WO2021044254A1

WO2021044254A1 - Washing-agent dispenser device for dish-washers

Info

Publication number: WO2021044254A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/057960
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniele Cerruti; Marco Bianchi; Alberto SCIUTTO
Original assignee: Eltek S.P.A.
Priority date: 2019-09-06
Filing date: 2020-08-26
Publication date: 2021-03-11
Also published as: IT201900015746A1; CN114667092A

Abstract

A washing-agent dispenser device is configured for installation with a predetermined laying plane on a dish-washer door, the laying plane being substantially vertical when the door is open and substantially horizontal when the door is closed. The dispenser device (10) comprises at least one dispensing arrangement, which includes a tank (20) for a liquid washing agent (B) in the dispenser body (11), the tank (20) having a total volume (20a, 20b), a loading passage (13) provided with a plug (12), and a discharge passage (14), the loading passage (13) and the discharge passage (14) being defined in the front body part (11a). The loading passage (13) and the dosing chamber (22) each have a respective internal edge (21a, 22a), which extends within the tank (20) and faces the back of the dispenser body (11). The total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) can be partially occupied by the substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is in a substantially horizontal position. At least one of the loading passage (13) and the dosing chamber (22) is prearranged in such a way that the respective internal edge (21a, 22a) extends at a respective height that is not lower than the maximum level that can be reached in the total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) by the substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is in a substantially horizontal position.

Description

“Washing-agent dispenser device for dish-washers”

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to washing-agent dispensers for dish-washing machines, and has been developed with particular reference to dispensers that are to be mounted on the door of a top-loading dish-washer, in particular a sink dish washer.

Prior art

Sink dish-washers are distinguished by the presence of an upper door, which can be displaced between a substantially horizontal, closing, position and a substantially vertical, opening, position. These two positions of the upper door are opposite to those assumed by the front door of a classic front-loading dish-washer, i.e., one provided with a front door: this can preclude the use, on sink or top loading dish-washers, of a dispenser of washing agents devised for a front-loading dish-washer. This circumstance may, for example, be due to the fact that many dispensers for front-loading dish-washers have a system for dosing a liquid washing agent (typically, a rinse aid) that bases its own operation on the movements of the door of the dish-washer. Such dispensers comprise a tank that can contain an amount of liquid agent sufficient for carrying out a number of washing cycles, and associated to this tank is a dosing tray or chamber, which can contain at least one dose or amount of the liquid agent necessary for carrying out a single washing cycle. Operatively associated to the dosing chamber is a valve arrangement, for example having a valve member operating at a corresponding discharge passage, with the aforesaid valve means that can be controlled to enable outflow of the dose of liquid washing agent from the dosing chamber into the washing tank, through the aforementioned discharge passage.

In front-loading dish-washers, the system is typically devised so that, when the door of the dish-washer is brought into the substantially horizontal opening position, the dosing chamber is filled by a corresponding part of the contents of the tank, and when the door is subsequently brought into the substantially vertical closing position, the dosing chamber is able to withhold the corresponding dose contained therein until it is dispensed in a controlled way via the valve arrangement.

The above type of operation is precluded in the case of a top-loading dish- washer given the reverse movement of the corresponding upper door (horizontal when closed and vertical when open).

Dispensers have then been proposed that can be used in top-loading dish washers. In a first type of solution, the dispenser is mounted on one of the stationary vertical walls of the washing tank, i.e., with the dispenser itself that is able to operate according to a respective laying plane that is constantly vertical. Dispensers for this application may be of the type envisaged also for installation on a dish-washer with a drawer-like or sliding front door, the system for dispensing the liquid washing agent of which is based upon particular dispensing arrangements (see, for example, WO 01/73182 A2 filed in the name of the present Applicant). Such an approach has as consequence that the dispenser is installed inside the washing tank of the dish-washer, underneath its access edge, and hence in a position that is somewhat inconvenient for the user when the dispenser is to be charged with the washing agents. This position may also be hard to reach by the user, in particular when the dishes to be washed have already been loaded into the machine, and likewise involves a certain lateral encumbrance, which can lead to a reduction of the useful space for the dish rack.

There have also been proposed dispensers designed for being mounted on the door of a sink dish-washer, which comprise an arrangement for dispensing a liquid washing agent prearranged for exploiting the movement of the door itself for the purpose of charging into the dosing chamber a corresponding dose of the washing agent starting from the greater amount contained in the corresponding tank. Such an arrangement hence operates in a way opposite to that of a dispenser devised for a front-loading machine; i.e., it is designed to obtain filling of the dosing chamber when the door is in the vertical, opening, position, and withholding the corresponding liquid contents also following upon displacement of the door into the horizontal closing position for the purpose of subsequent dispensing of the liquid washing agent.

Following upon use of the dish-washer, the tank has to be periodically topped up and for this purpose it has a loading passage, which opens in general at the front of the body of the dispenser. The passage is prearranged for receiving at least partially a removable plug, having a generally cylindrical shape, with the plug and the passage that are provided with mutual-coupling means. Once the plug has been removed, the loading passage can be used for addition of new liquid washing agent into the tank. In order to enable hermetic closing of the tank, the plug is in general equipped with an annular gasket, which is to co-operate with a corresponding sealing surface defined in the body of the dispenser, usually within the loading passage. The coupling means, normally of the bayonet-coupling type or possibly of a threaded type, enable coupling and gripping in a precise way of the plug with respect to the loading passage so that the aforesaid gasket will co operate effectively with respect to the aforesaid sealing surface.

In dispensers for top-loading dish-washers of this type there may, however, arise risks of leakage such as to cause emptying of the entire tank, when the door of the dish-washer is in the horizontal, closing, position. Such risks may typically occur on account of incorrect closing of the plug that enables topping-up of the liquid washing agent into the tank, or else following upon damage to the corresponding gasket or to the corresponding sealing surface, and/or to the coupling system between the plug and the body of the dispenser. Other risks of leakage may occur following upon malfunctioning of the valve arrangement designed for enabling dispensing of the liquid washing agent from the dosing chamber, for example malfunctioning during closing of a corresponding valve member or failure of its sealing means. It should be noted, in this regard, that an excessive dispensing of the liquid washing agent may cause operating faults of the dish-washer, in particular in the case of a rinse aid, which is typically chemically aggressive and electrically conductive. An excess of washing agent could, for example, cause damage to delicate dishes, or else an exaggerated production of foam, which could also penetrate into the ventilation duct of the machine, at the end of the cycle, and be expelled and/or come into contact with electrically powered internal parts.

Dispensers for top-loading dish-washers may also present a second dispensing arrangement for a further washing agent, usually a detergent in solid or semisolid form (a tablet, a powder, a gel), which includes a receptacle for the further washing agent and a corresponding hatch, which is hinged to a front part of the body of the dispenser to move angularly between an opening position, for charging of the washing agent into the receptacle when the door is open and for discharging the washing agent from the receptacle when the door is closed, and a closing position, for withholding the washing agent charged into the receptacle.

The receptacle can be defined in the hatch, in which case the front part of the body of the dispenser defines a recess that is able to house the receptacle when the hatch is in a closing position. In embodiments of this type, when the door of the dish-washer is in the vertical, opening, position, the open hatch is substantially horizontal, i.e., perpendicular to the body of the dispenser, with the mouth of the receptacle oriented upwards. If, on the one hand, this position can facilitate loading of the washing agent into the receptacle, on the other hand there exist risks of exit of the washing agent charged into the receptacle when the hatch, and hence the receptacle itself, is moved angularly towards the respective closing position, which is substantially vertical when the door of the dish-washer is open. This kind of embodiment can also complicate proper or complete removal of the washing agent from the receptacle when the hatch opens for the purposes of dispensing, since - with the door of the dish-washer closed, the hatch of the dispenser is substantially horizontal, and also the mouth of the receptacle is oriented substantially horizontally.

Object and summary of the invention

The present invention is aimed at providing a dispenser of washing agents - in particular for top-loading or sink dish-washers - having an improved and efficient structure that is preferably able to overcome one or more of the drawbacks referred to above in relation to dispenser devices of a known type.

