Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A SMART DOSING DISPENSER
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to devices for dosing treatment compositions
to be released into a medium, in particular those required for use in fabric
and
home care.
Background of the invention
Dosing devices for dosing treatment compositions in a dish or laundry
washing machine are representative of the various dosing devices to which the
present invention can apply. Typically, such dosing devices comprise at least
one
compartment which is filled with product by the consumer, and at least one
opening which is such that said product is mixed with wash water during a wash
cycle. Such dosing devices are interesting because the compartment is usually
designed such that it contains substantially the amount of product necessary
for
one wash cycle. So the dosing device allows for dosing and direct release of
the
product onto the items to be treated. Such dosing devices are usually re-
usable.
A lot of improvements have been brought to dosing devices through the
years, all directed to a better dosing and/or release the product during the
wash.
Especially, it was seen as an important feature that the release of the
product
may be delayed, for example till the last phase of the wash cycle.
Some dosing devices comprise more than one compartment. Typically this
type of devices are used for products that are incompatible, but which must be
added in the same wash water, for example in EPØ236136 A1 to Unilever.
Some other devices comprise a means for releasing their contents
progressively during the wash cycle, or even at some point in time during the
wash, for example at the spin drying phase or during the last rinse. In case
the
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release needs to be progressive, the device comprises for example vents shaped
as restricted openings, for example in US.4.703.872 to Procter and Gamble. In
case the release needs to be delayed in the wash cycle, the device comprises
mechanical means, for example it uses temperature of the wash water, and the
difference of retraction properties of its constitutive materials: for example
US.5.768.918 discloses a device comprising a main compartment and a cover to
releasably close said compartment, both made out of two different materials.
Before the wash, the user fills the device and closes the compartment with the
cover. During the wash, at the time the temperature of the wash water changes,
typically during the last rinse, the retraction of the cover is more important
than
the retraction of the compartment's material, such that said cover slides open
from said compartment, thereby releasing the contents. Another means used for
release product at one point in time during the wash is the use of the
centrifugal
force at the time of the spin drying. Devices using a compartment releasably
closed with a cover that is closed by the user before the wash and then opened
by the centrifugal force is for example disclosed in US.3.888.391 to Procter
and
Gamble.
Other embodiments were found to improve the release of the product at
one point in time during the wash, for example the use of porous membranes,
for
example as disclosed in EPØ236136 A1.
The dosing devices which can be found in the art solve some issues.
However, it appears that in some cases, the conditions in the wash water
change
from one wash cycle to another, when using the same washing machine. Such
conditions depend on the amount of items to be washed, the nature and amount
of product that is used, the water hardness, and other parameters. So one main
disadvantage is that the opening of the dosing device and release of the
product
cannot be pre-determined, but depends only on wash water characteristics,
which are likely to vary from one wash cycle to another.
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It is therefore one main object of the present invention to provide the user
with a dosing device which is portable and self contained, so that it can be
used
for in-house applications, which comprises a means to release the device's
contents at a predetermined moment of the wash cycle. In addition, it is an
object
of the present invention to provide a device that allows to release products
that
could not be released by a washing machine.
Summary of the invention
The present invention is directed to a portable, self-contained, device for
dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into an appliance for treating
laundry or dishes, said device comprising a housing with at least one
compartment for containing said at least one product, said at least one
compartment being closed by at least one corresponding cover, the device being
characterized in that said device comprises at least one means for storing
energy
and releasing it, such that said product is released at one or more
predetermined
points) in time during the wash cycle.
Preferably, said means is a battery, more preferably a rechargeable
battery. Also preferably, said device comprises at least one sensor and/or at
least one actuator for detecting when the wash conditions are optimal and open
at least one of said at least one compartment for releasing a product.
Brief description of the drawings
The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 is a profile cut view of a dosing device according to the present
invention, in the closed position, with cover positioned for opening towards
the
outside of the device.
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- Figure 2 is a profile cut view of a dosing device according to the present
invention in the open position, with cover positioned for opening towards the
inside of the device.
- Figure 3 is a profile cut view with the housing, cover and plunger rod of a
dosing device according to the present invention.
- Figures 4 and 5 are profile views showing various embodiments of the
actuator.
- Figures 6 A, B, C and D are schematic views showing various
embodiments of the locking mechanism for securing the dosing device in closed
position.
