CA2141329C - Detergent dispensing system - Google Patents
Detergent dispensing system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2141329C CA2141329C CA002141329A CA2141329A CA2141329C CA 2141329 C CA2141329 C CA 2141329C CA 002141329 A CA002141329 A CA 002141329A CA 2141329 A CA2141329 A CA 2141329A CA 2141329 C CA2141329 C CA 2141329C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- detergent
- dispensing
- dispensing device
- solid
- supply pack
- 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.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
- A47L15/4436—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants in the form of a detergent solution made by gradually dissolving a powder detergent cake or a solid detergent block
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F21/00—Dissolving
- B01F21/20—Dissolving using flow mixing
- B01F21/22—Dissolving using flow mixing using additional holders in conduits, containers or pools for keeping the solid material in place, e.g. supports or receptacles
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Detergent Compositions (AREA)
- Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)
Abstract
A dispensing system is provided comprising a detergent supply pack (1) for supplying solid state detergent material to a dispensing device (4) associated with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises packaging material for said solid state detergent material, said solid state detergent material and a closing/release device for promoting release of the detergent solid from the supply pack into the dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device comprises two movable parts (3a, 3b) in between which the packaging material is clamped and which, after closing, are blocked by locking studs, such that the locking studs can be released by placing the supply pack on a top centring frame of the dispensing device which is used as a key for opening the movable parts and introducing the solid detergent into the dispensing device. There are also provided a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the invention.
Description
,..
W~ 94/03097 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ PC.°T/EP93/01924 ;:.:
DETERGENT DISPENSING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a dispensing system to be used ;.
for solid detergent products for institutional washing machines. The invention also relates to a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device, which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of dispensing a solid 20 detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing machine. ' PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hitherto, various products and packs have been developed to pravide institutional washing machines, especially dish- ;
washing machines, with a supply of detergent material from which measured amounts of de~.ergent product are dispensed ' to the wash liquor in the washing machine. These products include detergent products in powder form, in liquid form and in paste form; which are generally packed in supply packs or containers: Mox~~ recently, solid detergent blocks for xn~titutional w~shinc~ ma~h~.nes have been developed, which have the advantage of being discretely shaped.
Furthermore, solid detergent blocks can contain more can-centrated product than the other above-men~ti~ned product types. These block form'detergent'products are generally dissolved' by simply spaying with crater ira a dispensing device, end then are dela.vered to the wash li~(uox. 8~.nce clet,~rgent products which ire suitable for use in ;
insti~tut~.onal washing machines, often have a high alkali consent, contact with the skin should ~e avoided. Block .,;.
t _:
form detergent products appear to b~ very suitable for avoiding skin contact:
U~--A-4,569,782 (Eddlab) describes a detergent container for _ a cast detergent solid suitable for use in dishwashing machines. The container contains a detergent product fY~ 94103097 ~ ~'~ ~ ~ ~~ P(."T/EP93/01924 produced from a melt and allowed to solidify. The detergent .
product is subsequently dissolved from the container on contact with a stream of aqueous liquid from a spray means when placed in a dispensing device. The advantage of a ' ~ block form detergent product and dispensing device of this type is that, with proper handling, contact with the skin is virtually eliminated. Owing to the shape thereof, however, the container described in this patent has shown , to leave residues of detergent after emptying by spraying.
This situation is unacceptable for economic, safety and environmental reasoins. Detergent residues in the container are a potential danger source to the user when a supposedly empty container is being replaced by a completely full con-tainer . Moreover, from an environmental point of view such a rigid container is less attractive because of its impact to the environment and non-collapsibility.
US-A-4,426,362 (Ecolab) describes a dishwasher distributor for a-solid black form moulded detergent product: The block form detergent product of this refer~rzce is positioned with its casting mould in the receiving means of the distributor s~o that the casting mould surrounds the detergent block during the flushing out process and touches it ox~ all .sides except for one free face'. Once again, contactless handling of the detergent px°oduct is provided, but once again, complete empty~.ng is not guaranteed.
US-A-4,774;014 (Henkel) disclose a detergent supply pack for a cast detergent block which pack is suitable for ready dissolution of the block in the dispensing device as-~aciated with an i,nsti~utional'dishwashing machine, such that water consumption is not appreciably higher than j.n the case of powder-form detergent, even towards the end of the block. Fiowever~ the detergent supply pack has to be : . ;.
35 opened before positioning the pack in the dispensing.device and therefore skin contact with the alkaline detergent is possible.
,:. .
2~. a.~.~~~ y..>
WC~ 94/03097 PC T/EP93/01924 It is an object of the present invention to provide a ,.,;, detergent dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack for a detergent powder or, preferably, a block form y detergent product and a dispensing device associated with an institutional washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, whereby the supply pack ensures an economic and effective use of the detergent in the dispensing device.
It is an other.object of the invention to provide a deter-gent dispensing system whereby the detergent supply pack is .
adapted to the dispensing device such that the detergent can be introduced into the device without the need to open the pack before positioning the pack in the dispensing device and loading the device. This eliminates the risk of any skin contact and thus contributes to safety.
