Detergent dispensers for dishwashers

Abstract

A detergent dispenser for a cleaning machine comprises: a first tank (R1) capable of containing a first detergent in liquid or semi-solid form; and a first dispensing arrangement configured to dispense a first dosage of the first detergent. The first dispensing arrangement comprises a peristaltic pump configured to be driven in a first rotational direction to cause the first dosage of the first detergent to be delivered. The dispenser (10) further comprises: a second tank capable of containing a second detergent, in particular a second detergent in liquid or semi-solid form; and a second dispensing arrangement (410) configured to dispense a second dosage of the second detergent. The peristaltic pump has associated with it a command arrangement (420, 430) of the second dispensing arrangement (410), the peristaltic pump (400) configured to be driven in a second rotational direction to drive the command arrangement (420, 430) to cause the second dosage of the second detergent to be dispensed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent dispenser for a washing machine, in particular a domestic dishwasher, and more particularly to a dispenser designed to be mounted on one of the walls defining the washing chamber of the dishwasher. The invention has been developed with particular reference to a multi-dose dispenser of at least one detergent in liquid or semi-solid (gel) form, i.e. provided with a refillable reservoir capable of containing a quantity of the aforementioned detergent sufficient to carry out a plurality of washing programs performed by the dishwasher. Background Art

[0002] US2006157086 A1 discloses a dispenser device for a dishwasher, comprising a multi-dose 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 a corresponding washing chamber, wherein the delivery nozzle is fluidically connected to the tank and pump via a conduit. In one embodiment, the pump is reversible to enable flushing of the conduit and prevent any possible blockage thereof.

[0003] The above solutions prove to be complex, far from efficient, and inconvenient for the user to use.

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

[0005] Furthermore, this solution proves to be complex, far from efficient and inconvenient for the user to use, also in view of the risk of undesired escape of cleaning agent from the corresponding tank when it is being processed.

[0006] EP 2138088 A1 discloses a dispenser device for a dishwasher, comprising a dispenser body defining a compartment at the front thereof for holding tablets of cleaning agent. The compartment is provided with a sliding hatch, which can be closed via the hatch after the tablets have been inserted. An electrically controlled release system is operatively associated with the hatch to open the hatch during a cleaning cycle. The hatch has a substantially grid-like lateral extension, such that when the hatch is slid into its open position, the lateral extension is initially positioned in front of the compartment, retaining the tablets within the compartment while the cleaning cycle continues.

[0007] Furthermore, this solution proves to be complex, far from efficient and inconvenient for the user to use, also in view of the risk of undesired escape of cleaning agent from the corresponding tank when it is being processed.

[0008] EP0691101 A1 discloses an integrated dispenser device for a dishwasher, comprising a dispenser body that is partially inserted into an opening on the inside of a tiltable door of the dishwasher (i.e., the side that faces the interior of the corresponding washing chamber). The dispenser body defines a housing at the front, in which a multi-dose receptacle for powder detergent is hingedly mounted, the multi-dose receptacle being displaceable between a tilted position for partial extraction (in which the receptacle is filled) and an inserted position in which the front of the receptacle is substantially aligned with the front of the dispenser body. The receptacle is provided with a transparent window at the front that enables visual inspection of the amount of powder detergent present.

[0009] With this solution, inspecting the contents of the trough is tricky, both in view of the possibility of fogging up the transparent window and in view of the fact that, since the dispenser is mounted on a tiltable door, a visual inspection in the horizontal plane can practically only be carried out with the door open and therefore set essentially horizontally: however, for such a plane in which the dispenser is located, the information that can be gathered through the window may not be significant.

[0010] Furthermore, more generally, in solutions providing a removable or displaceable tank (eg as described in the aforementioned US7845361B1 and EP0691101), the level check is entirely delegated to the user, who is therefore fully responsible for performing a visual check of the amount of detergent contained in the tank.

[0011] Furthermore, in solutions of the type described in the aforementioned document US Pat. No. 7,845,361 B1, errors in loading or filling the corresponding tanks with liquid detergent are not uncommon; in particular, detergent may be placed in a tank that is supposed to contain rinse aid, or conversely, rinse aid may be placed in a tank that is supposed to contain washing detergent. Such errors (particularly of the second type mentioned) may have consequences such as jeopardizing the operation of the dispenser or the entire dishwasher. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In general, the present invention aims to overcome at least one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. According to the invention, this and other objects, as will become clearer below, are achieved by a cleaning agent dispenser having the characteristics specified in the appended claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein with respect to the present invention.

[0013] According to a first inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning agent dispenser for a washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, which is convenient for the user and in which the control of the delivery of several cleaning agents in liquid or semisolid form is efficient and inexpensive.

[0014] According to a second inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning agent dispenser for a washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, wherein the risk of spreading liquid or semisolid cleaning agent in the environment is reduced or prevented after an action performed by a user on the dispenser itself.

[0015] According to a third inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning agent dispenser for a washing machine, in particular 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 a fourth inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning agent dispenser for a washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, wherein, even in the presence of displaceable parts designed to contain cleaning agent, the user is provided with clear and efficient indications about the contents of these displaceable parts (and more generally about states relating to the operation of the dispenser) in a simple and safe manner.

[0017] According to a fifth inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning agent dispenser for a washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, wherein the risk of user errors in the use of the dispenser, in particular with regard to the filling operation of the cleaning agent, is limited in a simple and efficient manner.

[0018] According to a sixth inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a detergent dispenser for a washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, wherein, even in the presence of a displaceable part that is intended to contain the detergent, it is possible to provide precise information about the contents of the dispenser and / or the aforementioned displaceable part in a simple and safe manner.

[0019] According to a seventh inventive aspect, the present invention aims to provide a detergent dispenser for a washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, wherein in a simple and safe manner it is possible to prevent or, if necessary, correct any malfunctions due to user errors regarding the use of detergent and / or to enable a more efficient checking of the treatment programs carried out by the dishwasher on which the dispenser is installed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will appear clearly from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting examples, and in which:

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

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

[0023] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of two parts of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment, the two parts corresponding to Figure 2 The outside and inside of the barrel wall shown in ;

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

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

[0026] - Figure 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a hollow body belonging to a removable portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment, with possible levels of two different cleaning agents highlighted;

[0027] - Figure 8 is with Figure 6 A similar view of where the possible levels of two different cleaning agents are highlighted;

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

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

[0030] - Figure 13 and Figure 14 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a coupled removable portion and a fixed portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment in two respective different states;

[0031] - Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a removable part and a fixed part of a dispenser separated from each other according to a possible embodiment;

[0032] - Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow body belonging to a removable part of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment, according to a complex section plane passing through two corresponding retaining valves;

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

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

[0035] - Figure 20 is a schematic rear perspective view of a fixed portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment, with some components removed;

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

[0037] - Figure 22 is in the aforementioned first operating state Figure 21 a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of a dispenser portion of FIG, with corresponding components removed;

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

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

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

[0041] - Figures 33-34 and Figures 35-36 The dispenser is in the second and third states of the corresponding blocking / unblocking arrangement respectively. Figures 31-32 A view similar to the view of

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

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

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

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

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

[0047] - Figure 43 and Figure 44 are schematic partial cross-sectional views of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment according to different section planes;

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

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

[0050] - Figure 48 and Figure 49 is about a dispenser according to a possible alternative embodiment Figures 45-46 A view similar to the view of

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

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

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

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

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

[0056] - Figure 57 and Figure 58 is a schematic perspective view of a bottom area of ​​a portion of a dispenser equipped with a sensor device according to a possible embodiment, Figure 58 shown in partial cross-section;

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

[0058] - Figure 60 and Figure 61 a schematic perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of a bottom region of a portion of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment, the dispenser being equipped with a sensor body according to a possible variant;

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

[0060] - Figure 63 and Figure 64 is a schematic diagram (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 of

[0062] - Figures 66-67 This is an example of setting Figures 63-64 a graph showing the results of coulometric measurements made by a portion of a sensor device of the type shown in FIG.

[0063] - Figures 68-69 This is an example of setting Figures 63-64 a graph showing the results of coulometric measurements made using a portion of a sensor device of the type shown in FIG. 1 but with the insulating coating removed;

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

[0065] - Figure 71 and Figure 72 They are Figure 70 A schematic cutaway perspective view and a schematic exploded view of a sensor device;

[0066] - Figure 73 and Figure 74 It is intended to illustrate Figures 70-72 Schematic representation of a possible operating principle of a sensor device of the type shown in;

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

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

[0069] - Figures 79-82 It is equipment in many different states Figure 71 Schematic top plan view of some components of a blocking / unblocking arrangement of a dispenser. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] References to an "embodiment" or "one embodiment" in the framework of this description are intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described with reference to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as "in an embodiment," "in one implementation," "in various embodiments," and the like that may be present in various points of this description are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular configurations, structures, or characteristics defined in the framework of this description may be combined in any appropriate manner in one or more embodiments (even if different from the represented embodiment). The figure numbers and spatial references used herein (such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," etc.) are provided for convenience only and therefore do not limit the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments. In the present description and in the subsequent claims, unless otherwise specified, the term "detergent" is intended to designate a detergent substance to be used during the wash step in the strict sense of the term (i.e., a step primarily intended to remove soil from the dishes) of a dishwasher operating program, while the term "additive" is intended to designate auxiliary liquid or semi-solid substances used in a step different from the wash step or in a specially provided program, such as rinse additives (or rinse agents), or fragrance substances, or water softening substances, or hygiene substances; the term "cleaning agent" is intended to designate indifferently detergent substances or auxiliary substances. In the absence of any other indication, the term "liquid" in connection with terms such as "detergent", "additive", "cleaning agent" (singular and plural) is in any case intended to designate, in addition to liquid substances, also semi-liquid / semi-solid substances, such as gels.

[0071] In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to designate elements that are similar or technically equivalent to one another. In the various figures, the representation of some components is omitted when they are not necessary for understanding the specific characteristics described with reference to the preceding figures; for this reason, for example, the connecting leads belonging to the electrical parts of the dispenser (in particular, the sensors and actuators belonging to the dispenser) are not shown in the various figures.

[0072] Figure 1 Schematically shown in the figure is a domestic dishwasher (designated as a whole by 1) equipped with a dispenser for at least one cleaning agent, obtained according to a possible embodiment. By way of example, without prejudice to the fact that the invention can also be applied to other types of washing machines (such as washing machines and washer-dryers), the machine 1 is intended for washing dishes, so that for the sake of simplicity reference will be made to a dishwasher, in which case the dispenser can be positioned differently depending on the type of machine (top-loading machine or front-loading machine).

[0073] The dishwasher 1 has a cabinet or structure 2 that defines a washing tub or washing chamber 3 within its interior. The front door of the dishwasher 1, designated as a whole by 4, is associated with the cabinet 2 so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position. In various embodiments (such as the illustrated embodiment), the door 4 can be moved angularly between the aforementioned positions, preferably but not necessarily about a substantially horizontal axis. However, the dishwasher 1 can be of some other type, for example having at least one door that can translate or slide on specially provided guides (for example, as in FR-A-2.674.426A), or having a rack for holding dishes (configured as a sliding tray), the front wall of which forms the door of the machine (for example, as in WO9833426A).

[0074] The inner face of the door 4 comprises a movable bucket wall 5 (also referred to as an "opposing door") having an outer side 5a that constitutes the front face of the bucket 3. The bucket 3 is also bounded by a plurality of fixed bucket walls (one of which is indicated by 6), which typically include two side walls, a rear wall, an upper wall or roof, and a lower wall or bottom. In various embodiments, the walls defining the bucket 1 are plate-like walls that are at least partially made of sheet metal, such as stainless steel. However, the scope of the present invention does not exclude the possibility of walls that are at least partially made of plastic material, for example, via injection molding of a thermoplastic material.

[0075] In various embodiments, the cleaning agent dispenser (designated as a whole at 10 and only in Figure 1 The dispenser 10 is mounted on one of the walls delimiting the tub 3, here the wall 5, and 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 comprises all the elements generally known for its operation, which are not relevant for the purposes of the invention and will therefore not be described herein, among which are the hydraulic circuit comprising the spraying system, at least one dish rack in the tub, and a control system supervising the operation of the machine. Figure 1 In this case, the control system is only schematically represented and denoted by CS and comprises, for example, a controller or a control card, preferably an electronic microcontroller, which may be located inside the door 1 .

[0076] The installation of the dispenser 10 on the wall 5 of the door 4 will be understood to be provided merely by way of example, as long as in other embodiments the dispenser 10 can be installed on any wall of the barrel 3 (including fixed walls, such as the side wall indicated by 6). Therefore, what is described hereinafter about the installation of the dispenser 10 on the wall 5 will be understood to also illustrate the installation of the dispenser 10 on any other wall of the barrel 3, in particular its fixed vertical wall. The side 5a defined herein as the "outer" side of the mounting wall 5 of the dispenser 10 (whether it is a movable wall or a fixed wall) indicates the surface of the wall facing the interior of the barrel 3, while the side defined herein as the "inner" side (hereinafter indicated by 5b) indicates the surface of the wall itself opposite to the outer side 5a, for example the inside of a gap corresponding to the wall of the machine.

[0077] In various embodiments, the dispenser (i.e. its body as a whole) comprises at least two main functional parts, among which is at least one first removable part configured so that it can be coupled in a releasable manner to at least one second part fixed to the mounting wall 5, in particular at the aforementioned through-opening. Each of the two main parts of the dispenser body in turn comprises several elements described hereinafter. Figure 2 , the dispenser 10 is shown in an assembled, operative state relative to the wall 5, with the removable dispenser portion coupled to the 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 body of the dispenser 10, the front portion being the portion designed to be exposed or facing the interior of the tub 3 of the dishwasher.

[0078] The removable dispenser part and the fixed dispenser part forming the dispenser body as a whole are Figure 3 and Figure 4 100 and 200, respectively, where they are shown in a state where they are separated relative to the outer side 5a and the inner side 5b of the wall 5, respectively. Figure 5 and Figure 11 It is visible in isolation in the front perspective view.

[0079] Special References Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the removable dispenser portion 100 comprises a hollow body 101 which primarily performs the function of 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 in its interior (as a whole in Figure 21 and 2), each tank being intended for a corresponding cleaning agent of the type mentioned. In the following, it is assumed that the tank R1 of greater capacity is designed to hold washing detergent, while the tank R2 is designed to hold a rinse additive, in particular a rinse agent. On the other hand, the tank R2 can be designed to hold different auxiliary substances, such as a fragrance substance, or a water softener, or a hygiene substance. In any case, it should be noted that the removable dispenser part 100 can comprise a single tank, or three or more tanks for additional cleaning agents. The at least one tank R1 and / or R2 is preferably of the multi-dose type, i.e. a tank capable of holding a quantity of the corresponding cleaning agent sufficient to carry out a plurality of operating programs of the dishwasher 1.

[0080] It should be noted that the term "removable portion" or "tank", when referring to the component designated as a whole by 100, is understood to designate a refillable component which stably equips the dispenser, thus constituting its essential part, and which is provided with at least one loading channel provided with corresponding removable closure means to enable the user to regularly refill it. Thus, the body portion 100 does not represent a disposable component, such as a cartridge previously filled with cleaning agent during the production phase and sold in this ready-to-use form, which generally presupposes that its body is perforated or torn for use purposes and then discarded when it is exhausted.

[0081] The hollow body 101 is preferably made of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material. In various embodiments, the body 101 is composed of at least two pieces or parts sealed together, such as a front piece 1011 and a back piece 1012. The body pieces 1011 and 1012 can be molded, for example, using a thermoplastic material and sealed together at corresponding interface surfaces, such as by welding using a hot vane system.

[0082] In various embodiments, the hollow body 101 is identified as follows: an upper portion 101a, which is deeper (dimension Z) and shorter (dimension Y) as a whole; and a lower portion 101b, which is thinner (dimension Z) and taller (dimension Y) as a whole. The two portions 101a and 101b can have the same width (dimension X). The fact that the portion of the hollow body 101 with the larger surface (i.e., the lower portion 101b) is thinner makes it possible to limit the front dimension of the dispenser 10, in particular when it is located on the door 4 of the dishwasher. In this way, for example, the dispenser 10 can be advantageously mounted in a position on the tub wall 5 so that, with the door closed, only the lower portion 101b will be located in front of the dish rack housed in the tub 3, thus avoiding the need to provide a shorter rack and therefore a rack with a smaller loading capacity. The presence of the deeper upper portion 101a may prove convenient for facilitating the definition of a loading channel for filling the corresponding tank with cleaning agent, with a corresponding closure element operable by the user, such as a plug or a hatch.

[0083] Both portions 101a and 101b are hollow (at least for their majority). Preferably, the maximum depth (dimension Z) of the hollow body 101 in each region thereof is smaller than its width (dimension X) and its height (dimension Y). Again, preferably, the height (dimension Y) of the hollow body 101 is smaller than its width (dimension X). Obviously, these relative dimensions may vary, for example, depending on the loading requirements and / or the installation location of the dispenser.

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

[0085] Special References Figure 5 In the non-limiting example shown, the two tanks R1, R2 have a respective loading channel (designated as a whole by 103) comprising 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 channel 103, preferably shaped as a substantially cylindrical recess.

[0086] Reference again Figure 5 In the example of the embodiment, a corresponding closing element is associated with each loading channel 103, here consisting of a hatch 1041, 1042, for example made of molded plastic material. In the example, each hatch 1041, 1042 is hinged to the hollow body 101 so as to be able to be opened in the open position ( Figure 5 ) and closed position ( Figure 3 ) and move angularly between the open position ( Figure 5 ) enables access to the corresponding loading channel 103 for filling the corresponding tank R1 or R2 with cleaning agent, in the closed position ( Figure 3 ), the corresponding loading channel 103 is closed by a hatch. As already said, in addition to the hatch, there may also be a plug associated with the channel 103.

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

[0088] Preferably, when the hatch operates directly as a closing element, sealing means are provided between the hatch itself and the corresponding loading channel, these sealing means being able to cooperate when the hatch is in the closed position. Figure 5 In the example of FIG, each loading channel 103 has an edge 103b in relief (preferably with a rounded profile) on which a corresponding gasket 104a made of elastomer can bear at the front in order to obtain a seal. Preferably, the gasket 104a is mounted in a corresponding seat defined in the inside of the corresponding hatch 1041, 1042.

[0089] Again preferably, defined at the front of the hollow body 101 is a receptacle (at Figure 5 103c), in particular in the form of a recess in the aforementioned front portion, in which the loading channel 103 is located. The seat 103c is configured to be at least partially occupied by the corresponding hatch 1041, 1042 when it is in the respective closed position.

[0090] In various embodiments, the dispenser is mounted on the tiltable door of the dishwasher, and a system for receiving the corresponding cleaning agent is associated with at least one of the tanks, its operation being based on the movement of the door. This intake system is preferably associated with tank R2 of relatively small capacity, which is capable of holding a quantity of cleaning agent sufficient for performing several treatment programs performed by the dishwasher 1. From this perspective, in various embodiments, a subchamber or intake volume is defined within tank R2, capable of holding at least one quantity of cleaning agent sufficient for performing a single treatment program. The intake system includes or has associated therewith valve means, in particular, these valve means include opening / closing elements that operate at corresponding outlet channels for the cleaning agent. The aforementioned valve means can be controlled so that at least one dose of cleaning agent from the intake volume can flow out through the aforementioned outlet channels toward the interior of the washing tub 3 of the dishwasher 1. In various embodiments, the filling system is designed such that when the door 4 of the dishwasher 1 is brought into a substantially horizontal open position, the filling volume is filled with a corresponding portion of the contents of the tank R2, and when the door 4 is subsequently brought into a substantially vertical closed position, the filling volume is able to retain the corresponding contents at least until the aforementioned valve device is activated.

[0091] Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , a possible internal structure of the hollow body 101 is partially represented, in particular its front body piece 1011 , wherein some elements belonging to the aforementioned injection system are visible.

