WO2023161020A1

WO2023161020A1 - Cartridge, assembly and method of identifying a content of a container

Info

Publication number: WO2023161020A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/053028
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hao Chen; Min NIE; Jun Shen
Original assignee: Unilever Ip Holdings B.V.; Unilever Global Ip Limited; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2022-02-28
Filing date: 2023-02-08
Publication date: 2023-08-31

Abstract

A container (10) comprises a container body (13) and a coding area (102) for interacting with a scanner (110). An assembly (100) comprises the container (10); and an identification device (120) comprising a scanner (110). The coding area (102) is aligned with the scanner (110) when the container (10) is coupled to the identification device (120). The coding area (102) could be, for example, a bar code (112) or a QR code (130).

Description

CARTRIDGE, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF IDENTIFYING A CONTENT OF A CONTAINER

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a container for a cleaning appliance, an assembly and a method of identifying a content of a container.

Background of the Invention

Cartridges for automatic dosing machine typically had a rigid outer container and a connection portion for connecting to the machine to automatically dose a portion of the contents into the machine for use. Because the outer sides of the cartridge were rigid, it was necessary to have a valve structure somewhere on the cartridge body to allow air in as the contents were emptied. Such a valve sometimes resulted in leakage of the contents of the cartridge through the valve. This is especially a problem during transportation of cartridges. The proposed solutions offered valves with rather complex structures which are more expensive and difficult to install.

Some such cartridges additionally included intelligent systems for automatic dosing machines where the systems were capable of recognizing the type of the cleaning product added to the machine. CN113152032A discloses an intelligent identification device for a detergent box for automatic dispensing. The system comprises a storage box with an identification code arranged on the storage box in a form of a plurality of positions and a switch assembly provided with a plurality of conductive components. When the liquid storage box is placed in the installation station of a dispensing unit, the corresponding conductive components are controlled to be connected or disconnected through the identification positions of the identification code of the storage box. This often uses metallic materials for the conductive parts of the system, which are prone to corrosion. Furthermore, parts of the system that are in contact with the cleaning product are required to be waterproof.

WO2021151727A discloses a detergent container for a cleaning device, a contacting device comprising conductive contacts, a method and a device for operating a cleaning device, and a cleaning device. The detergent container has a housing and a contact area that is electrically conductive. The contact area represents a content coding that represents the contents of the detergent container. When the housing is in the inserted state, the contact area can be contacted using the contacting device in order to recognize the content coding. Adding metallic parts to the detergent container is costly and the exposed conductive contacts are prone to corrosion.

Therefore, an assembly for intelligent identification of a container and/or contents with overcomes one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art is proposed and detailed below.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, an assembly comprises a container comprising a container body and a coding area; and an identification device comprising a scanner, wherein the coding area is aligned with the scanner when the container is coupled to the identification device.

Such an assembly provides a simple and effective method of automatically identifying a particular container (and/or the contents therein) for use in a cleaning appliance without the need for additional user input. The use of a coding area which aligns to be easily scanned by scanner can allow for identifying a number of different contents/containers, and concentrations without requiring contact between the container and identification device.

Preferably, the coding area comprises a barcode. Further preferably, the barcode comprises a plurality of digits or sections for conveying different information regarding the container and contents, for example four digits. Further preferably, one digit comprises the contents of the container; one digit comprises a function of the contents of the container; and/or one or more digits (e.g., two digits) comprise information related to the concentration. These digits can be in any order from left to right in the barcode. Such configuration can provide a large amount of information regarding the container and contents in a simple and compact form for communicating to the identification device and for use in highly accurate automatic dosing.

Additionally or alternatively, the coding area comprises a Quick Response (“QR”) code.

Preferably, the QR code contains information about one or more of the following: contents of the container, a function of the contents of the container, and concentration of the container. Thus use of a QR code can provide a large amount of easily readable information regarding the container and/or contents in a compact space.

Preferably, the coding area comprises an area printed on the container. This can be printing the black and/or white areas. Such a configuration allows for a simple way of applying the coding area to a container, without having to change the actual container configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, the coding area comprises a sticker on the container. Such a configuration allows for a simple way of applying the coding areas to a container, without having to change the actual container configuration and/or typical container manufacturing process. Additionally, in such a system, containers could be refilled with different contents, and the sticker would be the only thing which would need to change to properly identify the new contents to the system. In a system where a printed coding area was used, a sticker could also be applied over the previous coding area to indicate new contents in a reused or refilled container. Further a sticker may be useful if the container body is somewhat flexible or not completely rigid, as printing may more difficult on such a container.