~.5 It is a further abject of the invention that no residue is lift inside the supply pack after emptying and that a minimal amount of packaging material is to be disposed of after introducing the detergent product into the dispensing device:
In European patent appla.cation 533,238, a dispensing system comprising a dispensing device end a supply Pack for sup-plying solid state , preferably block, detergent material to the dispensing device is described.
25 Tn this sy tem, the supply park comprises packaging material f~r solid state detergent ana~.ex'ial, said solid state detergent maternal and a closing/release device for promoting release of the sol3.d detergent from ~Ghe supply p~cl~ into the dispensing device, whereby the z I 30 closingJrelease device essentially consists of two parts in f_ between which the packaging material is fixed and is adapted to the dispensing device such that the z t cl,osing/release device can be easily removed in conjunction with the dispensing device for introducing the detergent 35 solid into the dispensing,~evice.
Preferably, the supply pack contains a compacted solid detergent block anel comprises packaging material which con-forms to the shape of the block.
IThe above-described dispensing system has the advantage that it is fairly easy to construct and ensures effective . '.
use of the solid detergent material. However, we also found that it requires a considerable number of handling steps and that~consequently a realistic risk of mal-operation exists resulting in unsafe conditions. It is, therefore, an additional object of the present invention to provide a , detergent dispensing system which is user-friendly and re-quires a limited number of handling steps.
Tt was found that these and other objects can be ac-complished by a detergent dispensing system according to the present invention.
OEFTNITION OF THE TNVENTION
The present invention provides a dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack (1) for supplying solid .
state detergent material to a dispensing device (4)' as-sociated'with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises packaging material for said solid state detergent material, said solid state detergent material and a closing/release device for promoting.releas~
of the detergent solid from the supply pack into he ;
dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device comprises a~ least twfl movable parts in between which the packaging material is clamped and which, after closing, are blocked by locking studs, such that the 1~cking studs can be ~eleaaed by placing the supply pack on a top centring .
frame (l~) Qf the d~ap~nsing device which -is used as a key for op~nang the movable parts and introducing the detergent Splid l.ntd~ the dispensl,Tlg d~'Vice.
The invention also ~rovi.des a detergent supply Pack and a dispensing device which are adapted fax: use in a dispensing system according to the presenf. invention. Furthermore, the invention prova.des a method of dispensing a ~ol~.d detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing I
WO 94/03097 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ PCT/~P'93/Oi924 i .:
i machine, whereby a dispensing system according to the in-c a vention is applied.
i k.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ~y The invention provides a dispensing system comprising a . y supply pack for a solid state detergent product, which may contain detergent powder, detergent briquettes and/or detergent tablets. However, the supply pack preferably eon-tairi~ a compacted detergent block, which is readily dissol-vable on contact with flashing water.
The supply pack includes flexible packaging material which functions as a prote,ctiva means against moisture uptake and also as a handling aid for the introduction of the naked detergent block into the detergent dispensing device of a washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, without contact with the skin. The packaging material is generally also collapsible in order to minimize the volume of pack-aging material to be disposed of after emptying the supply pack: As packaging material, any material which can perform the~above mentioned functions,, may be used, such as cardboard, coated paper, and laminated material (e. g.
aluminium fil:m), but plastic material such as polyethylene '-and,polY~roPYlene is preferred. The mast preferred type of packaging material is palypropylene or polyester laminate with barri~:r coating, said coating preferably consista.ng of silicium oxide.
3' I~ a solid detergent b~.ock is applied; the supply pack of ' the invention thus comprises flexible packaging material i 3p which conforms to the s~aape of the detergent solid, a solid detergent block which is usually produced by compaatioz~ of :; .
dry mixed powder, and release mans for releasing the solid 1 ack into the dispensing detergent product from the supp Y P
device:
enerall , solid detergent blocks constitute a n~on~-dusty G Y
and therefore attractive Product form in view of the often .
aggressive chemicals used. Furthermore; they ara economical t.
~; .
P~.'T/EP93/01924 , 1 v WO 94/0309 ~'~ c~, ~.
in use because they can be manufactured and transported as very concentrated products. In EP-A-375,022 (Unilever) information can be found with respect to the type of solid . ' , ~;:
detergent block which is preferably used with the supply pack according to the present invention.
In order to eliminate skin contact, the supply pack of the invention comprises a closing/release device essentially consisting of locking studs and at least two movable parts in between which the flexible packaging material of the pack is clamped. In other words, these movable parts act as a sprt of closing clamp for the detergent supply pack.
Preferably, these parts comprise twc doors which can be snapped together to close the supply pack and which are kept in a closed position by at least two locking studs.
Vhen the locking studs are released the two doors are tur-nable aver at most 90° from a horizontal closed position into a vertical fully open position. The locking studs are released wl:Zen positioning the supply-pack on the top frame of'the dispenser, by the weight of the supply pack and the application of some additional handforce. 2t i~ noted that the top frame a~as as a tyge of key for releasing the lock-yn~ studs.
As a result;'the locking studs will turn inward into the hollow space of the frame and ~o not any longer Sup-port/lock the turnable doors which: will open by the weight of the detergent block and the handforce applied by an operator: The connection between the turnable doors and the containin a lever or spring frame is preferably such (e:g. g 3ED e~.ement) that the doors are raturned into an approximately ter releasing the detergent block horizontal position of o the dis erasing device~ The reason is that as a result ink F
the risk c~f skin contact with the alkaline internals of the supply packs i~ further reduced. . ' Furthermore, the dispensing system according to the inven-tion comprises a dispensing device of which the dimensions r....
