Washing Agent Dispenser for Dishwashers

The present invention refers to washing agent dispensers for domestic machine for washing, in particular dishwashers, and has been developed with particular attention being paid to dispensers equipped with at least one sliding lid.

Some dishwashers are equipped with a dispensing device configured to dispense at least one washing agent. Generally, these devices are designed to dispense, at different times of one and the same dishwashing cycle, at least two different washing agents, typically represented by a detergent in solid form (powder or tablet) and a liquid rinsing additive. Dispensers designed for the purpose of dispensing a single washing substance in solid or liquid form are also known.

In the most common solutions, the dishwasher dispensers comprise a dispenser body obtained by molding thermoplastic material, which is associated to one of the vertical walls that delimit the washing tank of the machine (including the inner shell of the front door of the machine that is facing towards the inside of the washing tank), usually at least partially sealingly recessed in an opening provided in this wall. In the front area of the dispenser body a receptacle is defined, for the containment of a washing agent, usually a washing detergent in powder form or in tablet form or in fluid form (liquid or gel), necessary for the execution of a washing cycle. The dispenser body has a movable lid associate thereto, also having a respective body made of plastic material. Elastic means are operating between the dispenser body and the lid body, which urges the lid towards a respective position of opening, as well as a locking/releasing system for the lid. During a washing cycle, the opening of the aforementioned lid is appropriately controlled by a programmer, or timer, of the machine, which controls an actuator forming part of the aforementioned locking/releasing system; the latter is usually also designed to enable, with the machine not in operation, the manual opening and closing of the lid. In some known solutions, the body of the lid is constrained to the dispenser body in a sliding way, in order to be able to slide between a closing position and an opening position in a substantially linear way, or following a trajectory at least partly inclined or curved: for this purpose corresponding sliding guides are provided between the body of the dispenser and the body of the lid.

In the operation of the dishwasher, the washing water is sprayed inside the washing tank, in order to spray the dishes. Part of this washing water reaches the mounting wall of the dispenser and, by gravity, flows on this wall, penetrating also between the dispenser body and the lid, even when the latter is still in the closed position of the receptacle.

The receptacle is generally equipped with a first sealing arrangement, typically consisting of a raised edge surrounding the mouth of the receptacle, and the lid is generally equipped with a second sealing arrangement, typically consisting of an annular gasket arranged on the inner side of the lid. In this way, when the lid is in the closed position, the aforementioned gasket is pressed against the aforementioned raised edge that surrounds the mouth of the receptacle.

In first, more traditional, solutions the two aforementioned sealing arrangements are configured for sealing the receptacle in a watertight way, that is, for prevent the entry of washing water inside the receptacle, when the lid is in the closed position.

In second, more recent, solutions, in consideration of the evolution of the washing agents and their characteristics and/or the change in washing programs (for example in view of energy savings), the aforementioned sealing arrangements are instead configured to achieve a partial seal, that is, still allow a certain entry of water into the receptacle even with the lid closed. For this purpose, the aforementioned raised edge has a U-shaped profile, so as to only partially surround the mouth of the receptacle, leaving exposed the portion generally facing upwards (with reference to the operational position of the dispenser). In this way, part of the water that penetrates in by gravity between the body of the dispenser and the lid can also reach the inside of the receptacle. This measure is typically adopted to enable an initial contact between the water and the washing agent inside the receptacle, before the dispensing thereof determined by the door opening, for example in case it is intended to cause an initial dissolution of a detergent tablet and/or to enable the activation of certain ingredients of the washing agent that require such an activation. In addition or alternatively, the aforementioned measure is adopted to enable a preliminary supply of a certain amount of the washing agent before the opening of the lid (in practice, the water reaches the inside of the receptacle and then overflows from it, taking with it a part of the washing agent). The solution in question also favors the cleaning of the receptacle with the door open, during the washing cycle, understood as the removal of any residues of the washing agent that could remain in the receptacle itself following the opening of the lid.

For example, a solution of the second type mentioned above is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,821 A, upon which the preamble to claimis based.

The first solutions mentioned above have the drawback of not allowing the aforementioned initial contact between the water and the washing agent, which—as mentioned—can be important for obtaining a preventive dissolution of the washing agent and/or its activation before the actual dispensing. On the other hand, the second solutions mentioned above often have the disadvantage of enabling an excessive introduction of water into the receptacle, with the risk of completely dissolving the washing agent before the opening of the lid—for example in the case of washing agent in powder or fluid form (liquid or gel)—and/or of causing excessive passage of water through the receptacle, such as to cause the total or most of the washing agent to overflow, even with the lid closed (in which case the washing agent is no longer available in the receptacle at the time the lid is opened, i.e., when the washing agent would actually serve for the correct washing cycle).

