Automatic quantitative charging storage device for washing machine
阅读说明:本技术 用于洗衣机的自动定量加料储器 (Automatic quantitative charging storage device for washing machine ) 是由 D·J·库克 D·穆尔菲尔德 K·J·肖 于 2019-02-21 设计创作,主要内容包括:自动定量加料储器可连接至洗衣机。该储器包括一个或多个内部储存室用于储存一种或多种洗衣产品。该储器还包括一个或多个传感器用于感测与内部储存室和/或储存于其中的内容物相关的一种或多种性质。数据通信器向远程装置提供与一种或多种感测的性质相关的感测的数据的通信。连接器将储器与洗衣机偶联,储器可以通过该连接器流体地且可控地连接至洗衣机。(An automatic dosing reservoir may be connected to the washing machine. The reservoir includes one or more internal storage chambers for storing one or more laundry products. The reservoir also includes one or more sensors for sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or the contents stored therein. The data communicator provides communication of sensed data related to the one or more sensed properties to a remote device. A connector couples the reservoir to the washing machine, through which the reservoir can be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine.)
1. A reservoir connectable to a washing machine, wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber in combination with one or more laundry products, said reservoir further comprising:
(a) a sensor for sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or contents stored therein;
(b) a data communicator for transmitting sensed data related to the one or more sensed properties to a remote device; and
(c) a connector configured for coupling the reservoir with the washing machine, through which the reservoir can be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine, wherein
The data communicator is configured for wireless communication with a remote device external to the laundry machine, such that the sensed data can be displayed on the remote device.
2. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to sense one or more of:
(i) a fill level of laundry product in the internal storage compartment;
(ii) the quality of the laundry product contents in the internal storage compartment;
(iii) a flow rate of laundry product contents out of the internal storage chamber;
(iv) the presence of laundry product contents within the internal storage chamber;
(v) the chemical composition or chemical nature of the laundry product in the reservoir;
(vi) physical properties of the laundry product in the reservoir.
3. A reservoir according to claim 1 or claim 2, configured to be user-detachable from an external port or surface of the laundry machine.
4. The reservoir of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data communicator is configured to communicate directly with the remote device without data passing through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine.
5. A reservoir according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the data communicator is configured to interface with an application on a user smartphone or tablet.
6. A reservoir according to any preceding claim, wherein the data communicator is configured to receive an indication of release of laundry product from a remote device external to the laundry machine.
7. A connector for connecting a laundry product reservoir to a washing machine, the laundry product reservoir comprising an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, the connector comprising:
(a) a sensor for sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or contents stored therein;
(b) a data communicator for transmitting sensed data related to the one or more sensed properties to a remote device; and
(c) an interface configured to engage the connector with both the reservoir and the washing machine, through which the reservoir may be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine, wherein
The data communicator is configured for wireless communication with a remote device external to the laundry machine and enables display of the sensed data on the remote device.
8. A washing machine incorporating a reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a connector according to claim 7.
9. A dosing system for delivering laundry product to a washing machine, the dosing system comprising:
a reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
a remote computing device connectable with the reservoir through a telecommunications channel and configured to monitor use of laundry product in or dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine and/or control use or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine.
10. The dosing system according to claim 9, wherein the remote computing device is configured to implement a replenishment function to supply a replacement cartridge or refill container for refilling the reservoir.
11. The dosing system according to any of claims 7 or 8, wherein the remote computing device is configured to implement a pay-as-you-go authorization function to enable the reservoir to perform a dispensing action to dispense a specified amount or dose of laundry product from the reservoir into a connected laundry machine.
12. A method of dispensing laundry product into a washing machine comprising the steps of:
connecting a reservoir to a washing machine by a connector, wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, and the connector couples the reservoir with the washing machine to enable fluidic and controllable connection of the reservoir with the washing machine;
dispensing laundry product from the internal storage chamber to the washing machine;
sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or contents stored therein;
sensed data relating to one or more sensed properties is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device and engaged with the remote device to display the sensed data on the remote device.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein sensing one or more properties comprises sensing one or more of:
(i) a fill level of laundry product in the internal storage compartment;
(ii) the quality of the laundry product contents in the internal storage compartment;
(iii) a flow rate of laundry product contents out of the internal storage chamber;
(iv) the presence of laundry product contents within the internal storage chamber;
(v) the chemical composition or chemical nature of the laundry product in the reservoir;
(vi) physical properties of the laundry product in the reservoir.
14. The method of any of claims 12-13, further comprising configuring the reservoir to be user-detachable from an external port or surface of the laundry machine to refill the reservoir.
