WO2019162408A1 - Réservoirs à dosage automatique destinés à des machines à laver le linge - Google Patents

Réservoirs à dosage automatique destinés à des machines à laver le linge Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019162408A1
WO2019162408A1 PCT/EP2019/054369 EP2019054369W WO2019162408A1 WO 2019162408 A1 WO2019162408 A1 WO 2019162408A1 EP 2019054369 W EP2019054369 W EP 2019054369W WO 2019162408 A1 WO2019162408 A1 WO 2019162408A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reservoir
washing machine
laundry product
internal storage
storage chamber
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2019/054369
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Deborah Jane Cooke
David Moorfield
Katharine Jane SHAW
Original Assignee
Unilever Plc
Unilever N.V.
Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
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
Priority claimed from GB1803058.5A external-priority patent/GB2571336A/en
Application filed by Unilever Plc, Unilever N.V., Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever filed Critical Unilever Plc
Priority to CN201980020815.7A priority Critical patent/CN111886373B/zh
Publication of WO2019162408A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019162408A1/fr

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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
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D06F39/022—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents in a liquid state
    • 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
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/37—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of metering of detergents or additives
    • 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
    • D06F34/04—Signal transfer or data transmission arrangements
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/0007—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm for discrete indicating and measuring
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06N—COMPUTING ARRANGEMENTS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS
    • G06N5/00—Computing arrangements using knowledge-based models
    • G06N5/02—Knowledge representation; Symbolic representation
    • G06N5/022—Knowledge engineering; Knowledge acquisition
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
    • G06Q30/0631—Item recommendations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
    • G06Q30/0633—Lists, e.g. purchase orders, compilation or processing
    • 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
    • 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
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid 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
    • D06F2103/20—Washing liquid condition, e.g. turbidity
    • D06F2103/22—Content of detergent or additives
    • 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
    • D06F2103/60—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to auxiliary conditioning or finishing agents, e.g. filling level of perfume tanks
    • 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
    • D06F2105/42—Detergent or additive supply
    • D06F2202/02—
    • D06F2204/02—
    • D06F2210/00—
    • 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
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • 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
    • D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
    • D06F34/32—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by graphical features, e.g. touchscreens
    • 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
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D06F39/024—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents mounted on the agitator or the rotating drum; Free body dispensers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to reservoirs for automated dosing of laundry products to supply to a washing machine appliance.
  • Auto-dosing washing machines which incorporate multi-dose reservoirs are known. Such machines dispense measured doses of laundry compositions automatically and are operable over multiple washes. This can save the consumer time and offers increased accuracy in dosing.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a reservoir for use with a washing machine which may offer some or all of the auto-dosing machine advantages described above, but which may offer improved functionality and / or a greater autonomy in the choice of laundry products and may also not be restricted to a particular type, model or brand of washing machine.
  • the invention provides a reservoir connectable to a washing machine wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, said reservoir further comprising:
  • a data communicator for communicating, to a remote device, sensed data relating to one or more of the sensed properties; and (c) a connector configured for coupling the reservoir to the washing machine by which the reservoir is fluidly and controllably connectable to a washing machine wherein the data communicator is configured for wireless communication to a remote device external to the washing machine enable display of the sensed data on said remote device.
  • the reservoir may further include at least one laundry composition stored within the internal storage chamber.
  • the sensor may be configured to sense one or more of: (i) a fill level of laundry product in the internal storage chamber; (ii) mass of laundry product content in the internal storage chamber; (iii) flow rate of laundry product content egressing from the internal storage chamber; (iv) presence of laundry product content within the internal storage chamber; (v) chemical composition or chemical property of laundry product in the reservoir; (vi) physical property of laundry product in the reservoir.
  • the reservoir may be user-detachable from an port or surface of the washing machine.
  • washing machines are structured to contain pumps, electronics within an outer housing.
  • the port/surface may be contained within a recess in the washing machine’s outer housing.
  • the reservoir may further include multiple internal storage chambers each for storing laundry products. Each internal storage chamber may be configured to receive a plug-in laundry product cartridge and enable release of contents therein to the connector. Alternatively or additionally one or more storage chambers maybe provided by plug-in cartridges.
  • the data communicator preferably communicates wirelessly with a remote device external to the washing machine.
  • the data communicator may communicate directly with the remote device without data passing through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine.
  • the data communicator may interface with a user personal computing device to enable display of the sensed data.
