WO2012032313A1

WO2012032313A1 - Detergent delivery device

Info

Publication number: WO2012032313A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/051419
Authority: WO
Inventors: Axel Halbherr; Rainer Link
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.; Reckitt & Colman (Overseas) Limited
Priority date: 2010-09-06
Filing date: 2011-07-26
Publication date: 2012-03-15
Also published as: GB201014752D0

Abstract

The invention is an improvement to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device, the device comprising a housing (10', 10", 20', 20") for receiving therein, in use, a cartridge having a plurality X of chambers each accommodating a detergent composition, a directing means to direct, in use, wash liquor selectively into a selected chamber of the cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein, an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device and manual indexing means for consumer initiated relative movement of said cartridge and directing means. In one embodiment, there is provided a manually moveable lid (10') for changing the position of a directing means of the device relative to a stationary cartridge, whilst in a second embodiment a push button mechanism is used for moving a refill cartridge Within a static housing.

Description

Detergent delivery device

The invention relates to improvements to a detergent delivery device. In particular, it concerns improvements to multi-dosing detergent delivery devices of the type used, for instance, within dishwashing machines where a detergent is dispensed over a plurality of washing cycles.

A number of devices are known for holding unit doses of a detergent composition or additive, such as detergent tablets, and for dispensing of such unit doses into a machine_*

WO 01/07703 discloses a device for the metered release of a detergent composition or additive into a dishwashing machine having a number of separate sealed chambers for holding the detergent composition or additive and means for piercing the chambers, activated by conditions within the machine.

WO 03/073906 discloses a free standing device for dispensing multiple doses of detergent into a dishwasher. The device has a plate-like construction. A round blister pack having a plurality of doses arranged around its periphery is loaded into the pack. A winder is then rotated to load mechanical energy into the device sufficient to dispense more than one dose of detergent. A thermally operated latch then moves when the device is subjected to the elevated temperatures within the dishwasher and, in cooperation with a ratchet mechanism, moves the blister pack so that the next dose of detergent is ready for dispensing. In order to dispense the detergent, either the blister pack is pierced, or the dose is ejected from its compartment within the blister pack.

WO 03/073907 discloses a similarly shaped free standing dispensing device. In order to dispense detergent, a lever is manually operated to move a blister pack either to eject the detergent from a compartment within the blister pack, or to pierce the blister pack. A door or flap initially prevents wash liquor within the machine from accessing the exposed detergent. A bi-metallic strip is provided to move the door or flap when the device is exposed to the elevated temperatures during a washing cycle to allow access of the wash liquor to the exposed detergent thereby dispensing the detergent to the machine.

One particular device of great utility, which .is the subject of PCT application WO/2008/053178 comprises a multi-dosing detergent delivery device, the device comprising a housing for receiving therein a cartridge having a plurality X of chambers each accommodating a detergent composition, a directing means to direct, in use, wash liquor selectively into a chamber of the cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein and an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device, wherein the device further comprises indexing means for automatic movement of said cartridge, in use, relative to said directing means during and subsequent to a wash cycle so as to cause a neighbouring chamber to be in an exposed, ready to be used, position prior to a next washing cycle. To understand the operation of this prior art device in a little more detail, that device will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) are perspective assembled, perspective exploded and internal perspective views of a housing part and lid of the device of WO/2008/053178;

Figures 2(a) and (b) are schematic perspective views from above and from below showing a refill holder for use with the device of WO/2008/053178;

Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show a refill cartridge for use with the refill holder of figures 2(a) and (b) , whilst figure 3(c) shows a single chamber of a refill cartridge; and

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are perspective exploded and perspective partial assembly views of an automatic indexing mechanism of the device of WO/2008/053178;