[0092] The first set of walls (designated as a whole by 106 (see also Figure 16-17 )) is defined within the hollow body 101, the first set of walls being arranged so as to delimit, within the internal volume of the hollow body 101, a groove R2 in fluid communication with the corresponding opening 103a of the loading channel 103: in the example shown, the remainder of the internal volume of the hollow body 101 substantially forms the groove R1 of greater capacity. Figure 6 Visible therein 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 set of walls (designated as a whole by 107 (see also Figure 16-17 )) is also defined within the hollow body 101, the second set of walls being arranged so as to define an injection volume designated R2a within the tank R2. The injection volume R2a is defined as being above the bottom of the tank R2 (referenced to the height dimension Y) and in fluid communication with the tank's own discharge outlet (at Figure 6(In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the aforementioned outlet is not visible, but it is in a position corresponding to the valve member designated 2302 described below). The volume R2a is sized (particularly via its upper edge 107a) so as to be able to hold a portion of the cleaning agent contained in the tank R2, which portion is preferably larger than a 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] The volume R2a is configured to be filled with the aforementioned portion of the cleaning agent of the tank R2 when the plane of the dispenser 10 is substantially horizontal (i.e. when the door 4 of the dishwasher 1 is open), and to retain this portion for subsequent delivery purposes as described below when the plane of the dispenser 10 is substantially vertical (i.e. when the door 4 of the dishwasher is closed). As already mentioned, in the example represented, 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.

[0095] In the subsequent Figure 7 , the removable dispenser portion 100 (i.e., the hollow body 101) is shown partially cutaway in the presence of a maximum level of cleaning agents WD and WA (as already mentioned, the WD agent can be a washing detergent, and the WA agent can be a rinse aid) contained in the tanks R1 and R2. It can be noted from the aforementioned figures that after closing the door 4 of the dishwasher 1, i.e., when the hollow body 101 is moved from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the injection volume R2a is filled substantially up to the level determined by the upper edge 107a of the second set of walls 107.

[0096] Next Figure 8 The front panel 1011 of the hollow body 101 is shown only in the case of a minimum level of cleaning agent WD and WA contained in the tanks R1 and R2 (the representation of the cleaning agent WD and WA is merely schematic and intended only to illustrate the situation in question). As can be appreciated, even in the case of a minimum level of cleaning agent WA, in the case shown, the displacement of the door 4 from the horizontal open position to the vertical closed position causes the injection volume R2a to be filled 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 a minimum level of cleaning agent WA in the respective tank R2 and in the case of a maximum or intermediate level).

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

[0098] Special References Figure 6 The sensor comprises a floating body 110 constrained within the slot R2 so as to be displaced as a function of the level of the liquid agent WA. In the example, the floating body 110 is hinged to a pin 110a (e.g., integrally defined by the front piece 1011 of the hollow body 101) so as to be able to swing between a raised position (shown in the figure) and a lowered position. Of course, the floating body 100 can be constrained in some other manner, such as to be linearly slidable along the height direction (dimension Y) of the dispenser, for example, via purposefully provided lateral guides defined in the hollow body 101.

[0099] There may be an element 110b associated with the floating body 110 for energizing an electrical detector, which is arranged on the outside of the hollow body 101, in particular mounted on the fixed dispenser part 200 in the position to which the floating body 110 would correspond when the removable dispenser part 100 is mounted on the fixed dispenser part 200. Such a detector is only present when Figure 3 denoted by RD and is shown in a position behind a wall provided at the front of the fixed dispenser part 200. In this 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 (in particular a Hall effect detector) or a contactor or magnetic switch (for example, of the reed type). Of course, in this case, the walls of the hollow body 101 and the walls of the front of the fixed dispenser part 200 (these walls are provided between the floating body 110 and the detector RD) are made of a material that is transparent to the magnetic field generated by the excitation element 110b.

[0100] When a certain amount of detergent WA is present in tank R2, above a predetermined minimum level, the floating body 101 remains in its raised position, thereby energizing (or de-energizing) the corresponding external electrical detector RD. Conversely, when the amount of detergent WA drops below the predetermined minimum level, the floating body 110 assumes a corresponding lowered position, thereby de-energizing (or starting to energize) the corresponding external electrical detector RD. The information about the liquid level generated by the liquid level sensor 110-RD can thus be used, for example, to activate a warning system intended to alert the user of the dishwasher 1 that tank R2 needs to be topped up with detergent WA. After such filling, the floating body 110 will, of course, return to its corresponding raised position, thereby causing the warning signal to cease.

[0101] Of course, the principle of detection of the displacement of the floating body 110 may be different from the principle based on magnetic field detection; for example, it may be an inductive or optical type of detection (for example, the wall of the hollow body 101 separating the floating body 110 from the corresponding external electrical detector may be transparent to optical radiation at least in the area corresponding to the floating body, and the wall of the front part of the fixed dispenser part 200 (behind which the optical type detector RD is located) is likewise transparent or has a transparent window at least in the area corresponding to the detector).

[0102] Obviously, a floating system of the type described above can also be used for tank R1. The liquid level in tanks R1 and / or R2 can be measured using other detection technologies, such as a system based on the use of a photoelectric sensor (including a light emitter and a light receiver). In the case of a dispenser according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, such a photoelectric sensor can be arranged on the fixed dispenser part 200 (for example, in a position corresponding to a transparent window arranged on the front of part 200), so that when the removable dispenser part 100 is in the corresponding operating position, the photoelectric sensor is in a position facing the optical prism defined by the transparent wall of the hollow body 101 (for example, its rear wall), which delimits 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 by the inclined wall of the prism immersed in the liquid, so that it does not reach the receiver, or reaches the receiver with limited intensity. In this way, the presence of liquid cleaning agent at the level corresponding to the sensor position can be inferred. In contrast, if the prism is not immersed in liquid cleaning agent, the light beam will be reflected essentially completely at the inclined wall of the prism and will reach the receiver, or will reach the receiver with high intensity; in this way, it can be inferred that liquid cleaning agent is not present at the level corresponding to the sensor position.

[0103] In various embodiments in which the removable dispenser portion is provided with at least one hatch, the dispenser comprises at least one corresponding latch / release device that can be manually switched between a latched position and a released position, so that the hatch itself can be shifted between a closed position and an open position. For this purpose, according to per se known technology, there may also be a spring or similar elastic element associated with the hatch, which operates to urge the hatch itself into the respective open position.

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

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

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

[0107] In various embodiments, the at least one latch / release device 1051 and / or 1052 consists essentially of a lever element that is hinged to rotate about a respective axis extending essentially in the depth direction (dimension Z) of the dispenser 10. Figure 4 As seen in FIG. 1 , the axis of rotation may be defined by a pin 105c defined or associated with the rear portion of the hollow body 101, and the lever elements 1051 and / or 1052 include a lever arm 105d defining or associated with the operable portion 105a having a corresponding latch element 105b ( Figure 3 、 Figure 5 ). According to a technique known per se, there may also be a spring or similar elastic element associated with the lever element 1051 and / or 1052, which operates to push the element itself into the respective latching position relative to the corresponding hatch 1041 and / or 1042.

[0108] In various embodiments, the lever element 1051 and / or 1052 is essentially in the form of a primary lever and therefore also has a further lever arm 105e extending at a portion substantially opposite the lever arm 105d. The function of this possible further lever arm 105e will be explained below in relation to the locking / unlocking arrangement that can be provided with the dispenser 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 thus also receiving tablets of the type known as "2-in-1" or "3-in-1." The term "tablet" is intended to refer to both tablets in solid form and tablets of the type (also known as "pills" or "pods") in which one or more cleaning agents in liquid or semi-solid form are encapsulated in a casing composed of a water-soluble film (typically a polymer such as polyvinyl acetate (PVA)).

[0110] The housing is exposed as a whole directly at the front of the dispenser, i.e., without a hatch or similar removable closure element. The housing has a front portion exposed directly at the front of the dispenser body and a bottom extending transverse to the height dimension Y and having at least one drainage channel. Preferably, the at least one drainage channel is defined between the front portion and the bottom of the housing. Again, preferably, the front portion has a perforated structure (i.e., defining one or more openings), such as a lattice structure.

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

[0112] This shell Figure 2-5 Indicated by 300, the corresponding front containing structure, the corresponding bottom and the corresponding drainage channel (see also Figure 18 ) are indicated by 301, 302 and 303. Tablets consisting of one or more cleaning agents are only Figure 5 , where it is indicated by T. In the example, the housing 300 is open at the top to enable easy insertion of the tablet T.

[0113] As can be appreciated, the tablet T can be inserted into the housing 300 before performing a cleaning process. During this process, part of the water sprayed into the tub 3 of the dishwasher 1, for example by means of a known rotary sprayer system, can reach the housing 300, thereby facilitating the dissolution of the tablet T and the outflow of the corresponding mixture of water and cleaning agent toward the interior of the tub 3. This effect is made possible by the presence of the at least one drainage channel 303, which is defined between the front containing portion 301 and the bottom 302.

[0114] The presence of the front portion 301, which is provided with openings, preferably comprising alternating filled and empty spaces, such as a substantially grid-like structure, as in the illustrated embodiment, further facilitates the dissolution of the tablet T and the pouring of the detergent into the tub. The presence of one or more openings in the front portion of the housing 300 facilitates the passage of the water jet at the inlet and the water-detergent mixture at the outlet. One or more water jets can also reach the one or more openings in the portion 301 with a certain energy, directly impacting a portion of the tablet T with a certain energy, which facilitates the dissolution of the tablet. 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). Obviously, it is also possible to equip the hydraulic system of the dishwasher with specially provided fixed nozzles to direct the water jets toward the housing 300.

[0115] Of course, the water jet can directly hit the tablet T via the upper opening or at the top of the receiving portion 301, in which case this forms a kind of "rail" for the tablet itself. In other words, the front receiving portion can have a height (dimension Y) that is even smaller than the total height of the housing 300 or the various tablet shapes it can receive, and in particular a height sufficient to effectively retain the tablet T inside the housing 300 (despite the typical vibrations of the dishwasher 1 during operation and despite the energy of the incident water jet). When the dispenser 10 is mounted on the wall 5, the portion 301 also performs a retaining function during the closing and closing movement of the door 3 of the dishwasher 1.

[0116] The presence of one or more drainage channels 303 between the container portion and the bottom 302 is 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 inside the housing itself. For this purpose, in various preferred embodiments, the bottom 302 of the housing 300 extends generally obliquely downwards from its rear towards its front (see also Figure 18 The bottom 302 may be made inclined during the production phase, or its inclination may be obtained by mounting the dispenser 10 on a corresponding mounting wall 5 .

[0117] The bottom 302 is preferably defined by a non-perforated surface of the dispenser body. In the bottom 302, there may be defined reliefs extending along dimension Y for localized placement of tablets 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 an embodiment, the bottom 302 may thus be in the form of a substantially cantilevered wall, and the front portion of the hollow body 101 may be shaped to define a chute beneath this bottom wall, thereby facilitating the outflow of the mixture of water and cleaning agent into the tub 3.

[0118] In various embodiments, the housing portion 301 defines at least a front portion of the housing 300. In various preferred embodiments, the housing portion 301 defines at least a portion of one of the two opposing lateral sides of the housing. In the example shown, the portion 301 defines both the front portion and a portion of the two lateral sides of the housing. Figure 5 304. Referring again to the example shown, both the front portion and the side portions 304 have a perforated structure, which makes it easier for the water sprayed into the tub 3 to reach the interior of the housing 300 and for the mixture of water and cleaning agent to flow out into the tub 3. In possible variations, only the front portion or only the portions 304, or at least one of them, may be perforated.

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

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

[0121] In various preferred embodiments, the perforated structure of the front containing portion 301 (and / or the bottom portion 302) is formed by one or more transverse 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). In the case where both transverse and upright portions are provided, these portions can be connected together or cross each other. This type of embodiment makes it easier to produce the housing 300 by molding the dispenser body, while making it possible to obtain a strong structure, preferably a substantially grid-like structure, that is characterized by sufficiently wide empty areas.

[0122] The aforementioned transverse and upright parts (some of which are in Figure 18More generally, the structure described for the housing 300 and / or the front containing part 301 as a whole makes it possible to obtain these elements by molding plastic material (preferably in a single piece with the corresponding parts of the dispenser body), without having to fix separate parts.

[0123] Obviously, the front containment part may have a structure different from that illustrated, without impairing its function of retaining the tablets T inside the housing and facilitating the passage of water and the outflow of the mixture of water and cleaning agent. In a possible variant embodiment, the front containment part (preferably comprising at least a portion of at least one of the lateral sides of the housing) is partially obtained by molding a plastic material and then associating it with or welding it to a corresponding portion of the dispenser body in which the rest of the housing is defined.

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

[0125] If two loading openings 103 are provided at the front of the dispenser body (these loading openings have corresponding closing elements, such as hatches 1041, 1042 in the illustrated case), the housing 300 is preferably confined in an 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 can also be confined in the lateral region of the dispenser body 10.

[0126] Of course, the shape and position of the housing 300, as well as the shape of the tablets T, may vary from what is shown by way of example. Generally speaking, the housing will have dimensions such that tablets of various shapes and sizes, as are commercially available, can be received and effectively retained, without having to rely on a pre-set introduction direction. Indicatively, the housing 300 may have a useful width (dimension X) comprised between 50 mm and 60 mm, a useful depth (dimension Z) comprised between 20 mm and 30 mm, and a height (dimension Y) of the grid structure 301 comprised between 30 mm and 40 mm.

[0127] The presence of the housing 300 enables the tablets T to be used in conjunction with the dispenser 10, without, however, having to equip the dispenser with a specific compartment closed by a hatch having associated therewith a corresponding automatic opening system, instead, as occurs in conventional dispensers for dishwashers, where a compartment for containing a dose of cleaning agent in powdered form must be used to contain the tablets, this compartment being provided with its own hatch having associated therewith an electrically controlled opening system.

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

[0129] exist Figure 4 Visible in the drawing is the rear wall of the hollow body (designated 111), which defines the rear portion of the hollow body, and the outlets of the tanks R1 and R2, designated 112 and 113. Preferably, each outlet 112, 113 is defined in a generally lower position (reference dimension Y) of the corresponding tank. Again preferably, each outlet 112, 113 is at least partially defined by a tubular conduit 112a, 113a, preferably of cylindrical cross-section, which can be coupled to a corresponding inlet provided at the front of the fixed distributor portion 200, which inlet also preferably comprises a tubular conduit of congruent cross-section.

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

[0131] For example, refer again to 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, with the bottom surface 114a being substantially circular and the peripheral surface 114b being substantially cylindrical. As will be seen, the recess 114 can be at least partially occupied by the front portion of the fixed dispenser part 200, particularly to reduce the overall dimension along the Z direction and / or to improve the coupling between the parts and / or to facilitate repositioning of the removable part on the fixed part by the user. The two outlets 112 and 113 can be defined on the bottom surface 114a of the recess 114 and protrude therefrom.

[0132] The rear wall 111 of the hollow body 101 can be conveniently shaped to at least partially accommodate particularly bulky components of the fixed dispenser portion along the depth dimension Z. For example, referring again to Figure 4 , a seat or recess of the rear wall 111 (which seat or recess also has a bottom surface and a peripheral surface which are not indicated) is designated by 115, which seat or recess is designed to partially receive a housing having a corresponding cross-section defined in front of the fixed dispenser part 200 and in which is partially housed an actuator device, such as an electric motor (see also Figure 18 , where the motor is designated by 404 and the corresponding housing is designated by 204 - 204a ). The recess 115 may be defined on the bottom surface 114a of the recess 114 ; thus, the recess 115 may also protrude beyond the recess 114 toward the interior of the volume defined by the hollow body 101 .

[0133] In the rear wall 111 of the hollow body 101, one or more further seats or recesses may be defined which are adapted to receive corresponding portions of the front portion of the fixed dispenser part 200. For example, referring again to Figure 4 , two shaped seats or recesses (preferably located in the upper part) are designated by 116, which will receive at least some respective parts of the locking / unlocking arrangement which, in a possible embodiment, is mounted on the dispenser 10. In the example, each recess 116 extends from the peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114 as far as the upper edge of the hollow body 101 and houses a portion of a respective latching / releasing device 1051, 1052 as previously described.

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

[0135] The seats 117a-117b are designed to receive corresponding angularly movable engagement elements (e.g., Figure 11 The housing 117 is a housing 117 of the embodiment of the present invention and is further described below and designates the housing 117 as a housing 117. The housing 117 is a housing 117 of the embodiment of the present invention and is further described below and designates the housing 117 as a housing 117. The housing 117 is a housing 117 of the embodiment of the present invention and is further described below and designates the housing 117 as a housing 117. The housing 117 is a housing 117 of the embodiment of the present invention and is further described below and designates the housing 117 as a housing 117.

[0136] The lower formed seat or recess is designated by 118 and is designed to receive a manually operable element and allow the element (in Figure 3In the example, the recess 118 extends from the peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114 as far as the lower edge of the hollow body 101.

[0137] In a possible embodiment, further seats or recesses may be provided extending from the peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114 as far as the lower edge of the hollow body 101, for example for partially accommodating a conduit (such as the one described below) for delivering a cleaning agent or enabling the cleaning agent to flow out (as described below). Figure 11 403c1 ): This is the case for the recesses respectively designated 118a and 118b, which are defined in the example starting from the bottom of the recess 118 in the direction of the depth Z.

[0138] In any case, it will be understood that, regardless of the configuration chosen for the interface wall between the removable part 100 and the fixed part 200 , operation of the dispenser 10 during a treatment procedure does not imply any movement of the removable part 100 , which is thus coupled in a fixed position on the fixed part 200 .

[0139] The fixed distributor part 200 is Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen (with respect to the outer side 5a and inner side 5b of the corresponding mounting wall 5), Figure 9-10 It can be seen in the partial exploded view in Figure 11 and Figure 12 Visible in isolation.

[0140] Initial reference Figure 3 The fixed dispenser part 200 comprises a body 201 designed to be mounted in a through opening (preferably an opening having a substantially circular profile) in the wall 5. The body 201 can also be made of a plastic material, for example by molding; if necessary, the body 201 can also be formed from several parts that are joined together, for example welded together or coupled in a detachable manner, possibly with the interposition of sealing elements.

[0141] Special References Figure 9-11 In various embodiments, the body 201 comprises a bottom wall 201a and peripheral walls 201b1-201b2 defining a flange 201c projecting radially outwards. Preferably, the body is mounted starting from the outer side 5a of the mounting wall 5, wherein the flange 201c is designed to bear on the aforementioned outer side 5a, wherein a sealing element (at Figure 9-10 Indicated by 202 (see also Figure 18 )), for example an annular gasket made of an elastomer.

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

[0143] In various embodiments, an additional hollow protrusion (designated 204) extends forwardly from the bottom wall 201a. In the non-limiting example shown, the additional protrusion 204 is designed to engage with the recess 115 ( Figure 4 ) connection (see also Figure 18 ), and to this end, 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 a signaling arrangement and a locking / unlocking arrangement is associated with the dispenser, possible embodiments of which are described below. In various embodiments, at least one first functional element of such an arrangement is mounted on the fixed dispenser part and is designed to cooperate with at least one second functional element mounted on the removable dispenser part. In these embodiments, the at least one first functional element is accessible in a front region of the fixed dispenser part so that it can be operatively coupled to or separated from the at least one second functional element. The front portion of the fixed dispenser part can be shaped to support and / or guide and / or position the aforementioned first functional element.

[0145] To this end, in various embodiments, at least one positioning and / or guiding formation 205, preferably formed integrally with the body 201, is defined in the front portion 203. Figure 11 In the example of , two forming elements 205 are provided in a mirrored position, extending upwards (with reference to dimension Y) from the portion of the peripheral wall 201b1 of the body 201. 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 one another and extending axially along the height dimension Y of the dispenser; Figure 11In the figure, two of the aforementioned locking elements are marked by 2061 and 2062, and two of the aforementioned optical transmission elements are marked by 207.

