primary C ₁₂ -C ₁₃ alcohol containing approximately 9 moles of ethylene oxide; and Neodol 91-10, an ethoxylated primary C ₉ -C ₁₁ alcohol containing about 10 moles of ethylene oxide.

This type of alcohol ethoxylate is also marketed by Shell Chemical Company under the brand name Dobanol. Dobanol 91-5 is an ethoxylated fatty C ₉ -C ₁₁ alcohol with an average of 5 moles of ethylene oxide; and Dobanol 25-7 is an ethoxylated fatty C ₁₂ -C ₁₅ alcohol with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule of fatty alcohol.

Other examples of suitable ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants are Tergitol 15-S-7 and Tergitol 15-S-9, both of which are linear secondary alcohol ethoxylates supplied by Union Carbide Corporation. Tergitol 15-S-7 is a mixed ethoxylated linear C ₁₁ -C ₁₅ alcohol secondary product with 7 moles of ethylene oxide, and Tergitol 15-S-9 is the same product with 9 moles of ethylene oxide.

Other suitable alcohol ethoxylated nonionic surfactants are Neodol 45-11, which is a similar condensation product of ethylene oxide and a fatty alcohol containing 14-15 carbon atoms and with an ethylene oxide group per molecule of approximately 11. Such products are also supplied by the company Shell Chemical Company.

Other non-ionic surfactants are, for example, C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ alkylpolyglycosides, such as C ₁₂ -C ₁₆ alkylpolyglycosides, in particular polyglucosides. Such compounds are especially useful when strong foaming is desired. Other surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty acid amides such as C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ -N- (3-methoxypropyl) glycamides and ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block polymers of the Pluronic type.

Examples of cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium surfactants.

Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds have the formula (I) or (Ia), or include mixtures thereof:

[R '- (CO) -ORN ⁺ (-R ”) (- (RO) _n H) (- RO- (CO) -R')] X ^- (I)

[R '- (CO) -NH-RN ⁺ (-R ¹ ) (- (RO) _n H) (- R-NH- (CO) -R')] X ^- (Ia),

where R represents an alkylene or alkynylene group containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms;

R 'represents an alkyl or alkenyl group containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms;

n is an integer having a value from 1 to 4;

R "represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R ¹ represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a hydrogen atom; and

X ^- is an anion compatible with air conditioning.

Non-limiting examples of a conditionally compatible anion are chloride, formate, nitrate, sulfate, or C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl sulfate, preferably methyl sulfate.

Alkyl or alkenyl R 'ideally should contain at least 10 carbon atoms, preferably at least 14 carbon atoms, more preferably at least 16 carbon atoms. The group may be linear or branched.

A specific example of a quaternary ammonium compound is [di (solid fat) carboxyethyl) hydroxyethylmethylammonium] X ^- .

A cationic co-fabric softener may be present.

Examples of amphoteric surfactants are oxides of C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ amines and C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ betaines and sulfobetaines.

Suitable detergent components are alkali metal or ammonium phosphates, polyphosphates, phosphonates, polyphosphonates, carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, polyhydroxy sulfonates, polyacetates, carboxylates, such as citrates, and other polycarboxylates / polyacetyl carboxylates, such as succinate, malon.

There are three main types of mode of action for water softeners, which are described below.

1) Ion exchange agents - such agents include alkali metal aluminosilicates (preferably sodium) or crystalline, or amorphous, or mixtures of the two. Such aluminosilicates usually have an ion exchange capacity for calcium of at least 50 mg CaO per gram of aluminosilicate corresponding to the formula:

0,8-1,5 Na ₂ O.Al ₂ O ₃ .0,8-6 SiO ₂

and include some water. Preferred sodium aluminosilicates in the framework of the above formula contain 1.5-3.0 units of SiO ₂ . Both amorphous and crystalline aluminosilicates can be obtained by the reaction of sodium silicate and sodium aluminate, and this reaction is quite fully described in the literature.

Suitable ion exchange detergent components of a detergent based on crystalline sodium aluminosilicates are described, for example, in GB 1429143 (Procter & Gamble). Preferred sodium aluminosilicates of this type are the well known, commercially available zeolites A and X and mixtures thereof. Also of interest is zeolite P described in document EP 384070 (Unilever).