Preferably, the coding area is located on a side of the container. Providing the coding area on a side allows for simple alignment with a scanner, and ensures that the coding area is clear and easily readable. Locating on a side also keeps the identification features away from the cap or opening, where the fluid typically exits the container. This can result in a more simple system and can further ensure that the liquid exiting does not interfere with or otherwise contact the identification device, thereby minimizing the risk of any corrosion or malfunctioning in the systems.

Preferably, the scanner is configured to provide contactless detection. This can be through, for example, laser or LED light being emitted and one or more sensors able to sense the reflection and/or configuration of the coding area. In some embodiments, a camera or other optical sensor and image processing techniques could be used. Such contactless detection is especially useful when dealing with containers with aqueous solutions that could cause corrosion and malfunctioning in contact systems. A container for use in the assembly is provided. Such a container can comprise, for example, a rigid outer body, a flexible inner body that is at least partially inside the outer body and a coupler for coupling the container to a cleaning appliance. The inner body defines a cleaning product space which is configured to accommodate an amount of cleaning product, and is connected to the outer body by connection means to form a liquid conduit configured to cooperate with the coupler and enable liquid flow from the container. Alternatively, other types of containers could be used with the assembly such as a container with one integral body which is partially rigid and partially flexible, as long as a part of the container and/or cap includes a coding area to align with a scanner of the identification device.

Preferably, the container is in a form of a cartridge configured to couple to an insert of a cleaning product dispensing unit of the cleaning appliance. Such an appliance can have one or more than one insert, for example, 2-10 for various cleaning products.

The identification system allows for automatic identification of the specific cartridge, and the cleaning appliance is able to then know what cleaning products are available and how to dose accordingly without extra user input.

A method of identifying a content of a container includes providing an identification device comprising a scanner; providing a container comprising a container body and a coding area; coupling the container to the identification device such that the coding area is positioned to align with the scanner; and identifying a content of the container based on the coding area.

Such a method provides for identification of a container (and contents therein) in a simple way without requiring user input. The coding area is configured to provide information about the contents to the scanner, and the system is able to identify the container based on the configuration of the coding area. This can use a processor, computer, memory (e.g., look-up table) and other components to correlate the configuration of the coding area to the contents of the container, a special function of the contents, a concentration of the contents, etc.

The method may further comprise connecting the container to the identification device such that a liquid conduit between the container and the cleaning appliance is formed. The method may further comprise producing an alert if a cleaning product container is not detected in the cleaning appliance. This can alert the user to a situation when no coding information is sensed, and therefore the system determines no container is inserted.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use may optionally be understood as modified by the word “about”.

It should be noted that in specifying any ranges of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.

For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of”. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.

The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (for example a composition of the invention), such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention (for example a method of the invention) mutatis mutandis.

We note that in this application terms “container” and “cartridge” are not meant to be mutually exclusive or limiting but instead can be used interchangeably. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

The container typically takes a form of a cartridge that is suitable to be the inserted into a cleaning appliance with an automatic dosing function of the cleaning product.

Suitable cleaning appliances could be, for example, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a mop or other cleaning device which uses or requires some type of cleaning product. The cartridge includes a rigid outer body and a flexible inner body inside the outer body. The outer body often has a shape of a prism with four side faces, and an outer body opening, though different embodiments could take different configurations and/or shapes, for example cylindrical. The inner body is to accommodate the cleaning product within it, in a cleaning space. In alternative embodiments, the outer body could be partially rigid and partially flexible, eliminating the need for the flexible inner body.

The inner body openings and outer body openings typically align to allow flow of the cleaning product out of the cartridge (e.g., to a cleaning appliance). The inner body and the outer body can be connected around their respective openings by connection means which can be, for example, adhesive, welding, stitching, mechanical means, or the similar. The cartridge can have a cap placed on a base of the outer body, around the outer body opening. The cap can include means for control of the cleaning product flow, such as a valve. The cap can be mounted onto the outer body opening by fastening means, for example, threads but could be other means such as a tight fit, latch, etc. In some embodiments, an additional cap or cover could be used for storage and/or transport.

