WO2019063691A1 - Appareil de mélange de liquides de lessive - Google Patents

Appareil de mélange de liquides de lessive Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019063691A1
WO2019063691A1 PCT/EP2018/076258 EP2018076258W WO2019063691A1 WO 2019063691 A1 WO2019063691 A1 WO 2019063691A1 EP 2018076258 W EP2018076258 W EP 2018076258W WO 2019063691 A1 WO2019063691 A1 WO 2019063691A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reservoir
reservoirs
composition
laundry product
washing machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2018/076258
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English (en)
Inventor
Deborah Jane Cooke
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unilever NV
Conopco Inc
Original Assignee
Unilever NV
Conopco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever NV, Conopco Inc filed Critical Unilever NV
Publication of WO2019063691A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019063691A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/04—Signal transfer or data transmission arrangements
    • D06F34/05—Signal transfer or data transmission arrangements for wireless communication between components, e.g. for remote monitoring or control
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • 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 present invention relates to devices for providing laundry compositions on demand in a user's home.
  • the present invention seeks to address one or more of these problem identified in the prior art.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for providing laundry product bespoke to user input, the apparatus comprising a dispensing device, and including a plurality of reservoirs containing various respective ingredients that are combined based on said user input, wherein the reservoirs are arranged radially and at least one reservoir comprises one or more sensors for sensing one or more properties of the reservoir, wherein the apparatus is configured to access an e-commerce gateway a and thus implement a replenishment function for the supply of replacement cartridges or refill vessels for refilling the reservoir.
  • the apparatus may thus be configured and be operable as a 'smart' machine, such that it is connectable to the 'Internet of Things' (loT) via embedded electronics and network connectivity enabling collection and exchange of data.
  • a 'smart' machine such that it is connectable to the 'Internet of Things' (loT) via embedded electronics and network connectivity enabling collection and exchange of data.
  • Such systems can offer enhanced functionality and performance both during the washing process and in replenishment of laundry supplies for a bespoke laundry product system.
  • Radially arranged reservoirs in turn provides that the sensors will be to some degree, also radially arranged (depending on their position relative to each respective reservoir) and this offers opportunities in display, charging, and engineering which are required/optimal for an efficient replenishment function.
  • the sensors are arranged in a radial array. Sensors in a radial array are in an ideal position for a central (of the radial array) power unit / charging hub or data communicator.
  • the apparatus may be comprise a substantially central hub.
  • the substantially central hub may comprise a means of powering the sensors and/or data communication with said sensors.
  • the sensors may be provided with display means.
  • the sensors may include display devices such as LED lights to indicate e.g. data
  • each sensor is located in a common position on/in the or each respective reservoir.
  • the or each reservoir is arranged equidistant from the centre of the array (and any hub).
  • the or each reservoir preferably comprises an internal storage chamber for the ingredients.
  • the or each sensor may sense properties relating to the internal storage volume and / or content stored therein.
  • the sensor may be configured to sense one or more of: (i) a fill level of laundry product in the internal storage volume; (ii) mass of laundry product content in the internal storage volume; (iii) flow rate of laundry product content egressing from the internal storage volume; (iv) presence of laundry product content within the internal storage volume; (v) chemical composition or chemical property of laundry product in the internal storage volume; (vi) physical property of laundry product in the internal storage volume.
  • the apparatus may comprise a computing module (described below). Further, the apparatus may comprise one or more data communicators for communicating, to a remote device or said computing module of the apparatus, sensed data relating to one or more of the sensed properties.
  • the or each reservoir may comprise one more of the data
  • the data communicator may communicate with the computing module and/or wirelessly with a remote device external to the apparatus.
  • the data communicator may communicate with the computing module and/or wirelessly with a remote device external to the apparatus.
  • the data communicator may
  • 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 dispensing device has a longitudinal axis and the reservoirs and /or sensors are arranged radially around said longitudinal axis.
  • the or each reservoir contains an ingredient composition which is different to that contained in other reservoirs. So different reservoirs contain different ingredients which are combined to make the laundry product.
  • the longitudinal axis is central to the dispensing device.
  • the longitudinal axis passes through the centre of gravity of the device (measured without reservoir contents).
  • each reservoir comprises a reservoir outlet and said reservoir outlets are located in a ring centred around the longitudinal axis of the reservoir.
  • the ring forms a circle such that each reservoir outlet is equidistant from the longitudinal axis.
  • the longitudinal axis of the device is, in use, upright.
  • the dispensing device comprises a generally tubular structure with a base and an upper part, and with substantial radial symmetry about the longitudinal axis at least in so far as said reservoirs.
