Container for automatic dosing system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a container for an automatic dosing system, comprising a container body comprising a neck having a connection means and a recessed stepped portion on an upper side of the container; wherein the neck defines a liquid outlet; wherein the recessed stepped portion defines a liquid filling port. The container may be refillable and molded by blow molding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic dosing system for dosing a liquid from a container and a container for use in such a system. Background Art

[0002] Conventional automatic quantitative dispensing systems usually use a suction system to extract a certain amount of liquid from a cavity or container and provide it to the system to be quantitatively dispensed, such as a washing machine, a dishwasher, a soap dispenser, a carpet cleaning system, etc. A typical automatic quantitative dispensing cleaning system includes two cavities or containers, one cavity / container for laundry detergent and the other for softener. If containers are used, they are usually disposable containers that are subsequently discarded, or two containers are connected and / or formed together and cannot be disassembled separately. The construction of such inseparable containers is shown in Chinese patent applications 106637835B and 109898290B.

[0003] In some cases, it is necessary to clean the container and / or cavity. For example, when a user wants to replace the liquid in the container with another different liquid, the container needs to be cleaned first. After long-term use, the liquid in the container is also prone to caking or breeding bacteria, and also needs to be cleaned. However, traditional containers are connected to another container, which is not convenient for users to clean because the containers cannot be separated, and usually when one container needs to be refilled or cleaned, they need to be cleaned at the same time. Therefore, when one container needs to be cleaned, both containers must be emptied and cleaned at the same time. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a system that can use a refillable container, but can remove the refillable container for separate cleaning and / or refilling to avoid wasting otherwise available liquid.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container for an automatic quantitative dispensing system includes a container body, the container body including a neck with a connecting device and a recessed step portion on the upper side of the container. The neck defines a liquid outlet of the container; the recessed step portion defines a liquid filling port. This container can be used in an automatic quantitative dispensing system as a refillable container, which can be disassembled separately for cleaning and refilled through the liquid filling port. By placing the liquid filling port in the recessed step portion on the upper side of the container, any cover or other sealing measures of the liquid filling port are not located higher than the upper part of the container. This can maintain a good external profile, facilitate transportation, storage and use, and help prevent overfilling and overflow during refilling through the liquid filling port.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the container is formed by blow molding. This can be all or part of the container, including the container body, neck, connection means and / or recessed step portion. Optionally, the container is formed of plastic, such as one or more of the following materials: polypropylene ("PP"), high-density polyethylene plastic ("HDPE"), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate-1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol ester ("PETG"). Such blow-molded containers are generally of lower cost than prior art containers (e.g., injection molded containers) and produce a good seal to ensure that liquid does not leak out of the container when it is not desired (e.g., during transportation, storage and / or use).

