WO2011009725A1 - Surveillance d’usage par un consommateur d’un réceptacle de lavage - Google Patents

Surveillance d’usage par un consommateur d’un réceptacle de lavage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011009725A1
WO2011009725A1 PCT/EP2010/059735 EP2010059735W WO2011009725A1 WO 2011009725 A1 WO2011009725 A1 WO 2011009725A1 EP 2010059735 W EP2010059735 W EP 2010059735W WO 2011009725 A1 WO2011009725 A1 WO 2011009725A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
washing
receptacle
motion
monitoring
preceeding
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2010/059735
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Geraldine Bridget Griffith
Keith Leslie Rutherford
Original Assignee
Unilever Plc
Unilever N.V.
Hindustan Unilever Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever Plc, Unilever N.V., Hindustan Unilever Limited filed Critical Unilever Plc
Publication of WO2011009725A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011009725A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/22—Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/14—Supply, recirculation or draining of washing liquid
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/26—Imbalance; Noise level
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/38—Time, e.g. duration
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/68—Operation mode; Program phase
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/50—Starting machine operation, e.g. delayed start or re-start after power cut
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to monitoring usage of washing receptacle and laundry treatment product.
  • Laundry treatment products for use in washing receptacles (such as a drum of an automatic washing machine) and in particular those products which reduce water usage such as laundry washing, are key for the environment.
  • washing receptacles such as a drum of an automatic washing machine
  • water usage such as laundry washing
  • washing receptacles and laundry treatment products for such washing receptacles may be collected.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an
  • the invention provides a system for monitoring consumer usage of a washing receptacle in which laundry fabrics undergo a washing operation, the system comprising a monitoring device contained in the receptacle during a washing operation, the device comprising a motion sensor.
  • the motion sensed can be used to interpret precisely the operational steps (filling,
  • the motion patterns are monitored for an indication of actual timing of washing process steps (as opposed to timings often imperfectly recorded by the user or simply timings which are not known without monitoring) .
  • the invention enables monitoring of washing operations when the machine model and type are unknown to the monitoring team or when water usage cannot be predicted for whatever reason.
  • the motion sensor is preferably capable of sensing
  • the motion sensor is capable of sensing accelerations along two and further preferably three orthogonal axis.
  • Movement of the motion sensor along 3 axis indicates a main wash, a rinse or a spin.
  • the spin is indicated by much greater relative acceleration values compared to those of a corresponding main wash.
  • the relative timing of the 3-axis motion steps can indicate whether it is a pre-wash, a main wash or a rinse.
  • the acceleration data monitored is preferably timed, and accordingly the system preferably includes a timing device, e.g. real time clock.
  • a timing device e.g. real time clock.
  • a timing device to enable the sensed motions to provide an accurate picture of the operation.
  • Data can be collected and/or stored in appropriate memory devices over a period of time. This data can conveniently be interpreted for water usage.
  • Products which are aimed at encouraging a reduction in resource (water, energy) usage can be used as part of the system to examine whether resource usage does in fact decrease when such products are used.
  • a motion sensor capable of sensing accelerations along one axis can provide indicative data.
  • a 2-axis sensor could be used, since movement along one axis would indicate either a fill or a drain and then movement along 2 axis must indicate a main wash or spin.
  • a 3-axis sensor would of course provide a more accurate picture of the accelerations in all directions and so is preferred.
  • the washing receptacle may be a drum of an automatic washing machine and the washing operation be one of a number of possible automated operations (often referred to a
  • washing receptacle may be part of a washing machine which involves machinery but is not
  • the washing receptacle may even be a simple tub where all steps are manually controlled: it may filled by turning on a tap or pouring buckets of water into the tub; it may be drained by unplugging a drain plug; agitation of the laundry is by hand to effect a main wash, and a rinse but not a spin.
  • the motion sensor is preferably an accelerometer .
  • a tri- axial accelerometer could be used or alternatively, two 2- axis ones mounted at right angles capable of sensing 3 dimensional acceleration data.
  • the device may comprise a first activation device comprising a timing device for delaying activation of the device.
  • the device may further comprise a secondary activation device by which the device can be activated and/or
  • the invention provides a method of monitoring consumer usage of a washing receptacle in which laundry fabrics undergo a washing operation, using the system of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps monitoring motion of the motion sensor during a washing operation conducted in the washing
  • the method preferably comprises monitoring motion in at least one direction, more preferably in two directions, and most preferably in three directions.
  • the method may include the steps of:
  • the monitoring device can located within the consumer article during manufacture, without monitoring/recording of this activity and other activities not relevant to consumer behaviour e.g. packaging and transportation, activities.
  • the device can be activated by operatives in the field (such as consumer research personnel) and the device then passed to consumers. The consumer may even be able to activate the device as will be clear below.
  • the device of the invention is also capable of recording some or all of the monitored usage.
  • the device preferably comprises a data storage device for storing data that is sensed by the motion sensor.
  • the data storage device may incorporate erasable non-volatile memory. Erasable (rewritable) memory allows re-use of the device. Non-volatile memory is advantageous because this means the memory is protected in case of a loss of power (e.g. in the case of battery powered devices, when the battery loses power) .
  • the first activation device comprising a timing device may be a real time clock.
  • the real time clock may be digital and/or produces a digital output signal.
  • the secondary activation device by which the device can be activated and/or deactivated remotely may comprise a
  • secondary switch which is externally accessible on the consumer product. This may be magnetically operated (e.g. a g reed' switch) so that it is not directly connected to the device. This enables the device to be contained wholly within the consumer article (i.e. not visible to the naked eye) .
  • This secondary switch can be used as an event sensor in its own right. For example detecting lid removal, etc. It can be also used as a trigger signal for the other sensors. For example, a small magnet attached to the product packaging could be used to inhibit acceleration logging during
  • the magnet may then be removed prior to use (after
  • the secondary activation device may function only when the delay in activation caused the first activation device, is completed.
