Detergent dispenser for dishwashers

Abstract

A cleaning agent dispenser for a cleaning machine includes a fixed dispenser portion (200) designed for mounting on a wall defining a cleaning chamber (3) of the cleaning machine, and a removable dispenser portion (100) removably connectable to the fixed dispenser portion (200). The removable dispenser portion (100) includes a hollow body (101) defining at least one slot (R1, R2) for a corresponding cleaning agent (WD, WA) in liquid or semi-solid form. The at least one slot (R1, R2) has an outlet (112, 113) in its lower portion, in a rear wall (111) of the hollow body (101) designed to face the fixed dispenser portion (200). The outlet (112, 113) is capable of... The inlet (210, 211) is detachably connected to the inlet located at the front of the fixed dispenser section (200). The inlet (210, 211) is fluidly connected to the corresponding dispensing arrangement structure configured to dispense a dosage of cleaning agent (WD, WA). At least one retaining valve (2301) is mounted on the hollow body (101) at the outlet (112) corresponding to at least one slot (R1). The retaining valve (2301, 2302) is configured to be in a corresponding open position after being connected between the outlet (112, 113) and the inlet (210, 211), and in a corresponding closed position after being separated between the outlet (112, 113) and the inlet (210, 211).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a detergent dispenser for washing machines, particularly household dishwashers, and more particularly to a dispenser designed to be mounted on one of the walls defining the washing chamber of a dishwasher. The invention has been developed with particular reference to a multi-dosage dispenser for at least one detergent in liquid or semi-solid (gel) form, i.e., provided with a refillable reservoir capable of holding a sufficient amount of the aforementioned detergent to perform multiple washing cycles by the dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] US2006157086 A1 discloses a dispenser device for a dishwasher, comprising a multi-dosage tank for liquid detergent and a pump housed within the dishwasher door. A channel for refilling the tank and a nozzle for delivering the liquid detergent extend through a wall of the dishwasher door facing the interior of the corresponding washing chamber, wherein the delivery nozzle is fluidly connected to the tank and the pump via a conduit. In one embodiment, the pump is of a reversible type to allow flushing of the conduit and prevent any potential blockage.

[0003] The above solutions have proven to be complex, far from efficient, and inconvenient for users.

[0004] US7845361 B1 discloses a dispenser system for a dishwasher, comprising a multi-dosing tank for liquid detergent and a piston dispensing pump defining a dosing chamber designed to receive a preset amount of liquid additive from the tank for delivery during dishwasher operation. The tank and dispensing pump are mounted in a front recess in the wall of the dishwasher door facing the interior of the corresponding washing chamber and are detachably coupled via respective fluid attachments to allow the tank to be removed for reloading purposes. In one embodiment, two distinct tanks of the aforementioned type are received in the front recess of the dishwasher door wall, each of the two tanks being detachably associated with a corresponding piston pump of the aforementioned type, wherein each piston pump can be driven by a corresponding solenoid actuator.

[0005] Moreover, the solution proved to be complex, far from efficient, and inconvenient for users, with the risk of unintended spillage of cleaning agent when handling the corresponding tank.

[0006] EP 2138088 A1 discloses a dispenser device for a dishwasher, having a dispenser body defining a compartment for holding detergent tablets at its front. The compartment is provided with a sliding door that can be closed after tablets have been inserted. An electrically controlled release system is operatively associated with the door to open it during a washing cycle. The door has substantially mesh-like lateral extensions such that when the door slides into its open position, the lateral extensions begin to lie in front of the compartment to retain the tablets within it during continued washing.

[0007] Moreover, the solution proved to be complex, far from efficient, and inconvenient for users, with the risk of unintended spillage of cleaning agent when handling the corresponding tank.

[0008] EP0691101 A1 discloses an integrated dispenser device for a dishwasher, having a dispenser body that partially inserts into an opening on the inside of a tilting door of the dishwasher (i.e., the side facing the corresponding washing compartment). The dispenser body defines a housing at its front, in which a multi-dose container for powdered detergent is hinged. The multi-dose container is configured to be displaceable between a tilted position (partially withdrawn, allowing filling of the container) and an inserted position (where the front of the container is substantially aligned with the front of the dispenser body). The container has a transparent window at its front, allowing visual inspection of the amount of powdered detergent present.

[0009] Inspecting the contents of the slot with this solution is tricky, taking into account both the possibility of moisture buildup on the transparent window and the fact that, because the dispenser is mounted on a tiltable door, visual inspection on a horizontal plane can only be carried out when the door is open and thus essentially horizontal. However, for the plane in which the dispenser is located, the information that can be gathered through the window may not be important.

[0010] In addition, more generally, in solutions that provide removable or movable tanks (e.g., as described in US7845361B1 and EP0691101 above), the leveling inspection is entirely delegated to the user, who is therefore fully responsible for performing a visual inspection of the cleaning dose contained in the tank.

[0011] Furthermore, in solutions of the type described in the aforementioned document US7845361 B1, the possibility of loading or filling the corresponding tank with liquid detergent is not uncommon; in particular, it is possible that detergent is placed in the tank that should contain rinsing additive, or conversely, rinsing additive is placed in the tank that should contain cleaning detergent. Such errors (especially the second type of error mentioned) can have consequences such as jeopardizing the operation of the dispenser or the entire dishwasher. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Generally, the present invention aims to overcome at least one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above. According to the invention, this, and other objectives, will become more apparent below, are achieved by a cleaning agent dispenser having the characteristics specified in the appended claims. The claims form part of the technical teachings provided herein with respect to the invention.

[0013] According to the first inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a detergent dispenser for a cleaning machine, particularly a dishwasher, which is convenient to use and where the inspection of delivery of several cleaning agents in liquid or semi-solid form is both efficient and inexpensive.

[0014] According to a second inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a detergent dispenser for a cleaning machine, particularly a dishwasher, wherein the risk of liquid or semi-solid detergent spreading in the environment is reduced or prevented after the user performs an action on the dispenser itself.

[0015] According to a third aspect of inventiveness, the present invention aims to provide a detergent dispenser for a cleaning machine, particularly a dishwasher, wherein the use of detergent in tablet form is convenient for the user, and the production of the dispenser is economically advantageous.

[0016] According to the fourth inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a detergent dispenser for a cleaning machine, particularly a dishwasher, wherein, even in the presence of movable portions designed to hold detergent, the user is provided with clear and efficient instructions in a simple and safe manner regarding the contents of these movable portions (and more generally, regarding the state in relation to the operation of the dispenser).

[0017] According to the fifth aspect of inventive step, the present invention aims to provide a detergent dispenser for a cleaning machine, particularly a dishwasher, wherein the risk of user error in using the dispenser (particularly regarding the filling of detergent) is limited in a simple and efficient manner.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect of inventive step, the present invention aims to provide a detergent dispenser for a cleaning machine, particularly a dishwasher, wherein accurate information about the contents of the dispenser and / or the aforementioned movable portion can be provided in a simple and safe manner, even in the presence of a movable portion to which detergent is to be contained.

[0019] According to the seventh inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a detergent dispenser for a cleaning machine, particularly a dishwasher, wherein, in a simple and safe manner, it is possible to prevent or (if necessary) correct any malfunctions caused by user errors in the use of detergent and / or enable more efficient inspection of the processing procedures performed by the dishwasher on which the dispenser is mounted. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example, and in which:

[0021] - Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher with the front door in the open position, and the dishwasher is equipped with a dispenser according to a possible embodiment of the invention;

[0022] - Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the drum wall of a dishwasher on which a dispenser according to a possible embodiment is mounted;

[0023] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of two parts of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment, the two parts respectively corresponding to Figure 2 The outer and inner sides of the barrel wall are shown;

[0024] - Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a removable portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0025] - Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the inside of a hollow body that is part of a removable portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0026] - Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the hollow body belonging to a removable portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment, in which the possible liquid levels of two different cleaning agents are highlighted.

[0027] - Figure 8 Is with Figure 6 A view similar to the one shown, highlighting the possible liquid levels of two different cleaning agents;

[0028] - Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the fixed portion of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment, viewed from different angles.

[0029] - Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view of the front and rear portions of the fixed portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0030] - Figure 13 and Figure 14 It is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the removable and fixed portions of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment, which are in two corresponding different states and are connected together.

[0031] - Figure 15 It is a schematic perspective view of the removable and fixed portions of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0032] - Figure 16 and Figure 17 The hollow body, which is a removable portion of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment, is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view according to a complex cross-sectional plane passing through two corresponding retaining valves.

[0033] - Figure 18 This is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0034] - Figure 19 This is a schematic front view in a partial cross-section of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0035] - Figure 20 This is a schematic rear perspective view of the fixed portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment, some of which have been removed;

[0036] - Figure 21 It is a schematic rear view in an elevation of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment in a first operating state, wherein only the corresponding components are shown in part;

[0037] - Figure 22 It is in the aforementioned first operating state. Figure 21 A partial schematic perspective view of a portion of the dispenser section, in which the corresponding component has been removed;

[0038] - Figure 23-24 , Figure 25-26 , Figure 27-28 and Figures 29-30 These are the distributors in the second, third, fourth, and fifth operating states, respectively. Figure 21-22 A view similar to the view;

[0039] - Figure 31It is a schematic perspective partial view of a distributor according to a possible embodiment in a first operating state, wherein the corresponding blocking / unblocking arrangement structure is in the corresponding first state;

[0040] - Figure 32 yes Figure 31 A schematic partial horizontal section of the distributor, wherein the corresponding blocking / unblocking arrangement is in the aforementioned first state;

[0041] - Figures 33-34 and Figures 35-36 These are the distributors in the second and third states of the corresponding blocking / unblocking arrangement structure, respectively. Figures 31-32 A view similar to the view;

[0042] - Figure 37 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0043] - Figure 38 This is a partial schematic perspective view of the fixed portion of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0044] - Figures 39-40 This is a schematic perspective view of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0045] - Figure 41 yes Figure 39 Details at magnified scale;

[0046] - Figure 42 This is a schematic perspective view showing, in isolation, some components of the warning system of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0047] - Figure 43 and Figure 44 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser according to different cross-sectional planes in possible embodiments;

[0048] - Figure 45 and Figure 46 This is a schematic partial view (front view and sectional perspective view, respectively) of the bottom area of ​​a portion of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0049] - Figure 47 This is a schematic partial view in a partial cross-section of a portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0050] - Figure 48 and Figure 49 This relates to the dispenser according to possible alternative embodiments and Figures 45-46 A view similar to the view;

[0051] - Figure 50 and Figure 51This is a graph illustrating the results of power measurement performed by a sensor device equipped with a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0052] - Figure 52 This is a simplified diagram of a possible control circuit of a distributor according to a possible embodiment;

[0053] - Figure 53 This is a simplified diagram of a first possible drive circuit for the sensitive element of the sensor device of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0054] - Figure 54 and Figure 55 This is a graph illustrating the results of further power measurements performed by a sensor device equipped with a dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0055] - Figure 56 This is a simplified diagram of a second possible drive circuit for the sensitive element of the sensor device of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0056] - Figure 57 and Figure 58 This is a schematic perspective view of the bottom area of ​​a dispenser equipped with a sensor device according to a possible embodiment. Figure 58 Shown in the form of a partial cross section;

[0057] - Figure 59 It is equipped Figures 57-58 A schematic perspective view of the main body of the sensor device of the distributor;

[0058] - Figure 60 and Figure 61 These are schematic perspective and exploded views of a portion of the bottom area of ​​a dispenser according to a possible embodiment, the dispenser being equipped with a sensor body according to possible variations;

[0059] - Figure 62 This is a schematic perspective view of a partial cross-section of the bottom region of a dispenser equipped with a sensor device according to a possible embodiment;

[0060] - Figure 63 and Figure 64 These are schematic diagrams (perspective view and exploded view, respectively) of a portion of a sensor device according to a possible embodiment;

[0061] - Figure 65 It is about possible variations and Figure 63 A view similar to the view;

[0062] - Figures 66-67 This is an example illustrating the setting. Figures 63-64 A graph showing the results of electrical quantity measurements performed by a portion of the sensor devices of the type shown;

[0063] - Figures 68-69 This is an example illustrating the setting. Figures 63-64 A graph showing the results of electrical measurements performed on a sensor device of a certain type, but in which the insulating coating has been removed;

[0064] - Figure 70 This is a schematic perspective view of the sensor device of the dispenser according to a possible embodiment;

[0065] - Figure 71 and Figure 72 They are Figure 70 Schematic cross-sectional perspective view and schematic exploded view of the sensor device;

[0066] - Figure 73 and Figure 74 This is intended to illustrate the point. Figures 70-72 A schematic representation of the possible operating principles of the sensor device of the type shown;

[0067] - Figures 75-77 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bottom region of a dispenser equipped with a sensor device according to a further possible embodiment;

[0068] - Figure 78 It is a partial schematic perspective view in a partial cross-section of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment; and

[0069] - Figures 79-82 It is equipped in many different states. Figure 71 A schematic top plan view of some components of the distributor's blocking / unblocking arrangement. Detailed Implementation

[0070] References to “embodiment” or “one embodiment” within the framework of this description are intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described with reference to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as “in an embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” or “in various embodiments” that may appear at various points in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular configurations, structures, or features defined within the framework of this description may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments (even if different from the illustrated embodiments). Reference numerals and spatial references (such as “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,” etc.) used herein are provided for convenience only and therefore do not limit the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments. Unless otherwise specified in this description and in the following claims, the term "detergent" is intended to refer to a detergent substance used during the cleaning step (i.e., the step primarily intended to remove dirt from dishes) of a dishwasher operating procedure, while the term "additive" is intended to refer to an auxiliary liquid or semi-solid substance used in a step different from the cleaning step or in a specially provided procedure, such as a rinsing additive (or rinse aid), or a fragrance, or a water softener, or a sanitary substance; the term "cleaning agent" is intended to refer indiscriminately to both detergent substances and auxiliary substances. Unless otherwise specified, the term "liquid," when associated with terms such as "detergent," "additive," or "cleaning agent" (singular and plural), is in any case intended to refer to a semi-liquid / semi-solid substance, such as a gel, in addition to a liquid substance.

[0071] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote elements that are similar to or technically equivalent to each other. In various drawings, the representation of some components is omitted when it is not essential for understanding the specific characteristics described with reference to the foregoing drawings; for this reason, for example, in various drawings, connection leads belonging to the electrical parts of the distributor (particularly the sensors and actuators belonging to the distributor) are not shown.

[0072] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a household dishwasher (represented as a whole by 1) equipped with a dispenser for at least one detergent, which is obtained according to a possible embodiment. In the case of illustration, without prejudice to the fact that the invention can also be applied to other types of cleaning machines (such as washing machines and washer-dryers), dishwasher 1 is intended for washing dishes, such that for simplicity, reference will be made to the dishwasher in the following text, in which case the dispenser may be positioned differently depending on the type of machine (top-loading machine or front-loading machine).

[0073] Dishwasher 1 has a cabinet or structure that defines a washing tub or washing chamber within it. The front door of dishwasher 1, as a whole, is indicated by 4 and is associated with cabinet 2, allowing it to move between an open position and a closed position. In various embodiments (such as the illustrated embodiment), door 4 can move angularly between the aforementioned positions, preferably but not necessarily about a substantially horizontal axis. However, dishwasher 1 can be of some other type, for example, having at least one door that can translate or slide on specially provided guides (e.g., as in FR-A-2.674.426A), or having a rack for holding dishes (constructed as a sliding tray) whose front wall forms the door of the machine (e.g., as in WO9833426A).

[0074] The inner surface of door 4 includes a movable barrel wall 5 (also referred to as a "opposing door") having an outer side 5a that forms the front surface of barrel 3. Barrel 3 is also defined by a plurality of fixed barrel walls (one of which is indicated by 6), which typically include two side walls, a rear wall, an upper wall or top plate, and a lower wall or bottom. In various embodiments, the walls defining the barrel are plate-like walls, which are at least partially made of sheet metal, such as stainless steel. However, the scope of the invention does not exclude the possibility of walls being at least partially made of plastic materials, such as those injection molded from thermoplastic materials.

[0075] In various embodiments, the cleaning agent dispenser (as a whole, identified by 10 and only in...) Figure 1 (Schematably shown) Mounted on one of the walls (here, wall 5) defining the tub 3, the dispenser is obtained according to a possible embodiment of the invention. Preferably, the dispenser 10 is mounted at at least one through opening defined in the mounting wall 5. The dishwasher 1 includes all generally known elements for its operation, which are not relevant to the purpose of the invention and therefore will not be described herein, including a hydraulic circuit comprising a spray system, at least one dish rack in the tub, and a control system for monitoring the operation of the machine. Figure 1 In this case, the control system is only schematically represented and identified by CS, and includes, for example, a controller or control card, preferably an electronic microcontroller, which may be located inside the door.

[0076] The mounting of dispenser 10 on wall 5 of door 4 is to be understood as provided by way of example only, provided that in other embodiments dispenser 10 can be mounted on any wall of bucket 3 (including fixed walls, such as the side wall indicated by 6). Therefore, the description below regarding the mounting of dispenser 10 on wall 5 is to be understood as also illustrating the mounting of dispenser 10 on any other wall of bucket 3, particularly its fixed vertical walls. The side portion 5a, defined herein as the “outer” side of the mounting wall 5 of dispenser 10 (whether it is a movable or fixed wall), indicates the surface of that wall facing the interior of bucket 3, while the side portion defined herein as the “inner” side (hereinafter indicated by 5b) indicates the surface of the wall itself opposite the outer side 5a, such as the inner side corresponding to the gap in the wall of the machine.

[0077] In various embodiments, the dispenser (i.e., its body as a whole) includes at least two main functional parts, including at least one first removable part configured such that it can be releasably coupled to at least one second part, which is secured to the mounting wall 5, particularly at the aforementioned through opening. Each of the two main parts of the dispenser body further includes several elements described below. Figure 2 In the illustration, dispenser 10 is shown in an assembled operational state relative to wall 5, with a removable dispenser portion attached to a fixed dispenser portion. The dispenser body as a whole has a width dimension X, a height dimension Y, and a depth dimension Z, the depth dimension being identified by the front and rear portions of the dispenser 10 body, the front portion being designed to be exposed or facing the interior of the dishwasher tub 3.

[0078] The removable dispenser section and the fixed dispenser section, which form a single unit, are located within the dispenser body. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The parts are labeled 100 and 200 respectively, and are illustrated as being separated relative to the outer side 5a and inner side 5b of wall 5. The removable dispenser portion and the fixed dispenser portion 100 and 200 are... Figure 5 and Figure 11 It is visible in isolation in the front perspective view.

[0079] Special Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The removable dispenser portion 100 includes a hollow body 101 that primarily functions as a reservoir for at least one cleaning agent in liquid or semi-solid form (i.e., in gel form). In various preferred embodiments, the hollow body 101 defines at least two reservoirs within its interior (as a whole in... Figure 2(Identified by R1 and R2), each compartment is used for the corresponding type of cleaning agent mentioned. In the following, it is assumed that the larger capacity compartment R1 is designed to hold the cleaning detergent, while compartment R2 is designed to hold rinsing additives, particularly rinse aids. Alternatively, compartment R2 may be designed to hold different auxiliary substances, such as fragrances, water softeners, or hygienic agents. In any case, it should be noted that the removable dispenser portion 100 may include a single compartment, or three or more compartments, for additional cleaning agents. The at least one compartment R1 and / or R2 is preferably of the multi-dosage type, i.e., a compartment capable of holding a sufficient amount of the corresponding cleaning agent to perform multiple operating procedures of the dishwasher 1.

[0080] It should be noted that when referring to the component marked by 100 as a whole, the terms "removable portion" or "channel" are understood to indicate a refillable component that is stably equipped with a dispenser as its basic part and is provided with at least one loading channel, which is provided with a corresponding removable closure device to allow the user to refill it periodically. Therefore, the removable dispenser portion 100 does not represent a disposable component, such as a cartridge previously filled with cleaning agent during the production stage and sold in this ready-to-use form, which is typically pre-assigned to having its body perforated or torn for use and then discarded when it is used up.

[0081] The hollow body 101 is preferably made of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic. In various embodiments, the hollow body 101 consists of at least two pieces or portions sealed together, such as a front body piece 1011 and a rear body piece 1012. The front body piece 1011 and the rear body piece 1012 may be molded, for example, using a thermoplastic material and sealed together at their respective interface surfaces, for example, by welding using a hot-blade system.

[0082] In various embodiments, the portion of the hollow body 101 identified is: an upper portion 101a, which is a single unit that is deeper (dimension Z) and shorter (dimension Y); and a lower portion 101b, which is a single unit that is thinner (dimension Z) and taller (dimension Y). The upper portion 101a and the lower portion 101b may have the same width (dimension X). The fact that the portion of the hollow body 101 with the larger surface area (i.e., the lower portion 101b) is thinner allows for limiting the front dimension of the dispenser 10, particularly when it is located on the dishwasher door 4. In this way, for example, the dispenser 10 can be advantageously mounted in the position of the tub wall 5 such that when the door is closed, only the lower portion 101b will be in front of the dish rack housed in the tub 3, thus preventing the need for a shorter rack and therefore a rack with a smaller loading capacity. The presence of the deeper upper portion 101a facilitates the definition of a loading channel for filling the corresponding tank with cleaning agent, the loading channel having a corresponding closure element, such as a plug or hatch, that can be operated by the user.

[0083] Both the upper portion 101a and the lower portion 101b are hollow (at least for most of them). Preferably, the maximum depth (dimension Z) of the hollow body 101 in each region is less than its width (dimension X) and its height (dimension Y). Again, preferably, the height (dimension Y) of the hollow body 101 is less than its width (dimension X). Obviously, these relative dimensions can vary, for example, depending on loading requirements and / or the installation location of the distributor.

[0084] As already mentioned, in various embodiments, the at least one slot R1 and / or R2 of the removable dispenser portion 100 has a corresponding loading channel (i.e., a corresponding channel for filling the corresponding slot), to which a suitable closing element (such as a plug or a hatch as shown in the example) that can be opened and closed by the user is associated. It is possible that a plug may also be provided in the area opposite the movable hatch.

[0085] Special Reference Figure 5 In the non-limiting example shown, the two slots R1, R2 have corresponding loading channels (indicated as a whole by 103), which include a through opening 103a in the front wall 102 of the hollow body 101. In the example, the opening 103a is defined at the bottom of the loading channel 103 and is preferably shaped as a substantially cylindrical recess.

[0086] Refer again Figure 5 In the example, the corresponding closing element is associated with each loading channel 103, which is constituted here by, for example, hatches 1041, 1042 made of molded plastic material. In the example, each hatch 1041, 1042 is hinged to the hollow body 101 so that it can be in the open position ( Figure 5) and closed position ( Figure 3 Move at an angle between them to open the position ( Figure 5 This allows access to the corresponding loading channel 103 for filling the corresponding tank R1 or R2 with cleaning agent, in the closed position ( Figure 3 In this configuration, the corresponding loading passage 103 is closed via a hatch. As previously mentioned, in addition to the hatch, there may also be a plug associated with the loading passage 103.

[0087] In the example, each door 1041, 1042 is hinged to the hollow body 101 in its lower region (reference dimension Y), but this does not constitute an essential feature: according to known technology in the field of dishwasher dispensers, at least one door may be hinged in its side region, or it may be a type of door that slides laterally to the corresponding loading channel. Figure 6 The part marked 104c is part of the hinge device for hatches 1041 and 1042.