[0007] According to one embodiment, the connection means comprises one or more of the following: a thread and a bayonet connection. Such a connection means allows a simple and secure but removable connection of other components (e.g. a connector and / or a cover). In other embodiments, the connection may be non-removable, for example, integrally formed as part of the container.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the container also includes a connector, which includes a stop valve and a suction pipe. The connector is configured to be connected to the connection device of the container so that the stop valve controls the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet, and the suction pipe extends into the container body. When the connector is connected to the connection device, the suction pipe extends in the container body, and the inlet of the suction pipe is usually located at the low point of the container. This ensures that the suction pipe can suck out all or almost all liquids from the container when in use. The connector also generally includes a recess or passage for receiving the suction port of the suction system of the automatic quantitative dispensing system when in use. The connector will be sealed around the suction port (for example, using one or more seals on the connector and / or the suction system) to form a liquid channel for quantitatively dispensing liquid from the container interior through the suction pipe and the stop valve to the suction system used in the cleaning appliance. The stop valve can be a silicone valve with an elastic membrane or any other suitable type of valve that is opened, for example, under suction, to control liquid to flow out of the container through the connector.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the container also includes a cover connected to the liquid filling port above the recessed step portion. Optionally, the cover includes a recessed portion, a peripheral platform at least partially surrounding the recessed portion, and a handle. Further optionally, the cover includes a connecting device for connecting to the container body at the liquid filling port. This cover can be sealed and connected to the liquid filling port in the recessed step portion to ensure that when not needed, such as during transportation, storage and use, the liquid will not leak or overflow from the liquid filling port. The structure with the recessed portion, the peripheral platform and the handle allows the cover to be well fixed to the recessed step portion of the container body without extending beyond the height of the container body. This forms a convenient shape for transportation and storage and for containing the container in a cleaning appliance for use. The handle with the recessed portion can more easily manually operate the insertion and removal of the cover. The connecting device can be any stable but removable connecting device, such as a thread, a bayonet connection, a snap connection, etc. Optionally, the cover may include one or more seals for sealing between the cover and the container body.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the lid includes one or more air inlet vents. Optionally, the one or more air inlet vents are located on a recessed portion of the lid or on a peripheral portion of the lid. The lid includes vents to allow air to enter the container body (to balance the pressure) when needed during use, without the need to directly form (and cover) the vents in the container body. Therefore, the vents can be set in an easy to manufacture and effective manner without causing any possible damage to the container body. In addition, forming vents in the lid allows different configurations of the vents (e.g., quantity, size) without requiring the container itself to have a different design and manufacture. Alternatively, the air inlet vents can be formed in the container body itself, for example, in a recessed step portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the lid also includes an air inlet valve. Optionally, part or all of the valve may be formed of a flexible material, such as silicone or rubber. Such a valve may be a simple way to ensure that no liquid leaks from the air inlet vent but that air can enter the container body under negative pressure when equalization is required as liquid flows out of the container. Optionally, the valve is an umbrella valve (e.g., a valve seat with a peripheral membrane that flexes open under pressure) or a duckbill valve.

[0012] If a duckbill valve is used, it can be placed over the air inlet vent in the lid and fastened to the edge of the opening by a pressure ring. The duckbill valve includes two valve flaps that form a seal around the central axis of the lid, covering the air inlet vent to prevent spillage of the cleaning product. The duckbill flaps can be formed of silicone or rubber.

[0013] A duckbill or umbrella valve forms a simple, robust valve on the lid that minimizes or prevents any contents from escaping the container while allowing gas to enter as desired. In some embodiments, a similar valve may be used at the liquid outlet, where it may be easily opened by a negative pressure device with a pin or other flow channel to allow dosing from the container.