~
~
' - .. ~'4 t s r re such that solid detergent material, preferably a solid detergent block, can be effectively and safely introduced j into it from out of a detergent supply pack according to t a present invention. If a solid detergent block is to be applied, the supply pack containing the detergent block is .
placed on a top centring frame of the dispensing device to facilitate the introductiow of the detergent block into the dispensing device when opening the supply pack by release of the support studs. Thereafter, the naked detergent block is allowed to fall d~.~wn onto a grid-type support in the bottom part of the dispensing device which support is preferably provided with a flexibly sealing, such that only the bottom side of the block is contacted with water originating from a spray nozzle situated underneath this, 1:5 support. ~y contacting only.the bottom part of the deter-gent block, excessive:degr~dation of moisture-sensitive components present in the block is avoided.
This configuration is advantageous as the distance between the bottam side of detergent block and t~.~ spray nozzle will not vary during the washing operation resulting in a constant dissolution rate of detergent material and copse-quently a constant concentration of detergent product in the wash liquor fed into the washing machineo In order ~o ensure that the dispensing device cannr~t be opened just after'adding fresh slid detergent material, it is desiralale that ' the device can bnly be opened af~:er the detergent solid inside the device has decreased to below a certain level., For ensuring a continuous operation op the dispensing:device; an indicator or alarm is preferably pf'ovided signalling that the dwace can be opened anda new detergent solid introduced.
The invention is further illustrated by Figures 1-7, of whidh:
Fig. 1 gives an iZlu~trat.ion o~ a detergent ~ugply Pack aocordingto the invention;
Fig. 2 gives perspective views of a closing device accor-~i~~
~'n ~.
Pf.'T/EP93/01924 ~VtJ 94/03097 ~ ~. ~~ ~ :~ t~' , _ 8 . ..
ding to the invention, in the open (A} and closed (B) I
i position; k Fig.3 shows a cross-sectional view of a solid block con-tai.ning dispensing device and supply pack according to the invention;
Fig.4-7 show schematic cross-sectional views of the dispen-sing system of the invention at consecutive stages when operating the system, whereby Figures 4a, 6a and 7a are crass-sactianal views along tie line A°A shown in Figure 1, 1:0 and Figures 4b, 5, 6b and 7b are crass-sectional views along the l~.n~ B-B shown in Figure 1.
Referring more in detail to these drawings, in Figure 1 (1) indicates a detergent supply pack comprising flexible packaging material end a claszmgfrelease device (2). Also two movable rigid plastic doors (3a) and (3b) are shown in the half--open position. When these door are fully opened as de~.ai,cted in,Figure 2A, a solid detergent block can be introduced from out of.the supply pack into a dispensing 20: device:
Figure:2B shows the closing device in the closed position, whereby the docsrs have been snapped together and are kept in a horizontal closed position by two lockimg studs ( indicated by e7,ements ( l~.a) and ( 1.1b) ) and whereby the packaging ~at~~'ial is Clamped in between the doors.
In Figure 3, a'dispens~ing device (4) according to the in-vention is shown wherein solid block detergent,material (5) is positioned on a.grid-type support (6) and being sprayed-on by way of spray°°nozzle (7).
thermore twra levers, a refill lever (8) and a low level Fur i lever ( 9 ) , are shown ire Figure 3 . When the detergent "
material inside the dispensing deuice ~4) has been dis-solved so far that only detergent matexial (5b) and deter-°
i gent rest vol~xme (5c) are left, over, refill lower (8) burns back ~.o its original position thereby causing the fixati.on of top lid closure to be released. Refill lever (8) may be W~ 9d/03097 YCT/El'93/01924 g . .
connected to an indicator telling the operator that the contents of a new supply pack may be introduced into the dispensing device. For this purpose, refill lever (8) may also be connected.to an alarm system which is activated when the fixation of the top lid closure is released.
When the dispensing device is not refilled and the deter-gent material present therein has been dissolved sofar that only the detergent rest volume (5c) is left over, the low level lever (9) which is installed for safety reasons, turns back to its original pcasition. As a result of this, a signal is given which can be used o trigger stopping the operation of the dispensing system.
On top of_ the dispensing device, a square-shaped top centring frame (10) is depicted which contains four release knobs located in the middle of each side of the top centring frame. These release knobs can cooperate with the two locking studs on he closing/release device f or opening of the supply peak when it is glaced on the top centring frame. The'two locking studs are located in the middle of two opposite sides of the closing release device.
As a consequence of the position of the four release knobs and the two locking studs, these wo locking studs will always be able to cooperate with two of the four release 2~~ knobs on the top centring frame far opening the movable doors (3a,3b) , whatever be the position of the supply pack on the frame when centred thereon. Ln other words:
there is no preferred position of the supply hack on the .top centring frame (10).
3~
the cooperation of the closing/release ures 4'-7 Fi I
, g n device (2) and. the top centring frame (10) is shown at c~n-eratin the disponsir~~g system of the secutivo stages when ~p g invention.