  • the data communicator may interface with an application on a user smartphone or tablet.
  • the data communicator may interface with the smartphone or tablet application to enable display of a graphical user interface indicating the status of the reservoir.
  • the connector may comprise a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solid from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the washing machine.
  • the connector may further include a valve mechanism for closing the flow channel when the reservoir is detached from the washing machine.
  • the connector may comprise a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solid from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the washing machine, and may include a flow control element for enabling or driving release of laundry product from the internal storage chamber into the at least one flow channel.
  • the connector may further include an interchangeable adaptor or set of adaptors configured to enable interfacing of the reservoir with washing machines have different interfaces.
  • the data communicator may further include a controller configured to instruct the flow control element to release laundry product.
  • the data communicator may be configured to receive instructions for release of laundry product from a remote device external to the washing machine.
  • the invention provides a connector for connecting a laundry product reservoir to a washing machine, the laundry product reservoir comprising an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, the connector comprising:
  • the invention provides a washing machine incorporating the reservoir and/or the connector as described above.
  • the invention provides a dosing system for the delivery of laundry product to a washing machine, the dosing system comprising a reservoir as defined above and a remote computing device connectable to the reservoir by a telecommunications channel.
  • the remote computing device may be configured to monitor use of laundry product in or dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine from and/or to control use or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine.
  • the remote computing device may be configured to implement a replenishment function for the supply of replacement cartridges or refill vessels for refilling the reservoir.
  • the replenishment function may be implemented at least in part on both a user remote device and a third party remote device.
  • the remote computing device may implement a pay-as-you-go authorization function to enable a dispensing action by the reservoir to dispense a specified quantity or dose of laundry product from the reservoir into a connected washing machine.
  • the invention provides a method of dispensing laundry product into a washing machine comprising the steps of:
  • a connector connecting, by way of a connector, a reservoir to a washing machine, wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, and the connector couples the reservoir to the washing machine to effect fluid and controllable connection of the reservoir to the washing machine;
  • Sensing one or more properties may comprise sensing one or more of: (i) a fill level of laundry product in the internal storage chamber; (ii) mass of laundry product content in the internal storage chamber; (iii) flow rate of laundry product content egressing from the internal storage chamber; (iv) presence of laundry product content within the internal storage chamber; (v) chemical composition or chemical property of laundry product in the reservoir; (vi) physical property of laundry product in the reservoir.
  • the method may further include arranging for the reservoir to be user-detachable from an external port or surface of the washing machine for refilling of the reservoir.
  • Dispensing laundry product may comprise dispensing plural laundry produces from multiple internal storage chambers of the reservoir.
  • Each internal storage chamber may be configured to receive a plug-in laundry product cartridge and enable release of contents therein to the connector, to enable refilling the reservoir by plugging in one or more replacement laundry product cartridges.
  • Communicating to a remote device may be by wireless communication to a remote device external to the washing machine without data passing through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine.
  • Communicating to a remote device may comprise interfacing with a user personal computing device to enable display of the sensed data thereon and may comprise interfacing with an application on a user smartphone or tablet.
  • the method may further include displaying a graphical user interface on the user's personal computing device indicating status of the reservoir.
  • the connector may comprise a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solid from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the washing machine, the method further including deploying a valve mechanism to close the flow channel when the reservoir is detached from the washing machine.
  • the connector may comprise a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solid from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the washing machine, the method further including deploying a flow control element to enable or drive release of laundry product from the internal storage chamber into the at least one flow channel.
  • the method may further include using an interchangeable adaptor or set of adaptors to enable interfacing of the reservoir with washing machines having different interfaces.
  • the method may further include instructing the flow control element to release laundry product from a remote device external to the washing machine.
  • the invention provides a method of delivery of laundry product to a washing machine, the method comprising: coupling a reservoir as defined above to the washing machine; connecting a remote computing device to the reservoir by a telecommunications channel, monitoring use of laundry product in or dispensed from the reservoir to the washing machine at the remote computing device to control use or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to the washing machine.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a laundry product reservoir suitable for connection to a laundry washing machine
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic internal layout of components of the laundry product reservoir of figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic functional block diagram of components of a laundry product dosing system
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an adaptor configured for use between a washing machine and a laundry product reservoir.