Detailed description of the invention
As per figures 1, 2 and 3, the dosing device (1) of the present invention
comprises a housing (10) with at least one opening (11 ). Said opening (11 )
is
removably closed by a cover (12). Inside the housing (10), the dosing device
(1 )
comprises at least one compartment for the electromechanical components, and
at least one other product compartment (14) for filling with the product to
dose
and dispense. Said at least one product compartment (14) can have any suitable
shape, such that once the dosing device (1 ) is opened, the release of its
contents
is easy and complete (even if progressive). While the dosing device (1 ) can
have
any suitable shape, in one embodiment it is made out of two hemispheres, one
comprising at least one product compartment (14) for containing at least one
product to be released, and the other hemisphere comprising an
electromechanical compartment (13) containing the power supply, at least one
sensor (16), actuator systems (17), and a microchip (18) for driving a logic
control
program.
The dosing device (1 ) according to the present invention is primarily
suitable for dosing any type of product that is used for treatment of items.
Preferably it is for dosing products for use in fabric and dish care, more
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preferably detergent compositions. Products suitable for use with the dosing
device (1 ) of the present inventions include but are not limited to: laundry
detergents and additives, bleach-based products, hypochlorite-based products,
dishwashing compositions, perfumes, malodor removal compositions, fabric
softeners, disinfectant, easy ironing, detergent boosters (enzymes)... The
dosing
device (1 ) of the present invention can have various uses that require
release of
treatment product into a medium, at one time or sequentially. Such uses
include
but are not limited to: dish-washing, hot air drying of fabrics or the like,
release of
body care products in a bathtub, release of shower gel or shampoo, release of
light duty liquids in the sink for assisting hand dish washing, release of
cleaning
or perfuming products in the tank of toilets, etc.... In the following
description,
and for the sake of clarity, the example will be given of application of the
dosing
device (1 ) for treatment of fabrics in a laundry washing machine.
By dosing device (1 ), it is meant a device with which it is possible to
measure the right amount of product to be released during a wash cycle,
depending on the wash conditions, including but not limited to the amount of
items to be washed, the composition of the washing environment (for instance
the wash water), the nature of the product which is used for the wash...
In one preferred embodiment, the dosing is made by the user her/himself.
For example, this can be done by using the size of the device's compartment to
measure the right amount of product to be released in the wash. In this case,
the
device comprises a means, for example dosing line-up marks, that will help the
user chose the right amount of product to fill in. Alternatively, the user can
introduce a cartridge of product into the dosing device (1 ), said cartridge
containing a predetermined amount of product, e.g. for one or several
wash(es).
In another embodiment, the dosing is done by the device itself, which is
constructed so that its at least one compartment can be opened and closed
again during the wash. In this case, the compartment does not comprise line-up
marks, the user fills it completely before the wash. During the wash, the
dosing
device (1 ) first opens to release product, then senses when the concentration
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product is sufficient and finally closes to prevent over-dosing of the
product. In
this case, the concentration sensing is done by a checking one component which
is a characteristic of the product to be released, for example, the level of
chlorine
can be sensed, in case the product to be released is bleach. The skilled
person
will be able to determine which compound must be sensed, depending on which
product is released. Of course, a corresponding and suitable sensor (16) must
be
integrated to the dosing device (1 ) in this case, and the control logic
program
must be adapted accordingly.
When closed, the dosing device (1 ) can be of any suitable shape, for
example cubic, but it is preferably substantially spherical, and more
preferably, it
is designed such that once closed and ready to be placed in a washing machine,
its overall surface is as smooth as possible, so that no sharp protrusion can
damage the items which are being treated. Indeed, one possible use of the
dosing device (1 ) of the present invention is the use for releasing fabric
care
products in a laundry washing machine, thus it is necessary that the device's
surface be as smooth as possible so as not to tear the fabric during the wash,
even when the device is open. In a preferred embodiment, the dosing device (1
)
comprises a means for making it stand on a flat surface, for example on a
table.
This means can be for example a flat portion of the housing (10)'s outside
surface, or a stand. Alternatively, the electronic components of the dosing
device
(1 ), which are the heaviest part of said device are located in the bottom
portion of
said device, so that when the device is put on a flat surface, it always stays
in the
upright position.
