Detergent dispenser device for a dishwasher

Abstract

A detergent dispenser device is configured for being seated on a dishwashing machine door with a predetermined laying plane which is substantially vertical when the door is open and substantially horizontal when the door is closed. The dispenser device (10) comprises at least one dispensing arrangement comprising a tank (20) for liquid detergent (B) in a dispenser body (11); the tank (20) has a total volume (20a, 20b); a loading channel (13) provided with a plug (12); and a discharge channel (14), the loading channel (13) and the discharge channel (14) being defined in a front body portion (11a). The loading channel (13) and the dosing chamber (22) each have a respective inner edge (21a, 22a) extending within the tank (20) and facing the back of the dispenser body (11). The total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) can be partially occupied by a substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent (B) when the laying plane is in a substantially horizontal position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent dispenser for a dishwashing machine, and has been developed with particular reference to a dispenser to be mounted on the door of a top-loading dishwashing machine, in particular a sink-type dishwashing machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] Sink-type dishwashing machines are distinguished by the presence of an upper door, which is displaceable between a substantially horizontal (closed) position and a substantially vertical (open) position. These two positions of the upper door are opposite to those presented by the front door of a classic front-loading dishwashing machine, i.e. one provided with a front door: this can hinder the use on a sink or top-loading dishwashing machine of a detergent dispenser designed for a front-loading dishwashing machine. This situation can for example arise from the fact that many dispensers for front-loading dishwashing machines have a system for dosing liquid detergent (typically a rinse aid) whose operation is based on the movement of the door of the dishwashing machine. Such dispensers comprise a tank which can contain a quantity of liquid agent sufficient to carry out a plurality of washing cycles, and a dosing tray or chamber associated with the tank, which can contain at least one dose or quantity of liquid agent necessary to carry out a single washing cycle. A valve arrangement is operatively associated with the dosing chamber, for example with a valve member operating at a corresponding discharge channel, wherein the aforesaid valve means can be controlled to enable a dose of liquid detergent to flow out from the dosing chamber into the washing tank through the aforementioned discharge channel.

[0003] In front-loading dishwashing machines, the system is typically designed so that when the door of the dishwashing machine is brought into the substantially horizontal open position, the dosing chamber is filled with a corresponding portion of the contents of the tank, and when the door is subsequently brought into the substantially vertical closed position, the dosing chamber can retain the corresponding dose contained therein until it is dispensed in a controlled manner via the valve arrangement.

[0004] In the case of top-loading dishwashing machines, the reverse movement of the corresponding upper door (horizontal when closed and vertical when open) hinders the operation of the above type.

[0005] Consequently, dispensers have been proposed which can be used in top-loading dishwashers. In a first type of solution, the dispenser is mounted in one of the stationary vertical walls of the upper washing tank, i.e. the dispenser itself can operate according to a respective laying plane which is always vertical. The dispenser for the present application can belong to the type also envisaged for being housed on a dishwasher having a drawer-like or sliding front door, its system for dispensing liquid detergent being based on a specific dispensing arrangement (see for example WO 01 / 73182 A2, filed in the name of the present applicant). Such an approach has the consequence that the dispenser is housed inside the washing tank of the dishwasher just below its access edge, and therefore, when the dispenser will be filled with detergent, the dispenser is housed in a position which is slightly inconvenient for the user. In particular when the dishes to be washed have already been loaded into the machine, the user can also have difficulty reaching that position, and also involves a certain lateral hindrance, which can result in a reduction of the useful space for the dish rack.

[0006] A dispenser has also been proposed which is designed for being mounted on the door of a sink-type dishwasher, comprising an arrangement for dispensing liquid detergent which is prearranged for the purpose of filling a corresponding dosing chamber with a corresponding dose of detergent starting from a greater quantity contained in the corresponding tank, with the movement of the door itself. Such an arrangement therefore operates in a manner opposite to that of the dispensers designed for front-loading machines; i.e. it is designed to obtain the filling of the dosing chamber when the door is in the vertical open position, and also retains the corresponding liquid content after the displacement of the door into the horizontal closed position for the purpose of subsequently dispensing the liquid detergent.

[0007] After use of the dishwasher, the tank must be periodically filled, and for this purpose the tank has a loading passage which opens substantially at the front of the body of the dispenser. The passage is prearranged for at least partially receiving a removable plug having a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the plug and the passage are provided with mutual coupling means. Once the plug has been removed, the loading passage can be used to add new liquid detergent to the tank. In order to be able to achieve airtight closure of the tank, the plug is substantially equipped with an annular gasket which will cooperate substantially within the loading passage with a corresponding sealing surface defined in the body of the dispenser. The coupling means, which are typically of the bayonet-coupling type or possibly of the screw type, can achieve coupling and clamping of the plug with respect to the loading passage in a precise manner, so that the aforesaid gasket will effectively cooperate with respect to the aforesaid sealing surface.

[0008] In dispensers for this type of top-loading dishwashers, however, there is a risk of leakage when the door of the dishwasher is in the horizontal closed position, so as to cause emptying of the entire tank. Such a risk can typically occur due to incorrect closure of the plug that enables filling of the tank with liquid detergent, or in other cases, following damage to the corresponding gasket or to the sealing surface and / or to the coupling system between the plug and the body of the dispenser. Other risks of leakage can occur following failure of the valve arrangement designed to enable dispensing of the liquid detergent from the dosing chamber, for example failure of the closure of the corresponding valve component or of the sealing means thereof. It should be noted that, in this regard, in particular, excessive dispensing of the liquid detergent, which is typically chemically aggressive and electrically conductive, can cause operational failures of the dishwasher. Too much detergent can for example cause damage to delicate dishes or in other cases excessive production of foam, which can also penetrate into the venting duct of the machine at the end of the cycle and be discharged and / or come into contact with the electric internal parts.

[0009] The dispenser for top-loading dishwashers can also provide for a second dispensing arrangement for additional detergent (cleaning agent in solid or semi-solid form (tablets, powder, gel)) comprising a container for the additional detergent and a corresponding hatch hinged to the front portion of the body of the dispenser to move angularly between an open position for filling the container with detergent when the door is open and for discharging the detergent from the container when the door is closed and a closed position for retaining the detergent filled in the container.

[0010] The container can be defined in the hatch, in which case the front portion of the body of the dispenser defines a recess that can accommodate the container when the hatch is in the closed position. In this type of embodiment, when the door of the dishwasher is in the vertical open position, the open hatch is substantially horizontal, i.e. perpendicular to the body of the dispenser, with the mouth of the container oriented upwards. As an aspect, this position can facilitate loading of the detergent into the container, then on the other hand, there is a risk of exit of the detergent filled in the container when the hatch and therefore the container itself is angularly moved towards the corresponding closed position substantially vertical when the door of the dishwasher is open. This embodiment can also complicate the proper or complete removal of the detergent from the container when the hatch is open for dispensing purposes, since, with the door of the dishwasher closed, the hatch of the dispenser is substantially horizontal and the mouth of the container is also oriented substantially horizontally. SUMMARY

[0011] The present application aims to provide a detergent dispenser, particularly for top-loading or sink-type dishwashers, having an improved and efficient structure, preferably capable of overcoming one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above with respect to the known type dispenser devices.

[0012] Within this general framework, according to one of its aspects, the object of the present application is to provide a dispenser device for top-loading dishwashers, wherein the risk of completely emptying the liquid detergent from the corresponding tank is prevented in the event of ineffective closure of the corresponding plug, for example due to a malfunction of its engagement and / or sealing system.

[0013] According to another aspect, the object of the present application is to provide a dispenser device for top-loading dishwashers, wherein the risk of completely emptying the liquid detergent from the corresponding tank is prevented in the event of malfunction of its dispensing system, in particular of its valve means and / or sealing means.

[0014] According to a different aspect, the object of the present application is to provide a dispenser device for top-loading dishwashers, providing an angularly moving hatch defining a corresponding container, wherein the operation of loading and dispensing detergent into / from the container is improved.

[0015] According to a further aspect, the object of the present application is to provide a detergent dispenser device provided with a dispensing arrangement for dispensing liquid detergent, equipped with a system for volumetric adjustment of the capacity of the corresponding dosing tray, which is constructed in a simple and inexpensive manner and is easy to use by the user.