[0088] Preferably, when the hatch operates directly as a closing element, sealing devices are provided between the hatch itself and the corresponding loading passage, and these sealing devices cooperate when the hatch is in the closed position. Figure 5 In the example, each loading channel 103 has a raised edge 103b (preferably with a circular profile) on which a corresponding gasket 104a made of an elastomer can be frontally supported to obtain a seal. Preferably, the gasket 104a is installed in a corresponding seat defined inside the corresponding hatch 1041, 1042.

[0089] Again, prioritizing the area in front of the hollow body 101, is the receiving seat (in... Figure 5 The receiving seat (marked by 103c) is specifically in the form of a recess at the front, and the loading channel 103 is located in the receiving seat. The seat 103c is configured to be at least partially occupied by the corresponding hatches 1041 and 1042 when they are in their respective closed positions.

[0090] In various embodiments, a dispenser is mounted on the tiltable door of the dishwasher, and a system for receiving the corresponding detergent is associated with the at least one compartment, the system operating itself based on the movement of the door. This intake system is preferably associated with a smaller capacity compartment, capable in any case of holding a sufficient amount of detergent to perform several processing cycles by the dishwasher 1. From this perspective, in various embodiments, a sub-chamber or intake volume is defined in compartment R2, capable of holding at least one amount of detergent sufficient to perform a single processing cycle. The intake system includes or is associated with valve devices, particularly including opening / closing elements operating at a corresponding outlet channel of the detergent. The aforementioned valve devices can be controlled such that at least one dose of detergent from the intake volume can flow out through the previously mentioned outlet channel toward the interior of the washing tub 3 of the dishwasher 1. In various embodiments, the injection system is designed such that when the door 4 of the dishwasher 1 enters the substantially horizontal open position, the injection volume is filled with the corresponding portion of the contents of the slot R2, and when the door 4 subsequently enters the substantially vertical closed position, the injection volume is able to retain the corresponding contents at least until the aforementioned valve device is activated.

[0091] Figure 6 The middle part shows the possible internal structure of the hollow body 101, especially its front body piece 1011, in which some elements belonging to the aforementioned injection system are visible.

[0092] The first group of walls (as a whole, marked by 106) (see also...) Figure 16-17 Confined within a hollow body 101, the first set of walls is arranged to define a groove R2 within the internal volume of the hollow body 101, which is in fluid communication with an opening 103a of a corresponding loading channel 103. In the example shown, the remainder of the internal volume of the hollow body 101 substantially forms a larger capacity groove R1. Figure 6 What is visible is only a portion of the set of walls 106 integrally defined in the front body piece 1011, but of course, the rear body piece 1012 may also define a corresponding portion of the set of walls.

[0093] The second group of walls (as a whole, marked by 107) (see also...) Figure 16-17 Also confined within the hollow body 101, this second set of walls is arranged to define the injection volume, indicated by R2a, within the tank R2. The injection volume R2a is defined as being above the bottom of the tank R2 (referencing the height dimension Y) and in fluid communication with the tank's own discharge outlet (in...). Figure 6In this case, the aforementioned outlet is not visible, but it is located in the position corresponding to the check valve marked 2302 as described below. The volume R2a is sized (particularly via its upper edge 107a) to be able to hold a portion of the cleaning agent contained in the tank R2, which is preferably larger than the single deliverable dose of the aforementioned cleaning agent. Figure 6 Only a portion of the set of walls 107 integrally defined in the front body piece 1011 is shown, but of course, the rear body piece 1012 may also define a corresponding portion of the aforementioned set of walls.

[0094] Volume R2a is configured to be filled with the aforementioned portion of the detergent in tank R2 when the plane of dispenser 10 is substantially horizontal (i.e., when the door 4 of dishwasher 1 is open), and to retain this portion itself when the plane of dispenser 10 is substantially vertical (i.e., when the door 4 of dishwasher 1 is closed), for subsequent delivery purposes as described below. As already mentioned, in the example shown, the filling level of the injection volume is defined by the upper edge 107a of the second set of walls, which acts as an overflow outlet.

[0095] In the following Figure 7 In the illustration, with the cleaning agents WD and WA (as previously mentioned, WD can be a cleaning detergent and WA can be a rinsing additive) present at maximum liquid levels in tanks R1 and R2, the removable dispenser portion 100 (i.e., the hollow body 101) is shown partially cut out. It can be noted from the aforementioned figures that after the dishwasher door 4 is closed, i.e., when the hollow body 101 moves from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the injection volume R2a is filled to a level substantially up to the liquid level defined by the upper edge 107a of the second set of walls 107.

[0096] Next Figure 8 The front body piece 1011 of the hollow body 101 is shown only when the cleaning agents WD and WA (representations of cleaning agents WD and WA are merely illustrative and intended only to illustrate the state under discussion) are present in tanks R1 and R2 at their minimum liquid levels. As can be understood, even in the case of the minimum liquid level of cleaning agent WA, and also in the case shown, the door 4 shifts from a horizontally open position to a vertically closed position, causing the injection volume R2a to fill substantially up to the overflow level defined by the upper edge 107a of the second set of walls 107. In this way, it is ensured that the injection volume R2a is constantly filled substantially up to the overflow level (both in the case of the minimum liquid level of cleaning agent WA in the corresponding tank R2 and in the case of the maximum or intermediate liquid level).

[0097] exist Figure 6-8 Also visible is a portion of a sensor, which in various embodiments can be used to signal that the level of cleaning agent WA may have dropped below a preset minimum value.

[0098] Special Reference Figure 6 The sensor includes a floating body 110 constrained within a groove R2 to perform displacement as a function of the liquid level of the liquid agent WA. In the example, the floating body 110 is hinged to a pin 110a (e.g., integrally defined by a front body piece 1011 of the hollow body 101) to allow it to swing between an elevated position (shown in the figure) and a lowered position. Of course, the floating body 110 can be constrained in some other way, for example, for linear sliding along the height direction (dimension Y) of the dispenser, for example via lateral guides specifically provided within the hollow body 101.

[0099] An element 110b for activating an electrical detector may be associated with the floating body 110. This element is disposed on the outside of the hollow body 101, specifically mounted in a position on the fixed distributor portion 200 such that the floating body 110 corresponds to that position when the removable distributor portion 100 is mounted on the fixed distributor portion 200. This detector is only used when... Figure 3 The detector RD is indicated by RD and is located behind the wall at the front of the fixed distributor portion 200. In the example, it can be assumed that the excitation element 110b is a magnetic element, and the corresponding detector RD on the outside of the hollow body 101 is a magnetic field detector (especially a Hall effect detector) or a contactor or magnetic switch (e.g., a reed type). Of course, in this case, the wall of the hollow body 101 and the wall at the front of the fixed distributor portion 200 (these walls are located between the floating body 110 and the detector RD) are made of a material that allows the magnetic field generated by the excitation element 110b to pass through.

[0100] When the amount of detergent WA in the tank R2 is above the preset minimum liquid level, the floating body remains in its raised position, thus activating (or deactivating) the corresponding external electrical detector RD. Conversely, when the amount of detergent WA drops below the aforementioned preset minimum liquid level, the floating body 110 presents a corresponding lowered position, thus no longer activating (or activating) the corresponding external electrical detector RD. Therefore, the liquid level information generated by the liquid level sensor 110-RD can, for example, be used to activate a warning system designed to remind the user of the dishwasher 1 that the tank R2 needs to be filled with detergent WA. After this filling, the floating body 110 will, of course, return to the corresponding raised position, thus stopping the warning signal.

[0101] Of course, the detection principle for the displacement of the floating body 110 may differ from that based on magnetic field detection; for example, it may be an inductive or optical type of detection (e.g., the wall of the hollow body 101 that separates the floating body 110 from the corresponding external electrical detector may be at least optically transparent in the region corresponding to the floating body, and the wall at the front of the fixed distributor portion 200 (behind which the optical detector RD is located) is also at least transparent in the region corresponding to the detector or has a transparent window).

[0102] Obviously, the above-mentioned type of floating system can also be used for tank R1. Measurement of the liquid level in tanks R1 and / or R2 can be performed using other detection techniques, such as systems based on photoelectric sensors (including a light emitter and a light receiver). In the case of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment of the invention, such a photoelectric sensor can be disposed on the fixed dispenser portion 200 (e.g., in a position corresponding to a transparent window disposed at the front of the fixed dispenser portion 200) such that when the removable dispenser portion 100 is in the corresponding operating position, the photoelectric sensor is positioned facing an optical prism defined by a transparent wall (e.g., its rear wall) of the hollow body 101, which defines the side of the corresponding tank R1 and / or R2. For example, when the prism is immersed in liquid cleaning agent, the light beam emitted by the emitter is partially reflected and partially refracted at the inclined wall of the prism immersed in the liquid, thus not reaching the receiver, or reaching the receiver with limited intensity: in this way, the presence of liquid cleaning agent at the liquid level corresponding to the sensor position can be inferred. Conversely, if the prism is not immersed in the liquid cleaning agent, the beam will be almost completely reflected at the prism's inclined wall, thus reaching the receiver, or reaching the receiver with high intensity; in this way, it can be inferred that the liquid cleaning agent is not present at the liquid level corresponding to the sensor location.

[0103] In various embodiments where the removable distributor portion includes at least one hatch, the distributor includes at least one corresponding latch / release device that can be manually switched between a latched position and a released position, allowing the hatch itself to move between a closed position and an open position. For this purpose, according to techniques known per se, a spring or similar elastic element associated with the hatch may also be present, operating to push the hatch itself to the corresponding open position.

[0104] exist Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the example, each hatch 1041, 1042 is associated with a corresponding latch / release device 1051, 1052, respectively. The latch / release devices indicated by 1051, 1052 preferably have similar structures and are mounted in a substantially mirror-like manner relative to each other.

[0105] In various embodiments, such as in Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the example, the at least one latching / releasing device 1051, 1052 is mounted on the hollow body 101, specifically to have an accessible portion indicated by 105a, which is manually operable, for example, displaceable by angular movement. In the example, the operable portion protrudes beyond the upper edge (reference dimension Y) of the hollow body 101, and the latching / releasing device 1051, 1052 is mounted at the rear of the hollow body 101.

[0106] Preferably, the operable portion 105a defines or associates a latching element 105b, which is capable of cooperating with the corresponding hatch to hold it in a closed position. In the example shown, for this purpose, the body of hatches 1041 and / or 1042 defines a seat 104b in its region opposite the hinged side, at which the engaging element 105b engages when the corresponding hatch is closed (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0107] In various embodiments, the at least one latching / releasing device 1051 and / or 1052 is substantially composed of a lever element hinged to rotate about a corresponding axis extending substantially along the depth direction (dimension Z) of the dispenser 10. For example, in Figure 4 As seen in the diagram, the axis of rotation may be defined by a pin 105c defined or associated with the rear of the hollow body 101, and the lever element includes a lever arm 105d that defines or associates with an operable portion 105a, the operable portion having a corresponding latching element 105b. Figure 3 , Figure 5 According to known techniques, a spring or similar elastic element may also be present associated with the joystick element, which operates to push the element itself to a corresponding latching position relative to the corresponding hatch 1041 and / or 1042.

[0108] In various embodiments, the joystick element is essentially in the form of a single-stage joystick and therefore also has another joystick arm 105e that extends at a portion substantially opposite to joystick arm 105d. The function of this possible additional joystick arm 105e will be explained below with respect to the locking / unlocking arrangement that may be equipped with a distributor according to various embodiments.

[0109] In various embodiments, a housing is defined at the front of the dispenser body, the housing being configured to receive tablets comprising one or more cleaning agents, and therefore also receiving tablets of a type referred to as "two-in-one" or "three-in-one". The term "tablet" implies both tablets in solid form and tablets of the following types (also referred to as "pills" or "pods"): wherein one or more cleaning agents in liquid or semi-solid form are encapsulated in a shell composed of a water-soluble film (typically a polymer, such as polyvinyl acetate-PVA).

[0110] The aforementioned housing is directly exposed as a whole at the front of the dispenser; that is, there is no hatch or similar movable closure element. The housing has a front holding portion directly exposed at the front of the dispenser body and a bottom extending transversely to the height dimension Y, having at least one drainage channel. Preferably, the at least one drainage channel is defined between the front holding portion and the bottom of the housing. Again, preferably, the front holding portion has a perforated structure (i.e., defining one or more openings), such as a mesh structure.

[0111] In various embodiments, the containing portion defines the front of the casing and, preferably, also defines at least a portion of at least one of two opposing lateral sides of the casing. Preferably, the casing has an upper opening (i.e., substantially opposite the bottom) configured to allow insertion of a tablet into the casing itself. This greatly facilitates tablet loading and dissolution.

[0112] This shell is in Figure 2-5 The number 300 indicates the front filling section, the bottom section, and the drainage channel (see also...). Figure 18 Tablets labeled 301, 302, and 303 are only available with one or more cleaning agents. Figure 5 For example, it is indicated by a T. In the example, the casing 300 opens at the top to facilitate the insertion of the tablet T.

[0113] If understood, the tablets T can be inserted into the housing 300 before the cleaning procedure is performed. During this procedure, some of the water sprayed into the drum 3 of the dishwasher 1 can reach the housing 300, for example by means of a known rotary spray system, thereby facilitating the dissolution of the tablets T and the outflow of the corresponding mixture of water and cleaning agent toward the interior of the drum 3. This effect is made possible by the presence of at least one drain channel 303, which is defined between the front holding portion 301 and the bottom 302.

[0114] The presence of the front holding portion 301 further facilitates the dissolution of tablets T and the pouring of detergent into the container. This front holding portion is provided with openings, preferably comprising alternating full and empty spaces, such as a substantially mesh-like structure, as illustrated in the example. One or more openings at the front of the housing 300 facilitate the passage of water jetted at the inlet and the water-detergent mixture at the outlet. One or more water jets can also reach one or more openings of portion 301 with a certain energy, directly impacting a portion of tablet T with a certain energy, which facilitates tablet dissolution. In various embodiments, the rotary sprayer of the dishwasher 1 can be pre-arranged to direct at least one water jet to a height corresponding to the height of the housing 300 (for this purpose, for example, a thrust nozzle of the sprayer can be used). It is also possible to equip the dishwasher's hydraulic system with a specially provided fixed nozzle to direct water jets toward the housing 300.

[0115] Of course, the water jet can strike the tablet T directly through the upper opening or at the top of the holding section 301, in which case this forms a kind of "barrier" for the tablet itself. In other words, the front holding section can have a height (dimension Y) even smaller than the total height of the housing 300 or the various shapes of tablets it can receive, and in particular, a height sufficient to effectively retain the tablet T within the housing 300 (despite the typical vibrations that occur during operation of the dishwasher 1 and the energy that may be incident on the water jet). When the dispenser 10 is mounted on the wall 5, section 301 also performs the retention function during the closing and engaging motion of the dishwasher 1's door.

[0116] One or more drainage channels 303 exist between the containing portion and the bottom 302, also intended to allow water and / or a mixture of water and cleaning agent to flow out of the housing 300 in order to prevent any stagnation within the housing itself. For this purpose, in various preferred embodiments, the bottom 302 of the housing 300 extends generally downwards from its rear toward its front (see also...). Figure 18 The bottom 302 can be made inclined during the production stage, or its inclination angle can be obtained by mounting the dispenser 10 on the corresponding mounting wall 5.

[0117] The bottom 302 is preferably defined by a non-perforated surface of the dispenser body. The bottom 302 may contain defined protrusions extending along dimension Y for partially holding the tablet T, and recesses extending along dimension Z to provide drainage channels. The bottom 302 itself may have a structure with one or more through openings or drainage channels: in such embodiments, the bottom 302 may therefore be in the form of a substantially cantilevered wall, and possibly, the front of the hollow body 101 may be shaped to define a groove beneath this bottom wall to facilitate the flow of a mixture of water and detergent into the container 3.

[0118] In various embodiments, the receiving portion 301 defines at least one front portion of the housing 300. In various preferred embodiments, the receiving portion 301 defines at least a portion of one of two opposing lateral sides of the housing. In the example shown, portion 301 defines both the front portion and a portion of both lateral sides of the housing, this portion being... Figure 5 The part 304 is indicated by the number 304. Referring again to the example shown, both the front and these side portions 304 have perforated structures, which makes it easier for water sprayed into the tank 3 to reach the interior of the housing 300 and for the mixture of water and cleaning agent to flow out into the tank 3 more easily. In possible variations, only the front portion or only portions 304, or at least one of them, may be perforated.

[0119] At least a portion of two opposite sides of the housing 300 may be defined by corresponding non-perforated surfaces of the dispenser body (i.e., in the example, the hollow body 101). In the example, these non-perforated lateral surfaces are... Figure 3 The rear portion of the housing 300 may also be defined by a non-perforated surface 306 of the dispenser body (here, the removable dispenser portion 100, i.e., the hollow body 101). Preferably, the non-perforated surface 306 defining the rear portion and the non-perforated surface 305 defining a portion of the side portion are together and / or the surface defining the bottom 302 is rounded via rounded or inclined surface portions to facilitate further liquid outflow (two of the rounded portions are in...). Figure 18 As can be seen, it is marked by 307 and 308.

[0120] Preferably, the housing is integrally defined by a portion of the dispenser 10 (here, the removable dispenser portion 100, i.e., the hollow body 101 therein). However, in possible variations, the housing may be defined at least in part by a wall or a structure associated with the dispenser 10, such as a perforated or mesh-like structure that is separately molded and then fixed to the dispenser 10 (e.g., via slotting, hooking, or welding).

[0121] In various preferred embodiments, the perforated structure of the front holding portion 301 (and / or the bottom 302) is formed by one or more lateral portions (i.e., portions extending according to dimension X) and / or by one or more upright portions (i.e., portions extending according to dimension Y). When both lateral and upright portions are provided, these portions may be joined together or intersect each other. This type of embodiment makes it easier to produce the housing 300 via a molded dispenser body, while making it possible to obtain a robust structure that stands out due to sufficiently wide empty areas, preferably a substantially mesh-like structure.

[0122] The aforementioned horizontal and vertical sections (some of which are in) Figure 18The components (indicated by 301a and 301b respectively) are preferably in the form of small rods or bars. More generally, the structure described for the housing 300 and / or the front holding portion 301 as a whole makes it possible to obtain these components by molding plastic material (preferably molding a single piece having the corresponding portion of the dispenser body) without fixing separate parts.

[0123] Obviously, the front container can have a structure different from the exemplified structure without compromising its function of retaining tablet T within the housing and facilitating water passage and the outflow of the water and detergent mixture. In a possible variant embodiment, the front container (preferably including at least a portion of at least one of the lateral sides of the housing) is partially obtained by molding a plastic material and subsequently associating or welding it to a corresponding portion of the dispenser body that defines the remainder of the housing.

[0124] Again, preferably, the housing 300 is defined in the upper region of the dispenser body (here, the removable dispenser portion 100, i.e., the hollow body 101), and specifically has a corresponding upper opening for loading tablets T closer to the upper edge (reference dimension Y) of the dispenser body; however, the housing 300 may also be defined in the lower region of the dispenser 10.

[0125] If two loading openings 103 (which have corresponding closing elements, such as hatches 1041, 1042 as illustrated) are provided at the front of the dispenser body, the housing 300 is preferably defined in the intermediate position between them, and in any case in a position so as not to constitute an obstacle to their displacement; however, the housing 300 may also be defined in the lateral region of the dispenser 10.

[0126] Of course, the shape and position of the casing 300, and the shape of the tablet T, may differ from those shown by way of example. Generally, the casing will have dimensions to receive and effectively retain tablets of various shapes and sizes available on the market, without necessarily involving a pre-set introduction direction. Indicatively, the casing 300 may have a useful width (dimension X) included between 50 mm and 60 mm, a useful depth (dimension Z) included between 20 mm and 30 mm, and a height (dimension Y) of the grid structure 301 included between 30 mm and 40 mm.

[0127] The presence of the housing 300 allows the tablet T to be used in conjunction with the dispenser 10; however, it is not necessary to equip the dispenser with a specific compartment that closes via a door that associates with a corresponding automatic opening system. Instead, as in conventional dispensers used in dishwashers, the tablet must be held in a compartment that holds a certain dose of powdered detergent, and this compartment has its own door that associates with an electronically controlled opening system.

[0128] As already mentioned, in various embodiments, the at least one slot R1 and / or R2 disposed in the removable dispenser portion 100 has a corresponding outlet defined at the rear of the hollow body 101.

[0129] exist Figure 4 Visible in the image is the rear wall of the hollow body (indicated by 111), which defines the rear portion of the hollow body, while the outlets of slots R1 and R2 are indicated by 112 and 113. Preferably, each outlet 112, 113 is defined in a generally lower position (refer to dimension Y) of the corresponding slot. More preferably, each outlet 112, 113 is at least partially defined by a tubular outlet portion 112a, 113a, preferably having a cylindrical cross-section, which can be connected to a corresponding inlet disposed at the front of the fixed distributor portion 200, which preferably also comprises a tubular conduit with a uniform cross-section.

[0130] In various embodiments, the rear portion of the removable dispenser portion 100 (i.e., the hollow body 101) is shaped to be able to engage with or receive at least a corresponding portion of the front portion of the fixed dispenser portion 200. Alternatively and / or as an alternative, the front portion of the fixed dispenser portion 200 may be shaped to be able to engage with or receive at least a corresponding portion of the rear portion of the removable dispenser portion 100.

[0131] For example, refer to again Figure 4 The rear wall 111 of the hollow body 101 is shaped to define a seat or recess 114 having a bottom surface 114a and a peripheral surface 114b; in the example, the recess 114 has a generally circular shape, wherein the bottom surface 114a is substantially circular and the peripheral surface 114b is substantially cylindrical. As will be seen, the recess 114 may be at least partially occupied by the front portion of the fixed dispenser portion 200, particularly to reduce the overall size along the Z direction and / or to improve the connection between portions and / or to facilitate the user repositioning the removable portion onto the fixed portion. Two outlets 112 and 113 may be defined on and protrude from the bottom surface 114a of the recess 114.

[0132] The rear wall 111 of the hollow body 101 can be readily shaped to at least partially accommodate a particularly bulky component along the depth dimension Z of the fixed dispenser portion. For example, refer again... Figure 4 The seat or recess of the rear wall 111 (which also has an unindicated bottom surface and peripheral surface) is marked by 115. This seat or recess is designed to partially receive a housing having a corresponding profile defined in front of the fixed distributor portion 200, and is partially housed in this profile an actuator device, such as an electric motor (see also...). Figure 18 (where the motor is indicated by 404 and the corresponding housing is indicated by 204a). Recess 115 may be defined on the bottom surface 114a of recess 114; therefore, recess 115 may also protrude beyond recess 114 toward the interior of the volume defined by hollow body 101.

[0133] In the rear wall 111 of the hollow body 101, one or more additional seats or recesses may be defined, adapted to receive a corresponding portion of the front of the fixed dispenser portion 200. For example, referring again... Figure 4 Two shaped seats or recesses (preferably located in the upper portion) are marked by 116. These seats or recesses will receive at least some corresponding portions of a locking / unlocking arrangement structure, which in a possible embodiment is mounted on the dispenser 10. In the example, each recess 116 extends from the outer peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114 to the upper edge of the hollow body 101 and accommodates a portion of the corresponding latch / release devices 1051, 1052 as previously described.

[0134] In various embodiments, two shaped lateral seats are provided, particularly in substantially opposite diametrical positions on the peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114, each of these seats preferably comprising two suitably shaped distinct regions 117a and 117b.

