EP0864684A1 - System, method and control device for dosing detergent - Google Patents

System, method and control device for dosing detergent Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0864684A1
EP0864684A1 EP98200506A EP98200506A EP0864684A1 EP 0864684 A1 EP0864684 A1 EP 0864684A1 EP 98200506 A EP98200506 A EP 98200506A EP 98200506 A EP98200506 A EP 98200506A EP 0864684 A1 EP0864684 A1 EP 0864684A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mixing chamber
detergent
washing device
washing
supply
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP98200506A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0864684B1 (en
Inventor
Willi G. Seitz
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.)
Diversey IP International BV
Original Assignee
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=8228086&utm_source=***_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0864684(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Unilever PLC, Unilever NV filed Critical Unilever PLC
Priority to EP98200506A priority Critical patent/EP0864684B1/en
Publication of EP0864684A1 publication Critical patent/EP0864684A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0864684B1 publication Critical patent/EP0864684B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42Details
    • A47L15/44Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/37Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of metering of detergents or additives
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/20Washing liquid condition, e.g. turbidity
    • D06F2103/22Content of detergent or additives

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and a method for dosing detergent to a washing device.
  • the invention relates to a detergent dosing system, comprising a mixing chamber for mixing the detergent with a solvent.
  • dosing apparatus such as worm or screw elements of which the amount of powder dosed per unit time is known.
  • worm element By driving such a worm element for a predetermined time period, a certain amount of washing powder can be added to the liquid flowing into a washing machine.
  • detergent dosing systems which include a mixing chamber for mixing detergent and water and thus preparing an aqueous solution or dispersion of the detergent.
  • US-A-3,570,717 discloses a system for automatically preparing an aqueous dispersion of difficult-to-solubilize, solid detergent material and delivering the dispersion to one or more washing machines.
  • Said system comprises means for separately delivering water and detergent to a mixing tank until the weight of this tank reaches a predetermined value. When this value is reached, the feed of the detergent is automatically shut-off.
  • the system according to this document further comprises means for transfering the detergent-water mix from the mixing tank to a storage vessel, until the liquid level in the mixing tank falls below a predetermined level, whereby valves are automatically re-opened for effecting the introduction of water and detergent once again into the mixing tank.
  • US-A-3,570,717 describes a system wherein only the weight of the detergent dispersion in the mixing tank is measured, there being no actual feedback of the amount of detergent fed into the one or more washing machines. As a consequence, it cannot be ensured that the correct amount of detergent is supplied to the washing machines.
  • the present invention provides a system for dosing detergent to a washing process, comprising:
  • the invention provides a method for dosing a detergent to a washing process, wherein a system according to the invention is applied.
  • the invention relates to a control device suitable for a system of the present invention.
  • the concentration of detergent in the mixing chamber is accurately determined whereby it is ensured that the correct amount of detergent is supplied to the washing device.
  • the system is preferably provided with a number of sensors for controlling the supply and the drainage of water and water with dissolved detergent respectively, in order to supply water and detergent when a low level is present and in order to set the desired concentration in the mixing chamber following a high level.
  • the difference in level of the low level sensor and the high level sensor preferably has a value of about 10-25% of the overall content of the mixing chamber.
  • the dose controlling unit according to the invention is connected to the washing device, which controls a pump and is preferably connected to a flow meter for measuring the amount of fluid wherein detergent is dissolved.
  • the present invention furthermore provides a method and a control device.
  • a preferred embodiment of a system 1 according to the present invention comprises a washing machine 2, a supply holder for washing powder 3 and a mixing chamber 4 for washing powder and water which is connected by a conduit 5 to the washing machine 2.