[0016] One or more of the aforementioned objects, as well as other objects which will still emerge clearly in the following, are achieved according to the present application by a detergent dispenser device having the characteristics specified in the appended claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein with respect to the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The objects, characteristics and advantages of the present application will emerge clearly from the following description, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a top-loading dishwasher comprising a dispenser device according to a possible embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are views of a dispenser device according to a possible embodiment of the present application and of the relative Figure 1 ​​schematic perspective view of a portion of the door of a dishwasher of the type shown in

[0020] - Figure 4 and Figure 5 are schematic perspective views of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the application in two different conditions;

[0021] - Figure 6 is a schematic view in front view of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the application, in which the respective laying planes are arranged substantially vertically;

[0022] - Figure 7 is Figure 6 a cross-sectional view according to line VII-VII of

[0023] - Figure 8 and Figure 9 are schematic perspective views, partially sectioned, of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the application, in Figure 9 some parts of the actuation system are omitted for reasons of clarity;

[0024] - Figure 10 is a schematic plan view from above of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the application, in which the respective laying planes are arranged substantially horizontally;

[0025] - Figure 11 and Figure 12 are cross-sectional views according to Figure 10 lines XI-XI and XII-XII of

[0026] - Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the actuation system of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the application, with respective portions of the control lever and of the controlled lever;

[0027] - Figures 14-17 are partial schematic views in front view of the actuation system of Figure 13 in different operating conditions;

[0028] - Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to Figure 17 line XVIII-XVIII of

[0029] - Figure 19 is a schematic view from below of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the application, in which the respective laying planes are arranged substantially horizontally;

[0030] - Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view according to Figure 19 line XX-XX of

[0031] - Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 20 , in which the dispenser is in a different condition;

[0032] - Figure 22 is a schematic perspective view of two members of a system for volume adjustment of a dose of liquid detergent of a dispenser apparatus according to possible embodiments of the present application;

[0033] - Figure 23 and Figure 24 are partially cross-sectional schematic perspective views of a portion of a dispenser apparatus according to possible embodiments of the present application in two different conditions of the corresponding system for volume adjustment of a dose of liquid detergent;

[0034] - Figure 25 is a view similar to that of Figure 10 , with respect to possible embodiments of the present application;

[0035] - Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view according to line XXVI-XXVI of Figure 25 ; and

[0036] - Figure 27 and Figure 28 are partially cross-sectional schematic perspective views of a top-loading dish-washing machine having a dispenser apparatus according to possible embodiments of the present application in two different conditions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Reference within the framework of this description to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" is intended to indicate that a particular configuration, construction, or feature described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, use of the phrases such as "in an embodiment," "in one embodiment," "in various embodiments," and so on, in various places throughout this description are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular configurations, constructions, or features defined in the context of this description can be combined in any appropriate manner in one or more embodiments, which can also be different from the configurations, constructions, or features indicated. Reference numbers and spatial references such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "upwardly," "downwardly," and the like are used herein merely for convenience and thus do not define the scope of the protection or the scope of the embodiments. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to designate similar or technically equivalent elements.

[0038] In the subsequent part of the description, the embodiments will exemplify a detergent dispenser device for a top-loading dishwasher, provided with two dispensing arrangements, one for a first liquid detergent and the other for a second detergent, preferably solid or semi-solid. However, according to the case, in the actual embodiments of the application, the dispensers according to the present disclosure can be equipped with a single dispensing arrangement for the corresponding detergent. Likewise, in the exemplified embodiments, the arrangement for dispensing the liquid detergent belongs to the type of dosing tray or chamber of the kind previously described, which exploits the movement of the dispenser for the purpose of loading the chamber. However, according to the case, in the actual embodiments of the application, the dispensers according to the present disclosure can be equipped with an arrangement for dispensing the liquid detergent which does not include a tray of such type, for example a system of the type in which the dosing of the detergent is performed using a valve (see for example the previously mentioned document WO 01 / 73182 A2).

[0039] Reference is initially made Figure 1 , to a top-loading dishwasher, designated as a whole by 1, which here is presented as a sink dishwasher, wherein, however, the definition includes both dishwashers associated or associable with a sink and dishwashers designed to be installed on or integrated in a sink or in turn includes dishwashers to be disposed in the top surface of a steamer in a similar way to built-in steam cooktops.

[0040] The machine 1 has a stationary structure 2, which has a washing chamber or basin 3, preferably equipped with at least one rack 4 designed to contain the dishes to be washed. The basin 3 has an upper opening for the loading and unloading of the dishes, which is accessible through an upper door 5, in turn hinged in its lower region to the structure 2 so as to be angularly displaceable about a substantially horizontal axis A. In particular, the door 5 is displaceable between an open position, which is substantially vertical (indicated in Figure 1 ), and at which the upper opening of the basin 3 is freely accessible, and a closed position, which is substantially horizontal (as in Figures 27-28 ), at which the upper opening of the basin 3 is closed in a sealed manner. The definition of "substantially vertical" for the position of the door 5 is understood to also include its tilted positions, in any case such as to enable access to the basin 3.

[0041] Reference is also made Figure 2 and Figure 3, the door 5 has an inner wall or inner side 5a, which can be defined, for example, by a shell made of stainless steel or polymeric material, at which the detergent dispenser according to possible embodiments of the present application is mounted, which is designated as a whole by 10 and, in the following, for simplicity, also identified as "dispenser". The dispenser 10 comprises at least one arrangement for dispensing a detergent (for example, a liquid detergent, or in other cases, a detergent in solid or semi-solid form). In various embodiments, the dispenser comprises two different dispensing arrangements for respective detergents, preferably but not necessarily arrangements that can be operated via a same actuator device.

[0042] The dispenser 10 is configured for being seated at the corresponding mounting opening with a predetermined laying plane with respect to the door 5 or with respect to its inner side 5a. In this way, the laying plane of the dispenser is substantially vertical when the door 5 is open and substantially horizontal when the door 5 is closed.

[0043] Reference is also made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the dispenser 10 has a main body 11 having a front portion 11a and a rear portion 11b, which define a front and a rear face of the dispenser main body, respectively. In various embodiments, the main body portions 11a and 11b comprise a front workpiece made of plastic material and a rear workpiece made of plastic material, respectively, having at least a respective perimetric edge that is joined together in a sealed manner (for example, welded) and, for example, in Figure 7 is designated by W. As illustrated in Figures 8-9 , the front main body portion 11a preferably has a perimetric flange 11a1 defining a seat that is open at the rear in order to house a perimetric gasket 11a2 that enables obtaining a seal with respect to the wall 5a of the door 5 of the dishwasher 1 in the condition in which the dispenser 10 is mounted.

[0044] As already expressed, in various embodiments, the dispenser 10 comprises at least one first dispensing arrangement for at least one detergent (for example, a detergent in solid or semi-solid form (tablets, powder, gel), or in other cases, a liquid detergent (for example, a rinse aid)). In various advantageous embodiments, the dispenser 10 comprises two different dispensing arrangements, each of which is envisaged for a respective detergent. In particularly advantageous embodiments in which two different dispensing arrangements are provided, these can be operated at different times by means of an actuation system comprising a single actuator: embodiments of this type will be illustrated in the following without prejudice to the fact that, in possible alternative embodiments, each dispensing arrangement can have its own actuation system comprising a respective actuator device.

[0045] refer to Figures 2-4 In the illustrated case, a plug 12 is provided at the front body portion 11a of the main body 11, the plug 12 being associated with a corresponding loading channel 13. The plug 12 is removably associated with the channel 13 so as to enable a corresponding tank (described below) belonging to a corresponding dispensing arrangement to be filled with liquid detergent. The arrangement for dispensing liquid detergent further includes a discharge channel 14, which is also defined in the front body portion 11a and to which a valve arrangement (described below) is operatively associated.

[0046] Again as in Figures 2-4 As can be seen in the example, the dispenser 10 comprises a device for dispensing solid detergents, which are here presented, for example, in particular in the form of tablets (such as, for example, Figure 3 In various preferred embodiments, the second dispensing arrangement comprises a hatch 15 mounted in the front body portion 11a and movable relative to the corresponding container between a retaining position for the detergent D and a release position.

