METHOD AND DEVICES FOR AUTOMATED DOSING OF A LAUNDRY PRODUCT

Abstract

A laundry system for dispensing one or more ingredient compositions from ingredient reservoirs for supplying to a washing machine drum, the laundry system comprising: (i) an apparatus which comprises a dispensing device and multiple ingredient reservoirs; (ii) said multiple ingredient reservoirs containing the various ingredient compositions in controllable fluid communication with the dispensing device and each ingredient reservoir comprising at least one ingredient reservoir identifier; (iii) said dispensing device being operable to selectively dispense portions of the ingredient compositions from respective ingredient reservoirs as a result of commands by the user to provide a dose of laundry product, and further comprising (iv) an ingredient reservoir control system for controlling said selective dispensing of respective ingredient compositions from specific ingredient reservoirs identified by respective ingredient reservoir identifiers such that the device can selectively dispense ingredient compositions from one or more identified ingredient reservoirs wherein the or each ingredient reservoir identifier comprises a data carrier for storing data regarding the condition of the ingredient reservoir and the ingredient reservoir control system is operative to modify the data stored on the data carrier.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A laundry system for dispensing one or more ingredient compositions from ingredient reservoirs for supplying to a washing machine drum, the laundry system comprising: (i) an apparatus which comprises a dispensing device comprising a computer module and multiple ingredient reservoirs; (ii) the multiple ingredient reservoirs containing the various ingredient compositions in controllable fluid communication with the dispensing device and each ingredient reservoir comprising at least one ingredient reservoir identifier; (iii) the dispensing device comprising a nozzle being operable by means of the computer module to selectively dispense portions of the ingredient compositions from respective ingredient reservoirs as a result of commands by the user via a user interface to provide a dose of laundry product, using the computer module which is configured to receive input concerning a laundry load based on one or more of the following criteria: (i) stain identity; (ii) fabric identity; (iii) user requirements; and (iv) user preferences; and, based on the input, determine a recipe for a laundry product which is optimised with respect to said input and composed of one or more ingredient compositions from respective ingredient reservoirs, and further comprising (iv) an ingredient reservoir control system for controlling said selective dispensing of respective ingredient compositions from specific ingredient reservoirs identified by respective ingredient reservoir identifiers such that the device can selectively dispense ingredient compositions from one or more identified ingredient reservoirs wherein the or each ingredient reservoir identifier comprises a data carrier for storing data regarding the condition of the ingredient reservoir and the ingredient reservoir control system is operative to modify the data stored on the data carrier and the data carrier carries information regarding the ingredient composition contained in the reservoir so that ingredient compositions are identified specifically to the dispenser.

16. A circular system for using re-usable auto-dosing reservoirs, the system comprising: a. at least one ingredient reservoir containing an ingredient composition for supplying to a washing machine drum, wherein the ingredient reservoir comprises an ingredient reservoir identifier, said reservoir identifier comprising a data carrier operable to carry data relating to usage and/or treatment of the reservoir at one more stations; and b. reservoir controller comprising at least one reader able to read said data relating to usage and/or treatment of the reservoir at one or more stations wherein said stations of the circular system comprise: a. a use station and b. a reservoir cleaning station where the reservoir is cleaned; and preferably c. a reservoir filling and/or re-filling station where the reservoir is filled or re-filled with an ingredient composition.