Figures 1(a), Kb) and 1(c) show respectively perspective assembled, perspective exploded and internal perspective views of detergent dispensing device 1 comprising a housing 2 and a lid 3. The housing 2 has an indexing mechanism 100 housed within it and described later. The lid 3 has a window 32 to allow a user to see by means of a visual indicator a number of washes used or remaining for use with the device and also has directing means comprising an aperture 34 for directing wash liquor/water to the interior of the housing. The lid 3 has a general funnel like appearance to facilitate the collection of wash liquor/water available to the directing means. The housing 2 is arranged to receive a refill holder 4 as shown in figures 2 (a) which shows a refill holder in front perspective view and figure 2 (b) which shows the holder in bottom perspective view. The refill holder 4 comprises a plurality of dividing fingers 5 emanating from a central hub 6 ana has a base 7 featuring a number of apertures 8 and Lower location slots 9. Internally of the hub 6, there are formed one or more upper locating tabs 10 (four shown in the figure), whilst externally and at a central portion thereof there is provided numbering from 1 to 12 representing the number of washing cycles that an associated refill may have undergone or have remaining. The window 32 of the lid has a transparent portion that is, in use, aligned with the relevant sector of the numbered area.

The refill holder 4 is, in use, positionable within the housing 2 and the hub 6 has a hollow formation to cooperate with, and fit over, a central shaft 120 of the indexing mechanism 100 as will be described later.

The fingers 5 are arranged to co-operate with and register with internal spaces formed between parts of a disposable refill package 200 such as the one shown in figures 3(a) and 3(b) and having individual chambers 210 as shown in figure 3(c). The refill package 200 is a cartridge that comprises a plurality of like chambers 210, and has a roll formation. The chambers 210 are separate from each other and comprise plastic sleeve or blister packages The chambers 210 are spaced apart, having gaps between them that are apt to be engaged by the fingers 5 of the refill holder 4. Each chamber has an upper opening 220 and a lower opening 240 that is, in use, in register with one of the apertures 8 of the refill holder. Each chamber 210 is filled with sufficient cleaning composition for the completion of one dishwasher cycle- The contents of the chambers 210 are preferably in solid form and, therefore there is no problem with inadvertent spillage. There is also a central gap 250 in a central hub area that facilitates the placement of the refill 200 onto the refill holder 4.

Referring now to figures 4(a) and 4 {b) there is shown an indexing mechanism for automatically rotating the refill holder 100 and refill 200 of the device 1 relative to the housing 2 and lid 3.

The indexing mechanism 100 comprises a shaft 110, a spring 120, a cursor element 130, a cam 140 and a thermally reactive element that is preferably a wax motor 150.

The shaft 110 is hollow and receives the other components of spring, 120, cursor 130, cam 140 and wax motor 150 therein.

The shaft 110 has a closed end region 114 for providing a seat to the spring 120 and, approximately mid-way down a length of the shaft 110 there are formed internally a plurality of spaced apart downwardly depending straight parallel grooves 112, each of these grooves has a sloping lowermost portion as will be described presently.

The cursor 130 is locatabie within the shaft 110 and, at its upper most portion provides a lower seating for the spring 120. It also has moulded thereon an upper and lower set of gear teeth 132, 134. Cam element 140 is arranged for selective co-operation with the cursor element 130 and it too has an upper set of gear teeth 142 and has locating tangs 144 to locate it positively in use against refill holder 4. The cam element 140 has a central aperture to allow the wax motor element to sit within it.

Wax motor ISO comprises a wax can and a piston. Essentially, as wax is heated it expands and pushes against the piston, as it cools down, the wax contracts and, aided by spring action of the spring 120, the piston returns to its original position. In the device of the preferred embodiment, the wax motor sits at the bottom of the shaft .110 in the space provided by the central aperture of the cam element and the piston acts so as to cause the cursor 130 to rise and fall as appropriate during a heating/cooling cycle.

The inter-relation between all of the parts mentioned up to now will next be discussed.