35 In Figure 4; the first stage'is depicted wherein the clc~sing/release device of a closed supply peak is positioned on the top centring frame of a dispensing .;P, _. .. .~.... .; ,...: ,- ., ..- ,,_;: . <.; ~;.:: . .: ,: .;...
.:.. .. . , . .:. .... .. :.. ., . .. ., . . . ...: _. , . . .
i 1:: -'~
1'%i pCT/EF93101924 ~V~ 94/03097 c1~ ;~ ;
device, whereby two release knobs located on the centring i frame are in line with the two locking studs on the closing/release device. The total weight of the supply pack now presses on to the two locking studs which are leaning against two of the four release knobs and which are con- .
netted with a frame-type element of the closing/release device surrounding the closed doors (3a) and (3b), by means of a hinge. By the weight of the pack and some additional handforce these locking studs are pressed upward and, as a -result they aye no longer securing closure of the doors.
These doors will open (see Figure 5) and finally they are in a vertical posation thus making the way free for the block to drop into the dispensing device (see Figure 6).
The doors of the closing device are spring-loaded. So, when the solid block has dropped into the dispensing device, they turn almost bask into their original horizontal posi~.ion by the action of the spring, thus reclosing the supply-pack for about 95% and avoiding skin contact with the usually alkaline and aggressive residual material in the a.nside of. the emptied supply-pack:
W~ 94/03097 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ PC.°T/EP93/01924 ;:.:
DETERGENT DISPENSING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a dispensing system to be used ;.
for solid detergent products for institutional washing machines. The invention also relates to a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device, which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of dispensing a solid 20 detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing machine. ' PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hitherto, various products and packs have been developed to pravide institutional washing machines, especially dish- ;
washing machines, with a supply of detergent material from which measured amounts of de~.ergent product are dispensed ' to the wash liquor in the washing machine. These products include detergent products in powder form, in liquid form and in paste form; which are generally packed in supply packs or containers: Mox~~ recently, solid detergent blocks for xn~titutional w~shinc~ ma~h~.nes have been developed, which have the advantage of being discretely shaped.
Furthermore, solid detergent blocks can contain more can-centrated product than the other above-men~ti~ned product types. These block form'detergent'products are generally dissolved' by simply spaying with crater ira a dispensing device, end then are dela.vered to the wash li~(uox. 8~.nce clet,~rgent products which ire suitable for use in ;
insti~tut~.onal washing machines, often have a high alkali consent, contact with the skin should ~e avoided. Block .,;.
t _:
form detergent products appear to b~ very suitable for avoiding skin contact:
U~--A-4,569,782 (Eddlab) describes a detergent container for _ a cast detergent solid suitable for use in dishwashing machines. The container contains a detergent product fY~ 94103097 ~ ~'~ ~ ~ ~~ P(."T/EP93/01924 produced from a melt and allowed to solidify. The detergent .
product is subsequently dissolved from the container on contact with a stream of aqueous liquid from a spray means when placed in a dispensing device. The advantage of a ' ~ block form detergent product and dispensing device of this type is that, with proper handling, contact with the skin is virtually eliminated. Owing to the shape thereof, however, the container described in this patent has shown , to leave residues of detergent after emptying by spraying.
This situation is unacceptable for economic, safety and environmental reasoins. Detergent residues in the container are a potential danger source to the user when a supposedly empty container is being replaced by a completely full con-tainer . Moreover, from an environmental point of view such a rigid container is less attractive because of its impact to the environment and non-collapsibility.
US-A-4,426,362 (Ecolab) describes a dishwasher distributor for a-solid black form moulded detergent product: The block form detergent product of this refer~rzce is positioned with its casting mould in the receiving means of the distributor s~o that the casting mould surrounds the detergent block during the flushing out process and touches it ox~ all .sides except for one free face'. Once again, contactless handling of the detergent px°oduct is provided, but once again, complete empty~.ng is not guaranteed.
US-A-4,774;014 (Henkel) disclose a detergent supply pack for a cast detergent block which pack is suitable for ready dissolution of the block in the dispensing device as-~aciated with an i,nsti~utional'dishwashing machine, such that water consumption is not appreciably higher than j.n the case of powder-form detergent, even towards the end of the block. Fiowever~ the detergent supply pack has to be : . ;.
35 opened before positioning the pack in the dispensing.device and therefore skin contact with the alkaline detergent is possible.
,:. .
2~. a.~.~~~ y..>
WC~ 94/03097 PC T/EP93/01924 It is an object of the present invention to provide a ,.,;, detergent dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack for a detergent powder or, preferably, a block form y detergent product and a dispensing device associated with an institutional washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, whereby the supply pack ensures an economic and effective use of the detergent in the dispensing device.
It is an other.object of the invention to provide a deter-gent dispensing system whereby the detergent supply pack is .
adapted to the dispensing device such that the detergent can be introduced into the device without the need to open the pack before positioning the pack in the dispensing device and loading the device. This eliminates the risk of any skin contact and thus contributes to safety.
~.5 It is a further abject of the invention that no residue is lift inside the supply pack after emptying and that a minimal amount of packaging material is to be disposed of after introducing the detergent product into the dispensing device:
In European patent appla.cation 533,238, a dispensing system comprising a dispensing device end a supply Pack for sup-plying solid state , preferably block, detergent material to the dispensing device is described.