Another class of compounds are detergent components of layered sodium silicate, for example, described in documents US-A-4464839 and US-A-4820439, and also referred to in document EP-A-551375.

Such materials are defined in US-A-4820439 as crystalline layered sodium silicate of the general formula:

NaMSi _x O _{2x + 1} ^. YH ₂ O,

where M is sodium or a hydrogen atom;

X has values from 1.9 to 4, and y has values from 0 to 20.

Cited literature references describing the preparation of such materials include Glastechn. Ber., 37, 194-200 (1964), Zeitschrift fur Kristallogr., 129, 396-404 (1969), Bull. Soc. Franc. Min. Crist., 95, 371-382 (1972) and Amer. Mineral 62, 763-771 (1977). Such materials also perform the function of removing calcium and magnesium ions from water, and also include zinc salts, which, as shown, are effective in softening water.

2) Means for trapping ions - means that prevent the formation of insoluble salts by metal ions or interaction with surfactants, such as polyphosphates, monomeric polycarboxylates, such as citric acid or its salts, polycarboxylate polymers, such as polyacrylates, acrylic and maleic copolymers acids and acrylic phosphonates, EDTA, alginines, alginates.

3) Anti-nucleation agents - means that prevent the growth of crystal nuclei, such as polycarboxylate polymers, for example, polyacrylates, acrylic / maleic copolymers and acrylic phosphonates, and sulfonates. Such polymers can also act as ion traps.

Preferred organic water soluble water softeners that may be present are polycarboxylate polymers such as polyacrylates, copolymers of acrylic and maleic acids and acrylic phosphonates, monomeric polycarboxylates such as citrates, gluconates, oxidisuccinates, mono-, di, and glycerol trisuccinates. carboxymethyloxy succinates, carboxymethyloxymalonates, dipicolinates, hydroxyethyliminodiacetates, phosphonates, iminodisuccinates, polyaspartic acids, BHT, phosphonate stabilizers such as diethylenetriaminepenta (methylenephosphonic acid) and its corresponding pentanosodium salt sold under the trade name Dequest 2060 and Dequest 2066 by Monsanto Chemical Co., DTPMP and DTPMA (Dequest 2010) and HEDP.

Preferably, the water-soluble water softener is a neutralized or partially neutralized carboxylic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid or maleic acid, and / or a neutralized or partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid, such as polyacrylic acid, Mw 4000-8000 (e.g. Acusol 445N (Rohm & Haas, CAS Reg. No. 66019-18-9) or Sokalan (BASF)).

Further examples of such suitable polymers include unsaturated sulfonic acid monomer based polymers. The unsaturated sulfonic acid monomer is preferably one of the following compounds: 2-acrylamidomethyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-metharylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropane sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonic acid, metallosulfonic acid , allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, metalloxybenzenesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3- (2-propenyloxy) propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propen-1-sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, 3-s lfopropilakrilat, 3-sulfopropyl, sulfometilakrilamid, sulfometilmetakrilamid and their water soluble salts.

The unsaturated sulfonic acid monomer is most preferably 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS).

Suitable enzymes are protease, lipase, amylase and cellulase enzymes. Such enzymes are commercially available and sold, for example, under the registered trademarks Esperase, Alcalase, Savinase, Termamyl, Lipolase and Celluzyme (NovaNordisk A / S). When their presence is desired, enzymes are present in the substance in an amount of from 0.5 to 3 wt.%, Especially from 1 to 2 wt.%.

The substance, if necessary, may contain a thickening or gelling agent. Suitable thickeners are polyacrylate polymers, such as those sold under the trademark CARBOPOL, or under the trademark ACUSOL by Rohm and Haas Company. Other suitable thickeners are xanthan gums. The thickener, if present, is usually present in an amount of from 0.2 to 4 wt.%, In particular from 0.2 to 2 wt.%.

The substance may also optionally contain one or more additional ingredients. Such additional ingredients include conventional detergent components such as additional surfactants, bleaches, whitening enhancers, soap foam enhancers or soap foam suppressants, anti-plaque and anti-corrosion agents, organic solvents, co-solvents, phase stabilizers, emulsifying agents, preservatives, means for suspending dirt stains, means for removing stains, germicides, phosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphate or potassium tripolyphosphate, pH regulation reducing agents or buffers, non-washing sources of alkalinity, chelating agents, clays such as smectite clays, enzyme stabilizers, anti-limescale agents, colorants, colorants, hydrotropes, colorant transfer inhibiting agents, glossing agents and flavoring agents. If used, then such optional ingredients will usually comprise no more than 10 wt.%, For example, from 1 to 6 wt.% Of the total weight of the substance.