The inner body can be additionally fixed to the outer body by one or more linear connections connecting an outside surface of the inner body to an inside surface of the outer body. These can be in the longitudinal direction and/or around the sides (e.g., radially). In some examples, the linear connections can be in a form of one long connection extending along the length of the outer body or series of short/point connections along the body, for example, on each side face. This can be achieved by an adhesive, welding, stitching, mechanical means, or the similar.

The connection between the cartridge and a cleaning appliance can be formed by coupling a connecting insert on the cap to a negative pressure device, which could be part of the cleaning appliance or separate. The connection can be air-tight to allow correct discharge of the cleaning product. This connection can be through threads, a tight fit or any other means which could secure the two parts together.

The cap can further comprise a cap opening which allows liquid to flow through the cap. In this manner a liquid conduit is formed between the cartridge and the cleaning appliance. Under the negative pressure, the cleaning product can be discharged from the cleaning product space within the inner body, through the cap opening and the negative pressure device into the cleaning appliance.

Before use, the cartridge inner body is stretched to maximize volume of the cleaning product space, and the inner body almost completely coincides with the outer body of the cartridge. When the cartridge is in use, the cleaning product is periodically discharged from the cartridge. As the cleaning product is discharged, the volume of the cleaning product space decreases and the inner body separates from the outer body except around the one or more linear connections. At the same time, a volume of an unused space inside the (rigid) outer body and outside the flexible inner body increases. The unused space fills with air as the cleaning product is discharged and the inner body, and as such the inner body decreases in volume. The volume of the cleaning product space and the volume of the unused space together always add to a volume of the outer body. Consequently, as the volume of cleaning product space is decreased when the cleaning product is discharged, the volume of the unused space increases. The outer body can have one or more air openings, for example, away from the linear connections or other means that allow pressure leveling between the unused space and the environment. When the cleaning product has been mostly or completely used, the cleaning product space is minimized, while the volume of the unused space is maximized. In embodiments where the body is partially rigid and partially flexible, the flexible portion simply collapses to reduce the overall volume of space occupied by the container.

By using a flexible inner body inside the outer body or a partially rigid and partially flexible body, the cartridge is able to hold and empty the contents almost completely without the need for complicated air valves (and leakage there through). As described in the background, past cartridges typically only had a rigid outside, which required an air valve for emptying. Liquid would sometimes leak out that valve. By instead using a flexible inner body or making part of the container body flexible, only a simple air hole or no air hole is needed in the outer body, and no contents leak as they are completely contained in the inner body or body without an air hole/valve. The flexibility allows for more complete emptying of the contents of cartridge, resulting in less waste. The use of one or more linear connections provides a simple way of ensuring that inner body empties in a way that contents will not remain stuck or trapped inside. Thus, forming a cartridge of an outer body and a flexible inner body with aligned outlets or a partially rigid and partially flexible body provides a simpler cartridge which is easier to manufacture (due to no complicated air valves), does not leak and is able to more completely use all the contents within.

In order to control the liquid flow from the cartridge and prevent the spilling of the cleaning product when the cartridge is not connected to the cleaning appliance, a valve is typically placed on or in the cap, and over the cap opening. The valve can have various forms, for example, a silicon cross piece, a duckbill valve, a deformable ball valve or other valve structure.

The cartridge can be coupled with an identification device configured to detect the contents of the cartridge. Such an assembly can comprise a cartridge with one or more coding areas and an identification device.

Engagement means can be used to connect the identification device to the cleaning appliance, and to transfer data or information from the cartridge. The engagement means can take many forms, for example complementary protrusions and cavities, connectors, etc The engagement means can also function as electrical connections that can be used to supply power to the identification device and its components.

The identification device has at least one scanner. The scanner can be related to the type of coding area on the container. For example, if the coding area on the container is a bar code, the scanner could be a device that includes a source of light (e.g., laser, LED), and a light sensor (e.g., measuring reflection and/or intensity of the light), and in some cases a decoder to analyse the image data provided by the sensor and translate the bar and space content of the barcode into information about the contents of the container, function and/or concentration(s). Some embodiments of the scanner could use camera-based readers where an image is scanned and then processed. If a QR code is used, the scanner works in a similar manner, and typically involves an imaging device which can capture the image and interpret the pattern into data regarding the contents of the container, function and/or concentration(s).