[0135] Regions 117a-117b are designed to receive corresponding engagement elements that can be moved at an angle (e.g., in...). Figure 11 (Identified as 220c and described below) and enabling these engaging elements to move, in a possible embodiment, these engaging elements form part of a (e.g., bayonet-type) coupling / separating arrangement structure operating between the removable dispenser portion 100 and the fixed dispenser portion 200. In the example, each region 117-117b extends radially outward from the peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114.

[0136] The lower formed seat or recess is indicated by 118, and is designed to receive a manually operable element and such that the element (in) Figure 3The element (indicated by 220d and described below) is capable of angular movement, and in a possible embodiment, this element forms part of the aforementioned connected / separated arrangement. In the example, the recess 118 extends from the peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114 to the lower edge of the hollow body 101.

[0137] In possible embodiments, additional seats or recesses may be provided extending from the peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114 to the lower edge of the hollow body 101, for example, to partially accommodate conduits for delivering cleaning agents or allowing cleaning agents to flow out (as described below). Figure 11 The section marked 403c1 in the middle is the case for the recesses marked 118a and 118b respectively. In the example, these recesses are defined from the bottom of recess 118 along the direction of depth Z.

[0138] In any case, it will be understood that, regardless of the configuration chosen for the interface wall between the removable dispenser portion 100 and the fixed dispenser portion 200, the operation of the dispenser 10 during the process does not mean any movement of the removable portion 100, which is thus attached to the fixed dispenser portion 200 in a fixed position.

[0139] Fixed distributor section 200 in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen (regarding the outer side 5a and inner side 5b of the corresponding mounting wall 5), in Figure 9-10 As can be seen in the local decomposition diagram, and in Figure 11 and Figure 12 It is visible in isolation.

[0140] Original Reference Figure 3 The fixed dispenser portion 200 includes a body 201 designed to be installed in a through opening (preferably having a substantially circular profile) in the wall 5. The body 201 may also be made of a plastic material, for example by molding; if necessary, the body 201 may also be formed of several parts joined together, for example by welding or in a detachable manner, possibly with a sealing element inserted.

[0141] Special Reference Figure 9-11 In various embodiments, the body 201 has a bottom wall 201a and peripheral walls 201b1-201b2, at which a radially outwardly projecting flange 201c is defined. Preferably, the body is mounted starting from the outer side 5a of the mounting wall 5, wherein the flange 201c is designed to be supported on the aforementioned outer side 5a, wherein a sealing element may be inserted (in... Figure 9-10 The Chinese character is marked with 202 (see also 202). Figure 18 For example, annular washers made of elastomers.

[0142] In various embodiments, in the installed state, the front protruding portion of the main body 201 (in) Figure 3 The portion 5 (indicated by 203 as a whole) protrudes at the front relative to the outer side 5a of the wall 5, particularly in the recess 114 described above, which is received at the rear of the removable dispenser portion 100. Figure 4 In the example, the protruding portion 203 of the main body 201 is formed by the portion of the bottom wall 201a and the outer wall 201b1 extending in front of the flange 201c. For this purpose, the bottom wall 201a is substantially circular, and the outer walls 201b1-201b2 or at least a portion thereof 201b1 is substantially cylindrical.

[0143] In various embodiments, an additional hollow protrusion (indicated by 204) extends forward from the bottom wall 201a. In the non-limiting example shown, this additional protrusion 204 is designed to interact with the recess 115 at the rear of the removable dispenser portion 100. Figure 4 ) connection (see also) Figure 18 For this purpose, the protrusion 204 preferably has a generally cylindrical shape, or some other shape that is substantially complementary to the recess 115.

[0144] In various embodiments, at least one of the signaling arrangement and the locking / unlocking arrangement is associated with the dispenser, and possible embodiments thereof will be described below: In various embodiments, at least one first functional element of such an arrangement is mounted on a fixed dispenser portion and is designed to cooperate with at least one second functional element mounted on a removable dispenser portion. In these embodiments, the at least one first functional element is accessible in a front region of the fixed dispenser portion, allowing it to be operatively coupled to or separated from the at least one second functional element. The front portion of the fixed dispenser portion may be shaped to support and / or guide and / or position the aforementioned first functional element.

[0145] For this purpose, in various embodiments, preferably at least one positioning and / or guiding formation 205 integrally formed with the body 201 is defined in the front protrusion 203. Figure 11 The example provides two forming elements 205 in a mirror position, extending upward from this portion of the peripheral wall 201b1 of the body 201 (referencing dimension Y). In the example, each forming element 205 performs a positioning and / or guiding function for at least one locking element belonging to the aforementioned locking / unlocking arrangement and for at least one optical transmission element belonging to the aforementioned signaling arrangement, these elements preferably being substantially parallel to each other and extending axially along the height dimension Y of the dispenser; Figure 11In the above, two of the aforementioned locking components are marked by 2061 and 2062, while two of the aforementioned optical transmission elements are marked by 207.

[0146] Refer again Figure 11 According to a possible embodiment, at the front of the fixed dispenser portion 200 (i.e., the bottom wall 201a of its body 201), at least one inlet for cleaning agent is opened, the inlet being designed to connect to a corresponding outlet of a slot defined in the removable dispenser portion 100. In the illustrated example, a first inlet 210 and a second inlet 211, preferably defined by a positioned tubular conduit, are provided, along with outlets 112 and 113 of slots R1 and R2. Figure 4 Each of these tubular conduits can be detachably connected to them.

[0147] For further reference Figure 11 In a possible embodiment, at least one channel 212 for dispensing cleaning agent is opened at the front of the fixed dispenser portion 200 (i.e., the bottom wall 201a of its body 201). Preferably, the channel 212 opens at a groove or recess 213 on the front surface of the bottom wall 201a, which, for the purposes described below, extends downward (refer to dimension Y) at least between the channel 212 itself and that portion of the peripheral wall 201b1 of the body 201. In the illustrated example, the channel 212 is associated with an arrangement for dispensing cleaning agent from the tank R2.

[0148] In various embodiments, the dispenser has a dispensing arrangement for holding cleaning agent in a trough in a removable dispenser portion, the dispensing arrangement including a pump preferably mounted on a fixed dispenser portion. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the pump is disposed within a corresponding housing defined at the front of the fixed dispenser portion. In various preferred embodiments, at least a portion of this housing extends toward the interior of the washing tub 3; that is, it extends beyond the plane marked by the mounting wall 5 of the dispenser 10. In this way, at least a portion of the housing and therefore the pump can be located on the outside of the door 3 of the dishwasher 1 or, in any case, in an easily accessible location, which proves useful, for example, for maintenance / repair / cleaning purposes.

[0149] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, this housing is indicated by 214 and is defined in the bottom wall 201a of the body 201. It can be noted that at least a portion of the housing extends at the front beyond the flange 201c for mounting the fixed dispenser portion 200.

[0150] The housing 214 is preferably accessed via a corresponding removable cover (e.g., in...). Figure 3 as well as Figure 9-10The cover 215 (indicated by 215) is closed, in which a sealing device (not shown) may be inserted. In various embodiments, the cover 215 is installed in a removable manner to facilitate cleaning of the housing 214 and / or the pump; in particular, the cover 215 can then be removed from the barrel side. In the example, the cover 215 is shaped to define a passage for the inlet 210. Advantageously, a seat 216 for the cover 215 is defined on the outer surface of the bottom wall 201a of the body 201.

[0151] More generally, in various embodiments, at least a portion of the pump is mounted at or accessible at the front portion of the fixed dispenser portion, which in the example is represented by a front protrusion 203 (as seen, the front protrusion 203 may be received in a corresponding seat defined in the rear of the removable dispenser portion 100).

[0152] In various embodiments, the outer wall 201b2 of the body 201 extends behind the flange 201c and pre-arranges a portion for insertion through a corresponding through opening in the mounting wall 5 for engagement with at least one retaining element for securing the distributor portion 200 to the wall itself. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 9-10 For example, for this purpose, this portion of the outer wall 201b2 has a male thread (not shown) on its outer surface, on which a retaining ring nut (indicated as a whole by 217) with a corresponding female thread 217a will be tightened (see also...). Figure 4 (Regarding the assembled state of the two parts under discussion). As an alternative to a threaded connection, this portion of the outer wall 201b2 of the body 201 and the retaining element (represented here by the ring nut 217) may have some other shape and / or be provided with other interconnecting devices, such as bayonet-type attachments and / or devices for mutual engagement and / or at least partially resilient devices with holes and corresponding fixing screws. The retaining element 217 may also be made of plastic material.

[0153] The bottom wall 201a and the outer walls 201b1-201b2 of the main body 201 define a cavity (e.g., in...). Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 In the cavity (indicated as a whole by C), one or more functional elements of the distributor 10 described below are mounted or defined therein.

[0154] In various embodiments, the dispenser includes an arrangement that can be operated by a user to cause a removable dispenser portion to engage with / disengage from a fixed dispenser portion. In various embodiments, the engagement / disengagement arrangement includes at least one element that, while mounted on the fixed dispenser portion, is operable in a front region of the dispenser (i.e., the portion of the dispenser designed to protrude toward the interior of the washing tub of the dishwasher 1).

[0155] In various embodiments, the aforementioned arrangement includes movable connecting / disconnecting members. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 9-11 The component (indicated as a whole by 220) is of the type that can move at an angle and is mounted on the front protrusion 203 of the main body 201. The connecting / separating component 220 may be made of plastic material.

[0156] If available Figure 9-10 As seen in the image, the connecting / separating member 220 has an annular body comprising a generally cylindrical outer wall 220a, from which a flange 220b preferably, but not necessarily, projects radially outward. The inner diameter of the annular body is slightly larger than this portion of the outer wall 201b1, allowing it to be rotatably constrained. For this purpose, in a possible embodiment, a specially designed seat (not shown) may be provided on this portion of the outer wall 201b1, in which the rotating member can be engaged via a snap-fit ​​action and possibly rotation.

[0157] In various embodiments, the rotating member has at least two connecting elements 220c, preferably in the form of wings, preferably projecting radially from the outer wall 220a. In various embodiments, manually operable elements (e.g., levers (indicated by 220d)) project radially from the rotating member (particularly from its flange 220b, if contemplated). Preferably, the operable element 220d extends downward (refer to dimension Y) by approximately 90° relative to each connecting element 220c at its bottom dead center. Again, preferably, the operable element 220d has a length and configuration such that it can be operated from the front of the dispenser 10 even when the removable dispenser portion 100 is attached to the fixed dispenser portion 200 (see, for example...). Figure 2 and Figure 18 ).

[0158] In various embodiments, the connecting / separating member 220 has one or more undercuts or recesses to prevent interference with one or more corresponding fixing elements of the body 201 during its angular displacement. These recesses may extend on the peripheral wall 220a and / or flange 220b.

[0159] For example, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 Two recesses, marked 220e, are designed to be located at forming 205 extending from this portion of the outer wall 201b1 of the body 201. (As in...) Figure 11 It can also be noted that the angular extension of the recess 220e is larger than the angular extension of the forming member 205, and is arranged relative to it to allow the rotating member to perform angular movement. A recess with a similar function (indicated by 220f) is provided in the lower region of the rotating member, specifically to prevent movement from interfering with the delivery outlet (see below). Figure 11 (The elements marked 219 and 403c1 in the middle) The delivery outlet extends beyond the outer surface of the outer wall 201b1 of the body 201 of the fixed dispenser portion 200.

[0160] Refer again Figure 9-11 The recess, marked with 220g, is aligned with the outlet end of the previously described discharge recess 213 in the operating state of the dispenser 10 (i.e., where the removable dispenser portion 100 is attached to the fixed dispenser portion 200) so that a certain dose of cleaning agent delivered can flow out by gravity.

[0161] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 The example illustrates an operating mode including a connection / separation arrangement structure for rotating components. As previously mentioned, in the operating state of the distributor 10, the front protrusion 203 of the main body 201 of the fixed distributor portion 200 (see also...) Figure 3 The recess 114 at the rear of the hollow body 101 of the removable dispenser portion 100 (see also) is accommodated in the recess 114. Figure 4 Similarly, the positioning and / or guiding forming element 205 is located in the recess 116 at the rear of the hollow body 101. Figure 4 )middle.

[0162] In this connection state, such as Figure 13 As shown, the connecting element 220c of the rotating member engages in a corresponding shaped seat defined in the peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114, particularly in the engagement region 117a of these seats (see also...). Figure 4 In this way, a secure connection is ensured between the removable dispenser section 100 and the fixed dispenser section 200. As already mentioned, in Figure 4 and Figure 13-14 In the example, the aforementioned seats are shaped to achieve a substantially bayonet-type connection, and thus each has an engagement region 117a and a release region 117b for the connecting element 220c (in Figure 13-14 Invisible in the middle, but in Figure 4 (This is from the Chinese text.)

[0163] like Figure 14 As shown, when it is necessary to remove the removable dispenser portion 100 from the fixed dispenser portion 200, the user must rotate the rotating member relative to the body 201 on which the element 220 is mounted (in a counterclockwise direction), as indicated by arrow UF. For this purpose, it is possible to use an operable element 220d of the rotating member, which protrudes downward beyond the hollow body 101. In this way, after the rotating member is rotated, the connecting element 220c is released from the corresponding engagement area 117a of the corresponding seat, thereby beginning to occupy the corresponding release area (117b—see Figure 4 In this manually separated state, the removable dispenser portion 100 can therefore be removed from the fixed dispenser portion 200 (except where there may be additional blocking elements, as illustrated below).

[0164] Will understand, from Figure 14 The state begins after the removable dispenser portion 100 is repositioned onto the fixed dispenser portion 200, by causing the rotating member to rotate in the opposite direction (i.e., along the direction opposite to that of the fixed dispenser portion 200). Figure 14 Manual reconnection can be easily achieved by rotating the arrow UF in the opposite direction.

[0165] In various preferred embodiments, the movements for connecting and separating the removable dispenser portion and the fixed dispenser portion occur in a substantially linear direction (particularly along the depth dimension Z of the dispenser). In these embodiments, the type of connection / separation arrangement illustrated is particularly advantageous due to its simplicity.

[0166] It should be noted in any case that, according to modalities that will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the coupling / separation arrangement operating between the removable dispenser portion 100 and the fixed dispenser portion 200 of dispenser 10 may differ from the exemplified coupling / separation arrangement. It should be pointed out that, for example, a mechanism with a bayonet coupling may have the opposite configuration to the exemplified mechanism, i.e., in which a rotating member functionally similar to the rotating member indicated by 220 is mounted on the rear of the removable dispenser portion 100, and in which a corresponding coupling seat is defined on the front of the fixed dispenser portion. In other embodiments, the coupling / separation arrangement operating between the removable dispenser portion 100 and the fixed dispenser portion 200 may be based on the use of at least one linearly movable coupling / separation member, rather than an angularly movable coupling / separation member (e.g., including a slider).

[0167] As seen in various embodiments, the removable dispenser portion includes at least one slot having a corresponding outlet in its lower portion at the rear of the hollow body, the outlet facing the front of the fixed dispenser portion, and wherein the outlet can be detachably coupled to a corresponding inlet at the front of the fixed dispenser portion. In this embodiment, the inlet is connected in fluid communication with a corresponding dispensing arrangement configured to deliver a dispensing amount of cleaning agent from the corresponding slot. In this particularly advantageous embodiment, at least one retaining valve at the outlet of the slot is mounted on the hollow body, the retaining valve being configured to present a corresponding open position when coupled between the outlet and the inlet and a corresponding closed position when separated between the outlet and the inlet. Thus, the retaining valve is such that it automatically switches from an open position to a closed position when the removable dispenser portion is removed from the fixed dispenser portion, and automatically switches from a closed position to an open position when the removable dispenser portion is coupled to the fixed dispenser portion. In this way, it is possible to prevent undesirable leakage of cleaning agent when the removable dispenser portion is removed.

[0168] In various embodiments (such as those illustrated in the figures), the hollow body defines two slots, each with its own outlet, and two corresponding inlets on the fixed distributor section: in these cases, a retaining valve may be installed at each outlet.

[0169] Referring to the examples described so far, Figure 15 The concept is schematically illustrated, in which one can note how the outlets 112 and 113 of the hollow body 101 are designed to be inserted into the inlets 210 and 211 of the body 201, respectively. As already mentioned, preferably, the outlets 112 and 113 on one side and the inlets 210 and 211 on the other side have at least a partially tubular configuration to facilitate interconnection along the direction in which the removable dispenser portion 100 is coupled to the fixed dispenser portion 200. An annular gasket may be associated with the corresponding outlet or inlet to improve fluid tightness if necessary.

[0170] The tubular arrangement of outlets 112 and 123 and inlets 210 and 211 is preferably designed to facilitate a corresponding seal, for example, via a corresponding sealing element (particularly in annular form), wherein the aforementioned seal can be of axial or radial type. For example, for axial type seals, an annular sealing element operating between the head of each outlet and the contrast wall in the corresponding inlet can be provided, while in the case of radial type seals, an annular sealing element operating between the tubular wall of the outlet and the tubular wall of the corresponding inlet can be provided. Preferably, outlets 112 and 123 and inlets 210 and 211 have a circular cross-section (i.e., a substantially cylindrical shape), to which a corresponding circular annular sealing element (e.g., in the form of an O-ring) can be associated; however, the tubular shapes of the outlets and inlets may have different cross-sections (e.g., polygonal), but preferably have rounded corners.

[0171] The aforementioned first and second check valves (indicated by 2301 and 2302) are in Figure 15 Only partially visible in the figures, they are associated with outlets 112 and 113, respectively. The figures also illustrate how, in various embodiments, the front of the fixed dispenser portion 200 includes one or more guiding elements (such as protrusions 203, tubular inlets 211, protrusions 204, and forming elements 205) and the rear of the removable dispenser portion 100 includes one or more guided elements (recesses 114, tubular outlets 112, 113, recesses 115, and recesses 116) to define a unique orientation and / or location of the connection between the aforementioned movable and fixed portions of the dispenser. As seen, preferably, the connection occurs substantially along the depth dimension Z of the dispenser (i.e., along a direction substantially orthogonal to the front of the fixed dispenser portion or mounting wall of the dispenser).

[0172] Check valves 2301 and 2302 are each configured to be in an open position when connected between outlets 112 and 113 on one side and inlets 210 and 211 on the other side, and in a closed position when separated from inlets 210 and 211 on the other side. In the example, check valves 2301 and 2302 cause automatic closing and / or opening of outlets 112 and 113 of slots R1 and R2; in the case of other slots, additional retaining valves may be provided at the respective outlets.

[0173] Possible structures of check valves 2301 and 2302 are as follows: Figure 16 and Figure 17 As can be seen, these figures are merely schematic cross-sectional views of the hollow body 101.

[0174] In the example, each check valve 2301 and 2302 includes a valve member 231 that is at least partially inserted into the corresponding tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a and is pushed by an elastic element (in particular a spring) to a closed position of the outlet itself. Preferably, the spring 232 extends in the corresponding groove R1 or R2 and has a first end supported on the inner surface of the groove itself, which is opposite to the corresponding tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a; possibly, within the groove, a resting formation can be defined for the first end of the spring 232, as illustrated with respect to check valve 2302.

[0175] Valve member 231 has a first portion 233 generally opposite to spring 232, which extends axially through a corresponding tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a and defines an actuating end 233a of valve member 230. Preferably, the first portion 233 of valve member 231 has a series of radial wings (not indicated by any reference numerals, but clearly visible, e.g., in...) Figure 6 (in the middle), so as to facilitate the centering and / or guidance of the component itself within the corresponding tubular outlet, thereby enabling it to slide axially and allow the cleaning agent to pass through. Again, preferably, the actuating end 233a of the valve component 231 protrudes beyond the proximal edge of the corresponding tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a.

[0176] Valve member 231 is provided with sealing devices that interact with the corresponding tubular outlet portions 112a or 113a to open or close them. In this example, for this purpose, valve member 231 defines a radially outwardly projecting flange 234 in its portion located inside the corresponding groove R1 or R2. In this example, a sealing gasket (indicated by 235), preferably a sealing ring, is mounted on the side of flange 234 facing the corresponding outlet 112 or 113. This sealing gasket has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the corresponding outlet and provides a front or axial seal relative to the inner surface region of groove R1 or R2 surrounding the opening of the outlet itself.

[0177] In the example, the valve member 231 of the check valve 2302 has a second portion 236 that extends axially from the flange 234 in a direction opposite to the first portion 233. A portion of the corresponding spring 232 can be conveniently fitted onto and thus guided in this second portion, and the second end of the spring is preferably supported on the side of the flange opposite to the corresponding washer 235. Referring again to the example, the flange 234 of the valve member 231 defines a seat (not shown) on its side opposite to the washer 235, in which a portion of the corresponding spring 232 is located, and the second end of the spring is supported on the bottom of the seat.

[0178] Of course, check valves 2301 and 2302 can also be constructed in a similar manner. The reason for the different embodiments in this example is that check valve 2302 is installed in a deeper region (dimension Z) of the hollow body (i.e., the groove R2), where the valve member 231 is axially longer, and because of this, it is advisable to envision an axial extension 236 for guiding spring 232.

[0179] Figure 16 The diagram illustrates the operating states of check valves 2031 and 2302, which are equivalent to those obtained when the removable dispenser portion 100 is attached to the fixed dispenser portion. In this state, the actuating end 233a of the valve member 231 is supported on a corresponding contrasting surface defined in the fixed dispenser portion 200, particularly at the corresponding inlet 210 or 211: in this way, the valve member 231 is held in a retracted position against the action of the spring 232, the open position of the check valves 2301 or 2302 corresponding to this retracted position. In this state, the sealing device including the gasket 235 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the groove R1 or R2 surrounding the opening of the tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a, thus allowing cleaning agent to enter the corresponding inlet 210 or 211 of the fixed dispenser portion 200.

[0180] The contrast surface (on which the actuating end 233a of valve member 231 is supported) is preferably defined within the corresponding inlet 210 or 211 of the fixed distributor portion 200. For example, this surface may be represented by the inner surface of the bottom of inlet 210 or 211 (the bottom of inlets 210 and 211 is at...). Figure 12 As can be seen, the bottom is marked by 210b and 211b respectively, or defined by a specially provided element within inlet 210 or inlet 211: the second case is... Figure 18 The example of check valve 2301 is given, wherein the comparator element 210c extends within the inlet 210, and the actuating end of the corresponding valve member is supported on the front surface of the comparator element, so that it is held in the retracted open position of outlet 112 or 113 under the compression state of the corresponding spring.

[0181] Alternatively, such as Figure 17 As seen in the diagram, when the removable dispenser portion 100 is instead separated from the fixed dispenser portion 200, the valve member 231 is pushed and held in the forward position by the corresponding spring 232, and the closed position of the check valve 2301 or 2302 corresponds to this forward position. In this state, the sealing device including the gasket 235 is pressed against the inner surface of the opening of the tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a surrounding the groove R1 or R2 by the spring 232, thus preventing the cleaning agent from flowing out through the corresponding outlets 112, 113.

[0182] In various preferred embodiments (such as the embodiment illustrated in the figures), at least two slots R1 and R2 are defined in a single body; however, in possible variant embodiments, two or more slots may be distinct from each other, i.e., each belongs to a corresponding removable hollow body. In such embodiments, the fixed dispenser portion will have a correspondingly suitable structure to achieve separable mechanical and fluid connections between the hollow bodies using devices of the type described above. Furthermore, in this solution, each hollow body may have a retaining valve of the type described at its corresponding outlet.