In the case of a substance that contains enzymes, materials may optionally be present to maintain the stability of the enzyme. Such enzyme stabilizers include, for example, polyols such as propylene glycol, boric acid and borax. Combinations of such enzyme stabilizers can also be used. If enzyme stabilizers are used, they usually comprise from 0.1 to 1% by weight of the substance.

The substance may optionally contain materials that serve as phase stabilizers and / or co-solvents. Examples are C ₁ -C ₃ alcohols or diols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and 1,2-propanediol. C ₁ -C ₃ alkanolamines, such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines and monoisopropanolamine, alone or in combination with alcohols, can also be used.

If the substance is in liquid form, it may be anhydrous or, for example, may contain up to 5 wt.% Water. Aqueous substances usually contain more than 8 wt.% Water based on the weight of the aqueous substance. It is desirable that the aqueous substances contain more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 wt.% Water, but preferably, less than 80 wt.% Water, more preferably less than 70, 60, 50 or 40 wt.% Water. For example, they may contain from 30 to 65 wt.% Water.

The substance may optionally contain components that regulate or maintain the pH of the substance at optimal levels. Examples of pH adjusting agents are NaOH and citric acid. The pH value may be, for example, from 1 to 13, depending on the nature of the substance.

The substance can be used as a fabric detergent, fabric additive, fabric conditioner, water softener, or as a dishwasher / additive in an automatic washing machine (for linen or other items such as dishes / pottery / knives) .

The device can be used in addition to one or more other detergents that are added to the automatic washing machine by using any dosing chamber and / or simply placing the consumer a certain amount of detergent in the machine body.

Most preferably, the substance is intended for use in an automatic washing machine as a water softener. By itself, in a preferred embodiment, the device is intended to be used with an automatic clothes washing machine to release a water softening agent into the washing liquid of such a machine. Most preferably, the device is intended to be placed in or adjacent to (elements of the gasket) / door / lid of such a washing machine.

Most preferably, the water softening agent comprises a water softener, such as one of the detergents described above.

The water softening substance may be present in the device in the form of a solid (for example, in the form of particulate matter, in the form of compressed particulate matter, such as a tablet) or in some other patterned form (for example, in the form of a briquette or bar); in the form of a liquid (e.g., a flowing liquid, gel or cured gel) or as a mixture of one or more of these forms.

Preferably, the substance essentially does not contain any fabric softening active ingredients, a surfactant and / or bleach. The term "essentially does not contain" means <15, <12, <10, <8, <6, <4, <2, <1, <0.5, <0.1, <0.01 wt.% each or any combination or all of the ingredients listed above.

Preferably (detergent component) / (water softener) is present in the water softening agent in an amount of from 1 to 95% by weight. Preferably (detergent component) / (water softener) is present in the water softener in an amount of at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90 wt.% Preferably (detergent component) / (water softener) is present in softening water substance in an amount of at most 50, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15 wt.%

In the case of a liquid water softener, the pH is preferably at least 0.5, 0.9, 1.0, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 2.1, 2.3 , 2.5, 2.7, 2.9, 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0, and at most 5.0, 4.0, 3.5, 3.3, 3.2 or 3.1.

Preferred examples of suitable water emollients are listed below.

Raw material Interest Interest Interest Interest Water 30.72 Acusol 445 (48%) 33.65 33.65 Pigmosol 6900 (1%) 0.4 0.4 Sokala PA30CL (92%) or Acusol 445G (92%) 7.4 7.4 17.56 17.56 Lemon acid fifteen fifteen fifteen MEA 11.5 11.5 Na ₂ SO ₃ (15%) 1.33 1.33 Glycerol 8

Peg 400 7.72 MPG fifteen Na ₂ SO ₄ 82,44 67.44

Preferably, the device is designed so that it has an internal volume for accommodating a substance of about 150 cm ³ . (Obviously, it will be clear that the automatic washing machine with which it is intended to be used affects the order of the entire size of the device).

The internal volume may vary from 50 to 250 cm ³ , more preferably from 75 to 225 cm ³ , more preferably from 100 to 200 cm ³ , more preferably from 125 to 175 cm ³ .