  • a dosing element such as a worm 6 for washing powder, is driven by a motor 7, which is electrically connected to a control circuit 8. Furthermore a level switch 9 is connected to the control circuit 8 for measuring the level of the washing powder in the holder 3.
  • a water supply conduit 10 is connected to the mixing chamber 4 wherein a closure valve 11 as well a control valve 12 are arranged, which control valve 12 can be regulated either manually or via the control circuit 8.
  • a stirrer 13 is connected to the control circuit 8 for stirring the water with washing powder in the mixing chamber 4.
  • a concentration meter for example a conduction meter 14, which is also connected to the control circuit 8, is for example arranged in the mixing chamber 4.
  • a low level sensor 15, a high level sensor 16, and an overflow sensor 17 are furthermore connected to the control circuit 8.
  • a pump 20 is arranged in the conduit 5 of the washing device 2 in the present preferred embodiment, as well as a flow meter 21, which are both connected to a dose control circuit 22 which is connected to the control circuit 8 and the washing machine 2.
  • the closure valve 11 for example a magnetic valve
  • motor 7 is activated and washing powder is supplied to the mixing chamber 4.
  • the water supply should be large enough to avoid an overconcentration of detergent in the solution, i.e. that more water should flow per unit time than the proportional amount of detergent soluble in this amount of water. This sufficiently large water supply is achieved by the correct adjustment of the control valve 12.
  • the stirrer can be switched off.
  • the sensor 17 signals a too high water level in the mixing chamber 4 by means of an alarm, for example, associated with the control circuit 8.
  • water and subsequently detergent are again supplied thereto in the manner described above, as long as the low level sensor 15 signals that the water level has dropped below this low level.
  • the concentration in the mixing chamber 4 is sufficiently constant, the levels as determined by the sensors 15 and 17 are close enough to each other that the water or solution volume in the mixing chamber between these levels roughly corresponds with 10-25% of the total volume of the mixing chamber, i.e. filled to the level of the high level sensor 16.
  • a dosing control circuit is associated with the washing device.
  • a motor for pump 20 as well as an outlet for the flow meter 21 is connected to the dose control circuit 22.
  • the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2 of the dose control device 22 works as follows, referring to Figs. 3A-3E.
  • the voltage V as dosing signal in the washing device 2 starts a pulse train with a frequency f in the transformer 31 (see Fig. 3B).
  • a pulse multiplier 32 is connected to the transformer 31 which multiplies the amount of pulses by a factor of 2 for example.
  • a memory element 33 is connected to the multiplier 32, whereby an output of the memory element 33 is connected to a first output of a comparator 34.
  • the flow meter 21 is furthermore connected via a calibration unit 35 to a second memory element 36.
  • the calibration unit 35 attunes the pulses from the units 31-33 to those of the flow meter 21.
  • the pump 20 is switched off since the desired amount of detergent for the washing process has been reached (see fig. 3C-3E).
  • the magnitude of voltage V can be dependent on the required dosage of detergent, e.g. the level of cleaning required for e.g. textile.
  • the pulse multiplier is included in the circuit to make dosing of the solution of detergent in water less time critical, so that even if the pump doses less detergent per time unit than expected, such dosing will be executed sufficiently in the available time period.
  • the dosing control unit 22 By means of the dosing control unit 22, it can be determined whether the pump 20 realizes an insufficient fluid flow per time unit whereby it can be determined that the pump 20 is in need of maintenance.
  • the present invention is not limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof; the requested rights are in first instance determined by the following claims.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Accessories For Mixers (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for dosing detergent to a washing process comprising:
  • a washing device (2) wherein the washing process takes place;
  • a supply holder (3) for the detergent;
  • a mixing chamber (4) for mixing the detergent with a solvent in a predetermined concentration range;
  • measuring means (14) for measuring the concentration in the mixing chamber; and
  • control means for controlling the supply of at least a part of the content of the mixing chamber to the washing device,
    wherein the system is provided with a dose controlling unit (22) which is connected to the control means and to the washing device.

