KR20230162106A - detergent dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The detergent dispensing unit has a dispenser body (11) designed to be mounted in a through opening in the mounting wall of a dishwasher tank. The dispenser body 11 has a rear body part 11' and a front body part 11" with a larger circumference than the rear body part 11'. The dispenser body 11 has a rear body part 11'. has a first fastening element 16 for fixing the dispenser body 11 against the inside of the mounting wall 5. The dispensing unit 10 has a circumferential profile of the front body part 11". It further comprises a covering element (30) configured to at least partially cover the front body part (30) between the covering element (30) and at least one of the peripheral profile and upper surface of the front body part (11"). Second fastening elements 17, 18, 34, 35, 36 are provided for fastening to the part 11".

Description

detergent dispenser

The present invention relates to washing agent dispensers for household dishwashers, and more particularly to one of the walls defining the washing tank of a dishwasher, for example the inner wall of the front door demarcating the front boundary of the machine tank. or to a dispenser designed to be mounted on an interior door panel.

As is known, household dishwashers are usually provided with a front door, the structure of which includes a wall that demarcates the washing tank of the machine from the front when the door itself is closed. This wall is commonly referred to as the " inner door panel".

In a widely known solution, the dishwasher's detergent dispenser has a body fixed to a through opening in the inner door panel, the front part of which protrudes towards the inside of the tank to enable dispensing of the detergent. At least the rear portion of the dispenser body, where the actuator, operating mechanism and possibly other electrically driven components are mounted, is instead housed inside the door, i.e. in a protected and isolated location relative to the tank. For this purpose, a sealing gasket is usually provided between the dispenser body and the through opening of the inner door panel.

The dispenser may be fixed to a through opening in one of the tank's fixed walls, such as a side wall. Accordingly, in the following the term "mounting wall" is meant to refer to the wall on which the dispenser body is mounted, i.e. either the "movable" wall of the tank secured by an internal door panel or one of the fixed walls of the tank, for example a side wall.

The front part of the dispenser body is generally rectangular in shape, in particular substantially rectangular, and has a front surface on which a container for holding the cleaning agent is defined: in this case, the front surface is generally capable of angular movement or the open and closed positions of the container described above. A small door that can slide laterally is connected between them. In addition to said container, or alternatively, the front of the dispenser body defines a passageway that can be used to load fluid cleaning agent into a tank defined internally in the dispenser body, which passageway instead performs the function of a removable plug or plug. It can be opened or closed manually by means of an angle-movable lid.

The aesthetic appearance and dimensions of the visible parts of the dispenser, i.e. those protruding from the mounting wall, are largely determined by the previously mentioned elements, i.e. the front part of the dispenser body, the container door and/or the plug or lid of the loading passage of the fluid cleaning agent. It is determined that these are parts usually obtained by molding of plastic materials, for example thermoplastic polymers. A possible optical indicator for indicating the amount of residual fluid cleaning agent present inside the tank would also contribute to the aesthetic aspect, such indicator being usually located in the front part of the dispenser body.

Therefore, unless significant investments are made in the production cycle to obtain molds aimed at producing the distinguishing components of the dispenser (e.g. dispenser body, lid or plug, optical indicator), the shape, dimensions of the visible parts of the dispenser , the possibility of changing the overall appearance or functionality is limited.

WO2019243997 A1 disclosed a dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1. This dispenser, which is intended to be mounted in a through opening in a dishwasher tank wall, comprises a dispenser body having a rear and a front portion, and a perimeter gasket mounted essentially on a corresponding seat of the dispenser body in the transition area between the rear and front portions. The dispenser also includes a holding frame having a substantially annular shape defining a central passageway into which one of the rear and front portions of the dispenser body may be inserted. The frame has first fastening means engageable with corresponding second fastening means provided on the dispenser body for the purpose of fastening the latter in the through opening of the mounting wall with the peripheral gasket at least partially compressed. The fixing frame is pre-positioned to be mounted on the dispenser body during assembly of the dispenser on the mounting wall of the tank: for this purpose the frame must be mounted on the side of the mounting wall opposite to the side on which the dispenser body is inserted into the through-opening of that wall. . Therefore, previous solutions have involved interposing the mounting wall of the tank between the fixed frame and the dispenser body when the fixed frame is mounted on the dispenser body. The fixing frame must be mounted on the part of the dispenser body that has a smaller circumferential dimension, i.e. that part of the body that can be inserted into a through opening in the mounting wall. The frame may also comprise pre-arranged reinforcement means to counteract deformation or failure of the aforementioned wall, at least at positions corresponding to the area of the wall surrounding the through opening.

The frame described in WO2019243997 A1 has the function of fixing the dispenser and is invisible when the dispenser is mounted in the opening starting from the outside of the mounting wall, i.e. from the side facing the inside of the tank. However, according to a possible variant embodiment, the dispenser body is configured to be mounted starting from the inside of the mounting wall: in this case the rear body part has a larger circumferential dimension than the front body part, and the circumferential profile of the front body part has the mounting wall Elements for engagement with the frame are defined for the purpose of holding the dispenser in place. In this case, the edges of the through openings in the mounting wall should protrude towards the inside of the cleaning tank, and the fixing and/or reinforcing frame is mounted on the outside of the same wall so that it faces the tank directly.

In this case, the frame is preferably finished from an aesthetic point of view and can be equipped with counter parts to hide the connection elements between the front part of the dispenser body and the frame itself. In this type of embodiment, the perimeter sealing gasket of the dispenser acts sealingly on the inside of the tank wall, i.e. on the wall opposite the wall on which the fixing frame is mounted.

Therefore, in the variant of the aforementioned WO2019243997 A1, the fixing and/or reinforcing frame is partially visible and forms a kind of cornice surrounding the corresponding part of the front body part of the dispenser. Considering the fastening function, this frame must have high strength properties, and for this reason, the metal sheets must be sheared and deformed to obtain the same properties. However, this type of realization is complex and unsatisfactory from an aesthetic point of view. The prior art specification also mentions the possibility of forming the holding frame from plastic material by injection molding of thermoplastic material, possibly filled with glass fibres. However, even this realization is inconvenient in the case of the frame due to the material thickness required for its function (fastening the dispenser and reinforcement of the tank wall area surrounding the corresponding mounting openings) and the greater complexity of obtaining an aesthetic component with fiberglass-filled material. The type of mounting according to the aforementioned variant also implies the realization of the mounting wall, i.e. the edges of the through opening for the dispenser protrude into the tank interior, which implies a departure from the practice usually followed in the production of dishwashers.

Purpose and summary of the present invention

The purpose of the present invention is to design a detergent dispensing unit with an essentially economical and reliable structure that can solve the pointed out shortcomings and at the same time manage various aesthetic and, if necessary, functional modifications in a simple manner.

