Appliance for washing kitchen items

Abstract

An appliance for washing kitchen items comprises a cabinet (105) and, inside the cabinet, a washing chamber (110) configured to contain kitchen items to be washed, the washing chamber having a washing chamber access opening for loading / unloading the washing chamber with kitchen items. A door (125) is movably mounted to the cabinet and configured to selectively close the washing chamber access opening. The appliance comprises a multi-dose detergent dispenser (140) assembly provided on said door and comprising: a detergent cartridge housing (501; 2801) configured to receive and accommodate an interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge (401) configured to store detergents, the detergent cartridge housing being open on a side of the door that faces the washing chamber, the detergent cartridge housing comprising guide members (511 – 515; 2811 – 3015) configured for guiding the detergent cartridge in the insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing; detergent inlets (517) configured to receive detergents from a detergent cartridge when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing; detergent outlets (205) configured to dispense detergents into the washing chamber. A detergent cartridge retaining mechanism (519) is provided, configured to releasably retain a detergent cartridge in position inside the detergent cartridge housing. The detergent cartridge retaining mechanism comprises a movable member (701), configured to form an engagement portion (703) adapted to engage a corresponding portion (705) of the detergent cartridge, and movable between a cartridge engagement position and a cartridge disengagement position. The detergent cartridge retaining mechanism comprising biasing elements (707) configured to bias the movable member towards the cartridge engagement position, the movable member being configured to be urged towards the cartridge disengagement position by the detergent cartridge when the latter is being inserted into the detergent cartridge housing, and to be automatically moved back to the cartridge disengagement position by the action of the biasing elements once the detergent cartridge has been fully inserted in the detergent cartridge housing.

Description

[0001] APPLIANCE FOR WASHING KITCHEN ITEMS

[0002] § § § § §

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Field of the invention

[0006] The present invention relates generally to appliances for washing kitchen items, including crockery (plates, dishes, cups, glasses etc.), cutlery, food cooking items (pots, pans). For example, the present invention generally relates to dishwashers. The appliances (e.g., dishwashers) can be appliances for domestic use or for professional use.

[0007] Overview of the related art

[0008] Conventional appliances for washing kitchen items, e.g., dishwashers, have a detergent dispensing device for receiving one (or more) detergent(s) which are added to the washing water during the course of a washing cycle to clean the items to be washed that are shelved inside the washing camber of the machine.

[0009] All of the detergent(s) held in the detergent dispensing device is conventionally dispensed into the washing chamber during the washing cycle and mixed into the washing water circulated therein.

[0010] The detergent dispensing device is usually dimensioned such that the quantity of detergents required for a single washing cycle can be poured in. Before starting any washing cycle, the user of the appliance is therefore required to pour into the detergent dispensing device the quantity of detergent needed for the washing cycle to be executed.

[0011] This operation is not convenient for the user of the appliance. Furthermore, with dishwashers of this kind there is the problem that the quantity of detergents poured into the detergent dispensing device, essentially left to the responsibility and discretion of the user, potentially varies from user to user and also from washing cycle to washing cycle. An incorrectly dosed quantity of detergent can lead to unsatisfactory wash results on the one hand, if an inadequate dose of detergents has been added, and, on the other hand, lead to waste of detergents, and consequent unnecessary environmental pollution and waste of money if an excessive quantity of detergents has been added. Another issue of conventional detergent dispensing devices of dishwashers is that they add the quantity of detergents stored therein to the washing water in one go, thereby not allowing more sophisticated washing programs to be carried out. For example, in certain situations it might be expedient to add the detergent to the washing water not in one go, but rather in fractional doses at different times during a washing cycle: detergent dispensing devices which are designed to receive a single detergent dose cannot support such complex washing cycles.

[0012] Holding in the detergent dispensing device an amount of detergent which is larger than the quantity required for a single washing cycle, thereby a residual amount of the detergent remains stored in the detergent dispensing device for use in subsequent washing cycles, may pose problems.

[0013] For example, US 2010 / 108105 Al recognizes the problem that the portion of detergent not added to the washing water during a washing cycle is exposed to high temperatures and high differences in temperature with each washing cycle, so that stringent demands are placed on the long-time stability of the detergent to maintain the desired cleaning effect.

[0014] US 2010 / 108105 Al discloses a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, including a washing compartment for receiving items therein that are to be subjected to a handling process by the water-conducting domestic appliance; and a detergent dosing system, the detergent dosing system having a detergent dispenser with a receiving compartment, the receiving compartment for receiving at least one cartridge that is configured to hold at least one detergent. The detergent dosing system is formed from a plurality of housing walls and at least one portion of at least one housing wall of the detergent dosing system has thermal insulation.

[0015] Summary of the invention

[0016] The Applicant has tackled the problem of devising an appliances for washing kitchen items, e.g., a dishwasher (both for domestic and professional use), featuring an improved multi-dose detergent dispensing device or system.

[0017] By “multi-dose detergent dispensing device or system” it is meant a detergent dispensing device or system configured to dispense, during a washing cycle, dosed amounts of detergents or detergent components that, once mixed, form detergents for washing the kitchen items, the dosed amounts of detergents being taken from a detergent storage configured to hold amounts of detergent larger than the quantities of detergents required for a single washing cycle.

[0018] Such detergent storage from which the dosed amounts of detergents are taken may advantageously be in the form of an “interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge”, or shortly “detergent cartridge”, to be intended as a storage of detergents / detergent components configured to hold amounts of detergent / detergent components larger than the quantities of detergents required for a single washing cycle. Preferably, the detergent cartridge is configured to store, separated and not mixed, amounts of detergent components that, once mixed, form detergents for washing the kitchen items; the detergent cartridge is configured to store amounts of such detergent components sufficient for multiple washing cycles without refilling.

[0019] According to an aspect of the present invention, an appliance for washing kitchen items is provided, comprising a cabinet and, inside the cabinet, a washing chamber configured to contain kitchen items to be washed.

[0020] The washing chamber has a washing chamber access opening for loading / unloading the washing chamber with kitchen items. A door is movably mounted to the cabinet and configured to selectively close the washing chamber access opening.

[0021] The appliance for washing kitchen items comprises a multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly, provided on said door.

[0022] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a detergent cartridge housing configured to receive and accommodate an interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge configured to store detergents.

[0023] The detergent cartridge housing is open on a side of the door that faces the washing chamber.

[0024] The detergent cartridge housing comprises guide members configured for guiding the detergent cartridge in the insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing. The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises detergent inlets configured to receive detergents from a detergent cartridge when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing.

[0025] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises detergent outlets configured to dispense detergents into the washing chamber.

[0026] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a detergent cartridge retaining mechanism configured to releasably retain a detergent cartridge in position inside the detergent cartridge housing.

[0027] The detergent cartridge retaining mechanism comprises a movable member configured to form an engagement portion adapted to engage a corresponding portion of the detergent cartridge.

[0028] The movable member is movable between a cartridge engagement position and a cartridge disengagement position.

[0029] The detergent cartridge retaining mechanism comprises biasing elements configured to bias the movable member towards the cartridge engagement position, the movable member being configured to be urged towards the cartridge disengagement position by the detergent cartridge when the latter is being inserted into the detergent cartridge housing, and to be automatically moved back to the cartridge disengagement position by the action of the biasing elements once the detergent cartridge has been fully inserted in the detergent cartridge housing.

[0030] In embodiments, the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism is formed in proximity of one side of the detergent cartridge housing.

[0031] The detergent cartridge retaining mechanism may be formed in proximity to an upper side of the detergent cartridge housing.

[0032] Alternatively, the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism may be formed in proximity to a lateral side of the detergent cartridge housing.

[0033] In embodiments, said guide members are configured to guide the detergent cartridge insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing according to a combination of a translation and a rotational movement. Said combination of a translation and a rotational movement may comprise, for the insertion into the detergent cartridge housing, a translational movement followed by a rotational movement, and, for the extraction from the detergent cartridge housing, a rotational movement followed by a translational movement.

[0034] In embodiments, said rotational movement is enabled by first pivoting elements provided in the detergent cartridge housing and configured for cooperating with second pivoting elements provided on the detergent cartridge.

[0035] In embodiments, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises, associated with the detergent cartridge housing, a facilitator device configured for facilitating the extraction of the detergent cartridge from the detergent cartridge housing.

[0036] The facilitator device may comprise a push member and push member biasing elements arranged for causing the push member to protrude from the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing.

[0037] Advantageously, the push member is configured to push the detergent cartridge away from the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing when the detergent cartridge is accommodated inside the detergent cartridge housing.

[0038] In embodiments, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a support element.

[0039] Preferably, the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

[0040] The back wall of the detergent cartridge housing is also formed in the support element.

[0041] In embodiments, the support element comprises a perimetral frame that encompasses the detergent cartridge housing.

[0042] Preferably, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a pump housing configured to accommodate volumetric dosing pumps, preferably peristaltic pumps, configured and operable to pump dosed amounts of detergents. The volumetric dosing pumps are arranged between the detergent inlets and the detergent outlets, for taking dosed amounts of detergents from a detergent cartridge, accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing, through the detergent inlets and for dispensing the dosed amount of detergents into the washing chamber through the detergent outlets.

[0043] Preferably, the pump housing is closed by a pump housing wall on the side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position. The volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing are advantageously separated from the washing chamber by said pump housing wall.

[0044] Advantageously, the perimetral frame of the support element also encompasses the pump housing and the pump housing wall.

[0045] Preferably, the volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing are arranged below the detergent cartridge housing when the door is in closed position.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present invention, an appliance for washing kitchen items is provided, comprising a cabinet. Inside the cabinet, a washing chamber is provided, configured to contain kitchen items to be washed.

[0047] The washing chamber has a washing chamber access opening for loading / unloading the washing chamber with kitchen items.

[0048] A door is movably mounted to the cabinet and is configured to selectively close the washing chamber access opening.

[0049] The appliance for washing kitchen items comprises a multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly. The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly is provided on said door.

[0050] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a detergent cartridge housing configured to receive and accommodate an interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge configured to store detergents. The detergent cartridge housing is open on a side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position. The detergent cartridge housing has a back wall away from the washing chamber when the door is in closed position. The detergent cartridge housing comprises guide members configured for guiding the detergent cartridge in the insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing.

[0051] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises detergent inlets configured to receive detergents from a detergent cartridge when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing. The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises detergent outlets configured to dispense detergents into the washing chamber.

[0052] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a facilitator device configured for facilitating the extraction of the detergent cartridge from the detergent cartridge housing.

[0053] The facilitator device is associated with the detergent cartridge housing.

[0054] The facilitator device comprises a push member and push member biasing elements arranged for causing the push member to protrude from the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing. The push member is configured to push the detergent cartridge away from the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing when the detergent cartridge is accommodated inside the detergent cartridge housing.

[0055] In embodiments, said guide members are configured to guide the detergent cartridge insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing according to a combination of a translation and a rotational movement.

[0056] In embodiments, said combination of a translation and a rotational movement comprises, for the insertion into the detergent cartridge housing, a translational movement followed by a rotational movement, and, for the extraction from the detergent cartridge housing, a rotational movement followed by a translational movement.

[0057] For example, said rotational movement is enabled by first pivoting elements provided in the detergent cartridge housing and configured for cooperating with second pivoting elements provided on the detergent cartridge.

[0058] Preferably, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a support element.

[0059] The detergent cartridge housing is preferably formed in the support element.

[0060] Preferably, the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

[0061] Preferably, the support element comprises a perimetral frame that encompasses the detergent cartridge housing.

[0062] Preferably, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a pump housing configured to accommodate volumetric dosing pumps, preferably peristaltic pumps, configured and operable to pump dosed amounts of detergents.

[0063] The volumetric dosing pumps are arranged between the detergent inlets and the detergent outlets, for taking dosed amounts of detergents from a detergent cartridge, accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing, through the detergent inlets and for dispensing the dosed amount of detergents into the washing chamber through the detergent outlets.

[0064] Advantageously, the pump housing is closed by a pump housing wall on the side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position. The volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing are advantageously separated from the washing chamber by said pump housing wall.

[0065] Preferably, the perimetral frame of the support element also encompasses the pump housing and the pump housing wall.

[0066] Preferably, the volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing are arranged below the detergent cartridge housing when the door is in closed position.

[0067] According to another aspect of the present invention, an appliance for washing kitchen items is provided.

[0068] The appliance for washing kitchen items comprises a cabinet. Inside the cabinet, a washing chamber is formed, configured to contain kitchen items to be washed.

[0069] The washing chamber has a washing chamber access opening for loading / unloading the washing chamber with kitchen items.

[0070] A door is movably mounted to the cabinet and configured to selectively close the washing chamber access opening.

[0071] The appliance for washing kitchen items comprises a multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly.