  • a laundry product reservoir 1 is preferably contained within a housing 2 to enable the reservoir 1 to function as an independent structure for connection to, and disconnection from, a washing machine (not shown).
  • the reservoir 1 may form a 'drawer' type unit which can be inserted into and withdrawn from a suitable receiving aperture in a washing machine in order to effect connection to and disconnection from the washing machine.
  • a recessed or other handle 3 may be provided to assist the user in connection and disconnection.
  • the laundry products 5a, 5b, 5c may each be any suitable product or composition for assisting in a laundry process, which may include inter alia washing powders or liquids, surfactants, enzymes, bleach, alkaline components, fabric conditioners, water softeners etc.
  • Each internal storage chamber 4a, 4b, 4c (collectively labelled '4') is provided with an opening 6a, 6b, 6c (collectively labelled '6') by which the respective storage chamber 4a, 4b, 4c may be refilled with laundry product 5a, 5b, 5c (collectively labelled '5').
  • the opening 6 may be closable with a detachable cap, lid or other closure device.
  • the openings 6 may be of any suitable size or sizes for the user to refill the chambers 4 with products.
  • the reservoir 1 may alternatively be configured such that some or all the internal storage chambers 4a, 4b, 4c can receive plug-in laundry product cartridges (not shown) which, once installed into a respective storage chamber, can release their contents to the washing machine via the reservoir 1 .
  • Each of the internal storage chambers 4a, 4b, 4c has associated with it one or more sensors 7a, 7b, 7c (collectively labelled 7) each of which is generally configured to sense one or more properties relating to the respective internal storage chamber 4a, 4b, 4c, which expression includes properties relating to the product content of the internal storage chambers.
  • the sensors 7 may be configured to sense one or more of: (i) fill level of laundry product remaining within an internal storage chamber 4 (which expression may include a fill level of product 5 within any plug-in laundry product cartridge within the internal storage chamber; (ii) mass of stored laundry product content; (iii) a flow rate or other flow characteristic of laundry product 5 egressing from the storage chamber 4 or from the reservoir 1 ; (iv) presence of any stored content within the reservoir 1.
  • Many other properties may be sensed. These could include the nature of the laundry product compositions within the internal storage chambers 4, the chemical composition, the age or quality of the chemical composition, the origin or brand, or generally any physical or chemical property of the laundry products 5, or of ullage or vapour / gas in any head space above the laundry product, etc.
  • the sensors 7 may be configured to sense these properties directly, e.g. by direct detection of the physical and / or chemical properties, or by indirect sensing, such as reading a barcode or other product identification on a plug-in laundry product cartridge installed in the internal storage chamber 4a, 4b, 4c, or by reading / interfacing with a sensor installed within the plug-in laundry product cartridge itself.
  • the sensor(s) 7 may therefore generally be active or passive for qualitative and / or quantitative sensing of mechanical, electrical, physical and/or chemical properties, which are conveyed as control signals.
  • the reservoir 1 may further include one or more flow control elements 8a, 8b, 8c (collectively labelled '8'), such as valves, each configured to enable release of laundry product 5 from the respective internal storage chamber 4a, 4b, 4c into a flow channel 9a, 9b, 9c (collectively labelled '9').
  • Each flow channel 9 is configured to pass released laundry product 5 to a connector 10 which provides an interface to a washing machine.
  • the connector 10 may generally comprise a back surface or portion of the back surface
  • the connector 10 may be disposed on any suitable face of the housing 2, and may be distributed across multiple surfaces of the housing 2.
  • the connector 10 may generally comprise a number of outlet pipes or conduits communicating with the flow channels 9a, 9b, 9c to allow transfer of laundry product 5 to the washing machine with which the reservoir 1 is coupled.
  • the connector 10 may also include an electronic and/or electromagnetic and/or magnetic control interface for enabling control signals to pass between the washing machine and the reservoir 1.
  • the reservoir 1 includes a data processor 12 and a data communicator / communication channel 13.
  • the data processor 12 is configured to process data received from the sensors 7 for transmission - by the data communicator 13 - to a remote device 20.
  • the data processor 12 may also implement control functions, such as providing control signals to the flow control elements 8 on control lines 14 to effect release of laundry product 5. These control functions may be commanded by data signals passed to the data processor
  • the connector 10 may comprise any mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel 9a, 9b, 9c which provides for flow of fluid or flowable solid from any internal storage chambers 4 to a dispensing unit within the washing machine.