These and other objects, which will become clearer below, are achieved according to the invention by a cleaning agent dispenser as described below. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention also relates to a household dishwasher using such a dispenser. The claims constitute an integral part of the technical teachings disclosed herein in relation to the invention.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation.
1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher with the front door in the open position.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a dispensing unit according to a possible embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of a dispensing unit according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the first and second parts of the dispensing unit of Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 6 is a first cross-sectional perspective view of a dispensing unit according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, mounted on the wall of a dishwasher cleaning tank.
Figure 7 is a detailed view of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing unit according to a possible embodiment of the present invention mounted on the wall of a dishwasher cleaning tank.
Figure 9 is a detailed view of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional perspective view of a dispensing unit according to a possible embodiment of the present invention mounted on the wall of a dishwasher cleaning tank.
Figures 11 and 12 are detailed views of Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional perspective view of a dispensing unit according to a possible embodiment of the present invention mounted on the wall of a dishwasher cleaning tank.
Figure 14 is a partially exploded view of a dispensing unit according to a possible alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a detailed view of Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of one part of the dispensing unit of Figure 14.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing unit of Figure 14.
Figure 18 shows three detailed views of Figure 17.
19 and 20 are perspective views of a dispensing unit according to a possible variant embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of one element of a dispensing unit according to a possible variant embodiment of the invention.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a dispensing unit according to a possible variant embodiment of the invention.
Figure 23 is a partially exploded perspective view of a dispensing unit of the type shown in Figure 22;
Figure 24 is a partial, schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing unit of the type shown in Figure 22;
Figure 25 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a dispensing unit of the type shown in Figure 22 in two different conditions.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

References to embodiments within this specification indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Accordingly, phrases such as “in one embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” etc. may appear in different places herein and are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Additionally, specific forms, structures or features defined herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, and may even be in forms other than those shown. Numerical and spatial references (“upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, etc.) used in this specification are for convenience and do not define the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments. In the drawings, identical reference numbers are used to indicate similar or technically equivalent elements.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher, generally indicated as 1, equipped with a unit for dispensing detergent according to the invention. In the illustrated case, the dishwasher 1 has a cabinet or structure 2 defining the interior of a washing tank or chamber 3 . Reference numeral 4 refers generally to the front door of the washer 1 associated with the cabinet 2, which is operable to move between open and closed positions. In various embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the door 4 may be moved at an angle between the above positions, although preferably not necessarily along a substantially horizontal axis. However, the dishwasher 1 may be of other types, for example with at least one openable or sliding door. That is, in some dishwashers, in practice, the loading door cannot be tilted, but is manufactured to slide linearly on suitable guides, for example similar to FR-A-2.674.426; In another solution, the dishwasher may actually have a basket containing the dishes to be washed, the front wall of which consists of a sliding drawer with a machine door.

The inner surface of the door 4 includes a tank wall 5, hereinafter also referred to as “inner door panel”, and has an outer side 5a with the front surface of the cleaning tank 3. The door 5, or at least one part in which the above-mentioned through opening is defined, is made of a metal material such as stainless steel or of plastic, for example by injection molding of a thermoplastic material. Tank 3 is also divided into a plurality of fixed tank walls, one of which is marked 5', and generally includes two side walls, a rear wall, a top wall or top and a bottom wall or bottom. The inner door panel 5 is equipped with a cleaning agent dispensing unit in a corresponding through opening, which is generally indicated by 10 and is only schematically shown in FIG. 1 . Next, the machine 1 includes all elements generally known for its operation, which are not described here as they are irrelevant to the purpose of the present invention.

The mounting location of the inner door panel (5) is such that the dispensing unit (10) can be mounted on any wall of the tank (3), for example a fixed wall such as the side wall marked 5' or a wall of a movable door or movable drawer. Since it can be installed in a through opening in a movable wall, the explanation below regarding assembling the dispensing unit (10) to the inner door panel (5) also applies to dispensing units (10) on other walls of the tank (3), even on fixed walls. It should also be understood as an example of assembling 10). The side 5a, defined herein as the “outside” of the mounting wall (movable wall 5 or stationary wall 5′) of the unit 10, represents the surface of this wall facing inside the washing tank of the machine. In this context, the side defined as "inner" (for example, designated 5b in Figures 9 and 13) refers to the surface of the same wall opposite the outer side. The side defined herein as “mounting side” refers to the side of the tank wall (movable wall 5 or fixed wall 5') into which the body of the dispenser 11 is inserted through the corresponding through opening, as in the illustrated embodiment. In the examples, this mounting side corresponds to the outer side 5a of the inner door panel 5.

2, in various embodiments, dispensing unit 10 includes a dispenser body 11, which is preferably formed at least in part from a molded thermoplastic material. Preferably, the body 11 is formed of a number of pieces, for example individually melted together from thermoplastic material and then joined together, for example by welding. The body 11 is provided with various functional elements of a type known per se and thus not described, necessary for the operation of the dispensing unit (e.g. actuator means, one or more small doors and/or plugs, retaining/releasing the small doors). systems, dosing valves for liquid detergents, etc.).

3 and 4, in the embodiment shown, the dispenser body 11 comprises a first body part or portion 11' suitable for insertion at least partially into a through opening in the wall 5 of the tank; and a second body part or portion 11", which protrudes at least partially from the front or outer side 5a of the inner door panel 5, hereinafter referred to as the body part or portion 11' for simplicity. and 11") will also be identified as "rear part" and "front part", respectively. The two parts or sections identified as 11' and 11" do not necessarily correspond to the two different pieces that make up the body 11. This means that the dispensing body has, for example, a front piece and a back piece welded together. When formed, the front piece may form an area of the rear part 11', or conversely the back piece may also form an area of the front part 11'.

Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment shown, the front part 11' has a larger perimeter than the rear part 11' and the mounting through opening, and the dispenser body 11 is positioned on the outer side 5a of the inner door panel 5. ) and is inserted through this through opening (this opening is marked, for example, as B in Figures 9 and 13).

In various embodiments, the front of the body 11 or the front of the front part 11" holds a cleaning agent, for example a solid cleaning agent in the form of a powder or tablet, as indicated at 12 in FIGS. 6, 10 and 13. Suitable containers are defined below (the inclusion of other forms of cleaning substances such as liquids or gels is not excluded): The container 12 is provided with a closing element, here a body 11 or a front part 11". It is represented by a small door marked throughout with a limit of 13.

The small door 13 is movably mounted on the body part 11 ", so that it can move between the closed and open positions of the container 12. For this purpose, for example, the small door 13 is It can be relatively restrained to the dispenser body 11 by means of a sliding guide 14 (only one of which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ), the same body 11 being positioned on the door 13 according to a technique known per se. A suitable system for locking/unlocking may be associated.This system may also include a manually operable unlocking element, for example a button 13a on the small door 13. In an example, the small door 13 is mounted to slide between a closed position and an open position, transverse to the entrance of the container, within the area marked A in Figures 2 and 3. In a preferred embodiment, the small door 13 (13) is of the sliding type, but in other embodiments it may be of another type, for example angularly movable or rotatable, with elements suitable for this purpose, such as rotating pins or hinge means.

In various embodiments, in addition or alternatively to a dispensing system having a container 12 and a small door 13, the unit 10 can dispense a fluid cleaning agent (e.g., a liquid rinse) inside the body 11. Defines a reservoir for, and body 11 associates therewith, a system for dosing and dispensing such fluid cleaning agent. Referring to the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 2-4 , next to the area in which the container 12 is defined, it includes a manually operable locking/unlocking mechanism, for example a manually operable locking lever 15a. A lid 15 is provided with a corresponding manually operable locking/unlocking mechanism. The lid 15 is preferably hinged to the front part 11" of the dispenser body 11 for rotation along a generally horizontal axis, but may also be slidably mounted. The lid 15 is located at the inlet of the above-mentioned reservoir. is designed to cover the area in which it is located, the reservoir is indicated, for example, at 12' in Figures 6, 8 and 9, and the lid 15 has a closing element of the inlet described above (the inlet in Figure 16). can be seen and is marked 12a'). Alternatively, the inlet of the reservoir can be closed by a plug so as to be opened/closed, for example through an angular or rotational movement.