To achieve such a total volume, the device typically has a length of approximately 50 cm and a width of 1-3 cm, for example 2 cm. With such a length, it is provided that the device has a length so that it covers about 50% of the door circumference / (gasket) European-style automatic front-loading laundry machine. The length and / or width can be changed, if necessary, for different machines and / or so that the device is able to cover the entire circumference of the door / (gasket) of the automatic washing machine for linen.

It is generally envisaged that approximately 10 g of a water softening agent is released in the washing cycle of an automatic laundry washing machine. This amount can be changed and can be from 5 to 25 g per wash cycle, for example, from 7 to 20 g and more preferably from 8 to 15 g.

Essentially, it is contemplated that the apparatus can be used for a series of washing cycles to release a softening water substance without replacing / (refilling). The typical number of washing cycles is from 5 to 20 cycles, more preferably from 8 to 15 washing cycles, and most preferably from 8 to 12 washing cycles.

The device is preferably configured so that it can be recharged after use. The device is preferably configured to show a consumer life indicator, for example, a color change or a visual inspection window.

In all embodiments of the present invention, one compartment may contain, for example, a liquid or solid component (such as a powder, granules or a compressed or gel tablet), and another compartment may contain another liquid or solid component (such as a powder, granules or a pressed or gel) pill). On the other hand, more than one component may be present in one or more compartments. For example, the compartment may contain a solid component, for example, in the form of a ball or pill (such as a powder, granules, or a compressed or gel tablet) and a liquid component.

The following describes a preferred typical non-limiting embodiment of a metering device for the gradual release of auxiliary substances for the washing machine using the relevant drawings, where:

- figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device in accordance with the present invention;

- figures 2A and 2B each show an enlarged part of the device of figure 1;

- figure 3 shows a first application of the device of figure 1;

- figure 4 shows a second application of the device of figure 1;

- figure 5 shows an enlarged fragment of a variant of the second application shown in figure 4;

- figure 6 shows a partially cutaway part of a seal for a washing machine comprising a device in accordance with the present invention combined with such a seal;

- figure 7 shows part of another embodiment of the device of figure 1;

- figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the conditions for the release of a substance using the metering device of the invention in some tests carried out in washing machines;

- figures 10A, 10B and 10C show the corresponding top view, side view and bottom view of another embodiment of a flexible protective casing in accordance with the present invention;

- figure 11 shows a cross section on an enlarged scale along the line AA of figure 10B; and

- figures 12A, 12B and 12C show corresponding perspective views from above and below in an expanded state and also views from below in the folded state of the flexible protective casing of figures 10.

A dosing device for the gradual release of substances for household appliances in accordance with the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings under the number 1.

Using a non-limiting example, the use of the metering device of the present invention in electric appliances and, especially, in various types of washing machines will be described below.

The device shown in figure 1 includes an outer shell 2, inside of which there is a certain amount of one or more substances 3, such as decalcifiers, disinfectants and other similar additives; Of course, the substance or mixture of substances inside the shell 2 can vary quite widely from one application to another, depending on the particular device to which the device is applied, on the specific function that they wish to carry out in this device.

When used in the washing machine disclosed in this invention, preferably there are auxiliary substances 3, which should be added to conventional detergent during each cycle of the appliance.

The amount of excipient 3 contained inside the shell 2 is more than a standard dose sufficient for one cycle of the appliance. It is preferable to place an amount equal to a large number of doses, preferably in the range from 10 to 500 doses, depending on the type of application and the frequency of use in order to have an actual duration of operation of the metering device from one to several months.

Shell 2 is at least partially formed by a water-permeable material, preferably a natural or synthetic polymer membrane. The material may have hydrophilic characteristics in order to promote water permeability, but it may also have hydrophobic characteristics, provided that its porosity is high enough to obtain water permeability that can provide the desired dissolution of the substance 3.

In particular, the shell is a membrane that, when in contact with water or, in general, with a working fluid, such as an aqueous detergent, is capable of releasing at least one dose of the substance during each cycle of the device during the whole the life of the metering device. Preferred typical materials for forming the membrane are: a hydrophobic cellulose-based membrane, a non-woven material, a porous polyethylene membrane, a microperforated polyethylene membrane, or a silicone membrane.

Preferably, the membrane comprises a safety hole.

