CN117295859A

CN117295859A - Washing system

Info

Publication number: CN117295859A
Application number: CN202280034234.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 沈俊; 苏赛男; 张力潇
Original assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2021-05-11
Filing date: 2022-05-03
Publication date: 2023-12-26
Also published as: JP2024521044A; WO2022238172A1; EP4337821A1

Abstract

A cartridge (103) includes a reservoir (106) for storing a washing article and an article delivery mechanism (107) including an article delivery outlet (108) in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a washing system (100) including a washing article dispenser (102) mountable to a washing machine and including a cavity (194) for receiving the washing article and a dispenser outlet (114) for dispensing the washing article into a drum of the washing machine. The system (100) further comprises the cartridge (103) removably received in a cavity of the dispenser (102).

Description

Washing system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing system for dispensing washing products into a washing machine.

Background

The use of a washing machine (for washing, for example, laundry) generally involves adding a dose of a washing product (for example, a detergent or fabric softener) to the drawer of the washing machine prior to a washing cycle. These washing products (which may be in liquid or powder form) are typically sold in containers sized to hold sufficient product for many washing cycles. In most cases, to ensure that the correct dosage is supplied to the washer, the user is instructed to transfer the optimal amount of washing product from the container containing the washing product to the washing product drawer of the washer using a measuring device (e.g. a spoon or lid).

This transfer of the washing product is time consuming and often results in spillage of the washing product from the measuring device. Such spillage creates mess and results in wastage of the washing product. In some cases, to speed up the process (and reduce mess), the user simply pours the washing product directly from the container into the drawer of the washing machine. This involves estimating the optimum amount of washing product, which may lead to incorrect dosing and thus non-optimal performance of the washing machine. Furthermore, containers containing the washing products that are sold (due to the need for them to hold a sufficient amount of washing products for many washing cycles) can be cumbersome. This makes such containers generally inconvenient for the user to handle and also makes it difficult to control the amount of washing product poured into the washer drawer (resulting in incorrect dosing and spillage).

At least some of these problems are addressed by automatic dosing washers. These washers are configured to receive a large quantity of washing product (i.e., in their containers) and automatically dispense (via an in-built dispensing mechanism) the required dose of washing product for each washing cycle. However, providing an automatic dispensing mechanism adds significantly to the complexity of such a washer. This increases the cost of these washers and for this reason automatic dispensing mechanisms are typically provided only in washers for commercial use (rather than home use) or in much more costly home washers. Another problem with such an automated system is that once the container is filled with a washing product, it is not possible to replace the washing product with a different washing product until all of the products contained in the container are exhausted. Thus, for example, a user cannot use one wash supply for a first wash load and then use a different wash supply for a subsequent second load (i.e., assuming the first load is not completely depleted of the first wash supply).

Systems that can be modified to non-automatic dosing washers are also known. These systems include a container for receiving a quantity of washing supplies and a dispensing mechanism coupled to the washer for dispensing the washing supplies into the washer. In some arrangements, the container is mounted on the outside of the washer, which increases the overall size of the washer. In other arrangements, the container is mounted internally, but in order to allow for such internal mounting, sufficient modification of the cleaning machine is required. In either variation, significant modifications to the cleaning machine are required to connect the dispensing mechanism, which increases the cost of the cleaning machine and/or the cost of installing the dispensing mechanism. Like the built-in automatic dosing systems, these improved systems also face the problem that the user cannot easily change the washing product without first depleting all the product stored in the container. That is, these improved systems do not support rapid switching of the washing article.

US2009/0100881 A1 discloses a dispensing system for a liquid or viscous treatment agent for use with a cleaning machine having a foam container configured to receive a cleaning liquid.

KR 01233413 B1 discloses an antistatic agent input device for a washing machine, which can easily inject antistatic detergent into a washing barrel.

Accordingly, there is a need to address one or more of the above-described issues.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, there is provided a washing system comprising:

a washing product dispenser mountable to a washing machine and comprising a cavity for receiving washing product and a dispenser outlet for dispensing washing product into a drum of the washing machine, and a cartridge removably received in the cavity of the dispenser, the cartridge comprising a reservoir for storing washing product and a product delivery mechanism comprising a product delivery outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir, the product delivery mechanism being actuatable when received in the cavity to supply a dose of washing product from the reservoir into the cavity of the dispenser via the product delivery outlet.

The washing system provides a convenient and accurate way for dispensing a dose of washing product (i.e., cleaning detergent, softener, or sanitizer) into a washer (i.e., laundry washer) for use by the washer. Instead of transferring the washing product from the large container in which it is sold to the dispenser of the washing machine (via a measuring device or by pouring), the user can supply a dose of washing product from a cartridge that has been inserted into the cavity. This avoids the problems of spillage and inaccurate dosing of conventional methods of adding washing supplies to a washing machine.

In addition, the reservoir is capable of storing sufficient washing supplies for a plurality of washing cycles. In practice, this means that the cavity of the dispenser can be used to store the washing product (i.e. held within the box) which would otherwise need to be stored elsewhere (outside the washing machine). In other words, the washing machine itself can be used to store a large quantity of washing products.

The washing system may be used with existing washers with minimal, if any, modifications to the washer. This is because a self-contained cartridge is provided that is capable of supplying (i.e., dispensing) washing supplies, and that can be used in existing (or slightly modified) dispensers of washing machines. That is, the washing system uses existing washer infrastructure to provide wash product dispensing.

The use of a (removable) cartridge also means that the washing product can be replaced without waiting until all washing product has been dispensed. For example, if the user wishes to change the washing article between washing cycles, the partially filled cartridge may be removed from the dispenser and replaced with a replaceable cartridge (containing a different washing article).

Optional features of the first aspect will now be set out. These optional features may be applied alone or in any combination with any aspect.