[0183] In various embodiments, the removable dispenser portion includes a first tank and a second tank for a first cleaning agent and a second cleaning agent, respectively, and the dispenser includes a first dispensing arrangement and a second delivery arrangement, each configured to dispense a corresponding amount of the first or second cleaning agent, respectively. In this particularly advantageous embodiment, the first dispensing arrangement includes a peristaltic pump that associates with a command arrangement of the second dispensing arrangement, the peristaltic pump being configured to be driven in a first direction to cause dispensing of a first amount of the first cleaning agent, and driven in a second direction to drive the command arrangement to cause dispensing of a second amount of the second cleaning agent (particularly via the second dispensing arrangement).

[0184] In the above embodiments, each dispensing arrangement preferably includes a dispensing conduit extending between the outlet of the corresponding tank and the dispensing outlets of the first and second cleaning agents for dispensing amounts, respectively, wherein at least a portion of the dispensing conduit of the first arrangement of the peristaltic pump is deformable.

[0185] Possible embodiments of such a peristaltic pump include, for example, in Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 18 As can be seen, in Figure 18 In the diagram, distributor 10 is shown to be in operation.

[0186] peristaltic pump Figure 11 The pump 400 is indicated as a whole by 400, although only a portion of the pump is visible in the aforementioned figures as being housed within a housing 214 defined at the front of the fixed distributor portion 200 (i.e., its main body 201). In the aforementioned figures, the rotating assembly of the pump 400 is indicated by 401, which carries one or more compression elements 402, for example, made of rollers, rotatably mounted circumferentially on the structure (401a) of the rotating assembly 401. Figure 18The pump 400 further includes at least partially deformable conduits or tubes 403 (hereinafter also referred to simply as "tubes"). Preferably, the tube 403 has at least a middle portion 403a that contacts and / or wraps around and deformably contacts the compression elements 402 of the rotating assembly 401. For this purpose, in various embodiments, the housing 214 defines a curved contact surface 214a against which the portion of the middle portion 403a of the tube opposite the compression element 402 rests.

[0187] In the example, the middle portion 403a of the tube is defined between the first portion 403b (defined herein as "rising") and the second portion 403c (defined herein as "falling") of the tube, the two portions 403b, 403c of the tube preferably extending at least partially substantially parallel, particularly along the height dimension Y of the distributor 10. The delivery capacity or flow rate of the pump 400, or the amount of cleaning agent delivered, can be determined according to parameters known per se, such as the number of compression elements 402, the circumferential dimensions on which these elements are arranged, the channel profile of the deformable tube 403, the rpm of the motor 404, and / or the revolutions per minute of the motor 404.

[0188] In the described non-limiting example, the lower end of the rising portion 403b of the tube is connected to a corresponding attachment 218 defined by the body 201 of the fixed distributor portion 200, particularly within the housing 214, wherein the attachment 218 is in fluid communication with the tubular inlet 210 via an opening indicated by 218a, which is defined on the tubular wall of the aforementioned inlet (see also, for example...). Figure 46 and Figure 49 ).

[0189] Instead, the lower end of the descending portion 403c of the tube defines a dispensing opening for the first cleaning agent. In the example, the portion 403c of the tube passes through the peripheral wall 201b1 of the body 201, for which the peripheral wall is provided with a corresponding recess (not shown), wherein the tube segment 403c1 protrudes beyond the peripheral wall, the tube segment being designed to be at least partially received in the recess 118a at the rear of the hollow body 101 (see...). Figure 4 It should be noted that the dispensing opening 219 may also be defined by a tubular element (such as an attachment 218) associated with or integrally defined by the body 201, with the lower end of the tubular portion 403c connected to the outlet.

[0190] Use references in it Figure 11 In various preferred embodiments of the peristaltic pump of the illustrative type, referring to the height dimension Y of the distributor 10, when the distributor is in the operating state (i.e., vertically arranged, as in...), Figure 11When the discharge port 210 of the tank R1, or the corresponding inlet 210 on the fixed distributor portion 200, is at a lower height than the rotating assembly 411 of the pump, that is, at a lower height than the pipe portion 403a and / or the curved contact surface 214a. This arrangement prevents any leakage of the corresponding cleaning agent into the tank 3. This arrangement (which is associated with the fact that the corresponding delivery outlet 219 is preferably at a lower height than the rotating assembly 411 of the pump) also makes it possible to prevent any stagnation of the corresponding cleaning agent in the portion of the delivery conduit downstream of the rotating assembly 401 of the pump 400 (here, the portion 403c of the flexible tube 403).

[0191] During operation of pump 400, rotation of rotating assembly 401 causes a first cleaning agent to be pumped through pipe 403, wherein compression element 402 squeezes and releases progressively continuous sections of pipe 403a relative to curved contact surface 214a.

[0192] The rotation of the rotating assembly 401 is achieved by an electric actuator (such as, ) having an angle-rotatable shaft. Figure 12 The motor (designated 404) is used as a whole to drive the electric actuator, which is mounted on the fixed distributor portion 200. In this example, the rear portion of the motor 404 is housed in a hollow protrusion 204 at the front of the body 201 (see [reference needed]). Figure 11 The front portion of the motor 404 is preferably housed within a corresponding tubular seat 204a, which is defined within the cavity C of the body 201 and aligned with the aforementioned hollow recess at the front (see...). Figure 18 ).

[0193] Preferably, motor 404 has a drive shaft capable of rotating about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of rotating assembly 401, and one or more transmission members are provided between the drive shaft and the rotating assembly. Referring to the example shown, the drive shaft of motor 404 (indicated by 404a) is in... Figure 18 As can be seen in the middle section, the corresponding axis of rotation is indicated by 404b, and in the same figure, the axis of the rotating assembly 401 is indicated by 401b, which identifies its corresponding axis of rotation (indicated by 401c). In the example, the axis 401b of the rotating assembly 401 is mounted through a corresponding opening defined in the bottom of the housing 214; at this opening, a corresponding cylindrical seat 214b protrudes from the bottom of the housing 214 toward the interior of the cavity C of the body 201 to support and guide the axis 401b. Preferably, a sealing ring (not shown) is installed in the middle section of the axis 401b that is received in the corresponding cylindrical seat 214b.

[0194] A first gear 405 is keyed to shaft 404a of motor 404, and a second gear 406 is keyed to shaft 401b of rotating assembly 401. The two gears 405 and 406 mesh with each other, causing rotation of shaft 404a to rotate shaft 401b and thus assembly 401. In this example, the diameter and therefore the number of teeth of gear 405 are smaller than the diameter and therefore the number of teeth of gear 406.

[0195] As already mentioned, pump 400 is part of an arrangement for dispensing a first cleaning agent, which also includes a dispensing conduit extending between the outlet of the corresponding tank R1 and the delivery outlet 219. In this example, the dispensing conduit is defined on the fixed dispenser portion 200 and includes an inlet 210, an attachment 218, and a deformable tube 403. Alternatively, as already mentioned, the dispensing outlet of the conduit may be defined by a tubular portion of the body 201 to which the outlet of tube 403 is connected.

[0196] In various embodiments, the dispensing arrangement for the second cleaning agent contained in the second tank (i.e., tank R2) includes a dispensing valve that operates along a corresponding dispensing conduit. (See also: [details omitted]) Figure 12 This dispensing valve, as a whole, is designated by 410. Generally, the dispensing valve 410 can be obtained according to known techniques in the field of dispensers for dishwashers, and includes, for example, a dispensing chamber that partially houses a valve member, wherein the member is movable between: a first position in which the member itself closes the inlet of the dispensing chamber while simultaneously allowing a second detergent to flow out of the dispensing chamber through a corresponding outlet; and a second position in which the valve member opens the inlet of the dispensing chamber while simultaneously preventing the second detergent from flowing out of the dispensing chamber through the corresponding outlet.

[0197] exist Figure 19 The following figure illustrates a possible embodiment of the dispensing valve 410. In the aforementioned figure, the dispensing chamber defined by the body 201 of the fixed dispenser portion 200 is indicated by 411, and the valve member (integrally indicated by 412) is partially received in the dispensing chamber in a linearly slidable manner. The portion of the valve member indicated by 412a always extends on the outside of the chamber 411 through a through hole in the front cover 411a of the chamber itself. The cover 411a is preferably secured to the front opening of the chamber 411 by screws (one of which is indicated by 411b), in which a sealing gasket may be inserted, but in possible variations (such as, for example, in...) Figure 12 As seen in the image, the screws may be absent, and the cap is welded directly to the aforementioned front opening. The outer portion 412a of the valve component 412 is preferably provided with a widened head 412b, through which tensile force can be applied to the component itself.

[0198] A sealing element 413, made of an elastic material (e.g., an elastomer), is fitted onto at least a portion of the portion of the valve member 412 extending into the dispensing chamber 411. The sealing element 413 includes a flange portion 413a designed to provide a seal relative to a valve seat defined within the chamber 411. Alternatively, an end portion 413b of the sealing element 413 coats the end of the valve member 412 opposite the cover 411a to seal the inlet 411e of the dispensing chamber 411. This inlet is formed by a through opening in a wall that belongs to a lower hollow extension 411c of the rear portion of the inlet 211 defined in the fixed dispenser portion 200. The sealing element 413 is also shaped to define a corrugated portion 413c at the end opposite the end portion 413b. The purpose of the bellows portion 413c is to provide a seal relative to the inside of the cover 411a (and thus prevent liquid from leaking out of the cover's outlet through which the valve member passes), while simultaneously allowing the valve member 412 to move linearly. A spring (not visible) is housed within the bellows portion 413c, which tends to push the member 422 into the closed position of the valve seat.

[0199] As previously mentioned, inlet 211 also preferably includes at least one cylindrical tubular portion to enable connection to the corresponding tubular outlet 113 of groove R2. Figure 12 For example, the aforementioned cylindrical tubular portion, indicated by 211a, and its corresponding bottom wall are shown, which are shared with the aforementioned lower extension 211c located in the rear portion of portion 211a. The lower extension 211c preferably has an approximately prismatic shape, or in any case, has a shape including a straight wall that defines the bottom of the dispensing chamber 411 and has a through opening for the inlet 411e of the forming chamber itself.

[0200] The dispensing chamber 411 also has an outlet 411f, which is defined in its outer wall and is in fluid communication with a corresponding conduit 240 present on the body 201 of the fixed dispenser portion 200. The outer side of this conduit 240 is... Figure 12 and Figure 20 The middle part is visible (also see) Figure 71 The conduit 240 is partially cut out and preferably includes a portion 240a integrally defined with the body 201 and a corresponding cap 240b fixed in a fluid-impermeable manner (e.g., welded). The conduit 240 at least in Figure 19 The outlet 411f of the dispensing room and in the main body 201 ( Figure 11 The duct 240 extends between the delivery channels 212 that are open at the front. Preferably, a portion of the duct 240 also extends at the top to the outlet of the dispensing chamber 411 to perform a ventilation function.

[0201] Figure 19The diagram illustrates the aforementioned first position of the dispensing valve 410, where the valve member 412, having a corresponding sealing element 413, is actuated by a corresponding spring (located within the bellows portion 413c) to close the inlet 411e. It is assumed that in this state, the chamber 411 is empty, and the second cleaning fluid is present in the inlet 211 and the corresponding lower extension 211c (which is in direct fluid communication with the second groove R2, and more specifically, with...). Figure 6-8 The injection volume R2a is in fluid communication. The flange portion 413a of the sealing element 413 is configured to be a certain distance away from the corresponding valve seat 411d.

[0202] For the purpose of dispensing a certain dose of the second cleaning agent, the valve member 412 is retracted against the action of the corresponding bellows portion in such a way that the inlet 411e of the chamber 411 opens, and simultaneously the flange portion 413a of the sealing element shifts toward the corresponding valve seat 411d. In this way, a certain amount of the second cleaning agent can penetrate into the dispensing chamber 411. Preferably, even after the flange portion 413a has reached the valve seat 411d, the retraction of the valve member 412 is always performed in any case, thereby potentially causing the sealing element 413 to fold "accordion-like" on the valve member 412 (see example...). Figure 28 This also results in the second cleaning agent being drawn into the dosing chamber 411. Because the valve seat is closed, the fluid cannot reach the outlet 411f of chamber 411 under any circumstances.

[0203] Next, the valve component 412 is allowed to return to its original position under the action of the corresponding spring. Figure 19 In the initial state shown, the flange portion 413a of the sealing element 413 disengages from the valve seat 411d, allowing the dose of cleaning agent from chamber 411 to flow out through outlet 411f, and the end of valve member 412 (i.e., the corresponding portion of the sealing element 413) recloses inlet 411e, thereby preventing any further inflow of the second cleaning agent. Therefore, the dose of the second cleaning agent flows downward along conduit 240 until it reaches discharge channel 212. Figure 11 ), and thus reach recesses 213 and 220g, which allow the second cleaning agent to pass toward the interior of the cleaning tub 3 of the dishwasher 1.

[0204] In the example, the delivery conduit of the second delivery arrangement structure is also defined on the fixed dispenser portion 200 and includes an inlet 211, a lower extension 211c, a dispensing chamber 411 of the valve 410, a conduit 240, and preferably recesses 213 and 220g.

[0205] As previously explained, in advantageous embodiments, a peristaltic pump, or at least one of its components, is used to deliver the two cleaning agents, and for this purpose, the pump is of a reversible type; that is, its actuator can be driven in a first direction to enable delivery of the first cleaning agent, and can be driven in a second, opposite direction to enable delivery of the second cleaning agent, due to a command arrangement disposed between the pump and the second dispensing arrangement, which in an example includes a dosing valve 410. This command arrangement can be driven by a corresponding rotating member associated with the pump, as in the example described below, or the command arrangement can be shaped to be driven by or include one of the components of the pump 400, such as one of its rotating assembly 401 and / or its compression element 402 and / or one of its transmission members disposed between the rotating assembly 401 and the motor 404.

[0206] In various embodiments, the command arrangement includes a drive lever that is rotatable about a corresponding axis and operatively associated with a valve member (such as valve member 412 of valve 410) of a dispensing valve that forms part of the aforementioned second dispensing arrangement. The drive lever is constructed in such a way that:

[0207] - The angular movement of the transmission lever along the first direction caused by the drive of the peristaltic pump in the first rotational direction does not displace the valve component in order to induce the dispensing of a second amount of cleaning agent; and

[0208] - The angular movement of the transmission lever in the second direction caused by the drive of the peristaltic pump in the second rotational direction displaces the valve component so as to cause the dispensing of at least one second dosage of the second cleaning agent.

[0209] As described above, the actuator lever can be driven by one of the parts of the peristaltic pump (such as its rotating assembly or one of its compression elements). However, in other embodiments, the aforementioned dispensing valve can be driven by a component associated with the peristaltic pump, such as a cam member that is configured to define a cam profile and is rotatable by means of the pump's actuator.

[0210] exist Figure 20 In the example, the command arrangement structure includes a cam member indicated by 420, and the corresponding cam profile is indicated by 420a; preferably but not necessarily, the cam profile 420a is a multi-cam profile, such as the three-cam profile in the example.

[0211] Preferredly, the cam member 420 is coaxially and rotatably fixed relative to the rotating assembly of the peristaltic pump 400, although this is not an essential characteristic. The cam member 420 (in...) Figure 20 Neutralization Figure 22 , Figure 24, Figure 26 , Figure 28 and Figure 30 (visible in isolation) may be integrally defined by or associated with the gear 406 at its rear (see Figure 18 ).

[0212] In various embodiments, the aforementioned drive lever belonging to a command arrangement structure has: a first portion defining a cam follower configured to interact with the cam profile of a cam member; and a second portion constrained to or associated with a valve member of a dispensing valve. Such a drive lever in Figure 19 and Figure 20 The central portion is designated as a whole by 430. In the same figure, the corresponding rotating pin is designated by 431, which can be integrally defined at the corresponding rear cavity C by the body 201 of the fixed distributor portion 200. In the example, the axis of rotation identified by pin 431 is approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam member 420.

[0213] In the example, the drive lever 430 includes a first lever arm 430a and a second lever arm 430b, which extend in a direction substantially opposite to the axis of rotation identified by pin 431. This defines the aforementioned cam follower (in...) designed to cooperate with the profile 420a of the cam member 420. Figure 19 The first end portion (indicated by 430c) belongs to arm 430a, while the second end portion of the valve member 412a (which extends on the outside of the dispensing chamber 411) constrained (preferably in a relaxed manner) to valve 410 belongs to arm 430b. Referring again to the non-limiting example shown, the two lever arms 430a and 430b form an angle greater than 90° between them.

[0214] In these various embodiments, the cam profile 420a of the cam member 420 and the drive lever 430 are constructed in such a way that:

[0215] - The angular movement of the transmission lever 430 in the first direction caused by the rotation of the cam member 420 in the first direction does not displace the valve member 412 in order to induce the dispensing of the second cleaning agent; and

[0216] - The angular movement of the transmission lever 430 in the second direction caused by the rotation of the cam member 420 in the second direction causes the valve member 412 to shift so as to cause the dispensing of the second cleaning agent.

[0217] Figures 21-30 The concept is illustrated with examples. Figure 21-22An example illustrates a possible state before the motor (i.e., the corresponding shaft and its associated gear 405) begins to rotate clockwise, where the rotation of gear 406 and therefore its associated cam member 420 in the counterclockwise direction corresponds to the clockwise rotation.

[0218] In this state, the transmission lever is in an angular position such that the cam follower end of the lever arm 430a lies on the straight segment of the cam profile 410a, while the opposite end of the lever arm 430b abuts against the widened head 412b of the valve member 412 of the dispensing valve 410, but without applying any pulling action thereon. The valve member 412 is thus held by a corresponding spring in the closed position at the inlet 411e of the corresponding dispensing chamber (see...). Figures 19-20 ).

[0219] After the motor begins to rotate clockwise, as the cam member rotates counterclockwise, the cam follower end of the lever arm 430a will begin to contact the curved section of the cam profile 420a, so as to cause the drive lever 430 to move clockwise at an angle: the end of the lever arm 430b will therefore move away from the widened head 412b of the valve member 412, possibly reaching the vicinity of the front surface of the cover 411a of the valve 410, and therefore will not exert any pulling action on the valve member 412. Figure 23-24 The diagram illustrates this state.

[0220] The actuator lever 430 is preferably made of a substantially rigid polymer or plastic material. However, for certain shapes and types of materials, the lever itself may be able to bend slightly in an elastic manner and then return to its original shape. In other words, the substantially rigid structure of the actuator lever 430 can achieve the corresponding driving function, but may allow slight elastic bending (if necessary), for example, to compensate for dimensional tolerances that may cause mechanical interference. As the cam profile 410a slides on the cam follower end of the arm 430a, the arm 430a (and / or the lever arm 430b) may bend temporarily in an elastic manner when the opposite end of the lever arm 430b is pressed against the cover 411a of the valve 410.

[0221] Therefore, angular displacement of the actuating lever 430 does not cause displacement of the valve member 412 or any action thereon, and thus does not cause any dispensing of the second cleaning agent by the dispensing valve 410. As already mentioned, the end of the arm 230b can be loosely constrained to the portion of the valve member 412 that protrudes on the outside of the valve dispensing chamber. This effect can be achieved by providing, for example, a forked shape to the lever arm 230b, such as, for example in Figure 24 What I saw in the video. Figure 21-24The state shown occurs during the continuous clockwise driving of the motor 404 of the pump 400, during which time, via the pump itself, according to previously referenced Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 18 The operation of the peristaltic pump 400 is described in order to obtain the dosing of the first cleaning agent from the first tank R1.

[0222] When a certain dose of the second cleaning agent needs to be delivered from the second tank R2, the pump motor 404 is driven in the opposite direction to the previous direction (i.e., counterclockwise). After the motor 404 begins to rotate, with the subsequent clockwise rotation of the cam member 420, the cam follower end of the lever arm 430a contacts the straight segment of the cam profile 420a, causing an angular movement of the drive lever 430 in the counterclockwise direction: the end of the lever arm 430b then returns to rest on the widened head 412b of the valve member 412 without causing movement of the valve member. Figure 25-26 The diagram illustrates this state.

[0223] As component 420 rotates, the cam follower end of the lever arm 430a contacts the curved section of the cam profile 420a, causing a further counterclockwise angular movement of the transmission lever 430. In this way, the end of the lever arm 430b applies a pulling action to the widened head 412b of the valve component 412, thereby causing the valve component 412 to retract against the action of the corresponding spring. Figure 27-28 The diagram illustrates this state. In this way, as previously explained, valve component 412 releases dispensing chamber 411 ( Figure 19 The inlet 411e allows a certain amount of the second cleaning agent to flow into the chamber itself, while the sealing flange 413a carried by the valve member 412 contacts the corresponding valve seat 411d to prevent this amount of cleaning agent from passing through the dosing chamber 411 (see again). Figure 19 ) outflow of 411f.

[0224] Further rotation of component 420 causes the cam follower end of the lever arm 430a to re-engage with the straight segment of the cam profile 420a, which now causes the transmission lever 430 to move clockwise, and thus enables the valve component 412 to advance under the action of the corresponding spring. Figures 29-30 The diagram illustrates this state. In this way, as previously explained, valve member 412 closes the inlet 411e of dispensing chamber 411 again, thereby preventing further inflow of the second cleaning agent, and the sealing flange separates from the valve seat, allowing the contents of the dispensing chamber to flow out through the corresponding outlet 411f.

[0225] As will be understood, referring to the example shown, a 360° clockwise rotation of the cam member 420 corresponds to the distribution of a second cleaning agent in several dosages (three dosages in the specific example).

[0226] Similarly, it will be understood that as the motor 404 rotates counterclockwise, the rotating component 401 of the peristaltic pump 400 will rotate accordingly; however, this will not cause any delivery of the first cleaning agent from the tank R1.

[0227] However, this rotation of the motor in a secondary direction (as opposed to the primary direction of pumping into the cleaning tank) is also useful for tank R1, provided that pumping in the secondary direction allows for the rebalancing of the volume of "air cleaning agent" in the tank (i.e., compensating for the volume of the first dose of first cleaning agent previously delivered by means of the rotation of motor 404 in the primary direction). Due to this characteristic, tank R1 may not have any ventilation openings.

[0228] Advantageously, pumping in the secondary direction allows at least a significant amount of the cleaning agent remaining in pipe 403 (particularly in sections 403a and 403b) to be pumped into the aforementioned tank, thereby preventing any stagnation that could cause malfunctions (such as pipe blockage) if the pipe is not used for an extended period of time.

[0229] Therefore, it will be understood that, in various embodiments, the function of rebalancing the pressure inside the tank and / or emptying the distribution pipes of the distribution arrangement is achieved simultaneously with driving another distribution arrangement, thereby achieving an overall reduction in the number of pump activations and also having the advantage of reduced energy consumption.

[0230] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the rotating assembly 401 of the pump 400 (and in particular at least one element 402 of this rotating assembly) is configured to maintain a portion of the deformable tube 403 under constant compression even when the pump 400 is not in operation, thereby preventing the risk of malfunctions such as the unintended passage of cleaning agent WD. This feature prevents, for example, accidental emptying of the tank R1 and / or the resulting cleaning abnormalities due to the accidental pouring of excess WD into the cleaning tank. The continuous compression of the tube 403 also prevents unintended air from entering the tank, which proves useful in reducing the risk of cleaning agent degradation.