[0047] In preferred embodiments (such as, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment (illustrated in FIG. 1 and as can be clearly seen), a recess 16 for accommodating the aforementioned container indicated by 18 defined in the hatch 15 is defined in the front body portion 11a. When the hatch 15 is in the corresponding closed position for retaining the detergent D, the recess 16 is shaped for receiving the container 18 therein, as in FIG. Figure 2 Like in.

[0048] The hatch 15 has two opposite end regions, one of which is conventionally defined here as the "lower part", equipped with corresponding hinge means 151 of a concept known per se, designed to cooperate with the hinge means of the front body portion 11a and defining an axis of rotation X, so as to enable its angular movement between the aforementioned retention position and the aforementioned release position. Between the dispenser body 11 and the hatch 15, there may be operative elastic means (not visible), for example integrated in the hinge means 151, in order to urge the hatch 15 towards the released open position.

[0049] In various embodiments, the opposite end region of the door 15, which is generally defined herein as the "upper region", is configured to cooperate with an engagement / release system. In various embodiments, this system comprises an engagement lever 19, which is angularly movable according to a respective axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation X of the door 15 and which is capable of cooperating with an upper edge of the door itself (in particular, its front wall 15a), which is shaped here so as to define an engagement element 19a.

[0050] The lever 19 is associated with an actuation system to enable automatic release of the hatch 15. In any case, the lever 19 is preferably also manually displaceable to enable the user to cause the hatch 15 to open if desired.

[0051] Special reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the container 18 has a mouth 18a and a peripheral surface, the latter being formed by a front surface 18b, a rear surface or wall 18d and two side surfaces or walls 18c. The container 18 also has a bottom surface 18e, which is closer to the lower end area of ​​the hatch 15 and opposite to the mouth 18a, which is closer to the upper end area of ​​the hatch 15. As can be seen in Figure 5 As clearly noted in the drawings, in various embodiments, the rear face of the front wall 15a of the hatch 15 defines part of the aforementioned peripheral surface 18b-18d of the container 18, ie the front surface 18b thereof, and delimits the sides of the corresponding mouth 18a.

[0052] In various embodiments, Figure 3 and Figures 20-21 A gasket, designated 16a, is present between the hatch 15 and the dispenser body 11, the gasket being configured to prevent the ingress of water into the container 18 and / or the corresponding detergent D from prematurely escaping before the hatch 15 is opened. Preferably, the gasket 16a is fixed to the dispenser body, in particular the body portion 11a, for example via teeth (not shown), and is elastically compressed between the inner side of the wall 15a and the body portion 11a when the hatch 15 is in the closed position.

[0053] According to one aspect of the present invention, and as will be described in particular from Figure 18 As will be appreciated, the hatch 15 and therefore the surface defining the container 18 are pre-arranged so that, when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is substantially horizontal and the hatch 15 is in the corresponding open position, the mouth 18a of the container 18 faces downwards, wherein the front surface 18b of the peripheral surfaces 18b-18d of the container 18 forms an inclined plane in order to facilitate the dispensing of the detergent D through the corresponding mouth 18a, thus preventing any undesirable accumulation thereof. This embodiment also facilitates the natural outflow of any wash water that reaches the interior of the container 18, preventing its accumulation.Figure 18 It can be noted the open position of the hatch 15, in which the mouth 18a of the container 18 is open downwards and in which the surface 18b acts as an inclined plane that facilitates the dispensing of solid or semi-solid detergent: it will be appreciated that, in the case of this position, any washing water that reaches the inside of the container 18 is also forced to flow again towards the inside of the tank, thereby preventing any possible accumulation of cleaning agent and / or water. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the wall 18b is substantially straight and planar, but in possible variant embodiments the wall 18b can be at least partially curved and / or comprise segments that are inclined in various directions and / or combinations of curved and linear stretches, but with an overall profile suitable for defining an overall plane or path that is at least partially inclined downwards, designed to facilitate the outflow of detergent and / or the flushing of the container 18.

[0054] In various preferred embodiments, at least one of the dispenser body 11, the hatch 15 and its hinging means 151 comprises end-of-travel means for so limiting the angular movement of the hatch itself from the closed position to the open position that between the plane identified by the front of the dispenser body 11 and the overall plane or path identified by at least part of the front wall 15a of the hatch, i.e. the front surface 18b of the container 18, an acute angle is defined, for example comprised between 40° and 60°.

[0055] The aforementioned end-of-travel means can comprise, for example, at least one arrest element in a fixed position on the body 11, on which the part of the hatch 15 is supported at the end of its angular movement, or in other cases at least one arrest element in a fixed position on the body of the hatch 15, on which the part of the body 11 is supported at the end of the aforementioned movement. The end-of-travel means can also be integrated in one or more hinges between the body 11 and the hatch 15.

[0056] As can be seen from the figures, the end-of-travel means are designed to limit the angular movement of the hatch 15 from the closed position to the open position to an angle of less than 90°, in the case of the hatch being opened downwards. Figure 3 As can be seen, in the case of the door of the dishwasher being open (substantially vertical) and the hatch 15 being opened, although a substantially complete access to the mouth of the container 18 can be achieved, the opening angle of the hatch 15 is less than 90°. In this way, in the case of using liquid or powder cleaning agent, the corresponding dose can be easily filled into the container 18, without it immediately pouring into the washing tank of the dishwasher. Likewise, in the case of the door of the dishwasher being closed (substantially horizontal) and the hatch 15 being caused to open for dispensing purposes, the maximum opening angle of less than 90°, in addition to facilitating the outflow of cleaning agent and washing water towards the outside of the container 18, also enables a small space to be occupied inside the washing tub 3, thereby preventing any residues and stagnations, as explained above. Figure 28 As can be seen, in the case of the door of the dishwasher being open (substantially vertical) and the hatch 15 being opened, although a substantially complete access to the mouth of the container 18 can be achieved, the opening angle of the hatch 15 is less than 90°. In this way, in the case of using liquid or powder cleaning agent, the corresponding dose can be easily filled into the container 18, without it immediately pouring into the washing tank of the dishwasher. Likewise, in the case of the door of the dishwasher being closed (substantially horizontal) and the hatch 15 being caused to open for dispensing purposes, the maximum opening angle of less than 90°, in addition to facilitating the outflow of cleaning agent and washing water towards the outside of the container 18, also enables a small space to be occupied inside the washing tub 3, thereby preventing any residues and stagnations, as explained above.

[0057] With particular reference to Figures 6-9 , the tank indicated by 20 belongs to an arrangement for dispensing liquid detergent. The arrangement comprises a dosing chamber, indicated by 22, defined within the tank 20 and connected in fluid communication with the discharge channel 14 (see, for example Figure 12 ). The chamber 22 is sized for retaining at least one dose of liquid detergent and is configured for being filled with a portion of the liquid dose contained in the tank 20 when the laying plane of the dispenser is substantially vertical (as, for example, in Figure 7 ) and retaining the dose itself when the laying plane of the dispenser is substantially horizontal (as, for example, in Figure 11 or Figure 12 ) so as to be subsequently dispensed through the discharge channel 14. In various embodiments, the chamber 22 has an inner edge, indicated by 22a, for example, in Figure 7 , defined by one end of a tubular portion which extends within the tank 20 starting from the front body portion 11a and forms the chamber 22. The chamber 22 can also be laterally delimited by a series of contiguous walls, the upper ends of which define the aforesaid edge 22a.

[0058] As already expressed, in embodiments (not represented) the dispenser 10 can not be equipped with an arrangement for dispensing liquid detergent or solid / semi-solid detergent, or, again, in the case where both arrangements are present, one of them can differ from the one exemplified here; for example, the arrangement for dispensing liquid dose can belong to the type described in WO 01 / 73182 A2.

[0059] With further reference to Figure 12 , the arrangement for dispensing liquid detergent comprises a valve arrangement comprising a valve, as a whole indicated by 40, provided with a corresponding valve member operating between the chamber 22 and the discharge channel 14. In various embodiments, the valve member comprises a core 41 made of a relatively rigid material, provided on the outside with a sealing element 42 made of an elastic material (for example, elastomer). In the example, the core 41 extends axially and the outer sealing element 42 is formed by a coating of the core (in other embodiments, the sealing element can comprise, on the other hand, one or more annular gaskets mounted on the core, as in WO 01 / 73182 A2). Regardless of its specific implementation, the valve 40 can be controlled so as to displace the valve member 41-42 between a closed position and an open position to enable dispensing of a dose of detergent contained in the dosing chamber 22 through the discharge channel 14.