  • the dispensing device tapers in the direction of the base of the device.
  • the dispensing device flares radially outward in the direction of the upper part of the device.
  • the reservoirs located in the upper part of the device. This arrangement provides a greater surface area for the reservoirs, so easing removal and replacement of reservoirs.
  • the dispensing device has an upper face containing recesses configured for receipt of said reservoirs.
  • the reservoirs present a visible radial pattern.
  • the recesses present a radial pattern, like spokes in a wheel, or a pie chart in said upper face.
  • each reservoir has an elongate or flattened cross section. This allows for a greater number of reservoirs to be arranged around a single centre.
  • the reservoir width is at least twice the reservoir depth and said depth is less than 5 cm.
  • each reservoir may comprise a flattened bottle or a shallow box construction.
  • the radial array may present a 'hub and spoke' or radial fin effect when the apparatus is viewed in plan view.
  • reservoirs may be posted, stored and then arranged in the apparatus in an power/communication- efficient manner. This is especially advantageous arrangement for pre-filled cartridges which are ordered via a replenishment function.
  • the reservoir outlet may comprise an simple aperture but preferably it comprises a connection member which may include a valve for flow control.
  • a connection member which may include a valve for flow control.
  • laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or released according to whether the valve of the device is in a closed or open state.
  • the or each reservoir outlet is fluidly and controllably connectable to the dispensing device by means of said connection member.
  • the or each reservoir outlet is located on a location common to all reservoirs.
  • the reservoirs are fluidly and controllably connectable to a complementary connection device of the dispensing device, and further preferably this complementary connection device is located substantially centrally of the radial arrangement, presenting a hub and spoke arrangement.
  • the apparatus may comprise a dosing unit.
  • the dosing unit may be suitable for placing in a washing machine drum or drawer. Suitably, the dosing unit may then be placed in the washing machine drum as normal for the wash program.
  • the or each reservoir is in controllable fluid communication with a dispensing nozzle which dispenses into the dosing unit.
  • the dispensing nozzle is located centrally with regard to the dispensing device.
  • the dispensing nozzle is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis.
  • compositions from the various reservoirs may be dispensed directly into the dosing unit (as it is not necessary that the various compositions are mixed before use) or may be dispensed via a pre-mixing chamber, which mixes two or more compositions prior to dispensing.
  • compositions are dispensed directly into the dosing unit. They may be dosed sequentially or concurrently.
  • the device has a pre-mixing chamber in which two or more compositions are mixed prior to dispensing.
  • Individual ingredient compositions may be dispensed into said chamber, where they may be mechanically mixed (by stirring or agitation, for example), or may naturally disperse and mix as each component is added.
  • the dispensing device may be integral to washing machine.
  • the apparatus may comprise a washing machine.
  • the or each reservoir may be in controllable fluid connection with a dosing system of the washing machine.
  • the apparatus may comprise a computer module programmed to cause the device to dispense the ingredients from one or more reservoirs to provide a laundry product.
  • the dispensing device comprises a first reservoir containing a detergent composition and at least one further reservoir, the or each reservoir ingredient composition; wherein the device has a computer module programmed to cause the device to dispense the detergent composition and optionally the ingredient composition to provide a laundry product in the dosing device as a result of input by a user.
  • the dispensing device prepares laundry product according to a recipe.
  • the recipe may be selected based on the user's needs / preferences
  • the laundry product is prepared from one or more reservoirs.
  • the reservoirs contain laundry ingredient compositions, which may be liquid, gel, paste, free flowing particulate solid (e.g. powder).
  • a first reservoir may comprise a "base" detergent composition
  • a further reservoir may comprise an optional ingredient composition.
  • Optional ingredients may include, without limitation, enzymes, bleaches, disinfectant, and fragrance. It will be appreciated that preferably there is more than one further reservoir, permitting more variety in laundry product dosing.
  • the device provides, on command, composition from the first reservoir and optionally one or more of the further reservoirs, thereby providing a laundry product that may be considered bespoke to the user's particular wants and needs.
  • the product may be prepared to target particular stains, obviating the need for specific spot treatment.
  • the dosing unit may be conventional dosing ball, or may have one or more features designed to complement or otherwise interact with the device. In some cases, the dosing unit seals the product within a chamber inside the unit, opening during the wash cycle to form a wash liquor.
  • the composition is dispensed by the computer module according to input provided by the user.
  • Input may be provided in various ways, for example by the user making choices or providing suggestions, or through sensing a tag or label in the article to be laundered (such as a QR "quick response" code).
  • This input may captured via a user interface on the device.
  • the device may include a graphical user interface (GUI).
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the GUI may be presented to the user on a digital screen of the user interface.