Once open, the dosing device (1 ) most preferably stays into one whole
part, so that the user does not have to remove more than one portion of the
device from the washing machine's drum after the wash.
The materials used for the housing (10) and the cover (12) might be of any
type, and they may be made out of one single or several materials. Preferred
materials for the housing (10) and the cover (12) are synthetic materials, for
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example plastic or rubber, so as to resist to liquids and or temperature
variations.
It is highly preferred that once closed, the dosing device be liquid-tight. Of
course, all materials constitutive of the dosing device (1 ) will be chosen
such that
they resist to the conditions of use. Preferably, they are heat resistant so
as to be
used in the tumble of a clothes hot air dryer without damage, or into a dish-
washing machine. Example of hard materials include but are not limited to
polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), copolymers of butadiene and styrene,
and the like.
The housing (10) and the cover (12) are preferably made by injection
molding. In case they are made out of more than one material, co-injection
molding process will be preferred, where applicable, since it is less
expensive
than molding several insert portions separately and then assemble them. For
instance, co-injection molding can be used for the housing (10), to make it
out of
hard plastic, with some portions out of a non-slipping rubber material. It is
preferred that at least some portions of the dosing device's outer surface
(including housing (10) and cover (12)) are made out of a rubber like
material,
which will help to prevent noise from tumbling in the machine. Alternatively,
in
one embodiment of this invention, the dosing device (1 ) can be secured to the
walls of the washing machine's drum, for example by means of a magnet. In this
way, the noise due to the tumbling of said dosing device (1 ) inside the drum
during the wash is canceled, or at least substantially reduced.
Alternatively, a rubber sleeve is fitted around the device's main body and
cover (12).
It is an essential feature of the dosing device (1 ) of the present invention
that it comprises at least one means for storing energy (15) and releasing it,
such
that the contents of said dosing device (1 ) is released at a given
predetermined
time during a wash cycle. It is highly preferred that the dosing device (1 )
also
comprises at least one sensor (16) which is linked to the means, to determine
when the environment, for example the wash water, requires that the dosing
device (1 ) be opened and the product released. Also preferably, the dosing
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device (1 ) comprises an actuator (17) which is linked to the cover (12), so
as to
activate the opening (11 ) of said cover (12) during the wash. Finally, the
dosing
device (1 ) further comprises a microchip (18) that monitors the data received
from the sensors (16), and gives a signal to the actuator (17) to open said
dosing
device (1 ) at the right time during the wash cycle.
It is also an essential feature of the dosing device (1 ) of the present
invention that it be portable, that is to say that it is not too bulky and
heavy and
can easily be handheld and manipulated by a user for in-house usage. Its
dimensions must be such that it can be put into the drum of an automatic
washing machine, or clothes hot air dryer, or into a dish washer. Preferably,
its
greatest outer dimension does not exceed 20 cm. Also preferably, its overall
weight does not exceed 5 kg when empty, more preferably, it does not exceed
2.5 kg when empty, even more preferably its weight is not more than 1 kg when
empty. At the same time, the size and/or shape of the dosing ball must be such
that it cannot be entrapped between two parts of the washing machine, for
example between the drum and the outer casing of a washing machine or dryer,
especially in the American types of machines.
Finally, it is an essential feature of the dosing device (1 ) of the present
invention that it be self contained. By self contained, it is meant that the
dosing
device (1 ), once filled with product and closed, can work independently from
any
other device. Particularly, it comprises its own power source, and all means
necessary for it to determine properly the right time its contents needs to be
released, only by sensing its external environment. In one alternative, the
power
is transmitted via a coil transmitter, which receives electricity via a remote
generator.
Means for storinct enercty
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It is an essential feature of the dosing device (1 ) of the present invention
that it comprises at least one means for storing energy (15) and releasing it,
such
that the contents of said dosing device (1 ) is released at a predetermined
point in
time during the wash. Preferably, said means is stored in the
electromechanical
compartment (13) of the dosing device (1 ).
In a preferred embodiment, said means is a throw-away battery, or
rechargeable battery. More preferably, the battery is not rechargeable, but
contains sufficient energy for lasting at least one year in normal conditions
of
use. By normal conditions of use, it is meant an average of 1 to 2 uses per
week.