Description

Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a system and a method for dosing detergent to a washing device. In particular, the invention relates to a detergent dosing system, comprising a mixing chamber for mixing the detergent with a solvent.
Background of the invention
For dosing washing powder in washing machines, use is predominantly made of dosing apparatus, such as worm or screw elements of which the amount of powder dosed per unit time is known. By driving such a worm element for a predetermined time period, a certain amount of washing powder can be added to the liquid flowing into a washing machine.
It will be self-evident that this type of dosing is not very accurate. Moreover no feed-back takes place to indicate whether washing powder has actually been dosed and fed into the washing machine. The presence of washing powder in the supply holder is generally monitored, and a signal is given off when the supply holder is empty, but interferences, for example due to clumping etc. of the washing powder which can even lead to blockage of the dosing member, are in most practical circumstances only recognized when one or a number of washing processes have produced unsatisfactory results.
Furthermore the accuracy is insufficient since the amount of washing powder present in the supply holder influences the dosed amount per turn of the worm element.
Alternatively, detergent dosing systems are known, which include a mixing chamber for mixing detergent and water and thus preparing an aqueous solution or dispersion of the detergent.
For instance, US-A-3,570,717 discloses a system for automatically preparing an aqueous dispersion of difficult-to-solubilize, solid detergent material and delivering the dispersion to one or more washing machines. Said system comprises means for separately delivering water and detergent to a mixing tank until the weight of this tank reaches a predetermined value. When this value is reached, the feed of the detergent is automatically shut-off. The system according to this document further comprises means for transfering the detergent-water mix from the mixing tank to a storage vessel, until the liquid level in the mixing tank falls below a predetermined level, whereby valves are automatically re-opened for effecting the introduction of water and detergent once again into the mixing tank.
Accordingly, US-A-3,570,717 describes a system wherein only the weight of the detergent dispersion in the mixing tank is measured, there being no actual feedback of the amount of detergent fed into the one or more washing machines. As a consequence, it cannot be ensured that the correct amount of detergent is supplied to the washing machines.
It was surprisingly found that this disadvantage of the system according to US-A-3,570,717 could be overcome when applying the system of the present invention.
Definition of the invention
Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention provides a system for dosing detergent to a washing process, comprising:
  • a washing device wherein the washing process takes place;
  • a supply holder for detergent;
  • a mixing chamber for mixing the detergent with a solvent (preferably water) in a predeterment concentration range;
  • measuring means for measuring the concentration in the mixing chamber; and
  • control means for supplying at least a part of the content of the mixing chamber to the washing device, wherein the system is provided with a dose controlling unit which is connected to the control means and to the washing machine.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for dosing a detergent to a washing process, wherein a system according to the invention is applied.
In a third aspect, the invention relates to a control device suitable for a system of the present invention.
Detailed description of the invention
According to the present invention the concentration of detergent in the mixing chamber is accurately determined whereby it is ensured that the correct amount of detergent is supplied to the washing device.
The system is preferably provided with a number of sensors for controlling the supply and the drainage of water and water with dissolved detergent respectively, in order to supply water and detergent when a low level is present and in order to set the desired concentration in the mixing chamber following a high level. In order to obtain a consistent value, the difference in level of the low level sensor and the high level sensor preferably has a value of about 10-25% of the overall content of the mixing chamber.
The dose controlling unit according to the invention is connected to the washing device, which controls a pump and is preferably connected to a flow meter for measuring the amount of fluid wherein detergent is dissolved.
The present invention furthermore provides a method and a control device.
Further advantages, characteristics and details of the present invention will be clarified with respect to the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof with respect to the accompanying drawings in which is shown:
  • Figure 1 a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention;
  • Figure 2 a schematic block diagram of detail 22 from Figure 1; and
  • Figure 3A-3E respectively, graphs of the signals at the locations A-E from Figure 2.