The coding area of the container body can in some embodiments be a bar code, which consists of an area where vertical blocks can either be colored white or black depending on what information is trying to be conveyed. The pattern of which blocks are black and which are white can provide the identification device with information regarding the container and/or contents, for example, contents of the container, a function of the contents, concentration(s) of the contents, and/or other information.

The coding area of the container body can in some embodiments be a quick response code (“QR code”), which is a two-dimensional bar code which uses black squares arranged on a grid with a white background. The code can be read by the sensor in the identification device, for example, a camera which can capture, process and interpret the image. In some embodiments, error correction can be applied, and the data patterns sensed by the placement of black squares on the grid is translated into information about the container and/or its contents, for example, the contents of the container, a function of the contents, concentration(s) of the contents, and/or other information.

The coding area can be on a side of the container body, or could be elsewhere, for example an end or even the cap. The coding area is positioned to align with the identification device when the cartridge is connected to the identification device. The coding area is typically very flat, either directly on the container body or on a side of the container body, making for easier scanning. The coding area is configured to have areas of black and areas of white for encoding information. The scanner can then sense these areas of black and/or white and is able to interpret the configuration into information regarding the container and/or contents. The coding area can in some embodiments be configured using the container body itself, only adding areas of black if the container body has a white or light color. Other embodiments can include printing all or part of the coding area on the container body, and/or securing a sticker to the container body as the coding area. Such a coding area provides a way to easily identify the contents of the container without adding a lot of additional material or bulk to the container itself, maintaining its shape (e.g., substantially rectangular) for easy stacking and storage. Using a sticker and/or printing also provides a simple and inexpensive way of configuring the coding area and being able to reconfigure as necessary (e.g., the container is refilled with different contents).

The identification device is configured to sense the configuration of the coding area and convert that into digital states that can be read and/or interpreted by a processor. Such a processor can be part of the identification device, the cleaning appliance to which the identification device is connected, or separate from both, for example in a computer or other system. The communication between the sensor and the processor could be wired, wherein the data or information is transferred via engagement means or wireless. For example, if the sensor senses a black bar in the first position, the identification device generates digital state 1. On the other hand, if the sensor does not sense a black bar in the first position, the identification device generates a digital state 0 for that position. This digital state information can then be sent to the processor.

The configuration of the coding area creates an identification code which tells information about the container and/or its contents. For example, a bar code could contain three or more different digits or horizontal sections for coding different information. The first digit (horizontal section) could relate to the contents of the container, for example, a black bar in the first position indicates that the contents is laundry detergent, a black bar in the second position indicates a fabric softener, etc. This first digit can be, for example, 1-9 indicating one of nine different types of contents. The second digit (e.g., 1-9) could relate to a function of the contents, for example, a first position black bar indicates a normal function, a second position black bar indicates an oil removal function, etc. The third and/or fourth digits could related to the concentration, for example, a first position black bar indicates a non-concentrated composition; a second position black bar indicates a two times concentration, etc. If the fourth digit is also related to concentration, this would allow the barcode to indicate a concentration of double digits, for example, a 10 or 20 times concentrated liquid. Thus, in the example with four digits, three different types of information could be conveyed through the coding area and identification device. If the scanner sensed no black bars in a coding area, this would typically correspond to the case when no cartridge is coupled to the identification device or a cartridge is inserted wrong (e.g., rotated wrong), though in some cases where there is another way to identify that a cartridge is connected, such a configuration could also convey information, for example, a particular contents.

As an example, a cartridge containing detergent for colored clothes can have a coding area with a bar code with black lines in a first position of a first digit to indicate detergent; black lines in a third position of a second digit to indicate colored clothes; and black lines in a first position of a third digit to indicate it is not concentrated. The black line positioning is sensed by the sensor and the processor identifies the configuration as a non-concentrated detergent for color clothes. A cartridge containing fabric softener can have a coding area with a black line in a second position of the first digit; a black line in a first position of the second digit and a black line in the third position of the third digit. The processor identifies this pattern as a three times concentrated fabric softener with no special functionality. Thus, the processor and system can identify and dispense the correct types and amounts of particular cartridges based on the identification system. In situations where no cartridge is detected, the system could be programmed to give a notification or alert such that a user knows they need to insert a cartridge.