Through the use of such a safety hole, it was found that adverse swelling of the membrane device can be eliminated / reduced. Without being tied to any theory, it is assumed that using such a safety hole, excessive absorption of water from the liquid of an automatic cleaning machine can be eliminated. It is assumed that such water absorption occurs due to the attraction of certain chemical components, this is especially true for polymers based on acrylates / (acrylic acid), which can be in the device, to water from the wash liquid. Indeed, in the first washing cycles, it is observed that the absorption of water in the device may be higher than the release of water / (chemical component). Such absorption will usually lead to excessive absorption of water, which could lead to the displacement of the device from its intended position and / or damage to the device, preventing its further use.

The membrane may have a large number of safety holes.

Typically, the safety hole has a diameter of from 1 to 100 μm, more preferably 10-90 μm, and most preferably from 20 to 60 μm. It has been found that a safety hole of this size is ideal. A release of absorbed water is obtained without undesired release of the contents of the device.

To obtain a hole of this size, as installed, requires special cutting equipment, for example, such as a laser cutting device. In fact, through the use of a laser cutting device, such security holes have been found to be obtained even when the membrane is filled with a liquid composition.

The security opening may preferably have a dispersible protective coating to form a protective wall prior to use to prevent premature release of the contents of the device. Polyvinyl alcohol is the preferred material for such a coating, as it is capable of providing the required level of protection while still being able to disperse in an aqueous medium.

In an electric appliance disclosed in this case, such as a washing machine, the working fluid consists of washing liquid. In sanitary-hygienic use, for example, in a toilet (not shown), on the contrary, the working fluid is water flowing in accordance with the operation of a flushing device equipped with a toilet bowl.

By the definition of “dose” is meant an amount of a substance 3, which is a function of the type and / or duration of the washing cycle, or the amount and / or temperature of the washing water, or also the physical properties of the water.

For example, in a particular case of an anti-scale adjuvant, the amount or “dose” of the released substance at each wash depends mainly on the hardness of the water.

At the end of each work cycle, a residual amount of substance 3 remains in the shell 2, ready to be partially released during the next work cycle until the substance 3 is used up.

The physical characteristics of the membrane forming the shell 2 are such that it retains substantially unchanged the chemical properties of the substance that remains inside the shell at the end of the wash, and such that it causes only a partial translational decrease in the concentration of such a substance or its amount (depending on whether the substance is initially in the form of a liquid / gel or in solid form) depending on the dose that is released into the device during different successive cycles of operation.

The level of porosity of the membrane and, therefore, its permeability, essentially depends on the pore size of the material forming it. With equal porosity, permeability can also vary depending on the hydrophilic / hydrophobic nature of the material of which the membrane consists.

Shell 2 is flexible and deformable. Advantageously, the metering device 1 has an elongated tubular configuration, preferably with a circular cross section.

The diameter of the shell 2 is in the range of 1 to 5 cm, and the entire device preferably has a length in the range of 20 to 200 cm. Therefore, the ratio of the length to the diameter of the shell 2 is preferably greater than 4 in order to provide a large contact surface between the substance located in the shell 2, and water that penetrates the shell during the cycles of operation.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 shows that the shell 2 formed by the polymer membrane is at least partially covered by a flexible protective cover 16. Such a cover 16 is preferably made of a waterproof material, such as rubber, and its task is to protect and give more high rigidity of the cellulose membrane below it, and such a membrane in some areas is especially fragile, such as, for example, near bends or in areas subject to higher friction. The protective casing 16 has openings 17 or windows 18 to provide controlled release of the substance.

Thus, between the cellulose membrane and the casing 16, a gap is formed (Figure 7), in which water or the working fluid is in standby mode to move the excipient.

In an alternative solution, not shown, the outer shell 2 consists of a single layer of material formed by sections of the casing of a waterproof material, separated by sections of the cellulose membrane.

In some cases, the shell 2 is also initially coated with a waterproof film or a coating of water-soluble material to prevent leakage of the active substance during the storage period of the product. Upon first use, the water-soluble film or coating melts, resulting in the shell 2 directly in contact with water.

In other cases, the shell 2 is initially coated with an easily peeling film, such as a protective aluminum sheet, to prevent leakage of the active substance during the storage period of the product. Upon first use, the consumer must first remove the waterproof protective film.

