US20180258575A1

US20180258575A1 - Laundry product dosing device

Info

Publication number: US20180258575A1
Application number: US15/757,004
Authority: US
Inventors: Deborah Jane Cooke; David Moorfield; Katharine Jane SHAW
Original assignee: Conopco Inc
Current assignee: Conopco Inc
Priority date: 2015-09-09
Filing date: 2016-09-01
Publication date: 2018-09-13
Also published as: EP3347518A1; BR112018004674A2; ZA201801020B; WO2017042087A1; CN108026687A

Abstract

A laundry product dosing device (1) for placing in a washing machine drum. Reservoir cartridges (7) configured for use with such a device. Methods of laundering articles in a washing machine using devices.

Description

The invention relates to a laundry product dosing device for placing in a washing machine drum. The invention further relates to use of said device in the laundering of articles.

BACKGROUND

In the developed and developing world, washing machines are used for laundering articles, such as clothes and household linens. Laundry products, including detergent and often fabric conditioners, are added to the wash. In some cases, products are added via a drawer in the washing machine. In other cases, products are added directly to the drum. At its simplest, this may be sprinkling laundry detergent flakes on top of articles to be laundered before the wash cycle begins. However, increasingly commonly, liquid detergents are introduced into the drum via a dosing ball. Dosing balls are typically small plastic receptacles into which a consumer pours a measured amount of liquid detergent product. Dosing balls are an efficient way to introduce laundry products such as detergents into a wash: because the product is already within the drum, all of the product is used. Furthermore, when a product is added via a drawer, residues may remain after the wash. These may “carry over” into further washes, and may contribute to a build-up of slime in the drawer and pipes.