  • the device may monitor and record acceleration data
  • Such events may be monitored may be time-linked in that they may be recorded for a predetermined period of time and/or events may be separated by predetermined time periods.
  • the device may monitor and record acceleration data only in response to the motion sensor sensing a predetermined or ⁇ threshold' acceleration.
  • the interval of time may begin when the accelerometer senses a threshold minimum acceleration associated with consumer usage of an article e.g. at least 0.2 G.
  • the device may contain a programmable computing device, such as a microprocessor e.g. microcontroller. This may be connected to the motion sensor, timing device and the data storage device, and capable of reading and execute program instructions from the data storage device to control the various components within the device.
  • a programmable computing device such as a microprocessor e.g. microcontroller. This may be connected to the motion sensor, timing device and the data storage device, and capable of reading and execute program instructions from the data storage device to control the various components within the device.
  • the programmable computing device may be able to record data to the data storage device, said data including digital acceleration signals produced by the accelerometer a digital timer signal produced by the timing device e.g. at the beginning of the interval of time to be stored in the data storage device.
  • the device may be contained discreetly within the consumer article, and preferably it is completely contained within the consumer article so that it is hidden from view (when viewed with the naked eye) . Accordingly the consumer article may include one or more hollow portions for housing the device, to prevent enlarging of the consumer device to fit in the monitoring and recording device. All components may be selected so that they are small as compared with the consumer article.
  • the device has a power source which may be a battery or it may be at least in part solar powered.
  • a power source which may be a battery or it may be at least in part solar powered.
  • the device may include a capacitor within the circuit.
  • the device may be programmed to record for discreet sequential time periods rather than continually to reduce the amount of recording time (and therefore the power needed) . This is particularly advantageous when monitoring the consumer usage of what are generally small products over extended periods of time.
  • the time periods may be 5 seconds (i.e. 5 seconds recording following by a non-recording period which may be also 5 seconds) . This would reduce the power required but still provide representative data for consumer activity.
  • the device may be contained and concealed within any type of consumer product e.g. personal care product such as skin product e.g. soaps & creams, hair products e.g. shampoo bottle, oral care product e.g. toothbrush, deodorant product e.g. deodorant stick; or household care products e.g. hard surface cleaning product or laundry or dish washing product, where it will be used to monitor product usage by consumers.
  • personal care product such as skin product e.g. soaps & creams, hair products e.g. shampoo bottle, oral care product e.g. toothbrush, deodorant product e.g. deodorant stick; or household care products e.g. hard surface cleaning product or laundry or dish washing product, where it will be used to monitor product usage by consumers.
  • Fig 1 shows a schematic diagram of the device according to the invention contained within a consumer article.
  • the device comprises a small electronic circuit board housed within a protective, sealed water proof housing (not shown) .
  • the cover is made up of two parts with water proof sealing.
  • All of the electronics reside on a single printed circuit board.
  • the device monitors and records 3-axis acceleration data. Recording is triggered by motion i.e. acceleration above a pre-set threshold of 26. Once triggered, the device records acceleration data for a predetermined period of time. This time period is set during initial programming. Multiple recordings can be made according to the remaining
  • the data storage device incorporates erasable non-volatile memory, allowing re-use of the device and protection in case of a loss of power (e.g. in the case of battery powered devices, when the battery loses power) .
  • the data storage device comprises flash memory: Atmel
  • AT45DB321C Dataflash' memory IC to provide non-volatile data storage.
  • the programmable computer comprises a PIC16LF876
  • microcontroller from Microchip.
  • Memory capacity is optimised by pre-compressing three accelerometer signals (one per axis) into a single value prior to storage. Data is stored as a series of 'events' so the storage capacity has also to accommodate additional information (e.g. calendar date) relating to each event.
  • the timing device comprises a Maxim MAX6902 which provides a real-time clock (date/time) information.
  • the motion sensor comprises a Kionix KXM52-1050 Tri-axis accelerometer to sense acceleration.
  • the secondary activation device comprises a miniature reed (i.e. magnetically operated) switch which is used as a trigger signal for the other sensors.
  • a small magnet is attached to the product packaging and used to inhibit acceleration data recordal during transit. The magnet is removed by operatives in the field prior to consumer
  • the device further comprises a A MAX3221E RS232 transceiver to enable direct communication between the logger and a PC (via the serial port) .
  • the device electronics are powered from a Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO 2 ) CR1225 coin cell.
  • battery voltage can drop by as much as 0.3V during high-current activity (e.g. flash memory activity).
  • a MAX1724 DC-DC converter is therefore be used to boost the battery voltage to a constant 3.3V.
  • the net battery life depends on the proportion of time the device spends in each state.
  • the device may also be run from an (optional) external DC power supply connected via the data cable .
  • the device is connectable to a computing device e.g. PC, via standard connectors.
  • a mini-USB type connector is used in this embodiment for data communications. Although smaller connectors are available, the mini-USB type provides a good compromise between size, ease-of-use and lifetime (in terms of how many times the connector can be used) .
  • the physical interface comprises an RS232-type serial connection accessed via a 5-pin mini-USB connector mounted on the device circuit board.
  • a mini-USB to DB9 serial cable connects the logger to a PC.
  • the monitoring device is simply inserted into a washing receptacle (not shown) and activated. It can remain in the washing receptacle over successive washes.
  • the monitoring device is retrieved and the recorded data downloaded to a computer for analysis.
  • the battery is inserted and the device connected to the PC using the mini-usb cable. The computer is then used to program the device parameters.
  • a timing device (first activation device) is used prior to installing in the consumer product, to delay recording of manufacturing/transportation acceleration data which would be superfluous .
  • the time delay is set to expire with the commencement of the consumer trial.
  • the device is also programmed with other instructions e.g. date, time etc. and to record data e.g. for a predetermined time period (e.g. 5 seconds) in response to the sensing of a threshold acceleration (on any axis) .
  • the program instructions are stored on the data storage device.
  • the device is removed from the housing to retrieve data stored and installed within the protective housing for data recording.
  • a magnet for activation of the device via the reed switch