The same area under the lid 15 may have an outlet that is part of a liquid cleaning agent dispensing system, for which the body of the lid 15 may have an opening or passageway that allows the liquid cleaning agent to drain into the cleaning tank. there is. The existence of two different dispensing systems for two different cleaning agents is not an essential feature of the invention. The same applies to the exemplary implementation of these two dispensing systems, which may in fact be constructed according to different techniques known to those skilled in the art.

3 and 4 , in various embodiments, the part 11' of the body 11 designed to protrude towards the interior of the tank 3 has a generally rectangular peripheral profile, in particular a substantially rectangular shape. , which is defined by two longitudinal walls 11a and 11b and two transverse walls 11c and 11d, these pairs of walls being formed substantially parallel to each other. The peripheral profile of part 11' may have other shapes, such as including curved areas.

In various embodiments, at least one of the transverse walls 11c and 11d has at least one portion of a lower height compared to the longitudinal walls 11a and 11b to enable displacement of the small door of the dispensing unit 10. have In the illustrated case of FIG. 3 , the transverse wall 11c is located substantially in a position corresponding to area A for sliding of the small door 13 and constitutes an obstacle to the movement of the door in the passage from the closed position to the open position. It has a first portion 11c' whose height is lowered so as not to cause damage. In the example of Fig. 3, the wall 11c has an additional area of lowered height, marked 11c", in a position corresponding to the locking lever 15a of the cover 15. The wall 11c is in any case entirely connected to the wall 11a. and 11b). The horizontal wall 11d opposite the part 11" may also include a portion of reduced height or may have an overall reduced height compared to the vertical walls 11a and 11b. . That is, the latter case is illustrated in F4, for example.

A small door 13 and lid 15 are mounted on the upper surface of the body 11 and correspond to the upper surface of the part 11". In various embodiments, this upper surface is located at an intermediate position, generally on a wall. There is also an additional longitudinal wall 11e extending parallel to 11a and 11b, in this example the longitudinal wall 11e extends completely between walls 11c and 11d.

In various embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 3 and 4, the intermediate wall 11e defines two different areas on the upper surface of the dispenser body 11 where a small door 13 and a lid 15 are located, respectively. do.

Note that in various embodiments such as those shown in Figures 3 and 4, the intermediate wall 11e has each part of the sliding guide 14 for the small door 13 on the side facing the wall 11a. (see Figure 10).

6 to 13 show a portion of the inner door panel 5 on which the dispensing unit 10 is mounted. As mentioned, the mounting wall may be one of the fixed walls of the tank 3, for example the wall marked 5' in Figure 1. The inner door panel 5 is provided with a through opening marked B in FIGS. 9, 11 and 13 for mounting the unit 10. In various embodiments, the opening B is substantially rectangular, in particular substantially rectangular with rounded corners, but has another shape, for example substantially complementing the profile of the part 11' designed to be inserted through the opening B. This does not mean that the shape that does it is excluded.

In various preferred embodiments, the inner door panel 5 is formed in such a way that it integrally defines a peripheral lip or edge of the through opening B, which edge is designated B' and faces the inside of the door 4 or , more generally preferably towards the outside of the dishwasher tank. Edge B' is raised in the general plane of the inner door panel 5 (or other wall of the tank).

For mounting, the dispenser body 11 is partially inserted into the opening B starting from the mounting side 5a of the inner door panel 5, so that the rear part 11' of the body 11 is at least partially is received inside the door 4, and the front part 11" of the body 11 protrudes forward from the inner door panel 5, that is, from the side 5a designed to face the inside of the washing tank. there is.

Prior to the aforementioned insertion, an annular gasket, indicated at 20 in the various figures, is fitted to the dispenser body 11, preferably at or near the transition area between the two parts 11' and 11" of the body 11. and the dispenser body 11 is fixed in position relative to the wall 5. The gasket 20 is preferably formed of an elastomeric material, for example silicone.

In various embodiments, the front body part 11' has a larger peripheral dimension than the through opening B and the rear body part 11' of the body 11. That is, in this way, the body 11 is prepared together with the gasket 20 in a condition of at least partially elastic compression to create a seal between the front body part 11' and the mounting side 5a of the wall 5. Can be fixed in position.

The gasket 20 preferably has an annular shape, which is generally square with rounded corners, especially substantially rectangular. Preferably, the gasket 20 has a fixing part designed to be coupled to a corresponding sheet S defined in the dispenser body 11 ( FIGS. 7 , 11 and 12 ), in an embodiment comprising two body parts ( 11' and 11"). The gasket 20 preferably fits substantially between the dispenser body 11 and the mounting side 5a of the corresponding wall 5 of the washing tank. It is configured to provide a radial type seal, or a substantially axial type seal, or an axial radial type seal.

In the example shown, the gasket 20 is sandwiched between the edge B' of the opening B and the dispenser body 11, with at least one of the parts capable of exerting a radial sealing action, and capable of exerting an axial sealing action. The part is obtained in such a way that it is sandwiched between the mounting surface 5a and the corresponding area of the front body part 11" (see Figure 9 as indicated by the protruding side lip 20a of the gasket 20). Gasket (20) may be at least partially hollow, for example comprising two generally parallel annular walls joined locally by a transverse stiffening wall.

The fastening of the body 11 to the wall 5 can be carried out by means of one or more mounting elements known per se, comprising for example screws and/or elastic fastening elements, or only partially schematically shown in FIGS. 9 and 13 This can be done using the frame shown and marked F. This frame F may be of the type described, for example, in WO2019243997 A1, so that the rear part 11' of the dispenser body 11 has a substantially annular shape to define a respective central passage into which it can be inserted. It may be possible. The frame F may in any case be replaced by a plurality of brackets or other mounting elements according to known techniques.

The rear part 11' of the dispenser body 11 is provided with respective fastening means designed to cooperate with one or more of the above-described mounting elements, as illustrated by the frame F. In the assembled state, the frame F is fixed to both the dispenser body 11 and the inner side 5b of the inner door panel, thereby determining mutual fixation. In the example shown, the fastening means are provided on the peripheral profile of the rear part 11' of the body 11, with engaging teeth projecting outwardly from the longitudinal and transverse walls of the rear part 11' of the body 11. or includes a relief 16.

As mentioned, for fastening purposes, the part 11' is arranged on the inner side 5b of the same inner door panel 5 or on the end of the lip B' of the same opening B (frame) Mounting element marked F), which is inserted through the opening (B) of the inner door panel (5). During insertion, the engagement relief (16) snaps elastically against the frame (F) to hold the dispenser body (11) in position relative to the inner door panel, thereby keeping the dispenser body (11) in place with the gasket (20) partially compressed. It blocks the body 11 and in this way the required sealing force can be exerted or improved. As mentioned, in any case the fastening of the rear part 11' of the dispenser body 11 to the corresponding mounting wall 5 can be achieved in any known way.

According to the invention, the dispenser unit 10 at least partially covers the circumferential profile of the front body part 11 ", between the additional component and at least one of the circumferential profile and the upper surface of the front body part. It further comprises at least one covering element configured to The element may perform a decorative or aesthetic function, but it is not excluded that it may also perform other functions, as illustrated below.