[0014] According to further embodiments, the air inlet valve includes a valve structure connected around the periphery of the recessed step and located between the recessed step and the lid. Such a valve structure can help ensure that the connection between the lid and the container remains sealed while allowing air to enter when pressure equalization is required. The disclosed duckbill valve, umbrella valve and other valve structures are made of a minimum of components and are strong and easy to manufacture and use.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the recessed step portion includes a neck, and the valve structure fits around the neck and is at least partially located above the neck. In such an embodiment, the air intake vent can be located in the recessed step portion and covered by the valve structure in a relaxed state. Under negative pressure, a portion of the valve structure will flex, allowing air to flow through the air intake vent.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the valve structure forms a U-shaped groove around the edge of the liquid filling port in the recessed step portion, and also includes an elastic membrane extending toward the cover to form a seal with the cover when no negative pressure is applied. When negative pressure is applied, the elastic membrane bends to allow air to enter the container body. In such an embodiment, the air intake vent can be located at or around the peripheral portion of the cover.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a detergent box configured to be pushed into and pulled out of a washing machine is provided. The detergent box includes a first cavity for receiving a first container as described above; and a second cavity for receiving a second container as described above. Some embodiments may have only one cavity or more than two cavities for accommodating more than two containers. When in use, the container is inserted into each cavity. Typically, each container contains different liquids that can be used for cleaning appliances and can be individually rationed for cleaning operations. When a container is empty or needs to be cleaned, the container can be removed from the detergent box individually and cleaned and / or refilled through a liquid filling port. This allows for separate refilling and cleaning, avoiding the waste of past systems, in which the containers were either non-refillable or had to be removed and cleaned together at the same time.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a washing machine comprising the aforementioned detergent box is provided. The washing machine comprises a suction device having a first suction port and a second suction port. The first suction port is configured to be connected to a liquid outlet of a first container when the detergent box is pushed into the washing machine, and the second suction port is configured to be connected to a liquid outlet of a second container when the detergent box is pushed into the washing machine. Thus, the container can be easily inserted into the washing machine for use (e.g., after cleaning and / or refilling); and can also be easily removed when needed.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the automatic quantitative dispensing and delivery system comprises the container and the suction system as described above. Optionally, the suction system may comprise a suction device, such as a liquid suction pump for sucking liquid out of the container for use.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cleaning machine includes an automatic quantitative dispensing system as described above. In some embodiments, such a cleaning machine may be an integrated washer-dryer. Such a device or machine may include a cylinder assembly and an automatic quantitative dispensing delivery system as described above. The cylinder assembly may include an inner cylinder having a cleaning cavity; and an outer barrel, the inner cylinder being rotatably arranged on the outer barrel. The automatic quantitative dispensing delivery system is in fluid communication with the cleaning cavity, and the detergent in the container enters the cleaning chamber under the action of the suction system, thereby realizing automatic quantitative dispensing of the detergent in the device.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the automatic quantitative dispensing system includes a detergent box having a plurality of cavities and a suction system (having a suction device, such as a liquid suction pump). The container (as described above) can be detachably arranged in each cavity. When the detergent box is inserted for use, the suction device is in liquid communication with each cavity, and is used to extract liquid (such as detergent, softener, disinfectant, perfume, etc.) from the container in the cavity through a connector.

[0022] The detergent box can be removably arranged in the cleaning appliance. In particular, the cleaning appliance can have a drawer space, and the detergent box can be moved into and out of the drawer space, for example, in a drawer-like translational motion. When in use, the detergent box is pushed into the drawer space, and the suction device is brought into contact with the container through the suction system, and in particular with the connector connected to the suction port.

[0023] When inserted, the container is installed in the cavity of the detergent box, and the connector and cover should be pre-connected (for example, the container with the connector and cover is inserted into the cavity, and the detergent box is inserted into the cleaning device to connect the container with the connector and cover to the suction system). When the liquid in the container is used up, the drawer can be opened and the cover can be removed, and new liquid can be added through the liquid filling port to refill the container. If cleaning is required or desired, the container can be removed for cleaning (and refilling), ensuring a simple user experience. The user can also replace the container with different cleaning liquids in a simple and flexible manner as needed, simply by replacing one container in the cavity with the required container. Alternatively, the user can simply rinse the remaining liquid in the container, clean the container and refill it with different liquids. Then, through the action of the automatic quantitative dispensing system, the liquid in the container is quantitatively distributed to the cleaning chamber or water chamber for cleaning. This ensures that the user does not need to manually put liquid detergent or other cleaning fluids into the cleaning device before each cleaning cycle.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the system includes a manual dispensing structure arranged in the cavity. This allows a user to manually add detergent or other liquids or additives, such as for use with infrequently used detergents. The user manually pours a certain amount of liquid into the manual dispensing structure, which then delivers the liquid to the cleaning device for a single wash.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the detergent box includes a box body and an elastic member (e.g., a member having deformability and recoverable deformability) disposed on the box body. The box body is provided with a cavity, and when a container (containing detergent) is installed in the cavity, the container abuts against the elastic member. This means that the elastic member is in close contact with the container, and there is pressure between the elastic member and the end of the container, for example, causing at least partial deformation of the elastic member, thereby improving the stability of the container arranged in the cavity. In some embodiments, the elastic member can be disposed at the end of the box body close to the suction device, but can also be disposed elsewhere.