15. The method of any of claims 12-14, wherein the step of communicating with a remote device includes interfacing with a user personal computing device to enable display of the sensed data thereon.
16. The method of any of claims 12-15, further comprising displaying a graphical user interface on a personal computing device of a user indicating a status of the reservoir.
17. A reservoir and/or connector and/or dosing system and/or method as herein described with reference to the accompanying description and/or drawings.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a reservoir for automatically dosing laundry product for supply to a washing machine appliance.
Background
Automatic dosing washing machines incorporating multi-dose reservoirs are known. Such machines dispense measured doses of laundry composition automatically and can be run through multiple washes. This may save time for the consumer and improve dosing accuracy.
There is a further development in the field of "smart" machines that connect to the "internet of things" (IoT) through embedded electronics and network connections to enable the collection and exchange of data. Such systems can provide enhanced functionality and performance during the washing process and upon replenishment of laundry items.
While automated dosing offers a great potential advantage to consumers, in most cases, the reservoir/removable cartridge may be machine specific. Thus, consumers who select an automatic dosing machine, which may be expensive, may face few options in laundry products if they want to enjoy the full benefits of the automatic dosing machine.
Disclosure of Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a reservoir for a washing machine which may provide some or all of the advantages of an automatic dosing machine as described above, but may provide improved functionality and/or greater autonomy in selecting laundry products, and may also not be limited to a particular type, model or brand of washing machine.
According to one aspect, the present invention provides a reservoir connectable to a washing machine, wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, the reservoir further comprising:
(a) a sensor for sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or the contents stored therein,
(b) a data communicator for transmitting sensed data related to the one or more sensed properties to a remote device; and
(c) a connector configured for coupling the reservoir with a washing machine, through which the reservoir can be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine, wherein
The data communicator is configured for wireless communication with a remote device external to the laundry machine, such that sensed data can be displayed on the remote device.
By means of the inventive arrangement, a user can monitor and react to data about the state of the reservoir without having to physically touch the machine or even in the same room or in the same building. This provides greater freedom for the user to manage laundry.
The reservoir may further comprise at least one laundry composition stored within the internal storage chamber. The sensor may be configured to sense one or more of: (i) a fill level of the laundry product in the internal storage compartment; (ii) mass of laundry product contents in the internal storage compartment; (iii) the flow rate of laundry product contents from the internal storage chamber; (iv) the presence of the laundry product contents within the internal storage chamber; (v) the chemical composition or chemical nature of the laundry product in the reservoir; (vi) physical properties of the laundry product in the reservoir. The reservoir may be user-removable from a port or surface of the washing machine. Generally, a washing machine is configured to contain a pump, electronics, within a housing. In this case, "outside" means the outside of such a housing so that a consumer does not need to touch the internal components of the washing machine. The port/surface may be contained within a recess of the washing machine housing. The reservoir may also comprise a plurality of internal storage chambers, each for storing a laundry product. Each internal storage compartment may be configured to receive a plug-in laundry product cartridge and to be able to release the contents thereof to the connector. Alternatively or additionally, one or more storage compartments may be provided by a plug-in cartridge.
As used herein, "remote" means external to the washing machine, rather than physically part of/connected to the washing machine. Thus, the data communicator preferably communicates wirelessly with a remote device external to the washing machine. The data communicator may communicate directly with the remote device without the data passing through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine. The data communicator may interface with a user personal computing device to enable display of sensed data. The data communicator may interface with an application on a user smartphone or tablet. The data communicator may interface with a smartphone or tablet application to enable display of a graphical user interface indicating a reservoir status.
The connector may include a mechanical interface that integrates at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solids from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the washing machine. The connector may further comprise a valve mechanism for closing the flow passage when the reservoir is removed from the washing machine. The connector may comprise a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solids from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the laundry machine, and may comprise a flow control element for effecting or driving release of laundry product from the internal storage chamber into the at least one flow channel. The connector may further comprise an exchangeable adaptor or set of adaptors configured to enable engagement of the reservoir with the washing machine to have different interfaces.