One of these covering elements is generally indicated at 30, for example in Figures 2, 3 and 5. The elements 30 are preferably formed of a plastic material, for example a molded thermoplastic material, and have a respective body. Preferably, the body of element 30 is a single piece of substantially annular shape with a central passageway in which front body part 11" is at least partially received, as illustrated in Figure 2. Alternatively, , the element 30 may be made of a number of pieces which may be joined to each other and/or to the dispenser body 11, for example two “C” shaped elements or two “U” shaped elements. Alternatively, it may be configured to join together, such as two “L” shaped elements.

Preferably, the element 30 is formed to substantially cover the circumferential profile of the front body part 11 ", but the element 30 covers only a part of said circumferential profile, for example "C" or "U" or The case of "L" shaped elements is also not excluded from the scope of the present invention. For example, a monolithic element 30 or an element 30 consisting of two pieces forming an L-shape may be used as a body part 11". It can be designed to cover two adjacent sides of the perimeter profile. Furthermore, even if the covering element 30 is made as a single piece, for example only one of the longitudinal walls 11a and 11b and the transverse walls 11c and 11d of the body part 11" ) may be configured to cover only one side of the perimeter profile.

The element 30 consists of two opposing coverings, for example to cover only the outside of the two longitudinal walls 11a and 11b or the two transverse walls 11c and 11d of the body part 11". It may also comprise a body (i.e. two covering elements); for example, in an embodiment of this type, the two elements or covering bodies mentioned above are substantially disposed on two longitudinal sides or two transverse sides, respectively, as described below. It can have a corresponding shape.

In various embodiments, the body of the element 30 has two opposite longitudinal sides 30a, 30b, at positions corresponding to the longitudinal walls 11a, 11b and transverse walls 11c, 11d, respectively, of the body part 11". ) and two opposite transverse sides 30c, 30d.

In various embodiments, the longitudinal sides 30a, 30b and the transverse sides 30c, 30d define the outer wall of the side and the inner side of the side, respectively, and the element into which the front body part 11" is received ( 30) and includes all of the inner walls or wall portions that separate each part of the central passageway. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer walls of the side are indicated by 31a, 31b, 31c and 31d in Figures 3 and 5, and the corresponding side walls The inner walls are indicated at 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d in Figure 5.

Preferably, each of the outer walls 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d is spaced apart from each of the inner walls 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, so that the side surfaces 30a-30d each have an at least partially hollow structure, and each of the It is laterally divided by an outer wall and an inner wall.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer walls 31a - 31d are shaped walls, preferably inclined walls, so that the element 30 has a substantially rectangular external profile, inclined at an angle formed between the outer walls. There is a photo edge; The external profile may be rounded at least at the top of the element 30 corresponding to the narrower upper part. The tapered or inclined shape of the outer wall facilitates the outflow of washing water.

In this embodiment, the inner walls 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are also continuous and connected to each other at their respective ends, which form a central section of the element 30 that substantially complements the circumferential profile of the front body part 11". This is to define the passage.

In various preferred embodiments, element 30 has an upper side that at least partially covers the upper surface of front body part 11", for example, as indicated generally at 33 in Figures 2 and 3. As shown, In an embodiment, the upper side 33 comprises at least two longitudinal portions, for example indicated at 33a and 33b in Figure 3, the upper portions of the longitudinal walls 11a and 11b of the front body part 11". It is designed to cover.

In various embodiments, at least one of the transverse sides 30c, 30d of the covering element 30 has at least one portion that is reduced in height at a location substantially corresponding to each closure element of the dispensing unit 10. In the illustrated example (see Figure 3), the side 30c is positioned at a position corresponding to the small door 13, i.e. at the portion 11c' of the wall 11c of the body part 11" of the dispenser body 11. has one such portion (marked 30c'), i.e. in this way, obviously, the small door 13 can freely slide laterally along the guide 14 between the closed and open positions, and also It protrudes beyond the peripheral profile of the fencing unit 10.

In various embodiments, at least one of the transverse sides 30c, 30d of covering element 30 has one or more passageways at positions substantially corresponding to each closure element of dispensing unit 10.

In the example shown (see Figure 3), the side 30d has a plurality of said passages (marked 30d') consisting of through openings. In the above embodiment, the two through openings 30d' are at positions corresponding to the small door 13. That is, in this way, when the small door 13 is opened for dispensing purposes, the cleaning agent contained in the container 12 flows freely through the corresponding opening 30d' together with a portion of the cleaning water sprayed inside the tank 3 of the machine. It flows out. Likewise, the through opening 30d' is at a position corresponding to the lid 15. That is, in this way, when the fluid cleaning agent contained in the reservoir 12' is dispensed, it can flow through the corresponding opening 30d' together with a portion of the cleaning water sprayed inside the tank 3 (as described above) , the area beneath the lid 15 may have a dispensing opening for fluid cleaning agent, which may flow through a passageway existing between the lid and the dispenser body).

In various embodiments, at least one of the transverse sides 30c, 30d of the covering element 30 has at least one portion of reduced thickness at a position corresponding to the manual release element of the respective closure element.

In the illustrated embodiment (see Figure 3), the side surface 30c is positioned at a position corresponding to the lid 15, i.e. at a portion 11c' of the wall 11c of the part 11" of the dispenser body 11. It has one section (marked 30c"). That is, the presence of the thickness reduction portion 30c" makes it easier for the user to manually switch the locking lever 15a of the small door 15 (see FIG. 10).

In various embodiments, at least one of the peripheral profile of the dispenser body 11 and the upper surface of the front body part 11″ has respective means for securing the covering element 30.

In various embodiments of this type, on the inside of the longitudinal sides 30a, 30b and/or the transverse sides 30c, 30d are respective coupling means configured to engage with respective engaging means provided in the circumferential profile of the front body part 11". A coupling means is provided. The coupling means of the element 30 may be provided on the inside of the longitudinal sides 30a, 30b, and a corresponding coupling of the front body part 11" provided on the outside of the longitudinal walls 11a, 11b. The front body part may, additionally or alternatively, be provided with means, and additionally or alternatively, the coupling means of the element 30 may be provided on the inside of the transverse sides 30c, 30d, and on the outside of the transverse walls 11c, 11d. 11". The connecting means may be provided additionally or alternatively in the joint area between the side walls of the element 30 or the peripheral walls of the front body part 11", i.e. in the corner positions. there is.

Referring particularly to Figures 3 and 5, in various embodiments, the inner walls 32a and 32b of the two longitudinal sides 30a and 30b have an outer wall 11a and 11b of the body part 11". There is provided a respective engaging element 34 designed to engage with a corresponding engaging element 17 provided in. In an embodiment, the element 34 is in the form of a sheet and the element 17 is essentially in the form of a protruding tooth. Preferably, the teeth define an inclined ramp for substantially snap hooking with the sheet. Alternatively, the coupling element 34 is an element composed of a sheet ( 17) may be in the form of engaging reliefs and/or teeth; or other combinations of reliefs and coupling elements of the coupling sheets may be envisaged.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the inner walls 32c and 32d of the two transverse sides 30c and 30d are provided to engage with corresponding engaging elements provided on the outside of the transverse walls 11c and 11d of the body part 11". Designed coupling elements may be provided. In embodiments, the inner wall 32c protrudes from the transverse wall 11c of the body part 11", at a substantially lower height portion 30c' (see Figure 2). The protruding relief 18 has a seat 35 with which it can be engaged. On the other hand, on the inside of the transverse wall 32d there is at least one protruding tooth 36 capable of engaging against the protruding relief 19 of the transverse wall 11d of the body part 11"; In the example, the relief 19 extends over the entire width of the sliding area of the small door 13 to allow engagement of the two teeth 36, but it is possible to provide a number of individual reliefs 19 so that this It is not an essential function.In this embodiment, at least one tooth 36 defines a respective inclined ramp opposite to that of the teeth 17 provided on the dispenser body 11, thereby providing at least one protruding relief 19. and substantially snap hooking is possible. Also, in this case, reverse arrangement is possible between the teeth of the two parts (30, 11") and the sheet in combinations other than those illustrated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling means 34, 35, 36 are connected to a continuous wall of the element 30, i.e. an inner wall 32a-delimiting the central passage which receives the front part 11" of the dispenser body 11. 32d), i.e., this configuration should be considered preferred because it ensures the correct position between the body 11 and the element 30. However, in possible variant embodiments, the wall 32-32d They may be replaced by separate wall portions provided with one or more respective coupling means, for example wall portions each in the form of a pin.Irrespective of the implementation chosen, the inner walls 32a-32d or the wall portions replacing them may have at least It is partially elastically flexible, allowing the corresponding coupling means 34 and 36 to be coupled to the respective coupling means 17 and 19 of the body 11 .