[0026] According to one embodiment, there are multiple containers, and each container holds detergent or cleaning solution (for example, different detergent / liquids in each container) and is connected with the distributor box in a very simple manner. In such an embodiment, the distributor box can include multiple subchambers, and each subchamber is used to hold one of multiple containers. Then a suction device or multiple suction devices can be used to extract the detergent in each container, wherein the lid and the air inlet valve with air intake vent are used for balancing the pressure in the container when detergent is sucked out.

[0027] This extremely simple connection can be, for example, an extremely simple protrusion / recess and / or fit, which ensures that each container fits only into the detergent box that matches it, thereby ensuring correct dispensing. Since the usage amount of each detergent type in a multi-container system is usually different, an extremely simple connection helps prevent confusion and mismatch in the assembly position of each container, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the automatic quantitative dispensing system and the assembly efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1A a perspective view showing a detergent cartridge being inserted into a washing machine, wherein a portion of the washing machine is shown through for viewing purposes;

[0030] Figure 1B A top view showing the connection of a detergent box to a suction system in a washing machine;

[0031] Figure 1C Shows Figure 1A A perspective view of a detergent box;

[0032] Figure 2A A perspective view of a container is shown;

[0033] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A A top view of a container;

[0034] Figure 2C Shows Figure 2A a cross-sectional view of a container;

[0035] Figure 2D Shows Figure 2A An exploded view of the container;

[0036] Figure 3A Shows FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D A cross-sectional view of a cover and a liquid filling port of a container shown in ;

[0037] Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A A perspective view of a valve;

[0038] Figure 4A a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a cap and a liquid fill port;

[0039] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A a perspective view of the valve; and

[0040] Figure 5A a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of a cap and a liquid fill port;

[0041] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a valve;

[0042] Figure 5C Shows Figure 5A A perspective view of a valve;

[0043] Fig. 6A a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of a cap and a liquid fill port;

[0044] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A a cross-sectional view of the valve; and

[0045] Figure 6C Shows Fig. 6A A perspective view of the valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is limited only by the claims. The drawings are illustrative only and are not restrictive. In the drawings, for illustrative purposes, the size, shape and arrangement of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale. The sizes and relative sizes do not correspond to actual reductions in the practice of the invention.

[0047] 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 item. The terms "having," "comprising," "including," and variations thereof denote the presence of components.

[0048] The container is usually in the form of a cartridge suitable for insertion or connection to a cleaning appliance, preferably a cleaning appliance with automatic dosing of cleaning products. Suitable cleaning appliances may be, for example, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a sweeping robot, a mop or other cleaning device.

[0049] The container comprises a container body, for example, usually rigid, but can be slightly flexible according to the material and structure used, and can be refilled (and cleaned) for reuse. The container body can have a prismatic shape, a cylindrical shape or any other shape suitable for inserting or attaching to a cleaning appliance. The outer body generally comprises a base, a plurality of sides, an opening used as a liquid outlet, and an opening used as a liquid filling port located on the top side. The filling port is located in a recessed step portion on the top side of the container body, for example, recessed to be closer to the circular area in the container body than the overall plane of the top side. For example, the filling port can be a recessed 10 mm, and can include a neck or other structures for fixing a cap. The cleaning fluid is contained in the container body.

[0050] The liquid outlet opening can be located at the end of the container to allow the cleaning product to be discharged from the container interior, but in some embodiments, the opening can be located on the side. The liquid outlet can be limited by a neck having a connection device (e.g., a threaded or bayonet connection) for fixing the connector. The container can have a connector arranged on the liquid outlet opening. The connector can include a device for controlling the cleaning product to flow from the container interior to the outside, such as a stop valve. In certain embodiments, the connector can also have a device for controlling gas to enter the container, wherein for example, gas (e.g., air) is used to replace the fluid flowing out of the container. The connector can be installed on the container opening by a fastening device (e.g., one or more threads, tight fits, latches or similar devices), such as around the neck. In addition, a full cover or cover can be used for storage and / or transportation. The connector can also include a suction pipe, and when the connector is connected around the neck of the container, the suction pipe extends into the container, so that the inlet of the suction pipe is positioned at a low point in the container, thereby allowing all or most of the liquid to be sucked out from the container in use.