[0072] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly is provided on said door.

[0073] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a detergent cartridge housing configured to receive and accommodate an interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge configured to store detergents and having cartridge detergent outlets. The detergent cartridge housing is open on a side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position.

[0074] The detergent cartridge housing has a back wall.

[0075] The detergent cartridge housing comprises guide members configured for guiding the detergent cartridge in the insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing.

[0076] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises detergent inlets configured to receive detergents from a detergent cartridge when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing.

[0077] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises detergent outlets configured to dispense detergents into the washing chamber.

[0078] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises pierce elements, provided at said detergent inlets, configured to pierce seal pierceable parts provided at the cartridge detergent outlets of the detergent cartridge upon insertion of the detergent cartridge into the detergent cartridge housing, thereby establishing a fluid passage from the detergent cartridge to the detergent inlets.

[0079] The pierce elements extend perpendicularly to the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing. Thus, the pierce elements extend substantially horizontally when the door is in closed position.

[0080] Preferably, the detergent cartridge housing comprises vent activation members configured for activating vent passages provided on a detergent cartridge.

[0081] The vent activation members are configured to establish the vent passages of the detergent cartridge advantageously during insertion of the detergent cartridge into said detergent cartridge housing.

[0082] The vent passages, once established, enable a fluid communication between the inner volume of the detergent cartridge and the external environment so as to balance a pressure inside the detergent cartridge when the volumetric pumps are operated.

[0083] In embodiments, the vent activation members comprise piercing elements configured to activate respective vent openings of the detergent cartridge by perforating vent opening seals provided in the detergent cartridge at the vent openings thereof. In embodiments, the piercing elements of the vent activation members extend perpendicularly to the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing.

[0084] In embodiments, said guide members are configured to guide the detergent cartridge insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing according to a combination of a translation and a rotational movement.

[0085] Said combination of a translation and a rotational movement may comprise, for the insertion into the detergent cartridge housing, a translational movement followed by a rotational movement, and, for the extraction from the detergent cartridge housing, a rotational movement followed by a translational movement.

[0086] In embodiments, said rotational movement is enabled by first pivoting elements provided in the detergent cartridge housing and configured for cooperating with second pivoting elements provided on the detergent cartridge.

[0087] The first pivoting elements may be configured to enable a rotational movement of the detergent cartridge around a rotation axis oriented vertically when the door is in closed position.

[0088] In embodiments, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises vent activation members configured for activating the vent passages of the detergent cartridge, the vent passages, once established, enabling a fluid communication between the inner volume of the detergent cartridge and the external environment so as to balance a pressure inside the detergent cartridge when detergents are to be taken from the detergent cartridge, said vent activation members being configured to activate the vent passages of the detergent cartridge during insertion of the detergent cartridge into said detergent cartridge housing.

[0089] Said vent activation members may comprise piercing elements configured to activate respective vent passages of the detergent cartridge by perforating vent passages sealing membranes provided in the detergent cartridge at the vent passages thereof.

[0090] Preferably, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises vent non-return valves configured to be coupled with the vent passages of the detergent cartridge and to allow flow of air into the detergent cartridge through the vent passages thereof and to prevent leakage of detergents out of the detergent cartridge through the vent passages. In preferred embodiments, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a support element. Advantageously, the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

[0091] Preferably, the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

[0092] In embodiments, the support element comprises a perimetral frame that encompasses the detergent cartridge housing.

[0093] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly preferably comprises a pump housing configured to accommodate volumetric dosing pumps, preferably peristaltic pumps, configured and operable to pump dosed amounts of detergents.

[0094] The volumetric dosing pumps are arranged between the detergent inlets and the detergent outlets, for taking dosed amounts of detergents from a detergent cartridge, accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing, through the detergent inlets and for dispensing the dosed amount of detergents into the washing chamber through the detergent outlets.

[0095] Preferably, the pump housing is closed by a pump housing wall on the side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position.

[0096] The volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing are advantageously being separated from the washing chamber by said pump housing wall.

[0097] Preferably, the perimetral frame of the support element also encompasses the pump housing and the pump housing wall.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present invention, an appliance for washing kitchen items is provided.

[0099] The appliance for washing kitchen items comprises a cabinet. Inside the cabinet, a washing chamber is provided, configured to contain kitchen items to be washed. The washing chamber has a washing chamber access opening for loading / unloading the washing chamber with kitchen items.

[0100] A door is movably mounted to the cabinet and configured to selectively close the washing chamber access opening. The appliance for washing kitchen items comprises a multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly. The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly is provided on said door.

[0101] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a detergent cartridge housing configured to receive and accommodate an interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge configured to store detergents. The detergent cartridge has activatable vent passages.

[0102] The detergent cartridge housing comprises guide members configured for guiding the detergent cartridge in the insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing.

[0103] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises detergent inlets configured to receive detergents from a detergent cartridge when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing.

[0104] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises detergent outlets configured to dispense detergents into the washing chamber.

[0105] The multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises vent activation members configured for activating the vent passages of the detergent cartridge. The vent passages, once established, enable a fluid communication between the inner volume of the detergent cartridge and the external environment so as to balance a pressure inside the detergent cartridge when detergents are to be taken from the detergent cartridge.

[0106] The vent activation members are configured to activate the vent passages of the detergent cartridge during insertion of the detergent cartridge into said detergent cartridge housing.

[0107] In embodiments, the vent activation members comprise piercing elements configured to activate respective vent passages of the detergent cartridge by perforating vent passages sealing membranes provided in the detergent cartridge at the vent passages thereof.

[0108] Preferably, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises vent non-return valves configured to be coupled with the vent passages of the detergent cartridge and to allow flow of air into the detergent cartridge through the vent passages thereof and to prevent leakage of detergents out of the detergent cartridge through the vent passages. In embodiments, the detergent cartridge housing has a back wall;

[0109] - the vent activation members are arranged horizontally, or perpendicularly to the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing, when door is closed.

[0110] In embodiments, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises pierce elements provided at said detergent inlets configured to pierce seal pierceable parts provided at the cartridge detergent outlets of the detergent cartridge upon insertion of the detergent cartridge into the detergent cartridge housing, thereby establishing a fluid passage from the detergent cartridge to the detergent inlets.

[0111] In embodiments, said pierce elements extend perpendicularly to the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing.

[0112] In embodiments, said pierce elements extend vertically, when the door is in closed position.

[0113] Preferably, the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a support element. The detergent cartridge housing is advantageously formed in the support element.

[0114] Preferably, the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

[0115] Preferably, the support element comprises a perimetral frame that encompasses the detergent cartridge housing.

[0116] Another aspect of the present invention concerns a detergent cartridge configured for storing amounts of detergent or detergent components for an appliance for washing kitchen items, said amounts of detergent / detergent components being sufficient for multiple kitchen item washing cycles.

[0117] The detergent cartridge is configured for being inserted in a multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly of an appliance for washing kitchen items.

[0118] The detergent cartridge comprises a detergent cartridge body forming a detergent cartridge box.

[0119] Inside the detergent cartridge box, at least two detergent storage compartments are formed, configured for storing respective amounts of respective detergents / detergent components. The detergent cartridge comprises at least two detergent outlets, each one in fluid communication with a respective one of the detergent compartments. The detergent outlets are formed at a first side of the detergent cartridge box.

[0120] The detergent cartridge is provided with activatable vents passage, activatable for venting the detergent compartments. The activatable vent passages are formed at a second side of the detergent cartridge box different from said first side of the detergent cartridge box.

[0121] In preferred embodiments, said first side of the detergent cartridge box is a lower side of the detergent cartridge box when the detergent cartridge is inserted in the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly of the appliance for washing kitchen items. Said second side of the detergent cartridge box is an upper side of the detergent cartridge box when the detergent cartridge is inserted in the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly.

[0122] For example, said activatable vent openings are provided with releasable vent seals for releasably sealing the vent openings.

[0123] The releasable vent seals may for example comprise pierceable sealing membranes.

[0124] In embodiments, said pierceable sealing membranes are configured to be pierced by piercing elements provided in the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly upon insertion of the detergent cartridge into the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly.

[0125] Another aspect of the present invention concerns a detergent cartridge configured for storing amounts of detergent or detergent components for an appliance for washing kitchen items, said amounts of detergent / detergent components being sufficient for multiple kitchen item washing cycles.

[0126] The detergent cartridge is configured for being inserted in a multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly of an appliance for washing kitchen items, particularly in a detergent cartridge housing of the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly.

[0127] The detergent cartridge comprises a detergent cartridge body forming a detergent cartridge box.

[0128] Inside the detergent cartridge box, at least two detergent storage compartments are provided, configured for storing respective amounts of respective detergents / detergent components.

[0129] The detergent cartridge box comprises guide members, configured for cooperating with guides provided in a detergent cartridge housing the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly for guiding the insertion / the extraction of the detergent cartridge into / out of the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly.

[0130] In embodiments, said guide members provided in the detergent cartridge boz comprise at least one peg projecting from a side of the detergent cartridge box.

[0131] For the purposes of the present disclosure, terms like “up”, “down”, “above”, “below”, “under”, “above” are to be considered referred to the appliance door appliance in closed position, unless otherwise stated or derivable from the context where such terms are used.

[0132] Brief description of the drawings

[0133] The above features and advantages of the present invention, as well as further features and further advantages, will appear more clearly by reading to following detailed description of exemplary and non-limitative embodiments thereof. For a better intelligibility, the following description should be read making reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0134] Fig- 1 is an overall view of an appliance for washing kitchen items, particularly a domestic dishwasher, according to the present invention or in which the present invention can be exploited;

[0135] Fig. 2 is an axonometric view of a door of the dishwasher of Fig. 1, dismounted from the dishwasher, as seen from the side which, when the door is mounted to the dishwasher, faces a washing chamber of the dishwasher, the door being provided with detergent dispensing devices;

[0136] Fig. 3 shows in axonometric exploded view the door of Fig. 2;

[0137] Fig. 3 A is an enlarged view of a detail of Fig. 3;

[0138] Figs. 4 and 5 show in axonometric view a multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly dismounted from the dishwasher door, respectively with (Fig. 4) and without (Fig. 5) a detergent cartridge inserted therein;

[0139] Fig- 6 shows an intermediate step of an insertion (or extraction) maneuver for inserting (or extracting) a detergent cartridge into (or from) a detergent cartridge housing of the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly;

[0140] Fig- 7 shows in detail an exemplary mechanism for retaining the detergent cartridge inside the detergent cartridge housing when inserted therein;

[0141] Figs. 8 and 9 show in detail an exemplary device for facilitating the removal of a detergent cartridge from the detergent cartridge housing of the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly;

[0142] Figs. 10, 11 and 12 show, in axonometric front view (Figs. 10 and 11) and rearview (Fig. 12), an exemplary detergent cartridge configured for use with the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly of Figs. 4 and 5, out of the detergent cartridge housing of the multidose detergent dispenser assembly;

[0143] Fig. 13 shows the inner structure of the exemplary detergent cartridge of Figs. 10, 11 and 12, with the detergent cartridge inserted in the detergent cartridge housing of the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly;

[0144] Figs. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly with a detergent cartridge inserted therein, on two different, parallel transversal section planes, transversal to the dishwasher door;

[0145] Figs. 16, 17 and 18 show details of vent connectors of the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly, for creating vent paths for the detergent cartridge;

[0146] Fig. 19 shows the back of a door inner panel of the dishwasher door;

[0147] Fig. 20 shows in enlarged view a detail of the back of door inner panel of Fig. 19, in a region where the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly mounted is arranged;

[0148] Figs. 21 - 24 show various views of a peristaltic pump module of an arrangement for delivering dosed amounts of detergents of the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly;

[0149] Figs. 25 and 26 are exploded views of the parts composing the peristaltic pump module, as seen from opposite sides; Fig. 27 is a back view of a support element of the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly, showing a seat for peristaltic pump modules and respective mechanical and hydraulic connections for the peristaltic pump modules;

[0150] Figs. 28 and 29 show another embodiment of multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly designed for a different detergent cartridge insertion method;

[0151] Figs. 30 - 33 show a detergent cartridge adapted for use with the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly of Figs. 28 and 29;

[0152] Fig. 34shows an exemplary placement of detergent dispensing devices in the dishwasher, and

[0153] Figs. 35 - 38 show another embodiment of the present invention, in which a multidose detergent dispenser and a single-dose detergent dispenser are integrated together in a single assembly.

[0154] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0155] A detailed description of particular embodiments of the present invention will be provided, with reference to certain schematic and non-limiting illustrations. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and illustrations, which are to be considered purely exemplifying; the appended claims define the scope of the invention.