For example, one or more AA rechargeable or disposable batteries can be used,
the batteries being housed in the device. The voltage output of the battery is
typically between 1.5 and 12 Volts, with a preferred output between 3 and 6V,
for
example one DL223A 6 volt battery. A good alternative is lithium batteries
which
are smaller and last longer.
In the case the device comprises rechargeable batteries, the housing (10)
preferably comprises a plug recess, in order for the user to plug the dosing
device (1 ) on the main electricity to recharge it, or via a wireless
connection.
In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the means for storing
energy (15) is a kinetic battery. The kinetic battery comprises a rechargeable
battery coupled to a mechanical movement which transforms any movement of
said battery into electricity that can be stored. Such kinetic batteries are
known,
for example in the watch industry, and the type of kinetic battery suitable
for use
with the dosing device (1 ) according to the present invention will be
appropriately
chosen by the person skilled in the art.
Sensor technology
It is an essential feature of the dosing device (1 ) of the present invention,
that it comprises at least one sensor (16), as shown in figures 1 and 2. By
sensor
it is meant a chip or similar electronic device which detects a stimulus in
the
dosing device's environment, for example in the wash water. Preferably, the
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sensor (16) is directly coupled to a microchip (18) which transforms the
stimulus
into an electric impulsion which is sent to the means and then, the actuator
(17).
The sensor (16) is housed in the electromechanical compartment (13) of the
device and secured for example with brackets and screws. The microchip (18)
which is preferably integrated to the sensor (16) itself is an electronic
circuit
which runs a basic program, so called logic control program. The logic control
program integrates different parameters of the wash which are sensed in the
medium (e.g. the wash water), and also integrates the type of product that
needs
to be released, in order to calculate at what times) during the wash, said
products must be released. The specific construction of the electronic circuit
of
the microchip (18) will be appropriately chosen by a person skilled in the
art.
The sensor (16) structure and construction shall be adapted to the
stimulus to be detected, and the choice of the appropriate sensor (16)
construction will be easily determined by a person skilled in the art. The
dosing
device (1 ) of the present invention comprises at least one sensor (16), such
that
it can react to at least one stimulus present in its environment. It will be
appreciated that the more stimuli said device detects, the more accurate the
product dosing and/or release will be. In the following embodiments of the
present invention, wash water in the drum of a laundry washing machine is
taken
as one example of the dosing device (1 ) environment, but this example shall
not
be meant to restrict the scope of applications of the dosing device (1 ).
In another embodiment of this invention, the dosing device (1 ) is coupled
to a sensor (16) which is secured into the washing machine, for example into
the
powder or additive drawer of the machine, or alternatively into the pipes of
the
washing machine. Said sensor (16) is a conductivity analyzer which determines
when there is addition of water. Said conductivity sensor (16) is coupled to
the
dosing device (1 ) by radio-frequency link. This allows to determine addition
of
water to the wash, even when there is already water inside the drum, and thus,
it
allows the dosing device (1 ) to detect a new addition of water while it is
already
immersed during a wash cycle. This improves the accuracy of the dosing device
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(1 ) in determining the different steps of a wash cycle, and thus improve the
determination of the right time to release its contents.
All the above parameters can be detected one by one, but the device
preferably combines at least two, more preferably at least three different
sensors
(16), so that it can better determine the right time for releasing its
contents.
Indeed, one parameter, for example temperature may vary from a washing
machine to another, and from one program to another. It has been found that,
by
combining several parameters to be detected, the determination of the steps of
a
wash cycle is more accurate. It has been found that surprisingly, combination
of
detection of conductivity and acceleration leads to a very good determination
of
when the product should be released during the wash cycle. This is even
improved when combining conductivity and acceleration of the drum with the
temperature of the wash water.
The sensors (16) as described above are used for determining the wash
conditions, and more particularly in two distinct situations: (a) learning
what are
the main steps of a wash cycle, in case the dosing device comprises a learning
memory, and/or (b) determining the wash conditions, once the dosing device
knows what are the characteristics of the wash cycles that can be selected, so
that by sensing, said dosing device detects what phase of the wash cycle is
running.
Actuation
The release of the contained product during a wash cycle relies onto the
actuation of a means to open the cover (12). In a first embodiment of the
present
invention, the opening (11 ) of the cover (12) and release the dosing device's
contents is only powered by the means for storing energy (15), for example a
battery, via an electromechanical actuator (19), for example an electrical
motor, a
solenoid, or a nitinol wire.