  • the connector 10 may also include a suitable flow control mechanism to prevent flow through the flow channel or flow channels 9a, 9b, 9c when the reservoir 1 is inactive, e.g. when it is not coupled to a washing machine or not in a dispensing mode, to prevent accidental egress (such as leakage or spillage) of laundry product from the reservoir 1.
  • the flow control mechanism may comprise the flow control elements 8, such as electronically controlled valves, but alternative and / or additional valves, flaps or other closure devices could be used, e.g. mechanically actuated closure devices which can be automatically opened when the reservoir 1 is connected to a washing machine and automatically closed when the reservoir 1 is disconnected from a washing machine.
  • the reservoir 1 may be configured to derive electrical power from any suitable source.
  • the electrical power may be sourced from a host washing machine to which it is connected, e.g. via the connector 10.
  • the reservoir 1 may have an internal power source, such as a battery or capacitor-based energy storage device for providing power when power is not available from a host washing machine.
  • the internal power source of the reservoir may be rechargeable such that it is replenished when the reservoir 1 is connected to a washing machine or other power source.
  • the internal power source may comprise means for harvesting energy from an external source such as a light source or other electromagnetic energy source such as RF energy.
  • the remote device 20 may interact with the reservoir 1 in a number of different ways.
  • the remote device 20 may comprise a controller within the washing machine to which the reservoir 1 is connected.
  • the remote device 20 may, particularly, control the flow control elements 8a, 8b, 8c, e.g. via the data communicator 13, as part of a conventional washing programme or washing cycle of the washing machine.
  • the remote device 20 may comprise a user-based resource 30 that is external to and independent of the washing machine 15.
  • the remote device 30 comprises a user's smartphone, tablet, or other personal computing device.
  • the reservoir 1 communicates with the user's personal computing device 30 via the data communicator 13 and preferably by direct communication.
  • the expression 'direct communication' is intended to encompass communication via a suitable wired or wireless network 31 , such as LAN, Wifi, Bluetooth, mobile phone network etc, and preferably without intervention by the washing machine 15 to which the reservoir 1 is connected, e.g. without data passing through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine 15.
  • the user of a washing machine 15 to which the reservoir 1 may be connected may have installed on their personal computing device 30 a monitoring program or application 32 which generally enables the user to monitor data related to usage of the reservoir and of laundry product dispensed by the reservoir independently of the washing machine 15 to which it may be connected.
  • the user may be enabled to view directly on the personal computing device 30 usage of each of the laundry products 5, such as amount used, number of washes performed, expected number of washes remaining for each laundry product or product combination, alerts suggesting further purchase / re-stocking requirements, etc.
  • usage of each of the laundry products 5 such as amount used, number of washes performed, expected number of washes remaining for each laundry product or product combination, alerts suggesting further purchase / re-stocking requirements, etc.
  • These features may be provided within a graphical user interface supported by the personal computing device.
  • the graphical user interface may display a schematic view of the reservoir, its internal storage chambers, and its status.
  • the user of the washing machine 15 may also have installed on their personal computing device 30 a control program or application 33 which generally enables the user to control certain functions of the reservoir 1 independently of the washing machine 15 to which it is connected.
  • the user may directly control the dispensing of a selectable laundry product 5 or combination of products from the reservoir 1 in a washing machine 15 to which it is connected, e.g. prior to commencement of a washing cycle or at a selected time during operation of a washing cycle.
  • Laundry product 5 may thereby be dispensed directly into a washing water flow within the washing machine 15 to form a wash liquor or into a chamber or pipe through which water subsequently flows, or directly to a drum of the washing machine 15.
  • the remote device 20 may comprise or include a remote device 35 of a third party independent of both the user and the vendor / supplier / manufacturer / owner of the washing machine 15.
  • the remote device 35 may include a server of a laundry product manufacturer or retailer or service provider.
  • the reservoir 1 communicates with the remote device of the third party via the data communicator 13 and preferably by direct communication.
  • the expression 'direct communication' is intended to encompass communication via a suitable wired or wireless network 31 , such as LAN, Wifi, Bluetooth, mobile phone network etc, and preferably without intervention by the washing machine 15 to which the reservoir 1 is connected, e.g. without data passing through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine 15.