In this general framework, according to an aspect thereof, an aim of the invention is to provide a dispenser device for top-loading dish-washers in which risks are prevented of complete emptying of the liquid washing agent from the corresponding tank, in the case of ineffective closing of the corresponding plug, for example due to malfunctioning of its engagement and/or sealing system.

According to another aspect, the an aim of the invention is to provide a dispenser device for top-loading dish-washers in which risks are prevented of complete emptying of the liquid washing agent from the corresponding tank in the case of malfunctioning of its dispensing system, in particular its valve means and/or sealing means.

According to a different aspect, an aim of the invention is to provide a dispenser device for top-loading dish-washers with an angularly mobile hatch that defines a corresponding receptacle, where the operations of loading and dispensing of a washing agent into/from the receptacle are improved.

According to a further aspect, an aim of the invention is to provide a washing-agent dispenser device provided with a dispensing arrangement for dispensing a liquid washing agent that is equipped with a system for volumetric adjustment of the capacity of a corresponding dosing tray, that is built in a simple and inexpensive way and is easy to use by a user.

One or more of the aforesaid aims, as well as others still that will emerge clearly hereinafter, are achieved according to the present invention by a washing- agent dispenser device having the characteristics specified in the annexed claims. The claims constitute an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The aims, characteristics, and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the ensuing description, with reference to the annexed drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example and in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a top-loading dish-washer comprising a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention;

- Figures 2 and 3 are schematic perspective views of a portion a door of the dish-washer of Figure 1, with associated thereto a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention, in two different conditions;

- Figures 4 and 5 are schematic perspective views of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention, in two different conditions;

- Figure 6 is a schematic view in front elevation of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention, with a respective laying plane set substantially vertically;

- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view according to the line VII- VII of Figure

6;

- Figures 8 and 9 are partially sectioned schematic perspective views of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention, in Figure 9 some parts of an actuation system being omitted for clarity of representation;

- Figure 10 is a schematic top plan view of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention, with a respective laying plane set substantially horizontally;

- Figures 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views according to the lines XI- XI and XII- XII of Figure 10;

- Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a part of an actuation system of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention, with respective portions of a control lever and a controlled lever;

- Figures 14-17 are partial schematic views in front elevation of the actuation system of Figure 13, in different operating conditions;

- Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to the line XVIII-XVIII of Figure 17;

- Figure 19 is a schematic view from beneath of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention, with a respective laying plane set substantially horizontally;

- Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view according to the line XX-XX of Figure 19;

- Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 20, with the dispenser in a different condition;

- Figure 22 is a schematic perspective view of two components of a system for volumetric adjustment of a dose of liquid washing agent of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention;

- Figures 23 and 24 are partially sectioned schematic perspective views of a portion of a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention, in two different conditions of a corresponding system for volumetric adjustment of a dose of liquid washing agent;

- Figure 25 is a view similar to that of Figure 10 regarding a possible embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view according to the line XXVI- XXVI of Figure 25; and

- Figures 27 and 28 are partially sectioned schematic perspective views of a top-loading dish-washer with a dispenser device according to possible embodiments of the invention, in two different conditions.

Description of embodiments of the invention

Reference to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” in the framework of the present description is intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as “in an embodiment”, “in one embodiment”, “in various embodiments” and the like that may be present in various points of this description do not necessarily refer to one and the same embodiment. Moreover, particular conformations, structures, or characteristics defined in the context of the present description may be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments, which may also be different from the ones represented. The reference numbers and spatial references (such as “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, etc.) are used herein merely for convenience and hence do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments. In the figures, the same reference numbers are used to designate elements that are analogous or technically equivalent.

In the sequel of the present description, embodiments will be exemplified of a washing-agent dispenser device for a top-loading dish-washer provided with two dispensing arrangements, one for a first liquid washing agent, and the other for a second washing agent, preferably a solid or semi-solid washing agent. However, according to the cases, in the practical embodiment of the invention, the dispenser according to the present disclosure could be equipped with a single dispensing arrangement for a corresponding washing agent. Likewise, in the embodiments exemplified, the arrangement for dispensing the liquid washing agent is of the type that includes a dosing tray or chamber of the kind described previously, which exploits the movement of the dispenser for the purpose of loading the chamber. However, according to the cases, in the practical embodiment of the invention, the dispenser according to the present disclosure could be equipped with an arrangement for dispensing the liquid washing agent that does not comprise a tray of such a type, for example a system of the type in which dosing of the washing agent is performed using a valve (see, for example, the aforementioned document WO 01/73182 A2.

With initial reference to Figure 1, designated as a whole by 1 is a top loading dish-washer, which is here assumed as being a sink dish-washer, where this definition comprises, however, both dish-washers that are associated or can be associated to a sink and dish-washers designed to be mounted on or integrated in a sink, or again dish-washers that are to be set into the top surface of a cooker, in a way similar to built-in cooking hobs

The machine 1 has a stationary structure 2, with a washing chamber or tub 3, preferably equipped with at least one rack 4 designed to contain dishes to be washed. The tub 3 has an upper opening for loading and unloading of the dishes, which is accessible through an upper door 5, which is in turn articulated in a lower region thereof to the structure 2, so as to be angularly displaceable about a substantially horizontal axis A. In particular, the door 5 is displaceable between an opening position, which is generally vertical (represented in Figure 1) and where the upper opening of the tub 3 is freely accessible, and a closing position, which is generally horizontal (as in Figures 27-28), where the upper opening of the tub 3 is closed in a sealed way. The definition of “generally vertical” for the position of the door 5 is understood as comprising also inclined positions thereof, in any case ones such as to enable access to the tub 3.

With reference also to Figures 2 and 3, the door 5 has an inner wall or side 5a, which may, for example, be defined by a shell made of stainless steel or polymeric material, at which a dispenser of washing agents according to possible embodiments of the invention, designated as a whole by 10 and identified hereinafter for simplicity also as “dispenser”, is mounted. The dispenser 10 includes at least one arrangement for dispensing a washing agent, for example a liquid washing agent or else a washing agent in solid or semi-solid form. In various embodiments, the dispenser comprises two different dispensing arrangements for respective washing agents, preferably but not necessarily arrangements that can be operated via one and the same actuator device.

The dispenser 10 is configured for installation with a predetermined laying plane with respect to the door 5, or with respect to its inner side 5 a, at a corresponding mounting opening. In this way, the laying plane of the dispenser is substantially vertical when the door 5 is open, and substantially horizontal when the door 5 is closed.

With reference also to Figures 4 and 5, the dispenser 10 has a body 11 with a front part 11a and a part rear lib, which define a front and a back of the dispenser body, respectively. In various embodiments, the body parts 11a and lib comprise a front piece made of plastic material and a rear piece made of plastic material, respectively, which have at least respective peripheral edges which are joined together in a sealed way, for example welded, and which identify a joining plane, denoted, for example, by W in Figure 7. As illustrated in Figures 8-9, the front body part 11a preferably has a peripheral flange 1 lai, defining a seat open at the rear for housing a perimetral gasket lla2, which, in the condition where the dispenser 10 is mounted, enables sealing to be obtained with respect to the wall 5a of the door 5 of the dish-washer 1.

As has been said, in various embodiments, the dispenser 10 comprises at least one first dispensing arrangement for at least one washing agent, for example a washing agent in solid or semi-solid form (a tablet, a powder, a gel) or else a liquid washing agent (for example, a rinse aid). In various advantageous embodiments, the dispenser 10 includes two different dispensing arrangements, each of which is envisaged for a respective washing agent. In particularly advantageous embodiments, where two different dispensing arrangements are provided, these can be operated at different moments by means of an actuation system that includes a single actuator: an embodiment of this type will be exemplified hereinafter, without prejudice to the fact that - in possible alternative embodiments - each dispensing arrangement could have an actuation system of its own including a respective actuator device.

With reference to the case exemplified of Figures 2-4, provided at the front body part 11a of the body 11 is a plug 12, associated to a corresponding loading passage 13. The plug 12 is removably associated to the passage 13 in order to enable topping-up of a liquid washing agent in a corresponding tank (described hereinafter), which belongs to a corresponding dispensing arrangement. This arrangement for dispensing the liquid agent further comprises a discharge passage 14, which is also defined in the front body part 11a and operatively associated to which is a valve arrangement (described hereinafter).