  • Input from the user may be captured by the user interface of the device via various user interaction mechanisms including: manipulation of buttons, touch screen, voice commands, gestures or other suitable methods.
  • the computer module may communicate with an external user device which may be a portable computing device such as mobile phone, tablet, laptop or other computer.
  • 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.
  • a voice-activated device such as smart speaker Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple Homepod
  • the user may select a suitable laundry liquid recipe, or the computer module may select, generate or obtain a recipe based on the input (load type, staining, preferences and previous wash history etc).
  • 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.
  • the user interface may include a facility to input data in sets, for example through asking to user to selection certain options or alternatives. Accordingly, the device may have or communicate with a user interface via which the user is able to input data using at least two sets of options.
  • At least one set of options may prompt the user to input stain identity (grass, chocolate, blood etc). At least one set of options prompts the user to input fabric colour and / or type. (e.g. cotton, polycotton, polyester).
  • an algorithm may be employed to determine an optimised formulation, balancing the cleaning needs of certain stains against others.
  • the algorithm may be stored and accessed on the computer module of the device, or it may be obtained from an external source such as the internet.
  • the computer module is programmed with an algorithm to determine how much product is dosed from each reservoir based on the user input.
  • the computer module is programmed to communicate with an external source to access an algorithm and determine how much product is dosed from each reservoir based on the user input.
  • the ingredient composition may be an enzyme composition. The user may then select a "biological” or “non-biological” wash, depending on whether or not enzyme is dispensed.
  • the device has a further reservoir containing a composition comprising an enzyme.
  • the ingredient composition may be a whitening composition (for example, containing one or more whiteners, fluorescent compounds, shading dye). The user may select a "whites" or “colours” wash, depending on whether or not whitening composition is dispensed.
  • the device has a further reservoir containing a composition comprising a fluorescer and / or a shading dye. It will be appreciated that preferably the device comprises more than one further reservoir. This permits greater variation in the laundry liquid compositions obtainable from the device.
  • Base composition For example, with one further reservoir, two types of composition are obtainable: Base composition and Base composition + ingredient 1 .
  • Base composition Base composition + ingredient 1 ; Base composition + ingredient 2 and Base composition + ingredient 1 + ingredient 2.
  • Base composition Base composition + ingredient 1 ; Base composition + ingredient 2; Base composition + ingredient 3; Base composition + ingredient 1 + ingredient 2; Base composition + ingredient 1 + ingredient 3, Base composition + ingredient 2 + ingredient 3 and Base composition + ingredient 1 + ingredient 2 + ingredient 3.
  • the device has only one further reservoir. In some embodiments, the device has two or more further reservoirs. In some embodiments, the device has three or more further reservoirs. In some embodiments, the device has four or more further reservoirs. In some embodiments, the device has five or more further reservoirs. It will be understood that, while there is no upper limit, for simplicity it is likely that no more than eight, optionally no more than seven, optionally no more than six further reservoirs are present.
  • the reservoirs may be integral to the housing of the device or, additionally or alternatively one or more reservoirs are provided as removable reservoirs, and preferably individually removable (so that one may be removed whilst others remained).
  • the reservoirs are provided to the consumer as pre-filled cartridges, pre-filled with ingredients as described herein.
  • the removable/pre-filled cartridges may cooperate with the housing of the device, and preferably the arrangement is such that the composition in the reservoir is in fluid communication with a nozzle for dispensing the composition into a dosing unit or a pre-mixing chamber or in cases where the apparatus is integral to a washing machine, the nozzle may feed directly into the drum or into inlet water feeds which feed water into the drum.
  • the radial arrangement allows for ease of access to individual reservoirs via a smaller and/or only a single aperture which simplifies manufacture and use.
  • the access aperture may be covered by a viewing window or access doors, for viewing/access of the reservoirs.
  • the reservoir cartridges may be fixed in position and yet still all accessible via the access point.
  • the reservoir cartridges may be mountable on a rotatable mounting device, such as a housing or plate, for ease of loading the reservoir cartridges.
  • the reservoirs may be rotatable manually or rotation may be powered and controllable e.g. electronically by the user.
  • the reservoirs may rotate past the access aperture / viewing window / door by which the reservoirs can be accessed individually for e.g. removal and/or replacement etc.
  • a reservoir cartridge may have stiff walls. In other words, the cartridge may retain its shape regardless of the amount of laundry product in the reservoir.
  • a reservoir cartridge may have flexible walls. It will be appreciated that the cartridge may be configured to suit the overall design and shape of the device. Said reservoir cartridge may be, without limitation, a pouch or stiff plastic container. As described above, preferably the reservoirs are fluidly and controllably connectable to a complementary connection device of the dispensing device.