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In a second and preferred embodiment of the invention, the energy used
for moving the cover (12) in open position is mechanical energy which was
furnished by the user himself before the wash. Said mechanical energy is
contained in a mechanical actuator (20). At the time the device detects that
the
product needs to be released, an electromechanical actuator (19) (powered by
the means for storing energy (15)) will release the mechanical energy stored
into
the mechanical actuator (20), thus acting as a transition actuator. The main
reason for such a transition actuator is the following: the dosing device (1 )
must
be easy and convenient to use, and thus it must be as light and small as
possible. A good way to make it light and small is to reduce the size of its
components, and especially the size of the means for storing energy (15). The
amount of energy to open the cover (12) is quite large, and if it would be
furnished only by a battery for example, the size of this battery would be so
large
that it would not meet the above cited requirements in terms of weight and
size of
the dosing device (1 ). Thus, it has been found that the energy directly used
to
open the cover (12) can be purely mechanical and given by the consumer
himself. The means for storing energy (15), for example the battery is only
used
to release said mechanical energy.
The mechanical energy to move the cover (12) in open position can be
achieved by any suitable means, but in a preferred embodiment of this
invention,
said mechanical energy is achieved by a coiled spring (20), more preferably a
metallic coiled spring (20),as shown in figures 1 to 3. At the time the user
presses
on the cover (12) to close the dosing device (1 ), the coiled spring (20) is
compressed and loaded with mechanical energy. The coiled spring (20) stores
spring energy into the device to reduce the amount of energy to be used from
the
battery to activate the opening (11 ) of said device.
The device comprises a locking means (22) to releasably lock the coiled
spring (20) in its compressed position (thus charged with spring compression
energy), said locking means (22) being unlocked by the electromechanical
actuator (19) which is powered by the battery. The locking means (22) is
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preferably achieved by a locking tooth (23) located on the plunger rod (21 ).
The
plunger rod (21 ) is linked to the cover (12). To this locking tooth (23)
corresponds
a retractable shaft (24) which is linked to the electromechanical actuator
(19), as
shown in figures 4, 5, 6A to D. When the user closes the device, the shaft of
the
electromechanical actuator (19) engages with the locking tooth (23) of the
plunger rod (21 ), so as to lock the spring in its compressed stage.
If the dosing device (1 ) comprises more than one compartment, each
compartment is closed by a cover (12) which is linked to a separate plunger
rod
(21 ), each of which is locked/unlocked by the shaft of a corresponding
electromechanical actuator (19). Optionally, in case the dosing device (1 ) is
to be
used by the user to measure the right amount of product to dose before the
wash, the plunger rod (21 ) comprises fill dosing marks for different size
doses. In
one embodiment of the invention, the cover (12) of the dosing device (1 ) is
removable. For example it can be unscrewed from the plunger rod (21 ). Thus,
the top extremity of the plunger rod (21 ) comprises threads (25) to fit in
corresponding threads of the cover (12). Alternatively, the threads can be
replaced by bayonet means. Preferably, both cover (12) and plunger rod (21 )
comprise matching double lead threads for quicker engagement.
Once the dosing device (1 ) has been filled, and prior to place into the
washing machine, the user must switch it on by using an on/off mechanism
In a first embodiment of the present invention, the on/off mechanism is
integrated into the bottom of the plunger rod (21 ), that activates the device
when
the user closes said device, and deactivates at the time the device opens
during
the wash and releases the product contained therein.
In a second embodiment, the on/off mechanism is also dependent from
the plunger rod (21 ) and cover (12), but is independent from the closing of
the
dosing device (1 ): the switch is a "turn to activate" switch. To switch the
device
on, the user has to use the cover (12) and twist it.
In a third embodiment, the switch is independent from the plunger rod (21 )
and cover (12), and is preferably located at the surface of the device's
housing
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(10). It is used independently from any other operation, just as any normal
switch.
The first embodiment is preferred in case the dosing device (1 ) releases
its contents in one go during the wash. In this case, the device automatically
switches off after opening (11 ) of the cover (12). One advantage is that the
battery lasts longer because its not used during the rest of the wash cycle.
In the
second and third embodiments, the device does not switch off after a first
release, so these constructions are preferred in case the device is means to
release its contents at more than one point in time during a wash cycle.