When the cartridge is received in the cavity of the dispenser, an article flow path may be defined for the flow of the washing article from the article delivery outlet to the dispenser outlet. The product flow path may be defined by the cartridge and the dispenser (when the cartridge is received in the cavity). That is, the product flow path may be defined between the cartridge and the dispenser. The supply flow path may extend below the cassette when the cassette is received in the cavity.

In other embodiments, the article flow path may be defined entirely (or substantially entirely) by the cartridge (e.g., in the form of a conduit extending through a portion of the cartridge). Alternatively, the product flow path may be defined entirely (or substantially entirely) by the dispenser (e.g., in the form of a conduit extending through a portion of the dispenser).

The dispenser may include a first opposing end and a second opposing end. The end wall may be disposed at a first end of the dispenser. The dispenser outlet may be provided at the second end of the dispenser. Opposing and spaced apart side walls may extend from the end wall toward (or to) the second end. The dispenser may include a base portion defining a bottom of the cavity. The base portion may extend between (to connect) the lower end of the side wall and the end wall. Thus, a cavity may be defined between the end wall, the side wall and the base portion. It should be appreciated that one or more of the walls may be integrally formed (to form a single wall).

The system may include at least one spacer for spacing the cartridge from the dispenser (e.g., from the base portion) to define an article flow path between the cartridge and the dispenser (e.g., the base portion). The at least one spacer may space the entire cartridge from the base portion of the dispenser. Spacing the entire cartridge from the base portion (i.e., the bottom surface of the cavity) can ensure that the outer surface of the cartridge is not in contact with the washing article once the cartridge is supplied to the cavity.

The at least one spacer may form part of (e.g. may protrude from) the cartridge or dispenser. For example, the at least one spacer may comprise a projection from an inner surface of the dispenser (e.g. from the base portion) and into the cavity. The protruding portion may protrude in an upward direction. In this way, the cassette may rest on the distal end of the projection when the cassette is received in the cavity. In such embodiments, the supply flow path may bypass the spacer.

Alternatively, the at least one spacer may comprise a protrusion protruding from an outer surface (e.g. a lower portion of the outer surface) of the cartridge, e.g. in a downward direction.

For the avoidance of doubt, when the terms "upwardly" and "downwardly" (and "up" and "down") are used with respect to the dispenser, these terms should be understood in the context of the dispenser as it would be oriented in normal use (i.e. when mounted to a cleaning machine). Similarly, when these terms are used with respect to a cassette, they should be understood in the context of the cassette as it would be oriented in normal use (i.e., when received in the cavity).

The system may include a plurality of spacers (e.g., protrusions). The system may include a first spacer and a second spacer, each spacer as described above. The first and second spacers may be spaced apart from each other along the article flow path. The first and second spacers may be spaced apart from each other in a direction from the first end of the dispenser to the second end of the dispenser.

The product delivery outlet may be disposed at (or near) the first end of the dispenser when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The product delivery outlet may be arranged to be capable of discharging, in use, washing products towards the end wall and/or base portion of the dispenser. The product delivery outlet may be horizontally oriented, downwardly oriented, or a combination of downwardly and horizontally oriented (when the cartridge is received in the dispenser).

The supply flow path may include an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end of the supply flow path may be proximate the supply delivery outlet when the cassette is received in the cavity. The downstream end of the product flow path may be disposed proximate to (or at) the dispenser outlet. In this regard, the upstream end of the product flow path may be disposed at a first end of the dispenser and the downstream end of the product flow path may be disposed at a second end of the dispenser.

The article flow path may extend in a descending manner from the upstream end to the downstream end. The product flow path extends in a continuous descending manner from the upstream end to the downstream end. The base portion of the dispenser may be inclined (e.g., continuously inclined) from the first end of the dispenser to the second end of the dispenser. Providing the article flow path in a descending manner may facilitate the flow of the washing article from the article delivery outlet to the dispenser outlet in use.

The dispenser may be in the form of a (laundry) dispenser drawer. Thus, for example, when the dispenser is mounted to a cleaning machine, the dispenser may be moved between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the dispenser may extend from the washer and the upper opening of the cavity may be exposed (for receiving the cartridge). In the retracted position, the dispenser may be retracted within the washer.

The washing system may be configured to be used with (or as part of) a front-loading washer.

The first end of the dispenser may be remote from the washer when the dispenser is in the extended position. The second end of the dispenser may be proximate to the washer when the dispenser is in the extended position.

The system may include a fluid inlet (e.g., a nozzle) for discharging fluid (e.g., water) into the cavity of the dispenser (e.g., when the dispenser is mounted to a washer). The fluid inlet may form part of or may be fluidly connected to the washing machine, wherein the dispenser may be mounted to the washing machine. The fluid inlet may be arranged to be able to drain fluid into an end of the cavity when the cassette is received in the cavity, wherein an article delivery outlet is provided at the end of the cavity.

The fluid inlet may be arranged to be able to discharge fluid into the cavity at the first end of the dispenser. The fluid inlet may be located above the upper opening of the cavity in use and may be arranged to be able to drain fluid downwardly into the cavity (i.e. the fluid inlet may be oriented downwardly).

When the dispenser is in the form of a dispensing drawer, the above-described positioning of the fluid inlet may be referred to as the positioning of the fluid inlet when the dispensing drawer is in the retracted position.

The system may comprise a plurality of fluid inlets, each inlet as described above. The system may comprise only a fluid inlet arranged to be able to expel fluid into the cavity at the first end of the dispenser (or close to the product delivery outlet of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the cavity). That is, the system may not include any fluid inlet (e.g., a nozzle) arranged to be able to discharge fluid into the cavity at the second end of the dispenser or at a central region of the dispenser (between the first and second ends).