  • the cartridge comprises mating means e.g. a mating device or mechanism configured to engage with complementary mating means on the device such that, when in place, the reservoir cartridge is held securely and laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or released according to whether the valve of the device is in a closed or open state.
  • the cartridge may comprise a connecting portion which mates with a complementary connection portion of the device. The connection is preferably controlled by a controller, such as a computing module as herein described.
  • the mating means is located in a position common to all installed reservoirs.
  • the complementary mating means of the device comprises at least a portion which is located substantially centrally of the radial arrangement of reservoirs.
  • the reservoirs and at least a portion of the complementary mating means may form a hub a spoke arrangement, with the portion of the complementary mating means forming a hub and the reservoirs arranged radially around said hub.
  • This arrangement has the advantage that the complementary mating means may be a single component, and together with the radially arranged reservoirs, occupy a compact volume.
  • the reservoirs comprise a flattened cross- section and are arranged equidistant from a substantially central hub comprising the complementary mating means, presenting a hub and spoke arrangement, with the reservoirs presenting radial fins around the substantially central hub.
  • the hub and spoke is advantageous for any reservoir, such as fixed, refillable cartridges, or even mixed arrangements of both refillable and pre-filled cartridges.
  • the contents of the reservoir may be supplied by pressure and / or vacuum generated within thedevice.
  • the device may have a pump to move the liquids from the reservoirs to the dosing nozzle, optionally via a pre-mixing chamber, to be dispensed.
  • each reservoir cartridge may be fixable to the device by mating means configured to engage with complementary mating means on the device such that, when in place, the reservoir cartridge is held securely and laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or released according to whether the pump is on or off.
  • the reservoir compositions may be any combination from those described herein.
  • this composition comprises one or more surfactants.
  • the composition does not contain an enzyme.
  • the composition does not contain a bleach.
  • the composition does not contain a sequestrant.
  • Example components for the detergent composition include the following: Anionic surfactants, for example having an anion selected from linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS), primary alkyl sulfate (PAS), alkyl ether sulfate (AES) and mixtures thereof.
  • Anionic surfactants for example having an anion selected from linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS), primary alkyl sulfate (PAS), alkyl ether sulfate (AES) and mixtures thereof.
  • Nonionic surfactants for example which may include primary and secondary alcohol ethoxylates, especially C8-C20 aliphatic alcohol ethoxylated with an average of from 1 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, and more especially the C10-C15 primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols ethoxylated with an average of from 1 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
  • Non-ethoxylated nonionic surfactants include alkyl polyglycosides, glycerol monoethers and polyhydroxy amides (glucamide). Mixtures of nonionic surfactant may be used.
  • R 2 is preferably selected from hydrogen, methyl and -CH2OH.
  • R 1 is a primary or branched hydrocarbyl moiety which can be saturated or unsaturated, preferably, R 1 is a primary alkyl moiety having chain length of from about 8 to about 18 and R 2 is H.
  • These amine oxides are illustrated by C12-14 alkyldimethyl amine oxide, hexadecyl dimethylamine oxide, octadecylamine oxide.
  • zwitterionic surfactant such as sulphobetaine
  • sulphobetaine a preferred zwitterionic material is a betaine available from Huntsman under the name Empigen® BB.
  • compositions contain less than 10wt%, more preferably less than 5wt% zwitterionic surfactant.
  • Cationic Surfactants may be included, but are preferably substantially absent from the detergent formulation.
  • a particularly preferred surfactant system is provided by linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) and C10-C15 alcohol ethoxylated nonionic surfactant with 2 to 7 EO.
  • LAS linear alkyl benzene sulfonate
  • C10-C15 alcohol ethoxylated nonionic surfactant with 2 to 7 EO.
  • protease and lipase cannot usually be combined in a single liquid composition because as the protease may digest the lipase on storage. Similarly, protease may digest cellulase on storage in a liquid.
  • lipase gives excellent benefits on removal of fats, while cellulase gives improved fabric treatment with colour preservation and pill removal and / or background whiteness benefit (depending on the cellulase used). This means that conventional laundry projects often contain an enzyme mix.
  • the present invention permits, through use of more than one reservoir comprising an enzyme composition, the assorted benefits of these enzymes to be accessed in a single load.
  • the device may comprise a reservoir (ii) containing a first composition comprising a protease and a further reservoir (iii) containing a second composition comprising a cellulase and / or a lipase. Neither, one or both of these compositions may then be supplied depending on, for example, the type of staining.
  • the composition of reservoir (ii) comprises a protease.