Once again as viewed in the figures 2-4, in the case exemplified, the dispenser 10 includes a second dispensing arrangement, for a further washing agent, which is here assumed as being, for example, a solid washing agent, in particular in the form of a tablet, such as the one designated by D in Figure 3. In various preferential embodiments, the second dispensing arrangement includes a hatch 15, which is mounted in the front body part 11a and can be moved between a position of withholding and a position of release of the washing agent D with respect to a corresponding receptacle.

In preferential embodiments, such as the one illustrated and as is clearly visible, for example, in Figures 2 and 3, defined in the front body part 11a is a recess 16 for housing the aforesaid receptacle, designated by 18, which is defined in the hatch 15. The recess 16 is shaped for receiving within it the receptacle 18 when the hatch 15 is in the respective closing position for withholding the washing agent D, as in Figure 2.

The hatch 15 has two opposite end regions, one of which - here conventionally defined as “lower” - is equipped with respective hinge means 15i, of a conception in itself known, which are designed to co-operate with hinge means of the front body part 11a and define an axis of rotation X to enable an angular movement thereof between the aforesaid withholding and release positions. Between the dispenser body 11 and the hatch 15 there may be operative elastic means (not visible), for example integrated in the hinge means 151 in order to urge the hatch 15 towards the open position of release.

In various embodiments, the opposite end region of the hatch 15 - conventionally here defined as “upper region” - is configured for co-operating with an engagement/release system. In various embodiments, this system includes an engagement lever 19, which is angularly movable according to a respective axis substantially perpendicular to the axis X of rotation of the hatch 15 and is able to co-operate with an upper edge of the hatch itself, in particular of a front wall 15a thereof, here shaped so as to define an engagement element 19a.

The lever 19 is associated to an actuation system, to enable automatic release of the hatch 15. In any case, preferentially, the lever 19 can be displaced also manually in order to enable a user to open the hatch 15 in the case of need.

With particular reference to Figures 3 and 5, the receptacle 18 has a mouth 18a and a peripheral surface, the latter being formed by a front surface 18b, two lateral surfaces or walls 18c, and a rear surface or wall 18d. The receptacle 18 also has a bottom surface 18e, which is closer to the lower end region of the hatch 15 and is opposite to the mouth 18a, which is, instead, closer to the upper end region of the hatch 15. As may be clearly noted in Figure 5, in various embodiments, the back of the front wall 15a of the hatch 15 defines a part of the aforesaid peripheral surface 18b-18d of the receptacle 18, namely its front surface 18b, and delimits a side of the corresponding mouth 18a.

In various embodiments, present between the hatch 15 and the dispenser body 11 is a gasket, designated by 16a in Figures 3 and 20-21, configured for preventing entry of water into the receptacle 18 and/or preventing early exit of the corresponding washing agent D before opening of the hatch 15. Preferentially, the gasket 16a is fixed on the dispenser body, in particular on the body part 11a, for example via teeth (not shown), and is elastically compressed between the inner side of the wall 15a and the body part 11a when the hatch 15 is in the closed position.

According to an aspect of the invention, and as will be appreciated in particular from Figure 18, the hatch 15, and hence the surfaces that define the receptacle 18, is prearranged in such a way that, when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is substantially horizontal and the hatch 15 is in the respective opening position, the mouth 18a of the receptacle 18 faces downwards, with the front surface 18b of the peripheral surface 18b-18d of the receptacle 18 that forms an inclined plane, for favouring dispensing of the washing agent D through the corresponding mouth 18a, thus preventing any undesired accumulation thereof. This embodiment likewise favours natural outflow of possible washing water that reaches the inside of the receptacle 18, preventing accumulation thereof. There may be noted from Figure 18 the opening position of the hatch 15, with the mouth 18a of the receptacle 18 open downwards and with the surface 18b that functions as inclined plane that favours dispensing of the solid or semisolid washing agent: it will be appreciated that with this position, also any washing water that may reach the inside of the receptacle 18 is forced to flow away again towards the inside of the tank, thereby preventing any possible accumulation of detergent and/or water. In the non-limiting example illustrated, the wall 18b is substantially straight and plane, but in possible variant embodiments it could be at least in part curved and/or include segments inclined in various directions and/or combinations of stretches that are curved and linear, but with an overall profile suitable for defining a general plane or path that is at least in part inclined downwards, designed to favour outflow of the washing agent and/or favour flushing of the receptacle 18.

In various preferential embodiments, at least one from among the dispenser body 11, the hatch 15, and its hinge means 15i comprises end-of-travel means, for limiting the angular movement of the hatch itself from the closing position to the opening position, in such a way that between a plane identified by the front of the dispenser body 11 and a general plane or path identified by at least a part of the front wall 15a of the hatch (i.e., of the front surface 18b of the receptacle 18) an acute angle is defined, for example comprised between 40° and 60°.

The aforementioned end-of-travel means may comprise, for example, at least one arrest element in a fixed position on the body 11, upon which a part of the hatch 15 comes to bear, at the end of its angular movement, or else at least one arrest element in a fixed position on the body of the hatch 15, which comes to bear upon a part of the body 11 at the end of the aforesaid movement. The end-of- travel means could also be integrated in the hinge or hinges between the body 11 and the hatch 15.

As may be seen from Figure 3, when the door of the dish-washer is open (substantially vertical) and the hatch 15 is open, the angle of opening of the latter is less than 90°, albeit enabling substantially complete access to the mouth of the receptacle 18. In this way, in the case of use of a liquid or powder detergent, the corresponding dose can be charged easily into the receptacle 18, without it being poured immediately into the washing tank of the dish-washer. Likewise, when the door of the dish-washer is closed (substantially horizontal) and opening of the hatch 15 is brought about for the purpose of dispensing - as, for example, in Figure 28 -, the angle of maximum opening of less than 90° enables occupation of a small space inside the washtub 3, in addition to favouring outflow of the detergent and of the washing water towards the outside of the receptacle 18, preventing any residue and stagnation, as explained above.

With reference, in particular, to Figures 6-9, designated by 20 is the aforementioned tank, which belongs to the arrangement for dispensing the liquid washing agent. This arrangement comprises a dosing chamber, designated by 22, which is defined within the tank 20 and is connected in fluid communication with the discharge passage 14 (see, for example, Figure 12). The chamber 22 is sized for withholding at least one dose of liquid washing agent and is configured for being filled with part of the liquid agent contained in the tank 20 when the laying plane of the dispenser is substantially vertical (as, for example, in Figure 7), and withholding the dose itself when the laying plane of the dispenser is substantially horizontal (as, for example, in Figures 11 or 12), for subsequent dispensing through the discharge passage 14. In various embodiments, the chamber 22 has an internal edge, designated by 22a for example in Figure 7, defined by one end of a tubular portion, which extends within the tank 20, starting from the front body part 11a and which forms the chamber 22. The chamber 22 could also be laterally delimited by a series of contiguous walls, the upper end of which defines the aforesaid edge 22a.

As has been said, in embodiments (not represented), the dispenser 10 might not be equipped with the arrangement for dispensing the liquid washing agent or the solid/semisolid washing agent, or again, in the case of presence of both of the arrangements, one of them could be different from the one exemplified here; for example, the arrangement for dispensing the liquid agent could be of the type described in WO 01/73182 A2.

With reference also to Figure 12, the arrangement for dispensing the liquid washing agent comprises a valve arrangement including a valve, designated as a whole by 40, which is provided with a corresponding valve member, operating between the chamber 22 and the discharge passage 14. In various embodiments, the valve member comprises a core 41, made of relatively rigid material, provided on the outside with a sealing element 42 made of elastic material, for example an elastomer. In the example, the core 41 extends axially, and the outer sealing element 42 is formed by a coating of the core (in other embodiments, on the other hand, the sealing element could comprise one or more annular gaskets mounted on the core, as in WO 01/73182 A2). Irrespective of its specific implementation, the valve 40 can be controlled for displacing the valve member 41-42 between a closing position and an opening position to enable dispensing of the dose of washing agent contained in the dosing chamber 22, through the discharge passage 14.