Preferably, the system comprises 1 to 40 fluid inlets for discharging fluid into the cavity of the dispenser, more preferably 5 to 35 fluid inlets, most preferably 10 to 30 fluid inlets. The system may comprise 10 to 30 fluid inlets arranged to enable the discharge of fluid into the cavity (but may nevertheless comprise further fluid inlets for other cavities of the dispenser).

Providing fluid inlets only at the first end, or minimizing the number of fluid inlets, may ensure that fluid may be directed into the space around the cassette (when the cassette is received in the cavity) rather than onto the cassette.

Providing such a fluid inlet may facilitate the flow of the washing article along the article flow path. That is, the article may be transported along the article flow path by fluid (e.g., water) discharged from the fluid inlet.

The system may include a retaining device configured to constrain movement of the cartridge relative to the dispenser when the cartridge is received in the cavity. However, the retaining means may be configured to allow removal of the cassette from the cavity and insertion of the cassette into the cavity. The retaining means may be configured to constrain movement of the cassette relative to the dispenser in at least one horizontal direction when the cassette is received in the cavity. The retaining device may be configured to constrain movement of the cartridge relative to the dispenser along an elongate axis (i.e., a long axis) of the cavity (e.g., an axis extending between the first and second ends of the dispenser).

Each of the cartridge and the dispenser may include a retaining portion (i.e., a retaining portion forming part of the retaining means). The retaining portions may engage each other. One retaining portion may include a protrusion and the other retaining portion may include a recess (complementary to the protrusion). The projection may project from the dispenser or the cassette, and the recess may be provided on the other of the cassette and the dispenser. The recess may be in the form of a groove. The groove may extend at least partially around the periphery of the cartridge (e.g., may be a circumferential groove). The projection may extend from an inner surface (e.g., base portion) of the dispenser into the cavity. The projection may include an arcuate seat that may be received in the recess when the cassette is received in the cavity. The projection may engage in the recess to constrain movement of the cartridge relative to the dispenser.

The retaining means may comprise a or each spacer as described above. That is, the projection of the holding means may be a spacer. Thus, at least one of these spacers may engage/interact with the cassette (when the cassette is received in the cavity) to constrain movement of the cassette as described above.

The product delivery mechanism of the cartridge may be configured to dispense metered doses (i.e., repeatable fixed volume doses) of the washing product from the reservoir (through the product delivery outlet). That is, the article transport mechanism may be configured to supply the same volume of washing articles upon each (full) actuation. The article-delivery mechanism may include a pump that is actuatable to dispense a dose (e.g., metered dose) of the washing article from the reservoir. The product delivery mechanism (e.g., a pump of the product delivery mechanism) may be configured to supply a dose of 1ml to 40ml, or 1ml to 30ml, or 1ml to 20ml in volume.

The pump may include a valve (e.g., a one-way valve) fluidly connected between the reservoir and the product delivery outlet. The pump may include a pump chamber, which may be downstream of the valve. The pump chamber may also be upstream of the valve. The pump may include an inlet valve (e.g., a one-way valve) upstream of the pump chamber and an outlet valve (e.g., a one-way valve) downstream of the chamber. The pump may comprise a piston movable in the chamber to move the wash product from the chamber. The pump is movable between a stop position and a start position. The movement of the pump may cause the washing product held within the chamber to be expelled from the pump (e.g., by movement of a piston into the chamber). Movement of the pump from the actuated position to the stopped position may cause the wash product to be drawn from the reservoir into the chamber (e.g., by movement of the piston out of or away from the chamber). The pump may comprise biasing means (e.g. a compression spring) arranged to enable the pump to return to bias the pump into the rest position.

The supply delivery mechanism may include a mechanism housing (or pump head). The mechanism housing may house a pump. The mechanism housing may connect the article transport mechanism to a reservoir housing defining a reservoir. The product delivery mechanism (and thus the mechanism housing) may be removably mounted to the reservoir housing (e.g., by snap-fit, screw threads, bayonet, etc. connections). This may allow for refilling of the reservoir.

The product delivery mechanism may include an air flow path extending from ambient air to the reservoir to allow for balancing of air pressure in the reservoir when dispensing the washing product from the reservoir. Thus, the walls of the chamber of the pump may comprise apertures defining at least part of the airflow path. The bore may be arranged to be blocked by the piston when the pump is in the stopped position. The mechanism housing may include a drain hole in fluid communication with the hole in the chamber wall for draining any washing product leaking from the hole in the chamber wall. The drain hole may be arranged to be able to direct leaked washing fluid into the dispenser (e.g. in a downward direction) in use.

The product delivery mechanism may comprise a lever which is movable to actuate the pump (to dispense a dose). The lever may protrude from the pump. The lever may protrude upwardly (e.g. from the pump) when the cassette is received in the cavity. The lever may be pivotable (pivotably mounted to, for example, a pump or mechanism housing). The pivoting of the lever may actuate the pump.

The length of the lever (i.e. the extent to which the lever protrudes) may be such that it does not extend beyond the outer periphery of the reservoir housing. The length of the lever (i.e., the extent to which the lever protrudes) may be such that the lever does not extend from the cavity when the cassette is received therein.

The article transport mechanism may include a grip portion. The grip and lever may be arranged to be able to be located in an upper portion of the cassette when the cassette is received in the cavity (in the supply delivery outlet guide cavity). The grip portion may be fixed relative to the article transport mechanism and/or the reservoir housing (or reservoir). The grip may protrude from the mechanism or reservoir housing. The gripping portion may protrude upwardly (e.g., upwardly from the mechanism or reservoir housing) when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The lever and the grip may extend in substantially the same direction. Thus, both the lever and the grip may extend in an upward direction (when the cartridge is received in the cavity).