Such a system is a simple, yet effective method of identifying a particular cartridge (and/or the contents or information about the contents of the cartridge) in a washing machine or other cleaning appliance such as a dishwasher, carpet cleaner, mop, electric soap dispenser, etc. Such cartridges can be especially useful in auto-dosing machines, where they can simply be inserted, and the identification device (through the sensor) can detect the presence of a cartridge with cleaning product, identify the contents by detecting the coding information (configuration of black and white areas), and auto-dose according to the contents.

Thus use of a coding area and sensor which are contact-less provides for a simple, yet quick and effective way of identifying a particular cartridge and information about the contents therein. As mentioned in the background, prior art identification systems often used metallic contacts. Such materials can result in corrosion when using aqueous solutions. By using contactless detection (e.g., sensor and/or camera), the coding area and sensor never have to come into contact, which can improve the lifespan, make the parts easier to manufacture (e.g., do not need to meet the tight tolerance levels for connecting parts), and can avoid corrosion issues related with past systems that used metallic parts with contacting electrodes. Additionally not using metallic parts can result in cost-savings in materials.

The cleaning appliance can include a dispensing unit which has two or more cartridge inserts, each configured to accept a cartridge. Each of the cartridge inserts has an identification device located to align with the coding area when the cartridge is coupled to the insert. Cartridges containing different cleaning products can be placed into one or more cartridge inserts and coupled to the respective identification device. For example, one cartridge can have cleaning detergent as its contents and the other cartridge can have fabric softener for use with a washing machine. Upon inserting a cartridge into the cartridge insert, connecting it to a negative pressure and/or dosing device of the cleaning appliance, the liquid conduit can be formed through the connected elements such that the cleaning product can be discharged from the cartridge into the cleaning appliance. The identification device, through the sensor interacting with the coding area (and communicating with the processor), recognizes that the cartridge contains detergent, and will dose accordingly without requiring any manual input by the consumer telling the system what is in the cartridge.

Similarly, with the cartridge containing fabric softener, the cartridge is inserted and the identification device (communicating with the processor) identifies the cartridge as containing fabric softener, with a specific concentration. It can then use that information to dose accordingly without the user having to manually input the contents or concentration.

Thus, such a system can be especially useful when many types of cleaning products are used in a cleaning appliance or system. The user simply has to insert the cartridge containing the cleaning agent, and the identification device will interact with the coding area to identify and correctly dose the contents by recognizing the configuration of the coding area and correlating that to a specific cartridge, cleaning product and/or concentration. While two cartridges and identification devices are discussed, more or fewer could be used in specific systems.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1A shows a longitudinal view of a container for a cleaning product;

Figure 1 B shows a transversal cross-sectional view of a container for a cleaning product;

Figure 1C shows a zoomed area of Figure 1A around a cap portion of the container for the cleaning product;

Figure 2 illustrates a cartridge containing an amount of cleaning product connected to a cleaning appliance;

Figure 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cartridge filled and prior to use, Figure 3B shows the cartridge of Fig. 3A in a partially used state, and

Figure 3C shows the cartridge of Fig. 3A in an empty or almost fully used state; Figure 4A shows a side view of a cartridge and identification device;

Figure 4B shows a side view of the container with coding area;

Figure 4C shows an example bar code with the information contained therein;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the container with an alternate embodiment of a coding area; and

Figure 6 shows a side view of a dispensing unit of a cleaning appliance with two cartridges inserted and with two identification devices.

Examples

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The drawings are only schematic and are not limiting. In the drawings, the size, shape and placement of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustration purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Figures 1A and 1B show a longitudinal and a transversal cross-sectional view of a container for a cleaning product, respectively. The container has a form of a cartridge that is suitable to be the inserted into a cleaning appliance 200 with an automatic dosing function of the cleaning product.

The cartridge 10 comprises a rigid outer body 12, and a flexible inner body 14 inside the outer body 12. The outer body 12 shown has a shape of a prism with a rectangular base 11 , four side faces 15 and an outer body opening 36. The inner body 14 has an inner body opening 34 and is configured to accommodate an amount of the cleaning product in a cleaning product space 16.