Firstly, it will be appreciated that the housing 2, indexing mechanism 100 and the refill holder 4 are readily assembled into a single unit. Referring to Figure 5, there is shown in a partial cut-away form a part of the shaft 110, the spring 120, cursor 130 and cam 140 all seated within the shaft 110. Here, the spring 120 seats against the internally closed top end of the shaft 110 and against the top of the cursor 130, whilst the wax motor 150 is positioned within the central aperture of the cam 140 and, at its lower end bears against a part of the base of the housing 2 and at its upper end against the cursor 130. The refill holder 4 is placed over the shaft 110 of the indexing mechanism and is located thereon by cooperation of its locating tabs 10 with corresponding formations in the form of locating slots 116. The refill holder also locates to the cam element 140 by co-operation between slots 9 and tangs 144, so that the shaft 110 and the cam 140 are locked to the refill holder 4.

Although not shown in the figures, the cursor element ISC- is constrained such that it cannot rotate with respect to the holder 2, but it can be displaced in Lhe vertical plane as such, it constitutes a linear element. The refill holder 4 on the other hand, is {once a refill 200 has been associated with it and the device .1 has been closed by associating the lid 3 with the housing 2) constrained such that it cannot be significantly displaced in a vertical direction, but is capable of rotation within the housing 2 and as such constitutes a first rotational element .

There will now be described, with reference to the figures the use of the device and a cycle which takes place upon heating of an assembled device/refill combination.

When the user first receives the device, the user will note that the lid of the device 3 includes a window 32, through which one of the numerals on the number dial 6 is visible. For a new device, the preferred number that the user will see is number "1". This indicates to the user that the device is a new device, and is ready for its first cycle within the dishwashing machine. The device as shown in the figures hosts twelve separated doses of detergent, within twelve individual chambers.

In the start position for the very first wash, an aperture 34 in the lid 3 is generally aligned with opening 220 of the refill 200. It should be noted here that lower opening 240 (which in general is of an identical size to upper opening 220) is an outlet hole, whilst upper opening 220 is an inlet: hole, so that water dispensed by a dishwasher during a washing cycle and collected by the lid 3, may wash through the exposed compartment 210, and enter into the dishwasher carrying dissolved or particulate cleaning composition from the chamber 210. The lower opening 240 need not be precisely aligned with a particular outlet hole formed in the housing 2, but instead the housing 2 may simply have one or more drainage holes which, under gravity, will allow the water and cleaning composition to exit from the device 1.

Indexing of the refill holder 4, and its associated refill package 200 so that a next chamber 210 is ready during a second washing cycle is accomplished by means of the indexing mechanism 100.

The general principles promoting the indexing of the refill 200 and holder 4, are that the indexing mechanism 100 includes a wax motor element 150. This wax motor element 150, basically consists of a wax can and piston. In preferred embodiments, the wax motor delivers up to 300 N of force. When the water in the dishwasher gets warm, the wax in the can starts to expand and pushes the piston out of the wax can. When the dishwasher cools down, strong spring 120 pushes the piston back into the wax can. Up and down movement of the piston of the wax motor 150 is translated into a rotation of the refill cartridge 200 and its holder 4, by means of a gearing system comprising the cam, cursor, and shaft of figures 4 (a) and (b) .

Whilst the above device has a degree of convenience in that user interaction is not needed/ the device does contain a number of mechanical components which have an associated engineering overhead and cost implications. Also, fitting the components into the device inevitably leads to extra space in the device being used and increases the footprint of the device.

Accordingly, it is an aim of preferred embodiments of the invention to provide a a multi-dosing device having a simpler mechanical construction than the aforementioned device .

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-dosing detergent delivery device, the device comprising a housing for receiving therein, in use, a cartridge having a plurality X of chambers each accommodating a detergent composition, a directing means to direct, in use, wash liquor selectively into a selected chamber of the cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein, an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device and manual indexing means for consumer initiated relative movement of said cartridge and directing means.