  • the composition of reservoir (ii) does not contain a cellulase and / or a lipase.
  • the composition of reservoir (ii) may optionally further comprise a pectate lyase.
  • composition of reservoir (ii) may optionally further comprise a surfactant, for example, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
  • SLES sodium laureth sulfate
  • This additional surfactant may be used to boost detergency over and about that of the detergent composition, which may be useful in the case of stained loads.
  • Certain surfactants are also known to be more suited to enzymatic cleaning processes.
  • the device may dispense the composition of reservoir (ii) for stains such as grass and blood.
  • the composition of reservoir (iii) comprises a cellulase and / or a lipase and / or an amylase.
  • the composition of reservoir (iii) comprises a lipase.
  • the composition of reservoir (iii) does not contain a protease.
  • composition of reservoir (iii) comprises a cellulase.
  • composition of reservoir (iii) comprises a lipase. In some cases, the composition of reservoir (iii) comprises an amylase.
  • composition of reservoir (iii) may comprise any combination of these enzymes.
  • the composition of reservoir (iii) may optionally further comprise a mannanase.
  • the composition of reservoir (iii) may optionally further comprise a surfactant for example SLES. As described for (ii), this additional surfactant may be used to boost detergency over and about that of the detergent composition, which may be useful in the case of stained loads.
  • the device may dispense the composition of reservoir (iii) for stains such as gravy, starch-based stains, chocolate and chocolate products, fatty cooking stains.
  • compositions comprising a bleach component and an alkaline component may be used in combination.
  • the compositions may be dosed together, using the alkali to activate the bleach ready for, or during, a wash or a rinse process in order to provide an effective bleaching action.
  • composition comprising a bleach component has an in-reservoir pH equivalent to pH of 7 or less, while the composition comprising an alkali (v) is suitable for raising the pH wash liquor in order to initiate and/or promote action of the bleach component said wash liquor.
  • the composition containing the bleach component has an in-reservoir pH of 6 or less, and more preferably has a pH in a range of 3 to 5. If the composition is not aqueous based it may have a pH as described when measured on dilution of the liquid composition to 1 % using demineralised water.
  • composition comprising a bleach component may additionally contain detergent active components (e.g. surfactants) which are compatible with the bleach component, such as discussed below.
  • detergent active components e.g. surfactants
  • the composition containing an alkali component (v) may also contain detergent active components.
  • the bleach component is a component suitable for use in a laundry process.
  • the bleach component comprises an oxygen bleach system.
  • Such bleach systems may be, for example, a peroxygen bleach or a peroxy - based or peroxy - generating system. Mixtures of bleaches can also be used.
  • the bleach component is selected so as to be easy to handle and storable according to the requirements for the least hazardous class of organic peroxides. This allows the first composition to be safely transported to and stored in a domestic setting.
  • a preferred category of bleaches encompasses percarboxylic acid bleaching agents, salts thereof and precursors thereof, especially organic percarboxylic acids, salts thereof and precursors thereof, particularly aromatic percarboxylic acids and especially
  • heteroaromatic peroxycarboxylic acids salts and precursors thereof.
  • Particularly preferred embodiments employ 6-(phthalimido) peroxyhexanoic acid (PAP) and salts thereof.
  • PAP 6-(phthalimido) peroxyhexanoic acid
  • the peracid formula is shown below.
  • Peroxygen bleaches, perborates and percarbonate bleach components may optionally be combined with bleach activators which lead to the in situ production during the washing process of a peroxy acid corresponding to the bleach activator. If such a bleach component is in liquid composition, then a bleach activator will generally be provided in a different reservoir to the bleach component.
  • TAED N, N, N' N' - tetraacetyl ethylene diamine
  • SNOBS sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulphonate
  • the composition may comprise up to 20wt% of bleach component, especially up to 19wt% and more preferably up to 18wt%.
  • the composition may comprise at least 2wt% of bleach component, preferably at least 3wt%, more preferably at least 4wt% and especially at least 5 wt%.
  • the composition contains additional fluorescent and/or whitener components such as shading dyes.
  • additional components may be present preferably in amounts of from 0.005wt% up to 5wt%, especially up to 2 wt% and more preferably up to 1wt%.
  • Fluorescent agents may be supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts.
  • the total amount of the fluorescent agent or agents used in the composition is generally from 0.005 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.005 to 2 wt %, more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 wt %.
  • Preferred classes of fluorescent agent are: Di-styryl biphenyl compounds, e.g. Tinopal (Trade Mark) CBS-X and Tinopal CBS-CL, Di-amine stilbene di-sulphonic acid
  • Tinopal DMS pure Xtra Tinopal 5BMGX
  • Blankophor Trade Mark
  • Pyrazoline compounds e.g. Blankophor SN.