[0156] In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustration purposes. The dimensions of the parts illustrated may not correspond to actual practical implementations of the invention.

[0157] Furthermore, where terms such as "first", "second" and the like are used in the description and in the claims, such terms are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequence, be it a temporal sequence, a spatial sequence, a ranking or any other sequence. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0158] Furthermore, terms such as "above", "below", “on the right”, “on the left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “upper”, “lower” and the like in the specification and claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe relative positions. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in orientations other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0159] It is noted that the term "comprising" as used in the claims is not to be construed as restricted to the elements or steps listed thereafter; the use of this term does not exclude other elements or phases. The term "comprising" should therefore be interpreted as specifying the presence of the above characteristics, integers, phases or components as indicated, but the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, integers, phases or components, or their groups, is not precluded. Therefore, and by way of example, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B, but as meaning that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0160] Reference in this description to "an embodiment" (and similar plural expressions) means that a particular feature or structure described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment" appearing at various points in this description do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to different embodiments of the invention.

[0161] Furthermore, the particular features or structures being described may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art from this description, into one or more possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0162] Likewise, it should be appreciated that in describing exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of simplifying the description and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, this should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than those expressly indicated in each claim. Rather, as the claims at the end of the detailed description reflect, the inventive aspects reside in fewer than all the features of a single embodiment described above. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are expressly incorporated herein in this detailed description, with each claim constituting a distinct embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] Further, although some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are to be considered within the scope of the present description and the invention and form different embodiments, as those skilled in the art would understand. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0164] In the detailed description provided here, a number of specific details are disclosed. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without all or some of these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this disclosure.

[0165] Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows an overall view of an appliance for washing kitchen items 100, particularly a domestic dishwasher, according to the present invention or in which the present invention can be exploited. Generally speaking, the dishwasher 100 comprises a cabinet 105 enclosing a washing chamber 110, configured to accommodate at least one, preferably two or more vertically spaced-apart racks 115 for accommodating the kitchen items to be washed (just for example: crockery, like plates, dishes, cups, glasses etc., cutlery, food cooking items, like pots, pans). In the example here considered, three racks 115 are slidably accommodated in the washing chamber 110, slidable in and out the washing chamber 110: a lower rack 115a generically in proximity of the bottom of the washing chamber 110, an upper rack 115b generically in the upper part of the washing chamber 110 and a third rack 115c in proximity of the top of the washing chamber 110. The specific number of racks 115 is not limitative for the present invention, which is applicable to dishwashers with less than three racks 115 or more than three racks 115. Inside the washing chamber 110 there are spraying devices 120 for spraying washing liquid. The washing chamber 110 is accessible through a front opening, or washing chamber access opening, which is closable by a door 125 pivotally mounted to the cabinet 105.

[0166] The dishwasher 100 comprises detergent dispensing devices. In embodiments of the present invention the detergent dispensing devices 130 are located on the door 125, preferably the detergent dispensing devices 130 are carried by the door 125 on the side of the door 125 facing the washing chamber 110 when the door 125 is in closed position; this renders the detergent dispensing devices 130 easily accessible for the user.

[0167] In the exemplary embodiment here considered, the detergent dispensing devices 130 include a conventional single-dose detergent dispenser 135 and a multi-dose detergent dispenser 140. The single-dose detergent dispenser 135 is dimensioned such that the quantity of detergents required for a single washing cycle can be poured therein (or one detergent pod for a single washing cycle can be inserted in the single-dose detergent dispenser 135), and the detergents are dispensed in one go during the washing cycle. The multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 is a detergent dispensing device configured to dispense, during a washing cycle, dosed amounts of detergents, the dosed amounts of detergents being taken from a detergent storage configured to hold amounts of detergent larger than the quantities of detergents required for a single washing cycle. In embodiments of the invention, the single-dose detergent dispenser 135 may be absent.

[0168] Fig. 2 is an axonometric view of the door 125 of the dishwasher 100 of Fig. 1, dismounted from the dishwasher, as seen from the side which, when the door 125 is mounted to the dishwasher cabinet 105, faces the washing chamber 110. Fig. 3 shows the door of Fig. 2 in axonometric exploded view. Fig. 3A is an enlarged view of a detail of Fig. 3

[0169] The door 125 comprises a door inner panel 201 arranged to face the washing chamber 110 when the door 125 is mounted to the dishwasher 100 (and is in closed or almost closed or partially closed position). The door inner panel 201 may be made of a bent metal sheet.

[0170] The door inner panel 201 is mounted to a door frame 203 of the door 125. The door frame 203 is provided with means for pivotally connecting the door frame 203 to the cabinet 105 (typically through door hinges, not shown).

[0171] The door inner panel 201 is provided with an opening 301. Preferably, the opening 301 is formed in a depressed region 305 of the door inner panel 201, depressed with respect to a projecting contour 307 of the door inner panel 201. The contour 307 of the door inner panel 301 is configured to match a perimeter of the washing chamber access opening. The depressed region 305 of the door inner panel 201 is bordered by said projecting contour 307. The opening 301 in the door inner panel 201 is for example of generically quadrangular shape. The specific shape of the opening 301 is not limitative for the present invention.

[0172] The opening 301 in the door inner panel 201 is configured to receive, accommodate and retain the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140. The multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 fits the opening 301. The single-dose detergent dispenser 135 is for example mounted to the door inner panel 201 laterally to the opening 301, however different placements of the single-dose detergent dispenser 135 with respect to the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 are possible (e.g., under the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 when the door 125 is in closed or partially closed position).

[0173] In embodiments of the present invention, the opening 301 is provided with one or more wings 303 projecting from the perimeter of the opening 301 towards the door frame 203 (i.e., towards projecting away from the washing chamber 110 when the door 125 is mounted to the cabinet 105). In embodiments of the present invention, the one or more wings 301 comprise two or more wings 301 arranged spaced apart from one another along at least one side of the opening 301, preferably along at least two sides, preferably opposite sides, of the opening 301, preferably along at least three sides of the opening 301. In embodiments of the present invention, the opening 301 comprises a plurality of wings 303 arranged spaced apart from one another along the entire perimeter of the opening 301.

[0174] In embodiments of the present invention, the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 is an assembly. In embodiments of the present invention, the assembly of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 comprises a support element 309. The support element 309 may for example be made of plastic material, particularly as a single piece. In particular, the support element 309 may be produced by moulding. However, the specific material of the support element 309 and the specific manufacturing method thereof are not limitative for the present invention.

[0175] In embodiments of the present invention, the support element 309 is configured to fit and to be inserted into the opening 301 formed in the door inner panel 201, and to be accommodated and retained therein. For example, the support element 309 has a shape generically complementary to the shape of the opening 301. In embodiments of the present invention, the support element 309 is provided of at least one tab 311, projecting from a front face of a perimetral frame 313 of the support element 309 (the front face 313 of the support element 309 being the face that, when multidose-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly is mounted to the door inner panel 201, i.e., when the support element 309 is inserted into the opening 301, and the door 125 is in closed or partially closed position, faces the washing chamber 110) towards the rear of the support element 309.

[0176] In embodiments of the present invention, the at least one tab 311 is configured to define a hook 315 at its free end, better visible in Fig. 3A. In other words, the at least one tab 311 has a hooked free end. The hook 315 of the at least one tab 311 is configured to cooperate with a respective one of the one or more wings 303 of the opening 301, when the support element 309 is inserted into the opening 301, to retain the support element 309 in position, mounted to the door inner panel 201. In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tab 311 is flexible to a certain extent, and upon insertion of the support element 309 into the opening 301, the at least one tab 311 flexes, trespasses the corresponding wing 303 of the opening 301, and then flexes back so that the hook 315 snaps over the free end of the corresponding wing 303.

[0177] In embodiments of the present invention, two or more tabs 311 are provided spaced apart from one another along a perimeter of the support member 309. When two or more wings 303 are provided along the perimeter of the opening 301, the number of the two or more tabs 311 may correspond to the number of wings 303, and the arrangement of the tabs 311 advantageously matches the arrangement of the wings 303.

[0178] Thanks to the cooperation between the wings 303 of the opening 301 and the tabs 311 of the support element 309, the support element 309 (and thus the multidose-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly) can be mounted to the door inner panel 201 by snap-fit engagement. The perimetral frame 313 of the support element 309 forms a flange that, when the support element 309 is mounted to the door inner panel 201, overlaps a perimetral band of the door inner panel 201 that surrounds the opening 301. Preferably, a gasket is provided between the perimetral frame 313 of the support element 309 and the perimetral band of the door inner panel 201, for ensuring a fluid-tight sealing.

[0179] Nothing prevents that, in embodiments of the present invention, different / other ways of mounting the multidose-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly to the door inner panel 201 are exploited, in addition to or in substitution of the snap-fit engagement. For example, in embodiments of the present invention, one or more screws or similar fixing means may be exploited to secure the multidose-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly to the door inner panel 201, possibly in addition to the snap-fit engagement means (e.g., the tabs 311 and the wings 313), for a more robust fixation of the multidose-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly to the door inner panel 201. For example, points for fixation screws may be provided at one or more corners of the multidose-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly, e.g., at the two upper comers, or at one of the two upper corners and at the diagonally opposite lower corner of the support element 309.

[0180] When the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 is mounted to the door 125 the perimetral frame 313 of the support element 309 is essentially flush with the depressed area 305 of the door inner panel 201.

[0181] Figs. 4 and 5 show in axonometric view the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly dismounted from the (door inner panel 201 of the) machine door. Particularly, Fig- 4 shows the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly with an interchangeable detergent cartridge 401 inserted and housed therein and Fig. 5 shows the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly without the detergent cartridge 401 inserted therein.

[0182] The support element 309 of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly is shaped to define a housing 501 for interchangeably housing the detergent cartridge 401 (exemplary embodiments of detergent cartridges will be described in detail later on). The detergent cartridge housing 501 has a shape generically complementary to the shape of the detergent cartridge 401 to be housed therein.

[0183] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown, the detergent cartridge housing 501 comprises a depressed portion of the support element 309, depressed with respect to a perimetral flange 403 (defined by the perimetral frame 313 of the) of the support element 309 and defining a cavity open towards the washing chamber 110 when the multidose detergent dispenser 140 assembly is mounted to the door inner panel 201 and the door 125 is in closed or partially closed position.

[0184] The detergent cartridge housing 501 has a back wall 503, two opposite side walls 505, an upper wall 507 and a lower wall 509.

[0185] When the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly is mounted to the door inner panel 201, the perimetral flange 403 of the support element 309 is essentially flush with the depressed area 305 of the door inner panel 201 while the detergent cartridge housing 501 is recessed (away from washing chamber 110) with respect to the depressed area 305 of the door inner panel 201 (because the detergent cartridge housing 501 protrudes backwards through the opening 301 in the door inner panel 201). Advantageously, the detergent cartridge 401 may be dimensioned such that, when accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing 501, the detergent cartridge 401 does not protrude from the detergent cartridge housing 501 and results essentially flush with the depressed area 305 of the door inner panel 201, so that the detergent cartridge 401 does not occupy space in the washing chamber 110.

[0186] In embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the two side walls 505, preferably both of them, are provided with a guide 511 for guiding the detergent cartridge 401 during the insertion / extraction thereof into / from the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0187] In embodiments of the present invention, the detergent cartridge insertion / extraction guide 511 is in form of a slanted slot, slanted of a certain angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the plane of the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501, for example an angle in the range from 85° to 5°, preferably in the range from 30° to 10°.

[0188] The detergent cartridge insertion / extraction guide 511 is open at an upper end thereof ad is closed at an opposite lower end (upper and lower are referred to a position of the door 125 that is closed or partially closed). Approximately midway from the open upper end towards the closed lower end, the slanted slot forming the detergent cartridge insertion / extraction guide 511 forms a guide branch slot 515 towards the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501, e.g., oriented orthogonally to the back wall 503. At the closed lower end thereof, the slanted slot forming the detergent cartridge insertion / extraction guide 511 has an enlargement 513 towards the back wall 503. The slanted slot 511, the guide branch slot 515, the enlargement 513 are configured to cooperate with guide corresponding members provided in the detergent cartridge 401, as will be described later on. Particularly, the enlargement 513 forms or is part of pivoting means for pivoting the detergent cartridge 401. The maneuver for the detergent cartridge insertion into, and extraction from the detergent cartridge housing 501 entail a translational and rotational movement of the detergent cartridge 401. In particular, the detergent cartridge insertion into the detergent cartridge housing 501 entails a translation-then-rotation movement. The detergent cartridge extraction from the detergent cartridge housing 501 entails a rotation-then- translation movement.

[0189] The multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly, particularly the support element 309, is provided hydraulic connectors 517 for the connection to respective detergent outlets of a detergent cartridge 401 when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing 501. The hydraulic connectors 517 define detergent inlets of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly. The multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly, particularly the support element 309, comprises detergent outlets for dispensing detergents / detergent components into the washing chamber 110.