[0231] The actuator 404 of the pump 400 is therefore preferably a reversible electric motor, the operation of which can be managed by means of a suitable circuit arrangement (e.g., a control circuit or controller) known per se, implemented on an electronic card mounted on the fixed dispenser portion 200 (particularly within the cavity C of its body 201). Such a card, for example, is... Figure 12The component 250 is designated as such and may include a microcontroller 251. Motor 404 may be a stepper motor or a different type of motor, preferably equipped with a position sensor (such as an encoder or resolver-type sensor); for this purpose, the control circuitry or card 250 may include circuitry for controlling motor 404 and / or for controlling the corresponding position sensor. Detector RD( Figure 3 It can be connected to card 250 via signal communication; the detector is connected to a reference. Figure 6-8 The described level sensor is associated with a floating body 110. The controller or card 250 may include a memory device that may contain data and parameters for controlling the motor 404 to dispense a first cleaning agent when rotating in the primary direction and a second cleaning agent when rotating in the secondary direction.

[0232] On the other hand, it should be noted that the control circuitry of the dispenser can be implemented, in whole or in part, within the control system CS of the dishwasher 1. In various embodiments, the on-board circuitry of the dispenser 10 is configured for connection to the control system CS of the dishwasher on which the dispenser itself may be mounted, and the circuitry of the dispenser is configured to control the pump actuator based on electrical signals supplied by the aforementioned control system CS. For example, the card 250 of the dispenser 10 may be provided with communication devices to receive and / or transmit electrical signals from / to the controller of the control system CS of the dishwasher 1, such as receiving data and parameters for controlling the motor 404 to achieve the desired detergent dosage, and / or sending electrical signals supplied by sensor devices on the dispenser, and / or receiving commands for other actuators on the dispenser. The on-board circuitry of the dispenser may, in any case, include wiring and / or electrical connectors electrically connected to at least one actuator and / or sensor device on the dispenser for direct control of the dishwasher 1 by the control system CS.

[0233] As previously seen, in various embodiments, the dispenser includes: a dispenser body defining at least one holding volume capable of holding a detergent in liquid or semi-solid form; a dispensing arrangement configured to dispense one or more dosages of detergent; and a circuit arrangement configured for connection to a control system on which a dishwasher may be mounted. In such embodiments, the dispenser further includes at least one operable portion configured to be manually moved by a user from at least a first position to a second position. Referring to, for example, the previously described example, such operable portion may be represented by a plug or door for opening or closing the inlet passages of slots R1, R2, or by a drive element ( Figure 9-11This indicates that the drive element belongs to the coupled / separated arrangement structure described above that operates between the removable dispenser section 100 and the fixed dispenser section 200.

[0234] In this particularly advantageous embodiment, the dispenser further includes a locking / unlocking arrangement comprising a locking mechanism that can be driven by a corresponding electric actuator to present at least one operating state and at least one non-operating state, in which the locking mechanism respectively prevents or allows displacement of the aforementioned operable portion from its first position to its second position. The electric actuator is configured to be controlled according to electrical signals supplied by at least one of a sensor device belonging to the circuit arrangement of the dispenser and a control system of a dishwasher on which the dispenser is mounted, so as to cause the locking mechanism to switch from the at least one operating state to the at least one non-operating state.

[0235] The electrical signal used to manage the locking / unlocking arrangement can be, for example, a signal indicating the detergent level in the corresponding container volume, provided by a sensor specifically provided by the dispenser 10, or a specially provided command generated by the control system CS of the dishwasher 1 (e.g., a key specifically provided on the dishwasher's control panel for enabling or preventing the removal of the dispenser section 100 from the fixed dispenser section 200 via the connection / disconnection arrangement described above).

[0236] As already seen, the at least one volume for holding the cleaning agent (such as one of the slots R1 and R2) has a loading channel, and the aforementioned operable portion may include a closing element associated with the loading channel. This closing element may be a plug, or, as in the example shown, a hatch with a latch / release device associated with it. Therefore, a possible embodiment of the locking / unlocking arrangement will now be described with reference to a dispenser 10 according to the various examples described to date, wherein the removable portion 100 of the dispenser 10 includes two slots R1 and R2, each slot having its own loading channel 103 respectively provided with corresponding hatches 1041 and 1042, with corresponding latches / release devices 1051 and 1052 associated with that hatch. As already seen, for example, refer to Figure 6-8 The type of liquid level sensor described herein or some other type (such as the type described below) may be associated with tanks R1 and R2.

[0237] Special Reference Figure 31 and Figure 32 The locking / unlocking arrangement includes a locking mechanism, which can be... Figure 31The actuator 450, designated as 450, is driven by an electric actuator (particularly a motor or electromagnetic actuator) having a drive shaft 450a that is angularly movable (here substantially according to the height dimension Y of the distributor 10). A cam member, designated as 451, is designed to be rotatable via the shaft 450a of the actuator 450; for this purpose, the cam member 451 can be keyed to the aforementioned shaft 450a. The cam member 451 defines peripheral cam profiles 452a-452b. A first mechanism member and a second mechanism member, designated as 4531 and 4532, each of these mechanism members defining a corresponding cam follower 453a at its end. For simplicity, members 4531 and 4532 will also be defined as “slider” below. In the example, the two sliders are arranged in relative positions with respect to the corresponding cam follower, corresponding to cam profiles 452a-452b.

[0238] In the example, the cam profile is defined by two opposing segments, each extending according to a corresponding circumferential arc, one circumference larger than the other; for example, the segment of cam profile 452a may extend more than 180° beyond the corresponding smaller circumference, while the segment of cam profile 452b may extend less than 180° beyond the larger circumference. Generally, the cam member 451 adapts at least a portion of its peripheral cam profile to displace at least one slider, and adapts at least another portion of its peripheral cam profile to prevent slider displacement. The cam member 451 can therefore also be of the convex type, for example, having three similar convex angles, wherein two convex angles are opposite each other and the third convex angle is 90° relative to each of the other convex angles.

[0239] Each slider is supported by a corresponding elastic element (such as a helical spring 454, see below). Figure 33 and Figure 35 The actuator 450 is pushed so that each cam follower 453a is in constant contact with the cam profiles 452a-452b as the actuator 450 rotates. Preferably, each slider is then constrained to implement linear displacement (here according to the width dimension X of the distributor 10); for this purpose, a suitable guide support (not indicated) is provided in the body 201 of the fixed distributor section 200.

[0240] Each slider can consist of several parts. In the non-limiting example shown, the slider consists of two parts joined together (only in...). Figure 31 453 1a and 453 1b It consists of (marked), of which part is 453 1a It has a structure similar to that of a slider, and part 453 1b(The corresponding cam follower 453a) is conveniently shaped to allow sliding without any obstruction in other components of the removable dispenser section (such as the motor of the peristaltic pump described earlier).

[0241] The locking mechanism further includes a locking member configured to interact with a corresponding movable member of the latch / release device 1051 or 1052 of the corresponding hatch 1041 or 1042. Referring to the illustrated case, therefore, the previously referenced... Figure 11 The two locking members mentioned (indicated by 2061 and 2062) are mounted to pass through the aforementioned positioning and / or guiding members 205 in their portions facing the interior of the cleaning tub. These positioning and / or guiding members rise from the peripheral wall of the body 201 of the fixed dispenser portion 200. (It should be noted that in...) Figure 32 , Figure 34 and Figure 36 (For greater clarity, forming member 205 is not shown). As previously mentioned, the portion of forming member 205 having the corresponding protruding ends of locking members 2061 and 2062 can be received in relation to... Figure 4 In the recess or seat 116 mentioned. Locking members 2061 and 2062 therefore preferably extend along the height dimension Y of the dispenser 10 (i.e., along a direction substantially perpendicular to the displacement direction of the slider).

[0242] Each locking member 2061 and 2062 is displaceable relative to a corresponding movable member (represented here by manually operable latch / release devices 1051 and 1052) between a blocking position and a released position. As previously mentioned, in various embodiments, each latch / release device 1051 and 1052 is essentially composed of a joystick member that is rotatable about a corresponding fulcrum or axis and defines a first joystick arm 105e and a second joystick arm 105d, the second joystick arm defining a corresponding element operable by a user or having a corresponding user operable element associated therewith. In this embodiment, each locking member 2061 and 2062 has an upper end portion (indicated by 206a in the figure) configured to interact with the end portion of the corresponding first joystick arm 105e to prevent or allow angular movement of the joystick members forming the latch / release devices 1051 and 1052, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned upper portion 206a of the locking member 2061 or 2062 is the upper end.

[0243] Preferably, each locking member 2061 and 2062 is mounted such that it can rotate about a respective longitudinal axis. For this purpose, referring to the example shown, each locking member 2061 and 2062 is rotatably constrained in a through seat defined in a respective positioning and / or guiding member 205, with its upper end portion 206a and its lower end portion protruding to both ends of the member 205.

[0244] In various embodiments, to achieve rotation of the locking members, the locking mechanism includes a transmission device comprising toothed portions that mesh with each other, preferably a rack and pinion type transmission device. For this purpose, preferably, each locking member 2061 and 2062 includes a corresponding toothing that extends circumferentially or a portion thereof and meshes with a corresponding toothing of the corresponding slider. In the illustrated example, the lower end portion of each locking member 2061 and 2062 has a corresponding gear 206b that meshes substantially with a lateral toothing 453b of the corresponding slider via a rack and pinion type transmission device. In this way, as can be understood, linear displacement of each slider causes the corresponding locking members 2061 and 2062 to rotate about a corresponding longitudinal axis.

[0245] In various preferred embodiments, the end portion 206a of each locking member 2061 and 2062 (which is designed to interact with the corresponding first lever arm 105e of the corresponding latch / release device 1051 or 1052) has a substantially semi-cylindrical profile, having a locking member presenting an angular travel of approximately 90° between a blocking position and a releasing position. It should be noted that the semi-cylindrical profile of the end portion 206a of each locking member 2061 and 2062 is to be understood as being provided only by way of preferred example without prejudice to the functionality described below, provided that the end portion may also have a fan-shaped profile with an extension of less than 180° (e.g., only 90°).

[0246] exist Figures 31-32 In the diagram, the locking / unlocking arrangement is shown in a state in which both hatches 1041 and 1042 are prevented from opening; that is, the switching of latch / release devices 1051 and 1052 is prevented.

[0247] In the illustrated example, in this state, the cam member 451 is in an angular position such that both sliders are held by the member itself in their respective retracted states, where the corresponding spring 454 has maximum compression. The retracted position is determined by the fact that the cam follower 453a of both sliders interacts with the same segment of the cam profile (i.e., the segment of the cam profile with a smaller radius and a larger extension).

[0248] The angular positions of locking members 2061 and 2062 correspond to this position of the slider, such that the corresponding upper portion 206a is arranged so that its semi-circular portion extends below the end region of the first lever arm 105e of the latch / release devices 1051 and 1052. It is understood that in this state, the latch / release devices 1051 and 1052 cannot be manually operated; that is, no angular movement sufficient to release the corresponding hatch 1041 or 1042 can be imparted to them. The illustrated state is obtained via the properly positioned shaft 450a of the electric actuator 450, which may be, for example, a stepper motor, or a different type of motor, possibly equipped with a position sensor (such as an encoder or resolver-type sensor). For this purpose, the circuitry or card 250 may include circuitry for controlling the motor and / or for controlling the corresponding position sensor.

[0249] exist Figures 31-32 In the position shown, control of the motor (i.e., cam member 451) is preferably determined by an electrical signal supplied by a sensor (particularly a level sensor) equipped with two tanks R1 and R2. More specifically, in the particular case shown, these signals will indicate the presence of cleaning agent in the two tanks R1 and R2 in an amount exceeding a preset minimum level, or indicate the level at which the tanks need to be filled.

[0250] exist Figures 33-34 In the diagram, the locking / unlocking arrangement is illustrated in a state where hatch 1042 is prevented from opening and hatch 1041 is opened instead; that is, switching of latch / release device 1052 is prevented and switching of latch / release device 1051 is achieved. This state occurs when the amount of cleaning agent in tank R1 drops below a preset minimum level, indicated by a signal supplied by the corresponding level sensor. It is assumed that the amount of cleaning agent in tank R2 simultaneously exceeds the corresponding minimum fill level, and the corresponding level sensor supplies a corresponding signal.

[0251] In the illustrated example, in this state, the cam member 451 is in an angular position such that the slider is held by itself in the corresponding retracted state, where the corresponding spring 454 is maximally compressed. Alternatively, the slider is pushed into the corresponding forward state by the action of the corresponding spring 454. These different positions are determined by the fact that the cam followers of the two sliders interact with different segments of the cam profile: in particular, the cam follower 453a of the slider interacts with the segment of the cam profile 452a with a larger extension range and a smaller radius, while the cam follower 453a of the slider interacts with the segment of the cam profile 452b with a smaller extension range and a larger radius. The angular positions of locking members 2061 and 2062 correspond to this position of the slider, such that the upper end portion 206a of member 2062 is configured such that its semi-circular portion extends below the end region of the lever arm 105e of the latch / release device 1052, while the upper end portion 206a of locking member 2061 is configured such that its semi-circular portion is staggered relative to the end region of the lever arm 105e of the latch / release device 1051. It can be understood that in this state, only device 1052 cannot be manually operated, as described above, while latch / release device 1051 can be manually operated, i.e., it can be given sufficient angular movement to release the corresponding hatch 1041.

[0252] In the same case, the state shown is obtained by appropriately positioning the shaft 405a of the electric actuator 450 according to a signal supplied by level sensors equipped with two tanks R1 and R2. As previously mentioned, in the specific case shown, the signal from the sensor equipped with tank R2 indicates that there is an amount of cleaning agent present in the tank exceeding the corresponding preset minimum level, while the signal from the sensor equipped with tank R1 indicates that there is an amount of cleaning agent present in the tank below the corresponding preset minimum level. Therefore, the hatch 1041 of tank R1 can be opened by acting on the latch / release device 1051, and it can be filled with the corresponding cleaning agent.

[0253] Finally, Figures 35-36 In the diagram, the locking / unlocking arrangement is shown as being in a position with... Figures 33-34 The opposite state shown is one in which hatch 1041 is prevented from opening and hatch 1042 is opened instead, i.e., the amount of cleaning agent in tanks R1 and R2 is higher and lower than the corresponding preset minimum liquid level, as indicated by the signal supplied by the corresponding liquid level sensor.

[0254] Therefore, in the example shown, the cam member 451 is in a position with Figures 33-34In the angular positions relative to each other, the slider remains in the retracted state and the forward state, respectively. The angular positions of locking members 2061 and 2062 correspond to this position of the slider, such that the upper end portion 206a of member 2061 is configured such that its semi-circular portion extends below the end region of the lever arm 105e of the latch / release device 1051, while the upper end portion 206a of locking member 2062 is configured such that its semi-circular portion is staggered relative to the end region of the lever arm 105e of the latch / release device 1052.

[0255] In this way, the latch / release device 1051 cannot be operated manually, while the latch / release device 1052 can be operated manually to open the corresponding hatch 1042. Of course, this state can also be achieved by appropriately positioning the shaft 450a of the electric actuator 450 according to an electrical signal supplied by a level sensor. In the specific case shown, the signal from the sensor equipped with tank R1 indicates that there is an amount of liquid in the tank exceeding the corresponding preset minimum level, while the signal from the sensor equipped with tank R2 indicates that there is an amount of liquid in the tank below the corresponding preset minimum level. Therefore, the hatch 1042 of tank R2 can be opened by acting on the latch / release device 1052, and it can be filled with the corresponding cleaning agent.

[0256] As previously mentioned, the closing element of the loading passage equipped with the slot (i.e., the operable part to which the locking / unlocking arrangement interacts) can be a plug rather than a hatch (not excluding possible combinations of these two elements). In this case, the locking / unlocking arrangement can be a concept similar to that described above: for example, a latch / release system similar to one of the latch / release systems indicated by 1051 and 1052 can be provided, wherein... Figure 3 The latching element of type 105b is configured to interact with the plug (e.g., partially slide through it or penetrate into its peripheral seat or toothed joint) in order to prevent its rotation or removal.

[0257] As previously explained, in various embodiments, the dispenser includes a fixed dispenser portion and a removable dispenser portion, the removable dispenser portion being removably coupled to the fixed dispenser portion and defining at least one tank for cleaning agent. In this embodiment, the dispenser may also include a signaling arrangement comprising: at least one transmitter device mounted on the fixed dispenser portion, capable of emitting visible radiation and including a light source; and at least one light guide element configured to direct the visible radiation emitted by the transmitter device toward an area of ​​the dispenser designed to face the interior of the cleaning chamber, the at least one light guide element being located on the removable dispenser portion and optically coupled in a detachable manner to the transmitter device mounted on the fixed dispenser portion. Preferably, the light guide element extends between the front and rear portions of the removable dispenser portion, most preferably within a corresponding channel or mounting base defined in a hollow body.

[0258] The dispenser may include at least one sensor device configured to supply an electrical signal indicating at least one state of the contents of the at least one tank, such as its level, or characteristics other than its level, particularly its qualitative characteristics (such as chemical-physical properties or properties associated with its composition and / or type), as further described below.

[0259] In the foregoing embodiments, the signaling arrangement structure may be controllable based on electrical signals supplied by the at least one sensor device. However, the signaling arrangement structure may be part of the circuitry arrangement of a dispenser configured to connect to a control system of a dishwasher on which the dispenser itself may be mounted: in these cases, the circuitry arrangement on the dispenser may be configured to control the signaling arrangement structure based on electrical signals supplied by the aforementioned control system of the dishwasher.

[0260] Possible embodiments of the aforementioned signaling arrangement structure will be described with reference to the distributor 10 according to the various examples described to date, wherein the removable portion 100 of the distributor 10 includes two slots R1 and R2, for example, referring to Figure 6-8 The corresponding level sensor of the described type or some other type (e.g., the type described below) is associated with both tanks.

[0261] Special Reference Figures 37-38 In various embodiments, at least one transmitter device is mounted on a fixed distributor section, and the at least one transmitter device is capable of emitting visible radiation: in the illustrated example, each transmitter device includes a corresponding light source (indicated by 260), such as an LED-type light source. The light source 260 may, for example, be mounted on a control card of the distributor, such as an electronic card previously indicated by 205.

[0262] In various embodiments, each emitter device may also include a respective light transmission element on the fixed dispenser part 200, such as the light transmission element previously designated by 207, for example, in Figure 11 . As has been seen, each light transmission element 207 may be mounted in a respective housing defined in the positioning and / or guiding formation 205. Each light transmission element 207 may be made of any material suitable for light transmission, such as polycarbonate.

[0263] As can be seen in Figure 37 , such a light transmission element 207 may extend axially above the light source 260 according to the height dimension (Y) of the dispenser 10. In this way, the light transmission element has an exit end 207b and an entrance end 207a facing the light source 260, and the emitter device (here constituted by the light source 260 and the light transmission element 207) emits visible radiation through this exit end.

[0264] The signaling arrangement includes a first light guide element (designated as a whole by 261 in Figure 37 (also see Figure 3 and Figure 5 )), which is configured to transmit the visible radiation emitted by the light transmission element 207 towards the front region of the dispenser 10 designed to face the interior of the wash tub 3 of the dishwasher 1. Each light guide element 261 may also be made of any material suitable for light transmission, such as polycarbonate. The light guide element 261 is preferably mounted in the upper part 101a of the hollow body 101 ( Figure 3 and Figure 5 ).

[0265] Each first light guide element 261 is mounted on the removable dispenser part 100, and in particular on its hollow body 101. For this purpose, in various embodiments, corresponding through mounts (preferably substantially cylindrical) are provided on the hollow body 101, which extend between the front and rear of the hollow body 101. Such mounts are designated by 262a - 262b in Figure 37 . As explained, in various embodiments, the hollow body 101 is formed by the union of at least one front body sheet and one rear body sheet (see, for example, Figure 3 , where these sheets are designated by 1011 and 1012): it should thus be assumed that the seat part 262a is defined in the aforementioned front body sheet, while the seat part 262b is defined in the aforementioned rear sheet. The seat part 262a is also visible in Figure 6-8 .

[0266] Advantageously, each first light guide element 261 is designed to be optically coupled to the light transmission element 207 in a separable manner. For this purpose, reference is made to Figure 37The emitting end 207b of each optical transmission element 207 faces the incident end 261a of the corresponding optical guide element 261, preferably at a certain distance from it. On the other side, the emitting end 261b of the optical guide element 261 faces the outer side of the corresponding mounting base 262a-262b, preferably but not necessarily flush with the front surface of the removable distributor portion 100 (i.e., the hollow body 101 therein).

[0267] When the emission axis of the transmitter device extends laterally relative to the axis of the optical guide element, the incident end 261a of the first optical guide element 261 is preferably an inclined surface. In an illustrative case, the optical transmission element 207 has an emission axis that extends substantially vertically as a whole, while the optical guide element 261 extends substantially horizontally between its incident and exit ends: in this case, the exit end 207b of the optical transmission element 207 can be substantially planar, and the incident end 261a of the optical guide element 261 can have an angle of approximately 45°. Obviously, a reverse configuration is possible where the optical transmission element 207 extends further upward than shown in the figures, and the optical guide element 261 is simultaneously shorter than the indicated length; that is, where the exit end 207b of the optical transmission element 207 is inclined, and the incident end 261a of the optical guide element 261 is substantially planar. Of course, both the exit end 207b and the incident end 261a can also be inclined. Generally, at least one of the incident end 261a and the exit end 207b is shaped such that the light guide element 261 and the light transmission element 207 can be optically connected.

[0268] As will be appreciated, the fact that each light guide element 261 is optically coupled in a separable manner relative to the light transmission element 207 makes it possible to freely remove the removable distributor section 100 from the fixed distributor section 200, thereby instead ensuring efficient and accurate transmission of light indication when the two sections in question are instead coupled together.

[0269] As already mentioned, the management of the light source 260 of the transmitter device can be implemented by a controller (such as the previously mentioned card 250) equipped with a distributor 10 based on signals supplied by level sensors and / or mass sensors equipped with each tank R1 and / or R2, or it can be implemented by the control system CS of the dishwasher 1.

[0270] In an advantageous embodiment, the light source 260 of the emitter device can be controlled to emit radiation at different frequencies and / or intensities, and therefore with different colors and / or intensities, to provide a variety of types of indications based on information to be provided to the dishwasher user. For example, emitting green light can be interpreted as indicating the presence of detergent above a preset minimum level and / or the presence of appropriate detergent in the tank (where a sensor equipped with the tank is capable of detecting the quality and / or type of detergent), emitting yellow light can be interpreted as indicating the need to refill with detergent, and emitting red light can be interpreted as indicating the presence of incorrect detergent and / or contaminated detergent in the tank (considering the case where the user fills or refills the tank R1, which is dedicated to cleaning detergent, with rinsing additives). Alternatively or additionally, for these or other indications, it may also be possible to use light of the same color but with different intensities, such as light or flashes of light with varying intensities, or alternating increases and decreases in light intensity.

[0271] Therefore, it will be understood that, in various embodiments, the same signaling arrangement structure can be used to carry different types of information via at least two different signaling modes (color / blink).

[0272] In various embodiments, the signaling arrangement structure equipped with the distributor includes at least one second light guide element (preferably located at the front of the removable distributor portion), wherein the second light guide element is optically coupled to the at least one first light guide element and is configured to diffuse visible radiation received by the at least one first light guide element.