The length of the grip (i.e. the extent to which the grip protrudes) may be such that it does not extend beyond the outer periphery of the reservoir housing. The length of the grip (i.e., the extent to which the grip protrudes) may be such that the grip does not extend from the cavity when the cartridge is received in the cavity.

The lever and the grip may be in opposing and spaced apart relation to one another. The lever and the grip may be spaced apart from each other in a direction extending from the first end of the dispenser to the second end of the dispenser when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The lever may be closer to the first end of the dispenser than the grip.

The lever may protrude at an angle relative to the grip (i.e., may not be parallel to the grip). The angle defined between the protruding direction of the grip portion and the protruding direction of the lever may be an acute angle.

The lever and/or grip may extend in a direction different to the direction in which the article delivery outlet discharges the washing article in use. The lever and/or grip may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular (or between 60 and 120 degrees for example) to the direction in which the article delivery outlet discharges the washing article in use.

The lever may be movable (e.g., pivotable) toward and away from the grip. Movement of the lever towards the grip portion may actuate the pump (to dispense a dose of washing product). The lever may comprise a first (e.g. planar) gripping surface. The grip portion may comprise a second (e.g. planar) gripping surface. The first and second gripping surfaces may face away from each other (i.e., in substantially opposite directions). Thus, the first and second gripping surfaces may be arranged to be capable of being squeezed together by a user (e.g. between the thumb and fingers of the user) in use to actuate the pump. One or both of the first and second gripping surfaces may be planar.

This arrangement may be particularly advantageous when the dispenser is in the form of a dispensing drawer. Providing a grip ensures that the drawer can be held in the extended position while the lever is moved. It will be appreciated that pushing the lever without the grip results in the drawer moving toward the retracted position (e.g., via transfer of force from the cassette to the drawer).

The cartridge (e.g., reservoir housing) may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the cavity of the dispenser. That is, when the cartridge is received therein, the cartridge (e.g., reservoir housing) may fit tightly within the cavity of the dispenser. For example, when the cassette is received in the cavity, the cassette may fill more than 50%, or more than 70%, or more than 80% of the volume of the cavity. The cassette may be configured to fit entirely within the cavity (i.e., so as to allow the dispenser to be retracted while the cassette remains therein).

The reservoir housing may include a proximal end at which the product delivery mechanism is located and an opposite (closed) distal end. When the cartridge is received in the cavity, the proximal end may be disposed toward the first end of the dispenser and the distal end may be disposed toward the second end of the dispenser. The proximal end may include an opening that may be sealed by the product delivery mechanism. The distal end may include a distal wall.

The reservoir housing may comprise an upper wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end in use. The upper wall may be disposed at (or near) the upper opening of the cavity when the cassette is received in the cavity.

The reservoir housing may comprise a lower wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end in use. The lower wall may be opposite the upper wall. The lower wall may be disposed at (or near) the base portion of the dispenser when the cassette is received in the cavity. The lower wall may partially define the product flow path.

It will be appreciated that the upper and lower walls may be integrally formed (i.e. they may form portions of a single wall defining the reservoir housing).

The lower wall may be inclined relative to the upper wall (in the direction extending between the distal and proximal ends). That is, the lower wall may be arranged obliquely with respect to the upper wall. Thus, when the cartridge is received in the cavity, the upper wall may be substantially horizontal, while the lower wall may be inclined with respect to the horizontal (in the direction extending between the distal and proximal ends). In particular, the lower wall may extend in a descending manner from the proximal end to the distal end of the reservoir housing. The inclined surface of the lower wall may extend over a substantial portion of the length of the reservoir housing (taken along an axis between the proximal and distal ends). For example, the inclined surface may extend over more than 50% or more than 80% of the length of the reservoir housing. The inclined surface may extend over substantially the entire length of the reservoir housing. The inclined surface may be substantially parallel to the inclined surface of the base portion of the dispenser (when the cartridge is received in the cavity).

The junction between the lower wall and the distal wall may define a slot (i.e. at the lower distal region of the reservoir) for receiving a washing product. The groove may define a low point of the reservoir.

At least a portion of the inner surface of the distal wall may be arranged to be able to descend in a direction towards the proximal end of the reservoir housing (i.e. when the cartridge is received in the cavity). The inner surface of the distal wall may comprise a first portion substantially perpendicular to the upper and/or lower wall and a second portion (i.e. an inclined portion) arranged to be able to descend from the first portion to the lower wall. Thus, the inclined (second) portion may engage with the lower wall to define the slot.

The cartridge may include a dip tube that may extend from the supply delivery mechanism into the reservoir. The dip tube may include a dip tube inlet fluidly connected (via a pump) to the product delivery outlet. The inlet of the dip tube may be provided in an area of the reservoir near the low point of the reservoir when the cartridge is received in the cavity. The inlet of the dip tube may be proximate the lower distal end of the reservoir (i.e., distal to the product delivery mechanism).

The washing article may be a liquid. The washing article may comprise a detergent. The washing article may comprise a softening agent (i.e. a fabric softener). The washing article may comprise a disinfectant.

The washing article may comprise anionic and/or non-anionic surfactants. The laundry articles may comprise a polymer system comprising one or more particulate soil removal polymers, anti-redeposition polymers and/or soil release polymers. The washing article may comprise water. The washing article may comprise fatty acids and/or soaps. The washing article may comprise a lubricant, a free perfume and/or an encapsulated perfume.

The washing product may be a concentrated (e.g. high concentration) detergent. The total water content of the washing article may be less than 40 wt%, or less than 30 wt%, or less than 20 wt%, or less than 15 wt%.

The reservoir may contain a washing article.