  • Preferred fluorescent agents are: salts of: 2 (4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl)-2H- napthol[1 ,2-d]triazole,; 4,4'-bis ⁇ [(4-anilino-6-(N methyl-N-2 hydroxyethyl) amino 1 ,3,5- triazin-2-yl)]amino ⁇ stilbene-2-2' disulfonate; 4,4'-bis ⁇ [(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1 ,3,5-triazin- 2-yl)]amino ⁇ stilbene-2-2'-disulfonate; and 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl.
  • Shading dyes may optionally be included. These may enhance the perception of whiteness. They may, for example, be violet or blue.
  • the composition of reservoir (iv) may optionally further comprise a surfactant, for example SLES. Once again, this may boost detergency over and above composition (i) alone in the presence of stains.
  • composition comprising an alkaline component may affect pH adjustment.
  • the alkaline component may comprise 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
  • the alkaline component may be one or more of these compounds.
  • composition (v) may be up to 60wt% in total of alkalinity components, more preferably up to 50wt%, especially up to 40wt%, even more preferably up to 30wt%.
  • it may contain at least 15wt% and preferably at least 20wt%.
  • the composition has in-reservoir pH of at least 8, preferably at least 9, more preferably at least 10, especially at least 1 1 , and most preferably at least 12. If the composition is not aqueous based it may have a pH in those ranges when measured on dilution of the liquid composition to 1 % using demineralised water.
  • a dose of laundry product obtained from the combination of the compositions of reservoirs (iv) and (v), when diluted with 15 litres of water in a washing machine, is effective to provide a wash liquor having a pH of at least 6, preferably in a range of 7 to 1 1 , more preferably in a range of 8 to 10, most preferably in a range of 8 to 9.5, and especially 8 to 9.
  • different washing machine use different amount of water and dilution with greater amounts, for example 60 litres, is envisaged.
  • the composition contains components which function to buffer a wash liquor within a pH range of 7 to 1 1 , more preferably 8 to 10 or to 9.5, especially 8 to 9.
  • the composition of reservoir (v) may include a builder.
  • Suitable builders include inorganic materials (such as sodium citrate, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate) and organic materials (such as polyacrylic acid, polymaleic acid and polyacrylic / polymaleic acid copolymers and salts thereof).
  • the builder component(s) may be present in a total amount of from 5wt% up to 50wt% of the composition (v), more preferably up to 40wt%, more preferably up to 30wt%, especially up to 25wt% and most preferably up to 20wt%.
  • the composition of reservoir (v) may optionally further comprise a surfactant, for example SLES. Once again, this may boost detergency over and above composition (i) alone in the presence of stains.
  • composition comprising a sequestrant
  • sequestrant increases the flexibility of the device to deal with a variety of stains and garment types economically. Separating sequestrant from the composition of reservoir (i) may also permit greater flexibility of formulation of the composition of reservoir (i). Sequestrant from reservoir (vi) may, for example, be dispensed to aid removal of bleachable stains on coloured garments, where use of a bleach may risk damage to the dye or fabric.
  • the composition of reservoir (vi) does not include a bleach.
  • Example sequestrants are HEDP (1 -Hydroxyethylidene-1 ,1 ,-diphosphonic acid), for example sold as Dequest 2010, and (Diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid or Heptasodium DTPMP), Dequest® 2066.
  • the composition contains up to 40%w/w of a suitable sequestrant system, including mixtures of different commercial sequestrants.
  • the device may comprise a further reservoir containing an ingredient composition comprising a disinfectant. This may be optionally dosed for a hygiene wash, for example when a member of the household has been ill or for fabric stained with bodily fluids or biological waste. Additionally or alternatively, the device may comprise a further reservoir containing an ingredient composition comprising a bleach, which may be optionally dosed for a hygiene wash, suitably when the fabric is white.
  • the further ingredients may also be used to top up ingredients that may be present in the detergent formulation to provide a boost effect.
  • the user interface may provide a display of the radially arranged reservoirs.
  • the status (quantity contained) and other data may be displayed.
  • the display may include a graphic representation of the radial array.
  • the method may comprise the step of displaying a graphic representation of the radial array of reservoirs including e.g. status data. It will be appreciated that all options and preferences previously described apply where permitted.
  • Figure 1 a shows a representative drawing of the apparatus of a standalone example of the invention
  • Figure 1 b shows an enlarged plan view of the apparatus of figure 1 , showing radial arrangement of cartridges in the dispensing device
  • Figure 2 shows a partially cut away representative drawing of the apparatus of figure 1 , showing part of the cartridge arrangement.