25 Tn this sy tem, the supply park comprises packaging material f~r solid state detergent ana~.ex'ial, said solid state detergent maternal and a closing/release device for promoting release of the sol3.d detergent from ~Ghe supply p~cl~ into the dispensing device, whereby the z I 30 closingJrelease device essentially consists of two parts in f_ between which the packaging material is fixed and is adapted to the dispensing device such that the z t cl,osing/release device can be easily removed in conjunction with the dispensing device for introducing the detergent 35 solid into the dispensing,~evice.
Preferably, the supply pack contains a compacted solid detergent block anel comprises packaging material which con-forms to the shape of the block.
IThe above-described dispensing system has the advantage that it is fairly easy to construct and ensures effective . '.
use of the solid detergent material. However, we also found that it requires a considerable number of handling steps and that~consequently a realistic risk of mal-operation exists resulting in unsafe conditions. It is, therefore, an additional object of the present invention to provide a , detergent dispensing system which is user-friendly and re-quires a limited number of handling steps.
Tt was found that these and other objects can be ac-complished by a detergent dispensing system according to the present invention.
OEFTNITION OF THE TNVENTION
The present invention provides a dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack (1) for supplying solid .
state detergent material to a dispensing device (4)' as-sociated'with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises packaging material for said solid state detergent material, said solid state detergent material and a closing/release device for promoting.releas~
of the detergent solid from the supply pack into he ;
dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device comprises a~ least twfl movable parts in between which the packaging material is clamped and which, after closing, are blocked by locking studs, such that the 1~cking studs can be ~eleaaed by placing the supply pack on a top centring .
frame (l~) Qf the d~ap~nsing device which -is used as a key for op~nang the movable parts and introducing the detergent Splid l.ntd~ the dispensl,Tlg d~'Vice.
The invention also ~rovi.des a detergent supply Pack and a dispensing device which are adapted fax: use in a dispensing system according to the presenf. invention. Furthermore, the invention prova.des a method of dispensing a ~ol~.d detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing I
WO 94/03097 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ PCT/~P'93/Oi924 i .:
i machine, whereby a dispensing system according to the in-c a vention is applied.
i k.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ~y The invention provides a dispensing system comprising a . y supply pack for a solid state detergent product, which may contain detergent powder, detergent briquettes and/or detergent tablets. However, the supply pack preferably eon-tairi~ a compacted detergent block, which is readily dissol-vable on contact with flashing water.
The supply pack includes flexible packaging material which functions as a prote,ctiva means against moisture uptake and also as a handling aid for the introduction of the naked detergent block into the detergent dispensing device of a washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, without contact with the skin. The packaging material is generally also collapsible in order to minimize the volume of pack-aging material to be disposed of after emptying the supply pack: As packaging material, any material which can perform the~above mentioned functions,, may be used, such as cardboard, coated paper, and laminated material (e. g.
aluminium fil:m), but plastic material such as polyethylene '-and,polY~roPYlene is preferred. The mast preferred type of packaging material is palypropylene or polyester laminate with barri~:r coating, said coating preferably consista.ng of silicium oxide.
3' I~ a solid detergent b~.ock is applied; the supply pack of ' the invention thus comprises flexible packaging material i 3p which conforms to the s~aape of the detergent solid, a solid detergent block which is usually produced by compaatioz~ of :; .
dry mixed powder, and release mans for releasing the solid 1 ack into the dispensing detergent product from the supp Y P
device:
enerall , solid detergent blocks constitute a n~on~-dusty G Y
and therefore attractive Product form in view of the often .
aggressive chemicals used. Furthermore; they ara economical t.
~; .
P~.'T/EP93/01924 , 1 v WO 94/0309 ~'~ c~, ~.
in use because they can be manufactured and transported as very concentrated products. In EP-A-375,022 (Unilever) information can be found with respect to the type of solid . ' , ~;:
detergent block which is preferably used with the supply pack according to the present invention.
In order to eliminate skin contact, the supply pack of the invention comprises a closing/release device essentially consisting of locking studs and at least two movable parts in between which the flexible packaging material of the pack is clamped. In other words, these movable parts act as a sprt of closing clamp for the detergent supply pack.
Preferably, these parts comprise twc doors which can be snapped together to close the supply pack and which are kept in a closed position by at least two locking studs.
Vhen the locking studs are released the two doors are tur-nable aver at most 90° from a horizontal closed position into a vertical fully open position. The locking studs are released wl:Zen positioning the supply-pack on the top frame of'the dispenser, by the weight of the supply pack and the application of some additional handforce. 2t i~ noted that the top frame a~as as a tyge of key for releasing the lock-yn~ studs.
As a result;'the locking studs will turn inward into the hollow space of the frame and ~o not any longer Sup-port/lock the turnable doors which: will open by the weight of the detergent block and the handforce applied by an operator: The connection between the turnable doors and the containin a lever or spring frame is preferably such (e:g. g 3ED e~.ement) that the doors are raturned into an approximately ter releasing the detergent block horizontal position of o the dis erasing device~ The reason is that as a result ink F
the risk c~f skin contact with the alkaline internals of the supply packs i~ further reduced. . ' Furthermore, the dispensing system according to the inven-tion comprises a dispensing device of which the dimensions r....