17. A method for dispensing one or more ingredient compositions from ingredient reservoirs containing various ingredient compositions for supplying to a washing machine drum, comprising the step of selectively dispensing from specifically identified ingredient reservoirs the or each reservoir comprising an ingredient reservoir identifier by which it is identified to the ingredient reservoir control system which controls said selective dispensing wherein the or each ingredient reservoir identifier comprises a data carrier for storing data regarding the condition of the ingredient reservoir and the method further includes the step of modification of the data stored on the data carrier by ingredient reservoir control system, regarding the dispensed ingredient compositions; the method comprising a computer module which is configured to receive input concerning a laundry load based on one or more of the following criteria: (i) stain identity; (ii) fabric identity; (iii) user requirements; and (iv) user preferences; and comprises the steps of: a. providing input based on at least one of said criteria to the computer module and then b. causing the device to determine, based on said information, a recipe for a laundry product which is optimised with respect to said input and composed of one or more ingredient compositions from respective ingredient reservoirs, and then c. cause the device to effect controlled selective dispensing from specific ingredient reservoirs identified by an ingredient reservoir control system for controlling said selective dispensing of respective ingredient compositions from specific ingredient reservoirs identified by respective ingredient reservoir identifiers such that the device selectively dispenses ingredient compositions from one or more identified ingredient reservoirs; and d. the ingredient reservoir control system is operative to modify said data stored on data carrier wherein the or each ingredient reservoir identifier comprises a data carrier for storing data regarding the ingredient reservoir condition and the ingredient reservoir control system modifies the data stored on the data carrier regarding the dispensed ingredient compositions.

18. An ingredient reservoir comprising an ingredient reservoir identifier, said reservoir identifier comprises a data carrier storing data relating to said treatment of the reservoir at any one or more of the stations: a. a use station and b. a reservoir cleaning station where the reservoir is cleaned; and preferably c. a reservoir filling and/or re-filling station where the reservoir is filled or re-filled with an ingredient composition supplying to a washing machine drum,

19. An ingredient reservoir according to claim 18 wherein the data carrier can store data regarding the condition of the reservoir itself.

20. An ingredient reservoir according to claim 18 wherein the data carrier stores data regarding the condition of the contents of the reservoir.

21. An ingredient reservoir according to any of claim 18 wherein the reservoir identifier is comprised within the reservoir, optionally contained within a reservoir wall or base or other part.

Description

[0161] Various examples of the invention will now be described by example only, without limitation and with reference to the following diagrammatical drawings in which:

[0162] FIG. 1a shows a representative drawing of the apparatus of a standalone example of the invention

[0163] FIG. 1b shows an enlarged plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with an arrangement of reservoir cartridges in the dispensing device

[0164] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section drawing of a device according to the present invention wherein the device is integral to a washing machine.

[0165] The apparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b has a dispensing device 1 and a dosing unit 2. In one embodiment the dispensing device flares out toward the top 11 and the base 10 The apparatus is a standalone device, designed to rest on its wider base 10 on a countertop or similar. For example, it may be placed on a countertop in a kitchen or utility room, or may be placed on top of a washing machine. It may also be built into a kitchen unit.

[0166] As illustrated, the dosing unit is a conventional dosing ball, which is typically made of plastics material. In use, the dosing unit is placed in a dispensing area 3 located underneath a nozzle 4. As illustrated, the dispensing area 3 is a recess provided in the device housing, and the dosing unit 2 is placed on a surface provided in the housing. However, it will be appreciated that the housing may be shaped in different ways such that, for example, the dosing unit is placed directly on the countertop (or other surface on which the device is placed) in use.

[0167] Laundry product ingredients are dispensed into the dosing unit 2 via the nozzle 4. As shown, only one nozzle 4 is used. However, it will be appreciated that more than one nozzle may be provided. For example, different reservoirs may be in fluid communication with different nozzles such that a first reservoir is in fluid communication with a first nozzle and a second reservoir is in fluid communication with a second nozzle.

[0168] The device has a control/information interface 5. As illustrated, the interface 5 is a touch screen provided in the housing that both displays information and allows selections and information to be inputted to a computer module (not shown).

[0169] However, in other embodiments the device may be provided with a panel having buttons, dials or similar for inputting information. In other embodiments, input may be conveyed via command or gesture. It will be appreciated that a display screen in the housing of the device is not essential. The device may be configured for use without a display screen, or an external display screen on for example a phone or tablet may be coupled to the device (for example, via Bluetooth or similar). The external user device may include a voice-activated device such as smart speaker Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple Homepod, to receive user inputs from a user interface on the external device.