As shown in Figure 1A, the inner body opening 34 and outer body opening 36 are aligned such that the cleaning product can be easily discharged from the cleaning product space 16 through the inner body opening 34 and the outer body opening 36 to the outside (e.g, to a cleaning appliance 200). The inner body 14 and the outer body 12 are connected around their respective openings by connection means 22. The cartridge 10 has a cap 50 placed on the base 11 of the outer body 12, around the outer body opening 36. The cap 50 can include means for control of the cleaning product flow. The cap 50 is mounted onto the outer body opening 36 by fastening means 52, which are as threads in the example shown.

The inner body 14 is additionally fixed to the outer body 12 by linear connections 26. In this example, the inner body 14 is connected to the outer body 12 by a plurality of linear connections along a longitudinal direction X. The linear connections can be in a form of one long connection extending along the length of the outer body 14 or series of short connections. Figure 1 B shows an example in which the inner body 14 is connected to each side face 15 of the outer body 12. The linear connections 26 are formed by connecting an outside surface of the inner body 28 to an inside surface of the outer body 32.

Figure 2 illustrates the cartridge 10 containing an amount of cleaning product 42 connected to the cleaning appliance 200. The connection is formed by coupling a connecting insert 18 placed on the cap 50 to a negative pressure device 44 of the cleaning appliance 200.

The cap 50 further comprises a cap opening 54 which allows liquid to flow through the cap 50. In this manner a liquid conduit 24 is formed between the cartridge 10 and the cleaning appliance 200. Under the negative pressure, the cleaning product 42 is discharged from the cleaning product space 16, through the cap opening 54 and the negative pressure device 44 into the cleaning appliance 200, as shown by the flow arrows in Figure 2.

Three different working stages of the cartridge 10 are shown in Figures 3A-3C, which show cross-sectional views of cartridge 10 with outer body 12 and inner body 14 at different stages of fill of the inner body 14. Figure 3A illustrates the cartridge filled and prior to use, Figure 3B shows the cartridge 10 a partially used state, and Figure 3C shows an empty or almost fully used state.

Figure 3A illustrates the cartridge prior to use when the cleaning product space 16 is completely filled with the cleaning product 42. The inner body 14 is stretched to maximize volume of the cleaning product space 16, and the inner body 14 almost completely coincides with the outer body 12. When the cartridge 10 is in use, the cleaning product 42 is periodically discharged from the cartridge 10. This situation is shown in Figure 3B. As the cleaning product 42 is discharged, the volume of the cleaning product space 16 decreases and the inner body 14 separates from the outer body 12 except around linear connections 26. At the same time, a volume of the unused space 17 (the space inside the (rigid) outer body 12 and outside the flexible inner body 14 increases and fills with air as the cleaning product is discharged and the inner body 14 decreases in volume. The outer body 12 has air openings 19 away from the linear connections 26 . Figure 3C illustrates the cartridge 10 when the cleaning product 42 has been mostly or completely used. The cleaning product space 16 is minimized in this case, while the volume of the unused space 17 is maximal.

By using a flexible inner body 14 inside the outer body 12, cartridge is able to hold and empty the contents almost completely without the need for complicated air valves (and leakage there through). Past cartridges typically only had a rigid outside, which required an air valve for emptying, and result in liquid sometimes leaking out the valve. By instead using a flexible inner body 14, only a simple air hole is needed in the outer body 12, and no contents leak as they are completely contained in the inner body 14. The flexibility of inner body 14 allows for more complete emptying of the contents of cartridge, resulting in less waste and a longer useable life for the cartridge. The use of one or more linear connections 26 provides a simple way of ensuring that inner body 14 empties in a way that contents will not remain stuck or trapped inside. Thus, forming cartridge 10 of an outer body 12 and a flexible inner body 14 with aligned outlets provides a simple cartridge which is easier to manufacture (due to no complicated air valves), does not leak and is able to more completely use all the contents within.

In order to control the liquid flow from the cartridge 10 and prevent the spilling of the cleaning product 42 when the cartridge 10 is not connected to the cleaning appliance 200, a valve 60 is placed on or in the cap 50, and over the cap opening 54. The valve 60 can have various forms, for example, a silicon cross piece, a duckbill valve, a deformable ball valve or other valve structure.