The elasticity for mounting and joining the coupling elements can be achieved, for example, by exploiting the properties of suitable polymer or plastic materials, which ensures a substantially rigid structure of the element 30 as a whole, especially against weak forces during assembly. Walls of suitable thickness and shape suitable to enable slight elastic deformation during force joining can be provided.

Constructing the sides of the element in a double wall structure is advantageous because it allows separating different functions, such as a fixed function obtained through the inner wall or wall portions 32a-32d and a decorative function obtained through the outer walls 31a-31d. That is, in this regard, the inner wall may also have a different thickness than the outer wall and/or some walls may be provided with reinforcing ribs.

The ability to substantially snap the cover element 30 onto the body of the dispenser 11 simplifies assembly and allows the element 30 to be mounted even after the body 11 has been secured to the mounting wall 5 . In this way, an appliance manufacturer can, for example, mount a dishwasher with an integrated dispenser body and then customize the dispenser by adding elements 30 as desired by the appliance retailer or end customer.

Preferably, the coupling means provided on the covering elements 30, here indicated as elements 34, 35, 36, are integrally defined by the associated body, and the corresponding coupling means of the dispenser body 11 are connected to the relative body parts. (11"). These characteristics are such that the above-mentioned joining means can be obtained in the molding step of the plastic material forming the pieces and pieces 30 defining the body part 11" without any additional work. Considering that this is possible, the configuration of the unit 10 is simplified. Additionally, in embodiments where the advantage may be lower, some of the coupling means may be connected to one or more additional components (e.g., mounting subframes, parts 11") mounted between the element 30 and the front body part 11". It should be noted that it can be defined by (pre-connected to) and combining the element 30 thereon.

As mentioned, in various embodiments, the upper surface of body 11 has at least one intermediate longitudinal wall, such as the wall previously indicated as 11e. In these embodiments, the upper face 33 of the element 30 is provided with a corresponding intermediate longitudinal part that at least partially covers the upper part of the intermediate wall 11e, for example indicated at 33e in FIGS. 3, 5, 6 It can be. The presence of the intermediate portion 33e, in addition to strengthening the element 30 to some extent, may reduce aesthetic discontinuities in the exposed parts of the unit 10.

6 to 13 show the assembled state of the element 30 assembled to the main body 11 in cross section. In Figures 6 to 9, the coupled state of the fixing means (17 and 34) is particularly clearly visible, while in Figures 10 to 13, the coupled state of the fixing means (18 and 35) can be seen on one side, and the fixing means (18 and 35) can be seen on the other side. The combined state of (19 and 36) can be seen.

A small space may be provided between the lower end of the element 30 and the mounting surface 5a of the wall 5 to facilitate the circulation of the washing liquid and prevent stagnation and accumulation of dust residues during operation of the dishwasher.

Furthermore, the same figures of FIGS. 6 to 13 show that, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the covering element 30 is configured to create an axial seal against the outer surface 5a of the mounting wall 5, each annular shape indicated by 40. This diagram clearly shows how gaskets can be related. The presence of the gasket 40, although not essential, is advantageous as it prevents dust residues from penetrating and settling in passages that may exist between the element 30 and the outer side 5a of the mounting wall 5. . For this reason, the annular gasket 40, for example formed of an elastomeric material, is preferably mounted in a position closer to each outer wall 31a-31d of the side surfaces 3a-30d than to the corresponding respective inner walls 32a-32d. desirable. Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the gasket 40 shown in the drawing is only an example, and this shape may vary as needed.

The gasket 40 is conveniently mounted on a corresponding sheet (marked 41 in FIGS. 5 and 9 only) defined on the lower wall of the element 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sheet 41 is annular and is provided at approximately the lower end of the outer walls 31a-31d, the annular sheet 41 being defined by the same outer walls 31a-31d, inside of which the wall ( There is a specific portion (31a'-31d') that divides the sheet itself with respect to the inner surface of 31a-31d). Portions 31a'-31d' may be in the form of small continuous walls, for example as shown in Figure 5.

However, it should be noted that the presence of a specific sheet for the arrangement of the gasket 40 is not an essential feature, since in a possible variant embodiment the gasket may be superimposed on the element 30 or molded together with the element 30. Or, in some cases, it may be fixed in another way, for example by gluing or welding.

In other embodiments, a sealing arrangement may also be provided between the element 30 and the front part 11" of the body 11, to reduce the risk of unwanted dust infiltrating between the parts in question. For this purpose, this sealing arrangement preferably has, for example, an annular peripheral profile surrounding a corresponding area of the upper surface of the body 11. This sealing arrangement has, for example, a body part 11". disposed between the wall 11-11d and, if appropriate, the upper part of the wall 11e and the corresponding portion 33a of the upper face 33 of the element 30 and, if appropriate, portion 33e. May include gaskets. Also for this application the gasket may be superimposed on the body 11 or the element 30; Other technologies for providing one or more gaskets on the body 11 or element 30 include, for example, FIPG (Formed-in-place gaskets) and CIPG (Curated-in-place gaskets). There are things known as

The fastening means between the body 11 and the element 30 may have a structure different from that illustrated. For example, especially if the covering element 30 is designed to cover only part of the circumferential profile of the front part 11, snap-on engaging means, for example a pair of engaging teeth provided on the covering element, may be used. may be provided, between which each engagement relief provided on the peripheral profile of the front part 11 may be engaged. Furthermore, according to embodiments different from those described above, the fastening means may comprise one or more welds or joints between the element 30 and the front part 11" of the dispenser body 11. Various of this type In embodiments, one or more welds or joints may include weld or glue lines having an annular peripheral profile to achieve a sealing configuration between element 30 and body part 11".

Examples of this type are schematized in Figures 14-18. In these figures, 50 is shown as a whole as a weld bead on the upper side of the front body part 11", i.e. a continuous, uninterrupted weld. More specifically, the bead 50 in the example is a weld bead on the upper surface of the front body part 11". It is shaped to extend from the top of 11d) and, in some cases, from the top of the wall 11e.

In the illustrated case (see especially Figure 16), the bead 50 has for this purpose two longitudinal parts 50a and 50b extending from the top of the walls 11a and 11b, at the top of the walls 11c and 11d. It comprises two transverse portions 50c and 50d extending, and a middle portion 50e extending to the top of the wall 11e, wherein these portions of the bead 50 are adjacent to the sides of the aforementioned walls 11a-11e. It includes respective sections 50a'-50e' extending above the ends (in Figure 16, representation of the small door 13 and lid 15 is omitted for clarity). In the illustrated case, the top of the wall 11c of the body part 11" includes a protruding or protruding relief 18' from which each portion 50c of the bead 50 extends.