[0170] As shown more clearly in FIG. 1b the interior houses five plastic reservoirs or plug-in cartridges 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e. As FIG. 1a/1b shows schematically, these are arranged radially around the central longitudinal axis of the dispensing device 1. Each cartridge comprises a flattened bottle and houses an ingredient composition. For example, in this non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the reservoirs are as follows

[0171] 6a a reservoir containing a composition comprising a surfactant;

[0172] 6b a reservoir containing a composition comprising a first enzyme;

[0173] 6c a reservoir containing a composition comprising a second enzyme, wherein the second enzyme is different to the first enzyme;

[0174] 6d a reservoir containing a composition comprising a bleach component; and

[0175] 6e a reservoir containing a composition comprising an alkaline component;

[0176] Each reservoir cartridge has a reservoir identifier which in this embodiment is an RFID device or tag. In further embodiments, the reservoir and system are as described for this embodiment, except that the reservoir identifier comprise a programmable microprocessor, small chip, disk, bar codes, optical character recognition (OCR), smart cards, biometrics (e.g. bio-recognition such as fingerprint, voice, iris, facial recognition system, proximity (prox) card, smart card, contactless smartcard, near field communication (NFC) devices, printed electronic id devices, or any combination of the above. It may comprise a computer readable medium, and carry computer executable instructions on the medium.

[0177] RFID tags 50a-50e are attached to respective reservoir cartridges 6a-6e each tag comprising a data carrier part (not shown). The reservoir identifier data carrier stores data regarding the condition of the reservoir.

[0178] Centrally positioned relative to all the cartridges is a RFID reader 50. The reader is part of a reservoir control system which effects controlled dosing from the cartridges and is also operative to modify (by writing to the said data carrier/s) stored on data carrier in response to the dosing regarding the dispensed ingredient compositions.

[0179] The reservoir identification device is comprised within the reservoir e.g. moulded within a reservoir wall or base or other part. This protects it from damage as the reservoir is inserted into the dispensing unit.

[0180] Preferably the RFID reader comprises directional antennas to emit concentrated RF power toward the targeted areas where the RFID tags are located on installed reservoirs. The RFID reader comprises a low gain antenna, preferably with gain less than 9 dBi to prevent communication before installation. The antenna is a proximity antenna with range s 2-10 cm preferably 2-8 cm. With this feature, the antenna can be powered to read only devices with are installed inside the dispensing device.

[0181] Beamwidth as used herein means the angle between two points on the same plane where the radiation falls to half power, or 3 dB below the point of maximum radiation. It can also be thought of as the peak effective radiated power of the main lobe. There are two beamwidthsazimuth (horizontal) and elevation (vertical). Preferably the reader antenna emits a beam having at least the azimuth or the elevation beamwidths being less than 90 degrees. The beam should be narrow and acute. This ensures the antenna is focused on the RFID tag only and that it does not waste energy.

[0182] The data carrier of the RFID tag on each reservoir carries information regarding the ingredient composition contained in that reservoir so that ingredient compositions are identified individually by the controller. The data also comprises manufacturing details e.g. location, date, recommended dosing data e.g. volume, mass, that may be useful for the washing/dispensing machine. This data can be displayed by a user interface. The data may be accessed by the dispenser/machine to determine a suitable washing program.

[0183] The data further relates to reservoir status i.e. quantity of ingredient composition contained/remaining in the reservoir. This data may be read by the identifier from the reservoir control system/computer module of a washing/dispensing machine and stored on the identifier. The quantity of ingredient composition may be calculated or measured directly. The reservoir control system (the RFID reservoir reader) has also write functionality and modifies certain data regarding its condition e.g. amount of ingredients contained can be updated. So for example, a reservoir control system may calculate fill levels according to a given initial fill volume/mass data (which may be calculated or provided e.g. written to the data carrier during manufacturing) and subsequent dosage data. The control system may then update the condition data stored by the reservoir identifier's data carrier with the current fill levels.