~
~
' - .. ~'4 t s r re such that solid detergent material, preferably a solid detergent block, can be effectively and safely introduced j into it from out of a detergent supply pack according to t a present invention. If a solid detergent block is to be applied, the supply pack containing the detergent block is .
placed on a top centring frame of the dispensing device to facilitate the introductiow of the detergent block into the dispensing device when opening the supply pack by release of the support studs. Thereafter, the naked detergent block is allowed to fall d~.~wn onto a grid-type support in the bottom part of the dispensing device which support is preferably provided with a flexibly sealing, such that only the bottom side of the block is contacted with water originating from a spray nozzle situated underneath this, 1:5 support. ~y contacting only.the bottom part of the deter-gent block, excessive:degr~dation of moisture-sensitive components present in the block is avoided.
This configuration is advantageous as the distance between the bottam side of detergent block and t~.~ spray nozzle will not vary during the washing operation resulting in a constant dissolution rate of detergent material and copse-quently a constant concentration of detergent product in the wash liquor fed into the washing machineo In order ~o ensure that the dispensing device cannr~t be opened just after'adding fresh slid detergent material, it is desiralale that ' the device can bnly be opened af~:er the detergent solid inside the device has decreased to below a certain level., For ensuring a continuous operation op the dispensing:device; an indicator or alarm is preferably pf'ovided signalling that the dwace can be opened anda new detergent solid introduced.
The invention is further illustrated by Figures 1-7, of whidh:
Fig. 1 gives an iZlu~trat.ion o~ a detergent ~ugply Pack aocordingto the invention;
Fig. 2 gives perspective views of a closing device accor-~i~~
~'n ~.
Pf.'T/EP93/01924 ~VtJ 94/03097 ~ ~. ~~ ~ :~ t~' , _ 8 . ..
ding to the invention, in the open (A} and closed (B) I
i position; k Fig.3 shows a cross-sectional view of a solid block con-tai.ning dispensing device and supply pack according to the invention;
Fig.4-7 show schematic cross-sectional views of the dispen-sing system of the invention at consecutive stages when operating the system, whereby Figures 4a, 6a and 7a are crass-sactianal views along tie line A°A shown in Figure 1, 1:0 and Figures 4b, 5, 6b and 7b are crass-sectional views along the l~.n~ B-B shown in Figure 1.
Referring more in detail to these drawings, in Figure 1 (1) indicates a detergent supply pack comprising flexible packaging material end a claszmgfrelease device (2). Also two movable rigid plastic doors (3a) and (3b) are shown in the half--open position. When these door are fully opened as de~.ai,cted in,Figure 2A, a solid detergent block can be introduced from out of.the supply pack into a dispensing 20: device:
Figure:2B shows the closing device in the closed position, whereby the docsrs have been snapped together and are kept in a horizontal closed position by two lockimg studs ( indicated by e7,ements ( l~.a) and ( 1.1b) ) and whereby the packaging ~at~~'ial is Clamped in between the doors.
In Figure 3, a'dispens~ing device (4) according to the in-vention is shown wherein solid block detergent,material (5) is positioned on a.grid-type support (6) and being sprayed-on by way of spray°°nozzle (7).
thermore twra levers, a refill lever (8) and a low level Fur i lever ( 9 ) , are shown ire Figure 3 . When the detergent "
material inside the dispensing deuice ~4) has been dis-solved so far that only detergent matexial (5b) and deter-°
i gent rest vol~xme (5c) are left, over, refill lower (8) burns back ~.o its original position thereby causing the fixati.on of top lid closure to be released. Refill lever (8) may be W~ 9d/03097 YCT/El'93/01924 g . .
connected to an indicator telling the operator that the contents of a new supply pack may be introduced into the dispensing device. For this purpose, refill lever (8) may also be connected.to an alarm system which is activated when the fixation of the top lid closure is released.
When the dispensing device is not refilled and the deter-gent material present therein has been dissolved sofar that only the detergent rest volume (5c) is left over, the low level lever (9) which is installed for safety reasons, turns back to its original pcasition. As a result of this, a signal is given which can be used o trigger stopping the operation of the dispensing system.
On top of_ the dispensing device, a square-shaped top centring frame (10) is depicted which contains four release knobs located in the middle of each side of the top centring frame. These release knobs can cooperate with the two locking studs on he closing/release device f or opening of the supply peak when it is glaced on the top centring frame. The'two locking studs are located in the middle of two opposite sides of the closing release device.
As a consequence of the position of the four release knobs and the two locking studs, these wo locking studs will always be able to cooperate with two of the four release 2~~ knobs on the top centring frame far opening the movable doors (3a,3b) , whatever be the position of the supply pack on the frame when centred thereon. Ln other words:
there is no preferred position of the supply hack on the .top centring frame (10).
3~
the cooperation of the closing/release ures 4'-7 Fi I
, g n device (2) and. the top centring frame (10) is shown at c~n-eratin the disponsir~~g system of the secutivo stages when ~p g invention.
35 In Figure 4; the first stage'is depicted wherein the clc~sing/release device of a closed supply peak is positioned on the top centring frame of a dispensing .;P, _. .. .~.... .; ,...: ,- ., ..- ,,_;: . <.; ~;.:: . .: ,: .;...