[0190] In embodiments of the present invention, the hydraulic connectors 517 are arranged at the lower wall 509 of the detergent cartridge housing 501. In the embodiment here considered, the hydraulic connectors 517 are oriented essentially perpendicularly to the lower wall 509 of the detergent cartridge housing 501, i.e., along directions lying in a plane parallel to the plane of the door inner panel 201.

[0191] In embodiments of the present invention, the number of hydraulic connectors 517 provided in the detergent cartridge housing 501 corresponds to a number of detergent storage compartments provided in the detergent cartridge 401 and of corresponding detergent outlets of the detergent cartridge 401. In embodiments of the present invention, the detergent cartridge housing 501 is provided with at least two hydraulic connectors 517, for the hydraulic connection with two detergent outlets of the detergent cartridge 401 afferent to two different detergent storage compartments of the detergent cartridge 401, for storing detergents (or detergent components to be mixed to obtain detergents). In embodiments of the present invention, the detergent cartridge 401 has four different detergent storage compartments for storing detergents (or detergent components), four corresponding detergent outlets afferent to the four detergent storage compartments, and the number of hydraulic connectors 517 is four.

[0192] In embodiments of the present invention, the support element 309 is provided with a detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519 configured for (contributing to) retaining the detergent cartridge 401 inside the detergent cartridge housing 501 when the detergent cartridge 401 is accommodated therein.

[0193] The detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519 is provided on the side of the detergent cartridge housing 501 opposite to the side where there is defined the rotation axis for the rotational part of the insertion maneuver of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0194] In embodiments of the present invention, the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519, visible in detail in Fig. 7, comprises a movable member 701, particularly a sliding member, shaped to define a crest or ridge 703. The sliding member 701 is slidable vertically (when the door 125 is in closed position) with respect to the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501. The crest or ridge 703 of the sliding member 701 is configured to cooperate with a cartridge projection 705 of the detergent cartridge 401 in such a way that when the detergent cartridge 401 is accommodated inside the detergent cartridge housing 501 the cartridge projection 705 is behind the crest or ridge 703 and abuts against the latter. The cartridge projection 705 is preferably formed in a recess 601 of the detergent cartridge 401. The cartridge projection 705 is preferably formed in proximity of a back side of the detergent cartridge 401 (the back side of the detergent cartridge 401 being the side thereof that, when the detergent cartridge 401 is inserted in the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140, is opposite to the detergent cartridge side facing the washing chamber 110 when the door 125 is closed or partially closed).

[0195] The detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519 comprises biasing elements 707 for biasing the sliding member 701 towards a (protruding, lowered, in the considered example) position in which the crest or ridge 703 is in engagement with the cartridge projection 705 (when the detergent cartridge 401 is inserted in the detergent cartridge housing 401). For example, the biasing means 707 are elastic biasing means, e.g., a spring.

[0196] The sliding member 701 is operable by the user, e.g., by means of a finger or a tool, for pushing it (prevailing the biasing action of the biasing means 707) towards a (raised, in the considered embodiment) position of disengagement of the crest or ridge 703 thereof from the cartridge projection 705. When the sliding member 701 is pushed upwards, the crest or ridge 703 clears the cartridge projection 705 and the detergent cartridge 401 is no longer retained in the detergent cartridge housing 501, and is free to be extracted from the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0197] During the insertion of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 501 (particularly, during the rotational part of the insertion maneuver of the detergent cartridge 401), pushing the detergent cartridge 401, particularly the upper region thereof, causes the cartridge projection 705 to encounter a slanted wall 709 of the sliding member 701. The pushing action by the user on the detergent cartridge 401 causes the cartridge projection 705 to push the sliding member 701 upwards against the elastic force of the biasing means 707, till the cartridge projection 705 trespasses the crest or ridge 703 and the sliding member 701 is pushed down by the biasing means 707 in the position of retainment of the detergent cartridge 401, thereby engaging the cartridge projection 705 and retaining the detergent cartridge 401.

[0198] In advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the support element 309 is provided with a facilitator device 521 for facilitating the extraction of the detergent cartridge 401 from the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0199] The facilitator device 521 is provided on the side of the detergent cartridge housing 501 opposite to the side where there is defined the rotation axis for the rotational part of the insertion maneuver of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0200] In embodiments of the present invention, the facilitator device 521 for facilitating the extraction of the detergent cartridge 401, visible in Fig. 5 and shown in greater detail in Figs. 8 and 9, comprises a push member or pusher 801 slidable in a push member seat 803 formed in the support member 309, particularly in the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501. The push member 801 is slidable inside the push member seat 803 in a direction generically transversal to the plane of the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501, for example orthogonally to the back wall 503. The push member 801 can slide from a retracted position, shown in Fig. 9, in which the push member 801 is essentially fully within the push member seat 803, to an extended position, shown in Fig. 8, in which the push member 801 protrudes from the push member seat 803 inside the detergent cartridge housing 501. The push member 801 has an enlarged head 805, larger than a push member 801 body and the push member seat 803, that when the push member 801 is fully retracted abuts the edge of the push member seat 803 thereby determining a first end of run for the push member 801. A second end of run for the push member 801 is defined by the cooperation of a tooth 901 formed in the push member 801, projecting from the push member 801 body and extending through a slot 903 formed in the push member seat 803; when the push member 801 reaches the position of complete extension out of the push member seat 803, the tooth 901 abuts an edge of the slot 903 and stops the further extension of the push member 801.

[0201] The push member 801 is associated with push member biasing elements 905 arranged for biasing the push member 801 towards the push member extended position out of the push member seat 803. The push member biasing means 905 can for example comprises a compression spring. For example, the push member 801 may be hollow and the compression spring may be accommodated in the hollow space inside the push member 801

[0202] In embodiments, the push member seat 803 protrudes from the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501. Preferably, the detergent cartridge 401 has, at its back side, a recessed, indented area 1203, configured for receiving therein the push member seat 803.

[0203] Upon insertion of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 501, at a certain stage a back wall portion 907 of the (indented area 1203 of the) detergent cartridge 401 reaches the extremity of the push member 801 that projects into detergent cartridge housing 501, particularly the enlarged head 805 of the push member 801. Proceeding with the insertion of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 501, the back wall portion 907 of the detergent cartridge 401 pushes the push member 801 inside the push member seat 803, against the action of the push member biasing means 905. The push member 801 retracts into the push member seat 803. When the detergent cartridge 401 is fully inserted into the detergent cartridge housing 501 (and is for example retained in the inserted position by the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519 described in the foregoing), the push member 801 reaches its first end of run, with the extremity of the push member 801, particularly the enlarged head 805 thereof, that continues to exert a pushing action against the back wall portion 907 of the detergent cartridge 401 due to the pushing action of the push member biasing means 905; this pushing action of the push member 801 on the detergent cartridge 401 is however prevailed by the retaining action exerted on the detergent cartridge 401 by the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519, as described in the foregoing.

[0204] When, in order to extract the detergent cartridge 401 from the detergent cartridge housing 501, the user acts on the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519 as described in the foregoing, the pushing action of the push member biasing means 905 causes the push member 801 to push against the back wall portion 907 of the detergent cartridge 401 so that the detergent cartridge 401 (now no longer retained by the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519) is at least partially pushed away from the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501, rotates and reaches a position approximately corresponding to that shown in Fig. 6. When the detergent cartridge 401 is in this position, the removal of the detergent cartridge 401 from the detergent cartridge housing 501 is facilitated for the user, because the upper side and at least part of the lateral sides of the detergent cartridge 401 are exposed and accessible to the user hand(s).

[0205] Preferably, in embodiments of the present invention, the support element 309 comprises a detergent cartridge 401 detection device configured to detect the presence of a detergent cartridge accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0206] In embodiments of the present invention, the detergent cartridge detection arrangement comprises a cartridge presence sensor, for example a micro-switch or a Reedcontact sensor, associated with the push member 801, so as to change status depending on whether the push member 801 is in the extended position (no detergent cartridge in the detergent cartridge housing 501) or in the retracted position (the detergent cartridge is inserted in the detergent cartridge housing 501). The cartridge presence sensor may be in communication with a dishwasher control unit (not shown in the drawings). The dishwasher control unit may be configured to read the status of the cartridge presence sensor and accordingly control the operation of the dishwasher depending on whether the detergent cartridge 401 is detected in the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 or not. For example, if the detergent cartridge 401 is not detected, the control unit may prevent the start of a washing cycle and possibly inform the user (e.g., visually, acoustically, via a notification sent through a smartphone app) of the need to insert a detergent cartridge.

[0207] Figs. 10, 11 and 12 show an exemplary detergent cartridge 401, out of the detergent cartridge housing 501 of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly, in axonometric front view (Figs. 10 and 11) and rear view (Fig. 12).

[0208] In embodiments of the present invention the detergent cartridge 401 is generally shaped as a box, for example a generically rectangular box, having a front side 1001, a rear side 1201, an upper side 1003, a lower side 1005, two lateral sides 1007.

[0209] A number of detergent compartments are defined in the detergent cartridge 401, for storing amounts of detergents, or detergent components that, once mixed in opportune proportions, produce the detergents, to be used (in proper doses) by the dishwasher 100 in the execution of washing cycles. The detergent storage compartments are dimensioned in such a way to be able to store amounts of detergents, or detergent components, which are larger than the quantity of detergent required for a single washing cycle, so as to be sufficient for multiple washing cycles.

[0210] As visible in Fig. 11 and, even better, in Fig. 13 (which shows the inner structure of the exemplary detergent cartridge 401, with the detergent cartridge 401 inserted in the detergent cartridge housing 501; a front wall of the box forming the detergent cartridge 401, defining the front side 1001 thereof, has been removed in the drawings in order to make the inner structure of the detergent cartridge visible), in the exemplary embodiments here considered, the detergent cartridge 401 includes four detergent compartments 1301, 1303, 1305 and 1307. The specific number of detergent compartments is not a limitation of the present invention: detergent cartridges with a different number of detergent compartments, e.g., two, three or more than four compartments are possible.

[0211] In the exemplary embodiment of four detergent compartments 1301, 1303, 1305 and 1307, a first detergent compartment, e.g., detergent compartment 1301, has a volume adapted to store an amount from 80 ml to 120 ml of a first detergent / detergent component; a second detergent compartment, e.g., detergent compartment 1303, has a volume adapted to store amount from 50 ml to 80 ml of a second detergent / detergent component; a third detergent compartment, e.g., detergent compartment 1305, has a volume adapted to store an amount from 240 ml to 280 ml of a third detergent / detergent component; and a fourth detergent compartment, e.g., detergent compartment 1307, has a volume adapted to store an amount from 50 ml to 100 ml of a fourth detergent / detergent component. It is pointed out that the amounts provided above, merely exemplificative and not limitative, indicates useful amounts of detergents that can be stored in the detergent compartments (not the volumes of the detergent compartments themselves).

[0212] The provision, in the detergent cartridge 401, of different, separated detergent compartments, like the four detergent compartments 1301, 1303, 1305 and 1307, serves to store detergents / detergent components (e.g., basic chemical ingredients that participate to washing, for instance enzymes, surfactants and alkali) keeping them separate, in a disaggregated manner. This is mostly to avoid thermal degradation of parts, that could lose their performance being exposed to thermal cycles, while combined in a liquid mixture. Indeed, to enable autodose for multiple continuous cycles without refilling detergent, a common practice is to place liquid detergent inside an inner door dispenser: this solution has the drawback that the cleaning performance degrades cycle after cycle. With a disaggregated storage of the detergents, this drawback can be avoided, being the basic components of the detergents kept separated and unable to interact until they are released to the washing chamber.

[0213] The detergent compartments 1301, 1303, 1305 and 1307 are defined in the hollow space internal to the detergent cartridge 401 box, for example by septa 1309, 1311, 1313 that divide the inner hollow space of the detergent cartridge 401 box into four distinct, noncommunicating volumes. In the exemplary embodiment here considered, the detergent compartments 1301, 1303, 1305, 1307 are generically arranged in sequence along a direction transversal to the lateral sides 1007 of the detergent cartridge 401 box.

[0214] As mentioned in the foregoing, the detergent cartridge 401 is provided with detergent outlets, preferably at least one detergent outlet associated with each detergent compartment 1301, 1303, 1305 and 1307. In the exemplary embodiment presently considered, the detergent cartridge 401 has four detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013 and 1015, for the detergent compartments 1301, 1303, 1305 and 1307, respectively.