In a second aspect, there is provided a detergent box for removable receipt in a detergent dispenser drawer of a washing machine, the box comprising:

a reservoir for storing a washing article;

an article transport mechanism comprising:

a supply delivery outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a pump actuatable to expel the washing product in the reservoir from the product delivery outlet; and

a lever operatively connected to the pump;

a grip in opposed and spaced apart relation to the lever, the lever being movable towards the grip to actuate the pump;

Wherein both the grip and the lever are arranged to be able to be located on an upper portion of the cassette when the cassette is received in the cavity of the washing product dispenser and the product delivery outlet is directed into the cavity.

Providing both a lever and a grip in the upper portion of the cassette may facilitate actuation of the pump when the cassette is received in the dispenser drawer (when the cassette is received in the drawer). The upper position of these components means that the user can access the cartridges when they are received in the dispenser drawer.

The grip provides leverage when the lever is moved. That is, the grip ensures that the dispenser drawer can be held in the extended position while the lever is moved. Typically, the dispenser drawer of a washer is not locked in the extended position (so that it can freely move back to the retracted/withdrawn position). Thus, without providing a grip, applying a force to the lever may result in drawer movement rather than lever movement (i.e., through transfer of force from the cartridge to the drawer).

As already discussed above, the term "upper" (or the term "lower") as used herein should be understood in the context of a cartridge as it would be oriented when received in a cavity of a washing article dispenser. The term "upward" (or "downward") as used herein should be understood in a similar manner. For the avoidance of doubt, these terms are not intended to require a strict vertical orientation.

Optional features of the second aspect will now be described. These optional features may be applied alone or in any combination with any aspect.

When the cartridge is received in the cavity of the washing product dispenser and the product delivery outlet is directed into the cavity, both the grip and the lever may be arranged to be able to extend upwardly. By extending upwardly, the user can more easily grasp the grip and lever when the cassette is received in the cavity.

The cartridge may include a first end and an opposite end (second end), the supply delivery mechanism being located at the first end and the reservoir being located towards the opposite end (second end). The elongate axis of the cartridge may extend between the first end and the second end (i.e. the cartridge is elongate in the direction of the axis). The supply delivery outlet may be provided at an end portion or a lower portion of the cassette.

The cassette of the second aspect may be as described above in relation to the first aspect. That is, the cassette of the second aspect may further comprise one or more of the optional features described above with respect to the first aspect.

In a third aspect, there is provided a dispenser for a cleaning machine, the dispenser comprising:

a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing a washing article;

a dispenser outlet for dispensing the laundry supplied from the cartridge into a drum of the washing machine;

A base portion defining a bottom of the cavity;

at least one spacer for spacing the case of the washing article from the base portion when the case of the washing article is received in the cavity.

Providing the spacer allows the dispenser to define an article flow path when the cassette is received in the cavity. This ensures that the washing product supplied from the cartridge can flow to the outlet (and be dispensed into the drum of the washing machine to which the dispenser can be mounted) when the cartridge is received in the cavity.

Optional features of the third aspect will now be set out. These optional features may be applied alone or in any combination with any aspect.

The dispenser may be mounted to a cleaning machine. For example, the dispenser may include a mounting portion configured for mounting to a cleaning machine.

The dispenser of the third aspect may be as described above in relation to the first aspect. That is, the dispenser of the third aspect may further comprise one or more of the optional features described above in relation to the first aspect. For example, the dispenser may be a drawer dispenser (movable between an extended position and a retracted position). Further, the at least one spacer may be as described above (e.g., may be a projection extending upwardly from the base portion).

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a cleaning machine comprising a dispenser according to the third aspect.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a washing machine comprising the washing system according to the first aspect.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of dispensing a dose of detergent into a drum of a washing machine, the method comprising:

providing a washing system according to the first aspect;

actuating the article delivery mechanism when the cartridge is received in the cavity to supply a dose of the washing article into the cavity;

water is discharged into the cavity to dispense the washing product from the cavity into the drum of the washing machine.

Optional features of the seventh aspect will now be described. These optional features may be applied alone or in any combination with any aspect.

The water may be discharged from one or more fluid inlets disposed above the cavity. The water may be discharged as part of the washing cycle of the washing machine.

The method may further comprise extending the dispenser from the washer before actuating the supply delivery mechanism. The method may further comprise retracting the dispenser after actuating the supply delivery mechanism.

Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a washer including a washing system;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the washer of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional view of the washing system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the washing system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a cartridge of the washing system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the supply delivery mechanism of the cartridge of FIG. 3; and

fig. 5 is a side view of the reservoir housing of the cartridge of fig. 3.

Detailed Description

Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size of elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Furthermore, the relative dimensions of the elements shown in the figures do not necessarily represent the actual relative thicknesses of the elements in all embodiments.

Fig. 1A and 1B depict a washing system 100 that forms part of a washer 101. The washing system 100 includes a dispenser 102 in the form of a dispenser drawer and a cartridge 103 housed in a cavity 104 (or compartment) of the dispenser 102. The dispenser 102 is movable between a retracted position (shown in fig. 1B) in which the dispenser 102 is retracted inside the washer 101, and an extended position (shown in fig. 1B) in which the dispenser 102 extends from the washer 101. As is evident from fig. 1B, when in the extended position, the upper opening 105 of the cavity 104 is exposed such that the cavity 104 is accessible for inserting the cartridge 103 therein or removing the cartridge 103 therefrom.

The washing system 100 is shown in more detail in fig. 2A and 2B. The cartridge 103 includes a reservoir 106 for storing a washing product (e.g., detergent, softener, or disinfectant), and a product delivery mechanism 107, the product delivery mechanism 107 including a product delivery outlet 108 in fluid communication with the reservoir 106. When received in the cavity 104, the article transport mechanism 107 is actuatable to supply a dose of the washing article from the reservoir 106 to the cavity 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 104 in which the cartridge 103 is received is the main wash compartment of the dispenser 102. The dispenser 102 comprises two further cavities 109, 110 in the form of a (fabric) softener compartment 109 and a pre-wash compartment 110. As can be appreciated, these cavities may also be configured to be able to receive cartridges similar to those received in the primary cleaning cavity 104. For brevity, only the primary cleaning cavity 104 is discussed further below.