In the non-limiting example illustrated, where the valve member 41-42 is substantially a needle open/close element, the sealing element 42 operates precisely at the discharge passage 14 so that, in the aforesaid closing position, the element 42 is located in a lowered position in order to obstruct the passage 14; instead, in the opening position, the valve member 41-42 is in a raised position with respect to the passage 14 so as to release it and enable exit of the liquid washing agent contained in the dosing chamber 22. In various embodiments, the sealing element 42 defines, at the end opposite with respect to the passage 14, also a bellows-type or membrane-type gasket (of the kind designated by 42a only in Figures 23-24), fixed on a corresponding seat of the body 11 in order to ensure perimetral sealing that prevents exit of the liquid agent from the tank 20 through a passage of the rear body part 1 lb - not represented - axially displaceable in which is the valve member 41-42.

As may be appreciated from Figure 7, the position of the loading passage 13 substantially identifies in the tank 20 a filling volume - designated by 20a - which extends substantially below the passage 13 itself when the door of the dish washer is open, i.e., when the laying plane of the dispenser is substantially vertical.

The filling volume 20a, which is equal to a fraction of the total volume of the tank 20, is able to receive a substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent, which can be charged through the passage 13 when the laying plane is substantially vertical, after the plug 12 has been removed. In this way, as emerges from Figures 7 and 8, extending over the filling volume 20a and over the liquid washing agent, designated by B, is a further volume 20b, which, even in the presence of the aforesaid maximum amount of liquid washing agent, remains in any case free. In various embodiments, such as the one exemplified, the loading passage 13 has a safety internal edge, which extends within the tank 20 and is directed towards the back of the dispenser body 11. In the example, the safety internal edge, designated by 21a, is defined by one end of a safety tubular portion 21 of the front body part 11a, which extends from the latter towards the rear body part 1 lb. In possible variant embodiments, the aforesaid safety edge, instead of being defined by the portion 21, could be distinct therefrom, for example being defined by a further tubular portion that substantially surrounds the portion 21.

From Figure 7 it may be noted how, in various preferential embodiments, the tubular portion 21 is at least slightly inclined towards the volume 20a, possibly also projecting within it; preferably, the internal edge 21a has a configuration substantially parallel to the rear wall 1 lb’ of the rear body part 1 lb.

Once again from Figure 7 it may be noted how, in various embodiments, the plug 12 can be provided with a peripheral sealing element 12a, for example an annular gasket made of elastomer material, which is designed to co-operate sealingly with a respective area of the tubular portion 21 that defines the passage 13. The inner surface of the tubular portion 21, i.e., the one facing the plug 12, may be conveniently equipped with coupling means, which are to co-operate with corresponding means provided on the plug 12, such as engagement elements forming part of a bayonet coupling, or else a thread.

The dosing chamber 22 is defined within the filling volume 20a of the tank 20 and, as has been said, is configured for filling the latter when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is substantially vertical, and for withholding the dose of liquid washing agent B when the laying plane is, instead, substantially horizontal. From Figure 8 it may be clearly noted how, towards the inside of the filling volume 20a there projects also a seat 23 for a level sensor 24 for detecting the level of the liquid washing agent, of any known type, for example a level sensor of an optical type.

In various preferential embodiments, the dosing chamber 22 is located in a lower half of the filling volume 20a, considering as reference the position of the laying plane substantially vertical. This characteristic, which is clearly visible, for example, in Figure 7, makes it possible to guarantee that in any case a certain amount of liquid agent B penetrates into the chamber 22, even when its overall level is relatively low in the tank 20.

With reference, for example, to Figure 9, when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is in its generally horizontal position, the total volume of the tank 20, represented by the sum of the volumes 20a and 20b, is occupied only partially by the aforesaid substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent B. In particular, in the aforesaid generally horizontal position, the mass of liquid spreads out over the portion of the front wall 11a’ (see Figure 11) of the front body part 11a that delimits the tank 20, without being in contact with the rear wall 1 lb’ of the rear body part 1 lb.

From Figure 9, as well as from Figures 10 and 11 it may be noted how, according to an aspect of the invention, the loading passage 13 is prearranged in a way such as to present a corresponding safety arrangement, which, in the examples described, is obtained via the safety tubular wall 21, the internal edge 21a of which extends at a respective height that is not lower than (i.e., greater than or at the limit substantially equal to) the maximum level that can be reached - in the total volume 20a + 20b - by the aforesaid substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent B, when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is in the substantially horizontal position.

As has been said, the safety tubular wall 21 and/or the respective internal edge 21a may belong to the tubular portion 21 that defines the loading passage 13, or else may be formed by a further wall or tubular portion that surrounds, for example concentrically, the tubular portion 21 of the passage 13.

Thanks to this safety arrangement, in particular to the safety tubular portion 21, even in the case where the user - after topping up the tank 20 - closes the plug in an incorrect way, i.e., such as not to enable hermetic sealing with respect to the passage 13, any leakage of the liquid washing agent B towards the inside of the tank of the dish-washer will be prevented when the door 5 of the dish-washer is then brought into the closing position; i.e., the dispenser 10 will be brought to assume its substantially horizontal laying plane. The maximum level that can be reached by the washing agent B in the total volume 20a + 20b of the tank will in any case be lower than the internal edge 21a of the passage 13. Similar considerations apply also to the case of damage to or displacement of the gasket 12a of the plug 12, or else of damage to the corresponding sealing surface defined in the passage 13.

Once again from Figure 9, as well as from Figures 10 and 11, it may be noted how, according to another aspect of the invention, also the dosing chamber 22 can be provided with a corresponding safety arrangement, here obtained thanks to the fact that the internal edge 22a of the chamber 22 extends at a respective height that is not lower than (i.e., is greater than or at the limit substantially equal to) the maximum level that can be reached - in the total volume 20a + 20b - by the aforesaid substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent B, when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is in the substantially horizontal position.

Thanks to this safety arrangement of the dosing chamber 22, even in the case of malfunctioning of or damage to the valve means of the dispenser 10, i.e., the valve 40 (and specifically its sealing element 42), such as not to enable a hermetic closing with respect to the discharge passage 14, any undesired leakage of the liquid washing agent B towards the inside of the tank of the dish-washer when the dispenser 10 is brought to assume its substantially horizontal laying plane will be prevented. As explained, in fact, also in this case the maximum level that can be reached by the washing agent B in the total volume 20a + 20b of the tank will be lower than the internal edge 22a of the dosing chamber 22 (instead, the amount of agent B contained within the chamber 22 will be properly dispensed during washing, following upon operation of the valve arrangement associated to the chamber 22 and the passage 14).

The aforementioned safety arrangement of the loading passage 13 and/or the aforementioned safety arrangement of the dosing chamber 22 hence prevent/prevents any leakage of the liquid washing agent, in particular a rinse aid, thus preventing the consequent risks highlighted previously.

Once again in Figure 7 it may be noted how the tubular part that defines the passage 13 and the tubular part or the set of contiguous walls that defines the chamber 22 extend from the front body part 11a of the body 11 of the dispenser, as far as beyond the joining plane W between the front body part 1 la and the rear body part lib. In particular, the safety arrangement corresponding to the passage 13 and/or the safety arrangement corresponding to the dosing chamber 22 are defined by the front body part 11a, it, however, being possible for such safety arrangements to be defined by distinct elements or parts that are associated in a sealed way or welded to the aforesaid front body part 11a.

As has been mentioned, in various embodiments, in which the dispenser 10 comprises two different dispensing arrangements, these can be operated at different moments by means of an actuation system that includes a single actuator, in particular an electric actuator. With particular reference to Figures 8-9, the aforementioned actuator may be a thermo-electric actuator 25, or else an electromagnet, having an actuation member 25a that is linearly movable in opposite directions. In various embodiments, the actuation system may comprise a control lever 26 and a controlled lever 31, the control lever 26 being operable via the actuator 25 and the controlled lever 31 being operable via the control lever 25. In various embodiments, the control lever 25 includes a cam-follower 29, which is inserted in a displaceable way along a closed cam path, defined in a cam member 30 associated to the controlled lever 31.