[0215] Advantageously, in correspondence of each detergent outlet 1009, 1011, 1013 and 1015 the detergent cartridge 401 box is provided with a collar protruding from the lower side 1005 of the detergent cartridge 401 box. One of the protruding collars is better visible in Fig. 14, being there designated as 1401. The protruding collars 1401 of the detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013, 1015 of the detergent cartridge 401 facilitate the coupling with the hydraulic connectors 517 of the support element 309: it suffices to insert the protruding collars 1401 into the respective hydraulic connectors 517. Preferably, sealing means, e.g., a gasket is provided around each collar, for improving the fluid-tight sealing of the coupling with the hydraulic connectors 517 (in fig. 14 the gasket is visible, and is designated as 1403)

[0216] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the detergent cartridge 401 box may be in plastic material and be for example formed by moulding. The detergent cartridge 401 box may be produced as two separate parts: the box without the wall forming the front side 1001 and the wall forming the front side 1101, and the two parts may then be joined by welding (e.g., vibration welding) or gluing.

[0217] In embodiment, the support element 309 may be equipped with a lid for selectively closing, frontally, the detergent cartridge housing 501. For example, the lid may be hinged to one side of the detergent cartridge housing 501. Having a lid for closing the detergent cartridge housing 501 frontally may be advantageous not to expose the the detergent cartridge 401 to, and protect it from, the relatively harsh environment (relatively high temperatures, moist, water, greases, dirt in general) inside the washing chamber when the dishwasher carries out washing cycles.

[0218] At least one of the two lateral sides 1007 of the detergent cartridge 401, preferably both lateral sides 1007, is provided with guide elements configured to cooperate with the detergent cartridge insertion / extraction guide 511 provided on one of, preferably both, the side walls 505 of the detergent cartridge housing 501 for guiding the detergent cartridge during the insertion and extraction movements of the detergent cartridge 401 into and out of the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0219] In the exemplary embodiment here considered, the guide elements provided on the detergent cartridge 401 comprise guide pegs 1017, for example two guide pegs 1017, 1019 on each lateral side 1007 of the detergent cartridge 401, spaced apart from one another along the respective lateral side 1007, so to have an upper guide peg 1017, closer to the detergent cartridge upper side 1003, and a lower guide peg 1019, closer to the detergent cartridge lower side 1005. The guide pegs 1017, 1019 have a size roughly corresponding to the size of the slanted slot defining the detergent cartridge insertion / extraction guide 511 provided in the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0220] For the insertion of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 501, the user (after having at least partially opened the dishwasher door 125) brings the detergent cartridge 401 close to detergent cartridge housing 501. Then, while keeping the detergent cartridge 401 slightly slanted, the user inserts the two lower guide pegs 1019 on the two lateral sides 1007 of the detergent cartridge 401 into the open end of the slanted slots forming the detergent cartridge insertion / extraction guide 511provided on the two side walls 505 of the detergent cartridge housing 501. Once the two lower guide pegs 1019 have been inserted in the slanted slots, the user makes the detergent cartridge 401 slide down, guided by the guides 511. When the lower guide pegs 1019 reach the bottom of the slanted slots where there are the enlargements 513, the lower guide pegs 1019 are rotatably accommodated in the enlargement 513 and act as fulcrum pins for the rotation of the detergent cartridge 401; the enlargements 513 and the lower guide pegs 1019 each form pivoting means that enable the pivoting of the detergent cartridge 401. The user pushes the front side 1001 of the detergent cartridge 401 making it rotate clockwise around the rotation axis defined by the lower guide pegs 1019. The upper guide pegs 1017 enter the guide branch slots 515. The user continues to press the detergent cartridge 401 until a “click” makes the user aware that the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519 has been activated and the detergent cartridge 401 is safely housed in the detergent cartridge housing 501

[0221] The extraction of the detergent cartridge 401 from the detergent cartridge housing 501 follows a reverse sequence. The user firstly releases the detergent cartridge 401 by acting on the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519, as described in the foregoing. The facilitator device 521 pushes the detergent cartridge 401 slightly forward, slightly distancing the detergent cartridge 401 from the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501. The user can now grip the detergent cartridge 401 and rotate it counterclockwise, then the user pulls the detergent cartridge 401 up making the guide pegs 1017, 1010 slide upwards along the slanted slot of the detergent cartridge insertion / extraction guides 511.

[0222] Looking at Figs. 12 and 13 it can be appreciated that the back wall portion 907 of the detergent cartridge 401 that, when the detergent cartridge is inserted into the detergent cartridge housing 501, enters into contact with the extremity 805 of the push member 801, is formed in a recessed, indented area 1203 of the wall defining the back side 1201 of the detergent cartridge 401 box. The indented area 1203 is dimensioned so as to be able to accommodate the push member seat 803 that protrudes inside the detergent cartridge housing 501. In this way, when the detergent cartridge 401 is fully inserted in the detergent cartridge seat 501, the back wall of the detergent cartridge 401 box is substantially adjacent, contiguous to the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501 (as visible in Fig. 9). This is advantageous in order to reduce the encumbrances.

[0223] Preferably, in embodiments of the present invention the detergent outlets of the detergent cartridge 401, e.g., the four detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013 and 1015 in the presently considered embodiments, are each provided with an associated seal element for preventing leakage of the detergents stored in the detergent compartments 1301, 1303, 1305 and 1307 at least prior to the insertion of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 501. In embodiments of the present invention, the seal elements sealing the detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013 and 1015 comprise seal pierceable parts, for example pierceable membranes, which are pierced by piercing elements 807 provided at the hydraulic connectors 517 of the support element 309.

[0224] In this embodiment the hydraulic connectors 517, and the associated piercing elements 807, are oriented generically orthogonally to the (final) translational part of the detergent cartridge insertion movement into the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0225] One of the piercing elements 807 is better visible in Fig. 14, which is a cross- sectional view of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly with the detergent cartridge 401 inserted therein, on a section plane orthogonal to the door inner panel 201 passing through the middle of one of the detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013, 1015 of the detergent cartridge 401 box, for example the detergent outlet 1011. In Fig. 14 it is also visible the collar 1401 associated with the detergent outlet 1011 and the gasket 1403 provided at the collar 1401. In the exemplary embodiment presently considered, the piercing elements 807 are sharp, pointed pins provided substantially in the middle of the hydraulic connectors 517 and projecting upwards toward the openings of the hydraulic connectors 517 that face the detergent cartridge housing 501. In the considered embodiment, the piercing elements 807 extend in directions that lie in (a) plane(s) parallel to the plane of the door inner panel 201 and that are generically perpendicular to the detergent cartridge lower side 1005. The pointed pins 807 are configured to perforate the pierceable membranes sealing the detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013, 1015 of the detergent cartridge 401 when the detergent cartridge is inserted into the detergent cartridge housing 501 (for example, the perforation of the pierceable membranes sealing the detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013, 1015 of the detergent cartridge 401 occurs during the rotational part of the detergent cartridge insertion maneuver).

[0226] In embodiments of the present invention, the detergent cartridge 401 preferably comprises activatable vent means activatable for allowing a venting of the detergent compartments 1301, 1303, 1305, 1307 of the detergent cartridge 401 when the latter is inserted into the detergent cartridge housing 501 and the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 is operated to dispense detergent / detergent components. The multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly preferably comprises vent activation means for activating the vent means of the detergent cartridge 401.

[0227] In embodiments of the present invention, the vent means of the detergent cartridge 401 comprise, for each detergent compartment 1301, 1303, 1305 and 1307, a vent passage 1315 (visible in Fig. 13), normally (i.e., before use) sealed by a pierceable vent membrane. The vent passages 1315 are preferably located in an upper region of the rear side 1201 of the detergent cartridge 401 box, in proximity of the upper side 1003 of the detergent cartridge 401 box. The vent passages 1315 are thus preferably located at the opposite side of the detergent cartridge 401 with respect to the detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013, 1015.

[0228] Preferably, in correspondence of the vent passages 1315 the detergent cartridge 401 comprises, for each detergent compartment 1301, 1303, 1305 and 1307, a coupling collar 1205. The coupling collars 1205 are configured to be inserted into corresponding vent connectors 523 provided in the support element 309, protruding from the back wall 503 of the detergent cartridge housing 501 into the latter, approximately at the top of the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0229] Preferably, a gasket, for example an O-ring, is associated with each coupling collar 1205, to improve a tight coupling of the coupling collars 1205 with the vent connectors 523.

[0230] Figs. 16, 17 and 18 show details of the activatable vent means of the detergent cartridge 401 and of the vent activation means of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0231] The vent connectors 523 that are provided in the support element 309 house, in their internal hollow space, vent activation members configured to activate the vent means of the detergent cartridge 401. In embodiments of the invention, the vent activation means comprise a piercing element 1705 configured to perforate the pierceable vent membrane of a corresponding detergent storage compartment of the detergent cartridge 401 when the detergent cartridge 401 is inserted into the detergent cartridge housing 501, so as to establish a vent passage 1801 between the detergent compartment inner volume and the external environment. Preferably, the vent passage 1801, once established following the perforation of the pierceable vent membrane by the piercing element, is selectively activatable, as will be described in detail shortly hereafter.

[0232] When the user presses the detergent cartridge 401 to activate the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519, the coupling collars 1205 are introduced into the vent connectors 523 and the piercing elements 1705 perforate the pierceable vent membranes of the detergent storage compartments of the detergent cartridge 401.

[0233] Preferably, in embodiments of the present invention, unidirectional fluid passage means, particularly vent non-retum valves, are provided for selectively activating the vent passage 1801 once it has been established. For example, the vent non-return valves comprise a non-retum valve 1709 formed inside the vent connector 523 and configured to keep the vent passage 1801 normally closed, selectively opening it when doses of detergents / detergent components are taken from the compartments of the detergent cartridge 401.

[0234] The non-return valve 1709 for example comprises a shutter element 1711 mounted to a stem of the piercing element 1705. The piercing element 1705, and the shutter element 1711, are slidable along the inside of vent connector 523, guided by a slide guide 1707 inside the vent connector 523, from a position in which the vent connector 523 is closed, to a position in which the vent connector 523 is open. Biasing means, e.g., a spring 1703, normally keeps the piercing element 1705 in the position in which the shutter element 1711 closes the vent connector 523. When detergents / detergent components are taken from the detergent compartments of the detergent cartridge 401, the depression inside the detergent compartments causes the piercing element 1705 and the shutter element 1711 to move, against the biasing action of the spring 1703, to the position in which the vent connector 523 is open, thereby allowing the venting of the detergent compartments.

[0235] The non-return valves 1709 provided at the vent connectors 523 allow preventing undesired leakages of detergents / detergent components out of the detergent compartments of the detergent cartridge from the vent passages 1707, which may occur when for example the dishwasher door 125 is opened for loading / unloading kitchen items to be / having been washed, and the detergent cartridge 401 is therefore brought, from its normal vertical orientation when the dishwasher door is closed, towards a horizontal or almost horizontal orientation..

[0236] Venting the detergent compartments of the detergent cartridge 401 when the latter is placed in the detergent cartridge housing for operation facilitates the discharge of the doses of detergents from the detergent compartments, keeping the pressure inside the detergent compartments approximately equal to the atmospheric pressure and thereby.

[0237] The multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly comprises an arrangement configured for taking from the detergents stored in the detergent compartments of the detergent cartridge 401 (when the detergent cartridge 401 is inserted into the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140) and delivering into the washing chamber 110 dosed amounts of detergents.

[0238] In embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement for taking and delivering dosed amounts of detergents is situated below (when the door 125 is in closed or partially closed position) the detergent cartridge housing 501.

[0239] In embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement for taking and delivering dosed amounts of detergents comprises active fluid conveying devices configured and operable to be capable of conveying dosed amounts of fluids (detergents / detergent components). In embodiments of the present invention, the active fluid conveying devices include pumps, particularly volumetric pumps (positive displacement pumps or fixed displacement pumps), even more particularly but not limitatively peristaltic pumps (in embodiments, piston pumps or gear pumps can also be used).

[0240] In embodiments of the present invention, the support element 309 is shaped to comprise a housing 317, also referred to as pump housing, configured to be adapted to enclose the arrangement for taking and delivering dosed amounts of detergents. The pump housing 317 and the detergent cartridge housing 501 are both encompassed by the perimetral frame 313 of the support element 309.

[0241] In embodiments of the present invention, the pump housing 317 is closed by a pump housing wall 1405 on the side facing the washing chamber 110 (when the door 125 is in closed or partially closed position). In embodiments of the present invention, the pump housing 317 is open from the side opposite to the wall 1405, i.e., on the face of the door inner panel 201 opposite to the washing chamber 110, towards the door frame 203.

[0242] The pump housing 317 comprises the detergent inlets 517 and the detergent outlets 205 and houses peristaltic pumps assemblies 2001. The peristaltic pump assemblies housed in the pump housing 307 are separated or isolated from the washing chamber 110 by the pump housing wall 1405. The peristaltic pump assemblies housed in the pump housing 317 are arranged below the detergent cartridge housing 501, when the door is in closed position.