[0146] Reference again Figure 11 According to a possible embodiment, in the front part of the fixed dispenser part 200 (i.e. of the bottom wall 201a of its body 201), at least one inlet for cleaning agent opens, which inlet is designed for connection with a corresponding outlet of a tank defined in the removable dispenser part 100. In the example represented, a first inlet 210 and a second inlet 211 are provided, preferably defined by positioned tubular ducts, the outlets 112 and 113 of the tanks R1 and R2 ( Figure 4 ) are respectively capable of being detachably connected to these tubular conduits.

[0147] Special reference again Figure 11 In a possible embodiment, at the front of the fixed dispenser part 200 (i.e., of the wall 201a of its body 201), at least one channel 212 for distributing cleaning agent opens out. Preferably, this channel 212 opens out in a groove or recess 213 in the front face of the bottom wall 201a, which, for the purposes described below, extends downwards (cf. dimension Y) at least between the channel 212 itself and the portion of the peripheral wall 201b1 of the body 201. In the example represented, the channel 212 is associated with an arrangement for distributing cleaning agent from the tank R2.

[0148] In various embodiments, the dispenser comprises a dispensing arrangement for the cleaning agent contained in the tank of the removable dispenser portion, the dispensing arrangement comprising a pump, preferably mounted on the fixed dispenser portion. In various 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 wash tub 3; that is, it extends beyond the plane defined by the mounting wall 5 of the dispenser 10. This allows the housing, and therefore at least a portion of the pump, to be located on the outside of the door 3 of the dishwasher 1 or in any case in an easily accessible location, which can prove useful, for example, for maintenance, repair, or cleaning purposes.

[0149] exist Figure 11 In the example shown in FIG, such a housing is designated by 214 and is defined in the wall 201a of the main body portion 201. As can be noted, 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 opened by a corresponding removable cover (e.g., Figure 3 as well as Figure 9-10The housing 214 is closed (indicated by 215), with a sealing device (not shown) possibly inserted therein. In various embodiments, the lid 215 is removably mounted to facilitate cleaning of the housing 214 and / or the pump; in particular, the lid 215 can then be removed from the side of the barrel. In the example, the lid 215 is shaped so as to define a passage 215 for the inlet 210. Advantageously, a seat 216 for the lid 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 or accessible at a front portion of the fixed dispenser portion, which in the example is represented by the front protruding portion 203 (as seen, the portion 203 can be received in a corresponding seat 114 defined in the rear portion of the removable dispenser portion 100).

[0152] In various embodiments, the portion of the peripheral wall 201b2 of the body 201 that extends behind the flange 201c and is to be inserted through a corresponding through-opening of the mounting wall 5 is pre-arranged for coupling with at least one retaining element for fixing the dispenser part 200 to the wall itself. Figure 9-10 For this purpose, the portion of the peripheral wall 201b2 has on its outer surface a male thread (not shown) onto which a retaining ring nut (designated as a whole by 217) provided with a corresponding female thread 217a is to be tightened (see also Figure 4 , for the assembled state of the two parts in question). As an alternative to a threaded connection, this portion of the peripheral wall 201b2 of the body 201 and the retaining element (here represented by the ring nut 217) can have some other shape and / or be provided with other means of mutual connection, for example in the form of a bayonet-type attachment and / or at least partially elastic means for mutual engagement and / or provided with a hole and a corresponding fixing screw. The retaining element 217 can also be made of a plastic material.

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

[0154] In various embodiments, the dispenser includes an arrangement operable by a user to cause the removable dispenser portion to couple to / detach from the fixed dispenser portion. In various embodiments, the coupling / detaching 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 wash tub of the machine 1).

[0155] In various embodiments, the aforementioned arrangement comprises a movable coupling / decoupling member. Figure 9-11 This member, designated as a whole by 220, is here of the angularly movable type and is mounted on the front portion 203 of the body 201. The member 220 can be made of a plastic material.

[0156] If you can Figure 9-10 As can be seen in FIG, the member 220 has an annular body comprising a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 220a from which a flange 220b preferably, but not necessarily, projects radially outward. The inner diameter of the annular body 220a-220b is slightly larger than the portion of the peripheral wall 201b1 so that it can be rotatably constrained thereto. To this end, in a possible embodiment, a specially designed seat (not shown) can be provided on the portion of the peripheral wall 201b1 into which the rotating member 220 can be engaged via a snap-fit ​​action and possibly rotation.

[0157] In various embodiments, the rotating member 220 has at least two coupling elements 220c, preferably in opposite diametrical positions, in particular in the form of wings, which coupling elements protrude in radial direction, preferably starting from the peripheral wall 220a. In various embodiments, a manually operable element, such as a joystick (indicated by 220d), protrudes radially from the rotating member 220 (in particular from its flange 220b, if envisaged). Preferably, the operable element 220d extends downwardly (with reference to dimension Y) for an angular distance of approximately 90° relative to each coupling element 220c, essentially at its bottom dead center. Again preferably, the element 220d has a certain length and conformation so that it can be operated from the front of the dispenser 10 even when the removable dispenser part 100 is coupled to the fixed dispenser part 200 (see for example Figure 2 and Figure 18 ).

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

[0159] For example, reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 , two recesses are designated by 220e, which are designed to be located at the forming piece 205 extending from the portion of the peripheral wall 201b1 of the main body 201. Figure 11 It can also be noted that the angular extension of the recess 220e is greater than that of the forming element 205 and is arranged relative thereto so as to enable angular movement of the rotating member 220. A recess (designated 220f) having a similar function is provided in the lower region of the rotating member 220, in particular to prevent movement from interfering with the delivery outlet (see hereinafter described in Figure 11 The delivery outlet extends beyond the outer surface of the portion of the peripheral wall 201b1 of the body 201 of the fixed dispenser part 200).

[0160] Reference again Figure 9-11 , the recess is finally indicated by 220g, which, in the operating state of the dispenser 10 (i.e., with the removable dispenser part 100 coupled to the fixed dispenser part 200), is aligned with the outlet end of the previously described discharge recess 213 so as to enable the delivered dose of cleaning agent to flow out by gravity.

[0161] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 2 is an example of an operating mode of a coupling / uncoupling arrangement comprising a rotating member 220. As previously mentioned, in the operating state of the dispenser 10, the front protruding portion 203 (see also FIG. 20) of the body 201 of the dispenser part 200 is fixed. Figure 3 ) is received in the recess 114 at the rear of the hollow body 101 of the removable dispenser portion 100 (see also Figure 4 Likewise, the positioning and / or guide forming member 205 is located in the recess 116 of the rear portion of the hollow body 101 ( Figure 4 )middle.

[0162] In this connection state, Figure 13 As shown in FIG, the coupling elements 220c of the rotating member 220 engage in corresponding shaped seats defined in the peripheral surface 114b of the recess 114, in particular in the engagement areas 117a of these seats (see also FIG. Figure 4 ): In this way, a secure connection between the removable dispenser part 100 and the fixed dispenser part 200 is ensured. As already said, Figure 4 and Figure 13-14 In the example of FIG. 1 , the seats mentioned are shaped so as to obtain a substantially bayonet-type coupling and therefore each have an engagement area 117a and a release area 117b (in FIG. 1 ) for the coupling element 220c. Figure 13-14 Not visible in , but in Figure 4 (indicated in).

[0163] like Figure 14 , when it is necessary to remove the removable dispenser part 100 from the fixed dispenser part 200, the user must rotate the rotary member 220 relative to the body 201 on which the element 220 itself is mounted (here in the counterclockwise direction), as indicated by the arrow UF. For this purpose, it is possible to use an operable portion 220d of the rotary member 220, which protrudes downwards beyond the hollow body 101. In this way, after imparting a rotation to the rotary member 220, the coupling element 220c is released from the corresponding engagement area 117a of the corresponding seat and thus begins to occupy the corresponding release area (117b - see Figure 4 ): In this manually separated state, the removable dispenser part 100 can therefore be removed from the fixed dispenser part 200 (except for the possible presence of further blocking elements, as exemplified below).

[0164] You will understand that from Figure 14 Starting from the state of the part 100, after repositioning the part 100 on the part 200, by rotating the rotating member 200 in the opposite direction (ie, in the direction of the rotation of the rotating member 200) Figure 14 Manual reconnection can be easily achieved by rotating in the opposite direction of the arrow UF.

[0165] In various preferred embodiments, the movement for coupling and uncoupling the removable and fixed dispenser parts occurs in a substantially linear direction, particularly along the dispenser's depth dimension Z. In these embodiments, the coupling / uncoupling arrangement of the type illustrated is particularly advantageous in view of its simplicity.

[0166] In any case, it should be noted that, according to modalities that will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the coupling / uncoupling arrangement operative between the parts 100 and 200 of the dispenser 10 may differ from the coupling / uncoupling arrangement illustrated. It should be noted that, for example, a mechanism having a bayonet coupling may have an inverse configuration relative to the illustrated mechanism, i.e., in which a rotary member functionally similar to the rotary member indicated by 220 is mounted on the rear portion of the movable dispenser body part 100, and in which a corresponding coupling seat is defined on the front portion of the fixed dispenser part. In other embodiments, the coupling / uncoupling arrangement operative between the parts 100 and 200 may be based on the use of at least one linearly movable coupling / uncoupling member, rather than an angularly movable coupling / uncoupling member (e.g., comprising a slider).

[0167] As has been 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 such embodiments, the inlet is connected to a corresponding distribution arrangement for fluid communication, which is configured to deliver a dose of cleaning agent from the corresponding slot. In such a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least one retaining valve at the outlet of the slot is mounted on the hollow body, the at least one retaining valve being configured to assume a corresponding open position after coupling between the outlet and the inlet and to assume a corresponding closed position after separating between the outlet and the inlet. Thus, the retaining valve is a valve that 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 unwanted leakage of cleaning agent when the removable dispenser portion is removed.

[0168] In various embodiments (such as the one illustrated in the figures), the hollow body defines two slots, each having its own outlet, and wherein the two corresponding inlets are on the fixed distributor part: in these cases, one said retaining valve may be mounted at each outlet.

[0169] Referring to the examples described so far, Figure 15 The concept is schematically illustrated in FIG, wherein it can be noted how the outlets 112 and 113 of the hollow body 101 are designed to be inserted into the inlets 210 and 211 of the main 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 partially a tubular configuration in order to facilitate the mutual coupling in the direction of coupling the removable dispenser part 100 to the fixed dispenser part 200. An annular gasket may possibly be associated with the respective outlet or inlet in order to improve the fluid tightness if necessary.

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

[0171] The first and second holding valves (indicated by 2301 and 2302) are Figure 15 112 and 113, respectively. It can also be appreciated from the figures how, in various embodiments, the front portion of the fixed dispenser portion 200 includes one or more guiding elements (such as protrusions 203, tubular inlets 211, 212, projections 204, formations 205) and the rear portion of the removable dispenser portion 100 includes one or more guided elements (recesses 114, tubular outlets 112, 113, seats 115, recesses 116) to define a unique direction and / or position of the coupling between the aforementioned movable and fixed portions of the dispenser. As can be seen, the coupling preferably occurs substantially along the depth dimension Z of the dispenser (i.e., in a direction substantially orthogonal to the front portion of the fixed dispenser portion or mounting wall of the dispenser).

[0172] The holding valves 2301 and 2302 are each configured to assume a respective open position upon coupling between the outlets 112 and 113 on one side and the inlets 210 and 211 on the other side, and to assume a respective closed position upon disconnection between the outlets 112 and 113 on one side and the inlets 210 and 211 on the other side. In the example, the check valves 2301 and 2302 enable automatic closing and / or opening of the outlets 112 and 113 of the tanks R1 and R2; in the case of additional tanks, additional holding valves may be provided on the respective outlets.

[0173] Possible structures for maintaining valves 2301 and 2302 are Figure 16 and Figure 17 As can be seen in FIG, these figures are merely schematic cross-sectional illustrations of the hollow body 101 .

[0174] In the example, each valve 2301 and 2302 comprises a valve member 231 which is at least partially inserted into the corresponding tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a and is urged towards a closed position of the outlet itself by an elastic element 232, in particular a spring. Preferably, the spring 232 extends in the corresponding groove R1 or R2 and has a first end bearing on the inner surface of the groove itself, opposite the corresponding tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a; optionally, a rest formation may be defined within the groove for the first end of the spring 232, as exemplified for the valve 2302.

[0175] The valve member 231 has a first portion 233 substantially opposite the spring 232, which first portion extends axially through the corresponding tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a and defines an actuating end 233a of the valve member 230. Preferably, the first portion 233 of the member 231 has a series of radial wings (not indicated by any reference numerals, but clearly visible, for example, at Figure 6 In one embodiment, the valve member 231 is provided with an actuating end 233a which projects beyond the proximal edge of the corresponding tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a.

[0176] The valve member 231 is provided with sealing means that can interact with the corresponding tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a to open or close it. In the example, for this purpose, the valve member 231 defines a radially outwardly projecting flange 234 in its portion located inside the corresponding groove R1 or R2. In the example, a sealing gasket (designated by 235), preferably a sealing ring, is mounted on the side of the flange 234 facing the corresponding outlet 112 or 113. The diameter of the sealing gasket is greater than the inner diameter of the corresponding outlet, and the sealing gasket is capable of providing a front or axial seal relative to the inner surface area of ​​the mouth of the groove R1 or R2 surrounding the outlet itself.

[0177] In the example, the member 231 of the non-return valve 2302 has a second portion 236 extending axially from the flange 234 in a direction opposite to the first portion 233, on which a portion of the corresponding spring 232 can be conveniently fitted and thus guided, the second end of the spring preferably bearing on the side of the flange opposite the corresponding washer 235. Referring again to the example, the flange 234 of the member 231 defines, on its side opposite the washer 235, a seat (not indicated) to be received and thus guided, in which seat lies a portion of the corresponding spring 232, the second end of the spring bearing on the bottom of the seat.

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

[0179] Figure 16 The diagram illustrates an operating state of the check valves 2301 and 2302, which is equivalent to the operating state obtained when the removable dispenser part 100 is coupled to the fixed dispenser part. In this state, the actuating end 233a of the valve member 231 bears against a corresponding contrasting surface defined in the fixed dispenser part 200, in particular at the corresponding inlet 210 or 211. In this manner, the valve member 231 is held in a retracted position against the action of the spring 232, to which the open position of the check valve 2301 or 2302 corresponds. In this state, the sealing means, including the gasket 235, is spaced apart from the inner surface of the groove R1 or R2 surrounding the mouth of the tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a, thus allowing the cleaning agent to enter the corresponding inlet 210 or 211 of the fixed dispenser part 200.

[0180] The contrast surface (on which the actuating end 233a of the valve member 231 bears) is preferably defined within the corresponding inlet 210 or 211 of the fixed dispenser portion 200. For example, the surface may be represented by the inner surface of the bottom of the inlet 210 or 211 (the bottoms of the inlets 210 and 211 are located at the bottom of the inlet 210 or 211). Figure 12 , where the bottom is indicated by 210b and 211b respectively), or by a purposely provided element defined within the inlet 210 or the inlet 211: the second case is defined in Figure 18 2 is illustrated for a check valve 2301 in which a contrast element 210 c extends within the inlet 210 and the actuating end of the corresponding valve member bears on the front surface of the contrast element, thereby holding it in a retracted, open position of the outlet 112 or 113 under the compression of the corresponding spring.

[0181] Alternatively, if Figure 17 As can be seen in FIG, when the removable dispenser part 100 is replaced and separated from the fixed dispenser part 200, the valve member 231 is pushed and held in the advanced position by the action of the corresponding spring 232, and the closed position of the holding valve 2301 or 2302 corresponds to the advanced position. In this state, the sealing device including the gasket 235 is pressed against the inner surface of the mouth of the groove R1 or R2 surrounding the tubular outlet portion 112a or 113a due to the spring 232, thereby preventing the cleaning agent from flowing out through the corresponding outlet 112, 113.

[0182] In various preferred embodiments (such as the one illustrated in the figures), at least two grooves R1 and R2 are defined in a single body 101, but in a possible variant embodiment, the two or more grooves may be different from each other, that is, each belonging to a corresponding removable hollow body: in such an embodiment, the fixed distributor part will have a correspondingly suitable structure in order to achieve a detachable mechanical and fluidic coupling of the hollow bodies using, for example, means of the type already described above. Moreover, in such a solution, each hollow body may be provided with a retaining valve of the type described at the corresponding outlet.

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

[0184] In the above embodiments, each dispensing arrangement preferably comprises a dispensing conduit extending between an outlet of a corresponding tank and a dispensing outlet for respectively dosing amounts of the first and second cleaning agents, 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 are for example Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 18 As can be seen in Figure 18 , the dispenser 10 is shown in an operational state.

[0186] Peristaltic pump in Figure 11 The pump 400 is designated as a whole by 400, although in the aforementioned figures only a portion of the pump is visible as being arranged in a housing 214 defined in the front of the fixed dispenser part 200 (i.e., of its body 201). In the aforementioned figures, the rotating assembly of the pump 400 is designated by 401, which carries one or more compression elements 402, for example constituted by rollers, which are rotatably mounted according to a circumference on a structure (401a, Figure 18). The pump 400 further includes an at least partially deformable conduit or tube 403 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "tube"). Preferably, the tube 403 has at least a middle portion 403a that contacts and / or wraps around the compression elements 402 of the rotating assembly 401 and deforms into contact with these elements. To this end, in various embodiments, the housing 214 defines a curved contact surface 214a against which a portion of the tube middle portion 403a opposite the compression elements 402 rests.

[0187] In the example, the middle portion 403a of the tube is defined between a first portion 403b of the tube (defined herein as "ascending") and a second portion 403c of the tube (defined herein as "descending"), the two portions 403b, 403c of the tube preferably extending at least partially substantially parallel, in particular along the height dimension Y of the dispenser 10. The delivery capacity or flow rate of the pump 400, or the amount of cleaning agent delivered, can be determined according to per se known techniques according to parameters such as the number of compression elements 402, the size of the circumference according to which these elements are arranged, the channel cross-section of the deformable tube 403, the rpm of the motor 404, and / or the number of revolutions of the motor 404.

[0188] In the non-limiting example described, the lower end of the ascending portion 403b of the tube is coupled to a corresponding attachment 218 defined by the body 201 of the fixed distributor part 200, in particular within the housing 214, wherein the attachment 218 is in fluid communication with the tubular inlet 210 via an opening designated by 218a, defined in 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 219 for the first cleaning agent. In the example, the portion 403c of the tube passes through the peripheral wall 201b1 of the body 201, which for this purpose is provided with a corresponding recess (not indicated), wherein a tube section 403c1 projects beyond the peripheral wall, which is designed to be at least partially received in the recess 118a (see FIG. 1 ) at the rear of the hollow body 101. Figure 4 It should be noted that the outlet 219 may also be defined by a tubular element associated with or integrally defined by the body 201 (such as the attachment 218), to which the lower end of the tube portion 403c is connected.

[0190] Use reference in it Figure 11 In various preferred embodiments of peristaltic pumps of the type illustrated, reference is made to the height dimension Y of the dispenser 10, which is the same as that of the dispenser 10 when the dispenser is in an operating position (i.e., positioned vertically, as in FIG. Figure 11(in the embodiment of the present invention), the outlet of the tank R1, or the corresponding inlet 210 on the fixed dispenser part 200, is at a lower level than the rotating assembly 411 of the pump, that is, at a lower level than the portion 403a of the tube and / or the curved contact surface 214a. This arrangement prevents any leakage of the corresponding cleaning agent into the barrel 3. This arrangement (which is associated with the fact that the corresponding delivery outlet 219 is preferably at a lower level 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 assembly 401 of the pump 400 (here, the portion 403c of the flexible tube 403).

[0191] In operation of the pump 400, rotation of the assembly 401 causes the first cleaning agent to be pumped through the tube 403, with the compression element 402 squeezing and releasing progressively successive segments of the portion 403a of the tube against the curved contact surface 214a.