Preferably, the plunger rod (21 ) is designed with a flat anti-spin geometry
at one side, to prevent turning during the wash. Also this prevents turning of
the
rod in the case the dosing device (1 ) is on/off activated by twisting the
cover (12).
The electromechanical actuator (19) can be achieved through any suitable
means such as linear or rotary actuators, for example servos, solenoids,
stepper
motors, pancake motors or custom manufactured linear and rotary actuators,
permanent or electronic magnets. If the dosing device (1 ) comprises more than
one compartment and said compartments are meant to be opened at different
times during the wash cycle, the dosing device (1 ) preferably comprises
independent electromechanical actuators to actuate the opening (11 ) of the
compartments separately.
In one embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the
electromechanical actuator (19) is achieved by a solenoid (19) as shown in
figures 4 and 5. The solenoid (19) comprises a retractable shaft (24) which
moves in/out of the plunger pin's locking tooth (23). When the solenoid (19)
is
activated by the battery, its shaft retracts into the solenoid (19) coil, out
of the
locking tooth (23) of the plunger rod (21 ), and thus, releases the mechanical
energy contained into the compressed coiled spring (20), thus moving the cover
(12) into its open position, and allowing release of product from the dosing
device
(1 ).
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As shown in figures 6 A, B, C and D, other alternatives exist for the
electromechanical actuation. For example it can be a cam style reciprocating
motion (A), or a cam style with lever arm pivot (B), or a rotary threaded
multi lead
(C), or a rack and pinion (D), or a crank shaft style reciprocating motion
(not
shown).
Compartments) / Valves)
The main housing (10) comprises at least one product compartment (14)
for storing at least one product. Preferably, the global containment volume is
100
ml, with a 20% overfill capacity, more preferably 150 ml with a 20% overfill
capacity. Also preferably, and as shown in figures 1, 2 and 3, the compartment
is
bored out on the bottom to allow the plunger rod (21 ) to slide and open/close
the
cover (12). More preferably, said bore is covered with a chemical resistant
plunger rod (21 ) seal with a canted coil spring that adjusts the wear on the
rod.
For example, the chemical resistant plunger rod (21 ) seal is made out of
Teflon T"" .
Once in the closed position, a thermoplastic elastomer gasket preferably
seals the interface between the cover (12) and the housing (10) of the dosing
device (1 ). More preferably, said gasket is made out of a soft urethane
elastomer.
In addition, the housing (10) preferably also comprises a battery door
which is located at the bottom of the dosing device (1 ). This provides an
access
for the user to replace the batteries in case those are not rechargeable. Said
battery door is sealed by a thermoplastic elastomer gasket, preferably a soft
SANTOPRENET"' elastomer gasket, similarly to a product compartment (14).
Most preferably, there is no door and the battery is sealed inside the device.
While this prevents changing the battery it gives an added level of security
against leaks.
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In case the dosing device (1 ) comprises several compartments, these
compartments can be closed by the same cover (12), or they can be closed
separately. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the compartments
are
closed by a diaphragm, which is similar to diaphragms used in the camera
industry, i.e. diaphragms which comprise several panels sliding one onto the
other. In another embodiment, the compartments are closed by telescopingly
attached plates which are movable one from the other, and which retract
progressively: the first plate moves to open the first compartment, and then
moves and pushes the second plate, to open the second compartment, etc....
Such opening/closing systems allow to efficiently monitor the opening/closing
of
the compartments, while using a system which is reduced in size and uses very
little energy.
Additional features
In one embodiment of this invention, the dosing device (1 ) is equipped
with a scanner which can read a bar-code onto the label of a bottle. This
allows
the user to use the same dosing device (1 ) to dose and dispense different
types
of products, which should be released at different times during a wash cycle.
In
this embodiment, the at least one sensor (16) of the dosing device (1 )
contains
several programs, each of which is linked to one type of product, for
instance,
one program for bleach, another one for softeners. Before the wash, the user
scans the bottle, so that the dosing device's sensor (16) recognizes the type
of
products and switches to the right program of detection. Several types of
scanners can be used, for example a barcode scanner or a RFID scanner
(radiofrequency identification scanner).
In another embodiment, the dosing device (1 ) comprises at least one LED
which works as an electronic guardian battery load monitor. For example, the
LED blinks when the system has proper voltage, and it is steady when the
voltage is low. The LED is mounted in the electromechanical compartment (13),
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and yet, is visible on the outside of the device through a plastic light pipe.