Preferably, said housing comprises a body portion and a lid. Said directing means preferably forms part of the lid of said device and said lid is preferably movable with respect to said body, whilst said cartridge remains stationary within said body.

Said device may be provided with a detent mechanism such that the lid is orientable in a number of discrete positions .

Said discrete positions preferably comprise a null position in which the directing means is not aligned with any detergent chamber and X positions in which the directing means is alignable with any selected one of said 1 through X chambers.

Said detent mechanism may be such that rotation of the lid relative to said cartridge is preferably constrained to be within a first rotational direction.

The detent mechanism may comprise a ratchet connection between lid and housing with X teeth and it can be turned by the consumer from position the null position through to position a final position X.

Preferably, the detergent holder is mounted on a stationary support, so there are no mechanisms at all for this version of the dispenser, except the ratchet between the lid and the body.

In another preferred arrangement, relative movement between the directing means and the cartridge may comprise means for moving the cartridge within the housing of the device whilst the lid of the device remains in fixed relation to the body.

Preferably, movement of said cartridge within the housing may be achieved by means of a push button mechanism.

Preferably, said push button is positioned on the top of the dispenser.

The push button may be placed in the middle of the lid.

There is no need for an internal drive of the rotating mechanism, as the movement is controlled and driven by the consumer .

Preferably, there the device also comprises an attachment device to fix the dispenser to a dishwasher rack, in order to ensure a straight, upright position of the dispenser, which ensures sufficient collection of water on the lid and timely release of the detergent.

Although consumers can check that the dispenser is ready for a new wash simply by looking inside the hole in the lid and by controlling that a dose of detergent is present under the hole of the lid, typically the lid will be made of transparent material, so the consumer can more easily check the presence of detergent under the hole and also how many more doses are still left.

Preferably, said lid is removeable from the body. Removal of the lid may be constrained to be only possible when the device is in a particular configuration. Preferably, the lid may be removed only when the device is in an empty configuration - i.e. a configuration in which the relative positions between the directing means and the cartridge is indicative of all detergent doses having been used ,

The device may comprise an "end stop" mechanism, such that, when the dispenser is moved by the consumer to the empty position, it can NOT be moved any further, unless the lid is opened and closed.

Examples of embodiments of the present invention will now be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 5 shows a lid and body portion of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 snows hidden detail of the lid portion 10' of the device of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows, in plan view from above, detail of the neck area of the body 20' of the device;

Figure 8 shows, in side elevation, a lid and body portion of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 shows in side elevation detail of a push button mechanism and cartridge support; and

Figure 10 shows in top plan view a cartridge support. Referring initially to Figure 5, there- is shown in schematic view a lid 10' and a body 20' with hanging clip 30' forming the parts of a housing of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The body 20' has a similar internal formation to that of the device of WO/2008/053178 in that the body 20' comprises an open cylinder for the reception of a cartridge of detergent chambers of the type represented in Figure 3. However, as will be apparent from the description that follows, since there is no automatic indexing mechanism, the cartridge may simply sit statically within the cylindrical housing and be located by suitable locating fingers which, in use, divide the interior of the device into walled chambers.

The body 20', has a neck region 21' for co-operation with the lid 10' . The neck 21' has a series of detent ramps 22' (one for each discrete position of the lid) and a locating ring 23' .

Referring now to figure 6, there is shown interior detail of the lid 10' .

Lid 10' has a series of downwardly depending flexible teeth 12' for engagement with the detent ramps 22' and has a pair of locating lugs 13' for co-operation with the locating ring 23' .

Figure 7 is a plan view from above showing detail of the neck 21' of the body 20' . Detail of the interior of the body 20' such as the dividing walls (similar to fingers 5 of the prior art disclosed earlier) has been omitted so as to simplify identification of components relevant to the mutual engagement and movement of the lid 10' and body 20' of the device.

