Patent Application
20190112744
This application claims priority from EP 16162830.0 filed 30 Mar. 2016, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.
The present invention relates to a laundry device for placing in a drum of a washing machine during a washing cycle, particularly to a laundry device comprising a Bluetooth communication module for communication with a separate device outside of the drum.
In the modern Internet of Things (IoT) era, there is a growing demand from consumers to be able to interact with devices wirelessly. It is becoming increasingly common for household electronic items to be capable of connecting to the internet or communicating wirelessly with other electronic devices.
There are numerous wireless standards available spread over a range of frequency bands and utilising different communication protocols. Known products use these standards a variety of different purposes and to provide a vast array of different services. With numerous standards available, choosing the optimal wireless connectivity technology for a particular IoT application can prove to be a challenge.
In the developed and developing world, washing machines are used for laundering articles, such as clothes and household linens. Laundry products, including detergent and often fabric conditioners, are added to the wash. In some cases, products are added via a drawer in the washing machine. In other cases, products are added directly to the 10 drum. At its simplest, this may be sprinkling laundry detergent flakes on top of articles to be laundered before the wash cycle begins. However, increasingly commonly, liquid detergents are introduced into the drum via a dosing ball. Dosing balls are typically small plastic receptacles into which a consumer pours a measured amount of liquid detergent product. The user cannot communicate with or affect in any way, the laundry product within the drum of the washing machine once the washing cycle has started.
Laundry devices other than dosing balls may be inserted into the drum of a washing machine to aid the washing process. For example, “dryer balls” or other laundry balls having a rough or spiky exterior may be placed into a wash to interact with the items being washed.
This invention aims to provide a mechanism for communicating with devices inside the drum of a washing machine during a washing cycle.
Accordingly, the present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing, according to a first aspect, a laundry device for placing in a drum of a washing machine during a washing cycle, the laundry device comprising: a waterproof housing; and a wireless communication module located within the waterproof housing for communication with a separate device outside of the drum.
In some embodiments, the wireless communication module operates at a frequency of 2.4 to 2.5 GHz.
In some embodiments, the wireless communication module operates at a frequency of 2.4 to 2.485. It was previously thought that wireless communication with a device inside of a washing machine during the washing process would not be possible. The applicant has discovered that washing programs of different types within washing machines of different types and manufacturers exhibit communication windows within which it is possible to communicate wirelessly between devices inside the drum and outside of the drum. In particular, the applicant has discovered that such windows are particularly apparent when working with communication methods at a frequency of 2.4 to 2.5 GHz (such as Bluetooth). The present invention utilizes these communication windows.
For example, after a spin cycle, the water content of the load may be reduced enough to enable the signal from the wireless communication module to pass between a device external to the washing machine and the laundry device inside the washing machine. A period in which such communications are possible is an example of a communication window.
Optional features of the invention will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect of the invention.
Optionally, the laundry device is configured to determine a current position within the washing cycle.
Optionally, the laundry device is configured to send and/or receive signals to the separate device when the current position is equal to a communication window within the washing cycle.
Optionally, the communication window is during or immediately after one or more spin cycles of the washing machine.
Optionally, the communication module is programmed to send and/or receive signals to the separate device during or immediately after one or more spin cycles of the washing machine. A time lag will exist between the end of the spin cycle and the introduction of enough water into the drum to prevent the wireless signal from penetrating into the drum. The period after the spin cycle within which a signals can be sent and/or received corresponds to this time lag. The length of the time lag will depend upon the fill rate of the washing machine.
The communication signals may be triggered by a timer within the laundry device. Alternatively, or in addition, the communication signals may be triggered by signals received from sensors located within the laundry device.
The communication signal could be a signal sent directly from a washing machine to the laundry device, or from a user (e.g. via a mobile device) to the laundry device.
Optionally, the Bluetooth communication module is a Bluetooth 2.0 module.
In this way, better results can be provided over a wider range of machines because signal strength is optimised over power conservation.
Optionally, the Bluetooth communication module is a Low Energy Bluetooth (Bluetooth LE) module.
In this way, a device with an improved lifetime is provided. An example of a suitable Low Energy Bluetooth communication module is that of the Texas Instruments CC2650 SensorTag development kit.
Compared to classic Bluetooth, Low Energy Bluetooth, “Bluetooth LE” (or Bluetooth Smart) provides reduced power consumption whilst maintaining a communication range comparable to that of Bluetooth LE.