[0060] In the illustrated non-limiting example in which the valve members 41-42 are essentially needle-type opening / closing elements, the sealing element 42 operates precisely at the discharge channel 14 so that in the aforementioned closed position, the element 42 is in a lowered position so as to block the channel 14; in the open position, on the contrary, the valve members 41-42 are in a raised position relative to the channel 14 so as to release the valve members 41-42 and allow the liquid detergent contained in the metering chamber 22 to escape. In various embodiments, the sealing element 42 also defines a bellows-type or membrane-type gasket (of the type only in the case of a gasket) at the end opposite to the channel 14. Figures 23-24 42a in the drawing), which is fixed to a corresponding seat of the body 11 so as to ensure a peripheral seal that prevents the liquid from leaving the tank 20 through a passage (not shown) in the rear body part 11b, in which the valve members 41-42 can be axially displaced.

[0061] If you can Figure 7 As will be appreciated, the position of the loading channel 13 essentially identifies a filling volume (designated 20a) in the tank 20 which extends essentially below the channel 13 itself when the dishwasher door is open, ie when the lay plane of the dispenser is essentially vertical.

[0062] The filling volume 20a, which is equal to a fraction of the total volume of the tank 20, is able to receive a substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent which can be filled through the channel 13 after the plug 12 has been removed, when the laying plane is substantially vertical. Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is apparent that the further volume 20 b extends above the filling volume 20 a and above the liquid detergent designated by B, the further volume 20 b remaining free in any case even in the presence of the aforementioned maximum amount of liquid detergent.

[0063] In various embodiments (such as the one illustrated), the loading channel 13 has a safety inner edge that extends within the tank 20 and is directed toward the rear of the dispenser body 11. In the example, the safety inner edge, designated 21a, is defined by one end of a safety tubular portion 21 of the front body portion 11a, which extends from the latter toward the rear body portion 11b. In a possible variant embodiment, instead of being defined by portion 21, the aforementioned safety edge can be distinct from portion 21, for example, by a further tubular portion that substantially surrounds portion 21.

[0064] Can be obtained from Figure 7It is noted how, in various preferred embodiments, the tubular portion 21 is slightly inclined at least towards the volume 20a, so as to possibly also protrude inside the volume 20a; preferably, the inner edge 21a has a configuration substantially parallel to the rear wall 11b' of the rear body portion 11b.

[0065] Again, it can be noted how Figure 7 It is noted how, in various embodiments, the plug 12 can be provided with a perimeter sealing element 12a, for example an annular gasket made of elastomeric material, designed to sealingly cooperate with a corresponding region of the tubular portion 21 that defines the passage 13. The inner surface of the tubular portion 21, i.e. the one facing the plug 12, can conveniently be equipped with coupling means that will cooperate with corresponding means provided on the plug 12, such as engagement elements forming part of a bayonet coupling, or in other cases, threads.

[0066] The dosing chamber 22 is defined inside the filling volume 20a of the tank 20 and, as already stated, is configured for filling the filling volume 20a when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is substantially vertical, and for retaining a certain dose of liquid detergent B when the laying plane is instead substantially horizontal. It can be noted how Figure 8 It is clearly noted how the seat 23 for any known type of level sensor 24 for detecting the level of liquid detergent, for example of the optical type, also protrudes towards the inside of the filling volume 20a.

[0067] In various preferred embodiments, the dosing chamber 22 is located in the lower half of the filling volume 20, taking as reference the position of the substantially vertical laying plane. For example in Figure 7 This feature, clearly visible in the

[0068] With reference for example to Figure 9 , when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is in its substantially horizontal position, the total volume of the tank 20, represented by the sum of the volumes 20a and 20b, is only partially occupied by the aforementioned substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent B. In particular, in the aforementioned substantially horizontal position, the mass of liquid is spread over the portion of the front wall 11a' of the front body portion 11a (see Figure 11 ) that delimits the tank 20, without coming into contact with the rear wall 11b' of the rear body portion 11b.

[0069] It can be noted how Figure 9 and from Figure 10 and Figure 11Note how, according to one aspect of the invention, the loading channel 13 is pre-arranged in such a way as to present a corresponding safety arrangement, which, in the example described, is obtained via a safety tubular wall 21, the inner edge 21a of which extends at a corresponding height not lower than (i.e. greater than or, in a limit, substantially equal to) the maximum liquid level that can be reached in the total volume 20a+20b by the aforementioned substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent B when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is in a substantially horizontal position.

[0070] As already stated, the safety tubular wall 21 and / or the corresponding inner edge 21a may belong to the tubular portion 21 defining the loading channel 13 or may otherwise be formed by a further wall or tubular portion, eg concentrically surrounding the tubular portion 21 of the channel 13 .

[0071] Due to this safety arrangement, and in particular, due to the safety tubular portion 21, even in the event that the user, after filling the tank 20, incorrectly closes the stopper (i.e., so as not to achieve an airtight seal relative to the channel 13), any leakage of liquid detergent B toward the interior of the dishwasher tank will be prevented when the dishwasher door 5 is subsequently brought into the closed position; i.e., the dispenser 10 will assume its substantially horizontal lying plane. In any case, the maximum level of detergent B that can be reached in the total volume 20a+20b of the tank will be below the inner edge 21a of the channel 13. Similar considerations apply in the event of damage to or displacement of the gasket 12a of the stopper 12, or in other cases of damage to the corresponding sealing surface defined in the channel 13.

[0072] Again, you can Figure 9 and from Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is noted how, according to another aspect of the invention, the metering chamber 22 can also be provided with a corresponding safety arrangement, which is obtained here due to the fact that when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is in a substantially horizontal position, the inner edge 22a of the chamber 22 extends at a corresponding height which is not lower than (i.e. greater than or, in the limit, substantially equal to) the maximum liquid level that can be reached in the total volume 20a+20b by the aforementioned substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent B.

[0073] Thanks to this safety arrangement of the dosing chamber 22, even in the event of malfunctioning or damage to the valve means of the dispenser 10, i.e. to the valve 40 (and in particular to its sealing element 42), such as to not be able to achieve airtight closure with respect to the discharge channel 14, any undesired leakage of the liquid detergent B towards the interior of the tank of the dishwashing machine will be prevented when the dispenser 10 assumes its substantially horizontal laying plane. As explained, in fact, also in this case the maximum level that the detergent B can reach in the total volume 20a+20b of the tank will be lower than the inner edge 22a of the dosing chamber 22 (on the contrary, the amount of detergent B contained within the chamber 22, following operation of the valve arrangement associated with the chamber 22 and with the channel 14, will be properly dispensed during washing).

[0074] The previously mentioned safety arrangement of the loading channel 13 and / or the previously mentioned safety arrangement of the dosing chamber 22 thus prevent / prevents any leakage of the liquid detergent, in particular of the rinse aid, thus preventing the risk that follows, previously highlighted.

[0075] Again it can be noted that Figure 7 how the tubular portion defining the channel 13 and the tubular portion or the set of contiguous walls defining the chamber 22 extend from the front body portion 11a of the main body 11 as far as beyond the junction plane W between the front body portion 11a and the rear body portion 11b. In particular, the safety arrangement corresponding to the channel 13 and / or the safety arrangement corresponding to the dosing chamber 22 are defined by the front body portion 11a, however, such safety arrangements can be defined by elements or portions that are distinct from the aforesaid front body portion 11a and that are associated or welded to the aforesaid front body portion 11a in a sealed manner.

[0076] As already mentioned, in the various embodiments in which the dispenser 10 comprises two different dispensing arrangements, these can be operated at different times by means of an actuation system comprising a single actuator, in particular an electric actuator.

[0077] With particular reference to Figures 8-9 , the previously mentioned actuator can be a thermoelectric actuator 25, or in other cases can be an electromagnet with an actuation member 25a that is linearly movable in opposite directions. In the various embodiments, the actuation system can comprise a control lever 26 and a controlled lever 31, the control lever 26 being operable via the actuator 25 and the controlled lever 31 being operable via the control lever 25. In the various embodiments, the control lever 25 comprises a cam follower 29 inserted in a displaceable manner along a closed cam path defined in a cam member 30 associated with the controlled lever 31.