[0184] Circular System of Reservoir Usage

[0185] The cartridges form part of a circular system of the above described reservoirs, use stations and recycling or rejuvenation stations. The reservoirs move from station to station in a closed loop, being used and re-used without destructive/chemical recycling or being thrown away unless e.g. faulty or broken. Thus reservoirs are purchased by consumers, installed and used in e.g. washing machine and then when empty, reservoirs are returned to a recycling/rejuvenation facility where they are cleaned at a cleaning station and refilled at a refilling station. Re-filled reservoirs are then transported to retail stores or direct to consumers for re-sale and thus continue through this cycle. The reservoirs may continue looping again and again until withdrawn. New reservoirs can enter the system e.g. to replace broken, faulty reservoirs and begin looping the cycle of use and re-use, but the volumes needed to be manufactured can be lower. Throughout the system, reservoirs are monitored at various different stations.

[0186] The reservoirs travel through the following stations: [0187] i. a use station (where the reservoir is used to dispense laundry product by e.g. consumer) and [0188] ii. at least one reservoir cleaning station where the reservoir is cleaned; [0189] iii. a reservoir filling and/or re-filling station where the reservoir is filled or re-filled with an ingredient composition.

[0190] The identifying tags of reservoirs are updated as they travel through the system. Reservoir controller is provided at the comprising at least one reader able to read said data relating to usage and/or treatment of the reservoir at each station.

[0191] Re-claimed reservoirs are treated and refilled with various ingredient compositions. The reservoirs are then ready for use again. They may be transported to a distributor or store for sale to consumers or transported direct to consumers.

[0192] To this end the data stored on the carrier comprises data relating to reservoir. Advantageously the data relates to the number of times the reservoir has been used i.e. any one or more of: having been filled with ingredient composition, used in a machine to dispense ingredient composition, cleaned; refilled, transported, stored. The data may include storage, transit, cleaning e.g. sanitizing data over time. This can ensure reservoirs spend appropriate time periods at certain stations e.g. cleaning stations so that hygiene standards are met.

[0193] Recording and monitoring of the reservoir status enables the implementation of a monitored and optimized circular system for using re-usable auto-dosing reservoirs

[0194] The reservoir controller also incorporates a data writer at each station for writing data regarding the status of the reservoir to a data carrier of the or each reservoir identifier. The controller controls the passage of the or each reservoir individually, to and from each station in response to data carried on the data carrier.

[0195] In this way the life of the reservoir can be tracked for all key events of usage and treatment.

[0196] Preferably, each station comprises a reader operable to read the previous station. If the station recorded as the previously visited station is not the correct station according to the proper cycle then the reservoir In this way if a station is accidentally skipped

[0197] The or each reservoir preferably remains in the system for at least one entire cycle. Once cycle for an individual reservoir comprises use as in (a) and then treatment as in (b) and/or (c), preferably (b) and (c). Preferably the or each reservoir remains in the system for at least two cycles and more preferably at least three cycles and most preferably at least ten cycles.

[0198] The use station may comprise a washing machine in which the reservoir is installed, or in any way controllably, fluidly connected for dispensing of the ingredient composition from the reservoir or a standalone dispensing station separate from a washing machine, in which the reservoir is installed, or in any way controllably, fluidly connected for dispensing of the ingredient composition from the reservoir.

[0199] The reservoir cleaning station may effect sanitization of the reservoir by e.g. anti-bacterial treatments such as bleaching.

[0200] Preferably data is written to the data carrier of any reservoir along with corresponding time and date. So, the time spent by the reservation at any station is recorded. Time spent undergoing individual processes may be recorded to the reservoir's tag e.g. time spent undergoing detersive cleaning or rinsing.

[0201] In the case of the reservoir control system being connected (either directly or via a computer module which forms part of a washing/dispensing machine) to a remote retail system to enable automated replenishment, replacement, or upgrade of reservoirs and further preferably automatic delivery to the consumer, this may be in response to data carried on the data carrier. For instance if the data indicates that the reservoir has been through a specified number of cycles of the above circular system may trigger automated replenishment or replacement with a new reservoir which has not yet been through the circular system together with instructions to the consumer to recycle or return the reservoir to the manufacturer.