In various embodiments, as in the example illustrated, the control lever 26 is pivoted to the dispenser body 11, in particular to the rear body part lib, to be set in rotation by the member 25a of the actuator 25, countering the action of a spring 28, according to an axis that is transverse to the laying plane of the dispenser, in particular substantially perpendicular thereto. In the example, the control lever 26 includes two arms 26a and 26b generally inclined with respect to one another, for example substantially perpendicular, and is pivoted to the body 11 at the distal end of the arm 26b, in particular via a shaft 27 mounted passing through a corresponding seat (not indicated) so as to be able to turn about its own longitudinal axis. Preferentially, associated to the end of the shaft 27 opposite to the one visible in Figures 8 and 9 is the lever 19 (see, for example, Figure 6) belonging to the system for release of the hatch 15.

In various embodiments, also the controlled lever 31 is hinged to the dispenser body 11, and specifically to its rear body part lib, so as to turn according to a respective axis that is transverse with respect to the axis of rotation of the lever 26, in particular substantially parallel to the laying plane of the dispenser. In the example illustrated, the rear body part 1 lb has two small parallel brackets 32, extending between which is a pin (designated by 32a only in Figure 17) for articulation of the lever 31, which here has a substantially rectilinear conformation.

In various embodiments, associated to the proximal end of the lever 31 is the cam member 30, defining the path 60, whereas associated to the opposite end of the lever 31 is the valve member of the valve 40, in particular its core 41. As may be appreciated, the arrangement is such that the angular movement of the lever 31 about the axis of rotation determined by the pin 32a causes a displacement of the valve member 41-42 relative to the discharge passage 14 (see for reference Figure 18) in order to open or close the latter via the sealing element 42.

In various embodiments, the angular movement of the lever 31 about the axis defined by the pin 32a is allowed by a particular conformation of the cam path 60 defined by the member 30, as explained hereinafter.

In various preferential embodiments, the controlled lever 31 has a portion that is elastically deformable or flexible in a plane that is substantially parallel or coincident with the laying plane of the dispenser 10. In the case exemplified, the aforesaid elastically deformable or flexible portion is designated by 33 and includes a proximal end of the lever 31 to which the cam member 60 is associated.

Clearly visible in Figure 13 is the cam path 60 defined by the cam member 30, which is preferentially a closed path, having a conformation in part known in the sector (see, for example, EP 602572 Al, filed in the name of the present applicant): in the example, defined at a face of the member 30 is a shaped impression, within which there rises an intermediate part 60a in order to define in the impression a closed path, within which there can move the cam-follower 29, here substantially a pin, carried by the arm 26b at the proximal end of the control lever 26. However, according to a preferential characteristic, at least one stretch 60b of the bottom of the cam path 60 is inclined with respect to the plane of movement of the control lever 26 in such a way that sliding of the cam-follower 29 on the aforesaid inclined stretch 60a of the cam path 60 causes an angular movement of the controlled lever 31 about the axis defined by the pin 32a.

A possible operation of the actuation system illustrated is described hereinafter: It is to be assumed for this purpose that the dispenser 10 is located with its laying plane horizontal (i.e., with the door 5 of the dish-washer 1 closed), as in Figure 25, with a dose of liquid washing agent B that fills the corresponding dosing chamber 22, with the hatch 15 closed, in the receptacle 18 of which there has already been put the corresponding dose of solid washing agent D, and with the discharge passage closed by the valve member 41-42. The initial condition of the actuation system is illustrated in Figure 14, where the cam-follower 29 is located in the lowest point of the path 60, here corresponding to the lowest point of the left-hand branch (as viewed in the figures) of the path itself. The tip of the cam-follower 29 is constantly pressed against the bottom of the path 60.

During operation of the dish-washer 1, at a given point of the washing cycle in progress, the control system of the dish-washer itself governs the electric power supply of the actuator 25, thereby causing exit of the corresponding actuation member 25a from the actuator itself (i.e., a movement thereof towards the right, as viewed in the figures). The displacement of the member 25a causes the angular movement of the control lever 26 about the axis defined by the shaft 27, countering the action of the spring 28 of Figures 8-9 (this spring is not represented in Figures 14-16). In this way, as illustrated in Figure 15, the cam- follower 29 displaces along the aforesaid left-hand branch of the path 60 right up to the top thereof, without thereby causing a substantial movement of the controlled lever 31, i.e., without causing a substantial angular movement about the pin 32a, bringing about only a modest curving towards the right of its elastically deformable portion 33. Movement of the lever 26 causes rotation of the shaft 27, which in turn causes angular movement of the lever 19 for engagement of the hatch 15 (Figure 6), which is released from the corresponding engagement element 19a: the hatch 15 is thus free to open in order to allow the detergent D to drop into the tub of the dish-washer, i.e., in a condition similar to the one illustrated in Figure 18 or Figure 26.

The time of supply of the actuator 25 is relatively short (in the case of an electromagnetic actuator, it may even be a short electric pulse) so that, after dispensing, the control lever 26 can return into the initial position, thanks to the action of the spring 28. The cam-follower 29 then displaces downwards within the path 60. However, in this step, also the elastically deformable portion 33 of the controlled lever 31 tends to return into the initial position, with a corresponding slight displacement to the left of the cam member 60: the result of the simultaneous movements of the cam-follower 29 and of the member 60 has as consequence that the former comes to engage in an intermediate position defined by the central part 60a of the member 30, as illustrated in Figure 16, where the lever 26 maintains in any case a position still slightly angled with respect to its starting position. This position of the cam-follower 29 does not cause any significant displacement of the controlled lever 31 , and hence there is no actuation of the valve 40 of the dispenser 10.

Next, at a given point of the washing cycle in progress, the control system of the dish-washer again governs electrical supply of the actuator 25, thereby causing travel of the corresponding member 25a, as mentioned previously. The new angular movement imparted on the control lever 26 this time causes engagement of the cam-follower 29 in the right-hand branch of the path 60, with the cam-follower 29 that hence displaces from the intermediate position represented by the element 60a to another point of the right-hand branch of the path 60.

In the course of this displacement, the tip of the cam-follower 29 thus slides on the inclined stretch 60b of the bottom of the path 60, as may be appreciated from a comparison between Figures 16 and 17. In this way, considering that the lever 26 and the cam-follower 29 do not vary its own plane of work, the lever 31 as a whole is induced to turn about the axis identified by the pin 32a. Basically, then, the proximal end of the controlled lever 31, i.e., the one bearing the member 30, approaches the back of the body of the dispenser 10, whereas the proximal end of the lever itself moves away therefrom, thus causing an axial displacement of the valve member 41-42 of the valve 40, which moves back with respect to the dispensing passage 14 and releases it, as illustrated in Figure 18: in this way, the dose of liquid washing agent B contained in the dosing chamber 22 can reach the inside of the tank of the dish-washer.

Also in this case, when the electric power supply of the actuator 25 ceases, the control lever 26 can return towards the initial position, thanks to the action of the spring 28. The cam-follower 29 hence displaces downwards within the path 60, returning to its lowest point, corresponding to the left-hand branch, i.e., to the initial position of Figure 14.

According to various embodiments, the arrangement for dispensing the liquid washing agent comprises a system for adjusting the useful volume of the dosing chamber 22, i.e., volume thereof that is actually designed to contain a dose of liquid washing agent B. A possible example in this sense is illustrated in Figures 20-24.

According to various embodiments of this type, mounted within the dosing chamber 22 is an axially displaceable adjusting body, designated as a whole by 50, which is operatively coupled to an angularly rotatable adjusting member, designated as a whole by 51. The adjusting body 50 preferentially has a non- cylindrical peripheral profile, or is in any case shaped and/or mounted in such a way that a rotation of the member 51 cannot bring about a corresponding rotation of the body 50.

With reference, in particular, to Figure 22, the adjusting body 50 has a central passage 50a, preferably blind and substantially circular, very preferably having an initial portion 50b of enlarged diameter. On the surface of the passage 50a, in its portion that extends beyond the possible initial widening 50b, a thread 50c is defined. On the other side, the adjusting member 51 is shaped substantially like a screw, and in any case comprises a front part or head 51a, which is to remain exposed or accessible at the front of the dispenser 10, and a shank 51b, preferably cylindrical, equipped with a respective thread 51c complementary to the one provided in the passage 50a of the body 50. The exposed or visible condition of the head 51a of the adjusting member is represented for greater clarity in Figures 1 and 25-26.

In the body part 11a of the dispenser 11, defined in a position corresponding to the dosing chamber 22 is a through tubular seat lla , through which the shank 51b of the adjusting member 51 is inserted so that the head 51a of the latter remains at the front of the dispenser 10. For this purpose, conveniently, the portion of the shank 51b that is to remain engaged in the seat lla is provided with a sealing element 5 Id, for example an annular gasket. Screwed on the thread 51c of the remaining part of the shank 51b is the thread 50c of the passage 50a of the body 50, in the initial widening 50b of which there can advantageously be received the part of the tubular seat lla that projects towards the inside of the dosing chamber 22. In various embodiments, the system preferentially envisages means designed to guarantee the maintenance of the angular adjustment position set for the member 51. For this purpose, for example, the seat lla and the gasket 5 Id can be configured to guarantee that this position is maintained autonomously thanks to the friction caused between the gasket and the seat.

The assembled condition of the components 50-51 is clearly visible in Figures 20-21 and 23-24. The body 50 is constrained within the chamber 22 so as to be able to perform only axial displacements. With reference to the example illustrated, the body 50 has a non-cylindrical outer profile, here substantially quadrangular, so that at least a flat outer surface portion thereof is substantially set up against a similar inner surface of one of the walls that defines the dosing chamber 22: as may be appreciated, in this way, given the threaded coupling between the components 50 and 51 and the impossibility of rotation of the body 50, to a rotation of the member 51 there cannot but correspond an axial movement of the body 50.

As has been said, the body 50 is mounted within the chamber 22, occupying part of the volume thereof: the useful volume or capacity of the chamber 22, i.e., its volume that is actually designed to contain the liquid washing agent B will consequently be equal to the difference between the total volume of the chamber 22 and the volume of the part of the body 50 that extends within the chamber itself.

Hence, as may be appreciated by “screwing” or “unscrewing” the adjusting member 51 with respect to the adjusting body 50 it is possible to vary the axial position of the latter within the chamber 22 and thus, in the ultimate analysis, the amount of liquid washing agent B that can be received in the chamber 22. The concept is exemplified in Figures 20 and 21, where, for greater clarity, the amount of liquid agent B that occupies the chamber 22 is represented darker, i.e., with a denser field as compared to the remaining part of the liquid agent B present in the tank 20.

Figure 20 illustrates the case where screwing of the member 51 into the body 50 is maximum, corresponding to which is a position of maximum lowering of the body 50 within the chamber 22 (i.e., of maximum approach of the body 50 to the front of the dispenser), with consequent maximum reduction of the volume of the chamber 22. Figure 21 shows, instead, a condition of partial screwing (or unscrewing) of the member 51 with respect to the body 50, with the latter that - following upon unscrewing - slides linearly upwards, i.e., towards the back of the dispenser 10, and hence towards the outside of the chamber 22: as may be noted, part of the volume that was previously occupied by the body 50 is now free in order to be able to receive a corresponding amount of the liquid washing agent, with consequent smaller reduction of the volume of the chamber 22. Conditions corresponding to those of Figures 21-22 may be seen in Figures 23-24.

Consequently, as may be seen, the volumetric adjustment system proposed enables in a simple way variation of the useful capacity of the dosing chamber 22, and hence of the amount of liquid agent that has to be dispensed. Of course, in order to facilitate adjustment by the user, the head 51a of the member 51 may be provided on the front with suitable indications, for example of the type designated by 51ai in Figure 22, which are to be positioned with respect to a fixed index (not represented) defined or impressed on the front of the dispenser 10. The head 51a may also be provided with a notch or recess 51a₂ in order to facilitate rotation of the member 51 by a certain amount, using a generic tool (for example, a screwdriver) when it is required to adjust the volume of liquid agent to be dispensed. In various embodiments, in order to facilitate filling of the tank 20 and/or discharging of the dose of liquid washing agent contained in the dosing chamber 22, the dispenser 10 is equipped with a venting arrangement. An embodiment of this type is represented schematically in Figures 25-26, where the aforementioned venting system is designated as a whole by 80. In the non-limiting example, the system 80 includes a flue having a tubular shape 81, preferably but not necessarily rectilinear and cylindrical 81, having, at the front end, an opening at the front of the dispenser, i.e., on the wall 11a’ of the corresponding body part 11a, and, at the rear or inner end, an opening that opens into the tank 20.

Preferentially, the flue 81 is positioned in the upper part of the tank 20, in particular within the volume 20b (Figure 7), i.e., in a position that cannot be reached by the liquid washing agent B when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is substantially vertical. As may be noted in Figure 28, the length of the flue 80 is such that its inner end is located at a height not lower than (i.e., greater than or at the limit substantially equal to) the maximum level of the liquid washing agent B when the laying plane of the dispenser 10 is substantially horizontal. In this way, when the door of the dish-washer is open, the inner end of the flue 81 is located in the area that cannot be occupied by the liquid washing agent, so as to prevent the agent from possibly coming out (through the front end of the flue itself), during filling of the tank 20. Instead, when the door of the dish-washer is closed, the inner end of the venting flue is located higher up than the maximum level reached by the liquid washing agent inside the tank 20, thus preventing also in this condition any exit of liquid agent from the flue itself.

From Figure 26 it may likewise be noted how, preferentially, the tubular part that defines the flue 81 extends from the front body part 1 la of the body 11 of the dispenser as far as beyond the joining plane W between the front body part 1 la itself and the rear body part 1 lb.

In various preferential embodiments, the inner end portion of the flue 81 extends within a protection area, designated by 82 in Figure 26. The protection area 82 may, for example, be provided by a wall that surrounds at least partially the aforesaid inner end portion and extends from the rear wall lib’ of the body part lib; alternatively, as in the case exemplified, the protection area can be provided by a wall or by a set of walls, which, together with the aforesaid rear wall lib’ and a side wall of the tank 20, define a sort of compartment within which the inner end portion of the flue 81 extends. The area 82, i.e., the wall or the set of walls that defines it, has the purpose of preventing - during the movements of opening/closing of the door of the dish-washer, any possible waves of the liquid washing agent from possibly causing occlusion of the flue itself.

From the foregoing description, the characteristics of the present invention emerge clearly, as likewise do its advantages, amongst which the following aspects are to be recalled:

- the possible safety arrangement described in relation to the first dispensing arrangement, including the particular internal edge of the loading passage, prevents any undesired leakage of the liquid washing agent contained in the tank, for example in the case of incorrect closing of the corresponding plug or following upon damage to the corresponding gasket or the corresponding sealing surface, or to the coupling system between the plug and the body of the dispenser;

- the possible further safety arrangement described in relation to the first dispensing arrangement, including the particular internal edge of the dosing chamber, prevents that any undesired leakage of the liquid washing agent, through the dosing chamber 22 and the corresponding discharge opening, in amounts exceeding the volume of the chamber 22 itself, for example following upon malfunctioning of the valve arrangement designed to enable dispensing of the liquid washing agent from the dosing chamber (for instance, malfunctioning in closing of the corresponding valve member, or failure of its sealing means);

- the embodiment described for the possible second dispensing arrangement, including the hatch with reduced angle of opening and having the corresponding receptacle, enables convenient loading of the corresponding washing agent and, when the washing agent is liquid or in powder form, there is a reduction of the risk of undesired exit thereof before the hatch itself is closed; on the other hand, during dispensing, a limited encumbrance of the open hatch is ensured, as well as efficient outflow of the washing agent into the tank and of any possible water that reaches the inside of the receptacle; and

- the possible volumetric adjustment system associated to the dosing chamber is built in a simple and inexpensive way, is efficient and reliable is operation, and convenient to use for the user.