[0051] The container may also include a cover to connect over the liquid filling port in the recessed step. The cover may include fastening means, such as threads, tight fits, bayonet connections, latches or similar means, to connect to the container body at the liquid filling port. The connection may be a connection to the neck in the recessed step. Optionally, a seal may also be used to ensure that the connection is a sealed connection.

[0052] At the connection position of the lid and the container body at the recessed step portion, there is an air inlet valve with one or more air inlet vents. The valve and / or vent can be located in the lid itself or connected to the lid itself, partially located in the lid and partially located in the container body, or between the lid and the container body (e.g., a valve structure between the lid and the container). The lid is connected above the liquid filling port to ensure that there is no liquid leakage, but can be easily disassembled (by using a handle) to refill (and clean) the container when needed. The air inlet valve ensures that when there is a negative pressure in the container due to the liquid being sucked out, air enters the container through one or more air inlet vents, thereby balancing the pressure in the container. Therefore, the air inlet valve opens under negative pressure to allow air to enter the container, but closes under ambient pressure to ensure that there is no liquid leakage from the air inlet vent or leakage through the liquid filling port. This valve can be an umbrella valve, a duckbill valve, a U-shaped groove valve or any other configuration. By arranging the removable cap in the recessed step, the cap allows easy refilling and ensures pressure balance in the system, while maintaining the outer perimeter of the container (e.g., substantially flat top side) for easy storage, transportation, and containment in a cleaning device.

[0053] A suction port can be connected to the connector for sucking liquid from a liquid outlet in the connector. The suction port can be adapted inside the connector, for example, with a complementary shape (e.g., cylindrical). The suction port connects the liquid outlet to a suction device for sucking liquid from the inside of the container, entering the suction port through a suction tube and a stop valve, and ultimately reaching an outlet leading to a system outlet (e.g., leading to a cleaning device). The suction device can take many forms and can include a suction port, a pump, or other elements that allow suction.

[0054] One or more seals may also be used to ensure sealing between the connector and the suction system, the connector and the container, and the lid and the container body.

[0055] As described in the background technology, the container in the past is usually disposable or non-detachably connected to other containers or parts of detergent boxes. This results in the need to replace the container with another disposable container when the container is empty, or waste liquid when the container / cavity needs to be cleaned (because multiple containers cannot be separated and usually they will not be emptied at the same rate). Because the container with the liquid filling port is individually removable and can be used repeatedly due to being able to be cleaned and / or refilled by the liquid filling port, the container with the liquid filling port can be removed, cleaned, refilled and reused, and there will be no waste of past systems. Using a cover above the liquid filling port on the recessed step portion in the container body ensures that the container maintains a convenient shape, while allowing to easily refill by removing the cover. The cover can also include a pressure balance system (e.g., air vents and air inlet valves) to ensure that liquid can be continuously dispensed from the container as needed, and negative pressure will not be simply formed in the container. Forming the container body by blow molding also brings a cost-effective manufacturing process, which causes the container to have a good sealing connection with the connector and the cover.

[0056] The various valves described in this application provide a very simple but effective design for ensuring that liquid in a container does not leak, but is able to leave the container when the container is connected to an appropriate device, and allows gas to enter the container when the liquid is pumped out. No metal parts or springs are required, which generally means less degradation and therefore longer service life of the valve and container. In addition, this can result in easier and less costly manufacturing processes for the valve, connector, cap and / or container.

[0057] Example

[0058] Figure 1A A perspective view of the detergent box 10 inserted into a washing machine 12 is shown, wherein a portion of the washing machine is seen through to view a portion of the suction system 14 . Figure 1B A top view showing the detergent box 10 connected to a suction system 14 in a washing machine; and Figure 1CA perspective view of the detergent box 10 is shown.