The data communicator may also include a controller configured to instruct the flow control element to release the laundry product. The data communicator may be configured to receive an indication of release of the laundry product from a remote device external to the laundry machine.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a connector for connecting a laundry product reservoir to a washing machine, the laundry product reservoir comprising an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, the connector comprising:
(a) a sensor for sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or the contents stored therein;
(b) a data communicator for transmitting sensed data related to the one or more sensed properties to a remote device; and
(c) an interface configured to engage the connector with both the reservoir and the washing machine, through which the reservoir may be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine, wherein the data communicator is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote device external to the washing machine and display sensed data thereon.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a washing machine incorporating the reservoir and/or connector described above.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a dosing system for delivering laundry product to a washing machine, the dosing system comprising a reservoir as defined above and a remote computing device connectable to the reservoir via a telecommunications channel. The remote computing device may be configured to monitor usage of laundry product in or dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine and/or control usage or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine. The remote computing device may be configured to implement supplemental functionality to supply a replacement cartridge or refill container for refilling the reservoir. The supplemental functionality may be implemented at least in part on the user remote device and the third party remote device. The remote computing device may implement a pay-as-you-go authorization function to enable the reservoir to perform a dispensing action to dispense a specified amount or dose of laundry product from the reservoir into the connected laundry machine.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of dispensing a laundry product into a washing machine, comprising the steps of:
connecting the reservoir to a washing machine by a connector, wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, and the connector couples the reservoir to the washing machine to enable fluidic and controllable connection of the reservoir to the washing machine;
dispensing laundry product from the internal storage chamber to the washing machine;
sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or contents stored therein;
sensed data relating to the one or more sensed properties is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device and engaged with the remote device to display the sensed data on the remote device.
Sensing one or more properties may include sensing one or more of: (i) a fill level of the laundry product in the internal storage compartment; (ii) the quality of the laundry product contents in the internal storage compartment; (iii) the flow rate of laundry product contents from the internal storage chamber; (iv) the presence of the laundry product contents within the internal storage chamber; (v) the chemical composition or chemical nature of the laundry product in the reservoir; (vi) physical properties of the laundry product in the reservoir. The method may further comprise configuring the reservoir to be user-removable from an external port or surface of the washing machine for refilling the reservoir. Dispensing laundry products may include dispensing a plurality of laundry products from a plurality of internal storage chambers of a reservoir. Each internal storage chamber may be configured to receive a plug-in laundry product cartridge and enable the contents thereof to be released to the connector, thereby enabling the reservoir to be refilled by inserting one or more replacement laundry product cartridges.
The communication with the remote device may be by wireless communication with a remote device external to the washing machine without the need for data to pass through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine. Communicating with the remote device may include interfacing with the user's personal computing device to enable display of sensed data thereon, and may include interfacing with an application on the user's smartphone or tablet. The method may further include displaying a graphical user interface on the user's personal computing device indicating the reservoir status.
The connector may include a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of the fluid or flowable solid from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the washing machine, the method further comprising deploying a valve mechanism to close the flow channel when the reservoir is detached from the washing machine. The connector may comprise a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solids from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the laundry machine, the method further comprising deploying a flow control element to effect or drive release of laundry product from the internal storage chamber into the at least one flow channel.
The method may further comprise using an interchangeable adaptor or set of adaptors to enable engagement of the reservoir with the washing machine to have different interfaces. The method may further include instructing the flow control element to release the laundry product from a remote device external to the laundry machine.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of delivering laundry product to a washing machine, the method comprising: coupling a reservoir as described above to a washing machine; a remote computing device is connected to the reservoir through a telecommunications channel, and usage of laundry product in or dispensed from the reservoir to the washing machine is monitored at the remote computing device to control usage or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to the washing machine.
Drawings
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a laundry product reservoir suitable for connection to a washing machine;
fig. 2 shows a schematic internal layout of components of the laundry product reservoir of fig. 1;
FIG. 3 shows a schematic functional block diagram of components of a laundry product dosing system;
figure 4 shows a schematic of an adapter configured for use between a washing machine and a laundry product reservoir.
Detailed Description
Referring to fig. 1, a
Within the housing 2 of the
Each
Each
The sensor 7 may be configured to sense these properties directly, for example by detecting physical and/or chemical properties directly, or by indirect sensing, for example reading a bar code or other product identifier on a plug-in laundry product cartridge mounted in the
Thus, the sensor 7 may generally be active or passive for qualitative and/or quantitative sensing of mechanical, electrical, physical and/or chemical properties, which is transmitted as a control signal.
The
The
The
Thus, in general, the
The
The
The remote device 20 may interact with the
In a first aspect, the remote device 20 may comprise a controller within the washing machine to which the
In another aspect, and referring to FIG. 3, the remote device 20 may include a user-based resource 30 external to the washing machine 15 and separate from the washing machine 15. In one preferred configuration, the remote device 30 comprises a user's smartphone, tablet, or other personal computing device. The
In this case, a user of the laundry machine 15 to which the
For example, the user may be enabled to view directly on the personal computing device 30 the usage of each laundry product 5, such as the amount used, the number of washes performed, the expected number of washes remaining for each laundry product or combination of products, alerts suggesting further purchase/restocking needs, and the like. These features may be provided within a graphical user interface supported by the personal computing device. The graphical user interface may display a schematic of the reservoir, its internal storage chamber and its status.