The Bluetooth LE communication module may be a Bluetooth 4.0 communication module.
Optionally, the laundry device further comprises one or more sensors. The sensor devices may be incorporated into or connected to and supported by the communication module.
Optionally, the sensor devices comprise one or more of: temperature sensor, humidity sensor, pressure sensor, accelerometer, water sensor, conductivity sensor, gyroscope and magnetometer.
Optionally, the laundry device further comprises one or more chambers for a laundry product; wherein the laundry device is configured to retain the laundry product sealed within the one or more chambers and to release at least some of the retained laundry product upon receiving a signal via the Bluetooth receiver to dispense the product into the drum of the washing machine.
Optionally the laundry products includes a fabric conditioner composition.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of communication with a laundry device located within the drum of a washing machine during a washing cycle; the method including:
Optionally, the Bluetooth communication module is a Bluetooth LE communication module. Optionally, the communication module is programmed to establish a Bluetooth communication channel only during or immediately after one or more spin cycles of the washing cycle. A communication channel may also be established prior to washing and at the end of the wash program, which will usually correspond to the end of the final spin cycle.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided, use of Bluetooth to send and/or receive signals from inside the drum of a washing machine during use
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
An example of a laundry device 1 for placing in a drum of a washing machine is shown in
The base itself forms a waterproof housing within which a communication module 10 is located. The communication module 10 includes a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver and, in the embodiment shown, also includes at least one sensor. One or more processors may control the Bluetooth transmitter, receiver and sensor.
The base and the lid mate together to form the exterior of the device and to define a chamber 4. The exterior of the device is made from moulded plastics material. The 5 device is ovoid, the rounded shape reducing the risk of damage to articles.
The chamber 4 houses four reservoir cartridges 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d. Prior to use, each of 15 these may house a laundry product. Suitable laundry products are described herein. For example, 7a may house a detergent composition, 7b an enzyme composition (enzymes are not always compatible, so it is advantageous to provide them in separate cartridges—for example, 7a may include a lipase, while the composition of 7b may include a protease); 7c may contain a brightener, and 7d may contain a fabric conditioner. 20.
The reservoir cartridges 7 are quarter segment shaped in cross section, such that they fit together snugly in the chamber, maximising space efficiency. Naturally, the segment shape will depend on the number of cartridges to be housed.
Each reservoir cartridge as shown in the left-hand picture is mated within the chamber 4. For clarity, the right-hand picture shows a reservoir cartridge 7d disengaged from the chamber housing. In other words, the cartridge is being inserted.
The reservoir cartridges mate with the chamber by complementary mating means (not shown). The chamber bottom comprises four valves (not shown). Each valve is provided along a conduit between the chamber and exterior of the device.
It is envisaged that in other embodiments, the waterproof housing within which the communication module is located could be formed by the outer shell of the device itself. In such embodiments, the communication module and its associated circuitry would be accessible to the user.
In some embodiments, the communication module will include a power source such as a battery (coin cell).
Each reservoir cartridge mates with the chamber mating means such that it is sealable by the valve. At this stage, each valve is in its closed state. Suitable mating means are apparent to the skilled person, but include a push-lock fitting (for example, the chamber may comprise a recess into which a portion of the reservoir is inserted snugly—a rim or other protrusion(s) may be provided to result in audible or tactile feedback.
The reservoir cartridges have an aperture frangibly sealed with a foil film or similar. This film is broken when the cartridge mates with the device. The respective valve then seals the reservoir.
Accordingly, to use, the user selects appropriate cartridges for the articles and degree and nature of soiling, inserts them into the chamber as described, and replaces the lid 3.
The device is then placed in the drum with the articles. The wash program may be started immediately, or may be delayed.
The device comprises at least one sensor and a processor located in the base 2. The device further comprises a power source, for example a battery which may be conventional, disposable battery, or a rechargeable battery. When the wash cycle begins, the sensor(s) gather data concerning the conditions in the drum. These data are relayed to the processor. The processor is programmed to open each of the valves (by sending a “dispense” signal to said valve) under certain predetermined conditions, which may include assessing repetition of certain conditions (for example, detecting a second rinse cycle). When a valve opens, the content of the reservoir cartridge is dispensed into the water/wash liquor.
In some embodiments, the processor is programmed to open one or more of the valves upon receiving a signal from a separate device via the wireless communication module. In such situations, the receiver of the communications module will receive the wireless signal from the separate device. Upon receiving the transmission, the receiver communicates with the processor. The processor will be programmed to open one or more of the valves upon communication of a given signal.
The separate device may take the form of any computing device with wireless capability as long as the type of wireless capability (i.e. the protocols and/or frequencies by which the computing device can communicate) match up with that of the wireless communication module within the laundry device. Examples of separate, outside-of-the-drum devices include: a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a phablet, and a mobile phone (cell phone).
The separate device may also take the form of a purpose built sensor module. A separate sensor module may be locatable outside of the outer housing of the washing machine and/or may be locatable outside of the drum, but within the external housing of the machine. For example, a separate sensor could be locatable within the draw of a washing machine. The sensor module may comprise any one of or combination of: temperature sensor, humidity sensor, pressure sensor, accelerometer, water sensor, conductivity sensor, gyroscope and magnetometer. Wireless communication between the separate device and the laundry device may be triggered when the external sensor records a predetermined event (such as the presence of water) or a predetermined value.
Variations will be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, in a further embodiment, the device may not function as a dosing device and may simply comprise a sealed or sealable waterproof housing which encloses the communications module. Waterproof housing may take the form of a flexible housing or bag.
Definitions
Laundry Device
Laundry product, as used herein, refers to any device suitable for placing into the drum of a washing machine or tumble drier. At least a portion of the device forms a waterproof housing or shell.
Optionally, the laundry device may be suitable for housing and dispensing laundry liquid and/or for housing and releasing a fabric benefit agent such as perfume.
Optionally, the laundry device may take the form of a dryer ball or laundry ball which interacts with laundry in a washing machine or a tumble dryer. The dryer ball or laundry ball may have a rough or spiked outer surface.
Wash Program A washing machine typically has one or more programs which the user selects to suit the articles to be laundered and the degree of soiling. Each program is a sequence of stages with varied conditions (duration, water/solution volume, speed, temperature). As used herein, the word cycle refers to an individual stage and the word program means a combination of those stages.
Typically, the stages of a wash program include:
1. at least one wash cycle (in which the drum is filled to a certain level and the articles agitated in the solution, then the solution drained); spinning may be used to aid solution removal;
2. at least one rinse phase (in which the drum is filled with water to a certain level and the articles agitated in the water, then the water drained); the rinse phase may include one or more rinse cycles, with two or three being frequently used; spinning may be used to aid solution/water removal;
3. at least one spin cycle, in which the basket is spun rapidly with the drain open such that remaining water, including water absorbed within the fabric of the articles, is removed by centrifugal force.
Laundry Product
Laundry product, as used herein, refers to compositions used in the cleaning and related treatment of articles, typically but not exclusively in automatic washing machines.
The laundry product may be a detergent. In other words, it may perform some cleaning function. Detergent laundry products are known in the art and may include surfactants, builders, and enzymes. The laundry product may be a fabric treatment product (agent). In this context, fabric treatment agent refers to a product that may be used to treat or otherwise condition articles in a washing machine. Examples may include fabric conditioner, UV protectors, water repellents, perfumes, and insect repellents.
Accordingly, a method of laundering articles, as described herein may, but does not necessarily, include a cleaning product.
Sensor
The sensor may take the form of an electronic sensor or any other sensor (such as a mechanical sensor) capable of communicating with the processor. Indeed, in some cases, the sensor(s) and processor are provided as a single unit. For example, the sensor and processor may be provided as a single printed circuit board or similar. As will be appreciated, more than one sensor may be present. For example, two or more sensors may be provided as a single unit, optionally with a processor.
Processor
At its most basic, the processor obtains data from the sensor, and is configured to generate a response to that data under certain conditions. Where only dispensing means (for example, only one electronic valve) is electronic communication with the processor, the processor states may be YES NO (for example corresponding to send a “dispense” and do not send a “dispense”). It will be appreciated that in some cases, the processor may be configured to cross reference and interpret data from two or more sensors. Where more than one sensor is present, each sensor may be in electronic communication with a single processor, which sends the signal, or different sensors may be in electronic communication with different processors. Where more than one dispensing means (for example, only one electronic valve) is present, different dispensing means may be in electronic communication with different processors. In some cases, only one processor is provided.
Measurement of Bluetooth signal strength within commercial front-loading automatic washing machines.
The signal strength between Bluetooth devices within commercial front-loading automatic (FLA) washing machines using two separate signal-generating components was assessed.
A Texas Instruments CC2650 SensorTag development kit provided a Bluetooth 4.0LE device within the laundry device that could be placed within a washing machine. On activation this device broadcast an ‘advertisement’ signal for 180 s and the strength of this was recorded as it was placed at specific locations within a Miele W1613 FLA machine. To receive the signal we used a Nexus 7 tablet specified to use the same Bluetooth 4.0LE protocol as the SensorTag. This was loaded with the Android application BlueScan to enable capture of the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI, dBm) from each successful connection and record this with time. The values shown below were the mean RSSI over the 180 s period after activation of the SensorTag when it was placed at each specified location.
To provide appropriate data a load comprising 4.0 kg of cotton and polyester fabric was introduced into the machine. 12 litres of water was used to wet the load prior to measurements then this was spun at 1000 rpm for 300 s for the ‘spun load’ measures.
As shown in
The second part of the study was carried out in much the same manner as already described. To provide signal measurement during the continuous wash cycles of a range of commercial FLA machines we changed the device used to broadcast a Bluetooth signal to one specified at Bluetooth 2.0 that had no time limitation on its advertisement period. The Bluetooth chip was sealed inside a plastic housing to protect it during the wash cycles. Values documented were again the mean RSSI during each of the wash stages, the wash cycles being as noted by the operator. Three separate FLA machines were used with the same 4 kg load as before.
Machine 1: Miele W1613
The results taken are also depicted in
Machine 2: Zanussi ZWG6161P
The results taken are also depicted in
Machine 3: LG F12A8TDA5
The results taken are also depicted in
Use of Such a Laundry Device
A variety of sensors could be used in the laundry device, for example, water sensor, thermometer, accelerometer. The sensor may be located on the external shell of the washing machine or inside the washing machine, for example in the rinse drawer. Or by using a mobile phone placed in the vicinity of the washing machine, for example on top of the exterior of the washing machine, a sensor in the mobile phone may be used.
In the example in which the sensor is located inside the rinse drawer of the washing machine, the sensor can detect directly when the rinse water for the final rinse is starting to flow through the rinse drawer. In this manner, the rinse that is detected and measured by the sensor is known to be the final rinse in the washing cycle. The sensor can detect when water is diverted by the washing machine through the rinse drawer, which happens only on the final rinse cycle.
The laundry device is thereby configured to determine the position in the washing cycle. For example, the laundry device is configured to determine the position of the final rinse cycle.
When the sensor detects that the water is being diverted through the rinse drawer of the washing machine, a signal is sent to the laundry device via wire communication during the communication window in which wireless communications with the laundry device are possible (as described above). That is, when the water has just started to flow into the drum, via the rinse drawer, while the wireless communication with the laundry is still possible.
The laundry device may be configured to dispense a fabric conditioner composition in to the drum of the washing machine, for example, upon receipt of the wireless signal from the sensor (received via wireless communications). The fabric conditioner composition may preferably be dispensed immediately after receipt of the signal by the laundry device. Alternatively, the laundry device may wait for a period of time after receipt of the signal before dispensing the fabric conditioner. In this way, the fabric conditioner can be dispensed when the drum of the washing machine is full of water.
It will be appreciated from the above description that when the drum has a certain amount of water in it, the wireless communication with the laundry device will be unreliable. Sending of signals to the laundry device, and the receipt of signals from the laundry device, may not be possible during at least some times that are outside the communication window, or such communications may be less reliable.
Accordingly, the signal may be transmitted to the laundry device after the spin (which happens before the rinse water is added) when the drum is generally empty of water. That is, during the communication window.
In some of the Examples described herein, the separate device outside of the drum takes the form of a Nexus tablet. However, the separate device could take the form of any computing device with wireless capability. While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Although the embodiments and examples described herein relate to laundry devices with Bluetooth communication modules, it is envisaged that similar devices could function with alternative communication modules which communicate using other wireless network standards such as: Wi-Fi, Thread, WeMo, ZigBee, Z-Wave, 6LoWPAN.
All references referred to above are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16162830.0 | Mar 2016 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2017/057068 | 3/24/2017 | WO | 00 |