  • Figure 3 shows a cross-section drawing of a device according to the present
  • the device is integral to a washing machine.
  • the apparatus as illustrated in Figure 1 a has a dispensing device 1 and a dosing unit 2.
  • the dispensing device flares out toward the top 11 and the base 10
  • the apparatus is a standalone device, designed to rest on its 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. However, it will be appreciated that the device may also be integral to a washing machine as described elsewhere.
  • the dosing unit is a conventional dosing ball, which is typically made of plastics material.
  • the dosing unit is placed in a dispensing area 3 located underneath a nozzle 4.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Laundry product ingredients are dispensed into the dosing unit 2 via the nozzle 4.
  • only one nozzle 4 is used.
  • more than one nozzle may be provided.
  • 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.
  • the device has a control / information interface 5.
  • 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).
  • the device may be provided with a panel having buttons, dials or similar for inputting information.
  • input may be conveyed via command or gesture.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 2 shows a partially cutaway image of the apparatus of Figure 1.
  • the interior houses five reservoir cartridges 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e.
  • FIG 1 a/1 b 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.
  • the reservoirs are as follows 6a a reservoir containing a composition comprising a surfactant;
  • 6c a reservoir containing a composition comprising a second enzyme, wherein the second enzyme is different to the first enzyme;
  • surfactant system is provided by linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) and C10-C15 alcohol ethoxylated nonionic surfactant with 2 to 7 EO.
  • example components for a concentrated detergent base may include any of the previously described detergent components
  • 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.
  • This reservoirs containing 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.
  • PAP 6-(phthalimido) peroxyhexanoic acid
  • the peracid formula is shown below.
  • 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.
  • the composition comprising a bleach component (iv) has an in-reservoir pH equivalent to pH of 7 or less, while the composition comprising an alkali (v) is suitable for raising the pH wash liquor in order to initiate and/or promote action of the bleach component said wash liquor.
  • the composition containing the bleach component has an in-reservoir pH of 6 or less, and more preferably has a pH in a range of 3 to 5. If the composition is not aqueous based it may have a pH as described when measured on dilution of the liquid composition to 1 % using demineralised water
  • alternative or further reservoirs are provide alternative or top up ingredients that may be present in the base formulation to provide a boost effect.
  • 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.
  • the present invention enables the use of larger quantities of sequestrant than would normally be accessible by providing all or additional sequestrant in a separate reservoir to be dosed separately into the formulation provided in the dosing unit.
  • the applicant has observed that the apparent benefits of greater sequestrant content are improved at lower pH. It will be appreciated that the present invention permits the provision of multiple liquid compositions, each having a different pH for storage, combined shortly before a wash begins.
  • the device may comprise at least one further reservoir containing a perfume composition.
  • a perfume composition for example, fresh, floral or musky
  • the user may select the perfume to suit (for example, fresh, floral or musky) rather than being constrained by the sometimes limited options for certain laundry liquid products, and secondly, may optionally chose an unperfumed wash according to inclination.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • each flow path may meet before the nozzle is reached.
  • the device may have a pre-mixing chamber in which different ingredient compositions meet before they are dispensed into the dosing unit.
  • each flow path is equal in that the distance from each valve to the nozzle is the same.
  • 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.
  • data may be entered in in two or more sets, each set requiring certain information from the user.
  • 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.
  • fabric type cotton / polycotton / polyester
  • 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).
  • optimised wash composition is then determined and the appropriate amount from relevant cartridges dispensed.
  • the computer module (not shown) controls the amount dispensed.
  • 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.
  • 6a houses a detergent formulation
  • 6b houses an enzyme formulation
  • 6c houses a whitening composition
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Figure 3 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).
  • water and wash liquor enter the drum via a sprayer 12. Water enters the machine via inlet 13 (schematically and only partially shown).
  • 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: 17a, 17b, and 17c. As shown, these are cartridges that engage with dispensing means 18, although it will be appreciated that the reservoirs may be provided simply as containers into which compositions are poured. The cartridges may be loaded and changed through access flap 19. The radial array of cartridges allows for a single relatively small access flap to access all cartridges.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a pre-mixing area 27 As illustrated, three individual pipes combine to a single pipe, via which the product is dosed.
  • 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.
  • each reservoir comprises a sensor (not shown) and all the sensors are located on an upper portion, in the same position relative to the respective reservoir.
  • Located at the centre of the array may lie a charging and communication hub (not shown) which may be in communication with the computing module, the sensors are all equidistant from the hub.
  • the sensors may be wireless chargeable by the hub.