[0078] In various embodiments, the control lever 26 is pivoted to the dispenser body 11, in particular to the rear body portion 11b, as in the example illustrated, to be set by means of the component 25a of the actuator 25 to rotate according to an axis transversal to the laying plane of the dispenser, in particular substantially perpendicular to the laying plane of the dispenser, so as to act against the action of the spring 28. In the example, the control lever 26 comprises two arms 26a and 26b, which are substantially inclined with respect to each other, for example substantially perpendicular, and is pivoted to the body 11 at the distal end of the arm 26b, in particular via a shaft 27 mounted through a corresponding seat (not indicated), so as to be able to turn about its own longitudinal axis. Preferably, the shaft 27 is associated with one end of the lever 26 and with the other end of the lever 26 with a joint 27a, for example a ball joint, which allows the control lever 26 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 27. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The end associated with the opposite end of the one visible in Figure 6 ) is a lever 19 belonging to the system for releasing the hatch 15 (see for example

[0079] In various embodiments, the controlled lever 31 is also hinged to the dispenser body 11 and in particular to the rear body portion 11b, so as to turn according to a respective axis transversal, in particular substantially parallel to the laying plane of the dispenser, with respect to the rotation axis of the lever 26. In the example illustrated, the rear body portion 11b has two small parallel brackets 32, through which a hinged pin (indicated by 32a only in Figure 17 ) of the lever 31 extends, which here has a substantially rectilinear configuration.

[0080] In various embodiments, the proximal end of the lever 31 is associated with a cam component 30 defining a path 60, while the opposite end of the lever 31 is associated with a valve component of the valve 40, in particular with its core 41. As can be appreciated, this arrangement causes the angular movement of the lever 31 about the rotation axis determined by the pin 32a to cause the displacement of the valve component 41-42 with respect to the discharge channel 14 (see for reference Figure 18 ) so as to open or close the latter via the sealing element 42.

[0081] In various embodiments, the angular movement of the lever 31 about the axis defined by the pin 32a is allowed by the particular configuration of the cam path 60 defined by the component 30, as explained hereinafter.

[0082] In various preferred embodiments, the controlled lever 31 has a portion that is elastically deformable or flexible on a plane substantially parallel or coincident with the laying plane of the dispenser 10. In the case illustrated, the aforesaid elastically deformable or flexible portion is indicated by 33 and comprises the proximal end of the lever 31 associated with the cam component 60.

[0083] The cam path 60 defined by the cam component 30 allows the angular movement of the lever 31 about the axis defined by the pin 32a, as explained hereinafter.Figure 13 As is clear from the foregoing, the cam path 60 is preferably a closed path having a configuration partly known in the art (see for example EP 602572 Al, filed in the name of the present applicant): in the example, a shaped indentation is defined at a face of the component 30, within which indentation the intermediate portion 60a is raised so as to define the indentation in a closed path within which the cam follower 29, here substantially a pin, can be moved, carried by an arm 26b located at the proximal end of the control lever 26. According to a preferred characteristic, however, at least one stretch 60b of the bottom of the cam path 60 is inclined with respect to the plane of movement of the control lever 26 such that the sliding of the cam follower 29 on the aforesaid inclined stretch 60a of the cam path 60 causes an angular movement of the controlled lever 31 about the axis defined by the pin 32a.

[0084] The possible operation of the actuation system illustrated is described hereinafter: for this purpose it is assumed that the dispenser 10 is positioned with its laying plane horizontal (i.e. with the door 5 of the dishwasher 1 closed), as Figure 25 in which a dose of liquid detergent B fills the corresponding dosing chamber 22, the hatch 15 is closed, a corresponding dose of solid detergent D has been placed in the container 18 of the hatch 15 and the discharge channel is closed by the valve components 41-42. In Figure 14 the initial condition of the actuation system is illustrated, in which the cam follower 29 is located in the lowest point of the path 60, here corresponding to the lowest point of the left-hand branch of the path itself (as viewed in the figure). The tip of the cam follower 29 is constantly pressed against the bottom of the path 60.

[0085] During the operation of the dishwasher 1, at a given point of the ongoing washing cycle, the control system of the dishwasher itself manages the electric power supply of the actuator 25, thereby causing the corresponding actuation component 25a to move away from the actuator itself (i.e. it moves to the right, as viewed in the figure). The displacement of the component 25a causes the angular movement of the control lever 26 about the axis defined by the shaft 27, against the action of the spring 28 (not represented in Figures 8-9 ). In this way, as illustrated in Figures 14-16 , the cam follower 29 is displaced along the aforesaid left-hand branch of the path 60 up to its top, without thereby causing a large movement of the controlled lever 31, i.e. without causing a large angular movement about the pin 32a, so as to cause only a moderate bending to the right of the elastically deformable portion 33 thereof. Figure 15 The movement of the lever 26 causes the rotation of the shaft 27, which in turn causes the angular movement of the lever 19 so as to engage the hatch 15 Figure 6), the hatch 15 is released from the corresponding engagement element 19a: the hatch 15 is thus free to open so as to allow the cleaning agent D to fall into the basin of the dishwasher, i.e. in a condition similar to that illustrated in Figure 18 or Figure 26 .

[0086] The supply time of the actuator 25 is relatively short (in the case of an electromagnetic actuator, it can even be a short electric pulse), so that, after dispensing, the lever 26 can return into the initial position, due to the action of the spring 28. The cam follower 29 is then displaced downwards within the path 60. However, in this step, the elastically deformable portion 33 of the controlled lever 31 also tends to return into the initial position, with a slight displacement to the left of the cam member 60, respectively: the consequence of the simultaneous movement of the cam follower 29 and of the member 60 is that the former becomes engaged in the intermediate position defined by the central portion 60a of the member 30, as illustrated in Figure 16 , in which, in any case, the lever 26 maintains a position still slightly angled with respect to its starting position. This position of the cam follower 29 does not cause any significant displacement of the controlled lever 31 and, therefore, there is no actuation of the valve 40 of the dispenser 10.

[0087] Next, at a given point of the ongoing washing cycle, the control system of the dishwasher manages the electric supply of the actuator 25 again, thereby causing the travel of the corresponding member 25a, as mentioned previously. The new angular movement imparted on the lever 26 at this time causes the engagement of the cam follower 29 in the right branch of the path 60, in which the cam follower 29 is thus displaced from the intermediate position represented by the element 60a to another point of the right branch of the path 60.

[0088] During this displacement, the tip of the cam follower 29 thus slides on the inclined stretch 60b of the bottom of the path 60, as can be appreciated from the comparison between Figure 16 and Figure 17 . In this way, considering that the lever 26 and the cam follower 29 do not change their own planes of work, it is caused that the lever 31 as a whole rotates about the axis identified by the pin 32a. Basically, then, the proximal end of the controlled lever 31, i.e. one support member 30, approaches the rear of the body of the dispenser 10, while the proximal end of the lever itself moves away from the rear of the body of the dispenser 10, thus causing the axial displacement of the valve members 41-42 of the valve 40, which move backwards with respect to the dispensing channel 14 and release it, as illustrated in Figure 18 : in this way, the dose of liquid detergent B contained in the dosing chamber 22 can reach the inside of the tank of the dishwasher.

[0089] Moreover, in this case, at the stop of the electric power supply to the actuator 25, the control lever 26 can return towards the initial position, due to the action of the spring 28. The cam follower 29 is thus displaced downwards within the path 60, returning to its lowest point corresponding to the left branch, i.e. to the Figure 14 initial position.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the arrangement for dispensing liquid detergent comprises a system for adjusting the useful volume of the dosing chamber 22, i.e. the volume of the dosing chamber 22 actually designed to contain a dose of liquid detergent B. In this sense, a possible example is illustrated in Figures 20-24 .

[0091] According to various embodiments of this type, the axially displaceable adjustment body, as a whole designated by 50, is mounted within the dosing chamber 22, operatively coupled to an angularly rotatable adjustment member, as a whole designated by 51. The adjustment body 50 preferably has a non-cylindrical peripheral profile or, in any case, is shaped and / or mounted so that the rotation of the member 51 cannot cause a corresponding rotation of the body 50.