The dispenser 102 includes a first opposing end 111 and a second opposing end 112. An end wall 113 is provided at the first end 111 of the dispenser 102, and an outlet 114 of the dispenser 102 is defined by an opening to the cavity 104 at the second end 112. Opposing and spaced apart parallel side walls 115 extend from the end wall 113 to the second end 112. The side walls 115 and end walls 113 extend substantially vertically in normal use (i.e., when installed in the washer 101).

The base portion 116 of the dispenser 102 extends between the lower edges of the side wall 115 and the end wall 113 (to connect the lower edges of the side wall 115 and the end wall 113). The base portion 116 extends in a descending manner from the first end 111 of the dispenser 102 (where the base portion 116 engages the end wall 113) to the second end 112, and a curved transition is provided at the junction between the end wall 113 and the base portion 116. This facilitates the flow of the washing product to the outlet 114 of the dispenser 102, as will be described later.

The cavity 104 of the dispenser 102 is defined between the end wall 113, the side wall 115 and the base portion 116. The upper opening 105 of the cavity 104 is defined by the upper edges of the side walls 115 and end walls 113, and similarly the dispenser outlet 114 is defined by the horizontal edges of the base portion 116 and the vertical edges of the side walls 115. The base portion 116, end wall 113 and side wall 115 are integrally formed to form a unitary structure.

The dispenser 102 further includes a first spacer 117 and a second spacer 118 for spacing the cartridge 103 from the dispenser 102. In particular, the spacers 117, 118 space the cartridge 103 from the base portion 116 of the dispenser 102. The spacers 117, 118 are spaced apart in a direction extending from the first end 111 of the dispenser 102 toward the second end 112 of the dispenser, and each spacer 117, 118 is in the form of a projection projecting upwardly from the base portion 116. Thus, when the cartridge 103 is received in the cavity 104, it is supported on the distal upper ends of the spacers 117, 118.

By spacing the (entire) cartridge 103 from the base portion 116, the spacers 117, 118 form a gap between the outer surface of the cartridge 103 and the base portion 116. The gap defines an article flow path (depicted by dashed arrows) extending from the article delivery outlet 108 to the dispenser outlet 114. In use, washing supplies supplied from the supply delivery outlet 108 may flow along a supply flow path to the dispenser outlet 114 (for dispensing into the drum of the washing machine 101).

In addition to providing the article flow path, spacing the cassette 103 from the base portion 116 avoids (or at least reduces the likelihood of) the articles being in contact with the outer surface of the cassette 103. This ensures that the outer surface of the box 103 does not contact the washing product (which would otherwise result in unwanted accumulation of washing product on the box 103).

To facilitate the flow of the washing product along the product flow path, the washing system 100 includes five fluid inlets 119 that drain water into the cavity 104 during a washing cycle to flush the washing product out of the cavity 104 (into the drum of the washing machine 101). The fluid inlet 119 is mounted in a portion of the washer 101 disposed above the first end 111 of the dispenser 102 and is oriented downward so as to direct water through the upper opening 105 of the cavity 104. As is apparent in particular from fig. 2B, no fluid inlet is provided near the central region of the dispenser or at the second end of the dispenser 102.

In fig. 3, the cartridge 103 is shown removed from the dispenser 102. As described above, the cartridge 103 includes the supply conveyance mechanism 107. The supply conveyor 107 is shown in isolation in fig. 4. As described above, the cartridge 103 includes the reservoir 106. The reservoir 106 is defined within a reservoir housing 120 (e.g., formed of plastic), which is shown separately in fig. 5. These components of the washing system 100 will now be described in more detail.

In addition to the product delivery outlet 108, the product delivery mechanism 107 includes a pump 121, a mechanism housing 122, a lever 123, a grip 124, and a dip tube 125. Lever 123 is pivotally mounted to pump 121 and can pivot toward grip 124 to actuate pump 121 (i.e., cause the pump to supply a dose of wash product from reservoir 10 to cavity 104 via product delivery outlet 108).

Pump 121 is configured to provide a metered (i.e., fixed volume) dose of the washing product to dispenser 102 when actuated by lever 123. The pump includes a chamber 126 in which chamber 126 the washing product is received from the reservoir 106 via a dip tube 125. A one-way inlet valve 141 is provided upstream of the chamber 126 (adjacent the dip tube 125) and a one-way outlet valve 142 is provided downstream of the chamber 126. Piston 143 is received in the chamber and is movable along the chamber by lever 123.

When lever 123 is pivoted toward grip 124 (to place pump 121 in the activated position), wash product held within chamber 126 is discharged from chamber 126 via product delivery outlet 108. This is caused by the movement of the piston 143 within the chamber 126 to move the items past the outlet valve 142 (the inlet valve 141 prevents the items from flowing back into the reservoir 106). In this manner, a fixed volume dose of the washing product may be supplied to the dispenser 102.

On the other hand, pivoting of lever 123 away from grip 124 (to place pump 121 in a stopped position) causes the wash product to be drawn into chamber 126 (past one-way inlet valve 141). In particular, pivoting lever 123 in this manner moves piston 143 toward product delivery outlet 108 to create a pressure drop in chamber 126 that draws the wash product into chamber 126.