The user of the washing machine 15 may also install a control program or application 33 on his personal computing device 30, which control program or application 33 typically enables the user to control certain functions of the
For example, a user may directly control the dispensing of selectable laundry products 5 or product combinations from the
In another aspect, referring also to fig. 3, the remote device 20 may include or include a third party remote device 35 unrelated to both the user and the vendor/supplier/manufacturer/owner of the laundry machine 15. The remote device 35 may comprise a server of a laundry product manufacturer or retailer or service provider. The
The laundry product manufacturer/retailer/service provider may have installed on the server 35 a monitoring program or application 36 which monitoring program or application 36 typically enables the laundry product manufacturer/retailer/service provider to monitor data relating to the use of the
The remote device 35 may also have installed thereon a control program or application 37, which control program or application 37 enables the laundry product manufacturer/retailer/service provider to control certain functions of the
The control program or application 37 may also be configured to implement authorization functions to enable the memory to perform dispensing actions. The server 35 may send an activation code to the
This feature may be used in conjunction with a payment authorization function, which may be based on a user account record maintained on the server 35. The user account record may run in conjunction with the user control application 33 on the user personal computing device 30 to approve pay-as-you-go payment for laundry product use, or the user account may be automatically charged by the server 35.
The
Accordingly, the user may effect monitoring of laundry product usage in the washing machine 15 and/or control of dispensing of laundry product to the washing machine 15 via the user device 30 and/or the third party server 35.
In this way, the reservoir may transmit an indication to the user remote device 30 and/or the third party remote device 35 that replenishment of one or more laundry products is required. This may be used to trigger automatic replenishment of a supply comprising one or more refill cartridges or refill containers for refilling the reservoir. Automatic replenishment may include an automatic process for triggering an order from a laundry product vendor.
In another configuration, the reservoir may be manufactured as a universal unit connectable to different washing machine types and/or different washing machine brands, which may each have a common interface or different interfaces. For the latter case, and referring to FIG. 4, the
Thus, the
A number of variations and modifications of the
The
Alternatively, the
The
The
The reservoir internal storage chamber 4 is preferably formed as a dimensionally stable container, e.g. with rigid walls, but may alternatively be formed as a flexible container, e.g. a pouch or bag, within the
In the case of plug-in cartridges in which the internal storage compartment 4 is configured to receive the laundry product 5, these cartridges may be formed as dimensionally stable containers, e.g. with rigid walls, but may alternatively be formed as flexible containers, e.g. pouches or bags, which expand when filled with the laundry product and contract with use of the laundry product 5. Each plug-in cartridge may be secured within a respective internal storage compartment 4 such that the contents of the cartridge may be sealed by a valve, which may form part of the cartridge or the internal storage compartment 4 or a combination of both. The cartridge may include mating means configured to engage with complementary mating means on the internal storage chamber 4 such that the cartridge is securely retained when in place and laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or released depending on whether the valve of the reservoir or the cartridge (or both) is in a closed state or an open state.
The flow control element 8 may be a simple on-off valve type device or may further comprise a variable flow control element capable of delivering a preset flow, a variable flow and/or a metered dose that can be delivered within a controlled or predetermined time interval. Thus, in general, the flow control elements 8 may each comprise any device capable of allowing a particular amount or flow rate of material to pass therethrough, and may generally be used to regulate the actual flow rate.
The sensor 7 may include any one or more suitable sensor types, such as a flow rate sensor, a flow meter, an infrared sensor, a brightness sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, an elongation sensor, a rotational speed sensor, a proximity sensor, a flow sensor, a color sensor, a gas sensor, a vibration sensor, a pressure sensor, a conductivity sensor, a turbidity sensor, an acoustic pressure sensor, a "lab-on-a-chip" sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, a pH sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, an RFID sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a hall sensor, a biochip, an odor sensor, a hydrogen sulfide sensor, and/or a MEMS sensor, to perform the sensing function as described above.
Preferably, the
However, the
The flow control mechanism described above may be implemented in a variety of ways. The laundry product 5 may be delivered from the
The
The
The reservoir configuration described above may provide a "smart" reservoir or "plug and play" reservoir that may be connected to any suitable washing machine and provide automatic dosing functionality and intelligent replenishment assistance to the user when the reservoir laundry product is depleted or near depletion.
Other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
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