.:.. .. . , . .:. .... .. :.. ., . .. ., . . . ...: _. , . . .
i 1:: -'~
1'%i pCT/EF93101924 ~V~ 94/03097 c1~ ;~ ;
device, whereby two release knobs located on the centring i frame are in line with the two locking studs on the closing/release device. The total weight of the supply pack now presses on to the two locking studs which are leaning against two of the four release knobs and which are con- .
netted with a frame-type element of the closing/release device surrounding the closed doors (3a) and (3b), by means of a hinge. By the weight of the pack and some additional handforce these locking studs are pressed upward and, as a -result they aye no longer securing closure of the doors.
These doors will open (see Figure 5) and finally they are in a vertical posation thus making the way free for the block to drop into the dispensing device (see Figure 6).
The doors of the closing device are spring-loaded. So, when the solid block has dropped into the dispensing device, they turn almost bask into their original horizontal posi~.ion by the action of the spring, thus reclosing the supply-pack for about 95% and avoiding skin contact with the usually alkaline and aggressive residual material in the a.nside of. the emptied supply-pack:
Claims (9)
1. A dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack (1) for supplying solid state detergent material to a dispensing device (6) associated with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises pack-aging material for said solid state detergent material, said solid state detergent material and a closing/release device for promoting release of the detergent solid from the supply pack into the dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device comprises at least two movable parts (3a,3b) in between which the packaging material is clamped and which, after closing, are blocked by locking studs, such that the locking studs can be released by placing the sup-ply pack on a top centring frame (10) of the dispensing device which is used as a key for opening the movable parts and introducing the solid detergent into the dispensing device.
2. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the movable parts comprise two doors (3a,3b), which are tur-nable over an angle of at most 90° when the locking studs are released and the solid detergent is introduced into the dispensing device.
3. The dispensing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the top centring frame comprises release knots and the locking studs are released by cooperation, with these release knobs when placing the supply pack on the centring frame of the dispensing device.
4. The dispensing system according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the movable parts are springloaded and turn almost back into their closed position after solid detergent material has been introduced into the dispensing device.
5. The dispensing system according to any of claims 1-4, whereby the supply pack contains a compacted detergent block and comprises packaging material which conforms to the shape of the detergent block.
6. The dispensing system according to any of claims 1-5 wherein the dispensing device is provided with a grid-type support (6) with a flexible sealing in the bottom part of it on which support the detergent solid is located after it is introduced into the device, whereby a spraying nozzle (7) is situated underneath the support and the flexible sealing ,is located such that only a bottom part of the detergent material is contacted with water.
7. The dispensing system according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the dispensing device is provided with a top lid closure which can be opened only after the height of the solid detergent inside the device has decreased to below a certain level so as to ensure that the device cannot be opened just after adding fresh solid detergent material.
8. A detergent supply pack which is adapted for use in the dispensing system according to any of claims 1-7.
9. A dispensing device which is adapter for use in a dispen-sing system according to any of claims 1-7.
. Method of dispensing a solid detergent product into wash liquor to be fed into a washing machine, whereby a dispensing system according to any of claims 1-7 is ap-plied.
. Method of dispensing a solid detergent product into wash liquor to be fed into a washing machine, whereby a dispensing system according to any of claims 1-7 is ap-plied.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP92202402 | 1992-08-03 | ||
| EP92202402.1 | 1992-08-03 | ||
| PCT/EP1993/001924 WO1994003097A1 (en) | 1992-08-03 | 1993-07-20 | Detergent dispensing system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2141329A1 CA2141329A1 (en) | 1994-02-17 |
| CA2141329C true CA2141329C (en) | 2004-06-29 |
Family
ID=8210827
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002141329A Expired - Fee Related CA2141329C (en) | 1992-08-03 | 1993-07-20 | Detergent dispensing system |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5417939A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0652724B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU677015B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9306834A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2141329C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69303485T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2089835T3 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI106098B (en) |
| TR (1) | TR27053A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994003097A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA935608B (en) |
Families Citing this family (20)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0788989A3 (en) * | 1995-09-20 | 1998-07-01 | Buck Werke GmbH & Co | Coupling device for containers |