[0202] Preferably when a reservoir identifier is not present, or in the context of a reservoir identifier having an incorrect or deficient data, no treatment occurs and the reservoir is removed from the system for inspection.

[0203] The reservoir identifier is embedded/implanted in the container material. Attachment or embedding may be during moulding of the container or during subsequent processes, e.g. labelling of the reservoir. An advantage of this is that the reservoir can undergo cleaning and refilling without damage to the reservoir identifier as it is protected by the surrounding plastic material. Thus, the reservoir identifier can remain in place embedded in the reservoir at all times during the reservoir's passage through a cycle of the system and record all events. Embedded identifiers also resists counterfeiting and so ensure authenticity and therefore safety especially in the case of concentrated ingredients such as enzymes, bleaches, surface treatment agents e.g. waterproofing additives.

[0204] Formulations

[0205] 6a Detergent Formulation

[0206] In this example, surfactant system is provided by linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) and C.sub.10-C.sub.15 alcohol ethoxylated nonionic surfactant with 2 to 7 EO.

[0207] 6b 6c. Enzyme Formulations.

[0208] The device comprises two separate reservoirs 6b, 6c. Reservoir 6b contains a first ingredient composition comprising a protease (and suitably not containing a cellulase and/or a lipase) and a second further enzyme reservoir 6c contains a second ingredient composition comprising a cellulase and/or a lipase (and suitably not containing a protease). Neither, one or both of these compositions may then be supplied depending on, for example, the type of staining.

[0209] 6d. Bleach Reservoir

[0210] This reservoir contains an ingredient composition comprising a bleach. This may be optionally dosed for white loads. The bleach in this example is employ 6-(phthalimido) peroxyhexanoic acid (PAP) and salts thereof. The peracid formula is shown below.

##STR00001##

[0211] 6d Alkaline Reservoir

[0212] The alkaline component for pH adjustment may be effected with alkalinity sources such as, but not limited to: alkanolamines, such as monoethanolamine MEA, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine TEA, and preferably MEA; alkali metal hydroxides, such as NaOH and KOH; alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates such as sodium carbonate/bicarbonate and alkali metal silicates such as sodium silicate.

[0213] In further embodiments, alternative or further reservoirs are provide alternative or top up ingredients that may be present in the base formulation to provide a boost effect. For example, the applicant has observed large benefits for adding extra sequestrant into the wash cycle, over and above the amounts typically able to be formulated in laundry liquid formulations.

[0214] Cartridge Dispensing

[0215] Each cartridge has a valve 7. Each cartridge is in fluid communication via a respective valve 7 with the nozzle via a flow path 8. Each flow path 8 is equal in that the distance from each valve 7 to the nozzle is the same. Flow from the cartridge to the nozzle (where it is dispensed) is controlled by the valve 7. In this embodiment therefore each valve 7 is a metering valve, with the volume metered controlled by the computer module. It will be appreciated that the valves may be located at any point along the flow path, and other types of valve may be used. It will also be appreciated that metering of the ingredient compositions may be achieved in other ways, for example through generation of pressure in the reservoir to force the liquid out.

[0216] The diagram shows individual flows running from each reservoir to the nozzle 4. It will be appreciated that flow paths may meet before the nozzle is reached. For example, the device may have a pre-mixing chamber in which different ingredient compositions meet before they are dispensed into the dosing unit. In such embodiments, each flow path is equal in that the distance from each valve to the nozzle is the same.

[0217] In use, the dosing unit is located under the nozzle (such that product dispensed through the nozzle enters a chamber of the doing device). The user inputs information about the laundry load to the computer module. Typically, data may be entered in in two or more sets, each set requiring certain information from the user. For example, Set I may be used to input the load type: whites or colours. Set II may be used to input the presence or absence of staining and, optionally, the stain type. The user may therefore select whites, grass stains, mud stains. Other data requirements may include the fabric type (cotton/polycotton/polyester) as optimal fabric care benefit agents and amounts may be different in each case; fragrance selection (different members of the household may prefer different fragrances for their clothing, or it may be desirable to fragrance bedding and towels but not clothes); extent of staining (for example, lots of grass stains, only light mud stains); size of load (small loads may require less product).