[0059] The detergent box 10 includes a body 15 having a first cavity 16a and a second cavity 16b. The suction system 14 includes a suction port 26, a sealing ring 28 and a liquid outlet port 30. Containers 20, each having a connector 22 and a liquid inlet cap 24, fit into the first cavity 16a and the second cavity 16b of the detergent box and typically contain different cleaning liquids, such as cleaning detergent and softener.

[0060] The detergent box 10 slides into (or out of) the cleaning machine 12, such as Figure 1A When fully pushed into the receiving cavity 32 in the cleaning machine 12, the connector 22 of the container 20 is aligned with and connected to the suction system 14 through the suction port 26 with the sealing ring 28, wherein the sealing ring 28 seals the connection between the two (see Figure 1B ). This connection forms a liquid passage from the interior of the container 20 to the suction system 14, allowing the suction system 14 to suck liquid from the interior of the container 20 into the cleaning machine 12 as part of the automatic dosing system.

[0061] When one container 20 is empty, the detergent box 10 can be slid out of the washing machine 12 to Figure 1A The empty container 20 can then be refilled by simply removing the cap 24 and pouring the liquid into the container. The container 20 can also be removed from the cavity 16a to allow the container 20 to be cleaned and / or refilled.

[0062] By forming the containers 20 separately and fitting them into the separate cavities 16a, 16b in the detergent box 10, each container 20 can be removed, cleaned and / or refilled separately as needed. As discussed in the background section, past systems typically include non-detachable containers (e.g., cavities for holding liquids) or disposable containers that will be discarded after use. The illustrated containers 20 and systems allow for multiple uses, thereby reducing the waste of disposable containers, while also avoiding the waste that would occur if two containers needed to be cleaned and / or removed at the same time.

[0063] Figure 2A A perspective view of a container 20 is shown; Figure 2B A top view of the container 20 is shown; Figure 2C A cross-sectional view of a container 20 is shown; Figure 2D An exploded view of the container 20 is shown. Figure 3A A close-up cross-sectional view showing the connection between the lid 24 and the container 20, and Figure 3B A perspective view of the valve is shown.

[0064] The container 20 comprises a container body 34 having a neck 36 (with a connection means 38) surrounding a liquid outlet 39 and having a recessed step 40 having a neck 41 defining a liquid filling port 42. The container 20 is typically formed integrally, such as by blow moulding, but may be formed in other ways.

[0065] The cap 24 includes a peripheral platform 44, a recessed portion 46, a handle 48, and a connection device 50 (e.g., a threaded or bayonet connection for connecting to a connection device on the neck 41 of the container 20). The cap 24 also includes an air inlet vent 52 and an air inlet valve 54 (an umbrella valve) having an elastic membrane 56. Most parts of the cap 24 are integrally formed as one piece (e.g., injection molding or blow molding), and then the valve 54 is connected to the cap 24 so that it covers the air inlet vent 52 in a relaxed state, but can bend under negative pressure to allow air to pass through the air inlet vent 52.

[0066] The cap 24 is connected to the container 20 at the recessed step 40 by a connection device 50 of the cap 24 that is connected around the neck 41 and fixed to the neck 41, so that the cap 24 covers the liquid filling port 42, and when the cap 24 is connected, liquid cannot flow out of the liquid filling port 42. When liquid flows out of the container (through the liquid outlet 39) and a negative pressure is generated in the container 20, the valve 54 allows the gas pressure in the container 20 to be equalized.

[0067] The connector 22 comprises connection means for connecting to the container 20 at the neck 36, in this case threads that connect to the threads 38 on the neck 36. The connector 22 also comprises a shut-off valve 57 and a suction tube 58. The shut-off valve 57 may be, for example, a silicone valve with an elastic membrane.

[0068] When in use, the connector 22 is connected to the liquid outlet 39 of the container 20, and the liquid suction tube 58 extends to the interior of the container 20 body 34, so that when the connector 22 is connected to the container, the inlet of the suction tube 58 is located at the bottom of the container 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction tube 58 extends horizontally and then turns to extend vertically to position the inlet of the suction tube 58 at the bottom of the container 24. Depending on the configuration of the container 20 body 34 and the connector 22, other embodiments may have different configurations. The stop valve 57 is located at the liquid outlet 39.