[0273] Figures 39-44 The figure illustrates such an embodiment of a dispenser 10, wherein a removable portion 100 of the dispenser is provided with at least one hatch, specifically two hatches 1041 and 1042. As previously explained, in this solution, a defined receiving seat 103c may be present on the front of the dispenser portion. Figure 40 When the corresponding hatch is in the closed position of the corresponding loading channel 103, these receiving seats are at least partially occupied by the hatch.

[0274] exist Figures 39-41In the example shown, the aforementioned second light guide element (integratedly indicated by 263), designed to diffuse visible radiation, is at least partially disposed within the aforementioned seat 103c and preferentially extends along at least a portion of the peripheral area of ​​the seat itself that is not occupied by a hatch. According to an alternative embodiment, the second light guide element may be at least partially disposed below corresponding hatches 1041, 1042, wherein the hatches are at least partially made of a transparent material and / or provided with features designed to allow the optical signal to be seen. The light guide element may also be disposed in locations other than those illustrated, such as locations near the loading opening of the slot in any case, for example, near or beside a seat of the type indicated by 103c and / or near or beside a hatch of the type indicated by 1041 or 1042, or again beside a plug that closes the loading opening.

[0275] Returning to the example shown, the second light guide element 263 thus extends at least partially in the gap between the laterally facing surfaces of the seat 103c and the hatch 1041 or 1042, so that at least one corresponding surface is directly exposed even when the hatch is in the closed position within the corresponding seat. It will thus be appreciated that, in this embodiment, it is not necessary for the emitting end of each first guide element to be directly visible at the front of the removable dispenser portion 100, but rather as in… Figure 3 and Figure 5 The situation described in the text.

[0276] In a preferred embodiment, the second light guide element 263 extends, for example, in the form of a frame, along several connected sides of the seat 103c and the hatch 1041 or 1042. Clearly, the chosen shape can vary widely relative to the illustrative shape depending on the location chosen for the second light guide element 263 (e.g., U-shaped, L-shaped, circular, semi-circular, polygonal, etc.).

[0277] Figure 42 The illustration depicts an element 263 shaped like a frame with four sides, including two upright portions 263a and two transverse portions 263b, which are relatively thin to define a substantially quadrilateral shape. It can be noted, for example, in... Figure 40 and Figure 41 In this case, the frame element 263 is installed in a fixed position within the seat 103c (e.g., glued, joined, welded, interference-fitted, or fixed by riveting of the parts), wherein the upright portion 263a is positioned against the corresponding lateral surface of the seat 103c; preferably, the upright portion 263a has an exposed surface between the upper portion 101a of the hollow body 101 and the corresponding hatch 1041 or 1042.

[0278] The upper transverse portion 263b is located at the upper end of the seat 103c, abutting against its bottom, and in any case has an exposed surface at the upper edge of the hollow body 101. Alternatively, the lower transverse portion 263b is located at the lower end of the seat 103c, abutting against its bottom, and this lower transverse portion also has its lower surface at the step D ( Figure 41 The step, located between seat 103c and hatch 1041 or 1042, may be exposed, with the step defined between the upper portion 101a and the lower portion 101b of the hollow body 101. In the example, considering the presence of the lower lateral portion 263b, its connection area with the upright portion 263a has a suitable forming element 263c to prevent interference with the lower hinge device of hatch 1041 or 1042.

[0279] exist Figure 42 Other components that are visible in isolation in the signaling arrangement include the light source 260 (also mounted on card 250), the optical transmission element 207, and the first optical guide element 261.

[0280] In this embodiment, and as in Figures 43-44 As can be seen, the first optical guide element 261 can be compared Figure 37 The case shown is shorter, and its output end 261b is preferably tilted to guide the visible radiation at the output into the second light guide element 263. Furthermore, from... Figures 43-44 It can be noted that in this embodiment, the mounting bases 262a-262b of the first light guide element 261 can be closed at the front via corresponding portions of the front wall of the hollow body 101. From Figure 44 It can be noted that in the hollow body 101, especially in its front body piece (1011, Figure 3-4 In the first light guide element 261, how is the internal channel 120 defined so that at least a portion of the emitting end 261b of the first light guide element 261 can face the corresponding portion of the second light guide element (here, the upright portion 263a).

[0281] In various embodiments, the first light guide element 261 and the second light guide element 263 extend substantially laterally relative to each other, as in Figure 44 The example illustrates this. For this reason, the emitting end 261b of the first light guide element 261 is preferably tilted, for example, having an angle of approximately 45°. Generally, the first light guide element 261 will have an emitting end 261b that at least partially faces the corresponding portion of the second light guide element 263, and the emitting end 261b is in any case shaped to enable optical connection between the light guide elements 261 and 263. However, the two light guide elements 261 and 263 may also be fixed relative to each other (e.g., engaged via a snap-fit ​​action) or made as a single piece.

[0282] For example Figure 42 and Figure 43 And as in Figures 37-38 In this embodiment, light emitted by the light source 206 illuminates the incident end 207a of the light transmission element 207, and then exits from the corresponding exit end 207b to illuminate the incident end 261a of the first light guide element 261. In this case, due to the presence of the internal channel 120 ( Figure 44 The visible radiation is then directed from the emitting end 261b of the first light guide element 261 toward the second light guide element 263. The radiation (preferably light radiation with variable color or intensity) then propagates within the second element 263 and along the base 103c. Figure 40 (i.e., the periphery of hatch 1041 or 1042) diffuses so that it can be perceived at the front of the removable dispenser section.

[0283] It should be noted that, although preferred, the transmitter device disposed on the fixed distributor portion 200 does not necessarily have to include an optical transmission element of the type indicated by 207, especially if the light source 260 is mounted on the aforementioned fixed portion directly facing the incident end 261a of the first light guide element 261.

[0284] Figures 39-44 The illustrative configuration allows the user to clearly see, for example, when the filling opening of the tank can be freely opened (e.g., for filling or filling) and / or when it cannot be freely opened, using different colors and / or intensities of radiation or light. In this way, it is possible, for example, to prevent the risk of excessive manual pressure on the hatch or stopper to prevent malfunction of the dispenser or its components, which is prevented from opening or being removed by the blocking / unblocking arrangement described above. Similarly, the illustrative light guide configuration can be used in this way to clearly highlight possible malfunction conditions (e.g., incorrect or contaminated cleaning agent has been introduced into the tank), allowing the user to intervene promptly, for example, by removing the problematic tank and cleaning it.

[0285] As previously mentioned, in various embodiments, the dispenser includes at least one tank, with a level sensor preferably operatively associated with said at least one tank; additionally or alternatively, in various preferred embodiments, a sensor operatively associated with said at least one tank may be present for detecting at least one characteristic of the substance contained in the tank, other than the level, and particularly its qualitative characteristics. In this description and the appended claims, “qualitative characteristic” means a property or property associated with the type or composition of a substance, such as chemical, physical, or electrical properties. Detection of qualitative characteristics can prove useful for identifying the type of substance, or its potential contamination or mixing with another substance, or its potential degradation. Such detection can, for example, enable the limitation of potential risks arising from incorrect operation by the user when filling the tank, which may result in damage to the dispenser or dishwasher, or poor washing results.

[0286] For example, mass sensors have proven useful in identifying whether the substance contained in the tank is the correct substance (i.e., whether it corresponds to the substance that the tank in question is effectively dedicated to). Consider, for example, a user who, due to error and without awareness, introduces liquid rinse additive (rinse agent) into a tub instead of the detergent specifically for liquid cleaning: In this state, a dishwashing program might subsequently begin, which would have extremely adverse effects (both in terms of reduced cleaning efficiency and the generation of large amounts of persistent foam in tub 3). This could even jeopardize the operation of dishwasher 1 (the foam might seep into the ventilation ducts until it penetrates the dishwasher door, where the foam formed by conductive liquids (such as rinse agent) could cause short circuits between the dishwasher's electrical components, or the foam could enter the home environment). Similar considerations can be made regarding: mixing two different cleaning agents in the same tub, or the cleaning agent being contaminated with different substances, such as being diluted with water (which could reduce cleaning efficiency), or mixing with two different cleaning agents (where uncontrolled reactions between different chemical compounds could produce harmful substances). In any case, it should be noted that this quality sensor is associated with the dispenser body and is designed to detect the properties of the substance before dispensing it.

[0287] The signals supplied by the quality sensors of the aforementioned type can be readily used by the circuitry of a distributor or dishwasher to provide the user with appropriate indications (obviously through the electrically powered machine), such as audible warnings (e.g., via a buzzer) and / or visual warnings (e.g., using a light warning system of the type previously illustrated).

[0288] In various embodiments, the mass sensor device includes: a sensing element having at least two electrodes pre-arranged for contact with a corresponding cleaning agent; and a circuit arrangement configured to measure the value of at least one electrical quantity between the at least two electrodes. The circuit arrangement, implemented on a dispenser or in the machine's control system, is configured to compare the measured value of the at least one electrical quantity with at least one corresponding reference value, and thus generate information representing the qualitative characteristics of the cleaning agent. Such a sensor may also be pre-arranged to obtain a measurement of the liquid level, as illustrated below.

[0289] Figures 45-46 The figures schematically illustrate possible embodiments of the aforementioned type of mass sensor, and are partial views (front view and sectional perspective view, respectively) of the lower region of the fixed dispenser portion 200 (and particularly its body 201). Reference has been made to the aforementioned figures. Figure 11 Some of the components described are therefore visible. It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, the representation of the previously described peristaltic pump has been omitted in these figures; however, the attachment 218 to which such a pump can be connected is clearly visible.

[0290] As previously mentioned, inlet 210 preferably includes at least one cylindrical tubular portion to enable connection to the corresponding tubular outlet 112 of groove R1 (see example). Figure 4 In this way, while the dispenser 10 is in operation, the inlet 210 is filled with cleaning agent from the tank R1. Figure 46 What is visible is the aforementioned cylindrical tubular portion marked 210a, and the corresponding bottom wall 210b (see also...). Figure 12 In various embodiments (such as, Figures 45-46 In the embodiment shown in the figure, the sensing element 270 of the sensor device is located at the inlet 210, and the sensor device is configured to detect at least one qualitative characteristic of the cleaning agent from the tank R1.

[0291] In the example, the sensing element 270 includes at least two electrodes 2701 and 2702 that protrude into the volume of the inlet 210. These electrodes are preferably made of metal and are designed to be in direct contact with a cleaning agent, for example, when the detected electrical quantity is impedance, conductivity, or capacitance.

[0292] Preferably, the at least two electrodes 2701 and 2702 each have a corresponding axis extending substantially along the depth dimension Z of the dispenser 10; in these embodiments, the electrodes extend substantially parallel to each other. The axes of the at least two electrodes are preferably spaced apart from each other by a distance between 2 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm. In various embodiments (such as the illustrated embodiment), the sensing element 270 includes two electrodes 2701 and 2702 that are substantially at the same height as the height dimension Y of the dispenser 10. Of course, the length and position of the electrodes 2701 and 2702 are such that they occupy only a portion of the inlet 210 along the depth (dimension Z) so as not to constitute the insertion of a tubular portion (112a) into the inlet itself. Figure 4 The tubular portion forms the corresponding outlet of the groove R1 and is located on the rear of the removable dispenser portion 100.

[0293] In the example, electrodes 2701 and 2702 are driven in a fluid-impermeable manner into corresponding through-holes disposed in the bottom 210b of the inlet, and for this purpose have an adjacent flange 271, which may also perform a sealing function. In addition to or as an alternative to flanges, electrodes 2701 and 2702 may be provided with corresponding sealing rings. Instead of driving, fixation between the dispenser body and the electrodes can be achieved by overmolding the former onto the latter. Electrodes 2701 and 2702 may comprise conductive polymers, such as polymers having conductive fillers (e.g., powders or metal fibers and / or containing carbon fibers). Electrodes 2701 and 2702 may also have shapes different from those illustrated. Possibly, if the electrodes are designed for measuring electrical quantities that do not imply direct contact with a substance (e.g., capacitance measurement), these electrodes may be isolated from the liquid substance, for example, coated with an electrically insulating material: in this case, it is sufficient to arrange the coated electrodes such that they can be at least partially immersed in the substance.

[0294] In other embodiments, the sensing element may be constructed as a separate module, connected in a sealed manner to the rear portion of the inlet, and provided with a suitable mounting opening for this purpose (this variation will be described below).

[0295] Refer again Figure 46 The example shown (see also) Figure 12 The portions of electrodes 2701 and 2702 that protrude from the inlet 210 at the rear may be at least partially surrounded by a shaped member 210c (preferably cylindrical), for example, to define a circuit arrangement for connecting the sensing element 270 to the dispenser 10 or an electrical connector for connecting to the control system CS of the dishwasher.

[0296] In various embodiments, the circuit layout of the dispenser 10 or the control system CS of the dishwasher 1 uses the value of the electrical quantity measured between electrodes 2701 and 2702 of the sensing element 270 to assess the correctness or quality of the substance present at the inlet 210 or the cleaning agent contained in the corresponding tank. For this purpose, the aforementioned circuit layout of the dispenser or the control system CS of the dishwasher 1 preferably includes a memory device in which the value or reference range of the electrical quantity in question (e.g., in tabular form) is stored, representing those cleaning agents considered correct for a specific tank (here, tank R1).

[0297] The circuit arrangement thus compares the value of the quantity detected via sensing element 270 with a stored reference value, and thus controls the generation of appropriate audible and / or visual warnings, as previously mentioned. For example, if the detected detergent corresponds to one of the detergents encoded in the memory device, the warning system is not activated, or is activated in a first mode (e.g., a short intermittent sound or a green light); conversely, the warning system is activated, or is activated in a second mode (e.g., a continuous sound or a red light). As already stated, the aforementioned circuit arrangement may be implemented, for example, in the card previously identified by 250 (including microcontroller 251), or in the control system CS of the dishwasher 1.

[0298] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the electrical quantity detected between the at least two electrodes 2701 and 2702 of the sensing element 270 is impedance. Some possible detection modes based on impedance measurements will also be described below with reference to alternative sensor types.

[0299] Of course, for reference Figures 45-46 The mass sensor of the type described may be located at inlet 211, to which slot R2 will be connected, for example, at the rear of its tubular portion 211a (see example). Figure 12 ).

[0300] As seen in various embodiments, the dispenser includes a fixed dispenser portion and a removable dispenser portion, the removable dispenser portion including a hollow body defining at least one tank, wherein at least one first wall of the hollow body is designed to at least partially face at least one second wall of the fixed dispenser portion, and the dispenser includes at least one sensor device configured to supply an electrical signal representing at least one of the liquid level and qualitative characteristics of the contents of the at least one tank. In this embodiment, the at least one sensor device is at least partially arranged on the fixed dispenser portion. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device is entirely arranged on the fixed dispenser portion.

[0301] In various embodiments, the at least one slot preferably has an outlet in the wall of the hollow body in its lower portion, which can be detachably coupled to a corresponding inlet present in the wall of the fixed dispenser portion: in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the sensor device is arranged substantially at the inlet, or in a corresponding housing in fluid communication with the inlet.

[0302] You can also refer to what has already been considered. Figures 45-46 To explain this solution, a sensing element 270 is arranged at a tubular inlet 210 of a fixed dispenser section 200, which is designed to removably receive a corresponding tubular outlet 112 of a removable dispenser section 100. Figure 4 In this way, as will be understood, the sensor device can be fully mounted on the fixed dispenser portion 200 of the dispenser 10, thus enabling the removable portion 100 to be removed without problems and without having to provide other components of the sensor (such as, Figure 6-8 (The floating body). Of course, for this purpose, the sensing element 270 does not necessarily have to be installed at the inlet 210; it may actually be located, at least in part, in a corresponding housing separate from the inlet 210, for example, in a specially provided chamber defined by the body 201 and connected to the inlet 210 in fluid communication (this solution will be described below for piezoelectric type sensors).

[0303] Although detection of the contents of the removable dispenser portion (i.e., the contents of the at least one slot R1 or R2) is achieved, the preferred configuration having at least one sensor device disposed on the fixed dispenser portion makes it possible to facilitate and / or guarantee the reliability of the corresponding electrical connections, provided that a fixed electrical connection (e.g., wiring) is provided between the dishwasher and the fixed dispenser portion. It is also apparent that the concept of mounting the entire sensor on the fixed dispenser portion relates to the already mentioned mounting of the sensing element 270 at the inlet 211 (e.g., at the rear of its tubular portion (see example...)). Figure 47 The possibility of )) also applies.

[0304] For the purpose of producing a liquid level sensor, it is also advantageous to use a solution that provides a sensing element having at least two electrodes, said at least two electrodes being designed to be at least partially immersed in a cleaning agent.

[0305] Regarding the installation of a sensing element 270 at the inlet 211 for the contents of the slot previously marked R2, Figure 47 This embodiment is illustrated in the example. Of course, alternatively, a similar sensing element can be installed at the inlet 210 for the contents of the slot previously indicated by R1.

[0306] exist Figure 47In the example, sensing element 270 includes two electrodes 2701 and 2703, arranged at the bottom 211b of the inlet 210 and the corresponding lower extension 211c (described previously), these electrodes being at different heights relative to the height dimension (Y) of distributor 10. Electrodes 2701 and 2703 can be constructed in a manner similar to the electrodes described above, and are therefore made of, for example, metallic or other conductive materials (possibly coated with an insulator, e.g., in the case of capacitance measurement), and each electrode has a corresponding axis extending substantially along the depth dimension (Z) of distributor 10, preferably parallel to each other and spaced apart by a distance indicatively included between 3 mm and 7 mm. Again in this case, the portion of each electrode 2701 and / or 2703 extending into the inlet 211 will have a certain length and position so as not to constitute an obstruction to the tubular outlet 113 inserted into the corresponding slot R2 (see [reference needed]). Figure 4 ).

[0307] Also in Figure 47 In the case of the liquid level sensor illustrated in the example, the circuit layout of the dispenser 10 or the dishwasher 1 uses the value of the electrical quantity measured between the electrodes 2701 and 2703 of the sensing element 270 to assess the liquid level of the cleaning agent present in the inlet 211, which represents the liquid level of the cleaning agent also contained in the corresponding tank R2, particularly the threshold liquid level.

[0308] The aforementioned circuit arrangement may therefore include a memory device in which at least one reference value of the electrical quantity in question, for example representing the value indicating that the two electrodes 2701 and 2703 are simultaneously in contact with the cleaning agent in question (or more generally, with a liquid or semi-solid substance), is stored. The value indicating that the two electrodes 2701 and 2703 are simultaneously in contact with the cleaning agent can thus indicate, for example, the cleaning agent level exceeding a minimum value.

[0309] Therefore, the circuit arrangement compares the value of the quantity detected by the electrodes 2701 and 2703 of the sensing element 270 with the stored at least one reference value. It will be understood that when both electrodes 2701 and 2703 are in contact with the cleaning agent, the measured electrical quantity will have a first value; instead, when the cleaning agent level in the inlet 211 and the corresponding lower extension 211c is below the height of the electrodes 2703 or is included between the two electrodes 2701 and 2703 (i.e., where the upper electrode 2703 is in the air), or when both electrodes 2701 and 2703 are in the air, the measured electrical quantity will have a second value, which is clearly distinguishable from the first value.

[0310] This intermediate liquid level between the two electrodes (and therefore below the upper electrode) can be considered to indicate a low level of cleaning agent in tank R2 (considering that outlet 113 is located in the lower region of tank R2), and therefore requires refilling. From this perspective, the lowest point of the reference height dimension (Y) of electrode 2703 marks the lowest level of cleaning agent, below which it will be necessary to refill with cleaning agent.

[0311] Based on the comparison between the measured value and the at least one reference value, the control arrangement structure will accordingly control the generation of appropriate audible and / or visual warnings (such as the previously mentioned audible and / or visual warnings). Similarly, in the case of liquid level detection, the electrical quantity detected between the at least two electrodes 2701 and 2703 of the sensing element 270 can be impedance, conductivity, or capacitance.

[0312] Understand and refer to Figure 47 The described level sensor can be used as a previous reference. Figure 6-8 This describes an alternative to the floating level sensor. In other aspects, this floating level sensor can be compared with the reference... Figures 45-46 The described mass sensors are used in combination.

[0313] As seen in various embodiments, the dispenser includes: a body, with at least one tank defined within the body, the at least one tank being capable of holding a corresponding cleaning agent in liquid or semi-solid form; and at least one sensor device configured to provide information indicating at least one of the liquid level and qualitative characteristics of the cleaning agent. In this advantageous embodiment, the sensor device includes: a sensing element comprising at least two electrodes pre-arranged for contact with the cleaning agent; and a circuit arrangement configured to measure a value of at least one electrical quantity between the at least two electrodes and compare the measured value of the at least one electrical quantity with at least one corresponding reference value to generate information indicating at least one of the liquid level and qualitative characteristics of the cleaning agent.

[0314] In various preferred embodiments, the sensing element of the sensor device includes at least three electrodes, and particularly includes a first electrode and a second electrode preferably at the same height, and a third electrode at a height higher than the first and second electrodes. In this embodiment, the circuit arrangement associated with the sensing element can be configured as follows:

[0315] - Measure the value of at least one electrical quantity between the first electrode and the second electrode, and compare the measured value with the at least one corresponding reference value to generate information representing the qualitative characteristics of the cleaning agent; and

[0316] - Measure the value of at least one electrical charge between the third electrode and one of the first and second electrodes, and compare the measured value with the at least one corresponding reference value to generate information indicating the liquid level of the cleaning agent.

[0317] As can be understood, the above-mentioned types of sensor devices can be combined with the previous aspect of reference. Figures 45-46 And on the other hand, refer to Figure 47 It is obtained through the concept of expression. In fact, Figures 48-49 The figure illustrates this embodiment, in which the sensing element 270 of the sensor device includes electrodes 2701, 2702, and 2703, with electrodes 2701 and 2702 at the same height available for use according to a previous reference. Figures 45-46 The explained principle is used for quality inspection, and the upper electrode 2703 can be combined with either the lower electrodes 2701 and 2702 for use according to a previous reference. Figure 47 The explained principle is used for liquid level detection.

[0318] Therefore, the above-mentioned sensor devices can detect both incorrect filling or filling of the tank (e.g., introducing additives instead of cleaning agents) and the depletion of cleaning agents.

[0319] If available Figures 48-49 As seen in this embodiment, the electrodes can be positioned essentially like a triangle, with one side (corresponding to electrodes 2701 and 2702) set horizontally, and the upper vertex (corresponding to electrode 2703) set at a higher level. The first of the two electrodes 2701 and 2702 at the base vertex (e.g., electrode 2701) serves as a common or reference electrode, while a second electrode (e.g., electrode 2702) located at the other base vertex, together with the common or reference electrode, is used for mass detection; a third electrode (here, electrode 2703 at the upper vertex), together with the common or reference electrode, is used for level detection. It should be noted that instead of a common electrode for implementing both level sensing and mass sensing functions, the sensor can be conceived to have at least two different electrodes for each of the aforementioned functions.

[0320] The electrodes of the sensing element 270 can be obtained in various ways, such as by means of the element illustrated in the figure. However, in other embodiments, the at least two electrodes of the sensing element can be obtained by screen printing metallic ink onto a corresponding electrically insulating substrate (e.g., alumina, plastic, or vetronite), or by means of typical techniques used in circuit production (e.g., composed of multilayer photolithographic copper and vetronite). Alternatively, it is possible to use thin-film deposition techniques, such as vacuum evaporation, sputtering, etc., on a suitable electrically insulating substrate. Of course, this also applies to... Figures 44-46 and Figure 47 The sensing element 270. As already mentioned, the electrodes may also be coated with an electrically insulating layer.

