EP3072433B1

EP3072433B1 - Automatic dispenser of detergent for a dishwasher

Info

Publication number: EP3072433B1
Application number: EP14862301.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: María Inmaculada NIETO VILLAHOZ
Original assignee: Fabriplast SL; Sallo Kyra SL
Current assignee: Fabriplast Sader Sl; Sallo Kyra SL
Priority date: 2013-11-18
Filing date: 2014-11-18
Publication date: 2020-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-18
Also published as: EP3072433B8; EP3072433A4; ES2538285B1; ES2538285A1; ES2784634T3; EP3072433A1; WO2015071523A1; PT3072433T

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

As established in the title of the invention, the object of the present invention relates to an automatic dispenser of detergent for a dishwasher, i.e., a device automatically dispensing detergent into the dishwasher, without requiring the user to perform any operation.
The present invention is characterized by the special configuration and design of the dispenser and of all the elements forming part of the dispenser, such that once a dispenser cap is screwed on the bottle containing the dishwashing liquid or detergent and the assembly is fixed inside a machine for washing dishes, there will be no need to worry about detergent dispensing, as it will be performed automatically in regular, fixed doses until the bottle containing the dishwashing liquid is completely empty.
Therefore, the present invention is comprised within the field of devices and means for supplying dishwashing liquid in machines for washing plates and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The washing process in dishwashers involves, among other operations performed by the user, putting a generally compact tablet in solid state in a dispensing window that opens automatically after the washing starts.
This is a task that entails certain complications in terms of the need, on one hand, to have sufficient stock of washing tablets, and on the other hand, to put the tablet for washing dishes in each washing.
Detergent dispensers for a dishwasher, having a series of doses that are gradually used up in each washing, have been developed today. They have a wash counter. Although it is a way for users to not be concerned about loading the dishwasher tablet in each washing, the dispenser has several aspects that can be improved, such as, for example, the dispensing of a uniform amount in each washing, the inability to tamper with a container containing the dose, as well as assuring the interference of water from each wash with the remaining dose contained in the supply container, i.e., the doses are all equally effective in the washing process, in addition to having to have a wash counter.
Furthermore, said dispensers must have the space above the dispenser up to the ceiling of the dishwasher free and they cannot be used in short cycles, and are not designed for liquid detergents.
Document US4691721 describes a detergent dispenser which includes a bottle and a closing and dosing cap including a float mechanism. A hollow plunger is connected to said float and is inserted into said bottle, and two flexible umbrella seals are connected to said plunger surrounding it. The vertical displacement of the float pushes the plunger and displaces both umbrella seals, producing the opening of one umbrella seal and the closing of the other umbrella seal.
Document EP1247483A1 describes a vinegar dispenser which includes a bottle, a closing cap and a tube through the closing cap. The expansion of the air housed into the bottle, due the heating produced into the dishwasher machine, pushes the vinegar through the tube, dosing said vinegar to the dishwasher machine.
Document WO2010/094430 A2 describes an automatic dispenser of detergent for a dishwasher comprising a bottle for containing the product used as dishwashing liquid or detergent, and a closing and dispensing assembly arranged on a neck of the bottle, defining a detergent inlet. The closing and dispensing assembly comprises a lower cap, an upper cap and a float being movable between a lower position, non-blocking the detergent inlet, and an upper position, blocking the detergent inlet.
Document EP 0 184 333 A1 describes an automatic dispenser of detergent for a dishwasher comprising a bottle and a closing and dispensing assembly having a float.
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to develop an automatic dispenser for a dishwasher which allows increasing the number of washings with automatic dispensing, does not require so many constructive and use requirements, and naturally dispenses in a uniform and automatic manner, allowing the use of dishwashing agent in liquid state.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention relates to an automatic dispenser of detergent for a dishwasher as defined in the claims.
The automatic dispenser of the invention comprises:

a bottle for containing the product used as dishwashing liquid or detergent, and
a closing and dispensing assembly, the closing and dispensing assembly being a closing and dispensing cap, arranged on a neck of the bottle defining a detergent inlet for entry of detergent from the bottle into the closing and dispensing cap. Said closing and dispensing assembly comprises:
- a lower cap,
- an upper cap, and
- a float movable between a lower position, in contact with the lower cap non-blocking said detergent inlet, and an upper position in contact with the upper cap blocking said detergent inlet for entry of detergent into the closing and dispensing cap.