[0092] With particular reference to Figure 22 , the adjustment body 50 has a central passage 50a, which is preferably obturated and substantially circular, very preferably having an initial portion 50b of enlarged diameter. On the surface of the passage 50a, in the part thereof extending beyond the possible initial widening 50b, a thread 50c is defined. On the other side, the adjustment member 51 is substantially shaped like a screw, and in any case comprises: a front portion or head 51a, which remains exposed or accessible at the front of the dispenser 10; and a shank 51b, which is preferably cylindrical, equipped with a corresponding thread 51c, which is complementary to the thread provided in the passage 50a of the body 50. For a greater clarity, in Figure 1 and Figures 25-26 the exposed or visible condition of the head 51a of the adjustment member is represented.

[0093] In the main body portion 11a of the dispenser 11, a through-tubular seat 11a3 is defined in correspondence of the dosing chamber 22, the shank 51b of the adjustment member 51 being inserted through the through-tubular seat 11a3 so that the head 51a of the latter is held at the front of the dispenser 10. For this purpose, conveniently, the portion of the shank 51b that is engaged in the seat 11a3 is provided with a sealing element 51d, for example an annular gasket. The threading 50c of the passage 50a of the body 50 is screwed onto the threading 51c of the remaining portion of the shank 51b, in the initial widening 50b of the body 50, which can advantageously receive the portion of the through-tubular seat 11a3 that projects towards the inside of the dosing chamber 22. In various embodiments, the system is preferably envisaged with means designed to guarantee the maintenance of the angular adjustment position provided for the member 51. For this purpose, for example, the seat 11a3 and the gasket 51d can be configured to guarantee the autonomous maintenance of the position due to the friction induced between the gasket and the seat.

[0094] The assembled condition of the members 50-51 is clearly visible in Figures 20-21 and Figures 23-24 . The body 50 is constrained within the chamber 22 so as to be able to perform only axial displacements. With reference to the example illustrated, the body 50 has a non-cylindrical outer profile, here substantially quadrangular, so that at least its flat outer surface portion is arranged substantially against a similar inner surface of one of the walls that delimits the dosing chamber 22: as can be appreciated, in this way, given the threaded coupling between the member 50 and the member 51 and the impossibility of rotating the body 50, the axial movement of the body 50 has to correspond to a rotation of the member 51.

[0095] As already expressed, the body 50 is mounted within the chamber 22, occupying a portion of its volume: the useful volume or capacity of the chamber 22, i.e. the volume of the chamber 22 that is actually designed to contain the liquid detergent B will therefore be equal to the difference between the total volume of the chamber 22 and the volume of the portion of the body 50 that extends within the chamber itself.

[0096] As can be appreciated, therefore, by "tightening" or "loosening" the adjustment member 51 with respect to the adjustment body 50, it is possible to vary the axial position of the latter within the chamber 22 and, in the final analysis, the amount of liquid detergent B that can be received in the chamber 22. In Figure 20 and Figure 21 this concept is exemplified, in which, for a greater clarity, the amount of liquid B that occupies the chamber 22 is represented darker, i.e. with a more intense field, compared to the remaining portion of liquid B present in the tank 20.

[0097] Figure 20The case is illustrated in which the component 51 is screwed to the maximum into the body 50, which corresponds to the position of the body 50 lowered to the maximum within the chamber 22 (i.e. the body 50 is closest to the front of the dispenser), in which a maximum reduction of the volume of the chamber 22 occurs. Conversely, Figure 21 The case is illustrated in which the component 51 is screwed to the maximum into the body 50, which corresponds to the position of the body 50 lowered to the maximum within the chamber 22 (i.e. the body 50 is closest to the front of the dispenser), in which a maximum reduction of the volume of the chamber 22 occurs. Conversely, Figures 23-24 The case is illustrated in which the component 51 is screwed to the maximum into the body 50, which corresponds to the position of the body 50 lowered to the maximum within the chamber 22 (i.e. the body 50 is closest to the front of the dispenser), in which a maximum reduction of the volume of the chamber 22 occurs. Conversely, Figures 21-22 The case is illustrated in which the component 51 is screwed to the maximum into the body 50, which corresponds to the position of the body 50 lowered to the maximum within the chamber 22 (i.e. the body 50 is closest to the front of the dispenser), in which a maximum reduction of the volume of the chamber 22 occurs. Conversely,

[0098] Therefore, as can be seen, the proposed volume adjustment system makes it possible to vary the useful capacity of the dosing chamber 22, and therefore the quantity of liquid detergent that must be dispensed, in a simple manner. Of course, in order to facilitate the adjustment by the user, the head 51a of the component 51 can be provided at the front with a suitable indicator of the type indicated by 51a1 in Figure 22 , which will be positioned with respect to a fixed mark (not represented) defined or impressed on the front of the dispenser 10. The head 51a can also be provided with a notch or recess 51a2 in order to facilitate the rotation of the component 51 by a certain amount using a common tool (for example, a screwdriver) when it is required to adjust the volume of liquid detergent that will be dispensed.

[0099] In various embodiments, in order to facilitate the filling of the tank 20 and / or the discharge of a dose of liquid detergent contained in the dosing chamber 22, the dispenser 10 is equipped with a venting arrangement. An embodiment of this type is schematically represented in Figures 25-26 , in which the aforementioned venting system is designated as a whole by 80. In a non-limiting example, the system 80 comprises a venting tube having a tubular shape 81, preferably, but not necessarily, rectilinear and cylindrical 81, having an opening at the front end at the front of the dispenser (i.e. on the wall 11a' of the corresponding body portion 11a) and an opening at the rear or inner end that opens into the tank 20.

[0100] Preferably, the venting tube 81 is positioned in the upper portion of the tank 20, in particular, within the volume 20b Figure 7 ) that the liquid detergent B cannot reach when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is substantially vertical. As can be noted in Figure 28As noted in the preceding text, the length of the vent tube 80 is such that its inner end is located at a height not lower than (i.e., greater than or, in the extreme case, substantially equal to) the maximum level of liquid detergent B when the dispenser 10 is positioned substantially horizontally. In this way, when the dishwasher door is open, the inner end of the vent tube 81 is located in an area that cannot be occupied by liquid detergent, thereby preventing the agent from potentially escaping (through the front end of the vent tube itself) during filling of the tank 20. Instead, when the dishwasher door is closed, the inner end of the exhaust vent tube is positioned above the maximum level of liquid detergent reached inside the tank 20, thereby preventing any liquid agent from escaping from the vent tube itself in this condition as well.

[0101] Similarly, you can Figure 26 Note how the tubular portion defining the vent 81 preferably extends from the front body portion 11a of the body 11 of the dispenser well beyond the joining plane W between the front body portion 11a itself and the rear body portion 11b.

[0102] In various preferred embodiments, the inner end portion of the vent tube 81 is Figure 26 81 extends within a protective area designated by 82 in the figure. Protective area 82 can, for example, be provided by a wall that at least partially surrounds the aforementioned inner end portion and extends from rear wall 11b' of main body portion 11b; alternatively, as in the illustrated case, the protective area can be provided by a wall or set of walls that, together with rear wall 11b' and the side walls of tank 20, define a compartment within which the inner end portion of vent tube 81 extends. Area 82 (i.e., the wall or set of walls that define area 82) has the purpose of preventing any possible fluctuations of liquid detergent from causing occlusion of the vent tube itself during the movement of opening / closing the door of the dishwasher.

[0103] The characteristics of the invention and likewise its advantages are clearly apparent from the foregoing description, in which the following aspects will be reviewed:

[0104] - the possible safety arrangements described with respect to the first dispensing arrangement (including the specific inner edge of the loading channel) prevent any unwanted leakage of the liquid detergent contained in the tank, for example in the event of erroneous closing of the corresponding stopper or subsequent damage to the corresponding gasket or the corresponding sealing surface or the coupling system between the stopper and the body of the dispenser;

[0105] - the possible further safety arrangements described in connection with the first dispensing arrangement (including a specific inner edge of the metering chamber) prevent any undesired leakage of liquid detergent through the metering chamber 22 and the corresponding discharge opening in an amount exceeding the volume of the chamber 22 itself, for example following a malfunction of a valve arrangement designed to enable dispensing of liquid detergent from the metering chamber (e.g. a malfunction in closing the corresponding valve member or failure of its sealing means);

[0106] - the embodiments described for a possible second dispensing arrangement, comprising a hatch with a reduced opening angle and with a corresponding container, enable the convenient loading of the corresponding detergent and, when the detergent is in liquid or in powder form, reduce the risk of its undesired exit before the hatch itself is closed; on the other hand, during dispensing, ensure limited obstruction of the open hatch and efficient outflow of the detergent into the tank and of any possible water reaching the interior of the container; and

[0107] - the possible volume adjustment system associated with the dosing chamber is constructed in a simple and inexpensive manner, operates efficiently and reliably and is convenient to use for the user.