  • the laundry product manufacturer / retailer / service provider may have installed on server 35 a monitoring program or application 36 which generally enables the laundry product manufacturer / retailer / service provider to monitor data related to usage of the reservoir 1 and of laundry product 5 dispensed by the reservoir independently of the washing machine 15 to which it may be connected.
  • the remote device 35 may also have installed thereon a control program or application 37 which enables the laundry product manufacturer / retailer / service provider to control certain functions of the reservoir 1 independently of the washing machine 15 to which it is connected.
  • Such functions could include laundry product composition management, recipe control, product mixing, usage quantities etc.
  • This may enable a laundry product manufacturer / retailer / service provider to optimise usage of the laundry products in different user environments, e.g. taking account of washing machine type, washing machine performance, laundry type, user habits, geographic region of use etc. Control based on geographic region of use may be advantageous for taking account of local water supply properties (such as water hardness or water treatment), local waste water pollutant regulatory requirements etc and may thereby optimise laundry product formulation used in that specific context.
  • the control program or application 37 may also be configured to implement an authorization function to enable a dispensing action by the reservoir.
  • An activation code may be sent by the server 35 to the reservoir 1 to enable the dispensing of a specified quantity or dose of laundry product or products 5 from the reservoir 1.
  • the activation code may specify a particular laundry product or combination of products for use during a particular washing programme or cycle.
  • This feature may be used in conjunction with a payment authorization function, which may be based on a user account record held at the server 35.
  • the user account record may operate in conjunction with user control application 33 on the user personal computing device 30 to approve a payment on a pay-as-you-go basis for laundry product usage, or charging may be automatic to a user account via the server 35.
  • the reservoir 1 and remote device(s) 30 and/or 35 may together comprise a dosing system for the delivery of laundry product to a washing machine 15 where the remote computing device is connected to the reservoir by a suitable telecommunications channel, configured to monitor use of laundry product in or dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine 15 from and/or to control use or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine 15.
  • the telecommunications channel may comprise any of a LAN, a WAN, Wifi, Bluetooth, or mobile phone network.
  • the monitoring of the use of, and / or control of the dispensing of, the laundry product in or to the washing machine 15 may be effected by the user via user device 30 and / or a third party server 35.
  • the reservoir may communicate, to the user remote device 30 and / or the third party remote device 35, an indication that replenishment of one or more laundry products is required.
  • This may be used to trigger automatic replenishment of supplies comprising one or more replacement cartridges or refill vessels for refilling the reservoir.
  • Automatic replenishment may include an automated process for triggering an order from a laundry product vendor.
  • the reservoir may be manufactured as a generic unit connectable to different washing machine types and / or different washing machine brands, which washing machines may each have a common interface, or different interfaces.
  • the connector 10 may further comprise a detachable or reconfigurable interchangeable adaptor 40 or set of adaptors to facilitate connection to any particular type of washing machine interface 41.
  • the adaptor 40 may therefore be provided as a separate device 40 which can be coupled to the generic reservoir 42 to configure the reservoir 42 for use with a specific washing machine.
  • a specific adaptor 40 may be configured for compatibility with a specific washing machine or group of washing machines, e.g. those of a specific manufacturer, a specific country or region, or other category of washing machines.
  • the adaptor 40 may be reconfigurable by repositioning one or more moveable parts of the adaptor 40 to render the reservoir connector 10 compatible with a specific washing machine or group of washing machines, e.g. those of a specific manufacturer, a specific country or region, or another category of washing machines.
  • the reservoir 1 , 42 may comprise a multi-use, refillable component as discussed above, where the internal storage chambers 4 are refillable with laundry product 5 or laundry product cartridges.
  • the reservoir may be configured so that the internal storage chambers may be refilled when the reservoir is detached from the washing machine or the reservoir may be configured so that the internal storage chambers may be refilled when it is attached to the washing machine, e.g. by way of access ports in a visible surface of the reservoir housing when it is connected to or installed in the washing machine.
  • the reservoir 1 , 42 could be manufactured and sold as a single use or limited use FMCG item.
  • the number of components in the reservoir would ideally be minimised and simplified.
  • the expression 'limited use' may encompass use enabling only a few refills (e.g. less than ten) or use for a period of time substantially less than the lifespan of the washing machine to which it will be connected.
  • the reservoir 1 , 42 may generally be formed of any suitable material such as plastics, metals and other components.
  • the reservoir 1 or at least portions of it, may be made transparent or semi-transparent to enable viewing of at least the internal storage chambers 4 and the contents 5 therein, whether liquids or flowable solids or laundry product cartridges or their labels.