The cartridge 10 shown in Figures 1A-3C (or another embodiment of a cartridge) can be coupled with an identification device 120 configured to detect the contents of the cartridge 10 as shown in Figures 4A-4C. Figure 4A shows a side view of an assembly 100 comprising a cartridge 10’ with a coding area 102 and identification device 120. The identification device 120 is square or rectangular and is arranged to align with the coding area 102 when the container is connected to a dispensing unit 202 (see Fig. 6). Engagement means (not shown) are used to connect the identification device 120 to the cleaning appliance 200, and transfer data or information, and possibly supply power to the identification device 120. The identification device 120 includes a scanner 110, which can include a light source (e.g., laser, LED); a sensor for measuring light reflection and/or intensity; and in some cases a decoder.

The side of a cartridge 10’ comprises a coding area 102 to identify the contents of the cartridge 10’. The coding area 102 includes a bar code 112 with three digits 114, 116, 118, to provide information regarding the contents of container 10’, as shown in Figs. 4B-4C.

The identification device 120 is configured to process signals from the scanner and convert them into digital states that can be read and/or interpreted by a processor (not shown). For example, if the scanner senses signals indicating a black bar in a particular position, the identification device 120 could generate a digital state 1 related to that position. On the other hand, if the scanner does not sense a black bar, the identification device 120 could generate digital state 0 for that position. This digital state information can then be sent to the processor.

The number and the configuration of bars sensed in coding area 102 provides information about the contents of the cartridge 10’. For example, as shown in Fig. 4C, the bar code 112 is split into three digits or sections from left to right. The first digit 114 relates to the contents of the container, with a bar in the first position (most left) indicating laundry detergent, a bar in the second position indicating softener, and a bar in the third position indicating disinfectant. The second digit 116 relates to functionality, with a bar in the first position indicating normal functionality, a bar in the second position indicating oil removal functionality, a bar in the third position indicating blood removal, and a bar in the fourth position indicating protein removal. The third and fourth digits 118 relate to concentration with positions of bars being able to indicate any concentration from 00 to 99. Thus, the code shown indicates a content, any normal or other functionality and the concentration level in a single barcode 112 that is easily and quickly readable by the identification device 120. While the example barcode includes four digits, any number of digits could be used with each digit including a set number of spaces for bars correlating to specific contents, functionality, concentration and/or other information about the container and its contents. The configuration where no bar is sensed from a scanner 110 typically corresponds to the case when no cartridge 10’ is coupled with the identification device 120, or is coupled incorrectly.

As an example, the cartridge 10’ containing detergent with normal functionality and not concentrated can have three specifically positioned bars arranged to be identified as such by the processor, while the cartridge 10” containing softener with oil removal capabilities and three times concentrated can have three differently positioned bars arranged to be identified as such by the processor. Thus, the processor and system can identify and dispense the correct types and amounts of the particular cartridges 10’, 10” based on the coding area and identification system. In situations where no cartridge is detected, the system could be programmed to give a notification or alert such that a user knows they need to insert a cartridge or check that any inserted cartridge is inserted correctly.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment, where QR code 130 is used instead of barcode 112. Scanner 110 scans QR code with a particular configuration of black boxes to identify the contents of the container as well as information regarding the contents. For example, the boxes near the upper right corner could be arranged to indicate the contents are a disinfectant, with the boxes near the upper left corner indicting blood removal functionality, the boxes near the lower left corner indicating a specific fragrance, and the boxes near the lower right corner indicating a 2 times concentration. As discussed above, scanner 110 is able to scan this and determine that container 10’” contains a disinfectant with blood removal functionality, a specific fragrance, and has a 2 times concentration level. This allows the cleaning device or assembly to know when to use this container and what amount to dispense automatically.

Such a system is a simple, yet effective method of identifying a particular cartridge (and/or the contents of the cartridge) in a washing machine or other cleaning appliance such as a dishwasher, carpet cleaner, mop, electric soap dispenser, etc. Such cartridges can be especially useful in auto-dosing machines, where they can simply be inserted, and the identification device 120 (through the scanner 110) can detect the presence of a cartridge with cleaning product, identify the contents by detecting the coding information, and auto-dose according to the contents.