In its general terms, the present invention proposes to solve one or more of the above drawbacks. This and other purposes, which will become clearer later, are achieved according to the present invention by a washing agent dispenser having the characteristics of the attached claims. The aims of the invention are also achieved by a dishwasher, or a part thereof, which includes such a dispenser. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in connection with the invention.

Reference to “an embodiment” in this description indicates that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as “in an embodiment” and the like, possibly present in different places in this description, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, particular conformations, structures or characteristics can be combined in any appropriate way in one or more embodiments, even different from those depicted.

Unless otherwise specified, in this description and in the attached claims, the term “sealing” does not necessarily imply a watertightness with respect to a liquid, but must also be understood to include the case of a partial sealing, or such as to allow a certain passage of such liquid. For example, as will be seen, the sealing arrangements described below are configured to oppose to an uncontrolled flow of washing water into a receptacle for a washing agent, but without completely excluding that part of this water may reach the receptacle.

The references used herein are for convenience only and therefore do not define the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments.

Referring initially to, referenceindicates as a whole a dispenser of washing agents according to possible embodiments of the present invention. In the specific case exemplified, the dispenseris intended for use on a dishwasher machine, and is configured to be mounted on a wall of the corresponding washing tank. For example, the mounting wall can be defined by the inner shell of a dishwasher door, with the dispenser fixed to the side of this shell which—during the operation of the machine—faces the inside of the tank.

The dispensercomprises a dispenser body, which is preferably formed at least partly with molded thermoplastic material. The bodyis preferably configured to be at least partially recessed into an opening provided in the aforementioned mounting wall. In the example shown, the bodyhas a generally quadrangular peripheral profile, although this is not an essential feature. The sides indicated byandof the peripheral profile of the bodyare conventionally referred to here as the “upper side” and the “lower side”, in relation to a preferential orientation of dispenserin its operational position, as shown for example in. In the case of mounting on the dishwasher door, then, in the closed-door condition, the sidewill be located higher than the side

The bodymay comprise a front piece or part, suitable to face, or be located in, the washing tank, and a rear piece or part, suitable to be at least partially inserted into the aforementioned opening of the mounting wall, the two parts being conveniently molded with thermoplastic material separately from each other and then joined together, for example by welding, according to a technique known in itself. In the remainder of the present description a generic reference will be made to the dispenser body, taking for granted that the characteristics pertaining to the present invention refer essentially to its front part, which defines a front of dispenserintended to face, or be located in, the washing tank, and which has at least one sliding lid associated thereto, indicated as a whole by, which in the example is displaceable in a generally transverse or perpendicular direction with respect to the two sidesandthis direction being schematically indicated by the arrow X in. The lidcan follow a substantially linear or at least partly arched path, or even a path that combines strokes with different angles and/or curvatures.

In the fore part or front of the bodya sliding zone A is identified, at which the lidis constrained so that it can slide. In this zone A, a small tray or receptacleis defined, suitable for containing a washing agent, such as a solid washing agent in the form of powder or tablet (although the containment of washing substances in another form, such as a liquid or gel, is not excluded). As can be seen, the receptacle is essentially made up of a recess with a bottom and a mouth generally opposite to the bottom, i.e., an opening for loading and dispensing the washing agent.

In the sliding zone A the bodyhas a first sealing arrangement, which partially surrounds the mouth of the receptacle, and which has at least one discontinuity at a portion of this mouth.

In the example, and as particularly visible in, the aforementioned first arrangement comprises a protrusion(with respect to the surface designated by) of the front of the body, configured substantially as an edge or lip or wall in relief, which extends only partially around the mouth of the receptacle.

In the example, the mouth of the receptaclehas a generally quadrangular profile, with the protrusionhaving a U-profile, i.e., it affects only three sides of this profile, determining the aforementioned discontinuity in a position corresponding to a peripheral portionof the mouth of the receptacle, which is generally facing the upper sideof the peripheral profile of the body.