| NL1001832C2 (en) * | 1995-12-06 | 1997-06-12 | Epenhuysen Chem Nv | Cleaning agent dosing system |
| US5782109A (en) * | 1996-05-06 | 1998-07-21 | Ecolab Inc. | Dispenser |
| DE19644176A1 (en) * | 1996-10-24 | 1998-04-30 | Belland Ag | Package containing a dry alkaline solid |
| EP0939036A1 (en) | 1998-02-25 | 1999-09-01 | Unilever N.V. | Dispensing device |
| DE10255648B4 (en) * | 2002-11-28 | 2005-01-27 | Wacker-Chemie Gmbh | Process and apparatus for the hydrolytic recovery of a carboxylic acid and alcohol from the corresponding carboxylic ester |
| US7231928B2 (en) * | 2003-05-20 | 2007-06-19 | Whirlpool Corporation | Household dishwasher with bulk wash aid dispenser |
| US7250086B2 (en) * | 2003-12-08 | 2007-07-31 | Ecolab Inc. | Method of using a solid rinse additive dispenser for dispensing a use solution in a dishwashing machine |
| US7815072B2 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2010-10-19 | Diversey, Inc. | Metering and dispensing closure |
| US7950550B2 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2011-05-31 | Diversey, Inc. | Metering and dispensing closure |
| ES2394873T3 (en) * | 2007-02-01 | 2013-02-06 | Diversey, Inc. | Dispensing control systems and methods |
| TR201005126T1 (en) * | 2007-12-31 | 2010-11-22 | Arçeli̇k Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇ | A dishwasher |
| US20100146587A1 (en) * | 2008-12-09 | 2010-06-10 | Ecolab Inc. | Authentication of controlled dosing processes |
| US9051163B2 (en) | 2009-10-06 | 2015-06-09 | Ecolab Inc. | Automatic calibration of chemical product dispense systems |
| US8852442B2 (en) * | 2010-03-08 | 2014-10-07 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Solid chemical dissolver and methods |
| US20130294978A1 (en) * | 2012-05-03 | 2013-11-07 | Reynato Mariano | Chemical dissolving dispenser |
| WO2019152999A1 (en) * | 2018-02-05 | 2019-08-08 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Packaging and docking system for non-contact chemical dispensing |
| SG11202108520XA (en) | 2019-02-05 | 2021-09-29 | Ecolab Usa Inc | Packaging and docking system for non-contact chemical dispensing |
| CN113481694B (en) * | 2021-06-30 | 2023-04-07 | 四川虹美智能科技有限公司 | Method and device for judging whether clothes of drum washing machine are pushed against door |
| CN113957659B (en) * | 2021-12-07 | 2023-04-07 | 四川虹美智能科技有限公司 | Weighing method and device of drum washing machine and drum washing machine |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3971493A (en) * | 1974-08-26 | 1976-07-27 | David Michael Williams | Combination transportable container and dispensing receiver |
| US4569781A (en) * | 1978-02-07 | 1986-02-11 | Economics Laboratory, Inc. | Cast detergent-containing article and method of using |
| US4426362A (en) * | 1978-12-05 | 1984-01-17 | Economics Laboratory, Inc. | Solid block detergent dispenser |
| US4690305A (en) * | 1985-11-06 | 1987-09-01 | Ecolab Inc. | Solid block chemical dispenser for cleaning systems |
| US4790981A (en) * | 1985-11-25 | 1988-12-13 | James L. Mayer | Dispenser for solid and powdered detergent |
| EP0245759A3 (en) * | 1986-05-14 | 1990-05-02 | Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien | Stock supply of a solid cleaning block, and process for its preparation |
| US4752807A (en) * | 1986-12-22 | 1988-06-21 | Eastman Kodak Company | Apparatus for adding toner to an electrographic development station |
| US5198198A (en) * | 1987-10-02 | 1993-03-30 | Ecolab Inc. | Article comprising a water soluble bag containing a multiple use amount of a pelletized functional material and methods of its use |
| AU628139B2 (en) * | 1989-03-27 | 1992-09-10 | American Cyanamid Company | Closed granular chemical handling system |
| JPH03245172A (en) * | 1990-02-19 | 1991-10-31 | Nippon Kentek Kaisha Ltd | Toner supply vessel and device for fixing toner supply vessel |
| JP2517201Y2 (en) * | 1990-06-01 | 1996-11-20 | 株式会社リコー | Waste toner recovery device |
| GB9120034D0 (en) * | 1991-09-19 | 1991-11-06 | Unilever Plc | Detergetn dispensing |
| US5297703A (en) * | 1992-02-13 | 1994-03-29 | Tsao Chein Hwa | Non-spill loading device for the loading of bottled fluid into a dispenser |
-
1993
- 1993-07-20 ES ES93917604T patent/ES2089835T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-07-20 WO PCT/EP1993/001924 patent/WO1994003097A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1993-07-20 CA CA002141329A patent/CA2141329C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-07-20 BR BR9306834A patent/BR9306834A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-07-20 AU AU47008/93A patent/AU677015B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1993-07-20 EP EP93917604A patent/EP0652724B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-07-20 DE DE69303485T patent/DE69303485T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-08-02 US US08/101,155 patent/US5417939A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-08-02 TR TR00676/93A patent/TR27053A/en unknown
- 1993-08-03 ZA ZA935608A patent/ZA935608B/en unknown
-
1995
- 1995-02-03 FI FI950479A patent/FI106098B/en active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69303485T2 (en) | 1996-10-31 |
| FI950479A0 (en) | 1995-02-03 |
| EP0652724B1 (en) | 1996-07-03 |
| AU4700893A (en) | 1994-03-03 |
| CA2141329A1 (en) | 1994-02-17 |
| FI950479A (en) | 1995-02-03 |
| DE69303485D1 (en) | 1996-08-08 |
| ES2089835T3 (en) | 1996-10-01 |
| BR9306834A (en) | 1998-12-08 |
| US5417939A (en) | 1995-05-23 |
| AU677015B2 (en) | 1997-04-10 |
| WO1994003097A1 (en) | 1994-02-17 |
| EP0652724A1 (en) | 1995-05-17 |
| TR27053A (en) | 1994-10-11 |
| ZA935608B (en) | 1995-02-03 |
| FI106098B (en) | 2000-11-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |