Self-Contained and Wireless Device for a Washing Machine

• US 20080110479A1
• Filed: 03/22/2006
• Published: 05/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Diversey Incorporated (Sealed Air)
• Original Assignee: Diversey Incorporated (Sealed Air)
• Inventors: Van Der Heijden, Lambertus Gerardus Petrus, Reinier, Robert-Jan, Veening, Jan Eduard
• Granted Patent: US 8,978,186 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/113
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/0049 Detection or prevention of malfunction, including accident prevention arrangements to prevent clogging of filters A47L15/4208; safety arrangements for preventing water damage A47L15/421
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/006 using wireless communication between internal components of the machine
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/449 Metering controlling devices A47L15/4229 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2401/023 Quantity or concentration of the consumable product
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2501/26 Indication or alarm to the controlling device or to the user
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2103/16 Washing liquid temperature
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2103/22 Content of detergent or additives
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/58 Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/60 Audible signals
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/22 Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-contained and wireless monitoring device (10) for use in a washing machine (1) to indicate shortage of detergent in said washing machine. The monitoring device comprises a sensor (13) arranged to monitor detergent concentration in washing liquid (5) of said washing machine and to provide an alarm signal (A) when said monitored detergent concentration is below a target value. The monitoring device is capable of floating in said washing liquid and comprises signalling means (11) for indicating said shortage of detergent in response to said alarm signal. The invention further relates to a package containing such a monitoring device and a method for indicating shortage of detergent.

Claims

15. A wireless monitoring device for use in a washing machine to indicate shortage of detergent in the washing machine, the monitoring device comprising:

a body member capable of floating in washing liquid, the body member including a plurality of panel members extending in a first direction and a plate member extending in another direction and joining the panel members; and

a sensor connected to the body member arranged to monitor detergent concentration in the washing liquid in the washing machine and provide a signal.

16. The monitoring device according to claim 15, wherein the plate member includes openings.

17. The monitoring device according to claim 15, wherein the panel members are defined by three panel members, one of the panel members extending from the plate member a shorter distance than the other two.

18. The monitoring device according to claim 17, wherein the panel members are sloped in an inward manner with respect to a central axis of the body member.

19. The monitoring device according to claim 15, wherein the plate member is constructed and arranged to provide a stop surface for the sensor.

20. A method of detecting the shortage of detergent in a washing machine employing the monitoring device of claim 15.