SUMMARY

The present invention seeks to address some of the problems associated with conventional dosing balls. The invention relates to a laundry product dosing device that is sealable with a valve. Accordingly, in contrast to the dosing balls of the prior art, the laundry product in the laundry product dosing device of the present invention is sealed within the device when placed inside the washing machine drum. The device has a sensor which senses conditions within the washing machine drum (that is, the conditions experienced by the device). This information enables the device to generate a signal causing the laundry product to be dispensed.
This offers, at least, two advantages over the dosing balls of the prior art. As the laundry product in the device of the invention is sealed when it is placed into the wash, it is not accessible to children and pets. Potential access is a particular concern where a laundry load is prepared in the machine, but the cycle not started for any of a number of reasons.
Laundry products may be harmful if ingested, in contact with the skin for prolonged periods, or if brought into contact with mucus membranes such as eyes. The sealed nature of the device also means that the risk of damage to clothes is reduced. With a dosing ball as is currently used, laundry product may be spilt when the ball is placed in the drum. This means that concentrated laundry product may come into contact with articles without water; this is a particular concern if a wash is delayed, for example to take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity or if the intention is to start the wash after a particular family activity has ended or when the family leave the home.
Dosing device in the context of this specification refers to a device for dispensing an amount of laundry product. In other words, the doing device may be termed a dispensing device.
Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention relates to a laundry product dosing device for placing in a washing machine, the device having a sensor and a chamber for housing laundry product, the chamber being sealable by a valve, wherein the valve is openable on receipt of a signal.
The sensor obtains readings of the conditions inside the drum. It will be appreciated that the conditions within the drum will vary depending on whether or not a wash program is in progress, and the stage or cycle of the wash program at that point. Common cycles and stages in a wash program, and typical conditions associated therewith, are described below. Typically, the device will comprise a processor. This processor is configured to interpret the measurements taken by the sensor, and generate a signal which causes the valve to open (for example, through opening of an electronic valve, or through increasing the pressure of the laundry product).
Accordingly, in the first aspect the present invention may provide a laundry product dosing device for placing in a washing machine drum, the device comprising a sensor and a processor in electronic communication, and a chamber for housing laundry product, the chamber being sealable by a valve, the valve being openable on receipt of a signal generator by the processor to dispense laundry product.
Suitably, the device comprises a sensor, processor, and dispensing means in electronic communication. The dispensing means may be the valve itself (in other words, the valve may be electronic and open on receipt of a signal to dispense laundry product) or may be a pressure generating means configured to increase the pressure of the laundry product such that pressure is exerted on the valve and the value opens.
In some cases, the sensor, processor, and valve are in electronic communication and the value is configured to open on receipt of a signal.
In other words, the device may be a laundry product dosing device for placing in a washing machine drum, the device comprising a sensor, a processor, and a chamber for housing laundry product, the chamber being sealable by a valve, wherein the sensor, processor, and valve are in electronic communication, the valve being openable on receipt of a signal generated by the processor to dispense laundry product.
In some cases, the device comprises a pressure generating means configured to increase the pressure of the laundry product such that pressure is exerted on the valve and the value opens. This may be, for example, a piston arrangement or a bellows system which may primed with a spring and set in motion when it receives the signal from the processor.
It will be appreciated that the device of the invention is placed in a washing machine drum before a wash cycle begins. It may be placed on top of the articles to be laundered, as is conventional with a dosing ball, or because the laundry product is sealed within the device at this stage, the device may simply be “gathered up” with the articles to be laundered and placed in the machine. In some cases, the device is suitable for use in a domestic washing machine. Suitably, in some cases, the device is dimensioned to be placed in the drum by hand, for example, it may be dimensioned to sit in an adult user's hand.
The sensor determines conditions within the washing machine drum. In other words, it may be configured to detect conditions within the drum. The sensor may detect across a range of conditions, detecting incremental or continuous variation, and feed this information to the processor, or it may simply operate between two states (a first state and second state, which may be simply on and off).