[0108] Obviously, many variations can be made by the skilled person in the branch of the dispenser device described by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the subsequent claims.

[0109] As can be seen in Figures 19-24 , the described volume adjustment system can be used on various types of detergent dispenser for a dishwasher, not necessarily a top-loading dishwasher. The adjustment system will therefore be understood to be usable also in other dispensers provided with a chamber for dosing liquid detergent, for example a dispenser for a front-loading machine or a dispenser to be installed in a position corresponding to the stationary wall of the tub of a dishwasher or again a dispenser that can be installed on a drawer-type door or on a shelf of a dishwasher.

[0110] Figures 25-26 a possible embodiment of a dishwasher 1 using a dispenser 10 provided with a hatch 15 having the previously described characteristics is illustrated, in which a stationary nozzle 70 is installed inside the tub 3, which is able to direct a jet of liquid towards the interior of the container defined by the hatch 15, in order to improve removal of the corresponding detergent and to enable cleaning of the container itself; this washing operation is facilitated by the specific conformation and / or opening arrangement of the dispenser 10 and / or of the corresponding hatch 15 and / or container 18. The control system of the dishwasher 1 can be configured so as to manage the supply of liquid to the nozzle 70 so as to generate the jet 71 after the actuation system of the dispenser 10 has been driven for the purpose of opening the hatch 15.

Claims

1. A detergent dispenser device configured to be placed on a dishwasher door (5) in a predetermined placement plane, the placement plane being substantially vertical when the dishwasher door (5) is open and substantially horizontal when the dishwasher door (5) is closed, The dispenser device has a dispenser body (11) comprising a front body portion (11a) defining a front of the dispenser device and a rear body portion (11b) defining a rear of the dispenser device, The dispenser device comprises: at least one first dispensing arrangement comprising a tank (20) for liquid detergent (B) in said dispenser body (11), said tank (20) having a total volume; a loading channel (13) provided with a stopper (12); and a discharge channel (14), said loading channel (13) and said discharge channel (14) being defined in said front body portion (11a), wherein the first dispensing arrangement comprises a valve (40) controllable between a closed position and an open position to enable dispensing of at least one dose of liquid detergent (B) through the discharge channel (14), wherein the position of the loading channel (13) defines a filling volume (20a) in the tank (20), the filling volume (20a) extending substantially below the loading channel (13) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, the filling volume (20a) corresponding to a small portion of the total volume of the tank (20) and being suitable for receiving a substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent (B) passing through the loading channel (13) when the laying plane is substantially vertical such that a further volume (20b) extends above the filling volume (20a) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, wherein the loading channel (13) comprises a safety tubular portion (21) having a respective inner edge (21a) extending inside the tank (20) and directed towards the rear of the dispenser device, wherein the total volume of the tank (20) is adapted to be partially occupied by the substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent (B) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal, And wherein the loading channel (13) is constructed so that the inner edge (21a) of the safety tubular portion (21) extends at a height not lower than the corresponding maximum liquid level that can be reached by the essentially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent (B) in the total volume of the tank (20) when the laying plane is essentially horizontal.

2. The dispenser device according to claim 1, wherein: - the first dispensing arrangement further comprises a dosing chamber (22) defined within the tank (20) and in fluid communication with the discharge passage (14), the dosing chamber (22) being sized to retain at least one dose of liquid detergent (B); and - the valve (40) comprises a valve member operating between the metering chamber (22) and the discharge channel (14), the valve (40) being controllable for displacing the valve member between the closed position and the open position in order to enable the at least one dose of liquid detergent (B) contained in the metering chamber (22) to be dispensed through the discharge channel (14), wherein the metering chamber (22) is defined within a filling volume (20a) of the tank (20) and is configured for filling the filling volume (20a) with the corresponding at least one dose of liquid detergent (B) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, and for retaining the at least one dose of liquid detergent (B) for the purpose of subsequent dispensing through the discharge channel (14) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal, wherein the metering chamber (22) has a corresponding inner edge (22a) extending within the tank (20) and directed toward the rear of the dispenser device, And wherein the metering chamber (22) is constructed so that the corresponding inner edge (22a) extends at a corresponding height not lower than the maximum liquid level that can be reached by the essentially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent (B) in the total volume of the tank (20) when the laying plane is essentially horizontal.

3. The dispenser device according to claim 2 comprises a loading channel (13) having a corresponding safety tubular portion (21) and a metering chamber (22), wherein the loading channel and the metering chamber are pre-arranged so that the corresponding inner edges (21a, 22a) extend at corresponding heights not lower than the maximum liquid level that can be reached by the essentially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent (B) in the total volume of the tank (20) when the laying plane is essentially horizontal.

4. Dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a second dispensing arrangement for additional detergent (D).

5. The dispenser device according to claim 4, wherein The first dispensing arrangement and the second dispensing arrangement are operable at different times via an actuation system comprising a single actuator (25).

6. The dispenser device according to claim 4, wherein The second dispensing arrangement comprises a hatch (15) mounted on the front body portion (11a) and movable between a retaining position and a release position for the additional detergent (D) with reference to a corresponding container (18).

7. The dispenser device according to claim 6, wherein The container (18) is defined in the hatch (15), and a recess (16) is defined in the front body portion (11a) to accommodate the container (18) when the hatch (15) is in the retaining position.

8. The dispenser device of claim 6, wherein: - the hatch (15) has a first end region and a second end region opposite each other, in the first end region a hinge means (151) is provided for articulating the hatch (15) to the front body part (11a) and defining a first axis of rotation (X) for enabling an angular movement of the hatch (15) between the retaining position and the release position, - the container (18) has: a peripheral surface; a bottom surface (18e) which is closer to the first end region of the hatch (15); and a mouth (18a) opposite to the bottom surface (18e) and closer to the second end region of the hatch (15), - the hatch (15) has a front wall (15a) defining a first portion of the peripheral surface of the container (18) and delimiting the sides of the mouth (18a), And wherein, with the laying plane being substantially horizontal and with the hatch (15) in the corresponding release position, the mouth (18a) of the container (18) faces downwards and the first portion of the peripheral surface of the container (18) substantially provides an inclined plane to facilitate dispensing of the additional detergent (D) through the mouth (18a).

9. The dispenser device according to claim 8, wherein At least one of the dispenser body (11), the hatch (15), and the hinge device (151) is configured to limit angular movement of the hatch (15) from the retaining position to the release position such that an acute angle is defined between a plane identified by the front of the dispenser body (11) and a plane identified by a first portion of the peripheral surface of the container (18).

10. A dispenser device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein The metering chamber (22) is located in the lower half of the filling volume (20a), which has a substantially vertical position relative to the deposition plane.

11. Dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The inner edge (21a) of the safety tubular portion (21) is defined by the end of the tubular portion of the front body portion (11a) extending within the tank (20).

12. A dispenser device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein The inner edge (22a) of the metering chamber (22) is defined by the end of the tubular portion of the front body portion (11a) extending inside the tank (20) or by the ends of a set of walls thereof.

13. The dispenser device according to claim 12, wherein The front body portion (11a) and the rear body portion (11b) respectively comprise a front workpiece made of plastic material and a rear workpiece made of plastic material, the front workpiece and the rear workpiece having respective peripheral edges joined together in a sealed manner and identifying a joining plane (W), and wherein the tubular portion or the set of walls extends from the front workpiece made of plastic material far beyond the joining plane (W).

14. The dispenser device according to claim 5, wherein The actuation system comprises a control rod (26) operable via the single actuator (25) and a controlled rod (31) operable via the control rod (26), the control rod (26) having a cam follower (29) displaceably inserted along a closed cam path defined in a cam member (30) associated with the controlled rod (31).

15. The dispenser device according to claim 14, wherein The control lever (26) is pivoted to the rear body portion (11b) so as to be arranged to be rotated by the single actuator (25) about a respective axis of rotation transverse to the laydown plane.