The progressive release metering device 1 can be connected to a household appliance, preferably a washing machine, in a position that is exposed to a working fluid during operation of the household appliance, that is, to clean water or water already containing a detergent.

Moreover, the device 1 can preferably be placed in the socket 4 of the device. Preferably, socket 4 should be an easily verifiable consumer. This takes into account the fact that the consumer should be able to check the status of the device and control whether there is still any amount of substance 3 inside, or whether the device should be replaced with a new one.

Advantageously, an indicator of the consumption of the substance 3, or an indicator of the end of the life of the metering device, that is, an indicator, for example, of a mechanical or electronic type, adapted to give a visual and / or sound signal when the substance 3 reaches a point where it is impossible, can be provided sufficient dose release for each work cycle.

In a preferred embodiment, for example, the gradual emptying of the device can be checked by the consumer by using the colored substance 3 and observing its gradual discoloration through the shell 2 as the number of washes performed by the device increases. As a result, the consumer is able to easily determine when the charge of substance 3 has left device 1, and device 1 must be replaced.

Along the longitudinal length of the device 1, one connection 5, preferably two connections, can be provided to enable the device 1 to be easily configured according to the geometry of the corresponding holding socket 4.

In another embodiment, shown in figures 10-12, at least one folding point 5 'is provided along the protective casing 16, which also makes it possible to shape the device according to the geometry of the corresponding holding slot 4.

In the case of a toilet, the device 1 can be engaged with a circular trough facing the bottom of the toilet, and usually provided for the circulation of drain water.

In the case of the washing machine, the socket 4, with which the device with the gradual release 1 of auxiliary substances 3 can be engaged, mainly represents the internal seal of the device.

Preferably, the socket 4, the holding device 1, is located outside the washing drum in order to protect the device 1 both from high centrifugal forces that develop inside the drum due to the high speed and from the friction forces that arise inside the drum due to friction between objects clothes.

For example, Figure 3 shows a device connected to a top-loading washing machine. In a specific case, the device is placed in a chute 6 located in the upper part of the washing machine, limited by a seal that completely surrounds the washing drum 7 and the inner surface of the outer structure 8 of the washing machine. In other words, the inner drum 7 of the washing machine is suspended and held in suspension using a part 9 attached to the outer structure, but capable of slightly oscillating to dampen sudden movements of the drum. In the upper part of such a part 9, a seal 9a is installed, which corresponds to the rectangular inner profile of the washing machine and limits the hole that provides access to the inner drum 7. Between this seal 9a and the inner surface of the outer structure 8 of the washing machine there is said trough, inside which can be placed device 1.

To match the polygon geometry of the holding socket 4, the device includes one or more connections 5, which enable the device 1 to form the same right angles without subjecting the shell 2 to any voltage. In accordance with such compounds, the protective cover 16 described above is advantageously provided in an alternative embodiment, said cover being able to easily maintain the geometry of the device 1.

In another embodiment, to match the polygonal geometry of the holding socket 4, the protective cover 16 includes one or more folding points 5 ', which enable the device to form the same right angles without subjecting the inner shell to any stress.

The water used for washing also acts on the mentioned trough 6, and then falls back into the drum, transferring with it a part of the substance 3 contained in the shell 2.

Figure 4 shows a second application of the device 1 of the present invention, and Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of such a second application.

In particular, figures 4 and 5 show a device 1 connected to a front-loading washing machine. In both cases, the device is placed in the inlet of the drum in accordance with a circular inner seal 10 surrounding the window of the washing machine.

The seal 10 has, along its entire upper surface, the groove 10a communicating with the groove 10b inwardly with respect to the seal 10. The preferred solution for the front-loading washing machine shown in FIG. 5 provides that the device 1 is inserted directly into the groove 10b of the seal 10 .

In one embodiment, the device 1 is provided with at least one fastener 11, shown in figures 2A and 2B, which is able to ensure proper placement and good stability of the device 1, especially in the case of flushing devices of the toilet. In this case, for example, the fastening element 11 engages a hook-shaped hook with a lateral rim of the toilet bowl, remaining visible from the outside.

On the other hand, as shown in figure 4, the device 1 can be left on the seal 10, held in place by the indicated fastener 11, which this time is inserted into the seal, for example, by engaging a hook-shaped hook with the lip of the seal.

More specifically, in this latter case, the device 1 remains inside the household appliance, but outside the washing drum so that it is not exposed to centrifugal forces and is only slightly affected by friction due to mechanical grinding of the laundry.