In various embodiments, the weld bead 50 is comprised of small continuous protrusions on the upper surface of the body part 11" so as to penetrate the element 30 when welded. Thus, the bead 50 is positioned on the body part 11". ") and then at least partially melted through a thermal welding step, for example ultrasonic welding or laser welding (in the latter case, the material forming the element 30 is exposed to laser radiation. Transparent materials are preferred). Preferably, the equipment used is constructed or shaped to follow the profile of the part to be welded, preferably compressing the part during welding. In FIG. 16 (and the details of FIG. 18 ) the welded beam 50 is intentionally shown as a separate part with respect to the body 11 and the element 30 for greater clarity, but this is in fact the case where these are attached prior to welding. It may be at least one integrated part, or may represent melted material after welding.

It is therefore preferred that the bond between the body 11 and the element 30 is achieved without filler material, although this option is not excluded. For example, bead 50 may be formed from an adhesive material disposed on body 11 or element 30 .

Even if there is one or more welds or glues, such as beads 50, additional fastening means, for example of the type already described, can be provided between the body part 11" and the element 30. In the example of FIG. 14 , the body part 11 "is provided with engaging teeth 17 (only one is shown) and the element 30 is provided with a seat 34 (only one is shown). The presence of these additional means, in addition to contributing to the stability of the elements 30 on the body 11, can be useful at the production stage during welding operations: for example, the fastening means 17, 34 can be used to secure the elements 30 on the body 11. ) is used to position the elements 30 on the surface, and a welding operation (e.g. ultrasonic or laser welding) is performed or a joining operation (e.g. an adhesive that can be activated by a laser - a laser-activated adhesive) is heat activated to perform the joining operation. It is carried out.

When welding or joining is present, one or more of the one or more sides 30a-30d of the element 30 need not necessarily have respective joining means on its inside and/or do not necessarily need to have a double wall structure. Please note this. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 14 , the transverse sides 30d are substantially free of their respective inner walls and are therefore devoid of the corresponding engaging means previously indicated at 36 .

It will be appreciated that in addition to fastening element 30 and body part 11" to each other, bead or weld line 50 also forms a sealing configuration between the two components in question. As discussed above, A sealing arrangement comprising one or more gaskets can in any case be provided between these two components: the bead 50 in Figure 16 is suitable to illustrate a possible form of one of such gaskets (for this reason, Figure 16, the reference "60" in parentheses has also been added to reference "50"). Such gaskets 60 can be obtained using, for example, FIPG or CIPG technology.

In the case of the gasket 60, it does not necessarily have to have the shape illustrated, but it is preferred that the body part 11" and one of the elements 30 are provided with a sheet for positioning or forming the gasket itself; however, as mentioned As shown, the gasket can be nested on the body part 11" or element 30 without requiring a specific sheet.

The features of the invention, as well as its advantages, are clearly apparent from the given description.

The covering element 30 provided according to the invention can be used to provide various aesthetic variations of the dispensing unit 10, for example distinct from each other in terms of shape and/or size and/or color (in the figures discussed so far, it is clearly one (only example shapes are provided) to manage aesthetic variations; The covering element 30 may also have stamped or unique markings that vary depending on the language and/or manufacturer of the dishwasher, or may otherwise have to be obtained from the front body part 11".

Therefore, the manufacturer of the dispensing unit 10 uses a single mold for forming the front body part 11" - technically more complex and expensive - and a number of molds corresponding to different versions of the covering element - technically simpler and Cheap - can be provided.

The desirable case of the element 30 covering a significant part of the visible surface of the front body part 11" also simplifies the preparation of the dispensing body for molding equipment. For this purpose, the configuration of the molded part with the visible surface is determined by the mold. It should be remembered that this presupposes that the surface in question has a very high level of finish (understood as the absence of surface roughness).In the case of the above-mentioned units, the installation of a small door (13) and a lid (15) is fundamental. Since only the and movement areas are visible, a high finish of the corresponding mold surface is required, while the walls 11a-11e (except the sides separating the above-mentioned mounting and movement areas) are covered by the elements 30. Therefore, no special finishing is required. Of course, the mold used to obtain the element 30 must have the required degree of finish, but the mold used to obtain the element 30 is an aesthetically finished front body part (11" ) is much simpler and cheaper than a mold made up of a single piece of body 11 defining the body 11. In addition, in known dispenser units, minimal defects in the surface of the front body part 11" result in production waste, which, if detected at the end of the dispenser assembly (as the dispenser has to be completely discarded), is costly. A larger effect must be taken into account: in the unit according to the invention this problem does not occur.

Furthermore, the presence of the covering element 30 is directly exposed and configured to receive, for example, a cleaning agent, such as a tablet comprising one or more cleaning agents, thus of the type known as “2 in 1” or “3 in 1”. By defining at least one housing that can be used, it can be advantageous to improve the functionality of the dispensing unit as a whole. The term “cleaning agent” should be readily understood as a cleaning substance or auxiliary substance (rinsing additives, fragrances, anti-scaling substances, disinfectant substances, etc.) and combinations thereof. The term "tablet" also refers to a type of tablet - a "tab" or Also known as “pods,” this is a term that refers to all of them.

One such case is illustrated in Figure 19, where the element 30 is larger in size and the top 33 is wider than in the previously illustrated case. In this embodiment, the upper portion 33b is large enough to form a housing 70 into which a user can place a cleaning tablet. The housing 70 is entirely directly exposed, i.e. has no doors or similar movable closure elements, and has at least one drain passage. Preferably, the housing - at least in its front part - has containments 71 comprising alternating full and empty spaces, substantially like a lattice structure, for example a welded structure.

As can be imagined, tablets may be inserted into housing 70 prior to performing a cleaning program. During the above program, a part of the water sprayed inside the tank 3 of the dishwasher 1 reaches the housing 70, for example through a well-known system with a rotary atomizer, for dissolution of the tablets and the corresponding water-detergent mixture. It can promote the outflow into the tank (3). This operation is possible because at least one drainage passage described above exists. The effect of dissolving the tablets and introducing the detergent into the tank is further advantaged by the presence of a containment 71 with openings that facilitate the passage of the water sprayed at the inlet and the water-detergent mixture at the outlet.

Of course, a housing 70 may be defined on the side of the element 30, albeit of a different configuration and/or size: examples of such configurations are provided in FIGS. 20 and 21 , where the housing indicated at 70 in the figures represents the element 30, respectively. ) is defined on the horizontal side 30c and the vertical side 30b.

In some cases, in order to improve or facilitate the use of the dispensing unit, it is possible to provide this element with at least some parts of the structure, for example for manually controlling the opening of the small door of the dispenser, so that the dispenser is moved to the respective open position. By allowing it to pass through, other functions may be associated with the covering element.

Examples of this type are shown in Figures 22 to 25, where the same reference numbers are used as already used in the previous figures. In this example, the covering element 30 associates with it at least some parts of a control structure that can be manually operated by the user to cause switching of the locking/unlocking system of the small door associated with the dispenser body 11. . In the case shown, the control structure comprises a control element, generally indicated at 80, which is mounted in a movable manner on the covering element 30 on one of the sides, in particular on the longitudinal side 30a.