Referring to figure 7 in particular, it can be seen that the locating ring 23' has a single pair of "open" sections 23A' on its' otherwise circular track to allow the entry of the locating lugs 13' of the lid 10' into engagement with it. This ensures that (a) the lid 10' may be engaged upon the body 20' in only one orientation and (b) that, once engaged, the lid 10' is constrained for movement upon the body 20' in a manner which permits relative rotation upon their common vertical axis.

Once thus engaged, the combination of flexible teeth 12' formed on the lid 10' and the detent ramps 22' formed on the neck 21' of the body 20' ensures that there are a number X of discrete positions in which the lid 10' and body 20' will naturally rest. These X positions are defined by the spacing of the ramps 22' because as the lid 10' is rotated by a user, the flexible teeth 12' will bend as they rise up a sloping face of ramps 22' and then snap back into a straight configuration as the top of the ramp 22' is crested, and there will be a tendency to remain in that position until the lid is twisted again. It will be evident to the reader that movement in only one rotational direction is permitted because of the nature of the detent ramps 22' . The combination of teeth 12' and ramps 22' forms a ratchet mechanism permitting manual indexing in a given direction, but resisting such movement in the opposite direction. A brief description of the operation of a device as set out in Figures 5 to 7, will now be given.

To refill an empty device, a cartridge of the type described in relation to figure 3 is introduced into the body 20' of the device and is oriented into position according to upstanding "fingers" provided internally of the body 20' - these fingers comprising walls extending radially from a central vertical axis of the body 20' .

The lid 10' is then brought into engagement with the body 20* in the one possible orientation as defined by the relative positions of the locating lugs 13' and the locating ring 23' and is twisted to a first detent position as defined by relative locations of downwardly depending teeth 12' and detent ramps 22' . This is a first wash position in which a directing means (i.e. an inlet) formed in the lid 10' is aligned with a first chamber of the refill cartridge.

The device is loaded into a dishwasher and secured there by clip 30' to rest in the dishwasher rack. A dishwashing cycle is then undergone and water is directed into the device through the directing means on the lid 10', washed through the selected chamber of the refill and then out of a centrally located outlet hole formed in the base of the housing 20' .

Following a wash cycle, the user then twists the lid 20' of the device in the one permitted direction by a single detent position as defined by mutual engagement of teeth 12' and ramps 22' . The device is no ready for a next dishwashing cycle. After a plurality of x cycles, the refill cartridge may be renewed .

Conveniently, the device may be provided with end stop means which blocks movement following an. Xth cycle to indicate to the user that there are nc more 'twists' (and hence no more detergent chambers) available.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention.

The device of figure 8 comprises a lid 10", body 20" and clip 30" for attaching the device to a dishwasher rack. The device further includes a push button 11" centrally mounted upon the lid 1.0".

Conveniently, the lid 10" attaches to the body 20" using a screw thread mechanism 21"/12" to lock the lid and body into secure interrelation. Other mechanisms for locking together the lid 10" and body 20" may instead be employed.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown hidden detail of interior parts of the device of Figure 8 - namely, detail of push button 11" and of a refill cartridge carrier element 40".

The refill cartridge carrier element 40" sits inside the body part 20" and, as shown better in the plan view Figure 10, has a plurality of fingers 42" similar to the fingers 5 of the prior art device described previously. These fingers 42" provide location means for the refill cartridge and also define inner walls of the device for reducing the risk of water flow from inadvertently contacting detergent chambers other than a selected one.

The carrier element 40" has a shaft aligned with a central rotational axis and is able to turn within the body 20" . Turning motion is imparted to the carrier element by means of the push button 11 having an extension element US" which engages with the upstanding shaft of the carrier element 40" when the lid 10" is attached to the body 20".