Preferably, two or more fasteners 11 are provided, clearly shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, which include, for example, rings surrounding the sheath 2, provided with latches 11a, as shown in FIG. 2A, which engage with the groove 10a provided on the seal 10; or rings surrounding the sheath 2, provided with clamps 11b, as shown in FIG. 2B, which are attached to the side rim or to the lip of the seal 10. Similar fasteners 11 can be installed by the consumer, if necessary. If the device 1 is mounted on top-loading washing machines, the fasteners 11 can apparently be removed; however, their use guarantees greater stability of the device 1.

In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 10-12, the attachment of the device to the seal is performed by friction between the longitudinal ribs 19 of the protective casing and the seal.

On the other hand, the substance 3, located inside the shell 2, may be in whole in one form, for example, in the form of a liquid or gel, or in the form of powder or granules of a solid (both fluid and agglomerated); or it may include a liquid or gel portion in which the powder or granules of another solid are dispersed.

In a preferred embodiment, the substance consists of one type, for example, solely of an anti-scale agent or an antibacterial product. In alternative embodiments, the implementation of the substance contains a set of many products mixed together.

Alternative embodiments suggest, for example, the presence of particles of a flavoring agent dispersed in a shell material that is capable of releasing a pleasant aroma into a washing machine, removing the smell of dampness constantly present in the drum.

When used, when the working fluid of a household appliance or household appliance is exposed to a device 1, the shell 2 releases the substance 3 in an appropriately measured amount. The amount of released substance during each cycle of the household appliance can be adjusted as desired by affecting the porosity of the membrane that forms the shell 2. Moreover, as mentioned above, the shell 2 can be partially covered with a waterproof casing 16, thereby limiting the water inlet into the gap formed between the specified casing 16 and the shell 2, to the single areas where the casing 16 is absent.

On the other hand, the seal 12 is an additional object of the present invention, said seal being shown in FIG. 6, and this seal acts as a metering device for the gradual release of excipients into the washing machine. Such a seal includes a shell 13 made of a permeable material, within which there is at least a substance 14, at least one dose of which is released during the operation cycle of a household appliance. The shell 13 is made with the possibility of loading and for this purpose has at least one inlet 15 through which the seal 12 can be filled when the substance 14 contained therein is used up.

In this case, in fact, the substance 14, identical to the substance 3 described above, can be in liquid, gel or solid form, or in a combination of such forms.

The present invention achieves its objectives.

Essentially, the device of the present invention is simple and practical to use, since it is easily installed in a household appliance or in a household device without any problems and very quickly. After being placed in the appropriate socket, the device is inconspicuous and does not create any problems for the consumer, especially both during loading and during unloading of a household appliance.

The amount of substance contained in the shell is such that it prolongs its use in a certain number of washings or rinses so that the consumer does not need to remember, especially with each wash, the introduction of certain excipients, such as antinakipin, antibacterial agents or flavorings .

EXAMPLES

It has been experimentally shown that in the case of conventional washing machines, both front-loading and vertical-loading, the metering device in accordance with the present invention ensures the perfect cleanliness of the washing machine without risking the efficiency of washing the washed items.

Figures 8 and 9 show the results of some tests to release the anti-scale agent from the metering device of the present invention installed in the seal of an Indesit washing machine, model WIXL 125 with a front opening using two different washing programs and two different types of cellulose membrane as a shell 2 devices.

The first washing program gives a maximum washing temperature of 60 ° C and a washing cycle duration of 85 minutes. The second washing program, on the other hand, gives a lower maximum washing temperature of 40 ° C. and a shorter washing cycle of 45 minutes.

The first type of membrane used to form the membrane (shown as membrane A in the diagram) is a cellulose-based membrane — the type commonly used for osmosis with controlled porosity. The second type of membrane (shown in the diagram as membrane B), on the contrary, is a conventional cellulose-based membrane with greater porosity than the porosity of membrane A.

The mitigating effect on washing water is evaluated by measuring the degree of release of the anti-scale agent, and not by directly assessing the hardness of the washing water, given the fact that such hardness also depends on other factors and, therefore, cannot be an accurate indicator of the operation of the device. The degree of release of the substance is calculated by the change in the mass of the metering device 1 during each washing cycle, taking into account the percentage substance / water determined in each case in the device, and this ratio actually changes during use of the device with a decrease in the concentration or amount of the substance.