The lower cap has a base, said base including perforations for discharging water, a vertical rim along the perimeter thereof including windows for discharging a mixture of the detergent and water, the perforations having a smaller diameter than the windows, the base also including a vertical projection rod in the central part of said base acting as a guide for the float and an area where dishwashing liquid can enter the space comprised between the float and the lower cap.
In a preferred embodiment, the bottle for containing the liquid detergent has a securing clip for securing on the rack of one of the trays of the dishwasher, it furthermore has an externally threaded inlet mouth, and a small opening in the part opposite the part of the emptying mouth, and acting as means for releasing the excess pressure generated inside the container due to the temperature increase.
The closing and dispensing assembly works like a cap, having said dual purpose, acting as container closing means, and as automatic dispensing and regulating means for dispensing and regulating the amount of liquid detergent.
The upper cap of the closing and dispensing cap is housed in the inner space of the lower cap, and the float is arranged in the space comprised between both caps. The float can move up or down depending on whether liquid detergent is present or not in the space comprised between the lower cap and the upper cap.
As a result of its geometry and configuration, the closing and dispensing cap acts as means for opening the container containing the liquid detergent, also as means indicating that a container has been opened, and as means for regulating the automatic dispensing of detergent.
The amount of liquid detergent dispensed in each washing is equal to the free volume comprised inside the closing and metering cap between the lower cap and the upper cap minus the volume of the float in the position blocking the entry of detergent.
The lower cap has a series of perforations or windows having different diameters, the smaller ones are arranged in the base of the lower cap to aid in discharging water, whereas the larger windows are arranged in the perimetral vertical rim of the lower cap to aid the exit of water and soap.
The operating principle of the closing and dispensing cap is based on the buoyancy and movement of a float housed in the closing and dispensing cap, such that when the detergent is supplied, it is done up to an amount in which the upward movement of the float blocks the entry of detergent to the inner space of the closing and dispensing cap, whereas the entry does not take place immediately but requires a certain amount of time due to the viscosity of the detergent, so when the detergent container is to be opened for the first time there is a need to wait for about thirty minutes, while in successive washings, unless they are performed consecutively without any time between them, when a new one is to be put in, it will already have the dose prepared for being used in the washing.
In a preferred embodiment, the device can be refilled by means of a screw cap or any other closing means, which could be arranged in the upper part or in another part of the bottle containing the liquid to be dispensed.
The automatic dispenser enables automatic dispensing of dishwashing liquid based on the force of gravity and the buoyancy of a part acting like a float, allowing the use of liquid detergents, not requiring complex supply devices and having means for checking whether the container is open or not.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and for the purpose of aiding to better understand the features of the invention according to a preferred practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, in which the following has been depicted in an illustrative and non-limiting character.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the automatic dispenser for a dishwasher object of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a cover that can be arranged covering the dispenser.
Figure 3 shows a general view of the bottle containing dishwashing liquid.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the lower cap.
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the upper cap.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the float.
Figure 7 shows a view of the section of the fixing and dispensing assembly sectioned along a vertical plane.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 show the closing and dispensing cap in three different situations, in a deactivated position, in an activated position without detergent, and in an activated position with detergent.
Figure 11 shows a bottom perspective view of the closing and dispensing assembly.
Figure 12 shows a detail of the bottle containing the dishwashing liquid.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the proposed invention is described below.
Figure 1 shows the automatic dispenser for a dishwasher, comprising a bottle (1) for containing the product used as a dishwashing liquid or detergent and having a closing and dispensing assembly (2), by way a closing and dispensing cap. Said closing and dispensing assembly (2) is arranged on a neck of the bottle (1) defining a detergent inlet (17) for entry of detergent from the bottle (2) into the closing and dispensing cap.
Said assembly can be housed in a cover (3), whether or not the cover (3) is used not being limiting.
Figure 3 shows another embodiment where the bottle (1) containing the detergent has a securing clip (4) for securing to the basket of the dishwasher and has an inlet mouth for entry into the bottle through a threaded neck (8) on the outside thereof.
The closing and dispensing assembly (2) of the invention works like a cap and comprises:

a lower cap (5),
an upper cap (6),
a float (7) that can be moved between a lower position in contact with the lower cap (5), non blocking the detergent inlet (17), and an upper position in contact with the upper cap (6), blocking the detergent inlet (17).