[0321] As already explained, the electrical quantity (e.g., impedance) measured between the two pairs of electrodes (2701-2702 and 2701-2703) will vary depending on the fluid positioned between them, such that the different properties of the fluid will cause different responses between each pair of electrodes. The fluids under consideration are those typically of interest to dishwasher dispensers, such as detergents and liquid or semi-solid (gel) additives, water, vinegar, and air.

[0322] Figure 50 and Figure 51 The use of the diagram is illustrated in the example. Figures 48-49 The impedance measurement results implemented by the structure of the sensing element 270 of the type shown are illustrated, wherein the electrodes are made of steel, have a diameter of approximately 2 mm, and are positioned approximately 5 mm apart (measured between the central axes of the electrodes). The horizontal axis indicates the frequency (expressed in Hertz), while the vertical axis indicates the impedance (expressed in Ohms). The given values ​​cover a wide frequency range from 200 Hz to 10 MHz.

[0323] Figure 50 The graphs present the results of tests (i.e., quality tests) performed between two base electrodes 2701 and 2702 for three different substances: water (curve H2O), commercially available liquid detergent (WD), and commercially available liquid brightener (WA). It can be noted that the impedance values ​​measured in the three cases allow for a clear distinction between detergent, brightener, and water. It should be noted that the actual curve indicated by WD was obtained by measuring the commercially available detergent in gel form.

[0324] Instead, Figure 51 The graphs provide the results of detections (i.e., level detection) performed on the same three substances mentioned above between the common or reference electrode (electrode 2701 in the considered example) and the upper electrode 2703 at the base. These measurements were performed with each of the three substances at an intermediate liquid level between the base electrode and the upper electrode (i.e., where electrodes 2701 and 2702 are in contact with the substance and the upper electrode 2703 is in air). It can be noted that the impedance values ​​measured between the reference electrode 2701 and the upper electrode 2703 at the base are significantly higher than those appearing at the base. Figure 50 The results in the graph show that the three curves tend to overlap as the frequency increases. It should be noted that, in the same case, the curve that is actually the same as the one indicated by WD was obtained by measuring a commercially available cleaning agent in gel form.

[0325] Therefore, it will be understood that using based on Figures 48-49The possible liquid level detection logic performed by the sensing element of the type shown can be envisioned by first measuring the impedance between electrodes (2701-2702) at the same height, followed by measuring the impedance between two electrodes (2701-2703) at different heights. If these two measured values ​​differ clearly (beyond a certain tolerance), it can be inferred that the liquid level is in the middle position between the two electrodes at different heights. If the liquid level drops below electrodes 2701 and 2702, the measured values ​​will be comparable, but much higher than the values ​​measured when the liquid of interest is present, and therefore this situation will be identified as an empty tank based on, for example, a stored table.

[0326] The circuit layout associated with the sensing element 270 may include a microcontroller for the sensing element and at least one drive circuit.

[0327] like Figure 52 As shown, the above circuit arrangement can also be implemented in a controller or electronic card (such as the controller or electronic card previously identified as 250) that may be equipped with a distributor, which is provided with a corresponding microcontroller 251. In the example, the controller or card 250 is configured to be communicatively connected to the control system CS signal of the dishwasher 1.

[0328] according to Figure 52 As an illustrative example, two drive circuits 252a and 252b may also be implemented in the controller or card 250, one drive circuit for the pair of electrodes 2701 and 2702, and the other drive circuit for the pair of electrodes 2701 and 2703. In cases where the sensing element 270 comprises only two electrodes, a single drive circuit may be sufficient.

[0329] Each drive circuit can be obtained in various ways.

[0330] For example, Figure 53 The illustration schematically depicts a scenario where the microcontroller used can generate frequency signals, wherein the driving element for each pair of electrodes of the sensing element 270 may include an operational amplifier OA.

[0331] Amplifier OA has an input (here, an inverting input -), a sensing element 270 connected in series with this input, and a known reference resistor R. r It is connected in parallel between the input (-) and output of operational amplifier OA. For this scheme, Zx is the unknown impedance to be measured between the electrodes of the sensing element 270. The effective drive voltage generated by the microcontroller (by V...) s The value of V is a constant, and therefore the voltage output from operational amplifier OA will depend on the value of Zx. For example, the analog input of a microcontroller can be used to read V. uThe value of this simulated input will be used to calculate V. s and V u The ratio between them that is proportional to Zx.

[0332] Alternatively, if the microcontroller is not pre-configured to generate a frequency output, it is possible to use an oscillating circuit whose resonant frequency is a function of the impedance value measured between the at least two electrodes of the sensing element 270, wherein the microcontroller is pre-configured to detect the impedance value based on the aforementioned resonant frequency.

[0333] Such oscillating circuits can be obtained in any known manner, such as RC networks, LC resonant circuits, or crystal or dielectric resonators, to define their oscillation frequency. RC oscillators are typically used at low frequencies (up to hundreds of kilohertz). Part of this category are oscillators such as Wien bridge oscillators, bridged T-type oscillators, double T-type oscillator networks, and phase-shifted oscillators (PSOs). In LC oscillators, the LC network determines their oscillation frequency. For example, Colpitts, Hartley, Clapp, Armstrong, and Meissner oscillators belong to this category.

[0334] The electrical characteristics between the two electrodes of the sensing element will cause the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit to change, which can be read through the analog or digital input of the microcontroller: in this case, the unknown impedance will be read based on the frequency measurement.

[0335] To check whether there is a possibility of variation in the capacitance component of sensing element 270, a measurement test is performed using an impedance meter in parallel capacitance mode, with a 10-nF capacitor inserted in series with sensing element 270. Figure 54 and Figure 55 The graph illustrates the graph related to... Figures 50-51 The capacitance measurement graphs for the same type of liquid brightener WA and liquid detergent WD in parallel mode are shown. Curves WA1 and WD1 represent measurements taken with the corresponding detergents at different depths covering the two electrodes, while curves WA0 and WD0 represent measurements taken with the same detergent but with the liquid level between the two electrodes. As can be seen from the graphs, curves WA0 and WD0 are actually superimposed, and the measurements reveal clearly detectable differences between various conditions (full / empty and detergent type) over a fairly wide frequency range at relatively low frequencies. For this purpose, Figure 55 Provided in the frequency range between 10kHz and 500kHz Figure 54 Details of the curve graph.

[0336] Using the electrodes described earlier, it is possible to distinguish frequencies around 100 kHz effectively. At these frequencies, many circuit solutions are feasible, including LC and RC circuits suitable for higher frequencies, and even solutions already integrated into microcontrollers. Quartz oscillators can also be used for this purpose. Piezoelectric crystals are used in quartz crystal oscillators due to their natural resonant frequency. The resonant frequency is determined by the cut type and the material shape in the feedback network. For frequency stability, quartz (SiO2) is commonly used; it has a hexagonal prism shape and can be natural or artificial. Small pieces are cut from the crystal according to different arrangements relative to the crystal axis, with different cut types giving the crystal different electrical and mechanical properties. A pair of electrodes of the sensing element 270, connected in series with a fixed and known capacitor, can be connected in parallel to the quartz. Changes in the type and level of the cleaning agent cause variations in the circuit's oscillation frequency.

[0337] For example, Figure 56 This represents a Pierce oscillator using a CMOS inverter as an amplifier. The Pierce oscillator is a modified version of the Colpitts oscillator, in which a quartz crystal (represented by Oq in the diagram) is provided instead of an inductor. For the circuit to function properly, it is necessary for the quartz crystal Oq to act as an inductor, and for this reason, the operating frequency must be included between the series resonant frequency and the parallel resonant frequency. Resistors Rf and R1 are used to fix the operating point of the CMOS inverter. C3 indicates the aforementioned known capacitor connected in series with sensing element 270; capacitor C3 and element 270 are connected in parallel with the quartz crystal Oq.

[0338] The circuit will resonate under the parallel resonant pulsation between the L and C capacitors of the quartz crystal, and the pulsation is C0 + C1·C2 / (C1 + C2). Since capacitor C is smaller than the other three capacitors, it dominates, and therefore the resonant pulsation is f = 1 / (LC). 1 / 2 .

[0339] Any type of sensing element previously indicated by 270 may belong to a sensor module designed for mounting on a dispenser body. From this perspective, the at least two electrodes of such a sensing element may be associated with the same sensor body, configured for mounting on the dispenser body in a fluid-impermeable manner.

[0340] Figures 57-59 The illustration depicts such an example, where the sensor body 280, as a whole, is designated by 280 and is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. A sensing element 270, comprising three electrodes 2701, 2702, and 2703, is associated with this sensor body. Clearly, in the case where the sensing element 270 has only two electrodes (as in...),... Figures 45-46 Neutralize / or Figure 47 (In Chinese), this structure can also be used, and subsequently... Figures 60-61 The same applies to its structure.

[0341] In the example, the sensor body 280 has a tubular outer wall 280a (generally cylindrical in this case) and a bottom wall 280b on which electrodes are mounted. The end of the outer wall 280a opposite to the bottom wall 280b may conveniently define a radially outwardly projecting flange 280c, which may be provided with one or more polarization and / or coupling elements 280d (i.e., elements configured to enable the sensor body 280 to be mounted in a predetermined orientation within the rear portion of the inlet 210 of the dispenser body portion 201).

[0342] In this case, the rear portion of inlet 210 does not have its own bottom wall and is preferably shaped to receive the corresponding portion of sensor body 280, and may also be shaped to define one or more engagement elements. One or more polarization and / or connection elements (such as...) Figure 57 The polarization and / or connecting element (indicated by 221) can also be provided on the body portion defining the inlet 210. The outer wall 280a of the sensor body 280 can conveniently define a corresponding annular sealing element 281. Figure 59 ) seat 280e ( Figure 58 The sensor body 280 may be interference-fitted to the rear portion of the inlet 210, or welded or bonded to the rear portion of the inlet 210 at the flange 280c, or secured by appropriate fastening devices (such as bayonet attachments).

[0343] Figures 60-61 The figure shows a substantially similar embodiment in which the flange 280c of the sensor body 280 is provided with an extension 280d, which, in addition to serving as a polarization element, has a through hole through which a fixing element 210e (e.g., a screw) is received in a corresponding extension 210d of the inlet 210 located at the rear of the inlet itself.

[0344] Of course, based on reference Figures 57-59 or Figures 60-61 The sensor body obtained by expressing the concept can be installed at the inlet 211 of the fixed distributor section 200 even if it has only two electrodes.

[0345] Figure 62The diagram schematically illustrates a possible embodiment of a sensor device, the sensing element 270' of which includes at least one piezoelectric element (indicated by 270a) disposed between two corresponding connecting electrodes 270b. The piezoelectric element 270a and the electrodes 270b may be arranged on corresponding electrically insulating substrates disposed within a sensor body 280 (here having a substantially cylindrical shape). In various embodiments (such as the illustrated embodiment), the sensor body 280 has a dielectric or electrically insulating layer (indicated by 270c) at its front, which will be in contact with the liquid and is designed to isolate electrical components from the substance being measured; layer 270c preferably at least covers the piezoelectric element 270a and its corresponding terminals.

[0346] Figure 62 It is also highlighted how, in various embodiments, the sensor device equipped with the dispenser does not necessarily have to be arranged at the inlet of the fixed dispenser portion, but can instead be disposed in a housing in fluid communication with the inlet. In the example shown, the housing (indicated by 222) (here having a generally cylindrical shape) is defined in the rear portion of the body 201 of the fixed dispenser portion, the housing including a bottom wall 222a (here formed by a section of the bottom wall of the housing 214 for the pump) and a peripheral wall 222b in which the sensor body 280 is mounted.

[0347] As can be noted, housing 222 is connected in fluid communication with inlet 210, particularly via an opening in bottom wall 222a. Suitable sealing devices may be provided between sensor body 280 and housing 222: in this example, sensor body 280 is provided with an annular sealing element 290a at its front to achieve an axial or forward seal relative to a corresponding seat 222c defined within housing 222; in this example, housing 222 is further shaped to define an annular portion 222d on which the front of the sensor device (here, layer 270c) is supported or rests. Sensor body 280 may be fixed within housing 222 according to any known mode.

[0348] Figure 63 and Figure 64 The diagram shows Figure 62Possible embodiments of the functional portion of a sensor of the type shown. In these figures, an electrically insulating substrate of, for example, ceramic type (preferably having a thickness of less than one millimeter) is designated by 270d. The substrate may be made of, for example, alumina and have a thickness included between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, particularly between 0.6 mm and 0.7 mm. In the example, the substrate is provided with a hole 270e, wherein a corresponding electrical terminal 270f, preferably made of metal, is mounted or deposited on the rear side of the substrate 270d. On the front side of the substrate 270d (i.e., the side facing the cleaning agent), a piezoelectric element 270a is provided disposed between two electrodes 270b. In the example, the element 270a is disc-shaped, and the electrodes 270b have corresponding disc-shaped portions, from which a corresponding connecting portion 270b1 extends radially, the connecting portion being designed to contact the terminal 270f via the hole 270e. The piezoelectric material used to obtain element 270a may be, for example, a solid mixture of lead zirconate titanate (PZT); its thickness may be included between 50 μm and 150 μm, particularly about 100 μm; electrode 270b is preferably made of a noble metal (e.g., platinum) and has a thickness included between 5 μm and 30 μm, preferably about 10 μm.

[0349] In various embodiments, the assembly formed by the piezoelectric element and its corresponding electrode is isolated from the cleaning agent. Isolation does not necessarily have to involve the entire front side of the substrate: Figures 63-64 In the illustrative case, for this purpose, a localized dielectric layer 270c is provided, namely, a layer that covers a limited area on the front side of the substrate 270d and beneath which the elements 270a and electrode 270b are located. Layer 270c may have a thickness between 10 μm and 30 μm, particularly approximately 15 μm, and may be made of any dielectric material suitable for this purpose (even a glassy type). For example, in the case of an alumina substrate, layer 270c may be made of a material commercially identified by the code "G-485-2," wherein the base composition is bismuth, silicon, and boron.

[0350] The layers forming the piezoelectric element 270a, electrode 270b and insulating layer 270c can be obtained by any known technique, such as deposition techniques commonly used in the electronics field.

[0351] In all cases, it should be emphasized that the provision of dielectric layer 270c will be considered optional, provided that the entire structure formed by piezoelectric element 270a is conceivable to be in direct contact with the cleaning agent. Figure 65 An example in this sense is schematically illustrated, where two directly exposed groups are associated with the front side of the substrate, each group including a piezoelectric element 270a and two electrodes 270b. From the perspective of improving sensor service life, providing insulation must be considered preferable.

[0352] The piezoelectric sensors of the aforementioned type can be used for both liquid level detection and quality inspection.

[0353] In the case of a sensor having a sensing element 270' of the aforementioned type, the electrical characteristics of the piezoelectric element 270a (such as its impedance) will be affected not only by the electrical characteristics of the medium in which it can be immersed, but also by the mechanical characteristics of the substance being detected (particularly its viscosity and density), taking into account the fact that the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric element 270a will vary depending on whether the layer 270c (which is set against the piezoelectric element 270a itself) is in contact with the liquid substance (in air) and depending on the type of substance (i.e., more or less viscous or more or less dense). Therefore, based on the inverse piezoelectric effect, the circuit considerations previously described can also be applied to such a sensing element. For example, in the case of using a piezoelectric element of the type indicated by 270a, it will be possible to use any circuit configuration of a quartz oscillator (e.g., Figure 56 The same piezoelectric element is used instead of quartz in the circuit configuration shown in the figure (therefore, quartz Oq is basically omitted).

[0354] Very schematically, the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric element 270a will then vary depending on whether the layer 270c in front of the sensing element 270' is in contact (or more or less in contact) with the liquid substance, thereby potentially distinguishing whether the liquid level is above or below a given threshold. On the other hand, based on the vibration frequency, it will also be possible to distinguish whether the aforementioned layer 270c is in contact with a denser / more viscous substance or with a less dense / less viscous substance.

[0355] Figure 66 and Figure 67 The use of the diagram is illustrated in the example. Figures 63-64 The results of impedance measurements performed on a sensing element 270' of the type shown above, which has the preferred characteristics mentioned above. The horizontal axis represents frequency (in Hertz), and the vertical axis represents impedance (in Ohms). The given values ​​cover a wide low-frequency range from 200 Hz to 300 Hz.

[0356] Figure 66 The graph provides information on what appears to be... Figure 50 The results of quality testing for the three liquid substances (i.e., water (curve H2O), commercially available liquid detergent (WD), and commercially available liquid brightener (WA)) are presented. It can be noted that the impedance values ​​measured in all three cases make it possible to clearly distinguish between detergent / brightener and water. On the other hand, Figure 67The graph shows the results of the detection using an electrode 270b formed integrally from a piezoelectric element 270a and not immersed in the liquid (i.e., in the air): From Figure 66 and Figure 67 In the comparison, it is therefore easy to notice how the sensing element 270' makes it possible to clearly distinguish the presence or absence of liquid, that is, to distinguish whether the liquid substance is above or below a threshold liquid level that is essentially determined by the position of the piezoelectric element.

[0357] As previously mentioned, while providing a dielectric material layer 270c is preferred, it does not constitute an essential characteristic. Figures 68-69 The curve and Figures 66-67 The graph is similar, but regarding its use with Figures 63-64 Impedance detection is performed by a sensing element 270' similar to that of a sensitive element, except that there is no corresponding layer 270c: as can be understood, it is also possible to distinguish the type of liquid substance and its presence or absence in front of the piezoelectric element in these cases.

[0358] In possible variant embodiments, a sensor may be provided whose sensing element 270' utilizes both the forward (direct) piezoelectric effect and the inverse piezoelectric effect. Figure 65 The diagram schematically illustrates this situation, where two piezoelectric elements with corresponding connecting electrodes 270b are associated with a substrate 270d: the first element 270a is supplied with a predefined voltage to induce its vibration via the inverse piezoelectric effect, while the second element is used to generate a potential difference using the forward piezoelectric effect, the value of which depends on the vibration frequency of the first element. This sensor (which can be obtained based on known circuit modes) can therefore also be used to obtain both liquid level information and information about the qualitative properties of the cleaning agent. Figure 65 In some cases, the two groups formed by each free piezoelectric element 270a and the corresponding electrode 270b do not have a layer 270c, but in other types, this layer may be provided.

[0359] The use of piezoelectric sensors can, for example, prove advantageous for distinguishing detergent types based on their physical properties (such as viscosity or density), as already mentioned, these physical properties affect the sensor's response. In this way, for example, it is possible to distinguish whether the detergent WD or additive WA is a liquid or a semi-solid (gel) type. This information can, for example, be used by the dishwasher 1's control system CS to adjust a washing program previously initiated by the user (this, of course, applies to any qualitative type of characteristic that can be detected via other types of sensors described herein).

[0360] Of course, piezoelectric sensors can be equipped with each of the two slots R1 and R2.

[0361] In various embodiments, at least one sensor device equipped with the dispenser is an optical type sensor, i.e., having a sensitive element including at least one electromagnetic radiation emitter and at least one electromagnetic radiation receiver.

[0362] Figures 70-72 This possible embodiment is schematically illustrated. Referring to the illustrative example, the optical sensor (integrally designated by 500) is preferably constructed as a module designed to be mounted on the fixed distributor portion 200, for example at one of the inlets 210 or 211 or the corresponding housing 222, as previously described, preferably wherein at least one annular sealing element is inserted. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor body may be integrated into or defined by the body of the fixed distributor portion 200.

[0363] In a non-limiting example, the sensor body comprises two main portions (designated by 501 and 502), which are preferably joined together in a hermetically sealed manner and are made of, for example, a plastic material. In the example, the body portion 501 has a generally cylindrical configuration and may have a flange 501b at its distal end. A sensing element is mounted on the proximal end of the body portion 501, and the sensing element includes at least one electromagnetic radiation (such as visible radiation) emitter 270a' and at least one radiation receiver 270b'; the emitter may be, for example, an emitter diode, and the at least one receiver may include at least two different receivers, such as photodetectors or photodiodes adapted to detect light emission generated by the emitter. In an alternative embodiment, the receiver 270b' may be a single receiver of the CMOS array type, comprising a linear series or array of individual pixels, each pixel being composed of a photodetector.

[0364] In the example, the body portion 502 primarily functions as a housing and, for this purpose, has a hollow cylindrical shape to receive the cylindrical portion of the body portion 501 within it. The body portion 502 then has a peripheral wall 502a and a bottom wall 502b, the bottom wall having a through opening 502c. The two body portions 501 and 502 are joined together, preferably with a sealing device inserted therein. In the example, the connection between the two portions is a threaded connection, and for this purpose, the cylindrical portion of the body portion 501 has a male thread on its outer side, which is designed to engage with a corresponding female thread (not visible) provided on the inner side of the peripheral wall 502a of the body portion 502.

[0365] An optical element 503 is provided at the top of the body portion 501, and in particular, the optical element functions as an optical prism. For this purpose, the body portion 501 may be shaped to define a positioning or pad element 501c for the optical element 503. The optical element 503 may be made, for example, of polycarbonate or other materials that are transparent to the light radiation emitted by the emitter 270a'. In the example, the element 503 has a front wall 503a, a peripheral wall 503b, and a rear wall 503c, the rear wall being designed to face the emitter 207a' and the receiver 207b'. In the example, the optical element has at least an approximately truncated conical shape, but this does not constitute an essential characteristic.

[0366] The formed annular sealing element, designated 504, is designed to be disposed between the optical element 503 and the body portion 502; the through-hole of the sealing element 504 preferably has a profile congruent to the profile of the outer wall 503b of the optical element 503, and thus, in this example, has a substantially truncated conical profile. As can be understood from the figures, in the assembled state of the sensor 500, the sealing element 504 is arranged in such a way that a seal is provided between the body portions 501 and 502 and the optical element 503, such that the front wall 503a of the element 503 can face the liquid through the opening 502c in the body portion 502 without any risk of penetration toward the interior of the sensor 500.

[0367] In various embodiments, the operation of sensor 500 is based on optical laws relating to the refraction / reflection of optical radiation, and particularly on the critical angle principle of total internal reflection. More specifically, this operating principle is based on the dependence of the refractive index of a liquid substance on its composition or concentration: thus, utilizing the principle of total internal reflection at the interface between the liquid to be analyzed (i.e., the cleaning agent) and the solid material of optical element 503, the measurement is based on the jump of index between the two media.

[0368] exist Figures 70-72 In this configuration, the transmitter 270a' and receiver 270b' are arranged in the same plane, also for representational purposes; in this configuration, the optical element 503 may be suitably shaped to define an appropriate reflection / refractive angle between the transmitter 270a', the receiver 270b' and the interface wall represented by the front surface of the optical element 503.

[0369] In various embodiments, the transmitter 270a' and receiver 270b' instead have corresponding transmitting and receiving functional portions, which are generally facing each other but arranged at an angle relative to each other, preferably in such a way that the corresponding axes intersect. Figures 73-74The concept is schematically illustrated in the diagram, wherein transmitter 270a' and receiver 270b' are arranged according to their respective planes forming an angle α between them, which is preferably less than 90°; instead, two planes pass through the axes β of the receiver and transmitter, respectively (thus meaning that the two planes are orthogonal to each other). Figures 73-74 The planes of the paper (the two surfaces of the paper) form an angle between them, preferably greater than 90°. According to the art known per se, the aforementioned angle can be predefined at least based on the plastic material used to obtain the optical element 503 and the type of emitter.