[0192] The rotation of assembly 401 is controlled by an electric actuator having an angularly rotatable shaft, such as Figure 12 The electric actuator is caused by the motor indicated as a whole by 404, which is mounted on the fixed dispenser part 200. In the example, the rear part of the motor 404 is housed in the hollow protrusion 204 of the front part of the body 201 (see Figure 11 The front portion of the motor 404 is preferably housed in a corresponding tubular seat 204a defined within the cavity C of the body 201 and aligned with the aforementioned hollow recess 204 of the front (see Figure 18 ).

[0193] Preferably, the motor 404 has a drive shaft capable of rotating about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly 401, with one or more transmission members provided between the drive shaft and the rotating assembly. Referring to the example shown, the drive shaft of the motor 404 (indicated by 404a) is Figure 18 The middle portion of the rotating assembly 401 is shown, with the corresponding rotation axis designated by 404b. In the same figure, the shaft of the rotating assembly 401 is designated by 401b, which identifies its corresponding rotation axis (designated by 401c). In the example, the shaft 401b of the rotating assembly 401 is mounted so as to pass 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 main body 201 to support and guide the shaft 401b. Preferably, a sealing ring (not shown) is mounted in the middle section of the shaft 401b, which is received in the corresponding cylindrical seat 214b.

[0194] Keyed to shaft 404a of motor 404 is a first gear 405, and keyed to shaft 401b of rotating assembly 401 is a second gear 406, with the two gears 405 and 406 meshing with each other such that rotation of shaft 404a rotates shaft 401b and, therefore, assembly 401. In the example, the diameter of gear 405, and therefore the number of teeth, is smaller than the diameter of gear 406 and, therefore, the number of teeth.

[0195] As already mentioned, the 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 the example, the dispensing conduit is defined on the fixed dispenser part 200 and includes an inlet 210, an attachment 218, and a deformable tube 403. As already mentioned, alternatively, the dispensing outlet of the conduit may be defined by a tubular portion of the body 201, to which the outlet of the tube 403 is connected.

[0196] In various embodiments, the dispensing arrangement for the second cleaning agent contained in the second tank (ie, tank R2) includes a dosing valve that operates along a corresponding dispensing conduit. Figure 12 , such a dosing valve as a whole is designated by 410. Generally speaking, the dosing valve 410 can be obtained according to known techniques in the field of dispensers for dishwashers, and for example comprises a dosing chamber partially housing a valve member, wherein the member is movable between a first position, wherein the member closes the inlet of the dosing chamber and simultaneously enables the second cleaning agent to flow out of the dosing chamber through the corresponding outlet; and a second position, wherein the valve member opens the inlet of the dosing chamber and simultaneously prevents the second cleaning agent from flowing out of the dosing chamber through the corresponding outlet.

[0197] exist Figure 19 A possible embodiment of the dosing valve 410 is illustrated in FIG. In the aforementioned figures, a dosing chamber defined by the body 201 of the fixed distributor part 200 is indicated by 411, in which the valve member (indicated as a whole by 412) is partially accommodated in a linearly slidable manner. The portion of the valve member indicated by 412a always extends on the outside of the chamber 411 through the through hole of the front cover 411a of the chamber itself. The cover 411a is preferably fixed to the front opening of the chamber 411 via screws (one of which is indicated by 411b), wherein a sealing gasket is possibly inserted, but in possible modifications (as can be for example in Figure 12 The screws may not be present and the cover may be welded directly to the aforementioned front opening. The outer portion 412a of the member 412 is preferably provided with a widened head 412b, via which a tensile force may be imparted to the member itself.

[0198] The sealing element 413 made of elastic material (e.g., elastomer) is assembled on at least a portion of the part extending in the dosing chamber 411 of component 412. Sealing element 413 includes a flange portion 413a, which is designed to provide a seal relative to the valve seat 411 defined in the chamber 411. Instead, the end portion 413b of sealing element 413 is covered with the end opposite to the lid 411a of component 412 to close the inlet 411e of dosing chamber 411 in a sealed manner. The inlet is formed by a through opening of a wall, which belongs to a lower hollow extension 411c of the rear portion of the inlet 211 defined in the fixed dispenser part 200. Sealing element 413 is also shaped to limit a bellows portion 413c at the end opposite to portion 413b. The purpose of the bellows portion 413c is to provide a seal relative to the inside of the lid 411a (and thus prevent liquid from exiting the opening in the lid 411 through which the valve member passes), while at the same time enabling linear displacement of the valve member 412. A spring (not visible) is housed within the bellows portion 413c which tends to urge the member 422 into the closed position of the valve seat 411e.

[0199] As mentioned previously, the inlet 211 also preferably comprises at least one cylindrical tubular portion to enable coupling to the corresponding tubular outlet 113 of the tank R2. Figure 12 For example, the aforementioned cylindrical tubular portion, designated by 211a, and the corresponding bottom wall 211b are shown, which is shared with the aforementioned lower extension 211c located in the rear part of the portion 211a. The lower extension 211c preferably has an approximately prismatic shape or, in any case, a shape comprising a rectilinear wall defining the bottom of the dosing chamber 411 and provided with a through opening forming the inlet 411e of the chamber itself.

[0200] The dosing chamber 411 also has an outlet 411f defined in its peripheral wall and in fluid communication with a corresponding conduit 240 present on the body 201 of the fixed dispenser part 200. The outer side of this conduit 240 is Figure 12 and Figure 20 The middle part is visible (see also Figure 71 , wherein the conduit 240 is partially cut away), and preferably comprises a portion 240a defined integrally with the body 201 and a corresponding cover 240b fixed (e.g., welded) in a fluid-tight manner. The conduit 240 is at least Figure 19 The outlet 411f of the dosing chamber and the main body 201 ( Figure 11 ) extends between the delivery channel 212 opened on the front of the duct. Preferably, a portion of the duct 240 also extends as far as the outlet 411e of the dosing chamber 411 at the top to perform a ventilation function.

[0201] Figure 19 The dosing valve 410 is shown in the aforementioned first position, wherein the valve member 412 with the corresponding sealing element 413 is urged by the corresponding spring (present in the bellows portion 413c) to close the inlet 411e. Assuming that in this state, the chamber 411 is empty and the second cleaning liquid is present in the inlet 211 and the corresponding lower extension 211c (which are in direct fluid communication with the second groove R2 and, more specifically, with the second groove R2). Figure 6-8 The flange portion 413a of the sealing element 413 is arranged to be spaced a certain distance from the corresponding valve seat 411d.

[0202] In order to distribute the purpose of a certain dose of the second cleaning agent, the valve member 412 is retreated in this way against the effect of the corresponding bellows portion so that the inlet 411e of the chamber 411 is opened, and at the same time the flange portion 413a of the sealing element is displaced toward the corresponding valve seat 411d. In this way, a certain amount of the second cleaning agent can penetrate into the dosing chamber 411. Preferably, even after the flange portion 413a has reached the valve seat 411d, the retreat of the member 412 is carried out for a certain period in any case, thereby possibly causing the sealing element 413 to "accordion" fold on the valve member 412 (see, for example Figure 28 ), and thus also produces the effect of sucking the second cleaning agent into the dosing chamber 411. Since the valve seat is closed, the fluid cannot reach the outlet 411f of the chamber 411 under any circumstances.

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

[0204] In the example, the delivery conduit of the second delivery arrangement is then also defined on the fixed distributor part 200 and comprises the inlet 211 , the extension 211 c , the dosing chamber 411 of the valve 410 , the conduit 240 and preferably the recesses 213 and 220 g .

[0205] As previously explained, in an advantageous embodiment, a peristaltic pump, or at least one of its parts, is used to obtain the delivery of the two cleaning agents, and for this purpose, the pump is of the reversible type, that is, its actuator can be driven in a first direction to enable the delivery of the first cleaning agent, and in a second, opposite direction to enable the delivery of the second cleaning agent, thanks to a command arrangement arranged between the pump and the second dispensing arrangement, which in the example comprises the 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 it can be shaped so as to be driven by or comprise one of the parts of the pump 400, for example its rotating assembly 401 and / or one of its compression elements 402 and / or one of its transmission members arranged between the rotating assembly 401 and the motor 404.

[0206] In various embodiments, the command arrangement comprises a transmission lever that can be rotated by a certain angle about a corresponding axis and is operatively associated with a valve member of a dosing valve forming part of the aforementioned second dispensing arrangement (such as member 412 of valve 410). The transmission lever is configured in such a way that:

[0207] - angular movement of the transmission lever in the first direction caused by driving the peristaltic pump in the first rotational direction does not displace the valve member to cause dispensing of the second dose of the second cleaning agent; and

[0208] - Angular movement of the transmission lever in a second direction caused by driving the peristaltic pump in a second rotational direction displaces the valve member to cause dispensing of at least one second dose of a second cleaning agent.

[0209] As described above, the transmission 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 actuation of the aforementioned dosing valve can be obtained by a member associated with the peristaltic pump, such as a cam member defining a cam profile and capable of being rotatably arranged by means of the pump actuator.

[0210] exist Figure 20 In the example of , the command arrangement comprises such a cam member indicated by 420, while the corresponding cam profile is indicated by 420a; preferentially, but not necessarily, the cam profile 420a is a multi-lobe profile, for example a three-lobe profile as in the example.

[0211] Preferably, the cam member 420 is coaxially and rotationally fixed relative to the rotating assembly 411 of the peristaltic pump 400, although this is not an essential feature. Figure 20 Neutralization Figure 22 、 Figure 24 、 Figure 26 、 Figure 28 and Figure 30 ) may be integrally defined by or associated with a gear 406 at its rear (see Figure 18 ).

[0212] In various embodiments, the above-mentioned transmission lever belonging to the command arrangement has: a first portion defining a cam follower configured to interact with a cam profile of a cam member; and a second portion constrained to or associated with a valve member of a dosing valve. Figure 19 and Figure 20 430. In the same figure, a corresponding rotation pin is indicated by 431, which can be integrally defined by the body 201 of the fixed dispenser part 200 at the corresponding rear cavity C. In the example, the rotation axis identified by the pin 431 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the cam member 420.

[0213] In the example, the transmission lever 430 comprises a first lever arm 430a and a second lever arm 430b extending in a direction substantially opposite to the axis of rotation identified by the pin 431. The aforementioned cam follower (in Figure 19 The first end portion (indicated by 430c in the figure) belongs to arm 430a, while the second end portion, which is constrained (preferably in a loose manner) to portion 412a of valve member 412 of valve 410 (which extends on the outside of dosing chamber 411), belongs to arm 430b. With reference again to the non-limiting example shown, the two lever arms 430a and 430b form an angle greater than 90° between them.

[0214] In various embodiments of this type, the cam profile 420a of the cam member 420 and the transmission lever 430 are configured in such a manner that:

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

[0216] - 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 be displaced so as to cause the dispensing of the dose of the second cleaning agent.

[0217] Figure 21-30 The concept is illustrated with examples. Figure 21-22Illustrated is a possible state before the motor 400 (ie the corresponding shaft and the gear 405 associated therewith) starts rotating in a clockwise direction, to which a rotation of the gear 406 and thus the cam member 420 associated therewith in a counterclockwise direction corresponds.

[0218] In this state, the transmission lever 230 is in an angular position such that the cam follower end of the lever arm 430a is located on the straight section 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 dosing valve 410, but does not exert any pulling action thereon. The valve member 412 is thus held in the closed position of the inlet 411e of the corresponding dosing chamber by the corresponding spring (see Figure 19-20 ).

[0219] After the motor 400 starts rotating in the clockwise direction, with the consequent counterclockwise rotation of the cam member 410, the cam follower end of the lever arm 430a will begin to come into contact with the curved section of the cam profile 420a so as to cause an angular movement of the transmission lever 430 in the clockwise direction: the end of the lever arm 430b will therefore move away from the widened head 412b of the valve member 412, possibly reaching near 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 This state is shown in the figure.

[0220] The transmission 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 transmission lever 430 can achieve the corresponding drive function, but can allow (if necessary) slight elastic bending, for example to compensate for dimensional tolerances that may cause mechanical interference. During the process of the cam profile 410a sliding on the cam follower end of the arm 430a, the arm 430a (and / or the lever arm 430b) can be temporarily bent in an elastic manner when the opposite end of the lever arm 430b is about to be pressed against the cover 411a of the valve 410.

[0221] Therefore, the angular displacement of the joystick 430 does not cause the valve member 412 to be displaced or any action thereon, and therefore does not cause any distribution of the second cleaning agent by the dosing valve 410. As already said, the end of the arm 230b can be constrained in a loose manner on the part of the valve member 412 that protrudes on the outside of the valve dosing chamber. This effect can be obtained by providing the joystick arm 230b with, for example, a fork-like shape, as can be achieved, for example, in Figure 24 Seen in. Figure 21-24The state shown in FIG occurs during the process of continuously driving the motor 404 of the pump 400 in the clockwise direction, during which, via the pump itself, according to the previously mentioned reference Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 18 What has been described with respect to the operation of the peristaltic pump 400 is to obtain dosing of the first cleaning agent from the first tank R1 .

[0222] When it is desired to deliver a dose of the second cleaning agent from the second tank R2, the pump motor 404 is driven in the opposite direction to the previous direction (i.e., in the counterclockwise direction). After the motor 404 has started to rotate, with the consequent clockwise rotation of the cam member 420, the cam follower end of the lever arm 430a comes into contact with the straight section of the cam profile 420a, so as to cause angular movement of the transmission 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. Figures 25-26 This state is shown in the figure.

[0223] As rotation of member 420 proceeds, the cam follower end of lever arm 430a contacts the curved section of cam profile 420a, causing further angular movement of transmission lever 430 in the counterclockwise direction. In this manner, the end of lever arm 430b exerts a pulling action on the widened head 412b of valve member 412, thereby causing valve member 412 to retract against the action of the corresponding spring. Figures 27-28 In this way, as previously explained, the valve member 412 releases the dosing chamber 411 ( Figure 19 ) inlet 411e, thereby allowing a certain amount of second cleaning agent to flow into the chamber itself, while the contact between the sealing flange 413a carried by the structure 412 and the corresponding valve seat 411d prevents this amount of cleaning agent from passing through the dosing chamber 411 (see again Figure 19 ) flows out through outlet 411f.

[0224] Further rotation of member 420 causes the cam follower end of lever arm 430a to re-engage with the straight section of cam profile 420a, now causing angular movement of transmission lever 430 in a clockwise direction and thereby enabling valve member 412 to advance under the action of the corresponding spring. Figures 29-30 In this way, as previously explained, the valve member 412 closes the inlet 411e of the dosing chamber 411 again, thereby preventing further inflow of the second cleaning agent, and the sealing flange 413a is separated from the valve seat 411f, thereby allowing the contents of the dosing chamber to flow away through the corresponding outlet 411f.

[0225] It will be appreciated, with reference to the example shown, that for the cam member 420 to rotate 360° in a clockwise direction, this corresponds to dispensing several doses of the second cleaning agent (three doses in the specific example).

[0226] It will also be appreciated that during rotation of the motor 404 in the counter-clockwise direction, a corresponding rotation of the rotating assembly 401 of the peristaltic pump 400 will occur, however, this will not result in any delivery of the first cleaning agent from tank R1 .

[0227] However, such rotation of the motor in a secondary direction (as opposed to the primary direction of pumping into the wash tub) is also useful with respect to tank R1, as long as pumping in the secondary direction can rebalance the volume of "air wash agent" in the tank (i.e., compensate for the volume of the first dose of first wash agent previously delivered by means of rotation of the 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 makes it possible to pump at least a great deal of the cleaning agent remaining in the pipe 403 (in particular in the sections 403a and 403b) into the aforementioned tank, thus preventing in this way any stagnation which could cause malfunctions (such as pipe blockages), for example in the event of prolonged non-use.

[0229] It will therefore be appreciated that in various embodiments, the function of rebalancing the pressure inside the tank and / or clearing the dispensing tube of the dispensing arrangement is achieved simultaneously with driving another dispensing arrangement, thereby in particular achieving an overall reduction in the number of pump activations, also with 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 thereof) is configured to keep a portion of the deformable tube 403 constantly compressed 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 characteristic prevents any unintended emptying of the tank R1 and / or the resulting cleaning anomalies, for example, due to the accidental pouring of excess WD into the washing bucket. Continuous compression of the tube 403 also prevents the unintended ingress of air into the tank, which can prove 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 known per se (for example a control circuit or controller), implemented on an electronic card mounted on the fixed dispenser part 200 (in particular in the cavity C of its body 201). Such a card is for example Figure 12denoted by 250 and may include a microcontroller 251. The motor 404 may be a stepper motor or a different motor, preferably provided with a position sensor (such as an encoder or resolver type sensor); for this purpose, the control circuit or card 250 may include circuits for controlling the motor 404 and / or circuits for controlling the corresponding position sensor. The detector RD ( Figure 3 ) can be connected to the card 250 in signal communication with the reference Figure 6-8 The controller or card 250 may include a memory device that may contain data and parameters for controlling the motor 404 to achieve the purpose of dosing the first cleaning agent in the case of rotation in the primary direction and dosing the second cleaning agent in the case of rotation in the secondary direction.

[0232] On the other hand, it should be noted that the control circuit arrangement of the dispenser can be implemented in whole or in part in the control system CS of the dishwasher 1. In various embodiments, the circuit arrangement onboard the dispenser 10 is configured to be connected to the control system CS of the dishwasher, on which the dispenser itself may be installed, and the circuit arrangement of the dispenser is configured to control the pump actuator according to electrical signals supplied by the aforementioned control system CS. For example, the card 250 of the dispenser 10 may be provided with communication means for receiving and / or transmitting electrical signals to / from 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 purpose of detergent dosage, and / or sending electrical signals supplied by the sensor device on the dispenser, and / or receiving commands for other actuators on the dispenser. In any case, the circuit arrangement on the dispenser may even only include wiring and / or electrical connectors electrically connected to at least one actuator and / or sensor device on the dispenser, so as to enable direct control of the dishwasher 1 by the control system CS.

[0233] As has been seen previously, in various embodiments, the dispenser comprises: a dispenser body in which at least one holding volume is defined, the at least one holding volume being capable of holding a cleaning agent in liquid or semi-solid form; and a dispensing arrangement configured to dispense one or more doses of cleaning agent; and a circuit arrangement configured to be connected to a control system of a dishwasher on which the dispenser itself can be mounted. In various embodiments of this kind, the dispenser further comprises at least one operable part configured to be manually displaced by a user at least from a first position to a second position. With reference to, for example, the examples previously described, such an operable part may be represented by a plug or a hatch for opening or closing the inlet passages of the tanks R1, R2, or by a drive element 220 ( Figure 9-11) indicates that the drive element belongs to the coupling / decoupling arrangement structure operating between the removable dispenser part 100 and the fixed dispenser part 200 described above.

[0234] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser further comprises a locking / unlocking arrangement comprising a locking mechanism drivable by a corresponding electric actuator to assume at least one operative state and at least one inoperative state, in which the locking mechanism respectively prevents or enables displacement of the aforementioned operable portion from its first position to its second position. The electric actuator is configured to be controllable in response to an electrical signal supplied by at least one of a sensor device belonging to the circuit arrangement of the dispenser and a control system of the dishwasher on which the dispenser is mounted, so as to cause the locking mechanism to pass from the at least one operative state to the at least one inoperative state.

[0235] The electrical signal for managing the locking / unlocking arrangement may, for example, be a signal representing the level of detergent in the corresponding filling volume, which signal is provided by a specially provided sensor of the dispenser 10, or represents a specially provided command generated by the control system CS of the machine 1 (for example, a specially provided key on the control panel of the dishwasher for enabling or preventing removal of the dispenser part 100 from the dispenser part 200 via the coupling / uncoupling arrangement described above).