[0069] In use, such as Figures 1A to 1CAs explained, detergent box 10 slides into washing machine 12, thereby positioning connector 22 to receive suction port 26 of suction system 14. At this time, sealing connection is achieved by sealing ring 28, allowing suction system 14 to suck liquid from the inside of container 24 through suction pipe 58, and opening stop valve 57 to allow liquid to pass. Stop valve 57 ensures that liquid will not leak when not needed. When liquid is sucked out from container 24, negative pressure is formed inside container 24. This negative pressure bends elastic membrane 56 of valve 54, allowing air to pass through air intake vent 52 to balance the pressure inside container 24. Suction pipe 58 ensures that all or almost all of the liquid in the container can be taken out for use.

[0070] When the container 24 is empty, the container 24 can be Figures 1A to 1C The described manner is refilled and / or removed from the washing machine 12 to clean and / or refill. The lid 24 can be manually removed using the handle 48, and the container 24 can be refilled with the same or different liquid through the liquid filling port 42. If cleaning, the container is removed and water or other cleaning fluids can be injected through the liquid filling port 42 and / or through the liquid outlet 39 (after removing the connector 22). Then the interior of the container 20 can be accessed and rinsed. Once refilled and / or cleaned, the lid 24 (and the connector 22, if removed) can be reattached, and the refilled container 20 can be put back into the detergent box 10 for use (if it is removed for cleaning / refilling).

[0071] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the cap 24' and the liquid fill port 42; Figure 4B A perspective view of the valve 60 is shown. The cap 24' is connected to the container body 34 above the liquid filling port 42 in the recessed step 40, as shown in FIG. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D Similar parts will be similarly labeled and only the differences will be discussed.

[0072] In this embodiment, the air inlet valve 60 is a duckbill valve that is connected around the air inlet vent 52 formed in the recessed portion 46 of the cover 24'. The air inlet vent is also partially formed in the handle 48. The duckbill valve 60 can be fastened to the cover 24', for example, by a press ring around the edge. The duckbill flap can be formed of silicone or rubber. A sealing ring 62 is adapted around the outside of the cover 24' to form a sealed connection between the cover 24' and the container 20.

[0073] The duckbill valve forms a simple, robust valve on the lid that minimizes or prevents any contents from escaping the container while allowing air to enter as needed. Made with a minimum of parts, the duckbill valve is robust and easy to manufacture and use.

[0074] Figure 5AA third embodiment of a cover 24" and a liquid fill port 42 is shown. Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of a valve 70 is shown, Figure 5C A perspective view of a valve 70 is shown. In this embodiment, an air inlet vent 52 is formed in the container body 34, located beside and outside the neck 41 in the recessed step 40. The air inlet valve 70 is formed by an upper portion 72, which extends outward to form a curved edge that fits on the top of the neck 41. The lower end 74 of the air inlet valve 70 extends outward to form an umbrella-shaped elastic membrane. The lower end 74 with the elastic membrane is inserted into the container 20 to cover the air inlet vent 52, thereby ensuring that liquid does not flow out of the air inlet vent 52. The air inlet valve 70 is provided with a through hole to communicate with the internal fluid of the container 20 to form a liquid addition channel. When the liquid in the container 20 is extracted, the elastic membrane 74 opens under negative pressure, and air enters the container 20 through the air inlet vent 52 to balance the air pressure.