  • the reservoir 1 , 42 and more particularly the internal storage chambers 4 may comprise any suitable container for encasing or retaining a laundry product in liquid or flowable solid form such as particulates, powders, grains etc and preferably with a volumetric capacity suited to multiple wash cycles, e.g. ⁇ 5000 ml, ⁇ 1000 ml, ⁇ 500 ml, or ⁇ 250 ml.
  • the reservoir internal storage chambers 4 are preferably formed as dimensionally stable receptacles, e.g. with rigid walls, but could alternatively be formed as flexible receptacles within the reservoir 1 , 42, such as pouches or bags, which will expand when filled with laundry product and contract as the product 5 is used.
  • the internal storage chambers 4 are configured to receive plug-in cartridges of laundry product 5
  • those cartridges may be formed as dimensionally stable receptacles, e.g. with rigid walls, but could alternatively be formed as flexible receptacles, such as pouches or bags, which will expand when filled with laundry product and contract as the laundry product 5 is used.
  • Each plug-in cartridge may be fixable within the respective internal storage chamber 4 such that the contents of the cartridge are sealable by a valve, which may form part of the cartridge or the internal storage chamber 4, or a combination of both.
  • the cartridge may comprise mating means configured to engage with complementary mating means on the internal storage chamber 4 such that, when in place, the cartridge is held securely and laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or released according to whether the valve of the reservoir or of the cartridge (or both) is in a closed or open state.
  • the flow control elements 8 may be simple on-off valve-type devices or may further comprise variable flow control elements capable of delivering preset flow rates, variable flow rates and / or metered doses which may be delivered over a controllable or predetermined time interval.
  • the flow control elements 8 may each comprise any device capable of allowing a specific quantity or flow rate of material to pass thereby and may generally be used to modulate actual flow rate.
  • the sensors 7 may comprise any one or more suitable sensor type such as flow rate sensors, flow timers, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, elongation sensors, rotation speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, colour sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, acoustic pressure sensors, “lab on a chip” sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, tilt sensors, pH sensors, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odour sensors, hydrogen sulphide sensors, and/or MEMS sensors, in order to perform the sensing functions as defined above.
  • suitable sensor type such as flow rate sensors, flow timers, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, elongation sensors, rotation speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, colour sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, acoustic pressure sensors, “lab on a chip” sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, tilt sensors, pH
  • the reservoir 1 , 42 is fully detachable by a user from a washing machine to which it may be attached, e.g. as a user-serviceable commodity.
  • the reservoir is receivable into a slot, aperture, bay or other type of external docking port in or on the housing of the washing machine such that the reservoir is housed at least partially within a suitable receiving aperture of the washing machine, when in use.
  • the receiving aperture is preferably an external port of the washing machine, i.e. an aperture accessible from an external part or external surface of the washing machine housing.
  • the reservoir 1 , 42 may be integrated into the washing machine and provide the described functionality within the washing machine.
  • the flow control mechanism described above may be implemented a number of ways.
  • the laundry products 5 may be delivered from the internal storage chambers 4a, 4b, 4c by way of gravity flow from the storage chamber, or cartridge within the storage chamber, under the control of a suitable flow valve, e.g. flow control elements 8a, 8b, 8c.
  • a suitable flow valve e.g. flow control elements 8a, 8b, 8c.
  • the contents of the internal storage chambers 4 or cartridges therein may be supplied by pressure and / or vacuum generated within the reservoir 1.
  • the flow control element(s) 8 may not only enable the release of laundry product 5, but may drive release of the laundry product so that it is expelled under pressure from the respective internal storage chamber 4.
  • the pressure line orfluid feed channel may be connected to a water supply in the washing machine to provide the motive energy to expel laundry product from the internal storage chambers 4.
  • the reservoir 1 may have a pre-mixing chamber to enable pre-mixing of plural laundry products before they are dispensed from the reservoir via the connector 10.
  • the reservoir 1 with its internal storage chambers 4a, 4b, 4c, flow control devices 8a, 8b, 8c, and flow channels 9a, 9b, 9c may be configured for dispensing any suitable format of laundry product including fluids e.g. in liquid, gaseous, vapour or gel / suspension form and flowable solid form such as powder, beads, capsules, as well as mixtures thereof.