The lidhas a corresponding body, formed for example by molding thermoplastic material, which can be a material analogous to the material forming the body, for example a polypropylene filled with a reinforcing material, such as talcum powder or fiberglass. The lidis slidable in a guided manner on the body(above the surface), so that it can move between a closing position and an opening position of the receptacle, as shown in, respectively. For this purpose, a guiding or constraining arrangement is operationally set between the bodyand the body of the lid: in the example, the body of the lidis constrained relative to the dispenser bodyby sliding guides, described below.

Referring to, in the example illustrated, next to zone A of the bodya coveris associated, provided with a corresponding coupling/releasing devicethat can be operated manually. The coveris preferably hinged to the dispenser bodyto rotate according to a generally horizontal axis, but it can be mounted in a sliding way. The coveris intended to cover a corresponding area wherein there is located the inlet of a (non-visible) reservoir of a second washing agent, such as a liquid agent, for example a rinse aid. In the same area subtended by the coverthere is also an outlet opening forming part of a system for dispensing the aforesaid liquid washing agent, and for this purpose the body of the lidpreferably has openings or passages to enable the outflow of said liquid agent towards the inside of the washing tank of the machine, not represented here. As mentioned, in this exemplifying description, it is assumed that the dispenseris fixed to a wall delimiting said tank (in particular a wall defined by the dishwasher door), so that—in the closed-door condition—the upper sideof the peripheral profile of the bodyextends higher than the lower sidein this way, during the operation of the machine, the bodyis oriented substantially vertically, favoring the outflow of washing agents towards the inside of the tank.

The presence of the aforementioned liquid washing agent dispensing system and its tank and coveris not necessarily linked to the implementation of the present invention, such that these components could also be omitted. Moreover, the covercould also be slidingly bound to the dispenser body, for example by using a sliding guide system of the type described below.

The lidis preferably urged towards the respective condition of opening of the receptacleby means of elastic means S, comprising, for example, a spring partly visible in, constrained between the bodyand lid, according to a technique in itself known (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,821 A, whose teachings in this regard are considered incorporated herein).

Between the bodyand the lidthere is also a locking/releasing system of the lid, which is controllable by a machine programmer, not represented, or manually. In various embodiments, this system includes a coupling memberarranged in the zone A, as shown for example in. The coupling memberis intended to cooperate with a retaining element provided on the lid, and may, for example, comprise or have associated a rotating shaft′, which is passes through the dispenser bodyand can be drive by an actuator system(see) on the back of the body.

In various embodiments, the locking/releasing system of the lidcomprises a pushbutton, designated byfor example in, which is carried by lidand is operable manually by a user, according to a technique known in itself; the buttoncan be operatively associated to a manual release mechanism(), also brought by the lidand including the aforementioned retaining element. The presence of the buttonand the associated mechanismis merely optional, as the manual switching function of the coupling/releasing system can be obtained directly by the memberfor example by equipping it with a manually operable lever for rotating the same member, and wherein this lever—exemplified in″ in—protrudes at least in part beyond the lidwhen the lid is in the closed position, in order to be accessible to the user (see also the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,821 A, whose teachings in this regard are considered incorporated herein).

In various forms of preferential implementation, the zone A, in which the receptacleis defined and above which the lidslides, is delimited laterally by corresponding portions of the body, or the front thereof, to which the lidis engaged. In preferential embodiments, the zone A may be bounded longitudinally by two portions or walls of the bodywhich are generally opposite or spaced apart from each other, designated byandand which are preferably substantially parallel to each other and to the direction of displacement of the lid, indicated by the arrow X in.

The opposite portionsandhere referred to as “walls”, may include, for example, at least two portions of the bodywhich are in relief in relation to a general plane of the zone A (for example identified by the entrance plane of the receptacle), located substantially near the two longitudinal sides or flanks () of the lid.

In the embodiment illustrated, the wallis a lateral end wall in relief of the bodyand the wallis an intermediate wall in relief, here separating zone A and the area subtended by the flippable cover.

Inthe lid is shown upside down, in order to highlight the inner side thereof. As shown in, the body of the lidhas a main wall, the inner side of which is intended to face the front of the body, in zone A, as well as a plurality of flanks or side walls, which in the non-limiting example are intended to extend from the walltowards the front of the body. In the case exemplified, the body of the lidhas at least two sides or longitudinal walls, indicated withandin, which are preferably generally parallel to each other and with respect to the direction of displacement X of the lid(and therefore preferably substantially parallel to the facing surfaces of the wallsandof the body).