[0236] As has been seen, the at least one volume for containing the cleaning agent, such as one of the tanks R1, R2, has a loading channel, and the aforementioned operable part may comprise a closing element associated with the loading channel. This closing element may be a stopper or, as in the example shown, a hatch, to which a latching / releasing device is associated. Therefore, a possible embodiment of the locking / unlocking arrangement will now be described with reference to the dispenser 10 according to the various examples described so far, wherein the removable part 100 of the dispenser 10 comprises two tanks R1 and R2, each having its own loading channel 103 provided with a corresponding hatch 1041 and 1042, to which corresponding latching / releasing devices 1051 and 1052 are associated. As has been seen, for example, with reference to Figure 6-8 Level sensors of the type described, or some other type (such as those described below), may be associated with tanks R1 and R2.

[0237] Special References Figure 31 and Figure 32 The locking / unlocking arrangement includes a locking mechanism which may be Figure 31The dispenser 10 is driven by an electric actuator (particularly a motor or electromagnetic actuator) designated by 450, which has an angularly movable drive shaft 450a (here essentially arranged according to the height dimension Y of the dispenser 10). A cam member is designated by 451 and is designed to be set in rotation by the shaft 450a of the motor 450; for this purpose, the member 451 can be keyed to the aforementioned shaft 450a. The cam member 451 defines a peripheral cam profile 452a-452b. The first and second mechanism members are designated by 4531 and 4532, each of which defines a corresponding cam follower 453a at its end. For simplicity, the members 4531 and 4532 will also be referred to as "sliders" hereinafter. In the example, the two slides 4531 and 4532 are arranged in relative positions with respect to the respective cam followers, corresponding to the cam profiles 452a-452b.

[0238] In the example, the cam profile is defined by two opposing segments, each extending along a corresponding arc of a circle, one of the two circles being larger than the other; for example, the segment of profile 452a may extend over more than 180° of the corresponding smaller circle, while the segment of profile 452b may extend over less than 180° of the larger circle. In general, cam member 451 has at least a portion of its peripheral cam profile adapted to displace at least one slider 4531 or 4532, and at least another portion of its peripheral cam profile adapted not to displace sliders 4531 and 4532. Cam member 451 may thus also be of the lobe type, for example, having three similar lobes, two of which are opposite each other and a third lobe at 90° relative to each of the other lobes.

[0239] Each slider 4531 and 4532 is connected to a corresponding elastic element (such as a coil spring 454 (see Figure 33 and Figure 35 )) is pushed against the member 450 so that each cam follower 453a is in constant contact with the cam profiles 452a-452b during the rotation of the member 450. Preferably, then, each slider 4531 and 4532 is constrained to perform a linear displacement (here according to the width dimension X of the dispenser 10); for this purpose, suitable guide supports (not indicated) are provided in the body 201 of the fixed dispenser part 200.

[0240] Each slider may be composed of several parts. In the non-limiting example shown, the slider 4531 is composed of two parts (only in the Figure 31 453 1a and 453 1b Marking) composition, of which part 453 1a has a structure similar to that of the slider 4532, and part 453 1b(which defines the corresponding cam follower 453a) is conveniently shaped so as to be able to slide without any obstruction in other components of the removable dispenser part (such as the motor of the peristaltic pump described previously).

[0241] The locking mechanism further comprises 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. With reference to the illustrated case, the previously referenced Figure 11 The two locking members mentioned (designated 2061 and 2062) are mounted so as to pass through the aforementioned positioning and / or guiding formations 205 in their portion facing the interior of the washing tub, these positioning and / or guiding formations rising from the peripheral wall of the body 201 of the fixed dispenser part 200 (it should be noted that in Figure 32 、 Figure 34 and Figure 36 , for reasons of greater clarity, the forming piece 205 is not shown). As previously mentioned, the portion of the forming piece 205 having the corresponding protruding ends of the locking members 2061 and 2062 can be received in relation to Figure 4 The locking members 2061 and 2062 therefore preferably extend along the height dimension Y of the dispenser 10 (ie in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the slides 4531 and 4532).

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

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

[0244] In various embodiments, to achieve rotation of the locking members, the locking mechanism includes a transmission comprising toothed sections meshing with one another, preferably a rack-and-pinion type transmission. For this purpose, preferably, each member 2061 and 2062 includes a corresponding toothing extending along a circumference or a portion thereof and meshing with a corresponding toothing of the corresponding slider 4531 or 4532. In the example shown, the lower end portion of each locking member 2061 and 2062 has a corresponding gear 206b, which meshes with the lateral toothing 453b of the corresponding slider 4531 or 4532, essentially via a rack-and-pinion type transmission. In this way, as can be understood, linear displacement of each slider 4531 or 4532 causes the corresponding locking member 2061 and 2062 to rotate about the 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, with the locking member exhibiting an angular travel of approximately 90° between the blocking position and the unblocking position. It should be noted that, without prejudice to the functions described below, the semi-cylindrical profile of the end portion 206a of each locking member 2061 and 2062 will be understood as provided merely by way of preferred example, provided that the end portion may also have a profile in the shape of a circular sector having an extension of less than 180° (e.g., an extension of only 90°).

[0246] exist Figures 31-32 , the locking / unlocking arrangement is illustrated as being in a state such that both doors 1041 and 1042 are prevented from opening; that is, switching of both latch / release devices 1051 and 1052 is prevented.

[0247] In the example represented, in this state, the cam member 451 is in such an angular position that both sliders 4531 and 4532 are held by the member itself in a corresponding retracted state, with maximum compression of the corresponding spring 454. The retracted position is determined by the fact that the cam followers 453a of the two sliders 4531 and 4532 interact with the same section of the cam profile, i.e. the section 452a of the cam profile with a smaller radius and a greater extent.

[0248] The angular position of the locking members 2061 and 2062 corresponds to the position of the sliders 4531 and 4532, such that the respective upper ends 206a are arranged so that their semicircular portions extend below the end region of the first lever arms 105e of the latch / release devices 1051 and 1052. As will be appreciated, in this state, the devices 1051 and 1052 cannot be manually operated; that is, no angular movement sufficient to enable the release of the respective hatch 1041 or 1042 can be imparted thereto. The illustrated state is achieved by appropriately positioning the shaft 450a of the electric motor 450, which can be, for example, a stepper motor or a different motor, possibly equipped with a position sensor (such as an encoder or resolver type sensor). For this purpose, the circuit or card 250 may include circuitry for controlling the motor 405 and / or circuitry for controlling the corresponding position sensor.

[0249] exist Figures 31-32 The control of the motor 405 (i.e., the cam member 451) in the position shown in the drawing is preferably determined by electrical signals supplied by sensors (in particular level sensors) provided with the two tanks R1 and R2. More particularly, in the particular case shown, these signals will indicate the presence of an amount of cleaning agent exceeding a preset minimum level in the two tanks R1 and R2 or that the tanks need to be topped up.

[0250] exist Figures 33-34 In FIG, the locking / unlocking arrangement is shown in a state in which 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 enabled. This state occurs when the amount of cleaning agent contained in tank R1 drops below a predetermined minimum level, with the signal supplied by the corresponding level sensor indicating this state. Assume that, at the same time, the amount of cleaning agent contained in tank R2 instead exceeds the corresponding minimum fill level, and the corresponding level sensor supplies a corresponding signal.

[0251] In the example shown, in this state, the cam member 451 is in such an angular position that the slider 4532 is held by the member itself in a corresponding retracted state, in which the corresponding spring 454 is maximally compressed. Alternatively, the slider 4531 is pushed into a corresponding advanced 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 sections of the cam profile: in particular, the cam follower 453a of the slider 4532 interacts with the section of profile 452a with greater extent and smaller radius, while the cam follower 453a of the slider 4531 interacts with the section of profile 452b with less extent and larger radius. The angular position of the locking members 2061 and 2062 corresponds to the position of the sliders 4531 and 4532, so that the upper end 206a of the member 2062 is arranged so that its semicircular portion extends below the end region of the lever arm 105e of the engagement / release device 1052, while the upper end 206a of the member 2061 is arranged so that its semicircular portion is staggered relative to the end region of the lever arm 105e of the engagement / release device 1051. As can be appreciated, in this state, only the device 1052 cannot be manually operated, as already described above, while the device 1051 can be manually operated, i.e., an angular movement sufficient to enable the release of the corresponding hatch 1041 can be imparted thereto.

[0252] In this case as well, the illustrated state is achieved by appropriately positioning the shaft 405a of the electric motor 450 according to the signal supplied by the level sensors associated with the two tanks R1 and R2. As already mentioned, in the specific case illustrated, the signal from the sensor associated with tank R2 will indicate the presence of a quantity of cleaning agent within the tank itself exceeding a corresponding preset minimum level, while the signal from the sensor associated with tank R1 will indicate the presence of a quantity of cleaning agent within the tank itself below a corresponding preset minimum level. Thus, the hatch 1041 of tank R1 can be opened by acting on the latch / release device 1051, and filling with the corresponding cleaning agent can be carried out.

[0253] Finally, in Figures 35-36 In the example, the locking / unlocking arrangement is shown in the figure with Figures 33-34 The state opposite to the state shown in , i.e., the state in which the hatch 1041 is prevented from opening and the hatch 1042 is opened instead, is the state in which the amounts of cleaning agents contained in the tanks R1 and R2 are respectively higher and lower than the corresponding preset minimum liquid levels, as indicated by the signals supplied by the corresponding liquid level sensors.

[0254] Thus, in the example shown, the cam member 451 is in contact with Figures 33-34The angular positions of the locking members 2061 and 2062 correspond to positions of the sliders 4531 and 4532 such that the upper end 206a of the member 2061 is arranged so that its semicircular portion extends below the end region of the lever arm 105e of the engagement / release device 1051, while the upper end 206a of the member 2062 is arranged so that its semicircular portion is staggered relative to the end region of the lever arm 105e of the engagement / release device 1052.

[0255] In this way, device 1051 cannot be manually operated, while device 1052 can be manually operated to enable the corresponding hatch 1042 to be opened. Of course, this state shown can also be achieved by appropriately positioning shaft 450a of electric motor 450 according to the electrical signal supplied by the liquid level sensor. In the specific case shown, the signal of the sensor equipped with tank R1 will indicate the presence of liquid in the tank itself in an amount exceeding the corresponding preset minimum liquid level, while the signal of the sensor equipped with tank R2 will indicate the presence of liquid in the tank itself in an amount below the corresponding preset minimum liquid level. Thus, by acting on the latch / release device 1052, hatch 1042 of tank R2 can be opened and topped up with the corresponding cleaning agent.

[0256] As mentioned previously, the closing element of the slotted loading channel (i.e. the operable part with which the locking / unlocking arrangement interacts) can be a plug instead of a hatch (without excluding a possible combination of these two elements). In this case, the locking / unlocking arrangement can be a concept similar to the one described above: for example, a latching / releasing system similar to one of the latching / releasing systems indicated by 1051 and 1052 can be provided, wherein Figure 3 A latching element of the type indicated by 105b is configured to interact with the plug (eg, slide partially over it or penetrate into its peripheral seat or toothing) so as to prevent its rotation or removal.

[0257] As previously explained, in various embodiments, the dispenser comprises a fixed dispenser part and a removable dispenser part, the removable dispenser part being removably connectable to the fixed dispenser part and defining at least one slot for the cleaning agent. In such embodiments, the dispenser may further comprise a signalling arrangement comprising: at least one emitter device mounted on the fixed dispenser part, capable of emitting visible radiation and comprising a light source; and at least one light-guiding element configured to transmit the visible radiation emitted by the emitter device towards an area of ​​the dispenser designed to face the interior of the cleaning chamber, the at least one light-guiding element being located on the removable dispenser part and optically connected in a detachable manner to the emitter device mounted on the fixed dispenser part. Preferably, the light-guiding element extends between the front and rear parts of the removable dispenser part, very preferably within corresponding channels or mounting seats defined in the hollow body.

[0258] The dispenser may comprise at least one sensor device configured to supply an electrical signal representative of at least one state of the contents of the at least one tank, such as its level or, as further described below, a property different from its level, in particular a qualitative property thereof (such as a chemical-physical property or a property related to its composition and / or type).

[0259] In the aforementioned embodiments, the signaling arrangement may be controllable in accordance with the electrical signal supplied by the at least one sensor device. However, the signaling arrangement may belong to the circuit arrangement of the dispenser, which is configured to be connected to the control system of the dishwasher on which the dispenser itself may be mounted: in these cases, the circuit arrangement on the dispenser may be configured such that the signaling arrangement can be controlled in accordance with the electrical signal supplied by the aforementioned control system of the dishwasher.

[0260] Possible embodiments of the aforementioned signalling arrangement will be described with reference to a dispenser 10 according to the various examples described so far, wherein the removable part 100 of the dispenser 10 comprises two slots R1 and R2, e.g. Figure 6-8 Respective level sensors of the type described or of some other type (eg, the types described below) are associated with the two tanks.

[0261] Special References Figures 37-38 In various embodiments, at least one emitter device is mounted on the fixed dispenser part, said at least one emitter device being capable of emitting visible radiation: in the example represented, each emitter device comprises a respective light source (designated 260), for example of the LED type. The light source 260 may be mounted, for example, on a control card of the dispenser, such as the electronic card previously designated 205.

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

[0263] If you can Figure 37 As can be seen in FIG, such a light transmission element 207 can 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, through which exit end the emitter device (here constituted by the light source 260 and the element 207) emits visible radiation.

[0264] The signalling arrangement comprises a first light-guiding element (at Figure 37 The whole is designated by 261 (see also Figure 3 and Figure 5 )), the first light-guiding element is configured to transmit the visible radiation emitted by the emitter means 260, 207 towards a front area of ​​the dispenser 10 designed to face the interior of the washing tub 3 of the dishwasher 1. Each element 261 can also be made of any material suitable for light transmission, such as polycarbonate. The light-guiding element 261 is preferably mounted in the upper portion 101a ( Figure 3 and Figure 5 )middle.

[0265] Each first light-guiding element 261 is mounted on the removable dispenser part 100 and in particular on its hollow body 101. For this purpose, in various embodiments, a corresponding through-mount (preferably substantially cylindrical) is provided on the hollow body 101, which through-mount extends between the front and the rear of the hollow body 101. Such a mount is Figure 37 As explained, in various embodiments, the hollow body 101 is formed by a combination of at least one front panel and one rear panel (see, for example, FIG. Figure 3 , wherein these pieces are designated by 1011 and 1012): it should therefore be assumed that the seat portion 262a is defined in the aforementioned front piece, and the seat portion 262b is defined in the aforementioned rear piece. Figure 6-8 It is also visible in.

[0266] Advantageously, each first light-guiding element 261 is designed to be optically coupled in a detachable manner relative to the emitter device 260, 207. For this purpose, reference is made to Figure 37The exit end 207b of each light transmission element 207 faces the entrance end 261a of the corresponding light guide element 261, preferably at a certain distance therefrom. On the other side, the exit end 261b of the light guide element 261 faces the outside of the corresponding mounting seat 262a-262b, preferably but not necessarily substantially flush with the front surface of the removable dispenser part 100 (i.e., the hollow body 101 thereof).

[0267] In cases where the emission axis of the transmitter device extends transversely to the axis of the light-guiding element, the entrance end 261a of the first light-guiding element 261 preferably has an inclined surface. In the illustrated example, the transmitters 260, 207 have an emission axis extending substantially vertically as a whole, while the light-guiding element 261 extends substantially horizontally between its entrance and exit ends. In this case, the exit end 207b of element 207 can be substantially planar, and the entrance end 261a of element 261 can have an inclination of approximately 45°. Obviously, if the transmission element 207 extends further upward than shown, and the light-guiding element 261 is simultaneously shorter than shown, a reverse configuration would be possible, i.e., one in which the exit end 207b of element 207 is inclined and the entrance end 261a of element 261 is substantially planar. Of course, both the exit end 207b and the entrance end 261a can also be inclined. Generally speaking, at least one of the input end 261 a and the output end 207 b is shaped to enable an optical coupling between the element 261 and the element 207 .

[0268] As can be appreciated, the fact that each light-guiding element 261 is optically connected in a detachable manner relative to the emitter device 260, 207 enables the removable distributor part 100 to be freely removed from the fixed distributor part 200, thereby ensuring instead efficient and precise transmission of light indications when the two parts in question are instead connected together.

[0269] As already mentioned, the management of the light source 260 of the emitter device can be implemented by a controller equipped with the dispenser 10 (such as the previously mentioned card 250) according to the signals supplied by the level sensor and / or quality sensor 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 controllable to emit radiation at different frequencies and / or different intensities, and therefore of different colors and / or different light intensities, in order to provide a variety of types of indications, depending on the information to be provided to the dishwasher user. For example, the emission of green light can be understood to mean that there is an amount of detergent greater than a preset minimum level and / or that the tank is filled with the appropriate detergent (if a sensor is provided with the tank capable of detecting the quality and / or type of the detergent), the emission of yellow light can be understood to mean that the tank needs to be topped up with detergent, and the emission of red light can be understood to mean that the tank is filled with the wrong detergent and / or contaminated detergent (considering the case where the user fills the tank R1 dedicated to rinse detergent with rinse aid or tops up). Alternatively or in addition, it may also be possible to use light of the same color with different intensities for these or other indications, for example light of greater or lesser intensity or flashing lights, or to alternately increase and decrease the light intensity.

[0271] It will therefore be appreciated that in various embodiments, the same signalling arrangement may be used to carry different types of information via at least two different signalling patterns (colour / blinking).

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

[0273] Figures 39-44 Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG for a dispenser 10, the removable part 100 of which is provided with at least one hatch, in particular two hatches 1041 and 1042. As previously explained, in this solution, on the front of the dispenser part 10 there may be a defined receptacle 103c ( Figure 40 ), which are at least partially occupied by the corresponding hatch when the hatch is in the closed position of the corresponding loading channel 103.

[0274] exist Figures 39-41In the example shown in , the aforementioned second light-guiding element (designated as a whole by 263) designed to diffuse visible radiation is at least partially arranged inside the aforementioned seat 103c and preferably extends along at least a portion of the peripheral area of ​​the seat itself not occupied by the hatch. According to an alternative embodiment, the second light-guiding element can be arranged at least partially under the corresponding hatch 1041, 1042, wherein the hatch is at least partially made of transparent material and / or is provided with optical signals designed to enable the viewing of the optical signal. The light-guiding element can also be arranged in a position different from the one illustrated, such as in any case in a position close to the charging opening of the tank, for example near or next to a seat of the type designated by 103c and / or near or next to a hatch of the type designated by 1041 or 1042, or again next to a plug closing the charging opening.

[0275] Returning to the example shown, the second light-guiding element 263 thus extends at least partially in the gap present between the seat 103c and the laterally facing surfaces of the hatch 1041 or 1042, so as to leave at least one corresponding surface directly exposed even when the hatch is in the closed position in the corresponding seat. It will therefore be appreciated that in such an embodiment, it is not necessary for the exit end of each first guiding element 260 to be directly visible at the front of the removable dispenser part 100, but rather as in Figure 3 and Figure 5 The situation indicated in .

[0276] In a preferred embodiment, the second light-guiding 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. Obviously, the shape chosen can vary widely with respect to the illustrated shape and also depending on the position chosen for the second light-guiding element 263 (e.g., U-shaped, L-shaped, circular, semicircular, polygonal, etc.).

[0277] Figure 42 The case of an element 263 shaped like a frame with four sides is shown, these sides comprising two upright portions 263a and two transverse portions 263b which are relatively thin so as to define a substantially quadrilateral shape. As can be noted, for example, in Figure 40 and Figure 41 In the embodiment, such a frame element 263 is mounted in a fixed position within the seat 103c (for example, glued, or joined, or welded, or interference inserted, or fixed via riveting of the parts), wherein the upright portion 263a is established 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, resting 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, resting against its bottom, and also with its lower surface on the step D ( Figure 41 ) may be exposed between the seat 103c and the hatch 1041 or 1042, and the step is 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 transverse portion 263b, the connection area thereof with the upright portion 263a has a suitable forming piece 263c to prevent interference with the lower hinge means of the hatch 1041 or 1042.