It is clear that numerous variations may be made by the person skilled in the branch to the dispenser device described by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the ensuing claims.

The volumetric adjustment system described, as viewed in the Figures 19- 24, may be used on various types of washing-agent dispensers for dish-washers, not necessarily top-loading dish-washers. This adjustment system is hence to be understood as usable also in other dispensers provided with a chamber for dosing a liquid washing agent, for example dispensers for front- loading machines, or for dispensers that are to be mounted in a position corresponding to a stationary wall of a tub of a dish-washer, or again dispensers that can be mounted on a drawer- type door or on a rack of a dish-washer.

Figures 25-26 illustrate a possible embodiment of a dish-washer 1 that uses a dispenser 10 provided with a hatch 15 having the characteristics described previously, where mounted inside the tub 3 is a stationary nozzle 70, which is able to direct a jet of liquid towards the inside of the receptacle defined by the hatch 15 in order to improve removal of the corresponding washing agent and enable cleaning of the receptacle itself; this washing operation is facilitated by the particular conformation and/or opening arrangement of the dispenser 10 and/or of the corresponding hatch 15 and/or of the receptacle 18. The control system of the dish-washer 1 may be configured so as to govern supply of the nozzle 70 with the liquid in order to generate the jet 71 after the actuation system of the dispenser 10 is driven for the purpose of opening the hatch 15.

Claims

1. A washing-agent dispenser device configured for installation with a predetermined laying plane on a dish-washer door (5), the laying plane being substantially vertical when the door (5) is open and substantially horizontal when the door (5) is closed, the dispenser device (10) having a dispenser body (11) including a front body part (11a), which defines a front of the dispenser device (10), and a rear body part (1 lb), which defines a back of the dispenser device (10), the dispenser device (10) comprising at least one first dispensing arrangement (20, 22, 40), which includes a tank (20) for a liquid washing agent (B) in the dispenser body (11), the tank (20) having a total volume (20a, 20b), a loading passage (13) provided with a plug (12), and a discharge passage (14), the loading passage (13) and the discharge passage (14) being defined in the front body part (11a), wherein the first dispensing arrangement (20, 22, 40) includes a valve arrangement (40) controllable between a closing position and an opening position, in order to enable dispensing through the discharge passage (14) of at least one dose of liquid washing agent (B), wherein the position of the loading passage (13) defines in the tank (20) a filling volume (20a), which extends substantially below the loading passage (13) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, the filling volume (20a) corresponding to a fraction of the total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) and being suitable to receive a substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B) through the loading passage (13) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, in such a way that above the filling volume (20a) there extends a further volume (20b) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, wherein the loading passage (13) comprises a safety tubular portion (21) having a respective internal edge (21a) which extends within the tank (20) and is directed towards the back of the dispenser device (10), wherein the total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) is suitable to be occupied partially by said substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal, and wherein the loading passage (13) is configured in such a way that the internal edge (21a) of the safety tubular portion (21) extends at a respective height that is not lower than a maximum level that can be attained in the total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) by said substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal.

2. The dispenser device according to Claim 1, wherein:

- the first dispensing arrangement (20, 22, 40) moreover includes a dosing chamber (22) defined within the tank (20) and connected in fluid communication with the discharge passage (14), the dosing chamber (22) being sized for withholding at least one dose of liquid washing agent (B); and

- the valve arrangement (40) includes a valve member (41, 42) operating between the dosing chamber (22) and the discharge passage (14), the valve arrangement (40) being controllable for displacing the valve member (41, 42) between the closing position and the opening position to enable dispensing of the at least one dose of liquid washing agent (B) contained in the dosing chamber (22) through the discharge passage (14), wherein the dosing chamber (22) is defined within the filling volume (20a) of the tank (20) and is configured for filling thereof with the corresponding at least one dose of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, and for withholding the at least one dose of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal, for the purpose of subsequent dispensing through the discharge passage (14), wherein the dosing chamber (22) has a respective internal edge (22a) that extends within the tank (20) and is directed towards the back of the dispenser device (10), and wherein the dosing chamber (22) is configured in such a way that the corresponding internal edge (22a) extends at a respective height that is not lower than the maximum level that can be attained in the total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) by said substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B), when the laying plane is substantially horizontal.

3. The dispenser device according to Claims 1 and 2, comprising one said loading passage (13) with the corresponding safety tubular portion (21) and one said dosing chamber (22), which are prearranged in such a way that the respective said internal edges (21a, 22a) extend at respective heights that are not lower than the maximum level that can be attained in the total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) by said substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal.

4. The dispenser device according to any one of Claims 1-3, comprising a second dispensing arrangement (15, 17, 18) for a further washing agent (D).

5. The dispenser device according to Claim 4, wherein the first dispensing arrangement (20, 22, 40) and the second dispensing arrangement (15, 17, 18) are operable at different moments via an actuation system (25-31) which includes a single actuator (25).

6. The dispenser device according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the second dispensing arrangement (15, 17, 18) comprises a hatch (15) which is mounted on the front body part (11a) and which is capable of moving between a withholding position and a releasing position of the further washing agent (D), with reference to a respective receptacle (18).

7. The dispenser device according to Claim 6, wherein the receptacle (18) is defined in the hatch (15) and a recess (16) is defined in the front body part (11a) for housing the receptacle (18) when the hatch (15) is in the withholding position.

8 The dispenser device according to Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein:

- the hatch (15) has a first end region and a second end region opposite to one another, in the first end region hinge means (15i) being provided, for articulating the hatch (15) to the front body part (11a) and defining a first rotation axis (X) to enable an angular movement of the hatch (15) between said withholding position and releasing position,

- the receptacle (18) has a peripheral surface (18b-18d), a bottom surface (18e), which is closer to the first end region of the hatch (15), and a mouth (18a) opposite to the bottom surface (18e), which is closer to the second end region of the hatch (15),

- the hatch (15) has a front wall (15a) defining a first part (18b) of the peripheral surface (18b-18d) of the receptacle (18) and delimiting a side of the mouth (18a), and wherein, with said laying plane substantially horizontal and with the hatch (15) in the respective releasing position, the mouth (18a) of the receptacle (18) faces downwards and said first part (18b) of the peripheral surface (18b-18d) of the receptacle (18) substantially provides an inclined plane for favouring dispensing of the further washing agent (D) through the mouth (18a).

9. The dispenser device according to Claim 8, wherein at least one from among the dispenser body (11), the hatch (15), and the hinge means (15i) is configured for limiting an angular movement of the hatch (15) from the withholding position to the releasing position, in such a way that between a plane identified by the front of the dispenser body (11) and a plane identified by said first part (18b) of the peripheral surface (18b-18d) of the receptacle (18) an acute angle is defined.

10. The dispenser device according to any one of Claims 2-10, wherein the dosing chamber (22) is positioned in a lower half of the filling volume (20a), having as reference a substantially vertical position of the laying plane.

11. The dispenser device according to any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the internal edge (21a) of the safety tubular portion (21) is defined by an end of a tubular portion of the front body part (11a) that extends within the tank (20).

12. The dispenser device according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the internal edge (22a) of the dosing chamber (22) is defined by an end of a tubular portion, or else by an end of a set of walls, of the front body part (11a) that extends within the tank (20).

13. The dispenser device according to Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein the front body part (11a) and the rear body part (lib) comprise a front piece made of plastic material and a rear piece made of plastic material, respectively, which have respective peripheral edges joined together in a sealed way and which identify a joining plane (W), and wherein said tubular portion, respectively said set of walls, extends from the front piece made of plastic material as far as beyond said joining plane (W).

14. The dispenser device according to Claim 5, wherein the actuation system (15-31) comprises a control lever (26) and a controlled lever (31), the control lever (26) being operable via the single actuator (25) and the controlled lever (31) being operable via the control lever (26), the control lever (26) having a cam-follower (29) which is inserted in a displaceable way along a closed cam path (60) defined in a cam member (30) associated to the controlled lever (31).

15. The dispenser device according to Claim 14, wherein the control lever (26) is pivoted to the rear body part (lib) for being set in rotation by the single actuator (25) about a respective axis of rotation that is transverse to the laying plane, in particular substantially perpendicular to the laying plane.