Analyzing the diagrams in figures 8 and 9, you can see that the percentage of the substance decreases with the number of washing cycles. The reduction occurs faster the first few wash cycles and tends to be set at a constant value during subsequent washings so that the degree of release is virtually independent of the residual amount of substance inside the device; and therefore, for each wash cycle, it is possible to obtain a degree of release above the minimum dose presented until the device is empty.

The indicator for emptying the load of the substance 3 or the indicator of the end of the service life, for example, a visual or audible indicator, in any case informs the consumer about the need to replace or restart the device before the degree of release for each washing cycle falls below the specified minimum dose.

Analyzing, in particular, the diagram in figure 9, it can be established that the degree of release (in addition to the fact that this degree has higher values depending on the temperature of the wash and the duration of the wash cycle) can be greatly changed before the experiment due to the effect of both the type of membrane, so on the configuration of the casing 16 used to protect the shell 2; especially by changing the configuration and location of sections of the shell 2 uncovered by the casing 16, and through such sections, washing water can enter the gap between the casing 16 and the casing 2. In the diagram of figure 2, the casing 1 has a water access surface smaller than the water access surface at casing number 2.

Moreover, since some parts of household electrical appliances, such as seals, tend to accumulate water and rot in places where molds can grow and bacteria multiply if thorough and constant cleaning is not carried out regularly, the additional presence of an antibacterial or antifungal substance along with the various components of the substance 3 located in the device 1 of the present invention, ensures their constant contact with similar elements, and, therefore, good cleanliness b tovogo appliance. Thus, the consumer does not need to remember the thorough cleaning and drying of some parts of the household appliance.

Thus, the described device is uniquely suitable for industrial use; it may also be subject to a number of changes and modifications that all fall within the scope of the invention; furthermore, all details can be replaced with technically equivalent elements, while the scope of the invention is defined only in the attached claims.

Claims (13)

1. A dosing device with a gradual release to release at least one substance into a household appliance that contains a water-based working fluid, characterized in that it contains a shell (2), inside which there are a large number of doses of these substances (3 ) necessary for the corresponding large number of cycles of operation of the specified device; moreover, the specified shell (2), at least partially formed by a material permeable to the specified working fluid, and is capable of releasing at least a dose of the specified substance (3) with each cycle of operation of the device; moreover, the substance contains at least one active when washing, when washing dishes or when cleaning the preparation from the group comprising surfactants, detergents, water softeners, zeolites, silicates, polymers, carbonates, carboxylates, sulfonates, bleaches, bleaching activators, bleaching stabilizers, bleaching catalysts, detergent co-components, alkalizing agents, acidifying agents, reprecipitation inhibitors, colorants, flavoring agents, optical brighteners bodies, UV filters, fabric conditioners and rinses, the shell having a safety hole,
wherein said permeable material is a polymer membrane which, upon contact with said working fluid, provides contact of the fluid with the substance contained therein to release at least one dose of said substance (3) during each cycle of said device by dissolving suspensions of the substance in the working fluid, while maintaining, essentially unchanged, the chemical properties of the remaining doses of the specified substance (3) located in the shell (2),
and said safety hole is located in the polymer membrane and has a diameter of 1-20 microns. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer membrane is a hydrophilic cellulose membrane. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said shell (2) has an elongated tubular configuration. 4. The device according to p. 3, characterized in that the ratio between the length and diameter of the specified shell (2) is over 4. 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains a waterproof protective casing (16), which at least partially covers the specified shell (2) of permeable material. 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that said shell (2) is flexible and deformable. 7. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that it further comprises an indicator for signaling the consumption of the substance (3). 8. The device according to p. 7, characterized in that the indicator is a visual indicator, including the color change manifested by the specified substance during its gradual use. 9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said substance (3) located in the shell (2) consists of a part in solid form and a part in liquid or gel form mixed with each other. 10. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the specified dose of the substance released during each cycle of the device can be adjusted as desired by changing the configuration and size of the sections of the specified shell (2), not covered by the specified casing (16). 11. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the device contains a large number of compartments for the placement of the substance. 12. The device according to p. 11, characterized in that each compartment contains a different substance. 13. A method of removing and preventing the deposition of limescale in a washing machine for clothes during its use, according to which use the device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12 in the washing machine for clothes.

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