Referring also to Figure 25, in this embodiment the member 80 defines or includes an actuable part, such as a key or button 81, designed to be at least partially accessible, i.e. exposed to the covering element 30. do. The key 81 is associated with a sliding element indicated at 82 which defines a cam or actuation profile indicated at 82a at the opposite end of the key 81.

The sliding element 82 preferably extends longitudinally with a generally flat shape and for this reason will be identified below as a slider.

Preferably, the key 81 and the slider 82 are formed as a single piece, for example from a molded plastic material, but this is not an essential feature. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least one of the keys 81 and the slider 82 defines a holding element, the function of which will become clear from the description that follows. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element comprises teeth 83 for elastic engagement, here projected downward by a flap or fin directly defined by the slider 82 .

The control structure preferably also comprises an elastic element arranged to press the control element 80 to the respective inoperative position, in the illustrated embodiment the elastic element indicated by 84 is a spiral element made of, for example, a metallic material. It is expressed as a spring. Preferably, the key 81 has a seat (not shown) for positioning a portion of the end of the spring 84 on the side opposite the key where it is accessible (see, for example, Figure 24).

The covering element 30 is configured to be mounted with elements 80 and springs 84 and defines at least one seat or housing for this purpose. For example, in the case illustrated in FIG. 23, reference numeral 85 indicates an opening in the housing 86 into which the key 81 is slidably mounted and some parts of the slider 82 are slidably inserted. Next, as can also be seen in FIGS. 24 and 25 , in the illustrated case, the housing 86 is defined between the longitudinal side wall 31a and the wall 32a, where the opening 85 is defined, and the slider 82 ) and a passage in the wall 32a for (see especially Figure 24).

In Figure 24 one can see the driving element generally indicated at 90, which is part of the locking system of the small door 13. This system is a known concept and does not require detailed explanation. Here, such a system includes an actuator and a corresponding drive system (the actuator is partially shown in FIG. 23 and designated 90a) capable of causing rotation or angular movement of the shaft part 91 of the drive element 90 about its axis. It would be enough to state that it can be done. The element 90, i.e. the shaft part 91, is mounted on a corresponding through-sheet of the dispenser body 11, so that the shaped head, generally indicated by 92, is located in area A for sliding of the small door 13 (see Figure 22 ), when the small door 13 is closed, the engaging portion of the head 92 cooperates with a corresponding element (e.g. a tooth) present on the lower side of the same small door 13 to counteract the action of the corresponding elastic means. Be sure to maintain the closed position. The rotational or angular movement imparted to the shaft 91 causes a corresponding movement of the head 92, its engaging part being freed from the counter element of the small door 13, and thus the latter under the action of the respective elastic means. It can be passed to each open position by .

In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 25 , the head 92 includes a small lever 92a (see FIG. 22 ) - here a previously described engagement portion designed to cooperate with the associated counter element of the small door 13. Assumptions - also include a circumferential profile of the shape defining, for example, a cam 92b with which the actuating profile 82a of the slider 82 can cooperate.

23, 24 and 25, in the illustrated case, the wall of the dispenser body 11 corresponding to the mounting side of the member 80, here the wall 11a, slides the corresponding part of the slider 82. Note that it has a passage 87 that accommodates. In this embodiment, the passageway 87 is essentially axially aligned with the head 92 of the element 90, although this is not a necessary feature. However, this structure is such that, regardless of the position of the passage 87 and the shape of the slider 82, the end profile 92a of the slider cooperates with the head 92 of the element 90, in particular its cam 92b, to It is designed to be suitable for causing movement. For this purpose, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 25 , a part of the slider 82 protruding beyond the passage 87 extends transversely below the latter in the sliding area of the small door 13 ( See also Figure 24).

In various preferred embodiments, the control element 80 is mounted on the covering element 30 after the covering element 30 has been mounted on the body 11 in the manner described above. After the element 30 is mounted on the body 11, the housing of the element 30 (i.e. the part housing the slider 82) is aligned axially with the passage 87 of the wall 11a of the body 11. arranged in alignment with: In this way, the slider 82 moves the housing 86 and the passageway 87 until the key 81 on which the spring 84 was previously placed is also completely received in the housing 86. can be inserted through: Once this position is reached, the lower teeth 83 of the slider cursor 82 elastically engage the corresponding seat 86a defined in the bottom of the housing 86 (FIG. 24), thereby keeping it entirely in the mounting position. The member 80 is maintained. The sheet 86a is shaped to allow sliding of the teeth 83 and thus of the slider 82.

The end of the spring 84 opposite the key 81 abuts the wall 32a, thereby guiding the member 80 to the outside of the housing 86, for example substantially flush with the outer surface of the wall 31a on the side 30a. is pressed to the same level: however, unwanted extraction is prevented by the presence of retaining elements represented by the aforementioned teeth 83 engaged in the corresponding sheets 86a. As mentioned, in the mounted state a portion of the slider 82 extends transversely in area A.

This condition is similar to that shown in part (A) of FIG. 25, in which the spring 84 pushes the member 80 entirely outward, that is, the cam profile 82a at the end of the slider 82 moves the small door 13. ) of the actuating element 90 of the locking/unlocking system is pressed against the head 92 in a rearward position. On the other hand, in part (B) of FIG. 25, when the user applies pressure to the key 81, the member 80 slides entirely inward against the action of the spring 84. In this way, the cam profile 82a of the slider moves to an advanced position relative to the head 92, in particular pushing the cam 92b of the head. As the head 92 or the entire drive element 90 performs a corresponding angular movement (clockwise, see Figure 25), the engaging portion 92a also moves, releasing the corresponding counter element of the small door 13. Release it for the purpose of switching to the open position. Subsequently, by stopping the pressure on the key 81, the member 80 will return to its original position in part (A) of Fig. 25 by the action of a spring, which, according to a technique known per se, is connected to an elastic element (not shown). The same applies to the member 90 according to the reaction of (not).

Therefore, as explained with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25 , the covering element 30 provided according to the invention serves as a support for an auxiliary control system for opening the small door 13, for example avoids the need to provide and fit a button on the small door 13 (as in the case of the button 13a in Figure 2) and avoids the complexities associated with assembly, or in an otherwise optional case, the small door 13 or In addition to the button 13a present on the dispenser body 11, a button 80 is integrated, and in particular, a button 80 of such shape and size is integrated so that the user can access or operate it more easily.

In optional cases, the structure for manual control associated with the cover element 30 may be arranged in a different way, for example by constructing the button 81 and the slider 82 as separate parts, for example on the element 30 . Recognizing that this can be achieved by mounting only the key 81 and only the cursor 82 on the dispenser body 11, allowing the key and slider to cooperate with each other after assembling the elements 30 on the body 11. You can do it. It will also be appreciated that the mechanisms of the control structure may include elements that move at angles other than linearly, as in the illustrated case.

A functional housing structure of the type illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 21 and/or a functional control structure of the type illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 25 may also be provided with a covering element that only partially covers the peripheral profile of the front body part 11 , e.g. It will be appreciated that it may advantageously be provided for a covering element that covers only the longitudinal or transverse sides of the profile.