Between the wallsandon the one hand, and the wallsandon the other hand, the aforementioned sliding guides are operative, which constrain the lidin relation to the dispenser body. In various embodiments, said slides comprise:

In various embodiments, such as that exemplified in the figures, at least one guiding element, or each guiding element, comprises at least one longitudinally extended guiding recessordefined at the inner side of the relevant wallorof the body, respectively. As shown in, at least one guided element, or each of them, comprises instead a sliding elementorsusceptible of engagement with a corresponding guiding recessorwhich is defined at the external side of the corresponding wallorof the body of the lid, respectively.

In preferred embodiments, such as the one exemplified, the guiding elements provided on the inner side of each of the wallsandof the dispenser bodycomprise essentially two guiding recessesandpreferably arranged substantially one after the other in the direction of displacement X of the lid, while the guided elements on the outer side of each of the wallsandof the lid bodyeach comprise a pair of sliding elementsandplaced at a distance from each other on the wallsandrespectively. In the example, the sliding element are substantially configured as pins protruding from the corresponding wallorpreferably cylindrical pins. Clearly, an inverse arrangement of the elements constituting the sliding guides is possible, that is, with the guiding recesses formed on the body of the lidand with the sliding elements formed on the dispenser body. The two guiding recesses on each of the wallsandof the bodycan possibly be defined by a single uninterrupted recess and suitably shaped for the purpose.

The guiding recesses and the sliding elements are preferably defined entirely by the dispenser body and the lid body, as a result of the molding of these bodies with thermoplastic material, but in other realizations parts interposed between the bodyand the body of the lidmay be provided for this purpose, according to a technique known in itself.

The lidhas a second sealing arrangement, on its inner face intended to face the front of dispenser body: for this purpose, in the example of, a gasketis mounted in a region of the inner face of the lid(corresponding to the inner side of its wall). In the case exemplified, at the inner side of the wallof the body of the lid, a seatfor mounting the gasketis defined for this purpose, according to a technique known in itself. In the example, the gaskethas a generally quadrangular shape, but in other embodiments it may have a U-shape, in accordance with the profile of the protrusionthat partially surrounds the mouth of the receptacle.

The aforementioned first sealing arrangement, represented by the protrusion, and the aforementioned second sealing arrangement, represented by the gasket, are configured to cooperate with each other when the lidis in its closed position, to provide a partial seal around the mouth of the receptacle. In other words, as is evident, the tightness determined by the coupling between the protrusionand the gasketdoes not affect the entire peripheral profile of the receptacle mouth, given the presence of the aforementioned discontinuity (in correspondence of the portionof the mouth in which the protrusiondoes not extend). This means that, even in condition of lidbeing closed, part of the washing water that is sprayed inside the tank during the operation of the dishwasher can still reach, for example by gravity, the inside of the receptacle, penetrating through spans or passages that exist between the bodyand the lid: as explained in the introductory part, this can be used, for example, to enable an initial contact between the water and the washing agent contained in receptacle, even before the opening of the lidis controlled by the dishwasher control system.

In preferential embodiments, the sliding guides, and more particularly the recessesandare configured in such a way that the gasketcomes into contact with the top of the protrusionwhich partially surrounds the mouth of receptacleonly in a final phase of the movement of the lidfrom the opening position to the closing position. This can be achieved in a way that is itself known in the field. By way of example, within the guiding recessesandit is possible to provide a terminal recess portion (“terminal” must be understood with reference to the direction of movement of the lid from the open position to the closed position) which extends to a lower height than the height according to which the remaining main portion of the same recess extends (“height” must be understood with reference to the protrusionon which the gaskethas to sealingly rest). The desired effect can also be obtained thanks to a generally arched conformation of the guiding recesses, regardless of the height at which the corresponding terminal portions are located (see for example the upper recessin). In the case of a single uninterrupted recess on each of the wallsandof the body, this recess may have a terminal portion and an intermediate portion located at the aforementioned lower height, to enable the gasketto come into contact with the reliefonly in the final phase of the closing movement of the lid.

shows only the recessesbut the realization of the recessesis similar (see for example). It is clear that the sliding elementsandrepresented here by cylindrical pins, could have a different shape from the one exemplified and that each guiding element may also have other shapes, such as a course at least partly curved or arched.