The lower cap has a base including perforations (10) for discharging water, said base having a vertical rim including windows (9) for discharging the soap and water mixture, and having also a vertical projecting rod (14) in the central part thereof acting as a guide for the float (7) and an area where the dishwashing liquid enters the space comprised between the float (7) and the lower cap (5).
The upper cap (6) of an embodiment of the invention has the shape of a disc including a series of windows or perforations (12) through which water enters. The upper cap (6) has an upwardly projecting cylindrical element in the central part thereof having therein an internally threaded cavity (13), and tamper-proof fins (11) project from the upper edge of the cylindrical element.
The float (7) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention has a discoidal shape having dimensions such that it can move up and down in the free space defined between the lower cap (5) and the upper cap (6). A cylindrical protrusion (15) projects from the center of the float, said protrusion having a perforation (16) along the entire length thereof and a notch (20) for the guided movement of the float along the guiding rod (14).
According to another embodiment, tamper-proof fins (11) project from the upper edge of the cylindrical protrusion (15), said fins being attached to the rest of the body by means of a shape that allows them to open and bend with respect to their attachment to the cylindrical protrusion.
Figure 7 shows the entire assembly put together and the relative position the elements and parts adopt, and in addition to the elements and parts which have already been described, the drawing shows the presence of a detergent inlet (17) for the entry of detergent from the container bottle (2) to the dispenser cap, passing through the inside of the perforation (16) of the cylindrical protrusion (15) until reaching below the float (7), causing the float (7) to move up.
When washing starts, the detergent is present under the float (7) and water starts to enter through the water inlet (18) via the windows or perforations (12) made in the upper cap (6).
Figure 8 shows the automatic dispenser assembly in a deactivated position and with the float in its lowest position in contact with the lower cap (5).
In Figure 9, the automatic dispenser assembly is in an activated position and the detergent or dishwashing liquid starts to enter the dispenser cap, whereas in Figure 10, the detergent is already located below the float (7) which has moved up, blocking the detergent inlet (17) for entry of detergent into the dispenser cap.
Figure 11 shows how the dispenser cap causes the opening and subsequent interlocking of the tamper-proof fins (11) on the neck (2) of the bottle (1) once it has been screwed onto the threaded neck (8) of the bottle (2) for the first time.
Finally, Figure 12 shows in detail the clip (4) for fixing the bottle (2) to the rack of the dishwashing machine, and how a small opening (19) is made on the upper part of the bottle (2) to release the excess pressure caused therein due to the high temperatures reached in the washing process.

Claims

An automatic dispenser of detergent for a dishwasher comprising:
a bottle (1) for containing the product used as dishwashing liquid or detergent, and

a closing and dispensing assembly (2), the closing and dispensing assembly (2) being a closing and dispensing cap, arranged on a neck of the bottle (1) defining a detergent inlet (17) for entry of detergent from the bottle (2) into the closing and dispensing cap, said closing and dispensing assembly (2) comprising:
• a lower cap (5),

• an upper cap (6),

• a float (7) movable between a lower position, in contact with the lower cap (5) non-blocking said detergent inlet (17), and an upper position in contact with the upper cap (6) blocking said detergent inlet (17) for entry of detergent into the closing and dispensing cap,

characterized in that the lower cap has a base, said base including perforations (10) for discharging water, a vertical rim along the perimeter thereof including windows (9) for discharging a mixture of the detergent and water, the perforations having a smaller diameter than the windows, the base also including a vertical projection rod (14) in the central part of said base acting as a guide for the float (7) and an area where the dishwashing liquid can enter the space comprised between the float (7) and the lower cap (5).
The automatic dispenser of detergent for a dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the upper cap (6) has the shape of a disc including a series of windows or perforations (12) through which water enters, the upper cap also has an upwardly projecting cylindrical element in the central part thereof having an internally threaded cavity (13), and tamper-proof fins (11) project from the upper edge of the cylindrical element.
The automatic dispenser of detergent for a dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the float (7) has a discoidal shape having dimensions such that it can move up and down in the free space defined between the lower cap (5) and the upper cap (6), a cylindrical protrusion (15) projects from the center of the float, said protrusion having a perforation (16) along the entire length thereof and a notch (20) for the guided movement of the float along the guiding rod (14).
The automatic dispenser of detergent for a dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is refillable through refilling means arranged in the bottle (1) for containing the liquid used as dishwashing liquid.