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système pour surveiller l’usage par un consommateur d’un réceptacle de lavage dans lequel des tissus de linge subissent une opération de lavage, le système comprenant un dispositif de surveillance contenu dans le réceptacle au cours d’une opération de lavage, le dispositif comprenant un capteur de mouvement, des profils de mouvements étant surveillés pour indiquer une durée actuelle des étapes de procédé de lavage.
PCT/EP2010/059735 2009-07-22 2010-07-07 Surveillance d’usage par un consommateur d’un réceptacle de lavage WO2011009725A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09166090 2009-07-22
EP09166090.2 2009-07-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011009725A1 true WO2011009725A1 (fr) 2011-01-27

Family

ID=41480364

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2010/059735 WO2011009725A1 (fr) 2009-07-22 2010-07-07 Surveillance d’usage par un consommateur d’un réceptacle de lavage

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2011009725A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5603233A (en) * 1995-07-12 1997-02-18 Honeywell Inc. Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a machine for washing articles
WO2001007702A1 (fr) * 1999-07-27 2001-02-01 Unilever N.V. Procede et dispositif servant a controler un processus de lavage
WO2002047530A1 (fr) * 2000-12-15 2002-06-20 Johnsondiversey, Inc. Dispositif de surveillance de processus de lavage
EP1321563A2 (fr) * 2001-12-21 2003-06-25 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Dispositif de traitement du linge

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5603233A (en) * 1995-07-12 1997-02-18 Honeywell Inc. Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a machine for washing articles
WO2001007702A1 (fr) * 1999-07-27 2001-02-01 Unilever N.V. Procede et dispositif servant a controler un processus de lavage
WO2002047530A1 (fr) * 2000-12-15 2002-06-20 Johnsondiversey, Inc. Dispositif de surveillance de processus de lavage
EP1321563A2 (fr) * 2001-12-21 2003-06-25 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Dispositif de traitement du linge

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