[0370] from Figures 73-74 It can also be noted that the rear surface of the body of optical element 503 preferentially defines two surfaces 503c' and 503c'', which are inclined in opposite orientations, such that the emitter 207a' on one side and the receiver 207b' on the other side face and are substantially parallel to the respective inclined surfaces. Preferably, the inclination angles of surfaces 503c' and 503c'' are calculated in such a way that the optical signal traverses it in a direction as orthogonal as possible to the incident and exit surfaces of the light, in order to minimize reflections at the air-solid interface and the solid-air interface, respectively.

[0371] In operation, emitter 207a' illuminates the interface surface (represented by the front wall 503a of element 503) at an angle of interest approximately equal to the critical angle and therefore at an incident rate greater than or less than the critical angle. In this way, it is possible to identify two regions: one affected by total internal reflection (associated with reflected light with an incident rate greater than the critical angle), and the other affected by a lower intensity, illuminated by partial reflection (associated with reflected light with an incident rate less than the critical angle). Therefore, it is possible to obtain an intensity field at the exit port, where the separation between the region significantly illuminated by total internal reflection and the less illuminated region (partial reflection) varies depending on the concentration of the liquid.

[0372] Appeared Figures 73-74 The light rays used only for explanatory and illustrative purposes form part of an illumination field that changes its configuration according to the critical angle (i.e., the refractive index of the liquid substance (i.e., its composition or concentration)).

[0373] In the presence of cleaning agents or other substances having the first component or concentration, it is possible to have Figure 73 The following is a schematic representation: Suppose that the light rays of beam R strike the surface of the interface at an angle equal to the critical angle. Some of these rays will be obtained by total internal reflection of the incident light, while others will be partially refracted (in R1) and partially reflected, in which the "lower" receiver 207b' will be more illuminated by the resulting beam R2. Figure 74This schematically illustrates the case of a substance or cleaning agent having a second composition or concentration (e.g., a lower concentration than in the previous case): the illumination beam R generated by emitter 720a' always illuminates at the same angle, while the critical angle varies (decreases) depending on the composition of the substance. Similarly, in this case, the resulting beam R2 will therefore include both totally reflected and partially reflected light, but with a greater illumination intensity at the "upper" receiver 270b'.

[0374] As can be seen, in practice, the optical element 503 is configured to facilitate the propagation of optical radiation through refraction and / or reflection from the at least one emitter 270a' to the at least one receiver 270b', such that the radiation propagates at least partially through the element 503 toward the at least one receiver 270b' at an angle and / or with an intensity that varies according to the qualitative properties of the liquid substance.

[0375] Of course, based on the principles described above, the optical sensor 500 can also be used as a liquid level sensor. In fact, when there is no liquid at the interface, the light beam emitted by the transmitter 270a' will be completely reflected towards the receiver 270b'; however, when liquid is present at the interface, part of the light beam will be refracted in the liquid, thus colliding with the receiver 270b' at a reduced intensity. In this way, it is possible to distinguish whether the liquid level is above or below a preset threshold. Of course, even without utilizing the principle related to the critical angle of total internal reflection, a liquid level detection function can be obtained; that is, it can be based on the simple reflection / refraction of optical radiation.

[0376] In the various embodiments described above, a device for detecting the level of the cleaning agent and / or at least one qualitative characteristic is at least partially disposed at the inlet of the dispenser portion, or in a corresponding housing in fluid communication with the aforementioned inlet. In other embodiments, such a sensor device may alternatively be at least partially disposed in a corresponding detection chamber, or even in a remote location relative to such an inlet, and not directly connected to a corresponding arrangement for delivering the cleaning agent. In this embodiment, the tank has a detection opening that can be detachably and fluid-impermeably coupled relative to an inlet opening present in the fixed dispenser portion, which is in fluid communication with the detection chamber. The detection opening and the inlet opening of the detection chamber are respectively defined in the respective walls of the removable and fixed portions of the dispenser, these walls being designed to face each other in the operating state of the dispenser.

[0377] Figure 75 and Figure 76This type of embodiment is illustrated by way of example, wherein the aforementioned detection opening is indicated by 112', which is preferably defined by tubular portions of the hollow body 101 having a structure similar to that described previously for reference outlets 112 and 113. Instead, the aforementioned detection chambers are indicated by 210', which are not in fluid communication with the inlet of the fixed dispenser portion 200. Chambers 210' are also preferably defined by tubular portions of the body 201 having a structure similar to that described previously for reference inlet 210, having an outer wall portion 210a' and a bottom wall portion 210b', where the sensing element 270 is mounted: however, in this case, chambers 210' are not part of and are not directly connected to the arrangement for dispensing the cleaning agent in question.

[0378] exist Figure 75 In the case of a sensor device, the sensing element 270 includes electrodes 2701, 2703 (and possibly 2702) of the previously described type, provided for direct contact with the liquid substance (e.g., for measuring conductivity or impedance), while Figure 76 In this case, the sensing element 270 includes electrodes 2701, 2703 (and possibly 2702) that are isolated from the liquid substance via an electrical insulating layer 2704 (e.g., for capacitance-type measurements). The opening may also be provided with an automatically actuated check valve of the type previously described.

[0379] Of course, the idea of ​​positioning at least a portion of the sensor device in the detection chamber can also be used in the case of some other type of sensor (such as the piezoelectric sensor or optical sensor described earlier).

[0380] In various embodiments, the level sensor device and / or mass sensor device have a first portion mounted on a removable dispenser portion and a second portion mounted on a fixed dispenser portion, the first portion and the second portion preferably interacting by means of electromagnetic or induced signals or fields.

[0381] Figure 77This embodiment is schematically illustrated, wherein the sensor device shown has a sensing element 270”, which is mounted at the housing 112”, defined within the hollow body 101, and particularly at the closed bottom 112b”. The element 270” includes, for example, circuitry 270a” connected to electrodes 2701, 2703 (and possibly 2702) extending toward the interior of a slot (here, slot R1). Alternatively, a second communication portion of the sensor (indicated by 270b”) is mounted on the outside of the closed bottom 210b” of the housing 210”, defined within the body 201. The communication portion 270b” also includes corresponding circuitry and connection terminals 2705 for electrical connection to a circuit arrangement on a dispenser or dishwasher.

[0382] Housings 112” and 210” may have a tubular structure similar to the tubular structure described previously with reference to outlets 112, 113 and inlets 210, 211, and thus may be releasably connected such that, with the removable dispenser portion 100 and the fixed dispenser portion 200 connected together, the bottom walls 112b” and 210b” substantially face each other. It will be understood that, in this case, housings 112” and 210” then close at the rear, and considering the presence of the bottom walls 112b” and 210b”, these housings are not fluidly connected and are not part of the arrangement for dispensing the cleaning agent contained in the tank R1.

[0383] The data transmission / reception principle between the sensing element 270 (i.e., its circuit 270a) and the communication section 270b (i.e., its circuit) can be similar to that of a passive electric radio frequency device (e.g., an RFID device) without its own power source, for which such passive electric radio frequency devices include a corresponding antenna. These radio frequency devices are known in themselves and do not need to be described in detail herein.

[0384] It will be sufficient to point out here that the power supply voltage for circuit 270a” is supplied by the circuitry of portion 270b”, which operates to generate an electromagnetic field in a known manner, for example via a 125-kHz signal; in practice, the electromagnetic field induces the power supply voltage, which in turn transmits data to the circuitry of portion 270b”. Based on this, level and / or mass detection, similar to the previously described level and / or mass detection, can then be performed via sensing element 270”, and these level and / or mass detections can be wirelessly transmitted to reading portion 270b”, which in turn makes them available for use in the circuitry arrangement on the dispenser or dishwasher 1.

[0385] As previously mentioned, in various embodiments, the dispenser includes at least a portion that can be manually operated by a user, and a locking / unlocking arrangement that is controllable to prevent or allow displacement of the operable portion between its two positions. Such embodiments have previously been illustrated with reference to hatches 1041, 1042, which are equipped with dispensers according to the various embodiments described.

[0386] Such a locking / unlocking system can also be advantageously used to prevent or enable the removal of the removable portion of the dispenser relative to its fixed portion, the removable portion being operable by the user. In this case, the locking mechanism of the arrangement includes at least one retaining element mounted on the fixed dispenser portion in a displaceable manner between a retaining position and a releasing position relative to a retaining opposing element present on the removable dispenser portion.

[0387] Figures 78-82 The diagram schematically illustrates a possible implementation in this sense.

[0388] Original Reference Figure 78 The illustrated arrangement includes a locking mechanism, which is fundamentally similar to the previously referenced... Figures 31-36 The described locking mechanism is similar. In this case, each locking member 2061 and 2062 associates or defines a corresponding retaining element 206c (illustrated herein as a hook) that protrudes forward (along dimension Z) beyond the front side of the positioning and / or guiding forming member 205. On the other hand, corresponding housings or seats 121 are defined at the rear of the hollow body 101, which act as retaining opposing elements, and the element 206c is capable of presenting at least a retaining position and a released position relative to these housings or seats.

[0389] The seat 121 is constructed and positioned such that when the movable dispenser portion 100 is coupled to the fixed dispenser portion 200, at least a portion of each retaining element 206c can protrude into the corresponding seat 121, allowing for angular movement between the retaining and releasing positions. This angular movement is achieved by corresponding angular movements of the locking members 2061, 2062, to which the retaining elements are rotatably fixed. In the example, considering that the angular positions of the two elements 206c for retaining and releasing are different, the element 206c and its corresponding seat 121 on one side and the other element 206c and its corresponding seat 121 on the other side are shaped differently. However, in possible variant embodiments, the retaining element on one side and its corresponding retaining opposite element on the other side may be identical to each other.

[0390] As from Figures 79-82It can also be understood that, in this case, with Figures 31-36 In contrast, cam member 451 defines a more complex cam profile. In an illustrative example, this profile includes: two opposing segments, each extending according to a corresponding circumferential arc, preferably one circumference larger than the other; and two intermediate connecting segments 452c and 452d, which are longer, one (452c) characterized by a recess and the other (452d) characterized by a protrusion.

[0391] Figure 79 Examples illustrate the corresponding Figures 31-32 The state in which the cam member 451 is in an angular position that prevents the locking members 2061 and 2062 from operating the latching / releasing devices 1051 and 1052. In this state, both retaining elements 206c are in an angular position engaged with the retaining opposing element indicated by the seat 121. In this state, the removable dispenser portion 100 cannot therefore be removed from the fixed dispenser portion 200.

[0392] Figure 80 Examples illustrate the corresponding Figures 33-34 The cam member 451 is in an angular position such that locking members 2061 and 2062 respectively prevent the operation of the latch / release device 1052 and instead enable the operation of the latch / release device 1052. In this state, the left retaining element 206c is in an angular position engaged with the corresponding seat 121, while the right retaining element 206c is in an angular position released with respect to the corresponding seat 121; therefore, also in this state, the removable dispenser portion 100 cannot be removed from the fixed dispenser portion 200.

[0393] Figure 81 Examples illustrate the corresponding Figures 35-36 The cam member 451 is in an angular position such that locking members 2061 and 2062 respectively prevent the operation of latch / release device 1051 and instead enable the operation of latch / release device 1052. In this state, the right retaining element 206c is in an angular position released relative to the corresponding seat 121, while the left retaining element 206c is in an angular position engaged relative to the corresponding seat 121; therefore, also in this state, the removable dispenser portion 100 cannot be removed from the fixed dispenser portion 200.

[0394] at last, Figure 82An example is illustrated in the following state: the cam member 451 is in an angular position that allows the locking members 2061 and 2062 to operate the two latching / releasing devices 1051 and 1052. In this state, both retaining elements 206c are in an angular position released relative to their corresponding opposing elements represented by the seat 121. Therefore, in this state, the removable dispenser portion 100 can be removed from the fixed dispenser portion 200.

[0395] To obtain Figure 79 , Figure 80 and Figure 81 The control of actuator 450 for the purpose of positioning can be based on a previous reference. Figures 31-36 The described mode is implemented in a substantially similar manner, and therefore, for example, based on level information obtained by a sensor device equipped with a dispenser and / or based on signals supplied by the control system CS of the dishwasher 1. For example, arrival can be determined when the following conditions (which, on the other hand, are statistically rare) occur. Figure 82 Location: Inside tanks R1 and R2, there is a level of cleaning agent below the corresponding preset minimum liquid level, indicating that it needs to be filled. It can be confirmed that... Figure 82 Another possible scenario is that, for example, an abnormal state is detected by the dispenser's quality sensor regarding the contents of either of the two tanks, such as the presence of rinsing additive WA detected in tank R1, which is used for washing with detergent WD. In this case, regardless of the fill levels of tanks R1 and R2, it is expediently possible to remove the removable dispenser portion 100 to allow cleaning of the tank that has been unintentionally contaminated. Of course, Figure 82 The position can also be obtained by following commands given by the user, such as using a key specifically provided in the control panel of the dishwasher 1.

[0396] Figures 78-82 The operational status of the locked / unlocked layout structure ( Figures 31-36 The operating status can also be notified to the user via any of the instruction arrangement structures (e.g., one of the instruction arrangement structures described above).

[0397] exist Figures 78-82 In the example, the locking / unlocking arrangement is designed to implement a dual function corresponding to the possibility of opening hatches 1041, 1042 and the possibility of removing the removable dispenser portion 100, preferably so that both functions can be obtained using a single electric actuator 450. However, it is clear that these two functions can be separated from each other, for example, by using corresponding electric actuators, or the dispenser may only include the function of blocking / unblocking the removable dispenser portion.

[0398] It should also be noted that, in possible variant embodiments, the locking / unlocking arrangement may be designed to interact with a coupling / separating arrangement that operates between the removable dispenser portion and the fixed dispenser portion (see, for example, Reference). Figure 13-14 As described above, the coupling / separation arrangement can be manually switched from at least the engaged position to the released position to prevent or allow the removal of the removable dispenser portion. In this case, the locking / unlocking arrangement can be constructed, for example, in such a way that, in its operating and non-operating states, the locking mechanism will respectively prevent and allow the coupling / separation arrangement to switch from its engaged position to its released position.

[0399] For example, refer to Figure 78 Similar to the retaining element indicated by 206c, retaining elements may be arranged further downward relative to the case illustrated in the figure and movably mounted to present a first blocking angle position, wherein these retaining elements mechanically interfere with the coupling / separating member 220 (see figure 206c). Figure 9-11 The rotation of the retaining elements, for example at the corresponding recess 220e; and the second release angle position, wherein the angular positions of these retaining elements do not constitute an obstacle to the rotation of the component.

[0400] From the foregoing description, the characteristics and advantages of the cleaning agent dispenser according to the proposed embodiments are clearly apparent, in which the following should be emphasized:

[0401] i) Providing a solution for a reversible peristaltic pump (with a command arrangement associated thereto) makes it possible to deliver two different cleaning agents using the pump itself via two different distribution arrangements;

[0402] ii) A solution that provides a removable dispenser portion defining at least one slot (the outlet of the at least one slot is provided with an automatically actuated check valve) makes it possible to prevent the risk of the corresponding cleaning agent spreading into the environment when the removable dispenser portion is removed from the fixed dispenser portion;

[0403] iii) A solution that provides a specially designed housing for directly exposed cleaning agent tablets on the front of the dispenser simplifies dispenser manufacturing compared to existing technologies, while also simplifying the user's tablet loading process.

[0404] iv) Provide a signaling system solution (in which there are light generating elements on the fixed distributor section and one or more light transmission elements on the removable distributor section) that makes it possible to effectively transmit optical type information at the front of the distributor, which is beneficial to the user and at the same time enables the voltage-exposed components to be positioned in the protected area of ​​the distributor.

[0405] v) Providing a solution for a lock / unlock arrangement structure for a user-operable portion of the dispenser (where the arrangement structure is managed by corresponding logic implemented in the control circuitry) makes it possible to reduce the risk of user errors when using the dispenser, particularly regarding filling it with cleaning agent or removing a portion of the dispenser so that intervention is only necessary when required.

[0406] vi) A solution that provides at least a portion of a sensor device on the fixed dispenser section (particularly at the inlet for cleaning agent in the fixed dispenser section) makes it possible to perform quantitative and / or qualitative detection of the contents of the trough defined in the removable dispenser section, and at the same time makes it possible to simplify electrical connections and position the connections in the protected area of ​​the dispenser.

[0407] vii) A solution that equips the dispenser with a sensor device pre-arranged to detect one or more qualitative properties of the cleaning agent makes it possible to provide information about the type or quality of the cleaning agent contained in the corresponding tank. This information is useful, for example, in preventing or correcting any possible malfunctions caused by user errors regarding the type of cleaning agent or by the degradation of the cleaning agent, or in enabling more efficient control of the processing procedures performed by the dishwasher on which the dispenser is mounted.

[0408] It should be pointed out again that the technical solutions of points i), ii) and vii) can also be implemented in dispensers that do not include removable parts (i.e., dispensers with a dispenser body designed as a whole to be installed in a fixed position).

[0409] Obviously, many variations can be made by those skilled in the art of the branch to which the dispenser described by way of example pertains, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0410] Previously, a system for dispensing cleaning agents (particularly cleaning agents contained in tank R2) has been described, the operation of which is based in part on the displacement of the mounting wall of dispenser 10 between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position (see reference in particular). Figure 6-8 (The content described). However, this is clearly not an essential characteristic, as long as the dispenser 10 can be designed for mounting on a fixed wall of the bucket (such as, Figure 1 On the wall marked by 6. In these cases, the aforementioned delivery system will be modified accordingly, for example, by using any of the technologies described in WO02069779A1, US2002153029A1 and WO0173182A2 filed in the name of the applicant.

[0411] Several sensing elements previously described with reference to different types of sensors can be combined in a single sensor device. From this perspective, for example, the same sensor device may include both an electrode for detecting electrical quantity and a piezoelectric element for detecting physical properties (viscosity or density), or it may include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver for detecting optical types.

Claims

1. A cleaning agent dispenser for a cleaning machine, the cleaning agent dispenser being used to dispense cleaning agent into a cleaning chamber of the cleaning machine, the cleaning agent dispenser comprising a fixed dispenser portion designed for mounting on a wall defining the cleaning chamber of the cleaning machine, and a removable dispenser portion capable of being removably coupled to the fixed dispenser portion. in, The removable dispenser portion includes a hollow body defining at least one tank for a corresponding cleaning agent in liquid or semi-solid form. The fixed distributor portion has a front wall with an inlet. The hollow body has a front wall and a rear wall, and the rear wall of the hollow body is designed to face the front wall of the fixed dispenser portion. The at least one slot has an outlet in its lower portion, the outlet being located in the rear wall of the hollow body, which is designed to face the front wall of the fixed dispenser portion. The outlet is detachably connected to the inlet located on the front wall of the fixed dispenser section, the inlet being fluidly connected to a corresponding dispensing arrangement configured to dispense a specified amount of cleaning agent. At least one retaining valve is installed on the rear wall of the hollow body, at a position corresponding to the outlet of the at least one slot. The retaining valve is configured to be in an open position after being connected between the outlet and the inlet, and to be in a closed position after being separated between the outlet and the inlet.

2. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one holding valve includes a valve member that is pushed toward the closed position by an elastic element.

3. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 2, wherein, The outlet includes a first tubular portion, and the inlet includes a second tubular portion, the first tubular portion being capable of being connected to the second tubular portion along the connection direction of the removable dispenser portion on the fixed dispenser portion.

4. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 3, wherein, The valve member has a first portion that extends axially through the first tubular portion and defines the actuating end of the valve member.

5. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one retaining valve includes a valve member pushed toward the closed position by an elastic element, wherein a first portion of the valve member is opposite the elastic element and is arranged such that: - When the removable dispenser portion is coupled to the fixed dispenser portion, the actuating end abuts against a corresponding impact surface defined in the fixed dispenser portion, such that the valve member resists the action of the elastic element and remains in a retracted position, the at least one retaining valve opening position corresponding to the retracted position, and When the removable dispenser portion is separated from the fixed dispenser portion, the valve member is held in the forward position by the action of the elastic element, and the closed position of the at least one retaining valve corresponds to the forward position. The collision surface is defined by the end wall of the second tubular portion or by a collision element extending within the second tubular portion.

6. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 3, wherein, The valve component has a sealing element adapted to cooperate with the inner surface of a groove surrounding the opening of the first tubular portion.

7. The cleaning agent dispenser according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The front portion of the fixed dispenser portion includes one or more guide elements, and the rear portion of the removable dispenser portion includes one or more guided elements to define a unique connection direction between the outlet and the inlet.

8. The cleaning agent dispenser according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a coupling / separation arrangement designed to hold the removable dispenser portion on the fixed dispenser portion in its operating state, and thus hold the outlet in a coupled state with the inlet.

9. The cleaning agent dispenser according to any one of claims 1-6, comprising at least one sensor device configured to provide an electrical signal representing at least one of the liquid level and qualitative characteristics of the cleaning agent contained in the at least one tank, and wherein, The at least one sensor device is arranged at least partially on the fixed distributor portion, at the inlet or in a corresponding housing in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein the qualitative characteristics refer to chemical or physical characteristics.

10. The cleaning agent dispenser according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising at least one signaling arrangement structure, said signaling arrangement structure including at least one transmitting device on the fixed dispenser portion, said transmitting device being capable of emitting visible radiation, wherein, The emitting device includes a light source and is part of the circuit layout of the cleaning agent dispenser, the circuit layout being configured for connection to a control system of the cleaning machine, the cleaning agent dispenser being mounted on the cleaning machine, and wherein the circuit layout of the cleaning agent dispenser is further configured for controlling the light source based on electrical signals provided by at least one of the sensor device of the cleaning agent dispenser and the control system.

11. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one signaling arrangement further includes a light guide element configured to transmit visible radiation generated by the at least one transmitting device to the front region of the cleaning agent dispenser. The light guide element is located on the removable dispenser portion and is optically coupled to the at least one transmitting device in a detachable manner.

12. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one sensor device includes: a sensing element having at least two electrodes, the sensing element being designed to contact the cleaning agent or at least partially immerse itself in the cleaning agent; and a circuit arrangement configured to measure a value of at least one electrical quantity between the at least two electrodes, the circuit arrangement being configured to compare the measured value of the at least one electrical quantity with at least one corresponding reference value, and thereby generate an electrical signal representing at least one of the liquid level and qualitative characteristics of the cleaning agent.

13. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one sensor device includes: a sensing element having at least two electrodes, the sensing element being designed to contact the cleaning agent or at least partially immerse itself in the cleaning agent; and a circuit arrangement configured to measure a value of at least one electrical quantity between the at least two electrodes, the circuit arrangement being configured to compare the measured value of the at least one electrical quantity with at least one corresponding reference value, and thereby generate an electrical signal representing at least one of a liquid level and a qualitative characteristic of the cleaning agent, wherein the qualitative characteristic refers to a chemical or physical property.

14. The cleaning agent dispenser according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The hollow body defines a first tank for a first cleaning agent in liquid or semi-solid form and a second tank for a second cleaning agent in liquid or semi-solid form, each of the first and second tanks having an outlet detachably connected to a corresponding inlet, the inlet being fluidly connected to a dispensing arrangement, and wherein a retaining valve is installed at each outlet on the hollow body.

15. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 4, wherein, The actuating end protrudes beyond the proximal edge of the first tubular portion.

16. A household cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning agent dispenser according to any one of claims 1-15.

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