[0243] In embodiments of the present invention, one peristaltic pump assembly 2001 is provided for cooperating with one respective detergent storage compartment of the detergent cartridge 401 when the latter is inserted in the detergent cartridge housing 501. The provision of a peristaltic pump assembly 2001 for each detergent storage compartment of the detergent cartridge 401 advantageously allows to release the detergent / detergent components (detergent ingredients) stored in different detergent compartments of the detergent cartridge separately and at a preferred temperature and time during the washing cycle, according to the detergent component specification.

[0244] In other embodiments of the invention, the number of peristaltic pump assemblies 2001 may not coincide with the number of detergent storage compartments of the detergent cartridge 401. For example, the number of peristaltic pump assemblies 2001 may be less than the number of detergent storage compartments of the detergent cartridge (in which case, the arrangement for taking and delivering dosed amounts of detergents may be configured in such a way that one peristaltic pump assembly 2001 is intended to be operatively associable with two or more detergent compartments of the detergent cartridge 401) In embodiments of the present invention, the generic peristaltic pump assembly 2001 is a pre-assembled module that can be mounted to / dismounted from the support element 309 as a unit.

[0245] Figs. 21 - 24 show various views of a peristaltic pump module 2001 of an arrangement for taking and delivering dosed amounts of detergents, according to embodiments of the present invention. Figs. 25 and 26 are exploded views of the parts of the peristaltic pump module 2001 from opposite sides.

[0246] The generic peristaltic pump module 2001 comprises a fluid displacement part, a motor part and mechanical and hydraulic connection parts.

[0247] The fluid displacement part comprises an elastically deformable, flexible tube 2501 and a pump rotor 2503. The flexible tube 2501 and the rotor 2503 are enclosed in a pump casing 2505. The rotor 2503 is housed in the pump casing 2505 rotatably. The pump casing 2505 comprises a pump casing housing 2507 and a pump casing lid 2509. The pump casing lid 2509 closes the pump casing housing 2507 with the flexible tube 2501 and the pump rotor 2503 housed therein.

[0248] The flexible tube 2501 has a first open end 2511 and a second open end 2601.

[0249] The pump rotor 2503 has a number of tube pinching members, for example "wipers" or "rollers" 2513, four rollers 2513 in the exemplary embodiment here considered. The rollers 2513 are rotatably attached to an external circumference of the rotor 2503. The rollers 2513 are arranged to compress the flexible tube 2501 as the pump rotor 2503 rotates. The part of the flexible tube 2501 under compression by a roller 2513 is closed, forcing the fluid detergent / detergent component to move through the flexible tube 2501. As the flexible tube 2501 opens to its natural state after the rollers 2513 pass, more fluid is drawn into the flexible tube 2501 through the first open end 2511, in a process called “peristalsis”. At least some of the rollers 2513, e.g. three rollers 2513 compress the flexible tube 2501 at a time, trapping a body of fluid between pairs of them. The body of fluid trapped between a pair of rollers 2501 is transported through the flexible tube 2501, toward the second open end 2601.

[0250] The pump casing 2505 comprises first and second coupling connectors 2515 and

[0251] 2517, configured for the connection with the first open end 2511 and, respectively, the second open end 2601 of the flexible tube 2501. In embodiments, the coupling connectors 2515, 2517 are formed in the pump casing housing 2507, for example in one piece construction, in the inner space thereof intended for accommodating the flexible tube 2501.

[0252] In embodiments, the first coupling connector 2515 is formed at an end of a first pump duct or fluid intake conduit 2519 that terminates with a fluid intake connector 2603. The fluid intake connector 2603 forms an intake of fluid of the peristaltic pump module 2001. The second coupling connector 2517 is formed at the beginning of a second pump duct or fluid delivery conduit 2521 that terminates with a fluid delivery connector 1407. The fluid delivery connector 1407 forms a discharge of fluid of the peristaltic pump module. In embodiments, the fluid intake conduit 2519, the fluid intake connector 2603, the fluid delivery conduit 2521 and the fluid delivery connector 1407 are formed as parts in single piece construction with the pump casing housing 2507. Preferably, gaskets, e.g., O-rings equip the fluid intake connector 2603 and the fluid delivery connector 1407.

[0253] On the side of the pump casing 2005 opposite to the pump casing lid 2509, the motor part of the peristaltic pump module 2001 is mounted to the pump casing 2005.

[0254] In embodiments of the present invention, the motor part of the peristaltic pump module 2001 comprises a motor 2525 and a rotary encoder 2527.

[0255] The motor 2525 is an electric motor, preferably a synchronous motor. The motor 2525 comprises a driveshaft 2541. The driveshaft 2541 extends into the pump casing 2505 through a hole 2506 in a wall of the pump casing housing 2507 to reach the pump rotor 2503, the latter being mounted to the driveshaft 2541 in an integral manner so as to be caused to rotate when the driveshaft 2541 rotates.

[0256] The rotary encoder 2527 comprises a cam disc 2529 and an electro-mechanical switch 2531.

[0257] The cam disc 2529 comprises a number of cams 2533, for example four cams 2533. The cams 2533 are for example projections projecting from a cam disc 2529 surface. The cams 2533 are for example arranged a circumference of the cams disc 2529. The cams 2533 may be equidistant, being spaced apart of an angular distance of about 90° from one another.

[0258] The electro-mechanical switch 2531 comprises a switch actuation shaft 2535 which, when the motor 2525, the cam disc 2529 and the electro-mechanical switch 2531, is configured and disposed to be proximate to the periphery of the cam disc 2529 so as to be actuatable by the cams 2533 as they pass by. The switch actuation shaft 2535 actuates an electrical switch 2537. Passage of one of the cams 2533 in proximity of the switch actuation shaft 2535 as the cam disc 2529 rotates causes the electrical switch 2537 to change status from open to close and from close to open (or viceversa). The electrical switch 2537 is electrically coupled with a motor control unit 2539 configured to count status transitions of the electrical switch 2537 in order to determine the angular position of the pump rotor 2503. The motor control unit 2539 controls the activation of the motor 2525, and thus it ultimately controls the rotation of the pump rotor 2503.

[0259] The pump casing 2505, e.g., the pump casing housing 2507 is provided with brackets 2523 for the fixation of the peristaltic pump module 2001 to the support element 309, e.g., by means of screws.

[0260] The motor 2525 may be mounted to the pump casing 2505, e.g., using screws. For example, a casing of the motor 2525 may be provided with a tab 2543 with a pass-through hole for the passage of a screw screwable into a threaded hole 2545 formed in a bracket 2547 of the pump casing housing 2507. The electro-mechanical switch 2531 may comprises a frame provided with holes 2549 configured to receive pegs 2551 formed in the pump casing housing 2507 than are adapted to snap-fit into the holes 2549.

[0261] When the fluid displacement part (flexible tube 2501, with the tube ends 2511 and 2601 coupled to the first and second coupling connectors 2515 and 2517, rotor 2503, pump casing housing 2507 and pump casing lid 2509) is assembled, and the motor part (motor 2525, electro-mechanical switch 2531 and cam disc 2529) is assembled and mounted to the pump casing 2505, the peristaltic pump module 2001 is complete and ready to be mounted to the support element 309, accommodated in the pump housing 317.

[0262] In other embodiments, the pump casing 2505 may be replaced by a pump support member (not necessarily defining a casing), supporting the pump rotor 2503, the flexible tube 2501 and the motor part of the pump module. The pump support member may be formed with the first and second coupling connectors, configured for the connection with the first open end 2511 and, respectively, the second open end 2601 of the flexible tube 2501, the fluid intake conduit terminating with the fluid intake connector, the fluid delivery conduit that terminates with the fluid delivery connector. The fluid intake conduit, the fluid intake connector, the fluid delivery conduit and the fluid delivery connector may be formed as parts in single piece construction with the pump support member.

[0263] Fig. 27 shows the back side of the support element 309, where the pump housing 317 for accommodating the peristaltic pump modules 2001 is formed.

[0264] The support element 309 is provided, at the pump housing 317, with mechanical and hydraulic connection means for mechanically attaching the peristaltic pump modules 2001 to the support element 309 and, at the same time, establishing a hydraulic connection of the peristaltic pump modules 2001 with the detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013, 1015 of the detergent cartridge 401 box, at one side, and with detergent delivery outlet conduits 205 of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140. The delivery outlet conduits 205 form the detergent outlets of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly.

[0265] The support element 309 has, formed or defined therein, conduits or ducts for the fluid connection between the detergent inlets of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly, defined by the hydraulic connectors 517 (for the connection to respective outlets of a detergent cartridge 401) and the fluid intakes of the peristaltic pump modules 2001, and conduits or ducts for the fluid connection between fluid discharges of the peristaltic pump modules 2001 and detergent outlets (detergent delivery outlet conduits 205) of the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly for delivering detergents into the washing chamber 110.

[0266] In embodiments of the present invention, the support element 309 has, formed therein, first hydraulic fittings 1409, for example configured as elbow fittings, having an open end 2701 opening in the pump housing 317. The number of first hydraulic fittings 1409 is equal to the number of peristaltic pump modules 2001 to be accommodated in the pump housing 317. The open end 2701 of the generic first hydraulic fitting 1409 is configured to receive the fluid delivery connector 1407 of a corresponding peristaltic pump module 2001, which is configured to be inserted into the first hydraulic fitting 1409 through the open end 2701 thereof. At the end opposite to the open end 2701, the first hydraulic fitting forms one of the delivery outlet conduits 205.

[0267] In embodiments of the present invention, the support element 309 has, formed therein, second hydraulic fittings 1501, for example configured as elbow fittings, having first open ends opening in the detergent cartridge housing 501, where they form the hydraulic connectors 517 for the connection to respective outlets of a detergent cartridge 401. The second hydraulic fittings 1501 have second open ends 2703 opening in the pump housing 317. The second open end 2703 of the generic second hydraulic fitting 1501 is configured to receive the fluid intake connector 2603 of a corresponding peristaltic pump module 2001, which is configured to be inserted into the second hydraulic fitting 1501 through the second open end 2703 thereof.

[0268] In advantageous embodiments, the support element 309 is formed as a single piece construction having the first and second hydraulic fittings 1409 and 1501 formed therein.

[0269] Pairs of first and second hydraulic fittings 1409 and 1501 are spaced apart from adjacent pairs of first and second elbow fittings 1409 and 1501 a distance sufficient to have room for housing one peristaltic pump module 2001.

[0270] Preferably, in order to keep the peristaltic pump modules 2001 in place when they are inserted into the pump housing 317, the support element 309 is provided, in the pump housing 317, with threaded holes 2705 for screwing in fixation screws for the fixation of the peristaltic pump modules 2001, for example the pump casings 2005.

[0271] Preferably, valves 1411 are provided associated with each delivery outlet conduit 205 of the support element 309. The valves 1411 are discharge unidirectional valves, particularly non-return valves. The generic valve 1411 comprises a shutter 1413 slidably arranged inside the delivery outlet conduit 205 and which is biased by elastic biasing means (e.g., a spring) towards a position in which the shutter 1413 closes the delivery outlet conduit 205 at an intermediate point. When the peristaltic pumps are activated to take in doses of detergents / detergent components from the detergent storage compartments of the detergent cartridge 401, the fluid pressure prevails the force of the biasing means and causes the shutter 1413 to move from the closure position of the delivery outlet conduit 205 to a position in which the internal passage of the delivery outlet conduit 205 is cleared, so that the dose of detergent can pass and be delivered to the washing chamber 110.

[0272] The valves 1411 ensure that the flexible tubes 2501 of the peristaltic pumps are kept full of fluid and do not leak detergent from the fluid delivery connector 1407. This contributes to guarantee that precisely controlled doses of detergents / detergent components are delivered to the washing chamber 110.

[0273] The vent passages 1801 that are established by the piercing elements 1705 and that enable fluid communication between the inner volume of the detergent cartridge and the external environment allows balancing a pressure inside the detergent cartridge when the peristaltic pumps are operated and avoid depressions inside the detergent cartridge.

[0274] In embodiments of the present invention, a sensing arrangement for detecting an empty condition of the detergent cartridge 401 is preferably provided. In embodiments, the sensing arrangement comprises at least one fluid sensor 2003, arranged along at least one of the delivery outlet conduits 205. The fluid sensor 2003 may be for example be a capacitive sensor, or an optical sensor or a conductivity sensor, configured to detect when fluid is present in the delivery outlet conduit 205. The fluid sensor 2003 is configured to be immersed in the fluid (detergent / detergent component) present in the delivery outlet conduit 205 and is sensitive to the presence of fluid. The fluid sensor 2003 may be in signal communication relationship with a dishwasher control unit, which is configured to monitor the filling status of the detergent cartridge 401 based on the readings of the fluid sensor 2003 and, preferably, to notify the user when the detergent cartridge is approaching the empty status. Based on the notification, the user is made aware of the need to replace the detergent cartridge 401 with a new one.