As can be imagined, thanks to the engagement between the guided elements and the guiding elements, the lidcan slide between the closing and opening positions in the direction X, within the zone A, above the surface. As per the known technique, the sliding from the open position to the closed position can be determined by a user, who manually pushes the lidup to the engagement of the aforementioned coupling/releasing system-Conversely, sliding from the closing position to the opening position may take place due to the effect of the above-mentioned elastic means, when the control system of the dishwasher causes—through the actuator systemof the dispenser—the switching of said coupling/releasing system, at an appropriate time of an operating cycle of the machine. The possible presence of the buttonand its associated mechanismis intended to allow a user to manually control the release of the lid, before starting a washing program (for example when, after manually closing the lidand before closing the dishwasher door, the user realizes that he has not inserted the detergent in the receptacle). As mentioned, in the event that the buttonand its mechanismare not present, the function can be performed using the lever″ of.

Again from, as well as from, it can be seen that the mouth of the receptacleis located in the zone A in an intermediate position between the two opposite sidesandof the peripheral profile of the body, and in any case in such a position that at least between the portionof the mouth and the corresponding upper sideof the profile of the bodythere extends an areaof the front of the dispenser body, that is, a surface that substantially obtains a bottom of the sliding zone A.

From a comparison between, as well as from a comparison between, it can be noted how at least one portion of the surfaceis at least partially covered by the lidin both the open and closed positions.

In various embodiments, in such a portion of the surfacethe coupling memberis positioned. In the case exemplified, therefore, the coupling memberis always in a hidden position, in both positions of the lid, given that this member is still operable manually thanks to the buttonand the associated mechanismin other embodiments, however, the coupling devicemay protrude at least partially beyond the lid, when the latter is in the closed position (see for example, in relation to the manual actuation lever of the memberdesignated by″).

According to the invention, the lidhas a third sealing arrangement, which is configured to provide an additional seal with respect to the dispenser bodyas a result of the sliding of the lid itself from the opening position to the closing position. Such a third sealing arrangement is in particular configured to obtain the additional seal in an intermediate position of the surfacewhich is spaced out from the portionof the mouth of the receptacle, or is spaced out from the first sealing arrangement represented here by the protrusion, when the lid is closed. In various embodiments, such as those shown in the figures, the intermediate position of the surface, where the additional seal is obtained, is spaced with respect to the portionof the mouth of receptacle, or with respect to the aforementioned discontinuity of the first sealing arrangement, in the direction of displacement X of the lid.

In various embodiments, the third sealing arrangement comprises a sealing element, designated byin the figures. In the example, the sealing elementextends transversely, preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the direction of displacement X of the lid, that is, transversely to the longitudinal extension of the zone A or its bottom surface.

In various preferential embodiments, the sealing elementis an elastically deformable sealing element, which comprises, for example, a gasket made of elastomer material, which can be obtained for example by molding or extrusion; as will be seen, in any case, the sealing element could also be made with another material, for example formed integrally with the body of the lid.

Preferably, the sealing elementis located in a rear end region of the body of the lid, with reference to the direction of displacement from the opening position to the closing position. For this purpose, as shown in, in such an end region of the body of the lida seatcan be defined, which extends transversely. A foot portionof the sealing elementis received in the seata portion of foot, from the foot portion extending a corresponding head portion

Fixing of the sealing elementin the seatcan be attained in any known manner, for example by fitting or gluing or hot upsetting of suitable retaining parts of the body of the lidon either side of the seat. In any case, the sealing elementcould also be overmolded or co-molded with respect to the body of the lid.

The elementcan also be formed in a single piece with the gasket, it being understood that—even in this case—the sealing part that forms the gasketand the sealing part that forms the elementwill be preferably spaced from each other in the direction of displacement X of the lid.

Preferably, the sealing elementhas a shape such as to enable an even minimal flexibility or to enable for a possible adaptation of its position, in particular with a view to improving sealing. For this purpose, the head portionwith decreasing or reduced thickness may be provided, in particular to make at least this end more flexible. In the example of the figures the elementis made of elastomer with a head portionhaving substantially triangular or trapezoidal cross-section: however, the sealing element could also be made of a substantially rigid thermoplastic polymer, such as the material of the lid, molded with a reduced thickness such as to make it at least partly flexible.

The dispenser bodyhas a fourth sealing arrangement, which is configured for cooperating with the third sealing arrangement, represented here by the element, in order to provide the aforementioned additional seal. Such a fourth sealing arrangement is obtained by means of a portion of the bottom surfaceof the zone A, which is configured or shaped to sealingly cooperate with the sealing elementwhen the lidis in the closed position.