To facilitate this operation, the supply delivery mechanism 107 includes an airflow path for air to flow into the chamber 126. These air flow paths are formed via the first holes 144 and the second holes 145. First and second apertures 144, 145 are formed in the wall of chamber 126 and fluidly connect reservoir 106 to ambient air. When piston 143 is moved toward reservoir 106 by lever 123, apertures 144, 145 are opened and allow air to flow into reservoir 106 (i.e., to equalize the air pressure in the reservoir).

The article transport mechanism 107 further includes a drain hole 146 formed in the mechanism housing 122 for draining any washing articles leaking from the holes 144, 145. As is apparent from fig. 2A, in use, the drain hole 146 is provided in a lower portion of the mechanism housing 122 and is oriented in a downward direction to direct leaking laundry into the dispenser 102.

Pump 121 includes a compression spring 127, with compression spring 127 biasing pump 121 to a stopped position (and thus also biasing lever 123 away from grip 124).

Both lever 123 and grip 124 are provided on the upper portion of cartridge 103 (when the cartridge is received in cavity 104). Lever 123 and grip 124 extend in substantially the same direction from article transport mechanism 107. Thus, when the cartridge 103 is located in the cavity 104, both the lever 123 and the grip 124 extend in an upward direction (toward the upper opening 105 of the cavity 104). This ensures that when cartridge 103 is located in cavity 104 (i.e., and when dispenser 102 is in the extended position), lever 123 and grip 124 are accessible to a user for actuation.

Both lever 123 and grip 124 extend generally perpendicular to the direction in which the washing product is discharged from product delivery outlet 108. In use, grip 124 extends generally vertically, and lever 123 forms an acute angle with grip 124.

Lever 123 includes a first planar gripping surface 137 and grip 124 includes a second planar gripping surface 138. These gripping surfaces 137, 138 are outwardly facing surfaces of lever 123 and grip 124 such that they face in opposite directions (i.e., away from each other). To actuate pump 121, a user may squeeze gripping surfaces 137, 138 together (e.g., using a finger and thumb) to facilitate movement of lever 123 toward grip 124. Providing grip 124 ensures that dispenser 102 remains in the extended position when lever 123 is pivoted (i.e., without grip 124, the force on lever 123 would be used to move dispenser 102 to the retracted position, rather than lever 123 itself).

As is apparent from fig. 4 and 5, the mechanism housing 122 is detachably engaged with the reservoir housing 120 to seal the opening 128 of the reservoir housing 120 when the reservoir housing 120 is engaged with the mechanism housing 122. The opening 128 is disposed at a proximal end 129 of the reservoir housing 120, the proximal end 129 being opposite a distal end 130 defined by a distal wall 131 of the reservoir housing 120. Reservoir housing 120 further includes upper wall 132 and lower wall 133, upper wall 132 and lower wall 133 being integrally formed with one another (i.e., forming a single circumferential wall) and extending from proximal end 129 to distal end 130. As can be seen particularly well from fig. 2A, when the cartridge 103 is received in the cavity 104, the upper wall 132 is disposed at the upper opening 105 of the cavity 104 and the lower wall rests on the spacers 117, 118 (i.e., adjacent the base portion 116 of the dispenser 102).

As is also apparent from fig. 2A, the lower wall 133 is inclined (in a direction from the proximal end 129 to the distal end 130) relative to the upper wall 133. In this way, when the cartridge 103 is received in the cavity 104, the upper wall 132 is aligned substantially horizontally and the inclined surface of the lower wall 133 corresponds to the inclined surface of the base portion 116 of the dispenser 102. Generally, the reservoir housing 120 is shaped such that it fits snugly within the cavity 104. This maximizes the volume of the washing product that can be stored in the reservoir 106.

The distal wall 131 of the reservoir housing 120 includes a first portion 134 and a second portion 135. The first portion 134 is substantially perpendicular to the upper wall 132 and thus the first portion 134 extends vertically when the cassette 103 is received in the cavity 104. The second portion 135 is inclined (i.e., arranged obliquely) with respect to the first portion 134 (and with respect to the upper and lower walls 132, 133). In particular, the second portion 135 is arranged to descend from the first portion 134 to the lower wall 133 (when the cartridge 103 is within the cavity 104). In this manner, the junction between the second portion 135 and the lower wall 133 defines an article-collecting channel at the low point of the reservoir 106. As shown in fig. 2A, an inlet 136 of the dip tube 125 is provided at the product collection sump to ensure that substantially all of the washing product stored in the reservoir 106 can be supplied to the dispenser 102 via the product delivery mechanism 107.

The reservoir housing 120 also includes a circumferential groove 139 (which extends completely around the outer circumference of the reservoir housing 120). The recess 139 defines a retaining portion that forms part of a retaining means of the washing system 100, which will now be described.

In addition to the recess 139, the holding device further comprises a first spacer 117, the distal portion of the first spacer 117 defining an arcuate seat 140, the arcuate seat 140 being received in the recess 139 when the cartridge 103 is received in the cavity 104. The engagement of the seat 140 within the recess 139 constrains the movement of the cartridge 103 relative to the dispenser 102. In particular, movement along an axis extending between the first end 111 and the second end 112 of the dispenser 102 is constrained.

Thus, in use, a user may open the dispenser 102 (i.e., move it to the extended position) to expose the cavity 104, and may insert the cartridge 103 into the cavity 104 through the upper opening 105 such that an article flow path is defined between the cartridge 103 and the base portion 116. The user may then squeeze lever 123 toward grip 124 to actuate pump 121 to facilitate the supply of the washing product from reservoir 106 to cavity 104. The user may then close the dispenser 102 (i.e., move it to the retracted position) while the cartridge 103 remains in the cavity 104.

Subsequently, the user may control the washer 101 to begin the wash cycle. During a washing cycle, water is injected into the cavity 104 via the fluid inlet 119 to rinse the washing articles from the cavity 104 into the drum of the washing machine 101.