It will be appreciated that a variety of sensors may be used to determine conditions within the washing machine drum. The sensor may be, without limitation, selected from an accelerometer, a gyrometer (sometimes called a gyroscope), a magnetometer, a thermometer, a microphone, and conductivity meter. An accelerometer or gyrometer measures the movement and/or vibration of and within the drum: in detail, an accelerometer measures the vibrations experienced by the device inside the drum and a gyrometer measures the orientation of the device with respect to gravity and the rate of rotation of the device. A microphone may take a raw sound recording and/or determine the noise volume within the drum. Naturally, a thermometer measures the temperature within the drum. A conductivity meter may be used both to determine the presence of water, and to determine the ion content of water. This latter determination may provide readings as to water hardness (in other words the carbonate and bicarbonate ionic content) and the presence of certain laundry product ingredients such as ionic surfactants. A magnetometer measures the core magnetic field and variations in magnetic field. This can be used to detect and/or measure the output from the motor in the washing machine.
Preferably, the device comprises a sensor which is an accelerometer or a gyrometer. Without limitation, the inventors have shown that it is desirable to determine the vibration of the drum. This represents a reliable and robust measurement for determining the conditions in the washing machine.
Preferably, the device comprises a plurality of sensors. By obtaining multiple lead-ins, the processor is able more accurately to determine the conditions. Data obtained from each of the sensors may be considered additively, or may be cross referenced. For example, vibration above a certain threshold combined with increasing or copious water content, and/or elevated temperatures, may indicate a wash cycle or rinse cycle.
Similarly, high vibration, optionally with decreasing water content, may indicate a spin cycle. It will be appreciated that each sensor may be selected from an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a magnetometer, a thermometer, a microphone, and a conductivity meter. Each sensor in the device may be different, or the device may comprise more than one sensor of a certain type. For example, the device may comprise two accelerometers and so on.
It will be appreciated that the location of a sensor on or within the device may be determined by the nature of the sensor. For example, it may be preferable that a thermometer or conductivity meter is located on the exterior of the device, as it is here that the sensor will be in best contact with the liquid in the drum. The device may be provided with one or more channels to permit water ingress to the sensors, enabling the sensors to be located at a more protected position within the drum casing. Without limitation, an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a magnetometer, and a microphone may be provided as part of a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit board may also serve as the processor. Accordingly, in some cases, the processor is integral with the sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be integral with the valve.
Suitably, the device comprises a power source to provide power to at least the processor. The power source may, for example, be a windable mechanism or a battery. Preferably, it is a battery, for example, a rechargeable battery. In some cases, the device may comprise a power docking station to enable the device power source to be charged without the need to remove the power source from the device.
The device comprises a chamber for housing laundry products. In this context, the term laundry product includes both detergent products and fabric treatment products, as described herein.
This chamber is sealable by a valve. It will be appreciated that laundry product is added to the chamber for use; for example, the exterior of the chamber or a portion of the exterior of the chamber (the chamber wall) may be detachable from the device. For example a portion of the device may unscrew to provide an open chamber into which laundry product is poured by the user. Mating this with the remainder of the device forms the chamber.
Laundry product may also be introduced into the device in the form of a reservoir cartridge. The reservoir cartridge may have stiff walls. The reservoir cartridge may have flexible walls. It will be appreciated that the cartridge may be configured to suit the dispensing means used. Said reservoir cartridge may be, without limitation, a pouch or stiff plastic container. The reservoir cartridge is fixable in the chamber, such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable by the valve. Suitably, therefore, the chamber comprises mating means configured to engage with complementary mating means on the reservoir such that, when in place, the reservoir cartridge is held securely within the chamber and laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or released according to whether the valve of the device is in a closed or open state.
In some cases, the laundry product is a detergent product or booster that is desirably released before or during the main wash cycle. Accordingly, the laundry product may be a detergent. The laundry product may be a booster, for example an enzyme composition or optical brightener. The signal to dispense the detergent or booster may be generated by the processor when the processor determines that the wash cycle is in progress. For example, and without limitation, the signal may be generated when the conductivity meter detects the first presence of water, or at a certain time delay after water has first been detected. The processor may generate the signal when the magnetometer first measures output from the motor, when the magnetometer measures an output from the motor above a certain threshold, or at a predetermined time after said determination. The processor may generate the signal when the thermometer detects that water is being heated, when water temperature reaches a certain threshold, or at a certain time interval after said determination. The processor may generate the signal when the audio recording obtained by the microphone can be used to determine water/agitation or at some predetermined time after said determination. The processor may generate the signal when an accelerometer or gyrometer first detects rotation or reciprocation of the drum, when the rotation or reciprocation matches a certain pattern or threshold, or at some predetermined time interval time after said determination.