16. The dispenser device of claim 15, wherein The control lever (26) is pivoted to the rear body portion (11b) so as to be arranged to be rotated by the single actuator (25) about a respective axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the laydown plane.

17. The dispenser device of claim 15, wherein The controlled lever (31) is pivoted to the rear body portion (11b) to rotate according to a corresponding axis transverse to the rotation axis of the control lever (26), and wherein at least one extension of the closed cam path is an inclined extension (60b), which is inclined relative to the movement plane of the control lever (26) so that sliding of the cam follower (29) on the inclined extension (60b) of the closed cam path causes angular movement of the controlled lever (31) around the corresponding rotation axis.

18. The dispenser device of claim 17, wherein The controlled rods (31) are pivoted to the rear body portion (11b) to rotate according to respective axes substantially parallel to the laying plane.

19. The dispenser device of claim 17, wherein The controlled rod (31) has a portion (33) that is elastically deformable according to a plane substantially parallel to the laying plane, the elastically deformable portion (33) including a proximal end of the controlled rod (31) associated with the cam member (30).

20. Dispenser device according to claim 2 or claim 3, comprising an adjustment system for adjusting the useful capacity of the metering chamber (22).

21. The dispenser device of claim 20, wherein The adjustment system comprises: an adjustment body (50) which is displaceably mounted in the metering chamber (22); and an adjustment member (51) which is operatively coupled to the adjustment body (50) and has a corresponding operable portion. The adjustment body (50) and the adjustment component (51) are coupled in such a way that an angular movement imparted to the adjustment component (51) causes an axial displacement of the adjustment body (50) and thus a change in the useful volume of the metering chamber (22).

22. The dispenser device of claim 21, wherein The respective operable portions are accessible from the front of the dispenser device.

23. The dispenser device of claim 21, wherein The adjustment body (50) is constrained within the metering chamber (22) so as to perform opposite linear movements relative to the front of the dispenser device.

24. A detergent dispenser device, which is designed to be placed on a dishwasher door (5) in a predetermined laying plane, the laying plane being substantially vertical when the dishwasher door (5) is open and substantially horizontal when the dishwasher door (5) is closed, The dispenser device has a dispenser body (11) comprising a front body portion (11a) defining a front of the dispenser device and a rear body portion (11b) defining a rear of the dispenser device, The dispenser device comprising at least one first dispensing arrangement, the at least one first dispensing arrangement comprising: a tank (20) for liquid detergent (B) in the dispenser body (11), the tank (20) having a total volume; a loading channel (13) provided with a stopper (12); and a discharge channel (14), the loading channel (13) and the discharge channel (14) being defined in the front body portion (11a), Wherein, the first allocation arrangement further comprises: a dosing chamber (22) defined within the tank (20) and in fluid communication with the discharge passage (14), the dosing chamber (22) being sized to retain at least one dose of liquid detergent (B), and - a valve (40) comprising a valve member operating between the metering chamber (22) and the discharge channel (14), the valve (40) being controllable for displacing the valve member between a closed position and an open position in order to enable the at least one dose of detergent (B) contained in the metering chamber (22) to be dispensed through the discharge channel (14), wherein the position of the loading channel (13) identifies a filling volume (20a) in the tank (20), the filling volume (20a) extending substantially below the loading channel (13) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, the filling volume (20a) corresponding to a small portion of the total volume of the tank (20) and being suitable for receiving a substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent (B) through the loading channel (13) when the laying plane is substantially vertical such that a further volume (20b) extends above the filling volume (20a) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, wherein the metering chamber (22) is defined within a filling volume (20a) of the tank (20) and is configured for filling the filling volume (20a) with the corresponding at least one dose of liquid detergent (B) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, and for retaining the at least one dose of liquid detergent (B) for the purpose of subsequent dispensing through the discharge channel (14) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal, wherein the metering chamber (22) has an inner edge (22a) which extends inside the tank (20) and is directed towards the rear of the dispenser device, wherein the total volume of the tank (20) is adapted to be partially occupied by the substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent (B) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal, And wherein the metering chamber (22) is pre-arranged so that the inner edge (22a) extends at a height not lower than the corresponding maximum liquid level that can be reached by the essentially predetermined maximum amount of liquid detergent (B) in the total volume of the tank (20) when the laying plane is essentially horizontal.

25. A detergent dispenser device, which is designed to be placed on a dishwasher door (5) of a dishwasher (1) in a predetermined placement plane, the placement plane being substantially vertical when the dishwasher door (5) is open and substantially horizontal when the dishwasher door (5) is closed. The dispenser device has a dispenser body (11) comprising a front body portion (11a) defining a front portion of the dispenser body (11) and a rear body portion (11b) defining a rear portion of the dispenser body (11), The dispenser device has at least one arrangement for dispensing detergent (D), the arrangement comprising a hatch (15) mounted in the front body portion (11a) and angularly movable between a closed position and an open position, the hatch (15) defining a container (18) for containing detergent (D), a recess (16) defined in the front body portion (11a) for accommodating the container (18) when the hatch (15) is in the closed position, in, The door (15) has a first end region and a second end region opposite each other, in which first end region hinge means (151) are provided for articulating the door (15) to the front body part (11a) and for defining an axis of rotation (X) for the angular movement, wherein the container (18) has: a peripheral surface; a bottom surface (18e) closer to a first end region of the hatch (15); and a mouth (18a) opposite to the bottom surface (18e) closer to a second end region of the hatch (15), wherein the hatch (15) has a front wall (15a) defining a first portion of the peripheral surface of the container (18) and delimiting the sides of the mouth (18a), And wherein, with the laying plane being substantially horizontal and with the hatch (15) in the open position, the mouth (18a) of the container (18) faces downward and a first portion of the peripheral surface of the container (18) substantially provides an inclined plane for facilitating the dispensing of the detergent (D) through the mouth (18a).

26. The dispenser device of claim 25, wherein At least one of the dispenser body (11), the hatch (15), and the hinge device (151) is configured to limit angular movement of the hatch (15) from the closed position to the open position such that an acute angle is defined between a plane identified by the front of the dispenser body (11) and a plane identified by a first portion of the peripheral surface of the container (18).

27. A detergent dispenser device configured for placement on a dishwasher door (5) in a predetermined laying plane, the dispenser device having a dispenser body (11), the dispenser body (11) comprising a front body portion (11a) defining a front of the dispenser device and a rear body portion (11b) defining a rear of the dispenser device, the dispenser device comprising at least one first dispensing arrangement, the at least one first dispensing arrangement comprising: a tank (20) for liquid detergent (B) in said dispenser body (11), said tank (20) having a total volume; a loading channel (13) provided with a plug (12); and a discharge channel (14), wherein the first distribution arrangement further comprises: a dosing chamber (22) defined within the tank (20) and in fluid communication with the discharge passage (14), the dosing chamber (22) being sized to retain at least one dose of liquid detergent (B); - a valve (40) comprising a valve member operating between the metering chamber (22) and the discharge channel (14), the valve (40) being controllable for displacing the valve member between a closed position and an open position to enable at least one dose of detergent (B) contained in the metering chamber (22) to be dispensed through the discharge channel (14); and - an adjustment system for adjusting the filling capacity of the metering chamber (22), The adjustment system comprises: an adjustment body (50) which is displaceably mounted in the metering chamber (22) for the purpose of causing a change in the useful volume of the metering chamber (22); and an adjustment component (51) which is operatively connected to the adjustment body (50) and has a corresponding operable part.

28. Dispenser device according to claim 27, wherein The respective operable portions are accessible from the front of the dispenser device.

29. The dispenser device of claim 27, wherein The adjustment body (50) and the adjustment part (51) are coupled in such a way that an angular movement imparted to the adjustment part (51) causes an axial displacement of the adjustment body (50) in the metering chamber (22) and thus causes a change in the useful volume of the metering chamber (22).

30. The dispenser device of claim 29, wherein The adjustment body (50) is constrained within the metering chamber (22) so as to perform opposite linear movements relative to the front of the dispenser device.

31. A dishwasher comprising a detergent dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

32. The dishwasher according to claim 31, wherein The dishwashing machine is a top-loading dishwashing machine or a sink-type dishwashing machine.

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