[0218] An optimised wash composition is then determined and the appropriate amount from relevant cartridges dispensed. The computer module (not shown) controls the amount dispensed.

[0219] The recipe used to determine the amounts may be obtained from an internal memory within the device, or may be obtained from an external memory accessed, for example, via the internet. Often, particularly where there is more than one stain type, an algorithm may be employed to determine the optimised formulation, balancing the cleaning needs of certain stains against others.

[0220] In the apparatus as illustrated, 6a houses a detergent formulation, 6b houses an enzyme formulation, and 6c houses a whitening composition. Accordingly, if the user selects: [0221] 1. Colours.fwdarw.Not stained: the computer module may not dose the contents of 6b and 6c as the memory bank or algorithm may determine they are unnecessary. [0222] 2. Whites.fwdarw.Stained: the computer module may dose the contents of all three cartridges as the memory bank or algorithm may determine they are desirable. [0223] 3. Whites.fwdarw.Not stained: the computer module may not dose the contents of 6b as the memory bank or algorithm may determine it is unnecessary but may dose the contents of 6c (and 6a) as the memory bank or algorithm may determine it is desirable. [0224] 4. Colours stained: the computer module may not dose the contents of 6c as the memory bank or algorithm may determine it better for fabric care, but may dose the contents of 6b (and 6a) as the memory bank or algorithm may determine it is desirable.

[0225] As described herein, the device may be separate to a washing machine, for example on a countertop or built into kitchen units (so called, standalone), or may be integral to a washing machine. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the device 101 is integral to a washing machine 10. The washing machine has a drum area 11 in which articles are laundered. As is conventional, this houses a rotatable basket into which articles to be laundered are placed (not shown). During a wash program, water and wash liquor enter the drum via a sprayer 12. Water enters the machine via inlet 13 (schematically and only partially shown). Water and wash liquor drain from the drum area 11 into a sump 14 and may then recirculate via recirculating pump 15 (arrows indicate direction) to be resprayed into the drum area, or may be drained via waste outlet 16. The device generally indicated at 101 which may comprise a housing within the machine, has five reservoirs radially arranged around a longitudinal axis of the device 101 here only three shown in this view: 17a, 17b, and 17c. The contents the five reservoirs correspond to those described for the standalone embodiment above.

[0226] Each reservoir cartridge has a reservoir identifier, which is in this embodiment an RFID device or tag. RFID tags (only 3 shown) 17a-17c are attached to respective reservoir cartridges (only three shown) 17a-17c. Positioned adjacent each cartridges is a corresponding RFID reader 50. The arrangement is as described above for the standalone dispensing device.

[0227] As shown, these are cartridges that engage with dispensing means 18. The cartridges may be loaded and changed through access flap 19.

[0228] The device has a computer module 20. As described herein the computer module controls which and optionally how much of each cartridge is dispensed. As shown here, the washing machine has a control panel 21 via which input may be provided to the computer module. As illustrated, the control panel is a touch screen. In the present case, the control panel and computer module are also the used to determine the machine program, although it will be appreciated that they may be separate.

[0229] As previously described, in use the user inputs information about the laundry load to the computer module 20. The optimised wash composition is then determined and the appropriate amount from relevant cartridges dispensed by dispensing means 18 and may be combined before entering the water flow of the machine, for example in a single pipe or chamber. This may be termed a pre-mixing area 27. As illustrated, three individual pipes combine to a single pipe, via which the product is dosed. In other words, the ingredient compositions dispensed may be at least partially premixed before being diluted to provide a wash liquor. The radial arrangement of the invention ensures each flow path is equal in that the distance from each valve to the pre-mixing area 27 is the same. The computer module controls the amounts dispensed.

[0230] It is to be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only.