16. The dispenser device according to Claim 15, wherein the controlled lever (31) is pivoted to the rear body part (lib) to turn according to a respective axis that is transverse to the axis of rotation of the control lever (26), in particular substantially parallel to the laying plane, and wherein at least one stretch of the closed cam path (60) is a stretch (60b) inclined with respect to a plane of movement of the control lever (26) in such a way that sliding of the cam-follower

(29) on said inclined stretch (60b) of the closed cam path (60) causes an angular movement of the controlled lever (31) about the respective axis of rotation.

17. The dispenser device according to Claim 16, wherein the controlled lever (31) has a portion (33) that is elastically deformable according to a plane generally parallel to the laying plane, the elastically deformable portion (33) including a proximal end of the controlled lever (31) to which the cam member

(30) is associated.

18. The dispenser device according to any one of Claims 2-17, comprising an adjustment system (50-51) for adjusting a useful capacity of the dosing chamber (22).

19. The dispenser device according to Claim 18, wherein the adjustment system comprises an adjusting body (50), mounted in a displaceable way within the dosing chamber (22), and an adjusting member (51), operatively coupled to the adjusting body (50) and having a respective operable portion (51a), which is preferably accessible from the front of the dispenser (10), wherein the adjusting body (50) and the adjusting member (51) are coupled in such a way that an angular movement imparted on the adjusting member (51) brings about an axial displacement of the adjusting body (50) and hence a variation of the useful volume of the dosing chamber (22), the adjusting body (50) being preferably constrained within the dosing chamber (22) for performing opposite linear movements relative to the front of the dispenser device (10).

20. A washing-agent dispenser device configured for installation with a predetermined laying plane on a dish-washer door (5), the laying plane being substantially vertical when the door (5) is open and substantially horizontal when the door (5) is closed, the dispenser device (10) having a dispenser body (11) including a front body part (11a), which defines a front of the dispenser device (10), and a rear body part (1 lb), which defines a back of the dispenser device (10), the dispenser device (10) comprising at least one first dispensing arrangement (20, 22, 40), which includes a tank (20) for a liquid washing agent (B) in the dispenser body (11), the tank (20) having a total volume (20a, 20b), a loading passage (13) provided with a plug (12), and a discharge passage (14), the loading passage (13) and the discharge passage (14) being defined in the front body part (11a), wherein the first dispensing arrangement (20, 22, 40) moreover includes

- a dosing chamber (22) defined within the tank (20) and connected in fluid communication with the discharge passage (14), the dosing chamber (22) being sized for withholding at least one dose of liquid washing agent (B), and

- a valve arrangement (40) including a valve member (41, 42) operating between the dosing chamber (22) and the discharge passage (14), the valve arrangement (40) being controllable for displacing the valve member (41, 42) between a closing position and an opening position to enable dispensing of the at least one dose of washing agent (B) contained in the dosing chamber (22) through the discharge passage (14), wherein the position of the loading passage (13) identifies in the tank (20) a filling volume (20a), which extends substantially below the loading passage (13) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, the filling volume (20a) corresponding to a fraction of the total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) and being suitable to receive a substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B) through the loading passage (13) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, in such a way that, above the filling volume (20a) there extends a further volume (20b) when the laying plane is substantially vertical, wherein the dosing chamber (22) is defined within the filling volume (20a) of the tank (20) and is configured for filling thereof with the corresponding at least one dose of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is substantially vertical and for withholding the at least one dose of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal, for the purpose of subsequent dispensing through the discharge passage (14), wherein the dosing chamber (22) has an internal edge (22a), which extends within the tank (20) and is directed towards the back of the dispenser device (10), wherein the total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) is suitable to be occupied partially by said substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal, and wherein the dosing chamber (22) is prearranged in such a way that the internal edge (22a) extends at a respective height that is not lower than a maximum level that can be reached in the total volume (20a, 20b) of the tank (20) by said substantially predetermined maximum amount of liquid washing agent (B) when the laying plane is substantially horizontal. 21. A washing-agent dispenser device configured for installation with a predetermined laying plane on a door (5) of a dish-washer (1), the laying plane being substantially vertical when the door (5) is open and substantially horizontal when the door (5) is closed, the dispenser device (10) having a dispenser body (11) including a front body part (11a), which defines a front of the dispenser body (11), and a rear body part (lib), which defines a back of the dispenser body (10), the dispenser device (10) having at least one arrangement for dispensing a washing agent (D), which includes a hatch (15) mounted in the front body part (11a) and which is capable of angular movement between a closing position and an opening position, the hatch (15) defining a receptacle (18) for containing a washing agent (D), in the front body part (11a) a recess (16) being defined for housing the receptacle (18) when the hatch (15) is in the closing position, wherein the hatch (15) has a first end region and a second end region opposite to one another, in the first end region hinge means (15i) being provided, for articulating the hatch (15) to the front body part (11a) and for defining an axis of rotation (X) for said angular movement, wherein the receptacle (18) has a peripheral surface (18b-18d), a bottom surface (18e) that is closer to the first end region of the hatch (15), and a mouth (18a) opposite to the bottom surface (18e), which is closer to the second end region of the hatch (15), wherein the hatch (15) has a front wall (15a) defining a first part (18b) of the peripheral surface (18b-18d) of the receptacle (18) and delimiting a side of the mouth (18a), and wherein, with said laying plane substantially horizontal and with the hatch (15) in the respective opening position, the mouth (18a) of the receptacle (18) faces downwards, and said first part (18b) of the peripheral surface (18b-18d) of the receptacle (18) substantially provides an inclined plane for favouring dispensing of the washing agent (D) through the corresponding mouth (18a), wherein preferably at least one from among the dispenser body (11), the hatch (15) and the hinge means (15i) is configured for limiting the angular movement of the hatch (15) from the closing position to the opening position, in such a way that between a plane identified by the front of the dispenser body (11) and a plane identified by said first part (18b) of the peripheral surface (18b-18d) of the receptacle (18) an acute angle is defined. 22. A washing-agent dispenser device configured for installation with a predetermined laying plane on a dish-washer door (5), the dispenser device (10) having a dispenser body (11) including a front body part (11a), which defines a front of the dispenser device (10), and a rear body part (lib), which defines a back of the dispenser device (10), the dispenser device (10) comprising at least one first dispensing arrangement (20, 22, 40), which includes a tank (20) for a liquid washing agent (B) in the dispenser body (11), the tank (20) having a total volume (20a, 20b), a loading passage (13) provided with a plug (12), and a discharge passage (14), wherein the first dispensing arrangement (20, 22, 40) moreover includes:

- a dosing chamber (22) defined within the tank (20) and connected in fluid communication with the discharge passage (14), the dosing chamber (22) being sized for withholding at least one dose of liquid washing agent (B);

- a valve arrangement (40) including a valve member (41, 42) operating between the dosing chamber (22) and the discharge passage (14), the valve arrangement (40) being controllable for displacing the valve member (41, 42) between a closing position and an opening position to enable dispensing through the discharge passage (14) of the at least one dose of washing agent (B) contained in the dosing chamber (22); and

- an adjustment system (50-51) for adjusting a loading capacity of the dosing chamber (22), wherein the adjustment system comprises an adjusting body (50), mounted in a displaceable way within the dosing chamber (22) for the purpose of bringing about a variation of the useful volume of the dosing chamber (22), and an adjusting member (51), operatively coupled to the adjusting body (50) and having a respective operable portion (51a), preferably accessible from the front of the dispenser device (10), where preferably the adjusting body (50) and the adjusting member (51) are coupled in such a way that an angular movement imparted on the adjusting member (51) brings about an axial displacement of the adjusting body (50) within the dosing chamber (22), and hence a variation of the useful volume of the dosing chamber (22), the adjusting body (50) being in particular constrained within the dosing chamber (22) for performing opposite linear movements relative to the front of the dispenser device (10).

23. A dish-washing machine, in particular a top-loading dish-washer or a sink dish-washer, comprising a washing-agent dispenser device according to any one of Claims 1-22.