Clearly, various modifications to the illustratively described dispensing unit are possible for those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (15)

A detergent dispensing unit designed to be mounted in a through opening (B) of the mounting wall (5) of a dishwasher tank (3), wherein the dispensing unit (10) has at least one containment volume (12, 12') defined. and comprising a dispenser body (11) capable of containing at least one cleaning agent;
The dispenser body 11 has a rear body part 11' and a front body part 11", the front body part 11" having a larger circumference than the rear body part 11';
The front body part (11') has a peripheral profile and an upper surface, on which it is mounted with at least one closure element (13, 15) and at least one containment volume (12, 12) from at least one open position. displaceable from an open position allowing access to the at least one containment volume 12, 12' and a closed position preventing access to the at least one containment volume 12, 12';
Substantially, in the transition area between the rear body part 11' and the front body part 11", a peripheral gasket 20 designed to exert a seal against the outer side 5a of the mounting wall 5 is provided. A sheet S is defined;
The dispenser body 11 has, in the peripheral profile of the rear body part 11', first fixing means 16 for fixing the dispenser body 11 against the inside of the mounting wall 5;
The dispenser unit 10 further comprises at least one covering element 30 configured to at least partially cover the peripheral profile of the front body part 11″;
The second fastening means (17-19, 34-36, 50, 60) is provided for fastening the covering element (30) to the front body part (11"), at least one covering element (30) and the front body part (11"). Dispensing unit, characterized in that provided between at least one of the upper surface of the front body part (11") and the peripheral profile of the front body part (11"). 2. The at least one covering element (30) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one covering element (30) has a substantially annular shape with a central passageway in which the front body part (11") is at least partially received. A dispensing unit characterized in that it has a shape to cover only a portion of the peripheral profile of. 3. Dispensing unit according to claim 2, wherein the at least one covering element (30) has a substantially annular shape and is formed to cover substantially completely the circumferential profile of the front body part (11"). Dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one covering element (30) has an upper side (33) that at least partially covers the upper face of the dispenser body (11). fencing unit. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one covering element (30) has two opposite transverse sides (30c, 30d), and at least one of the two opposite transverse sides (30c, 30d) One further contains at least one of the following:
- a lowered height portion 30c' for enabling displacement of the at least one closing element 13, 15 in a position substantially corresponding to the at least one closing element 13, 15, in particular between the open and closed positions. ),
- one or more passages or through openings in a position substantially corresponding to the at least one closure element (13, 15), in particular to enable outflow of the cleaning liquid and/or at least one cleaning agent from the containment volume (13, 15) 30d'),
- a portion (30c") of reduced thickness in a position substantially corresponding to the element (15a) for manually releasing at least one closing element (15). 6. The at least one covering element (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one covering element (30) has a gasket (40) associated therewith, preferably an annular gasket, on the outside (5a) of the mounting wall (5). A dispensing unit, characterized in that it is configured to provide an axial type seal against 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one sealing structure (50, 60) is set between at least one covering element (30) and the front body part (11"), said sealing structure comprising: A dispensing unit, characterized in that it preferably has an annular peripheral profile. 8. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one covering element (30) comprises at least one of the following:
- two transverse sides opposite each other (30c, 30d), or
- two longitudinal sides (30a, 30b) opposite each other,
two transverse sides (30c, 30d), two longitudinal sides (30a, 30b), each having an outer and an inner side,
The two horizontal sides 30c, 30d and the two vertical sides 30a, 30b each have an outer wall or wall portion 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d defining at least a portion of the outer side, and at least a portion of the inner side. comprising an inner wall or wall portion (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d); and
The outer wall or wall portions 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d and the inner wall or wall portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are spaced apart from each other;
Preferably, the two transverse sides 30c, 30d, each of the two longitudinal sides 30a, 30b are at least partially hollow, and the outer wall or wall portion 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d and the inner wall or wall portion are A dispensing unit characterized by having a channel-shaped cross section laterally divided by (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d). In the dispensing unit according to claims 6 and 8,
- the at least one covering element (30) has a substantially annular shape with a central passage and comprises two transverse sides (30c, 30d) and two longitudinal sides (30a, 30b), each inner wall or wall portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d each demarcating respective parts of the central passage;
- the annular gasket 40 of the at least one covering element 30 has an annular shape and is located on the inner wall or wall parts 32a, 32b, 32c of the transverse sides 30c, 30d and the longitudinal sides 30a, 30b. , 32d), the dispensing unit is located closer to the outer wall or wall portion (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) of the horizontal sides (30c, 30d) and the longitudinal sides (30a, 30b). According to any one of claims 2 to 9,
- the second fastening means (17-19, 34-36, 50, 60) comprises a first engaging means (17-19) in the peripheral profile of the front body part (11"),
- said at least one covering element (30) has two opposite transverse sides (30c, 30d) and two opposite longitudinal sides (30a, 30b), said at least one covering element (30) The horizontal sides (30c, 30d) and the vertical sides (30a, 30b) have outer and inner sides, respectively, and
- The second fixing means (17-19, 34-36, 50, 60) are located on the inside of a plurality of transverse sides (30c, 30d) and longitudinal sides (30a, 30b) of the at least one covering element (30). It further comprises a second coupling means (34-36), configured to engage with the first coupling means (17-19), in particular in substantially snap-on coupling,
Preferably, the first coupling means (17-19) is defined as integral with the front body part (11") and the second coupling means (34-36) is defined as integral with the at least one covering element (30). Characterized by a dispensing unit. According to any one of claims 1 to 10,
- the front body part 11" is comprised of two opposite longitudinal peripheral walls 11a, 11b and two opposite transverse peripheral walls (11"), which define the circumferential profile of the front body part 11" 11c, 11d), wherein the longitudinal peripheral walls (11a, 11b) and the transverse peripheral walls (11c, 11d) each have an upper part belonging to the upper surface of the front body part (11"),
- the front body part (11") has at least one additional longitudinal wall (11e) located in the middle of the two longitudinal peripheral walls (11a, 11b) and extending to the upper surface of the front body part (11") further provided with, and
- Dispensing unit, characterized in that the upper side (33) of the at least one covering element (30) has a middle part (33e) that at least partially covers the upper part of the additional longitudinal wall (11e). 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second fastening means (17-19, 34-36, 50, 60) is between at least one covering element (30) and the front body part (11"). comprising one or more welds or joints (50), said one or more welds or joints (50) comprising a continuous weld or joint line, preferably with an annular peripheral profile, between the at least one covering element (30) and the front body. Dispensing unit characterized by providing a sealing structure between parts (11"). 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least part of the functional structure is mounted on or defined by at least one covering element (30), for example at least one of the following:
- a control structure (80, 84) operable to cause switching of the engagement/disengagement system (90, 90a) of said at least one closure element (13, 15) associated with the dispenser body (11), said control structure (80) , 84) comprises in particular at least one control element 80 that is manually actuable by the user and is movably mounted on the covering element 30, said control structures 80, 84 preferably comprising: comprising an elastic element (84) operable to press (80) into its respective inoperative position;
- A dispensing unit characterized in that it has a housing structure comprising a housing 70 that is directly exposed and configured to receive a cleaning agent. A detergent dispensing unit designed to be mounted in a through opening (B) of the mounting wall (5) of a dishwasher tank (3), wherein the dispensing unit (10) has at least one containment volume (12, 12') defined. , comprising a dispenser body (11) capable of containing at least one cleaning agent,
The dispenser body (11) has a rear body part (11') and a front body part (11"), the front body part (11") having a peripheral profile and a top surface,
The dispensing unit 10 further comprises at least one covering element 30 coupled to the dispensing body 11 and configured to at least partially cover at least one of the peripheral profile and the upper surface of the front body part 11". A dispensing unit characterized in that. A dishwasher comprising a dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14.