[0275] A single fluid sensor 2003 associated with one of the delivery outlet conduits 205 may be sufficient, for example in those cases where, during every washing cycle, a dose of detergents is taken (in one go or as fractional doses taken at two or more different times during a washing cycle) from every detergent compartment of the detergent cartridge which is in a same proportion to the capacity of the detergent storage compartment. However, nothing prevents from providing more than one fluid sensors, for example one fluid sensor for every delivery outlet conduit 205.

[0276] In the exemplary embodiment here considered, every peristaltic pump module 2001 has its own motor, so each peristaltic pump modules 2001 can be operated autonomously, independently from the other peristaltic pump modules. For example, this may be useful when the different detergents stored in the detergent cartridge are to be dispensed in different doses. Figs. 28 and 29 show another embodiment of multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly with a different detergent cartridge insertion method;

[0277] Figs. 30 - 33 show a detergent cartridge 401 configured for use with the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly of Figs. 28 and 29.

[0278] In this embodiment the detergent cartridge housing 2801 of the support element 309 still comprises a depressed portion of the support element 309, depressed with respect to the perimetral flange 403 and defining a cavity open towards the washing chamber 110 when the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly is mounted to the door inner panel 201. The detergent cartridge housing 2801 still has a back wall 2803, two opposite side walls, left 2805a and right 2805b, an upper wall 2807 and a lower wall 2809.

[0279] As in the embodiment described in the foregoing, when the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 assembly is mounted to the door inner panel 201, the perimetral flange 403 of the support element 309 is essentially flush with the depressed area 305 of the door inner panel 201 while the detergent cartridge housing 2801 is recessed (away from washing chamber 110) with respect to the depressed area 305 of the door inner panel 201 (because the detergent cartridge housing 2801 protrudes backwards through the opening 301 in the door inner panel 201). Advantageously, the detergent cartridge 401 is sized such that, when accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing 2801, the detergent cartridge 401 results essentially flush with the depressed area 503 of the door inner panel 201, and does not occupy space in the washing chamber 110.

[0280] The detergent cartridge housing 2801 has guides for guiding the insertion / extraction movements of the detergent cartridge 401 into / out of the detergent cartridge housing 2801. In particular, the guides comprise a ridge 2811 formed to run along one of the two side walls of the detergent cartridge housing 2801, for example along the left side wall 2805a. The ridge 2811 may run along all the side wall of the housing, as in the example shown, or along just a portion of the side wall.

[0281] Preferably, the guides also comprise a track 2813, defined by a pair of rails 2815 projecting from the lower wall 2809 of the detergent cartridge housing 2801. A similar track 2813 (defined by a similar pair of projecting rails) may also be formed in the upper wall 2807 of the detergent cartridge housing 2801. In embodiments, the track in the lower wall 2809 may be absent and just the track 2813 in the upper wall 2807 may be provided. The two tracks 2813 may for example be vertically aligned (vertically refers to the door 125 in closed position). Each of the track 2813 is configured to cooperate with guide projections 2901 formed in the detergent cartridge 401.

[0282] Vent activation means for activating vent means of the detergent cartridge 401 are provided in the support element 309, in proximity of the upper wall 2807 of the detergent cartridge housing 2801. The vent activation means are essentially identical to the vent activation means of the embodiment described in the foregoing, and comprise vent connectors 523 with piercing elements 1705 inside, configured to perforate a pierceable membrane provided in the detergent cartridge at the vent means. As in the previously described embodiment, unidirectional fluid passage means are preferably provided, associated with the vent activation means, for selectively activating the vent passage established by the piercing elements 1705. For example, the unidirectional fluid passage means comprise non-retum valves formed inside the vent connectors 523 similar to the previously described embodiment.

[0283] A detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519 similar to that of the embodiment described in the foregoing is provided. The detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519 is provided on the side of the detergent cartridge housing 2801 opposite to the side where there is defined the rotation axis for the rotational part of the insertion maneuver of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 2801. In this embodiment the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism 519 is arranged along one of the side walls of the detergent cartridge housing 2801, particularly along the side wall opposite to that provided with the ridge 2811, i.e., the right side wall 2805b in the considered example.

[0284] A facilitator device for facilitating the extraction of the detergent cartridge 401 from the detergent cartridge housing 2801 is also provided. The facilitator device is provided on the side of the detergent cartridge housing 2801 opposite to the side where there is defined the rotation axis for the rotational part of the insertion maneuver of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 2801.

[0285] The facilitator device includes two facilitator devices 531 of the type described in connection with the previous embodiment, having push members slidable inside push member seats and biased by elastic biasing means, e.g., springs. In this embodiment the two facilitator devices 531 are arranged along the side wall opposite to that provided with the ridge 2811, i.e., the right side wall 2805b in the considered example.

[0286] The detergent cartridge housing 2801 has hydraulic connectors 517 for the connection to respective detergent outlets of the detergent cartridge 401 when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing 2801. The hydraulic connectors 517 are provided at the lower wall 2809 of the detergent cartridge housing 2801 and are oriented perpendicularly to the back wall 2803 of the detergent cartridge housing 2801. Similarly to the embodiment previously described, the hydraulic connectors 517 may be provided with piercing elements 807, for piercing pierceable membranes provided at the detergent outlets of the detergent cartridge 401.

[0287] The detergent cartridge 401 has, along one lateral side thereof, an abutment 3201 configured for cooperating with the ridge 2811. The detergent outlets 1009, 1011, 1013 and 1015 are oriented perpendicularly to the detergent cartridge wall forming the read side 1201 of the detergent cartridge.

[0288] Similarly to the invention embodiment described in the foregoing, the detergent cartridge insertion into, and extraction from the detergent cartridge housing 2801 entail a translational and rotational movement of the detergent cartridge 401. In particular, the detergent cartridge insertion into the detergent cartridge housing 2801 entails a translation- then-rotation movement. The detergent cartridge extraction from the detergent cartridge housing 2801 entails a rotation-then-translation movement.

[0289] In this embodiment the hydraulic connectors 517, and the associated piercing elements 807, are oriented generically orthogonally to the (final) rotational part of the detergent cartridge insertion movement into the detergent cartridge housing 2801.

[0290] For the insertion of the detergent cartridge 401 into the detergent cartridge housing 2801 the user brings the detergent cartridge close to the housing 2801 and moves the detergent cartridge horizontally to bring the abutment 3201 into contact with the ridge 2811.

[0291] Then, the user pushes the detergent cartridge 401 acting on the side thereof opposite to that where the abutment 3201 is provided, causing the detergent cartridge 401 to rotate around a rotation axis defined by the ridge 2811, until the detergent cartridge meets the retaining mechanism 519 which is activated to retain the detergent cartridge in the housing 2801. The guide projections 2901 formed in the detergent cartridge 401, engaging the tracks 2813 formed in the detergent cartridge housing 2801, guide the rotation of the detergent cartridge 401.

[0292] For the extraction of the detergent cartridge 401 from the housing 2801, the user acts on the retaining mechanism 319 until the latter releases the detergent cartridge 401. When the detergent cartridge is released, the facilitator devices 531 push one side of the detergent cartridge away from the back wall of the housing 2801, allowing the user to grip the detergent cartridge. The user slightly rotates the detergent cartridge and then makes it slide to disengage the abutment 3201 from the ridge 2811, and extracts the cartridge 401.

[0293] Preferably, the detergent dispensing devices 130, i.e., the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 and where provided, the single-dose detergent dispenser 135, are arranged generically in the upper half of the door inner panel 201. The position of the detergent dispensing devices 130 should be selected taking into account considerations of convenience of usability by a user of the dishwasher and considerations of encumbrance of the dishwasher washing chamber. For example, placing the detergent dispensing devices 130 in a relatively high position may be convenient because in this way the user would not be requested to lower in order to manipulate the detergent dispensing devices 130, and the access to them would be possible even by slightly opening the dishwasher door. Considerations of encumbrance may relate to the position, inside the washing chamber, of the racks for carrying the items to be washed: the detergent dispensing devices 130 should be placed in a position that does not interfere with the racks and that does not impose a reduction in the size of the racks.

[0294] Figures 36 and 37 show exemplary placements of the detergent dispensing devices 130. The multi-dose detergent dispenser 140 is positioned on the inner door panel of the dishwasher door in such a way that the detergent cartridge housing 501 or 2801 is located (when the dishwasher door is closed) generically in front of the upper rack 150b. As explained in the foregoing, the detergent cartridge housing 501, 2801 is recessed (away from washing chamber 110) with respect to the depressed area 305 of the door inner panel 201 and the detergent cartridge 401, when accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing 501, 2801 advantageously results essentially flush with (or does not protrude too much from) the depressed area 503 of the door inner panel 201, and does not occupy space in the washing chamber 110.

[0295] Figs. 35 - 38 show an embodiment of the present invention, in which a multi-dose detergent dispenser and a single-dose detergent dispenser are essentially integrated together in a single assembly.

[0296] Starting with Fig. 35, the door inner panel 201 has, formed therein, an opening 3501 which may be larger, e.g., wider than the opening 301 formed in the door inner panel of the previously described embodiments. For example, the opening 3501 may extend for substantially the whole width of the door inner panel 201. The opening 3501 is advantageously formed in the depressed area 305 of the door inner panel 201, depressed with respect to the projecting contour 307 of the door inner panel 201, as in the previously described embodiments.

[0297] The opening 3501 is configured to receive, accommodate and retain an assembly 3701, shown in particular in Fig. 37B, including the single-dose detergent dispenser 135 and the multi-dose detergent dispenser 140.

[0298] The single-dose detergent dispenser 135 may be any of the known single-dose detergent dispensers. Without entering into excessive details, the single-dose detergent dispenser 135 may include a box with a detergent compartment for accommodating a single dose of a detergent (e.g., in powder), or a detergent tab, to be released during a washing cycle. The box has a lid closable by the user after having loaded the detergent or the tab in the detergent compartment. A mechanism for automatically opening the lid during the washing cycle is operatively associated with the box. The box may have a further compartment, for loading a rinse aid.

[0299] In an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly 3701 comprises a support element 3601. The support element 3601 may be generically similar to the support element 309 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 - 27, or to the support element 309 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 28 - 33; in the example here considered, the support element 3601 is similar to the support element 309 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 28 - 33, but is wider so as to include, in addition to the detergent cartridge housing 2801, a seat 3603 configured for receiving and retaining therein the box of the single-dose detergent dispenser 135. The seat 3603 may be an opening formed in a wall of the support element 3601. For the attachment of the support element 3601 to the door inner panel 201, similarly to the previously described embodiments, wings 303 may be provided along the perimeter of the opening 3501, projecting towards the door frame 203 when the door inner panel 201 is mounted thereto, i.e., projecting away from the washing chamber 110. The wings 303 are configured to cooperate with tabs 311 formed along a perimeter of the support element 3601.

[0300] The single-dose detergent dispenser 135 box may be attached to the support element 3601 by means of the engagement of tabs 3703 formed along the perimeter of the singledose detergent dispenser 135 box and projecting therefrom with wings 3605 formed along the perimeter of the seat 3603. In alternative or in combination, fixing means such as screws can be used to attach the single-dose detergent dispenser 135 box to the support element 3601. Preferably, a gasket is interposed between the single-dose detergent dispenser 135 box and the support element 3601.

[0301] § § § § §

Claims

CLAIMS1. Appliance for washing kitchen items, comprising:- a cabinet (105);- inside the cabinet, a washing chamber (110) configured to contain kitchen items to be washed, the washing chamber having a washing chamber access opening for loading / unloading the washing chamber with kitchen items;- a door (125) movably mounted to the cabinet and configured to selectively close the washing chamber access opening;- a multi-dose detergent dispenser (140) assembly provided on said door, the multidose detergent dispenser assembly comprising:- a detergent cartridge housing (501; 2801) configured to receive and accommodate an interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge (401) configured to store detergents, the detergent cartridge housing being open on a side of the door that faces the washing chamber, the detergent cartridge housing comprising guide members (511 - 515; 2811 - 3015) configured for guiding the detergent cartridge in the insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing;- detergent inlets (517) configured to receive detergents from a detergent cartridge when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing;- detergent outlets (205) configured to dispense detergents into the washing chamber;- a detergent cartridge retaining mechanism (519) configured to releasably retain a detergent cartridge in position inside the detergent cartridge housing, wherein:- the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism comprises a movable member (701) configured to form an engagement portion (703) adapted to engage a corresponding portion (705) of the detergent cartridge, the movable member being movable between a cartridge engagement position and a cartridge disengagement position, the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism comprising biasing elements (707) configured to bias the movable member towards the cartridge engagement position, the movable member being configured to be urged towards the cartridge disengagement position bythe detergent cartridge when the latter is being inserted into the detergent cartridge housing, and to be automatically moved back to the cartridge disengagement position by the action of the biasing elements once the detergent cartridge has been fully inserted in the detergent cartridge housing.

2. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 1, wherein:- the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism is formed in proximity of one side of the detergent cartridge housing.

3. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 2, wherein:- the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism is formed in proximity to an upper side of the detergent cartridge housing, or- the detergent cartridge retaining mechanism is formed in proximity to a lateral side of the detergent cartridge housing.

4. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- said guide members are configured to guide the detergent cartridge insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing according to a combination of a translation and a rotational movement.

5. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim , wherein:- said combination of a translation and a rotational movement comprises, for the insertion into the detergent cartridge housing, a translational movement followed by a rotational movement, and, for the extraction from the detergent cartridge housing, a rotational movement followed by a translational movement.

6. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 5, wherein:- said rotational movement is enabled by first pivoting elements (513, 515; 2811, 2813) provided in the detergent cartridge housing and configured for cooperating with second pivoting elements (1017, 1019; 3201) provided on the detergent cartridge.

7. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises, associated with the detergent cartridge housing, a facilitator device (521) configured for facilitating the extraction of the detergent cartridge from the detergent cartridge housing, the facilitator device comprising a push member (803) and push member biasing elements (905) arranged for causing the push member to protrude from the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing, the push member being configured to push the detergent cartridge away from the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing when the detergent cartridge is accommodated inside the detergent cartridge housing.

8. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a support element (309; 3601);- the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

9. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 8 when depending on claim 7, wherein:- the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

10. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 8 or 9, wherein:- the support element comprises a perimetral frame (313, 403) that encompasses the detergent cartridge housing.

11. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a pump housing (317) configured to accommodate volumetric dosing pumps (2001), preferably peristaltic pumps, configured and operable to pump dosed amounts of detergents, the volumetric dosing pumps being arranged between the detergent inlets and the detergent outlets, for takingdosed amounts of detergents from a detergent cartridge, accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing, through the detergent inlets and for dispensing the dosed amount of detergents into the washing chamber through the detergent outlets.

12. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 11, wherein:- the pump housing is closed by a pump housing wall (1405) on the side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position, the volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing being separated from the washing chamber by said pump housing wall.

13. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claims 12, wherein:- the perimetral frame (313, 403) of the support element also encompasses the pump housing and the pump housing wall.

14. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of claims 10 - 13, wherein:- the volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing are arranged below the detergent cartridge housing when the door is in closed position.

15. Appliance for washing kitchen items, comprising:- a cabinet (105);- inside the cabinet, a washing chamber (110) configured to contain kitchen items to be washed, the washing chamber having a washing chamber access opening for loading / unloading the washing chamber with kitchen items;- a door (125) movably mounted to the cabinet and configured to selectively close the washing chamber access opening;- a multi-dose detergent dispenser (140) assembly provided on said door, the multidose detergent dispenser assembly comprising:- a detergent cartridge housing (501; 2801) configured to receive and accommodate an interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge (401) configured to store detergents, the detergent cartridge housing being open on a side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position, the detergent cartridgehousing having a back wall (503; 2803) away from the washing chamber when the door is in closed position, the detergent cartridge housing comprising guide members (511 - 515; 2811 - 3015) configured for guiding the detergent cartridge in the insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing;- detergent inlets (517) configured to receive detergents from a detergent cartridge when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing;- detergent outlets (205) configured to dispense detergents into the washing chamber;- associated with the detergent cartridge housing, a facilitator device (521) configured for facilitating the extraction of the detergent cartridge from the detergent cartridge housing, the facilitator device comprising a push member (803) and push member biasing elements (905) arranged for causing the push member to protrude from the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing, the push member being configured to push the detergent cartridge away from the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing when the detergent cartridge is accommodated inside the detergent cartridge housing.

16. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 75, wherein:- said guide members are configured to guide the detergent cartridge insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing according to a combination of a translation and a rotational movement.

17. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 6, wherein:- said combination of a translation and a rotational movement comprises, for the insertion into the detergent cartridge housing, a translational movement followed by a rotational movement, and, for the extraction from the detergent cartridge housing, a rotational movement followed by a translational movement.

18. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 76, wherein:- said rotational movement is enabled by first pivoting elements (513, 515; 2811, 2813) provided in the detergent cartridge housing and configured for cooperating with second pivoting elements (1017, 1019; 3201) provided on the detergent cartridge.

19. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a support element (309; 3601);- the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

20. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 19, wherein:- the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

21. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 19 o 20, wherein:- the support element comprises a perimetral frame (313, 403) that encompasses the detergent cartridge housing.

22. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a pump housing (317) configured to accommodate volumetric dosing pumps (2001), preferably peristaltic pumps, configured and operable to pump dosed amounts of detergents, the volumetric dosing pumps being arranged between the detergent inlets and the detergent outlets, for taking dosed amounts of detergents from a detergent cartridge, accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing, through the detergent inlets and for dispensing the dosed amount of detergents into the washing chamber through the detergent outlets.

23. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 22, wherein:- the pump housing is closed by a pump housing wall (1405) on the side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position, the volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing being separated from the washing chamber by said pump housing wall.

24. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 23, wherein:- the perimetral frame (313, 403) of the support element also encompasses the pumphousing and the pump housing wall.

25. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of claims 22 - 24, wherein:- the volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing are arranged below the detergent cartridge housing when the door is in closed position.

26. Appliance for washing kitchen items, comprising:- a cabinet (105);- inside the cabinet, a washing chamber (110) configured to contain kitchen items to be washed, the washing chamber having a washing chamber access opening for loading / unloading the washing chamber with kitchen items;- a door (125) movably mounted to the cabinet and configured to selectively close the washing chamber access opening;- a multi-dose detergent dispenser (140) assembly provided on said door, the multidose detergent dispenser assembly comprising:■ a detergent cartridge housing (501; 2801) configured to receive and accommodate an interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge (401) configured to store detergents and having cartridge detergent outlets, the detergent cartridge housing being open on a side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position, the detergent cartridge housing having a back wall (2803), the detergent cartridge housing comprising guide members (511 - 515; 2811 - 3015) configured for guiding the detergent cartridge in the insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing;■ detergent inlets (517) configured to receive detergents from a detergent cartridge when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing;■ detergent outlets (205) configured to dispense detergents into the washing chamber;■ pierce elements (807) provided at said detergent inlets configured to pierce seal pierceable parts provided at the cartridge detergent outlets of thedetergent cartridge upon insertion of the detergent cartridge into the detergent cartridge housing, thereby establishing a fluid passage from the detergent cartridge to the detergent inlets,■ - said pierce elements extend perpendicularly to the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing.

27. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 26, wherein:- the detergent cartridge housing comprises vent activation members (1705) configured for activating vent passages (1315, 1801) provided on a detergent cartridge,- said vent activation members are configured to establish the vent passages of the detergent cartridge during insertion of the detergent cartridge into said detergent cartridge housing,- the vent passages, once established, enable a fluid communication between the inner volume of the detergent cartridge and the external environment so as to balance a pressure inside the detergent cartridge when the volumetric pumps are operated.

28. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 27, wherein:- said vent activation members comprise piercing elements (1705) configured to activate respective vent openings of the detergent cartridge by perforating vent opening seals provided in the detergent cartridge at the vent openings thereof.

29. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 27, wherein:- the piercing elements of the vent activation members extend perpendicularly to the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing.

30. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- said guide members are configured to guide the detergent cartridge insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing according to a combination of a translation and a rotational movement.

31. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 30, wherein:- said combination of a translation and a rotational movement comprises, for the insertion into the detergent cartridge housing, a translational movement followed by a rotational movement, and, for the extraction from the detergent cartridge housing, a rotational movement followed by a translational movement.

32. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 31, wherein:- said rotational movement is enabled by first pivoting elements (2811, 2813) provided in the detergent cartridge housing and configured for cooperating with second pivoting elements (3201) provided on the detergent cartridge.

33. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 32, wherein:- the first pivoting elements are configured to enable a rotational movement of the detergent cartridge around a rotation axis oriented vertically when the door is in closed position.

34. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises vent activation members (1705) configured for activating the vent passages of the detergent cartridge, the vent passages, once established, enabling a fluid communication between the inner volume of the detergent cartridge and the external environment so as to balance a pressure inside the detergent cartridge when detergents are to be taken from the detergent cartridge, said vent activation members being configured to activate the vent passages of the detergent cartridge during insertion of the detergent cartridge into said detergent cartridge housing.

35. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 34, wherein:- said vent activation members comprise piercing elements (1705) configured to activate respective vent passages of the detergent cartridge by perforating vent passages sealing membranes provided in the detergent cartridge at the vent passages thereof.

36. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 34 or 35, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises vent non-return valves(1711) configured to be coupled with the vent passages of the detergent cartridge and to allow flow of air into the detergent cartridge through the vent passages thereof and to prevent leakage of detergents out of the detergent cartridge through the vent passages.

37. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a support element (309; 3601);- the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

38. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 57, wherein:- the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

39. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 37 or 38, wherein:- the support element comprises a perimetral frame (313, 403) that encompasses the detergent cartridge housing.

40. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a pump housing (317) configured to accommodate volumetric dosing pumps (2001), preferably peristaltic pumps, configured and operable to pump dosed amounts of detergents, the volumetric dosing pumps being arranged between the detergent inlets and the detergent outlets, for taking dosed amounts of detergents from a detergent cartridge, accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing, through the detergent inlets and for dispensing the dosed amount of detergents into the washing chamber through the detergent outlets.

41. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 40, wherein:- the pump housing is closed by a pump housing wall (1405) on the side of the door that faces the washing chamber when the door is in closed position, the volumetric dosing pumps accommodated in the pump housing being separated from the washing chamber by said pump housing wall.

42. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 41 when depending on claim 37, wherein:- the perimetral frame (313, 403) of the support element also encompasses the pump housing and the pump housing wall.

43. Appliance for washing kitchen items, comprising:- a cabinet (105);- inside the cabinet, a washing chamber (110) configured to contain kitchen items to be washed, the washing chamber having a washing chamber access opening for loading / unloading the washing chamber with kitchen items;- a door (125) movably mounted to the cabinet and configured to selectively close the washing chamber access opening;- a multi-dose detergent dispenser (140) assembly provided on said door, the multidose detergent dispenser assembly comprising:■ a detergent cartridge housing (501; 2801) configured to receive and accommodate an interchangeable multi-dose detergent cartridge (401) configured to store detergents and having activatable vent passages (1315), the detergent cartridge housing comprising guide members (511 - 515; 2811 - 3015) configured for guiding the detergent cartridge in the insertion into / extraction from the detergent cartridge housing;■ detergent inlets (517) configured to receive detergents from a detergent cartridge when the latter is accommodated in the detergent cartridge housing;■ detergent outlets (205) configured to dispense detergents into the washing chamber;■ vent activation members (1705) configured for activating the vent passages of the detergent cartridge, the vent passages, once established, enabling a fluid communication between the inner volume of the detergent cartridge and the external environment so as to balance a pressure inside the detergent cartridge when detergents are to be taken from the detergent cartridge, said vent activation members being configured to activate thevent passages of the detergent cartridge during insertion of the detergent cartridge into said detergent cartridge housing.

44. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 43, wherein:- said vent activation members comprise piercing elements (1705) configured to activate respective vent passages of the detergent cartridge by perforating vent passages sealing membranes provided in the detergent cartridge at the vent passages thereof.

45. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises vent non-return valves (1711) configured to be coupled with the vent passages of the detergent cartridge and to allow flow of air into the detergent cartridge through the vent passages thereof and to prevent leakage of detergents out of the detergent cartridge through the vent passages.

46. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the detergent cartridge housing has a back wall (2803);- the vent activation members (1705) are arranged horizontally when door is closed, or perpendicularly to the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing.

47. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises:■ pierce elements (807) provided at said detergent inlets configured to pierce seal pierceable parts provided at the cartridge detergent outlets of the detergent cartridge upon insertion of the detergent cartridge into the detergent cartridge housing, thereby establishing a fluid passage from the detergent cartridge to the detergent inlets.

48. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 47, wherein:- said pierce elements extend perpendicularly to the back wall of the detergentcartridge housing.

49. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 47, wherein:- said pierce elements extend vertically, when the door is in closed position.

50. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the multi-dose detergent dispenser assembly comprises a support element (309; 3601);- the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

51. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 50, wherein:- the back wall of the detergent cartridge housing is formed in the support element.

52. Appliance for washing kitchen items according to claim 50 or 51, wherein:- the support element comprises a perimetral frame (313, 403) that encompasses the detergent cartridge housing.§ § § § §

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