  • A preferred embodiment of a system 1 according to the present invention comprises a washing machine 2, a supply holder for washing powder 3 and a mixing chamber 4 for washing powder and water which is connected by a conduit 5 to the washing machine 2.
    A dosing element, such as a worm 6 for washing powder, is driven by a motor 7, which is electrically connected to a control circuit 8. Furthermore a level switch 9 is connected to the control circuit 8 for measuring the level of the washing powder in the holder 3.
    Moreover a water supply conduit 10 is connected to the mixing chamber 4 wherein a closure valve 11 as well a control valve 12 are arranged, which control valve 12 can be regulated either manually or via the control circuit 8.
    Further a stirrer 13 is connected to the control circuit 8 for stirring the water with washing powder in the mixing chamber 4. A concentration meter, for example a conduction meter 14, which is also connected to the control circuit 8, is for example arranged in the mixing chamber 4.
    In the present preferred embodiment, a low level sensor 15, a high level sensor 16, and an overflow sensor 17 are furthermore connected to the control circuit 8. A pump 20 is arranged in the conduit 5 of the washing device 2 in the present preferred embodiment, as well as a flow meter 21, which are both connected to a dose control circuit 22 which is connected to the control circuit 8 and the washing machine 2.
    The working of the above described control system will be further clarified herebelow. When the level in the mixing chamber 4 is below the value determined by the low level sensor, for example due to the fact that the mixing chamber 4 is empty, the closure valve 11, for example a magnetic valve, is opened whereafter water flows into the mixing chamber 4 until the level as given by the high level sensor 16 is reached. When the amount of water exceeds the level determined by the low level sensor, motor 7 is activated and washing powder is supplied to the mixing chamber 4.
    This supply takes place until the concentration meter 14 determines that the concentration has reached the desired level.
    It will be noted that the water supply should be large enough to avoid an overconcentration of detergent in the solution, i.e. that more water should flow per unit time than the proportional amount of detergent soluble in this amount of water. This sufficiently large water supply is achieved by the correct adjustment of the control valve 12.
    As soon as the desired concentration is reached, the stirrer can be switched off.
    The sensor 17 signals a too high water level in the mixing chamber 4 by means of an alarm, for example, associated with the control circuit 8.
    If water together with solution is pumped out of the mixing chamber 4 by pump 20 after switching on of the dose control circuit 22, water and subsequently detergent, are again supplied thereto in the manner described above, as long as the low level sensor 15 signals that the water level has dropped below this low level.
    Since the concentration in the mixing chamber 4, is sufficiently constant, the levels as determined by the sensors 15 and 17 are close enough to each other that the water or solution volume in the mixing chamber between these levels roughly corresponds with 10-25% of the total volume of the mixing chamber, i.e. filled to the level of the high level sensor 16.
    In order to ensure that the desired amount of detergent is supplied to the washing machine 2, a dosing control circuit is associated with the washing device. A motor for pump 20 as well as an outlet for the flow meter 21 is connected to the dose control circuit 22.
    The preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2 of the dose control device 22 works as follows, referring to Figs. 3A-3E. The voltage V as dosing signal in the washing device 2 starts a pulse train with a frequency f in the transformer 31 (see Fig. 3B). A pulse multiplier 32 is connected to the transformer 31 which multiplies the amount of pulses by a factor of 2 for example. A memory element 33 is connected to the multiplier 32, whereby an output of the memory element 33 is connected to a first output of a comparator 34. The flow meter 21 is furthermore connected via a calibration unit 35 to a second memory element 36. The calibration unit 35 attunes the pulses from the units 31-33 to those of the flow meter 21. As soon as a comparison of the values stored in the memory element 33 and 36 show that the desired supply value of the solution has been reached, the pump 20 is switched off since the desired amount of detergent for the washing process has been reached (see fig. 3C-3E).
    The magnitude of voltage V can be dependent on the required dosage of detergent, e.g. the level of cleaning required for e.g. textile. The pulse multiplier is included in the circuit to make dosing of the solution of detergent in water less time critical, so that even if the pump doses less detergent per time unit than expected, such dosing will be executed sufficiently in the available time period.
    By means of the dosing control unit 22, it can be determined whether the pump 20 realizes an insufficient fluid flow per time unit whereby it can be determined that the pump 20 is in need of maintenance.
       The present invention is not limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof; the requested rights are in first instance determined by the following claims.