This process may be repeated (without replacing the cartridge 103) until all of the washing supplies in the reservoir 106 are exhausted. Alternatively, the user may replace the cartridge 103 with another cartridge containing a different washing article.

Claims

1. A cartridge (103) for removable receipt in a cavity (104) of a washing product dispenser (102) of a washing system (100), the cartridge (103) comprising:

a reservoir (106), the reservoir (106) for storing a washing article;

an article conveying mechanism (107), the article conveying mechanism (107) comprising:

-a supply delivery outlet (108), the supply delivery outlet (108) being in fluid communication with the reservoir (106);

a pump (121), the pump (121) being actuatable to expel wash ware from the ware delivery outlet (108) in the reservoir (106); and

a lever (123), the lever (123) being operatively connected to the pump (121);

a grip in opposing and spaced relation to the lever (123), the lever (123) being movable towards the grip (124) to actuate the pump (121);

Wherein both the grip portion (124) and the lever (123) are arranged such that when the cartridge (103) is received in a cavity (104) of a washing product dispenser (102) and the product delivery outlet (108) is directed into the cavity (104), the grip portion (124) and the lever (123) are located on an upper portion of the cartridge (103).

2. The cartridge (103) of claim 1, wherein both the lever (123) and the grip (124) are arranged to be extendable in an upward direction when the cartridge (103) is received in a cavity (104) of a washing product dispenser (102) and the product delivery outlet (108) is directed into the cavity (104).

3. The cartridge (103) of claim 1 or 2, the cartridge (103) comprising a reservoir housing (120) defining the reservoir (106), the reservoir housing (120) comprising:

a proximal end (129), the product delivery mechanism (107) being located at the proximal end (129);

-a distal end (130), said distal end (130) being opposite to said proximal end (129);

an upper wall (132), the upper wall (132) extending from the proximal end (129) to the distal end (130); and

-a lower wall (133), said lower wall (133) extending from said proximal end (129) to said distal end (130).

4. A cartridge (103) according to claim 3, wherein the lower wall (133) is inclined with respect to the upper wall (132) in a direction extending between the distal end (130) and the proximal end (129).

5. The cartridge (103) of claim 3 or 4, wherein the cartridge (103) comprises a distal wall (131) at the distal end (130), the distal wall (131) comprising a first portion (134) and a second portion (135), the first portion (134) being substantially perpendicular to the upper wall (132) and/or the lower wall (133), and the second portion (135) being arranged to descend from the first portion (134) to the lower wall (133).

6. The cartridge (103) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (103) comprises a groove (139), the groove (139) extending at least partially around the periphery of the cartridge (103).

7. A washing system (100), the washing system (100) comprising:

a washing product dispenser (102), the washing product dispenser (102) being mountable to a washing machine and comprising a cavity (104) and a dispenser outlet (114), the cavity (104) for receiving washing products, the dispenser outlet (114) for dispensing the washing products into a drum of the washing machine, and

The cartridge (103) of any of claims 1 to 6, the cartridge (103) being removably receivable in the cavity (104) of the dispenser (102), the cartridge (103) comprising a reservoir (106) for storing a washing product and a product delivery mechanism (107), the product delivery mechanism (107) comprising a product delivery outlet (108) in fluid communication with the reservoir (106), the product delivery mechanism (107) being actuatable when received in the cavity (104) to supply a dose of washing product from the reservoir (106) into the cavity (104) of the dispenser (102) via the product delivery outlet (108).

8. The washing system (100) according to claim 7, wherein, when the cartridge (103) is received in the cavity (104) of the dispenser (102), an article flow path is defined between the cartridge (103) and the dispenser (102) for a flow of washing articles from the article delivery outlet (108) to the dispenser outlet (114).

9. The washing system (100) according to claim 8, the washing system (100) comprising at least one spacer for spacing the cartridge (103) from the dispenser (102) to define an article flow path between the cartridge (103) and the dispenser (102).

10. The washing system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, the washing system (100) comprising a retaining device configured to constrain movement of the cartridge (103) relative to the dispenser (102) along an elongate axis of the cavity (104) when the cartridge (103) is received in the cavity (104); preferably, the retaining means comprises a groove (139) and a projection (140), the groove (139) extending at least partially around the periphery of the cartridge (103), the projection (140) projecting from the inner surface of the dispenser (102) into the cavity (104), the projection (140) being engageable in the groove to constrain movement of the cartridge (103) relative to the dispenser (102).

11. The washing system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the dispenser (102) comprises a first opposite end (111) and a second opposite end (112), and wherein the system (100) comprises only a fluid inlet (119) above the first end (111) of the dispenser (102), the fluid inlet (119) for discharging fluid into the cavity (104).

12. A dispenser (102) for a cleaning machine (101), the dispenser (102) comprising:

A cavity (104), the cavity (104) for receiving a cartridge (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 containing a washing article;

a dispenser outlet (114), the dispenser outlet (114) for dispensing the washing product supplied from the cartridge (103) into a drum of a washing machine (101);

-a base portion (116), the base portion (116) defining a bottom of the cavity (104);

at least one spacer for spacing the case of a washing article from the base portion (116) when the case of a washing article is received in the cavity (104).

13. A cleaning machine (101), the cleaning machine (101) comprising a dispenser (102) according to claim 12.

14. A washing machine (101), the washing machine (101) comprising a washing system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

15. A method of dispensing a dose of a washing product into a drum of a washing machine (101), the method comprising:

providing a washing system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11;

actuating the article delivery mechanism (107) to supply a dose of washing articles into the cavity (104) when the cartridge (103) is received in the cavity (104);

Water is discharged into the cavity (104) to dispense the washing product from the cavity (104) into a drum of the washing machine (101).