In some cases, the laundry product is a fabric treatment agent, for example, a fabric conditioner, that is desirably released towards the end of the wash program, for example, in the final or penultimate rinse. Examples of other fabric treatment agents that may be desirably released later in the wash program may include, without limitation, UV protectors, perfumes, water repellents, and insect repellents.
Accordingly, in some cases, the laundry product is a fabric conditioner. In some cases, the laundry product may be a fabric treatment agent selected from a UV protector, a perfume, a water repellent, and an insect repellent. The signal to dispense the product may be generated by the processor when the processor determines a certain predetermined set of conditions has been met. For example, and without limitation, the signal may be generated when the device determines that the first rinse cycle is in progress, the second rinse cycle in progress, the third rinse cycle in progress. It will be appreciated that different machines vary in the number of rinse cycles. It will also be appreciated a single machine typically provides a variety of wash programs, which may themselves comprise different numbers of rinse cycles. To optimise the balance of machine/program compatibility and maximising fabric conditioner or treatment agent benefits, preferably, the product is dispensed during the second rinse cycle.
Accordingly, the device, for example, the processor, may comprise a means for counting repetition in conditions and may be configured to generate a signal at a subsequent instance of certain conditions. In other words, the device, for example the processor of the device, may be configured to detect a first rinse cycle, then detect one or more further rinse cycles and, recognising the pattern of repetition and the iteration number, generate a signal to cause the valve to open, thereby dispensing laundry product.
As mentioned above, it can be desirable to release some laundry products towards the end of the wash program. For instance, this is the case when the laundry product is a fabric treatment agent, for example, a fabric conditioner. Fabric treatment agents should be used in the rinse phase. Previous devices do not enable a stage in the wash program to be specified for the release of the fabric treatment agent, but using the device of the present application it is possible to release the fabric treatment agent at a chosen stage in the rinse phase. Preferably, the fabric treatment agent is released late on in the rinse phase of the wash program. A typical wash program will have a rinse phase that includes one or more rinse cycles, and frequently two or more being used. The device is able to detect a first rinse cycle, a second and any subsequent rinse cycles and release the fabric treatment agent accordingly. In particular, it is preferable that the device releases the fabric treatment agent in a second or subsequent rinse cycle.
Accordingly, in some cases, the device may contain two or more compositions, wherein a first composition might be a washing composition and a second composition might be a fabric treatment agent. The device may be configured to release the first composition once it is determined that a first condition, or a first set of conditions, has been met. For example, the first condition may be that the wash phase has commenced. The device may also be configured to release the second composition when it is determined that a second condition, or a second set of conditions, has been met. For example, the second condition may be that the first rinse phase has finished or that a second or subsequent rinse phase has commenced. The device is therefore able to be used in a laundry machine and release laundry product, such as a fabric treatment agent, especially a fabric conditioner, at a specific stage in the wash program, wherein the specific stage can be chosen to enhance the effect of the laundry product being dispensed. In this way ‘targeted delivery’ can be achieved.
It will be appreciated that in some cases, the device is configured and/or used to dispense a single laundry product in a wash.
However, the device of the present invention may be configured to dispense more than one laundry product. Said laundry products may be dispensed at the same point in the wash program and, additionally or alternatively, said laundry products may be dispensed at different points in the wash program.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of valves, each valve being openable (either directly or through exertion of pressure) on receipt of a specific signal generated by the or a processor (suitably, a single processor is used, but it will be appreciated that multiple processors may be used).
Each valve may be in fluid communication with a single chamber. In other words, the device may comprise a first chamber sealable by a first valve and a second chamber sealable by a second valve, wherein the first valve is openable on receipt of a first signal generated by a processor and wherein the second valve is openable on receipt of a second signal generated by said or a second processor. The device may optionally comprises further chambers and valves. The chambers may be partitioned by dividing walls.