[0075] Fig. 6A A fourth embodiment of a cap 24'" and a liquid fill port 42 is shown. Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of a valve 80 is shown, Figure 6C A perspective view of the valve 80 is shown. The air inlet valve 80 is arranged in the recessed step portion 42, wherein the outer side of the circumferential wall 82 is adapted to correspond to the structure of the inner wall of the recessed step portion 40. The lower end of the air inlet valve 80 extends outward to form a U-shaped groove 84. The periphery defining the liquid filling port 42 is inserted into the U-shaped groove 84. The air inlet valve 80 also includes an elastic membrane 86 extending inward in the circumferential wall 82. The elastic membrane 86 extends downwardly at an angle to form a lip-shaped sealing structure and abuts against the cover 24'' to cover the air inlet vent 52, thereby achieving the purpose of sealing. A through hole is provided on the air inlet valve 80 to form a liquid addition channel through the liquid filling port 42. When the liquid in the container 20 is extracted, the elastic membrane 86 opens under negative pressure, and air enters the container 20 body 34 through the air inlet vent 52 to balance the air pressure.

[0076] The various valve and vent structures described form a simple and robust valve at the lid that minimizes or prevents any contents from escaping from the container while allowing gas to enter as desired. The disclosed duckbill valves, umbrella valves, and other valve structures are made of a minimum of parts and are robust and easy to manufacture and use.

[0077] In summary, the container 20 allows easy cleaning and reuse through the removable cover 24 and liquid filling port 42 structure with a pressure balance system. Using a refillable separate container 20 adapted to the detergent box 10 allows simple filling of different types of cleaning liquids in an automatic quantitative dispensing system. The use of a recessed step portion on the upper side of the container to define the liquid filling port 42 ensures that the positioning of any cover or other sealing measures for the liquid filling port is not higher than the upper part of the container, thereby maintaining a standard (e.g., flat) external upper profile for transportation, storage and use, and during refilling through the liquid filling port, it helps to prevent overfilling and overflowing. By blow molding the container 20, the container 20 can form an effective seal with the connector 22 and the cover 24, and is generally cheaper than other forms of manufacturing.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and elements thereof may be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container (20) for an automatic quantitative dispensing system, the container (20) comprising: A container body (34) comprising a neck (36) having a connection device (38) and a recessed step portion (40) located on an upper side of the container; wherein the neck (36) defines a liquid outlet (39); and The recessed step portion (40) defines a liquid filling port (43).

2. The container (20) according to claim 1, wherein: The container (20) is formed by blow molding.

3. The container (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The connection means (38) comprises one or more of a threaded connection and a bayonet connection.

4. The container (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a connector (22), the connector (22) comprising a stop valve (57) and a suction tube (58), the connector (22) being configured to be connected to the connecting device (38) so that the stop valve (57) controls the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet (39), and the suction tube (58) extends into the container body (34).

5. The container (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover (24) connected over the liquid filling port (42) in the recessed step (40).

6. The container (20) according to claim 5, wherein: The cover (24) includes one or more air intake vents (52).

7. The container (20) according to claim 6, wherein: The cover (24) includes a recessed portion (46), a peripheral platform (44) at least partially surrounding the recessed portion (46), and a handle (48).

8. The container (20) according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more air intake vents (52) are located on the recessed portion (46) of the cover (24) or on the peripheral portion (44) of the cover (24).

9. The container (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The cover (24) also includes an air inlet valve (54, 60, 70, 80).

10. The container (20) according to claim 9, wherein: The air inlet valve (54, 60) is an umbrella valve (54) or a duckbill valve (60).

11. The container (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The intake valve includes a valve structure (70, 80) connected around the outer periphery of the recessed step portion (40) and connected between the recessed step portion (40) and a cover (24).

12. The container (20) according to claim 11, wherein: The recessed stepped portion (40) includes a neck (41), and the valve structure (70, 80) fits around and at least partially over the neck (41).

13. The container (20) according to claim 11, wherein: The valve structure is formed with a U-shaped groove (84) around the edge of the liquid filling port (42) in the recessed step portion (40), and also includes an elastic membrane (86) that extends toward the cover to form a seal with the cover (24) when no negative pressure is applied.

14. An automatic quantitative dispensing system comprising a container according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a suction system.

15. A cleaning machine (12) comprising an automatic dosing system according to claim 14.

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