    Claims (12)

    1. System for dosing detergent to a washing process, comprising:
      a washing device (2) wherein the washing process takes place;
      a supply holder (3) for the detergent;
      a mixing chamber (4) for mixing the detergent with a solvent in a predetermined concentration range;
      measuring means (14) for measuring the concentration in the mixing chamber; and
      control means for controlling the supply of at least a part of the content of the mixing chamber to the washing device,
      wherein the system is provided with a dose controlling unit (22) which is connected to the control means (8) and to the washing device (2).
    2. System according to claim 1, wherein a control unit (8) forms part of the control means (8), which control unit is connected to a closure valve (11) for the supply of the solvent and to a motor (7) for driving a detergent supply element (6) from the supply holder (3).
    3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixing chamber (4) is provided with a low level sensor (15) for sensing a relatively low level of the content of the mixing chamber, which low level sensor is connected to the control unit (8).
    4. System according to claim 1, 2 or 3, provided with a high level sensor (16) for sensing a relatively high fluid level in the mixing chamber, which high level sensor is connected to the control unit (8).
    5. System according to any of the claims 1-4, provided with an overflow sensor (17) for sensing an excess level in the mixing chamber, which overflow sensor is connected to the control unit (8).
    6. Systems according to any of the claims 1-5, provided with an adjustable valve (12) in the supply conduit for the solvent, the flow opening of the valve being adjustable.
    7. System according to any of the claims 1-6, provided with a flow meter (21) in the conduit (5) between the mixing chamber (4) and the washing device (2).
    8. System according claim 7 , wherein the dose controlling unit (22) is connected to a pump (20) in the conduit (5) between the mixing chamber (4) and the washing device (2) and wherein a comparator (34) makes up part of the dose controlling unit (22) for comparing the amount of detergent set through the washing device with the amount of fluid measured by the flow meter (21).
    9. System according to any of the claims 1-8, wherein the dosing control unit (22) is suited for providing a signal if the pump working of the pump (20) in the conduit between the mixing chamber and the washing device is insufficient.
    10. Method for dosing a detergent to a washing process, wherein a system according to any of the claims 1-9 is applied.
    11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the detergent is powdery and the solvent is water.
    12. Control device suitable for a system according to any of the claims 1-9 and a method according to claims 10 of 11.
    EP98200506A 1997-03-07 1998-02-17 System, method and control device for dosing detergent Expired - Lifetime EP0864684B1 (en)

    Priority Applications (1)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    EP98200506A EP0864684B1 (en) 1997-03-07 1998-02-17 System, method and control device for dosing detergent

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    EP97200693 1997-03-07
    EP97200693 1997-03-07
    EP98200506A EP0864684B1 (en) 1997-03-07 1998-02-17 System, method and control device for dosing detergent

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0864684A1 true EP0864684A1 (en) 1998-09-16
    EP0864684B1 EP0864684B1 (en) 2001-12-12

    Family

    ID=8228086

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP98200506A Expired - Lifetime EP0864684B1 (en) 1997-03-07 1998-02-17 System, method and control device for dosing detergent

    Country Status (3)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP0864684B1 (en)
    DE (1) DE69802857T2 (en)
    ES (1) ES2169893T3 (en)

    Cited By (10)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US7390467B2 (en) 2003-05-02 2008-06-24 Ecolab Inc. Dispensing apparatus and method suitable for heterogeneous composition
    US7402291B2 (en) 2003-05-02 2008-07-22 Ecolab Inc. Dispensing apparatus and method suitable for heterogeneous composition
    US8266748B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2012-09-18 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling bulk dispensing of wash aid by sensing wash aid concentration
    EP2540902A1 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-01-02 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry washing machine
    US8388695B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2013-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling laundering cycle by sensing wash aid concentration
    US8397328B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2013-03-19 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling concentration of wash aid in wash liquid
    US9534336B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2017-01-03 Whirlpool Corporation Dispensing treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance
    WO2018099671A1 (en) * 2016-12-01 2018-06-07 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A dishwasher with improved detergent effectiveness
    CN111304881A (en) * 2020-03-02 2020-06-19 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Washing liquid box, washing machine and method for detecting liquid level of washing liquid and reducing viscosity
    JP2020108699A (en) * 2019-01-07 2020-07-16 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 Clothing treatment apparatus

    Families Citing this family (2)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE102007041643A1 (en) * 2007-09-03 2009-03-12 Lothar Ernst Wilhelm Weber Washing machine, particularly conventional household washing machine, particularly for use in commercial purposes, has multiple containers, where different active ingredients are arranged for mixing active ingredient combination
    DE102017111332B4 (en) 2017-03-20 2022-02-24 Schulz Gmbh Device and method for dosing disinfectants and/or cleaning agents

    Citations (2)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US3570717A (en) * 1969-01-08 1971-03-16 Stauffer Chemical Co System for fluent material dispensing with electrical controls
    US4285352A (en) * 1979-09-12 1981-08-25 Hobart Corporation Continuous duty chemically sanitizing batch rinse system