It will be appreciated that assorted laundry liquids may be provided in the form of individual reservoir cartridges. For example, in some cases the chamber is configured to receive a plurality of reservoir cartridges, wherein the chamber comprises a first mating means to attach a first reservoir cartridge such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable by a first valve; the chamber further comprising a second mating means to attach a second reservoir cartridge such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable by a second valve. The contents of the first reservoir may be dispensed on receipt of a first signal generated by a processor and the contents of the second reservoir may be dispensed on receipt of a second signal generated by said or a second processor. For example, the first valve may be openable on receipt of a first signal generated by a processor and wherein the second valve may be openable on receipt of a second signal generated by said or a second processor. The device may optionally comprises further mating means and valves.
Each valve is openable on receipt of a signal to dispense the corresponding laundry product. For example, and not by way of limitation, a first valve may be openable on receipt of signal generated during the (first) wash cycle to dispense detergent or a suitable booster. A second valve may be openable on receipt of signal generated during the rinse phase (for example, on the second rinse cycle) to dispense fabric conditioner or a fabric treatment agent.
Naturally, three products may be dispensed. For example, two laundry products (such as a detergent and booster) may be dispensed in the wash cycle, while a fabric conditioner is dispensed in the rinse phase. In some cases, more than three products, for example, four products, or even five products, may be dispensed.
Suitably, the device is reusable. In other words, suitably the chamber is suitable to be refilled as necessary. For example, the device maybe used in place of a dosing ball, filled before each wash. Alternatively, the device may be configured to last for a plurality of washes. For example, a first chamber/reservoir may be dispensed in a first wash, and a further chamber/reservoir dispensed in a further wash. Alternatively or additionally, the or each chamber may be configured to dispense only a portion of total volume of laundry product houseable therein.
Suitably, the device is suitable for domestic use. Suitably, the device is dimensioned and of appropriate weight to be used one-handed (for example, it may be held in one hand while laundry product is poured into the chamber or a cartridge is fitted with the other hand). For example, the device may have a length of less than 20 cm, optionally less than 15 cm. The device may weigh less than 1 kg, for example, less than 750 g, less than 500 g, or even lighter.
The device exterior may comprise a plastic shell, for example a moulded plastic shell.
The device may further comprises a light, suitably visible from the exterior of the device. Said light may illuminate to indicate that the device is on, or ready to be used in a wash. Suitably, the light is in electronic communication with the processor. Preferably, the colour and/or intensity of the light alters in response to changes in sensor readings (through a portion or the entirety of the colour spectrum and from off to visible, optionally variation in brightness). In other words, the colour and or/intensity of the light may be changeable in response to a signal generated said processor. For example, and not by way of limitation, the light colour and/or intensity may alter to signify the stage in the wash program (to indicate a particular cycle or phase), to signify that the or a laundry product has been dispensed, to indicate water temperature, or to warn that a program is nearly complete. Additionally or alternatively, the light colour and/or intensity may be configured to indicate which boosters or custom option cartridges have been selected.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a reservoir cartridge configured for use with a device according to the first aspect. Suitably, the reservoir cartridge comprises a laundry product as described herein. It may be sealed with a frangible film which is pierced or otherwise broken on mating with the device such that, when the valve opens, the reservoir cartridge dispenses product. The film may, for example, be foil or plastics material.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of laundering articles in a washing machine, the method comprising introducing laundry product into the or a chamber of a device according to the first aspect, placing the device in the washing machine drum with the articles, and running a wash program. Laundering in this context refers to both cleaning, for example, with a detergent product and other fabric treatment (for example, conditioning) within a washing machine.
The step of introducing laundry product may comprise opening the chamber, pouring a liquid laundry product into the chamber, then sealing the chamber.
The step of introducing laundry product may comprise opening the chamber, fitting a reservoir cartridge containing laundry product to mating means within the chamber such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable by the or a valve, and closing the chamber.
Optionally, more than one laundry product is introduced.
The washing machine may be a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading washing machine. The washing machine may be a domestic washing machine or an industrial (for example, commercial) scale washing machine.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of laundering articles in a washing machine, the method comprising the steps of: placing a device in the drum of the washing machine, along with the articles to be laundered; and running the wash program; wherein the device is configured to: detect conditions indicating that a second or subsequent rinse cycle is in progress; and dispense a fabric treatment agent when it is determined that the washing machine is in a second or subsequent rinse cycle.
It will be appreciated that all preferences and optional features are combinable, except where expressly stated otherwise.

DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described without limitation with reference to the following diagrammatical drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows (left hand side) a device according to the present invention with the chamber partially open and four reservoir cartridges in place and (right hand side) a device according to the present invention with one reservoir cartridge not mated within the chamber.

FIG. 2 shows data obtained by a sensor measuring acceleration with respect to gravity in a commercial front-loading washing machine (Miele W1714).

The device 1 as shown in FIG. 1 has a housing separable into two parts, a base 2 and a lid 3. The base and the lid mate together to form the exterior of the device and to define a chamber 4. The exterior of the device is made from moulded plastics material. The device is ovoid, the rounded shape reducing the risk of damage to articles. The device comprises a rubberised buffer portion 5 which may protect the device if dropped, and reduce noise and the risk of damage during use in the drum. In the device as shown, the buffer portion 5 is shaped to ease disengagement and engagement of the base 2 and lid 3. A shaped recess portion 6 is provided on the base to assist handling. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of buffer portions (if present) and recessed portions (if present) may be varied. Textured portions to improve grip during use may also be provided.
The chamber 4 houses four reservoir cartridges 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, and 7 d. Prior to use, each of these may house a laundry product. Suitable laundry products are described herein. For example, 7 a may house a detergent composition, 7 b an enzyme composition (enzymes are not always compatible, so it is advantageous to provide them in separate cartridges—for example, 7 a may include a lipase, while the composition of 7 b may include a protease); 7 c may contain a brightener, and 7 d may contain a fabric conditioner.
The reservoir cartridges 7 are quarter segment shaped in cross section, such that they fit together snugly in the chamber, maximising space efficiency. Naturally, the segment shape will depend on the number of cartridges to be housed.
Each reservoir cartridge as shown in the left-hand picture is mated within the chamber 4. For clarity, the right-hand picture shows a reservoir cartridge 7 d disengaged from the chamber housing. In other words, the cartridge is being inserted.
The reservoir cartridges mate with the chamber by complementary mating means (not shown). The chamber bottom comprises four valves (not shown). Each valve is provided along a conduit between the chamber and exterior of the device.
Each reservoir cartridge mates with the chamber mating means such that it is sealable by the valve. At this stage, each valve is in its closed state. Suitable mating means are apparent to the skilled person, but include a push-lock fitting (for example, the chamber may comprise a recess into which a portion of the reservoir is inserted snugly—a rim or other protrusion(s) may be provided to result in audible or tactile feedback.
The reservoir cartridges have an aperture frangibly sealed with a foil film or similar. This film is broken when the cartridge mates with the device. The respective valve then seals the reservoir.
Accordingly, to use, the user selects appropriate cartridges for the articles and degree and nature of soiling, inserts them into the chamber as described, and replaces the lid 3. The device is then placed in the drum with the articles. The wash program may be started immediately, or may be delayed.
The device comprises at least one sensor and a processor located in the base 2. The device further comprises a power source, for example a battery which may be conventional, disposable battery, or a rechargeable battery. When the wash cycle begins, the sensor(s) gather data concerning the conditions in the drum. These data are relayed to the processor. The processor is programmed to open each of the valves (by sending a “dispense” signal to said valve) under certain predetermined conditions, which may include assessing repetition of certain conditions (for example, detecting a second rinse cycle). When a valve opens, the content of the reservoir cartridge is dispensed into the water/wash liquor.
Variations will be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, in a further embodiment, the valve is not electronically-controlled. Instead, it is non-drip valve, for example, a non-drip silicone valve. The device comprises a pressure generating means configured to increase the pressure of the laundry product such that pressure is exerted on the valve and the value opens. For example, the device may comprise a bellows or piston.

Sensors in Operation

The following data show how sensors located in a device according to the invention gather data, and the processing of said data to generate the “dispense” signal.
In one example a sensor measuring acceleration with respect to gravity was used to measure the conditions within a commercial front-loading washing machine (Miele W1714) (FIG. 2). The sensor was contained within a protective casing and used with a model wash load totaling 1.5 kg fabric. Once the sensor was placed within the machine and a wash cycle initiated (30° C. cotton cycle) the data profile shown was collected over the first two minutes. The pattern and values of signals measured by the sensor and processor can be used to determine a cycle has begun and a ‘dispense’ signal generated to enable dispensing of wash product.

Definitions

Wash Program

A washing machine typically has one or more programs which the user selects to suit the articles to be laundered and the degree of soiling. Each program is a sequence of stages with varied conditions (duration, water/solution volume, speed, temperature). As used herein, the word cycle refers to an individual stage and the word program means a combination of those stages.
Typically, the stages of a wash program include:
1. a wash cycle (in which the drum is filled to a certain level and the articles agitated in the solution, then the solution drained); spinning may be used to aid solution removal;
2. a rinse phase (in which the drum is filled with water to a certain level and the articles agitated in the water, then the water drained); the rinse phase may include one or more rinse cycles, with two or three being frequently used; spinning may be used to aid solution/water removal;
3. a spin cycle, in which the basket is spun rapidly with the drain open such that remaining water, including water absorbed within the fabric of the articles, is removed by centrifugal force.

Laundry Product

Laundry product, as used herein, refers to compositions used in the cleaning and related treatment of articles, typically but not exclusively in automatic washing machines.
The laundry product may be a detergent. In other words, it may perform some cleaning function. Detergent laundry products are known in the art and may include surfactants, builders, and enzymes. The laundry product may be a fabric treatment product (agent). In this context, fabric treatment agent refers to a product that may be used to treat or otherwise condition articles in a washing machine. Examples may include fabric conditions, UV protectors, water repellents, perfumes, and insect repellents.
Accordingly, a method of laundering articles, as described herein may, but does not necessarily, include a cleaning product.