[0279] exist Figure 42 Also visible in isolation are some further elements belonging to the signalling arrangement, namely the light source 260 (here also mounted on the card 250 ), the light transmission element 207 and the first light guiding element 261 .

[0280] In such an embodiment, and as in Figures 43-44 As can be seen in the figure, the first light guide element 261 can be compared to Figure 37 The case shown is shorter and its exit end 261b is preferably tilted so as to guide the visible radiation at the output into the second light-guiding element 263. Figures 43-44 It can be noted how, in this embodiment, the mounting seats 262a-262b of the first light-guiding element 261 can be closed at the front by corresponding parts of the front wall of the hollow body 101. Figure 44 It can be noted that in the hollow body 101, especially in its front body piece (1011, Figure 3-4 ), how the internal channel 120 is defined enables at least a portion of the output end 261b of the first light-guiding element 261 to face the corresponding portion of the second light-guiding 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 in a transverse direction relative to each other, as in Figure 44 . For this reason, the exit end 261b of the first element 261 is preferably inclined, for example with an inclination of approximately 45°. Generally speaking, the first light-guiding element 261 will have an exit end 261b that at least partially faces a corresponding portion of the second light-guiding element 263, the exit end 261a being in any case shaped so as to enable an optical connection between the elements 261 and 263. However, the two light-guiding elements 261 and 263 may also be fixed relative to each other (for example, joined via a snap-fit ​​action) or made of a single piece.

[0282] References such as Figure 42 and Figure 43 , and as in Figures 37-38 In the case of the embodiment of FIG, the light emitted by the light source 206 is irradiated on the incident end 207a of the transmission element 207, and then exits from the corresponding emission end 207b to irradiate 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 guided from the exit end 261b of the first light-guiding element 261 towards the second light-guiding element 263. The radiation (preferably light radiation having a variable color or intensity) then propagates within the second element 263 and along the ( Figure 40 At least a portion of the periphery of (i.e., of hatch 1041 or 1042) is diffused so as to be perceptible at the front of the removable dispenser portion.

[0283] It should be noted that, although preferred, the emitter device arranged on the fixed distributor part 200 does not necessarily have to include a light transmission element of the type indicated by 207, in particular if the light source 260 is mounted on the aforementioned fixed part directly facing the incident end 261a of the first light-guiding element 261.

[0284] Figures 39-44 The configuration illustrated in the example makes it possible, for example, to highlight to the user in a clear manner (preferably by means of radiation or light of different colors and / or intensities) when the filling opening of a tank can be opened freely (e.g. for topping up or filling) and / or when the filling opening cannot be opened freely. In this way, it is possible, for example, to prevent the risk of excessive manual pressure on a hatch or plug, which is blocked from opening or removal by the blocking / unblocking arrangement described above, in order to prevent the dispenser or part thereof from failing. Similarly, the light-guiding configuration illustrated in this way can be used to highlight possible fault states (such as a tank into which the wrong cleaning agent or a contaminated cleaning agent has been introduced) in a clear manner, so that the user can intervene promptly, for example by removing the problematic tank and cleaning it.

[0285] As also mentioned previously, in various embodiments, the dispenser comprises at least one tank, to which a level sensor is preferentially operatively associated; additionally or alternatively, in various preferred embodiments, there may be a sensor operatively associated with the at least one tank for detecting at least one characteristic of the substance contained in the tank, other than the level, and in particular a qualitative characteristic thereof. In the present description and the appended claims, "qualitative characteristic" means a characteristic or property associated with the type or composition of the substance, such as a chemical or physical or electrical property. The detection of a qualitative characteristic may prove useful for the purpose of identifying the type of substance, or its possible contamination or its mixing with another substance, or its possible degradation. Such a detection may, for example, make it possible to limit possible risks that may arise from incorrect operations performed by the user when filling the tank, which incorrect operations may lead to damage to the dispenser or to the dishwasher, or to poor cleaning results.

[0286] For example, a mass sensor proves useful for identifying whether the substance contained in a tank is the correct substance (ie whether it corresponds to the substance for which the tank in question is effectively dedicated). Consider, for example, the case where a user, by mistake and without realizing it, introduces a liquid rinse aid (rinse agent) into a tank that is instead dedicated to liquid cleaning detergent: in this state, a dishwashing program could subsequently be started, which would have extremely negative consequences (both in terms of poor cleaning efficiency and the generation of large amounts of difficult-to-eliminate foam in the tub 3), which could even jeopardize the operation of the dishwasher 1 (the foam could penetrate the ventilation duct until it seeps into the dishwasher door, where the foam formed by the conductive liquid (such as rinse agent) could cause short circuits between the dishwasher's electrical components, or such foam could enter the domestic environment). Similar considerations can be made with regard to mixing two different cleaning agents in the same tank, or again with a cleaning agent contaminated with a different substance, for example by diluting it with water (which could reduce cleaning efficiency), or with two different cleaning agents (where uncontrolled reactions between the different chemical compounds could produce harmful substances). In any case, it should be noted that such a mass sensor is associated with the dispenser body and is designed to detect the properties of the substance contained therein before dispensing it.

[0287] The signal supplied by a mass sensor of the type mentioned can advantageously be used by the circuit arrangement of the dispenser or dishwasher to provide the user with suitable indications (obviously via the machine being powered), such as an audible warning (e.g. via a buzzer) and / or a visual warning (e.g. using a light warning system of the type previously exemplified).

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

[0289] Figures 45-46 A possible embodiment of a mass sensor of the type mentioned is schematically illustrated in the Figures, which are partial views (front view and cutaway perspective view, respectively) of the lower region of the fixed dispenser part 200 (and in particular of its body 201). Figure 11 Some of the elements described are thus visible. It should be noted that in these figures, the representation of the previously described peristaltic pump has been omitted for reasons of clarity; however, the attachment 218 of the deformable tube to which such a pump can be connected is clearly visible.

[0290] As previously mentioned, the inlet 210 preferably comprises at least one cylindrical tubular portion to enable coupling with the corresponding tubular outlet 112 of the tank R1 (see e.g. Figure 4 ). In this way, in the operating state of the dispenser 10, the inlet 210 is filled with cleaning agent from the tank R1. Figure 46 Visible in the drawing is the aforementioned cylindrical tubular portion designated by 210a, and the corresponding bottom wall 210b (see also Figure 12 In various embodiments (such as, Figures 45-46 In the embodiment represented in FIG, a sensing element 270 of a sensor device is positioned at the inlet 210, the sensor device being configured to detect at least one qualitative characteristic of the cleaning agent coming from the tank R1.

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

[0292] Preferably, the at least two electrodes 2701 and 2702 each have a respective axis extending substantially along the depth dimension Z of the dispenser 10; in these embodiments, these electrodes extend substantially parallel to one another. The axes of the at least two electrodes are preferably at a distance from one another comprised 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 comprises two electrodes 2701 and 2702 which are at substantially the same height with reference to 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 an insertion of the tubular portion (112a, Figure 4 ) is formed as an obstacle to the tubular portion, which forms the corresponding outlet of the groove R1 and is arranged on the rear part of the removable dispenser part 100.

[0293] In the example, electrodes 2701 and 2702 are driven into corresponding through-holes provided in the bottom 210b of the inlet in a fluid-tight manner and, for this purpose, have an abutting flange 271, which may also perform a sealing function. In addition to or as an alternative to the flanges, electrodes 2701 and 2702 may be provided with corresponding sealing rings. Instead of driving, the fixation between the dispenser body and the electrodes may be achieved by overmolding the former onto the latter. Electrodes 2701 and 2702 may comprise a conductive polymer, such as a polymer with conductive fillers (e.g., powder or metal fibers and / or containing carbon fibers). Electrodes 2701 and 2702 may also have shapes other than those illustrated. If the electrodes are designed for measuring electrical quantities that do not imply direct contact with the substance (e.g., capacitance measurement), they may be isolated from the liquid substance, for example by being coated with a layer of electrically insulating material. In this case, it is sufficient to arrange the coated electrodes so 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, coupled in a sealed manner to the rear portion of the inlet, with suitable mounting openings provided for this purpose (this variant will be described below).

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

[0296] In various embodiments, the circuit arrangement of the dispenser 10 or the control system CS of the dishwasher 1 uses the value of the electrical quantity measured between the 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 arrangement of the dispenser or the control system CS of the machine 1 preferably includes a memory device in which the value of the electrical quantity in question or a reference value range is stored (for example in the form of a table), these values ​​or reference value ranges representing those cleaning agents that are considered correct for a specific tank (here, tank R1).

[0297] The circuit arrangement thus compares the value of the quantity detected via the sensing element 270 with a stored reference value and, accordingly, controls the generation of an appropriate acoustic and / or visual warning, 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); in the opposite case, the warning system is activated or is activated in a second mode (e.g., a continuous sound or a red light). As already mentioned, the aforementioned circuit arrangement can be implemented, for example, in the card previously designated 250 (including the 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, reference Figures 45-46 A mass sensor of the type described may be provided at the inlet 211 to which the tank R2 is to be connected, for example at the rear of its tubular parts 211a, 211b (see e.g. Figure 12 ).

[0300] As has been seen, in various embodiments, the dispenser comprises a fixed dispenser part and a removable dispenser part, the removable dispenser part comprising a hollow body defining at least one trough, 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 part, and the dispenser comprises at least one sensor device configured to supply an electrical signal representative of at least one of the liquid level and a qualitative characteristic of the contents of the at least one trough. In such an embodiment, the at least one sensor device is at least partially arranged on the fixed dispenser part. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device is completely arranged on the fixed dispenser part.

[0301] In various embodiments, the at least one groove preferably has in its lower part an outlet in the wall of the hollow body, which outlet can be connected in a detachable manner to a corresponding inlet present in the wall of the fixed distributor part: in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the sensor device is arranged essentially at the inlet, or in a corresponding housing which is connected to the inlet fluid.

[0302] Also refer to the already considered Figures 45-46 This solution is explained in detail in which the sensing element 270 is arranged at the tubular inlet 210 of the fixed dispenser part 200, which is designed to removably receive the corresponding tubular outlet 112 ( Figure 4 In this way, as can be appreciated, the sensor device can be completely mounted on the fixed part 200 of the dispenser 10, thus enabling the removable part 100 to be removed without any problems and without having to provide other components of the sensor on the removable part (such as, Figure 6-8 Of course, for this purpose, the sensing element 270 does not necessarily have to be mounted at the inlet 210; it is possible that it is in fact at least partially arranged in a corresponding housing separate from the inlet 210, for example a specially provided chamber defined by the body 201 and connected in fluid communication with the inlet 210 (this solution will be described below for a sensor of the piezoelectric type).

[0303] Although detection of the contents of the removable dispenser part (i.e. the contents of the at least one tank R1 or R2) is achieved, the preferred version of having at least one sensor device arranged on the fixed dispenser part makes it possible to facilitate and / or guarantee the reliability of the corresponding electrical connection, as long as a fixed electrical connection (e.g. wiring) is provided between the dishwasher and the fixed dispenser part. It is also obvious that the concept of mounting the entire sensor on the fixed dispenser part has similarities with the already mentioned mounting of the sensing element 270 at the inlet 211 (e.g. at the rear of its tubular portion 211c, 211c (see e.g. Figure 47 )) possibility also applies.

[0304] For the purpose of producing a level sensor, it is also possible to advantageously use a solution which provides a sensing element having at least two electrodes which are designed to be at least partially immersed in the cleaning agent.

[0305] With respect to the installation of a sensing element 270 at the inlet 211 for the contents of the tank previously designated by R2, Figure 47 Such an embodiment is illustrated in . Of course, in addition or as an alternative, a similar sensing element could be installed at the inlet 210 for the contents of the tank previously designated by R1 .

[0306] exist Figure 47 In the example of , the sensing element 270 comprises two electrodes 2701 and 2703, which are arranged at the bottom 211b of the inlet 210 and of the corresponding lower extension 211c (already described previously), these electrodes being at different heights with reference to the height dimension (Y) of the dispenser 10. The electrodes 2701 and 2703 can be constructed in a similar manner to the electrodes already described above and therefore made of, for example, a metallic material or other conductive material (possibly coated with an insulator, for example in the case of capacitance measurements), and each electrode having a respective axis extending substantially along the depth dimension (Z) of the dispenser 10, preferably parallel to each other and at a distance indicatively comprised between 3 mm and 7 mm. Also in this case, the portion of each electrode 2701 and / or 2703 extending into the inlet 211 will have a length and a position so as not to constitute an obstacle to the insertion of the tubular outlet 113 of the corresponding slot R2 (see Figure 4 ).

[0307] Also in Figure 47 In the case of the level sensor illustrated by way of example in , the circuit arrangement of the dispenser 10 or of the dishwasher 1 uses the value of the electrical charge measured between the electrodes 2701 and 2703 of the sensing element 270 to evaluate the level of cleaning agent present in the inlet 211, which level is representative of the level of cleaning agent also contained in the corresponding tank R2, in particular a threshold level.

[0308] The aforementioned circuit arrangement can therefore include a memory device in which at least one reference value of the electrical quantity in question, for example a value indicating that the two electrodes 2701 and 2703 are in simultaneous 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 in simultaneous contact with the cleaning agent can thus indicate, for example, that the cleaning agent level has exceeded a minimum value.

[0309] Thus, the circuit arrangement compares the value of the quantity detected via the electrodes 2701 and 2703 of the sensing element 270 with the at least one stored reference value. It will be appreciated that when both electrodes 2701 and 2703 are in contact with the cleaning agent, the measured electrical quantity will have a first value; alternatively, when the cleaning agent level within the inlet 211 and the corresponding bottom extension 211c is at a height below 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 that is clearly distinguishable from the first value.

[0310] This intermediate level condition between the two electrodes (and therefore lower than 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, a need to top up. From this perspective, the lowest point of the reference height dimension (Y) of electrode 2703 identifies the lowest level of cleaning agent, below which a topping up with cleaning agent would be necessary.

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

[0312] Will understand, reference Figure 47 The level sensor described can be used as previously referenced Figure 6-8 An alternative to the float level sensor described herein. In other respects, this float level sensor can be used in conjunction with the reference Figures 45-46 The mass sensor described is used in combination.

[0313] As has been seen, in various embodiments, the dispenser comprises: a body in which at least one tank is defined, the at least one tank being capable of containing a corresponding cleaning agent in liquid or semi-solid form; and at least one sensor device configured to provide information representative of at least one of a level and a qualitative property of the cleaning agent. In such advantageous embodiments, the sensor device comprises: a sensing element comprising at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes being pre-arranged for contact with the cleaning agent; and a circuit arrangement configured to measure the value of at least one electrical charge between the at least two electrodes and to compare the measured value of the at least one electrical charge with at least one corresponding reference value in order to generate information representative of at least one of a level and a qualitative property of the cleaning agent.

[0314] In various preferred embodiments, the sensing element of the sensor device includes at least three electrodes, and in particular 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 such embodiments, the circuit arrangement associated with the sensing element can be configured to:

[0315] - measuring the value of said at least one electrical charge between the first electrode and the second electrode and comparing the measured value with said at least one corresponding reference value in order to generate information representative of a qualitative property of the cleaning agent; and

[0316] - measuring the value of the at least one electrical charge between the third electrode and one of the first and second electrodes and comparing the measured value with the at least one corresponding reference value in order to generate information representative of the level of cleaning agent.

[0317] As can be appreciated, the above kind of sensor device can be used in conjunction with the previous aspect with reference to Figures 45-46 On the other hand, reference Figure 47 In fact, Figures 48-49 Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG, wherein the sensitive element 270 of the sensor device comprises electrodes 2701, 2702 and 2703, the electrodes 2701 and 2702 being at the same height and being used for sensing the same electrode according to the previous reference Figures 45-46 The principle explained above is used for quality detection, and the upper electrode 2703 can be combined with any one of the lower electrodes 2701 and 2702 for use in accordance with the previously described reference. Figure 47 The explained principle is used for liquid level detection.

[0318] Thus, a sensor device of the above kind is able to detect both incorrect topping up or filling of the tank (for example, introduction of additive instead of cleaning agent) and exhaustion of cleaning agent.

[0319] If you can Figures 48-49 As can be seen in FIG, in such an embodiment, the electrodes can be positioned essentially like a triangle, with one side (corresponding to electrodes 2701 and 2702) being arranged horizontally, while the upper vertex (corresponding to electrode 2703) is arranged 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 the second electrode (e.g., electrode 2702) arranged at the other base vertex is used together with the common or reference electrode for quality detection; the third electrode (here, electrode 2703 at the upper vertex) is used together with the common or reference electrode for liquid level detection. It should be noted that instead of a common electrode for implementing the liquid level sensing and quality sensing functions, the sensor can envision 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, for example by means of elements as illustrated in the figure. However, in other embodiments, the at least two electrodes of the sensing element can be obtained by means of screen printing with metallic inks on corresponding electrically insulating substrates (for example, alumina, plastic or vetronite), or by means of typical techniques used in circuit production (for example, consisting of multiple layers of photolithographic copper and vetronite). Alternatively, it is possible to use thin film deposition techniques such as vacuum evaporation, sputtering, etc. on suitable electrically insulating substrates. Of course, this also applies to Figures 44-46 and Figure 47 Sensing element 270. As already said, the electrodes can also be coated with an electrically insulating layer.

[0321] As already explained, the electrical charge (e.g., impedance) measured between the two pairs of electrodes (2701-2702 and 2701-2703) will differ depending on the fluid disposed therebetween, such that different characteristics of the fluid will induce different responses between each pair of electrodes. The fluids considered are those typically of interest to dishwasher dispensers, such as detergent and liquid or semi-solid (gel) additives, water, vinegar, and air.

[0322] Figure 50 and Figure 51 Graphically illustrates the use of Figures 48-49 The results of impedance measurements performed on a structure of a sensitive element 270 of the type shown in FIG, wherein the electrodes are made of steel, have a diameter of approximately 2 mm, and are arranged at a distance of approximately 5 mm from each other (measured between the central axes of the electrodes). The frequency (expressed in Hertz) is indicated on the abscissa, while the impedance (expressed in Ohms) is indicated on the ordinate. The given values ​​cover a wide frequency range from 200 Hz to 10 MHz.

[0323] Figure 50 The graphs of FIG. 2 present the results of measurements (i.e., mass measurements) performed between two base electrodes 2701 and 2702 for three different substances, namely water (curve H2O), commercial liquid detergent (WD), and commercial liquid rinse agent (WA). As can be seen, the impedance values ​​measured in the three cases make it possible to clearly distinguish between detergent, rinse agent, and water. It should be noted that a curve identical to the curve indicated by WD was obtained by measuring a commercial cleaning agent in gel form.

[0324] Instead, Figure 51 The graph of provides the results of detection (i.e., level detection) performed between the common or reference electrode at the base (electrode 2701 in the example considered) and the upper electrode 2703 for the same three substances mentioned above. These measurements were made with each of the three substances at an intermediate level between the base and upper electrodes (i.e., with electrodes 2701 and 2702 in contact with the substance and the upper electrode 2703 in air). As can be noted, the impedance values ​​measured between the reference electrode 2701 at the base and the upper electrode 2703 are clearly higher than those occurring at Figure 50 The results are shown in the graph of , where the three curves tend to overlap as the frequency increases. It should be noted that, in this case as well, a curve that is practically identical to the curve indicated by WD was obtained by measuring a commercial cleaning agent in the form of a gel.

[0325] It will therefore be understood that the use of Figures 48-49A possible level detection logic performed by a sensing element of the type shown in the diagram may first envisage a step of measuring the impedance between electrodes (2701-2702) at the same height, followed by measuring the impedance between two electrodes (2701-2703) at different heights, and in the event that the two values ​​measured differ in a clear manner (beyond a certain tolerance), it may be inferred that the level of the substance is in a position intermediate between the two electrodes at different heights. In the event that the level of the liquid will drop below the electrodes 2701 and 2702, the values ​​measured will be comparable, but much higher than those measured in the presence of the liquid of interest, and this situation will therefore be identified as an empty tank based on, for example, a stored table.