In one
embodiment, the LED gives a signal, for example by blinking, at the end of the
wash to warn the consumer that the release of product worked well.
Alternatively,
the signal can be given by a sound.
Contents
The dosing device (1 ) according to the present invention is primarily
suitable for dosing any type of product, preferably it is for dosing products
for use
in fabric and dish care, more preferably detergent compositions. Products
suitable for use with the dosing device (1 ) of the present inventions include
but
are not limited to: laundry detergents and additives, bleach-based products,
hypochlorite-based products, dishwashing compositions, perfumes, malodor
removal compositions, fabric softeners...
They can be used under any suitable form, including but not limited to:
nano-components in a liquid or gel medium, granules, liquids, solid blocks to
be
grated, foams, gases, aerosols, salami to be dosed in slices, mega-pearls,
etc....
Control logic
Once the dosing device (1 ) is constructed and ready to work, it still needs
to integrate two parameters: the type of product that will be used, and the
type of
wash cycle. The type of product will determine at which phase of the wash
cycle,
said product will be released. It is not a subject of the present invention to
give an
exhaustive list of products that can be released by using the dosing device (1
),
nor to explain at what time during a wash they must be released. This is
within
the normal knowledge of a skilled person. The determination and memorization
of what product and what wash cycle type are selected is the role of the
control
logic program that is driven by the dosing device's microchip (18). The
control
logic program allows to define the specific time to release the product.
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Firstly, the dosing device (1 ) must memorize which product needs to be
released. In one embodiment, the type of product is integrated into the dosing
device (1 ) by programming it. This can be done by the user, for example by
scanning the product container label. In this case, the label comprises a bar
code
that is read by the dosing device (1 ). In another embodiment, the dosing
device
(1 ) is constructed to be used with only one product, so the type of product
to be
used is memorized at the time the dosing device (1 ) is constructed.
Secondly, the dosing device (1 ) must memorize which type of wash cycle
will be used, especially, what are the main phases of the wash cycle (main
wash,
rinses...etc.). It is known that typically, the consumers use 2 or 3 different
wash
program types, as a maximum. For each of them, the overall length of the
cycle,
the temperature, the number of rinses differ, but they can easily be learnt by
the
dosing device (1 ) after a few "training" washes. In this case, the dosing
device (1 )
comprises a learning memory, as described above, which learns the 3 different
types of wash types with their respective characteristics during the first
washes.
Once the dosing device (1 ) has in memory the characteristics of the
different types of wash cycles that can be used, and the type of product that
needs to be released, it can release the product at the right time during a
wash
cycle, by using the sensors (16) who can sense and tell the dosing device (1 )
which type of wash cycle was selected, and what phase of the wash cycle is
currently running. For example, enzymes can be sequentially released, and then
inhibited by a specific inhibitor during the main wash, or a bleach can be
released
in the first rinse, or rinse additives such as fabric softener, easy ironing
product,
color care products can be released in the least rinse. This list of example
is not
exhaustive, and it can also apply to other types of treatments depending on
the
type of items to be treated (dishwashing, hot air fabric drying, etc.).
Process of using the dosing device
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a process of
dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into an appliance for treating
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laundry or dishes, by using a device according to claims 1 to 7, the process
comprising the steps of:
(i) filling said device with said at least one product;
(ii) manually closing said device thereby loading the device with mechanical
energy, switching it on;
(iii) placing said device within said appliance together with the laundry or
dishes
items to be treated, and start said appliance for a treatment cycle;
(iv) taking said device out of said appliance together with the laundry or
dishes,
once they have been treated.
The appliances in which the dosing device (1 ) is used includes but is not
limited to vertical or horizontal laundry washing machines, automatic
dishwashing
machines, or hot air clothes dryers.
As previously explained, the dosing device (1 ) can be started on by
twisting the cover (12) before pushing on it to close said device.
Alternatively, the
dosing device (1 ) comprises an electrical switch at the bottom of the plunger
rod
(21 ) which closes the electrical circuit when the user presses onto the cover
(12)
to close the device and starts said device on. Also alternatively, the on/off
switch
is independent from the plunger rod (21 ) and cover (12), and is a switch
located
at the surface of the device's housing (10).
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