Sensor

The sensor is an electronic sensor. It is provided in electronic communication with the processor. Indeed, in some cases, the sensor(s) and processor are provided as a single unit. For example, the sensor and processor may be provided as a single printed circuit board or similar. As will be appreciated, more than one sensor may be present. For example, two or more sensors may be provided as a single unit, optionally with a processor.

Processor

At its most basic, the processor obtains data from the sensor, and is configured to generate a response to that data under certain conditions. Where only dispensing means (for example, only one electronic valve) is electronic communication with the processor, the processor states may be YES NO (for example corresponding to send a “dispense” and do not send a “dispense”. It will be appreciated that in some cases, the processor may be configured to cross reference and interpret data from two or more sensors. Where more than one sensor is present, each sensor may be in electronic communication with a single processor, which sends the signal, or different sensors may be in electronic communication with different processors. Where more than one dispensing means (for example, only one electronic valve) is present, different dispensing means may be in electronic communication with different processors. In some cases, only one processor is provided.

Suitable Valves

The valves are may be electric valves. They may also be referred to as electronic fluid flow controllers. Suitable valves include, without limitation, solenoid valves. The valves may be valves that are not electronic where other dispensing means (such as a plunger or bellows) are provided. The valves be pressure valves, for example, a squeezy non-drip type valve, which may be made of silicone.
It is to be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to a person skilled in the art and are included in the spirit and scope of the invention and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A laundry product dosing device (1) for placing in a washing machine drum, the device comprising a sensor and a processor in electronic communication, and a chamber (4) for housing laundry product, the chamber (4) being sealable by a valve, the valve being openable on receipt of a signal generated by the processor to dispense laundry product.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to generate a signal to dispense laundry product when conditions indicating that a second or subsequent rinse cycle is in progress are detected, so that laundry product is dispensed after commencement of the second or subsequent rinse cycle.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the signal is generated in response to the device determining that a final or penultimate rinse cycle is in progress.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to generate a signal to dispense laundry product when an integer number of iterations of conditions indicating that a rinse cycle is in progress have been detected.

5. The device claim 1, wherein the laundry product is a fabric treatment agent, suitably a fabric conditioner.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor and processor are in electronic communication with a pressure generating means configured to increase the pressure of the laundry product on receipt of a signal generated by the processor such that pressure is exerted on the valve and the value opens.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an accelerometer or gyrometer, and/or the processor is integral with the sensor or integral with the valve.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is one of a plurality of sensors, optionally wherein each sensor of the plurality of sensors is selected from an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a magnetometer, a thermometer, a microphone, and a conductivity meter.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a reservoir cartridge (7) containing laundry product, and wherein the chamber comprises mating means to attach the reservoir cartridge such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable by the valve, optionally wherein the reservoir cartridge is sealed with a frangible film which is pierced or otherwise broken on mating with the device.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to generate a signal to dispense laundry product when conditions indicating that a wash cycle is in progress are detected.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a plurality of valves, each value being openable on receipt of a specific signal generated by the or a further processor.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a plurality of reservoir cartridges, wherein the chamber comprises a first mating means to attach a first reservoir cartridge such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable by a first valve; the chamber further comprising a second mating means to attach a second reservoir cartridge such that the reservoir cartridge is sealable by a second valve; wherein the contents of the first reservoir are dispensable on receipt of a first signal generated by a processor and the contents of the second reservoir are dispensable on receipt of a second signal generated by a processor, optionally wherein each of the plurality of reservoir cartridges is sealed with a frangible film which is pierced or otherwise broken on mating with the device

13. A reservoir cartridge comprising laundry product configured for use with a device according to claim 1, optionally wherein the reservoir cartridge is sealed with a frangible film which is pierced or otherwise broken on mating with the device.

14. A method of laundering articles in a washing machine, the method comprising introducing laundry product into the or a chamber of a device according to claim 1, placing the device in a washing machine drum with the articles, and running a wash program.

15. A method of laundering articles in a washing machine, the method comprising the steps of: placing a device in the drum of the washing machine, along with the articles to be laundered; and running the wash program; wherein the device is configured to: detect conditions indicating that a second or subsequent rinse cycle is in progress; and dispense a fabric treatment agent when it is determined that the washing machine is in a second or subsequent rinse cycle.