  • the sensor is generally configured to sense one or more properties of the reservoir, and preferably the respective internal storage chamber, which expression includes properties relating to the product content of the internal storage chambers.
  • the sensors may be configured to sense one or more of: (i) fill level of laundry product remaining within an internal storage chamber (which expression may include a fill level of product 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 egressing from the storage chamber or from the reservoir ; (iv) presence of any stored content within the reservoir.
  • Many other properties may be sensed. These could include the nature of the laundry product compositions within the internal storage chambers , 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 , or of ullage or vapour / gas in any head space above the laundry product, etc.
  • the sensors 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, or by reading / interfacing with a sensor installed within the plug-in laundry product cartridge itself.
  • the sensor(s) 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.
  • Each reservoir includes a data processor and a data communicator / communication channel.
  • the data processor is configured to process data received from the sensors for transmission - by the data communicator - to a remote device or the computing module, this may be via a central hub as indicated above.
  • the data processor may also implement control functions, such as providing control signals to control the flow of laundry product. These control functions may be commanded by data signals passed to the data processor - by the data communicator - from a remote device, e.g. remote device or computing module..
  • the reservoir may be configured to derive electrical power from any suitable source.
  • the electrical power may be sourced from the apparatus e.g. a host washing machine to which it is connected.
  • the electrical power may be obtained via the central hub.
  • the reservoir 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 is connected to a washing machine or other power source.
  • the internal power source may comprise means for harvesting energy from an external source in e.g. the hub, by wireless or inductive charging, whereby the source is e.g. a light source or other electromagnetic energy source such as RF energy.
  • Active ingredients and benefit agents are dosed only as needed wanted, reducing waste and environmental impact. This may also improve the appearance and longevity of garments.
  • Each wash can be tailored to specific needs for different types and load and for different family members, including:
  • fragrance free washes according to preference
  • the invention may include the facility to store preferred
  • formulations for user-defined groupings such as "bedding”, “school uniform”, “nursery”.
  • stain(s) e.g. grass, beef fat, red wine.
  • incompatible ingredients can be stored separately, and combined only in the wash liquor. Exemplary incompatible ingredient combinations are described herein.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

Appareil pour fournir un produit de lessive sur commande d'une entrée utilisateur, l'appareil comprenant un dispositif de distribution, et comprenant une pluralité de réservoirs contenant divers ingrédients respectifs qui sont combinés sur la base de ladite entrée utilisateur, les réservoirs étant disposés radialement et au moins un réservoir comprenant un ou plusieurs capteurs pour détecter une ou plusieurs propriétés du réservoir, l'appareil étant conçu pour accéder à une passerelle de commerce électronique et ainsi mettre en oeuvre une fonction de réapprovisionnement pour l'alimentation de cartouches de remplacement ou de récipients de recharge pour recharger le réservoir.
PCT/EP2018/076258 2017-09-29 2018-09-27 Appareil de mélange de liquides de lessive Ceased WO2019063691A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17194201 2017-09-29
EP17194201.4 2017-09-29
EP18193506.5 2018-09-10
EP18193506 2018-09-10

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WO2019063691A1 true WO2019063691A1 (fr) 2019-04-04

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20010049846A1 (en) * 2000-06-12 2001-12-13 Guzzi Brian Daniel Method and system for optimizing performance of consumer appliances
DE102007041643A1 (de) * 2007-09-03 2009-03-12 Lothar Ernst Wilhelm Weber Waschmaschine, Reinigungseinrichtung, Verfahren zum Waschen und Spülmaschine, u.a.
US20100102076A1 (en) * 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Whirlpool Corporation Appliance with a service interface for communicating with a consumable holder
DE102010027991A1 (de) * 2010-04-20 2011-10-20 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Dosiersystem zur Verwendung in Verbindung mit einem wasserführenden Haushaltsgerät wie eine Waschmaschine, Spülmaschine, Wäschetrockner oder dergleichen

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20010049846A1 (en) * 2000-06-12 2001-12-13 Guzzi Brian Daniel Method and system for optimizing performance of consumer appliances
DE102007041643A1 (de) * 2007-09-03 2009-03-12 Lothar Ernst Wilhelm Weber Waschmaschine, Reinigungseinrichtung, Verfahren zum Waschen und Spülmaschine, u.a.
US20100102076A1 (en) * 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Whirlpool Corporation Appliance with a service interface for communicating with a consumable holder
DE102010027991A1 (de) * 2010-04-20 2011-10-20 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Dosiersystem zur Verwendung in Verbindung mit einem wasserführenden Haushaltsgerät wie eine Waschmaschine, Spülmaschine, Wäschetrockner oder dergleichen

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