[0326] The circuit arrangement associated with the sensor 270 may include a microcontroller and at least one driver circuit for the sensor.

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

[0328] according to Figure 52 For the illustrative example of FIG, 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 another drive circuit for the pair of electrodes 2701 and 2703. In the case where the sensing element 270 includes only two electrodes, a single drive circuit may be sufficient.

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

[0330] For example, Figure 53 The schematic diagram illustrates a case where a microcontroller is used to generate a frequency signal, wherein the driving element of each pair of electrodes of the sensing element 270 may include an operational amplifier OA.

[0331] The amplifier OA has an input (here, the inverting input -), the sensing element 270 is connected in series with the input, and a known reference resistor Rr is connected in parallel between the input (-) and the output of the operational amplifier OA. For this scheme, Zx is the unknown impedance to be measured between the pair of electrodes of the sensing element 270. The effective drive voltage generated by the microcontroller (V s The voltage output from the operational amplifier OA will therefore depend on the value of Zx. For example, the analog input of a microcontroller can be used to read V u The value of this analog input will calculate Vs and V u Between and Z X Proportional ratio.

[0332] Alternatively, if the microcontroller 250 is not pre-arranged for generating a frequency output, it is possible to use an oscillating circuit whose resonant frequency is a function of the impedance value measured between said at least two electrodes of the sensing element 270, wherein the microcontroller is pre-arranged to detect the impedance value based on the aforementioned resonant frequency.

[0333] Such an oscillating circuit can be obtained in any known manner, such as an RC network, an LC resonant circuit, or a crystal or dielectric resonator to define its oscillation frequency. RC oscillators are typically used at low frequencies (up to several hundred kilohertz). The following oscillators form part of this category: Wien bridge oscillators, bridged-T oscillators, twin-T oscillator networks, and phase-shifted oscillators (PSOs). In LC oscillators, the LC network determines the oscillation frequency. Examples of oscillators include Colpitts, Hartley, Clapp, Armstrong, and Meissner oscillators.

[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 via an analog or digital input of the microcontroller: in this case, the unknown impedance will be read based on the frequency measurement.

[0335] In order to check whether it is possible to use the variation of the capacitive component of the sensing element 270 , a measurement test was carried out with the help of an impedance meter in the shunt capacitance mode, with a 10-nF capacitor inserted in series with the sensing element 270 . Figure 54 and Figure 55 The graph shows the Figures 50-51 Graph of capacitance measurements of the same type of liquid rinse agent WA and liquid detergent WD in parallel mode. Curves WA1 and WD1 represent measurements made with the liquid level of the corresponding detergent covering the two electrodes at different heights, while curves WA0 and WD0 represent measurements made with the same detergent but with the liquid level halfway between the two electrodes. As can be seen from the graph, curves WA0 and WD0 are practically superimposed, with the measurements revealing clearly detectable differences between the various situations (full / empty and detergent type) over a fairly wide frequency range at relatively low frequencies. For this purpose, Figure 55 Provides a frequency range between 10kHz and 500kHz Figure 54 Details of the graph.

[0336] Using the electrodes described previously, it is therefore possible to make an excellent distinction of frequencies around 100 kHz. At these frequencies, many circuit solutions are feasible, including both LC circuits and RC circuits that are also suitable for higher frequencies, or even solutions that are already integrated in the microcontroller. It is also possible to use a quartz oscillator for this purpose. In quartz-crystal oscillators, piezoelectric crystals are used, which are distinguished by their natural resonant frequency. The resonant frequency is determined by the type of cut and the shape of the material in the feedback network. In order to control the frequency stability, the crystal commonly used is quartz (SiO2), which has the shape of a hexagonal prism 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 sensitive element 270 arranged in series with a fixed and known capacitance can be connected in parallel to the quartz. Changes in the type of cleaning agent and the liquid level cause the oscillation frequency of the circuit to change.

[0337] For example, Figure 56 Figure 2 shows 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 (denoted by Oq in the figure) is used instead of an inductor. For the circuit to function properly, it is necessary for the quartz crystal Oq to behave in an inductive manner, and for this reason, the operating frequency must be between the series and parallel resonant frequencies. Resistors Rf and R1 are used to fix the operating point of the CMOS inverter. C3 represents the previously known capacitor connected in series with the sensitive 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 ripple between the quartz L and C, and C0 + C1·C2 / (C1+C2). Since the capacitor C is smaller than the other three capacitors, it dominates, and the resonant ripple is f = 1 / (LC) 1 / 2 .

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

[0340] Figures 57-59 Such an example is illustrated in FIG, wherein a sensor body 280 as a whole is designated by 280, which is preferably made of an electrically insulating material, and to which is associated a sensing element 270 comprising three electrodes 2701, 2702 and 2703. Obviously, in the case where the sensing element 270 has only two electrodes (as in Figures 45-46 Neutralize and / or Figure 47 ), this structure can also be used, and the subsequent Figures 60-61 The same is true for the structure of .

[0341] In the example, the sensor body 280 has a tubular peripheral wall 280a (here substantially cylindrical) and a bottom wall 280b on which the electrodes are mounted. The end of the peripheral wall 280a opposite the bottom wall 280b can conveniently define a radially outwardly projecting flange 280c, which flange 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 the inlet 210 does not have its own bottom wall and is preferably shaped to receive a corresponding portion of the sensor body 280, possibly also shaped to define one or more engagement elements. One or more polarization and / or coupling elements (such as, Figure 57 The polarization and / or coupling element (indicated by 221 in FIG) may also be provided on the body portion 201 defining the inlet 210. The peripheral wall 280a of the sensor body 280 may conveniently define a corresponding annular sealing element 281 ( Figure 59 )'s 280e( Figure 58 The sensor body 280 may be interference fit to the rear portion of the inlet 210, or welded or bonded to the rear of the inlet 210 at the flange 280c, or secured via corresponding securing means such as a bayonet attachment.

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

[0344] Of course, according to the reference Figures 57-59 or Figures 60-61 The sensor body obtained by the expressed concept can be mounted at the inlet 211 of the fixed dispenser part 200 even if it has only two electrodes.

[0345] Figure 62, a possible embodiment of a sensor device is schematically illustrated in FIG. , wherein a sensing element 270′ of the sensor device comprises at least one piezoelectric element (denoted by 270a) disposed between two corresponding connection 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 is provided at the front with a dielectric or electrically insulating layer (denoted by 270c), which is intended to come into contact with the liquid and is designed to isolate the electrical part from the substance being measured. The layer 270c preferably covers at least the piezoelectric element 270a and the corresponding terminals.

[0346] Figure 62 It is also highlighted how, in various embodiments, the sensor device provided with the dispenser does not necessarily have to be arranged at the inlet of the fixed dispenser part, but can instead be provided in a housing in fluid communication with the inlet. In the example shown, a housing (designated 222), here having a generally cylindrical shape, is defined in the rear part of the body 201 of the fixed dispenser part, comprising 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 seen, housing 222 is connected in fluid communication with inlet 210, in particular via an opening in bottom wall 222a. Suitable sealing means may be provided between sensor body 280 and housing 222: in the example, body 280 is provided with an annular sealing element 290a at the front to achieve an axial or frontal seal relative to a corresponding seat 222c defined within housing 222; in the example, housing 222 is further shaped to define an annular portion 222d on which the front portion of the sensor device (here, layer 270c) bears or rests. Sensor body 280 may be fixed in housing 222 according to any known method.

[0348] Figure 63 and Figure 64 Pictured Figure 62In the embodiment of the present invention, the sensor of the type shown in the figure is a possible embodiment of the active part of the sensor. In these figures, for example the electrical insulating substrate of ceramic type (preferably having a thickness less than one millimeter) is indicated by 270d. Substrate can for example be made of aluminum oxide and have a thickness included between 0.5mm and 1mm, particularly between 0.6mm and 0.7mm. In the example, substrate is provided with hole 270e, wherein the corresponding electric terminal 270f preferably made of metal is installed or deposited on the back side of substrate 270d. On the front side (that is, with a side facing cleaning agent) of substrate 270d, a piezoelectric element 270a is provided to be arranged between two electrodes 270b. In the example, element 270a is disc-shaped, and electrode 270b has corresponding disc-shaped portion, and corresponding connecting portion 270b1 extends radially from this disc-shaped portion, and this connecting portion is designed to contact with terminal 270f via hole 270e. The piezoelectric material used to obtain element 270a can be, for example, a solid mixture of lead zirconate titanate (PZT); its thickness can be comprised between 50 μm and 150 μm, in particular approximately 100 μm; electrode 270b is preferably made of a noble metal (for example, platinum) having a thickness comprised between 5 μm and 30 μm, preferably approximately 10 μm.

[0349] In various embodiments, the group formed by the piezoelectric element and the corresponding electrode is isolated from the cleaning agent. The isolation does not necessarily have to involve the entire front side of the substrate: Figures 63-64 In the case of the example illustrated in FIG, for this purpose, a local layer 270c of dielectric material is provided, i.e., a layer that covers a limited area of ​​the front side of the substrate 270d and under which the element 270a and the electrode 270b are located. Layer 270c can have a thickness comprised between 10 μm and 30 μm, in particular approximately 15 μm, and can be made of any dielectric material suitable for this purpose, even a glassy type. For example, in the case of an aluminum oxide substrate, layer 270c can be made of the material commercially identified by the code "G-485-2," the basic components of which are bismuth, silicon, and boron.

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

[0351] In any case it should be emphasized that the provision of the dielectric layer 270c is to be understood as optional, as long as the whole formed by the piezoelectric element 270a can be conceived to be in direct contact with the cleaning agent: Figure 65An example in this sense is schematically illustrated in , where two groups directly exposed are associated with the front side 270c of the substrate, each group comprising one piezoelectric element 270a and two electrodes 270b. From the perspective of increasing the service life of the sensor, it must be considered preferable to provide insulation.

[0352] Piezoelectric sensors of the mentioned type can be used both for level detection purposes and for quality detection purposes.

[0353] In the case of a sensor having a sensitive element 270 ′ of the type mentioned, the electrical value characteristics of the piezoelectric element 270 a (such as its impedance) will be influenced not only by the electrical properties of the medium in which it can be immersed, but also by the mechanical properties of the substance to be detected (in particular by its viscosity and its density), taking into account the fact that the vibration frequency of the element 270 a will be different depending on whether the layer 270 c (which is set up against the element 270 a itself) is in contact with the liquid substance (in the air) and on the type of substance (i.e. more or less viscous or more or less dense). Therefore, based on the converse piezoelectric effect, the circuit considerations previously explained can also be applied to such a sensitive element. For example, in the case of using a piezoelectric element of the type indicated by 270 a, it will be possible to use a piezoelectric element of the type indicated by 270 a in 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 ) (thus, quartz Oq is basically omitted).

[0354] Very schematically, the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric element 270a will then differ depending on whether the preceding layer 270c of the sensor 270' is in contact with the liquid substance (or more or less contact), thereby making it possible to distinguish 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 preceding layer 270c is in contact with a denser / more viscous substance or a less dense / less viscous substance.

[0355] Figure 66 and Figure 67 Graphically illustrates the use of Figures 63-64 The results of impedance measurements made with a structure of a sensitive element 270' of the type shown in FIG. 1, which has the preferred characteristics mentioned above. The abscissa represents frequency (in Hertz) and the ordinate 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 a comparison of the Figure 50The results of the quality test of the same three liquid substances in the graph are water (curve H2O), commercial liquid detergent (WD) and commercial liquid rinse agent (WA). As can be seen, the impedance values ​​measured in the three cases make it possible to clearly distinguish between detergent and rinse agent and water. On the other hand, Figure 67 The graph shows the results of detection using a whole formed by the piezoelectric element 270a and the electrode 270b not immersed in the liquid (ie, in the air): Figure 66 and Figure 67 In comparison between , it is therefore easy to notice how the sensitive element 270 ′ makes it possible to clearly distinguish between the presence or absence of liquid, ie whether the liquid substance is above or below a threshold level substantially determined by the position of the piezoelectric element.

[0357] As previously mentioned, the provision of a dielectric material layer 270c, while preferred, does not constitute an essential feature. Figures 68-69 The curve graph and Figures 66-67 The graph is similar to the one for Figures 63-64 The impedance detection performed by the sensitive element is similar to the sensitive element 270 ′, but without the corresponding layer 270 c : as can be appreciated, in these cases too, it is possible to distinguish between the type of liquid substance and its presence or absence in front of the piezoelectric element.

[0358] In a possible variant embodiment, a sensor may be provided whose sensing element 270 ′ utilizes both the forward (direct) piezoelectric effect and the inverse piezoelectric effect. Figure 65 This is schematically illustrated in , where two piezoelectric elements 270a' with corresponding connection electrodes 270b are associated with a substrate 270d: the first of the two elements 270a will be supplied with a predefined voltage in order to cause its vibration by the inverse piezoelectric effect, while the second element 270a will be used to generate a potential difference using the direct piezoelectric effect, the value of which will depend on the vibration frequency of the first element 270a. Such a sensor (which can be obtained based on circuit modes known per se) can therefore also be used to obtain both liquid level information and information about qualitative properties of the cleaning agent. In Figure 65 In the case of FIG. 2 , the two groups each formed of the piezoelectric element 270 a and the corresponding electrode 270 b do not have the layer 270 c , but in other versions, this layer may be provided.

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

[0360] Of course, a piezoelectric type sensor may be provided with each of the two grooves R1 and R2.

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

[0362] Figures 70-72 Such a possible embodiment is schematically illustrated in FIG. With reference to the example illustrated, the optical sensor (designated as a whole by 500) is preferably constructed in the form of a module designed to be mounted on the fixed distributor part 200, for example at one of the inlets 210 or 211 or the corresponding housing 222, as previously described, preferably with at least one annular sealing element inserted therein. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor body may be integrated or defined by the body of the fixed distributor part 200.

[0363] In a non-limiting example, the sensor body comprises two main parts (designated 501 and 502) which are preferably coupled together in a sealed manner and are made of, for example, a plastic material. In an example, the body part 501 has a generally cylindrical conformation, possibly provided with a flange 501b at the distal end. A sensing element is mounted on the proximal end of the body part 501, the sensing element comprising at least one emitter 270a' of electromagnetic radiation (such as visible radiation) and at least one radiation receiver 270b'; the emitter may be, for example, an emitter diode, and the at least one receiver may comprise at least two different receivers, such as photodetectors or photodiodes suitable for detecting the light emissions 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 constituted by a photodetector.

[0364] In the example, the body portion 502 primarily functions as a housing and, for this purpose, has a hollow cylindrical shape so as to be able 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, which is provided with a through-opening 502c. The two body portions 501 and 502 are coupled together, preferably with a sealing device interposed therebetween. In the example, the coupling between the two parts is a threaded coupling, and for this purpose, the cylindrical portion of the body portion 501 is provided on its outer side with a male thread 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, which optical element in particular has the function of an optical prism. For this purpose, the body portion 501 can be shaped so as to define a positioning or spacer element 501c for the optical element 503. The optical element 503 can be made, for example, of polycarbonate or another material that is transparent to the optical 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 an at least approximately frustoconical shape, but this does not constitute an essential characteristic.

[0366] A shaped annular sealing element is designated by 504 and is designed to be positioned between the optical element 503 and the body portion 502. The through-hole of the sealing element 504 preferably has a profile that is congruent with the profile of the peripheral wall 503b of the optical element 503 and, in the example, therefore has a substantially frustoconical profile. As can be seen from the figure, in the assembled state of the sensor 500, the sealing element 504 is arranged in such a way as to provide a seal between the body portions 501 and 502 and the optical element 503, so that the front surface 503a of the element 503 can face the liquid through the opening 502c in the body portion 502 without any risk of penetration into the interior of the sensor 500.

[0367] In various embodiments, the operation of the sensor 500 is based on the optical laws associated with the refraction / reflection of optical radiation, and in particular on the principle of the critical angle of total internal reflection. More particularly, this operating principle is based on the dependence of the refractive index of a liquid substance on its composition or concentration: thus, the measurement is based on a jump of the refractive index between these two media, 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 the optical element 503.

[0368] exist Figures 70-72In the figure, the emitter 270a' and the receiver 270b' are arranged in the same plane, also for the purpose of representation; in this configuration, the optical element 503 can be appropriately shaped to define appropriate reflection / refraction angles between the emitter 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 respective active portions for transmitting and receiving, respectively, which portions generally face each other but are arranged at an angle relative to each other, preferably in such a way that the respective axes intersect. Figures 73-74 The concept is schematically illustrated in FIG, wherein the transmitter 270a' and the receiver 270b' are arranged according to respective lying planes forming an angle α between them, which angle is preferably less than 90°; instead, two planes passing through the axis β of the receiver and the transmitter, respectively (thereby meaning, two planes orthogonal to Figures 73-74 The plane of the paper) forms an angle between them that is preferably greater than 90 °. According to a technique known per se, the aforementioned angle can be predefined based at least 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 in the figure how the rear surface of the body of the optical element 503 preferably defines two faces 503c', 503c", which are inclined in opposite orientations so that the emitter 207a' on one side and the receiver 207b' on the other side are facing and approximately parallel to the respective inclined faces. The inclination of the faces 503c', 503c" is preferably calculated in such a way that the optical signal traverses it in a direction that is as orthogonal as possible with respect to the surface of incidence and the surface of exit of the light, so as 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 front surface 503a of element 503) at an angle of interest about the critical angle, and therefore at an incidence greater than or less than the critical angle. In this way, it is possible to identify two areas: the area affected by the total internal reflection light (associated with the reflected light having an incidence greater than the critical angle), and the area affected at a lower intensity, which is illuminated by the partially reflected light (associated with the reflected light having an incidence less than the critical angle). Thus, it is possible to obtain an intensity field at the exit port in which the separation between the areas significantly illuminated by total internal reflection and the less illuminated areas (partial reflection) varies according to the concentration of the liquid.

[0372] Appears in Figures 73-74The rays in , which are shown merely for explanation and schematic representation, form part of an illumination field which changes its configuration as a function of the critical angle, ie the refractive index of the liquid substance (ie its composition or concentration).

[0373] In the presence of a cleaning agent or other substance having a first composition or concentration, it is possible to have Figure 73 The situation is schematically represented in : assuming that the rays of the beam R impinge on the surface of the interface 503a at an angle equal to the critical angle, some of these rays will be obtained following total internal reflection of the incident rays, while others will be partially refracted (in R1) and partially reflected, where the "lower" receiver 207b' will be illuminated more by the resulting beam R2. Figure 74 Schematically, the case of a substance or cleaning agent with a second composition or concentration (e.g., a lower concentration than in the previous case) is shown: the rays of the illumination beam R generated by emitter 720a' always strike at the same angle, while the critical angle varies (decreases) depending on the composition of the substance. Also in this case, the resulting beam R2 will therefore include both totally reflected and partially reflected rays, but with a greater illumination intensity on the "upper" receiver 270b'.

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

[0375] Of course, based on the principles explained above, optical sensor 500 can also be used as a liquid level sensor. In fact, in the absence of liquid at interface wall 503a, the light beam emitted by emitter 270a' will be effectively completely reflected toward receiver 270b'. However, in the presence of liquid at the interface, a portion of the light beam will be refracted within the liquid, thereby striking receiver 270b' with reduced intensity. In this way, it is possible to distinguish whether the liquid material is above or below a preset threshold level. Of course, the liquid level detection function can be achieved even without utilizing the principles associated with the critical angle of total reflection; that is, it can be based on simple reflection / refraction of optical radiation.