The push button 11" is spring biased so as to return always to an 'unpushed' or proud position and includes a linear to rotational advance mechanism such that on each depression of the push button, a 30 degree advance is imparted from the button to the shaft of the carrier element 40". Whilst the details of such a mechanism are not shown in the figures, it will be appreciated by the skilled man that there are many simple mechanical methods by which a push motion may be translated into a rotational movement of a given degree of advance.

A brief description of the operation of a device as set out in Figures 8 to 10, will now be given.

To refill an empty device, a cartridge of the type described in relation to figure 3 is introduced into the body 20" of the device and is oriented into position according to the upstanding fingers 42" provided internally of the body 20" - these fingers comprising walls extending radially from a central vertical axis of the cartridge carrier element 40". The lid 10" is then brought into engagement with the body 20" and screwed into position.

Bringing .lid 10" and body 20" into this fixed relation with each other causes extension 11E" of button 11" to engage with the central shaft 41" of the carrier 42".

The device is loaded into a dishwasher and secured there by clip 30" to rest in the dishwasher rack. A dishwashing cycle is then undergone and water is directed into the device through the directing means on the lid 10", washed through the selected chamber of the refill and then out of an outlet hole formed in the base of the housing 20".

Following a wash cycle, the user then presses the push button 11" and, by means of a linear to rotary motion conversion imparts rotational movement to the carrier 40" and the associated refill cartridge to move a next detergent chamber into registration with the directing means. The device is now ready for a next dishwashing cycle.

After a plurality of x cycles, the refill cartridge may be renewed.

Conveniently, the device may be provided with end stop means which blocks movement following an Xth cycle to indicate to the user that there are no more '^pushes' {and hence no more detergent chambers) available.

Whilst; the embodiments of the invention have referred to specific mechanisms for imparting relative movement between directing means and refill cartridge, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific means described.

Various modifications to the device are of course possible, without departing from the scope of the appended claims .

Claims

Claims .

1. A -multi-dosing detergent delivery device, the device comprising a housing (10', 10", 20', 20") for receiving therein, in use, a cartridge having a plurality X of chambers each accommodating a detergent composition, a directing means to direct, in use, wash liquor selectively into a selected chamber of the cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein, an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device and manual indexing means for consumer initiated relative movement of said cartridge and directing means.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a cylindrical body portion (20' , 20") and a lid (10', 10") and said directing means forms part of said lid (10',.10") .

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein said lid (10') is movable with respect to said body (20' ) , whilst said cartridge remains stationary within said body (20' ) .

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein said device is provided with a detent mechanism such that the lid {10') is orientable upon the body (20' ) in a number of predefined discrete positions.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the detent mechanism is such that rotation of the lid relative to said cartridge is constrained to movement within a first rotationa1 direction .

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the detent mechanism comprises a ratchet connection between lid (10') and body (20'} .

7. A device according to claims 2 to 5, wherein said cartridge is mounted within the body (20' ) on stationary support means.

8. A device according to claim 2, wherein relative movement between the directing means and the cartridge comprises means for moving the cartridge within the body {20") of the device whilst the lid (10") of the device remains in fixed relation to the body {20") .

9. A device according to Claim 8, wherein movement of said cartridge within the body (20") is achieved by means of a push button (11") advance mechanism.

10. A device according to claim 9, wherein said push button (11") is positioned on the lid (10") of the dispenser.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the device further comprises a cartridge holder (40") mounted within the body (20") for receiving a cartridge thereon and, wherein said cartridge holder is capable of rotation within the body (20") of the device,

12. A device according to claim 11, wherein depression of the button (11") causes a pre-defined amount of rotation to be imparted to the cartridge holder {40") .

13. A device according to any of the preceding claims, where said lid (10") is transparent to enable a user tc gauge an operational state of the device.

14. A device according to any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an attachment device (30', 30") to fix the dispenser to a dishwasher rack.

15. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said device further comprises an "end stop" mechanism, such that, when the dispenser is moved by the consumer to the empty position, it can not be moved any further, unless the lid is opened and closed.

16. A device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.