    Patent Citations (2)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US3570717A (en) * 1969-01-08 1971-03-16 Stauffer Chemical Co System for fluent material dispensing with electrical controls
    US4285352A (en) * 1979-09-12 1981-08-25 Hobart Corporation Continuous duty chemically sanitizing batch rinse system

    Cited By (22)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US7390467B2 (en) 2003-05-02 2008-06-24 Ecolab Inc. Dispensing apparatus and method suitable for heterogeneous composition
    US7402291B2 (en) 2003-05-02 2008-07-22 Ecolab Inc. Dispensing apparatus and method suitable for heterogeneous composition
    US10066331B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2018-09-04 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling laundering cycle by sensing wash aid concentration
    US8397328B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2013-03-19 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling concentration of wash aid in wash liquid
    US8266748B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2012-09-18 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling bulk dispensing of wash aid by sensing wash aid concentration
    US8388695B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2013-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for controlling laundering cycle by sensing wash aid concentration
    CN103764894A (en) * 2011-06-30 2014-04-30 伊莱克斯家用产品股份有限公司 Laundry washing machine
    EP2540902A1 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-01-02 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry washing machine
    US20140165663A1 (en) * 2011-06-30 2014-06-19 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry Washing Machine
    AU2012277902B2 (en) * 2011-06-30 2015-01-29 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry washing machine
    RU2594962C2 (en) * 2011-06-30 2016-08-20 Электролюкс Хоум Продактс Корпорейшн Н.В. Washing machine
    WO2013000914A1 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-01-03 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry washing machine
    US9637857B2 (en) 2011-06-30 2017-05-02 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Laundry washing machine
    US9890493B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2018-02-13 Whirlpool Corporation Dispensing treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance
    US9534336B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2017-01-03 Whirlpool Corporation Dispensing treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance
    US10385499B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2019-08-20 Whirlpool Corporation Dispensing treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance
    US10837135B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2020-11-17 Whirlpool Corporation Dispensing treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance
    US11560666B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2023-01-24 Whirlpool Corporation Dispensing treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance
    WO2018099671A1 (en) * 2016-12-01 2018-06-07 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A dishwasher with improved detergent effectiveness
    JP2020108699A (en) * 2019-01-07 2020-07-16 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 Clothing treatment apparatus
    CN111304881A (en) * 2020-03-02 2020-06-19 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Washing liquid box, washing machine and method for detecting liquid level of washing liquid and reducing viscosity
    CN111304881B (en) * 2020-03-02 2023-10-13 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Washing liquid box, washing machine, washing liquid level detection and viscosity reduction method

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    DE69802857T2 (en) 2002-06-13
    DE69802857D1 (en) 2002-01-24
    EP0864684B1 (en) 2001-12-12
    ES2169893T3 (en) 2002-07-16

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    EP0631115B1 (en) Loss-in-weight weighing with bulk density determination using level sensing
    EP0864684B1 (en) System, method and control device for dosing detergent
    US4436429A (en) Slurry production system
    US4397561A (en) Slurry production system
    US6786629B2 (en) Automated cement mixing system
    US4642222A (en) Polymer feed system
    US4436431A (en) Slurry production system
    EP1955760A2 (en) Machine for dosing and mixing liquid products and operating method thereof
    EA007679B1 (en) Blending system
    AU2020272448A1 (en) Calibration method for liquid flowmeter
    US4669230A (en) Wet blasting machine with automatic control system for slurry concentration
    CA1211816A (en) Apparatus for metering and feeding a solution
    US4398589A (en) Pumping and metering device for fluid metals using electromagnetic pump
    EP0118195B1 (en) Measurement and control of viscosity
    US20140269153A1 (en) Chemical solution mixing and dispensing apparatus
    CN103909579B (en) Mud mixing automatically controls operation device
    CN100528319C (en) Particulate flow control process
    US3224638A (en) Adjustable liquid metering device
    EP0837961B1 (en) Process and device for dosing detergent compositions
    GB2120563A (en) Automatic animal feeder
    JPS649143B2 (en)
    EP0216791B1 (en) Metered liquid delivery systems
    CN109203248A (en) A kind of starch wet process add-on system
    GB2260965A (en) Metering and dispensing system
    RU2133013C1 (en) Pneumatic metering device for powdery materials

    Legal Events

    Date Code Title Description
    PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

    Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE

    AX Request for extension of the european patent

    Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 19980730

    AKX Designation fees paid

    Free format text: CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE

    RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

    Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 20000331

    RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

    Owner name: UNILEVER PLC

    Owner name: UNILEVER N.V.

    GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

    GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

    GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

    GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

    GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

    GRAA (expected) grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: B1

    Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: EP

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: NV

    Representative=s name: E. BLUM & CO. PATENTANWAELTE

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: GB

    Ref legal event code: IF02

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 69802857

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 20020124

    ET Fr: translation filed
    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FG2A

    Ref document number: 2169893

    Country of ref document: ES

    Kind code of ref document: T3

    PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

    PLBI Opposition filed

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

    PLBF Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBSO

    RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

    Owner name: JOHNSONDIVERSEY, INC.

    26 Opposition filed

    Opponent name: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY

    Effective date: 20020911

    NLS Nl: assignments of ep-patents

    Owner name: DIVERSEY IP INTERNATIONAL BV

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PUE

    Owner name: UNILEVER N.V. TRANSFER- DIVERSEY IP INTERNATIONAL

    NLR1 Nl: opposition has been filed with the epo

    Opponent name: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY

    NLT2 Nl: modifications (of names), taken from the european patent patent bulletin

    Owner name: JOHNSONDIVERSEY, INC.

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: GB

    Ref legal event code: 732E

    PLBF Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBSO

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: TP

    PLBF Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBSO

    PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

    RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

    Owner name: DIVERSEY IP INTERNATIONAL BV

    NLT2 Nl: modifications (of names), taken from the european patent patent bulletin

    Owner name: DIVERSEY IP INTERNATIONAL BV

    PLCK Communication despatched that opposition was rejected

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREJ1

    PLBN Opposition rejected

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009273

    STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

    Free format text: STATUS: OPPOSITION REJECTED

    27O Opposition rejected

    Effective date: 20040330

    NLR2 Nl: decision of opposition

    Effective date: 20040330

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PFA

    Owner name: DIVERSEY IP INTERNATIONAL BV

    Free format text: DIVERSEY IP INTERNATIONAL BV#WORLD HEADQUARTERS TOWER B, 8TH FLOOR SCHIPHOL BOULEVARD 209#1118 BH LUCHTHAVEN SCHIPHOL AIRPORT (NL) -TRANSFER TO- DIVERSEY IP INTERNATIONAL BV#WORLD HEADQUARTERS TOWER B, 8TH FLOOR SCHIPHOL BOULEVARD 209#1118 BH LUCHTHAVEN SCHIPHOL AIRPORT (NL)

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: ES

    Payment date: 20090226

    Year of fee payment: 12

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: GB

    Payment date: 20090227

    Year of fee payment: 12

    Ref country code: CH

    Payment date: 20090225

    Year of fee payment: 12

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: SE

    Payment date: 20090227

    Year of fee payment: 12

    Ref country code: IT

    Payment date: 20090225

    Year of fee payment: 12

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PL

    EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
    GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

    Effective date: 20100217

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: LI

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20100228

    Ref country code: CH

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20100228

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FD2A

    Effective date: 20110308

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: IT

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20100217

    Ref country code: GB

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20100217

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: ES

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20110307

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: ES

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20100218

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: NL

    Ref legal event code: PLEX

    Effective date: 20120724

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: SE

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20100218

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: NL

    Payment date: 20140226

    Year of fee payment: 17

    Ref country code: DE

    Payment date: 20140227

    Year of fee payment: 17

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: FR

    Payment date: 20140220

    Year of fee payment: 17

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: DE

    Ref legal event code: R119

    Ref document number: 69802857

    Country of ref document: DE

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: NL

    Ref legal event code: V1

    Effective date: 20150901

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: NL

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20150901

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    Effective date: 20151030

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: DE

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20150901

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: FR

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20150302