  • fluids e.g. in liquid, gaseous, vapour or gel / suspension form and flowable solid form such as powder, beads, capsules, as well as mixtures thereof.
  • the reservoir arrangements as described above can provide a 'smart' reservoir or 'plug- and-play' reservoir which can be connected to any suitable washing machine and provide auto-dosing functionality as well as intelligent replenishment assistance to the user when the reservoir laundry products are exhausted or near-exhausted.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un réservoir à dosage automatique pouvant être relié à une machine à laver. Le réservoir comprend une ou plusieurs chambres de stockage internes destinées à stocker un ou plusieurs produits de blanchisserie. Le réservoir comprend en outre un ou plusieurs capteurs destinés à détecter une ou plusieurs propriétés relatives auxdites chambres de stockage internes et/ou au contenu stocké en leur sein. Un communicateur de données communique, à un dispositif distant, les données détectées relatives à une ou plusieurs des propriétés détectées. Un connecteur accouple le réservoir à la machine à laver, au moyen duquel le réservoir est en communication fluidique et commandable avec la machine à laver.
PCT/EP2019/054369 2018-02-26 2019-02-21 Réservoirs à dosage automatique destinés à des machines à laver le linge WO2019162408A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201980020815.7A CN111886373B (zh) 2018-02-26 2019-02-21 用于洗衣机的自动定量加料储器

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1803058.5 2018-02-26
GB1803058.5A GB2571336A (en) 2018-02-26 2018-02-26 Methods and system for monitoring and replenishing one or more laundry components
EP18162886.8 2018-03-20
US16/150,872 US11131055B2 (en) 2018-02-26 2018-10-03 Methods and system for monitoring and replenishing one or more laundry components
US16/150,872 2018-10-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019162408A1 true WO2019162408A1 (fr) 2019-08-29

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PCT/EP2019/054369 WO2019162408A1 (fr) 2018-02-26 2019-02-21 Réservoirs à dosage automatique destinés à des machines à laver le linge

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022028498A1 (fr) * 2020-08-07 2022-02-10 重庆海尔洗衣机有限公司 Dispositif de stockage d'agent de traitement du linge, machine à laver et procédé de commande associé
EP4357513A4 (fr) * 2021-06-18 2024-08-07 Qingdao Haier Drum Washing Machine Co Ltd Appareil d'alimentation automatique pour agent de traitement de vêtements et procédé d'achat d'agent de traitement de vêtements

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2141275A1 (fr) * 2008-07-01 2010-01-06 Whirpool Corporation Procédé et appareil pour indiquer les informations opérationnelles d'un système de distribution doté d'une distribution à usage unique et en vrac
WO2010007054A1 (fr) * 2008-07-15 2010-01-21 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Système de dosage comportant un support de composant
DE102008053312A1 (de) * 2008-10-27 2010-04-29 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Dosiervorrichtung zur Dosierung von Substanzen sowie Haushaltsmaschine
KR20100081221A (ko) * 2009-01-05 2010-07-14 주식회사 대우일렉트로닉스 세탁기
EP3130968A2 (fr) * 2015-08-13 2017-02-15 Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. Module d'interface sans fil pour système de distribution de produits chimiques

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2141275A1 (fr) * 2008-07-01 2010-01-06 Whirpool Corporation Procédé et appareil pour indiquer les informations opérationnelles d'un système de distribution doté d'une distribution à usage unique et en vrac
WO2010007054A1 (fr) * 2008-07-15 2010-01-21 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Système de dosage comportant un support de composant
DE102008053312A1 (de) * 2008-10-27 2010-04-29 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Dosiervorrichtung zur Dosierung von Substanzen sowie Haushaltsmaschine
KR20100081221A (ko) * 2009-01-05 2010-07-14 주식회사 대우일렉트로닉스 세탁기
EP3130968A2 (fr) * 2015-08-13 2017-02-15 Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. Module d'interface sans fil pour système de distribution de produits chimiques

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022028498A1 (fr) * 2020-08-07 2022-02-10 重庆海尔洗衣机有限公司 Dispositif de stockage d'agent de traitement du linge, machine à laver et procédé de commande associé
EP4357513A4 (fr) * 2021-06-18 2024-08-07 Qingdao Haier Drum Washing Machine Co Ltd Appareil d'alimentation automatique pour agent de traitement de vêtements et procédé d'achat d'agent de traitement de vêtements

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