Thus use of coding area 102 and scanner 110 which are contact-less provides for a simple, yet quick and effective way of identifying a particular cartridge and the contents therein. As mentioned in the background, prior art identification systems used metallic contacts. Such materials can result in corrosion when using aqueous solutions. By using contactless detection (e.g., laser, LED), the coding area 102 and scanner 110 never have to come into contact, which can improve the lifespan, make the parts easier to manufacture (e.g., do not need to meet the tight tolerance levels for connecting parts), and can avoid corrosion issues related with past systems that used metallic parts with contacting electrodes. Additionally not using metallic parts can result in costsavings in materials.

Figure 6 shows a dispensing unit 202 of the cleaning appliance 200. The dispensing unit 202 has two cartridge inserts 204 configured to accept a cartridge. Each of the cartridge inserts 204 has an identification device 120. Cartridges containing different cleaning products are placed into the cartridge inserts 204 and coupled to the respective identification device 120. For example, one cartridge can have a (not concentrated) normal cleaning detergent as its contents and the other cartridge can have fabric softener that is 2 times concentrated for use with a washing machine. Upon inserting the cartridge 10’ into the cartridge insert 204, connecting it to a negative pressure and/or dosing device 44 of the cleaning appliance 200, the liquid conduit 24 can be formed through the connected elements such that the cleaning detergent can be discharged from the cartridge 10’ into the cleaning appliance 200. The identification device 120, through the scanner 110 (communicating with the processor) recognizes that the cartridge contains normal, non-concentrated detergent, and will dose accordingly without requiring any manual input by the consumer telling the system what is in the cartridge.

Similarly, with the cartridge containing fabric softener, the cartridge is inserted and the identification device (communicating with the processor) scans the coding area and identifies the cartridge as containing fabric softener that is two times concentrated. It can then use that information to dose accordingly without the user having to manually input the contents.

Thus, such a system can be especially useful when many types of cleaning products are used in a cleaning appliance or system. The user simply has to insert the cartridge containing the agent, and the identification device will identify and correctly dose the contents by recognizing the coding that relates to a specific cartridge and/or cleaning product, as well as concentration. While two cartridges and identification devices are shown, more or fewer could be used in specific systems.

While the examples show a system with one scanner, the system could include more than one scanner or a single scanner with a number of light sources and/or sensors. Additionally, while the coding area 102 is shown on a side of the cartridge in the examples and drawings, they could be located in a different place, for example, on the end or the cap. Additionally, the cartridge shown in Figs. 1A-3C and identification system in Figs. 4A-6 could be used together, or could be used with separate cartridges/systems.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary examples and embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container (10) comprising a container body (13) and a coding area (102) for interacting with a scanner (110).

2. The container (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the container (10) is a cartridge configured to couple to an insert (204) of a cleaning product dispensing unit (202) of the cleaning appliance (200).

3. An assembly (100) comprising: a container (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2; and an identification device (120) comprising a scanner (110), wherein the coding area (102) is aligned with the scanner (110) when the container (10) is coupled to the identification device (120).

4. The assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein the coding area (102) comprises a barcode (112).

5. The assembly (100) according to claim 4, wherein the barcode (112) comprises a plurality of digits (114, 116, 118).

6. The assembly (100) according to claim 5, wherein one digit of the plurality of digits (114) comprises the contents of the container.

7. The assembly (100) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein one digit of the plurality of digits (116) comprises a function of the contents of the container.

8. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein at least one digit of the plurality of digits (118) comprise multiples of concentration.

9. The assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein the coding area (102) comprises a QR code (130). The assembly (100) according to claim 9, wherein the QR code (130) contains information about one or more of the following: contents of the container, a function of the contents of the container, and concentration of the container. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the coding area (102) comprises an area printed on the container (10). The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the coding area (102) comprises a sticker on the container (10). The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the coding area (102) is located on a side of the container (10). The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the scanner (110) is configured to provide contactless detection of the coding area (102). A method of identifying a content of a container (10), the method comprising steps of: providing an identification device (120) comprising a scanner (110); providing a container (10) comprising a container body (13) and a coding area (102); coupling the container (10) to the identification device (120) such that the coding area (102) is positioned align with the scanner (110); and identifying a content of the container (10) based on the coding area (102).