[0376] In the various embodiments described previously, the device for detecting the liquid level and / or at least one qualitative characteristic of the cleaning agent is at least partially arranged at the inlet of the dispenser part, or is arranged in a corresponding housing connected to the fluid communication of the aforementioned inlet. In other embodiments, such a sensor device can instead be at least partially arranged in a corresponding detection chamber, or even in a remote position relative to such an inlet, and is not directly connected to a corresponding arrangement structure for delivering the cleaning agent. In such an embodiment, the groove has a detection opening that can be connected in a detachable and fluid-tight manner relative to an inlet opening present in the fixed dispenser part, the inlet opening being in fluid communication with the detection chamber. The detection opening and the inlet opening of the detection chamber are respectively defined in corresponding walls of the removable part and the fixed part of the dispenser, these walls being designed to face each other in the operating state of the dispenser.

[0377] Figure 75 and Figure 76 , in which the aforementioned detection openings are designated 112', which are preferably defined by tubular portions of the hollow body 101, these tubular portions having a structure similar to that previously described with reference to the outlets 112 and 113. Instead, the aforementioned detection chambers are designated 210', these detection chambers not being in fluid communication with the inlet of the fixed part 200. The chambers 210' are preferably also defined by tubular portions of the body 201, these tubular portions having a structure similar to that previously described with reference to the inlet 210 and 201, these tubular portions having a peripheral wall portion 210a' and a bottom wall portion 210b' at which the sensing element 270 is mounted: in this case, however, the chambers 210' do not belong to and are not directly connected to the arrangement for dispensing the cleaning agent in question.

[0378] exist Figure 75 In the case of , the sensing part 270 of the sensor device comprises electrodes 2701, 2703 (and possibly 2702) of the type already described previously provided for direct contact with the liquid substance (e.g. for measuring conductivity or impedance), while Figure 76 In this case, the sensitive component 270 comprises electrodes 2701, 2703 (and possibly 2702) isolated from the liquid substance (eg for capacitance type measurements) via an electrically insulating layer 2704. The opening 210 may also be provided with an automatically actuated non-return valve of the type previously described.

[0379] Of course, the idea of ​​positioning at least a part of the sensor arrangement in the detection chamber may also be used in the case of some other type of sensor, such as the piezoelectric sensor or the optical sensor described previously.

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

[0381] Figure 77 Such an embodiment is schematically illustrated in , wherein the sensor device represented has a sensing element 270 ″ which is mounted at a housing 112 ″, confined in the hollow body 101, in particular at the closed bottom 112 b ″. The element 270 ″ comprises, for example, an electrical circuit 270 a ″ connected to electrodes 2701 , 2703 (and possibly 2702), which extend towards the inside of a groove, here groove R1 . Alternatively, a second communication part of the sensor (indicated by 270 b ″) is mounted on the outside of the closed bottom 210 b ″ of the housing 210 ″, confined in the body 201. The communication part 270 b ″ also comprises corresponding circuits and connection terminals 2705 for electrical connection to a circuit arrangement structure on a dispenser or dishwasher.

[0382] The housings 112″ and 210″ can have a tubular structure similar to the tubular structure previously described with reference to the outlets 112, 113 and the inlets 210, 211, and can therefore be coupled in a releasable manner so that, in the state in which the removable dispenser part 101 and the fixed dispenser part 200 are coupled together, the bottom walls 112b″ and 210b″ substantially face each other. As can be appreciated, in this case, the housings 112″ and 210″ are then closed at the rear, and given the presence of the bottom walls 112b″ and 210b″, these housings themselves are not connected in fluid communication and do not form part of the arrangement for dispensing the cleaning agent contained in the tank R1.

[0383] The principle of data transmission / reception between the sensing element 270" (i.e. its circuit 270a") and the communication part 270b" (i.e. its circuit) can be of a type similar to that of passive electrical radiofrequency devices without an autonomous power supply (e.g. RFID devices), which for this purpose comprise corresponding antennas. These radiofrequency devices are known per se and do not require an in-depth description in this context.

[0384] It will suffice to point out here that the supply voltage for circuit 270a″ is supplied by the circuit 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 a supply voltage, which in turn can transmit data to the circuit of portion 270b″. Based on this, level and / or quality detections similar to those described previously can then be performed via sensing element 270″ and communicated wirelessly to a reading portion 270b″, which in turn makes them available to the circuit 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 enable displacement of the operable portion between its two positions. Such embodiments have been previously exemplified with respect to the 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, depending on the circumstances, the removal of a removable portion of a dispenser relative to its fixed portion, the removable portion providing a portion that can be manipulated by a user. In this case, the locking mechanism of the arrangement comprises at least one retaining element that is mounted on the fixed dispenser portion in a manner displaceable between a retaining position and a release position relative to a retaining counter-element present on the removable dispenser portion.

[0387] Figures 78-82 A possible implementation in this sense is schematically illustrated in .

[0388] Initial reference Figure 78 The illustrated arrangement comprises a locking mechanism which is substantially the same as that previously described with reference to Figures 31-36 The locking mechanism described is similar. In this case, each element 2061 and 2062 associates or defines a corresponding retaining element 206c (here illustrated as a hook) that projects at the front (along dimension Z) beyond the front side of the positioning and / or guiding formation 205. On the other hand, corresponding housings or seats 121 are defined at the rear of the hollow body 101, these housings or seats acting as retaining counter-elements relative to which the element 206c can assume at least a retaining position and a release position.

[0389] Seat 121 is constructed and positioned in this way so that when movable dispenser part 100 is coupled on fixed dispenser part 200, at least a portion of each retaining element 206c can protrude into corresponding seat 121, wherein between holding position and release position, likely carry out angular motion.This angular motion is obtained by the corresponding angular motion of locking elements 2061, 2062, and retaining element is rotationally fixed to these locking elements.In example, considering that the angular position of keeping and releasing two elements 206c is different, element 206c on one side and corresponding seat 121 and another element 206c on the other side and corresponding seat 121 are shaped in a different way.Yet, in possible variant embodiment, retaining element on one side and the corresponding maintenance opposing element on the other side can be identical to each other.

[0390] As from Figures 79-82 It is also understood that in this case, Figures 31-36 Compared to the case of the cam member 451, the cam member 451 defines a more complex cam profile. In the illustrated example, this profile comprises: two opposing segments 452a and 452b, each extending according to a corresponding arc of a circle, the two circles preferably being one larger than the other; and two intermediate connecting segments 452c and 452d, which are longer, one of which (452c) features a recess and the other (452d) features a protrusion.

[0391] Figure 79 An example is given corresponding to Figures 31-32 1, wherein the cam member 451 is in an angular position such that the locking members 2061 and 2062 cannot effectuate the operation of the latching / releasing means 1051 and 1052. In this state, both retaining elements 206c are in an angular position in which they engage relative to the retaining counter-element represented by the seat 121. In this state, the removable dispenser part 100 cannot therefore be removed from the fixed dispenser part 200.

[0392] Figure 80 An example is given corresponding to Figures 33-34 , in which the cam member 451 is in an angular position such that the 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 1051. In this state, the left-hand retaining element 206c is in an angular position engaged relative to the corresponding seat 121, while the right-hand retaining element 206c is in an angular position released relative to the corresponding seat 121: therefore, also in this state, the removable dispenser part 100 cannot be removed from the fixed dispenser part 200.

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

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

[0395] To obtain Figure 79 、 Figure 80 and Figure 81 The control of the actuator 450 for the purpose of positioning can be carried out according to the previous reference Figures 31-36 The described modes are implemented in a substantially similar manner and are therefore implemented, for example, based on level information obtained by a sensor device equipped with the dispenser and / or based on signals supplied by the control system CS of the dishwasher 1. For example, the reaching of the level can be determined when the following situation occurs (which is statistically rare on the other hand): Figure 82 Position: Inside both tanks R1 and R2, there is an amount of cleaning agent below the corresponding preset minimum level, which indicates that topping up is required. Figure 82 Another situation in which the position of the dispenser is detected is, for example, when an abnormal situation regarding the contents of one of the two tanks is detected by the mass sensor of the dispenser, for example, when the presence of rinse additive WA is detected in tank R1 for washing detergent WD. In this case, regardless of the filling level of tanks R1, R2, it is expedient to enable the removable dispenser part 100 to be removed in order to enable the tank that has been inadvertently contaminated to be cleaned. Of course, Figure 82 The position of can also be obtained following a command given by the user, for example using a key provided for this purpose in the control panel of the machine 1 .

[0396] Figures 78-82 The operating state of the locking / unlocking arrangement ( Figures 31-36 The same is true for the operating status of the controller) can also be notified to the user via any of the indication arrangements (for example, one of the indication arrangements described previously).

[0397] exist Figures 78-82 In the example of FIG, the locking / unlocking arrangement is designed to implement a dual function corresponding to the possibility of opening the doors 1041, 1042 and the possibility of removing the removable dispenser part 100, preferably so as to obtain both functions using a single electric actuator 450. Obviously, however, these two functions can be separated from each other, for example using corresponding electric actuators, or the dispenser can include only the function of blocking / unblocking the removable dispenser part.

[0398] It should also be noted that, in a possible variant embodiment, the locking / unlocking arrangement may be designed to interact with a coupling / uncoupling arrangement operating between the removable dispenser part and the fixed dispenser part (see for example reference Figure 13-14 As already mentioned, the coupling / uncoupling arrangement can be manually switched at least from the engaged position to the released position in order to prevent or enable removal of the removable dispenser part. In this case, the locking / unlocking arrangement can, for example, be configured in such a way that in its operative and inoperative states, the locking mechanism will respectively prevent and enable switching of the coupling / uncoupling arrangement from its engaged position to its released position.

[0399] For example, reference Figure 78 , retaining elements similar to those designated by 206c can be arranged further downwards with respect to the situation illustrated in the figure and can be mounted movably to assume: a first blocking angular position, in which these retaining elements mechanically interfere with the coupling / decoupling member 220 (see Figure 9-11 ) rotation, for example at the corresponding recess 220e; and a second unblocking angular position, wherein the angular position of these retaining elements does not constitute an obstacle to the rotation of the member 220.

[0400] From the foregoing description, the characteristics and advantages of the cleaning agent dispenser according to the proposed embodiment clearly emerge, wherein the following should be emphasized:

[0401] i) providing a solution of a reversible peristaltic pump with associated therewith a command arrangement making it possible to use the pump itself to achieve the purpose of delivering two different cleaning agents via two different dispensing arrangements;

[0402] ii) providing a solution of a removable dispenser part defining at least one trough, the outlet of said at least one trough being provided with an automatically actuated non-return valve, making it possible to prevent the risk of the corresponding cleaning agent being diffused in the environment when the removable dispenser part is removed from the fixed dispenser part;

[0403] iii) The solution of providing a purpose-designed housing for the directly exposed detergent tablets on the front of the dispenser simplifies the production of the dispenser compared to the prior art and at the same time simplifies the activity of the user in loading the tablets;

[0404] iv) providing a signalling system solution with a light generating element on the fixed dispenser part and one or more light transmitting elements on the removable dispenser part making it possible to effectively transmit information of the optical type at the front of the dispenser, which is beneficial to the user and at the same time enables the components subjected to voltage to be positioned in a protected area of ​​the dispenser;

[0405] v) providing a solution for a user-operable part of the dispenser with a locking / unlocking arrangement, wherein the arrangement is managed by a corresponding logic implemented in the control circuit, making it possible to reduce the risk of user errors in using the dispenser, in particular with regard to filling with cleaning agent, or removing a dispenser part so that intervention thereon is only effected when actually required;

[0406] vi) providing at least part of the sensor device on the fixed dispenser part, in particular at its inlet for the cleaning agent, makes it possible to carry out a quantitative and / or qualitative detection of the contents of the tank defined in the removable dispenser part and at the same time makes it possible to simplify the electrical connections and to position them in a protected area of ​​the dispenser;

[0407] vii) The solution of equipping the dispenser with sensor means pre-arranged for detecting 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, information useful, for example, in order to prevent or correct any possible malfunctions due to user errors as to the type of cleaning agent or degradation of the cleaning agent, or in order to enable more efficient control of the treatment programs carried out by the dishwasher on which the dispenser is installed.

[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 comprise removable parts, ie dispensers having a dispenser body that as a whole is designed to be mounted in a fixed position.

[0409] Obviously, numerous modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art in the branch to which the dispenser belongs to which has been described by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0410] Previously, reference has been made to a system for dispensing cleaning agent, in particular cleaning agent contained in tank R2, the operation of which is based in part on the displacement of a mounting wall of dispenser 10 between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position (see in particular reference to Figure 6-8 However, it is clear that this does not constitute an essential characteristic, as long as the dispenser 10 can be designed to be mounted on a fixed wall of a bucket (such as Figure 1 For these cases, the aforementioned delivery system will be modified accordingly, for example, using any of the techniques described in WO02069779A1, US2002153029A1 and WO0173182A2 filed in the name of the present 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 can include both electrodes for detecting electrical quantities and piezoelectric elements for detecting physical properties (viscosity or density), or at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver for detecting optical properties.

Claims

1. A detergent dispenser for a cleaning machine, the detergent dispenser being used to dispense detergent into a cleaning chamber of the cleaning machine, the detergent dispenser comprising a dispenser body, the dispenser body being designed to be mounted on a wall defining the cleaning chamber of the cleaning machine, the detergent dispenser comprising: a first tank adapted to contain a first detergent in liquid or semi-solid form; and a first distribution arrangement configured to distribute a first dose of the first cleaning agent, and comprising a first conduit between a first outlet of the first tank and a first distribution outlet of the first dose of the first cleaning agent, in, The first dispensing arrangement comprises a peristaltic pump including an actuator and a rotating assembly having at least one compression element, at least one portion of the first conduit being deformable and in deforming contact with the at least one compression element of the rotating assembly, the peristaltic pump being configured to operate in a first rotational direction to cause delivery of the first dosed amount of the first cleaning agent, The cleaning agent dispenser further comprises: a second tank, the second tank being suitable for containing a second cleaning agent in liquid or semi-solid form; and a second dispensing arrangement structure, the second dispensing arrangement structure being configured to dispense a second dosed amount of the second cleaning agent, and the second dispensing arrangement structure comprising a second conduit between an outlet of the second tank and a second dispensing outlet of the second dosed amount of the second cleaning agent, And wherein the peristaltic pump has associated therewith a command arrangement of the second dispensing arrangement, the peristaltic pump being configured to operate in a second rotational direction to drive the command arrangement to cause delivery of the second dose of the second cleaning agent.

2. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 1, wherein The command arrangement comprises a transmission lever mounted for rotation about an axis and operatively associated with a valve member of a dosing valve that is part of the second dispensing arrangement, the transmission lever being configured in such a way that: - angular movement of the transmission lever in a first direction caused by operation of the peristaltic pump in the first rotational direction does not result in displacement of the valve member, thereby enabling the determination of delivery of a second dosing amount of the second cleaning agent, and An angular movement of the transmission lever in a second direction caused by operation of the peristaltic pump in the second rotational direction results in a displacement of the valve member, thereby enabling a determined delivery of at least one second dose of the second cleaning agent.

3. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 2, wherein: The command arrangement comprises a cam member defining a cam profile and being rotatably arranged by means of the actuator of the peristaltic pump.

4. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 3, wherein The cam member is coaxially and rotationally fixed with the rotating assembly of the peristaltic pump.

5. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 3, wherein The cam profile of the cam member is a multi-lobe profile.

6. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 5, wherein The cam profile of the cam member is a three-lobe profile.

7. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 3, wherein: The transmission lever has a first portion defining a cam follower configured to interact with the cam profile of the cam member; and a second portion associated with the valve member of the dosing valve.

8. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 7, wherein The rotation axis of the transmission lever is parallel to the rotation axis of the cam member.

9. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 7, wherein: The transmission lever includes a first arm and a second arm extending in opposite directions relative to a rotation axis of the transmission lever and to which the first portion and the second portion belong, respectively.

10. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 9, wherein The first arm and the second arm form an angle therebetween that is greater than 90°.

11. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 2, wherein: The dosing valve comprises a dosing chamber defined along the second conduit and partially housing the valve member, the dosing chamber having a respective inlet and a respective outlet.

12. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 11, wherein The valve member is displaceable between: a first position, wherein the valve member prevents the second cleaning agent from entering the dosing chamber via the corresponding inlet and enables the second cleaning agent to flow out of the dosing chamber via the corresponding outlet; and a second position, wherein the valve member enables the second cleaning agent to enter the dosing chamber via the corresponding inlet and prevents the second cleaning agent from flowing out of the dosing chamber via the corresponding outlet.

13. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 1, wherein The peristaltic pump is drivable in the second rotational direction to cause air to enter the first tank for compensating the volume of the previously dispensed first dose of the first cleaning agent and / or to cause at least partial emptying of the first conduit.

14. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 1, wherein With reference to the height dimension of the cleaning agent dispenser in its operating state, the first dispensing outlet is located at a lower height than the rotating assembly of the peristaltic pump.

15. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 1, wherein The peristaltic pump includes one or more transmission members between the drive shaft of the actuator and the rotating assembly.

16. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 15, wherein The drive shaft is rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly.

17. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 1, wherein The dispenser body comprises a dispenser portion designed to be mounted in a fixed position on one of the walls delimiting the washing chamber of the washing machine and having a front portion at which at least a portion of the peristaltic pump is mounted or at which at least a portion of the peristaltic pump is accessible.

18. The cleaning agent dispenser of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the pump housing on which the cover is provided extends in the front portion.

19. The cleaning agent dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the dispenser body comprises: a fixed dispenser part designed to be mounted in a fixed position on one of the walls delimiting the washing chamber of the washing machine; and a removable dispenser portion removably connectable to the fixed dispenser portion, wherein the removable dispenser portion includes a hollow body defining at least one of the first slot and the second slot, and wherein the peristaltic pump, at least a portion of the first dispense arrangement, at least a portion of the second dispense arrangement, and the command arrangement are located on the fixed dispenser portion.

20. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 19, wherein At least a portion of the peristaltic pump is located in a front portion of the fixed dispenser part, which is receivable in or coupleable with a corresponding portion of the removable dispenser part.

21. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 19, wherein At least one of the first trough and the second trough is defined in the hollow body, and the first outlet of the first trough, respectively, the outlet of the second trough is defined in the rear wall of the hollow body, the outlet is designed to face the front of the fixed distributor part, the first outlet of the first trough, respectively, the outlet of the second trough can be connected to the inlet of the first duct, respectively, the inlet of the second duct in a detachable manner, and the inlet is located at the front of the fixed distributor part.

22. The cleaning agent dispenser according to claim 19, wherein At least one holding valve is mounted on the hollow body in a position corresponding to at least one of the inlet of the first trough and the inlet of the second trough, and the holding valve is configured to assume a corresponding open position after coupling between the first outlet of the first trough, respectively the outlet of the second trough and the inlet of the first conduit, respectively the inlet of the second conduit, and to assume a corresponding closed position after separation between the first outlet of the first trough, respectively the outlet of the second trough and the inlet of the first conduit, respectively the inlet of the second conduit.

23. A cleaning agent dispenser for a washing machine, the cleaning agent dispenser being used to dispense cleaning agent into a washing chamber of the washing machine, the cleaning agent dispenser comprising a dispenser body, the dispenser body comprising at least one fixed dispenser part, the at least one fixed dispenser part being designed to be mounted on a wall delimiting the washing chamber of the washing machine, in, The dispenser body defines at least one containment volume for at least one cleaning agent, The cleaning agent dispenser further comprises at least one dispensing arrangement configured to dispense a dosed amount of the at least one cleaning agent, and the at least one dispensing arrangement comprises a conduit between an outlet of the at least one tank and a dispensing outlet of the dosed amount of the at least one cleaning agent, wherein the at least one dispensing arrangement comprises a peristaltic pump comprising an actuator and a rotation assembly having at least one compression element, at least one portion of the conduit being deformable and in deformable contact with the at least one compression element of the rotation assembly, And wherein the fixed dispenser portion has a front portion at which at least a portion of the peristaltic pump is accessible, wherein at least a portion of a pump housing extends in the front portion, the pump housing being fitted with a removable cover.

24. A household cleaning machine comprising the cleaning agent dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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