WO2023238029A1

WO2023238029A1 - Washing agent dispenser for dishwashers

Info

Publication number: WO2023238029A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/055823
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marta ARMATO; Marco Bianchi
Original assignee: Eltek S.P.A.
Priority date: 2022-06-07
Filing date: 2023-06-06
Publication date: 2023-12-14

Abstract

A washing agent dispenser for dishwashers comprises a dispenser body (20), having a front at which a receptacle (40) is defined for the containment of a washing agent. A lid (30) is mounted on the dispenser body (20) to be displaceable between a closing position and an opening position of the receptacle (40). The dispenser body (20) has a first sealing arrangement (41) which partially surrounds a mouth of the receptacle (40) and which has a discontinuity at a first portion (40a) of the mouth of the receptacle (40). The lid (30) has a second sealing arrangement (34), configured for cooperating with the first sealing arrangement (41) when the lid (30) is in the closing position, to provide a partial seal around the mouth of the receptacle (40). Between the first portion of the mouth of the receptacle (40) and one side (20a) of the dispenser body (20) there extends a first surface (22) of the dispenser body (20), which is at least partially covered by the lid (30) in the closed position. The lid (30) has a third sealing arrangement (50) to provide an additional seal with respect to the dispenser body (20) as a result of the lid (30) being displaced from the opening position to the closing position. The third sealing arrangement (50) is configured to achieve the additional seal in an intermediate position of the first surface (22) which is spaced with respect to the first portion of the mouth of the receptacle (40) or with respect to the first sealing arrangement (41).

Description

“Washing agent dispenser for dishwashers”

DESCRIPTION

Field of invention

The present invention refers to washing agent dispensers for domestic machine for washing, in particular dishwashers, and has been developed with particular attention being paid to dispensers equipped with at least one sliding lid.

Background art

Some dishwashers are equipped with a dispensing device configured to dispense at least one washing agent. Generally, these devices are designed to dispense, at different times of one and the same dishwashing cycle, at least two different washing agents, typically represented by a detergent in solid form (powder or tablet) and a liquid rinsing additive. Dispensers designed for the purpose of dispensing a single washing substance in solid or liquid form are also known.

In the most common solutions, the dishwasher dispensers comprise a dispenser body obtained by molding thermoplastic material, which is associated to one of the vertical walls that delimit the washing tank of the machine (including the inner shell of the front door of the machine that is facing towards the inside of the washing tank), usually at least partially sealingly recessed in an opening provided in this wall. In the front area of the dispenser body a receptacle is defined, for the containment of a washing agent, usually a washing detergent in powder form or in tablet form or in fluid form (liquid or gel), necessary for the execution of a washing cycle. The dispenser body has a movable lid associate thereto, also having a respective body made of plastic material. Elastic means are operating between the dispenser body and the lid body, which urges the lid towards a respective position of opening, as well as a locking/releasing system for the lid. During a washing cycle, the opening of the aforementioned lid is appropriately controlled by a programmer, or timer, of the machine, which controls an actuator forming part of the aforementioned locking/releasing system; the latter is usually also designed to enable, with the machine not in operation, the manual opening and closing of the lid. In some known solutions, the body of the lid is constrained to the dispenser body in a sliding way, in order to be able to slide between a closing position and an opening position in a substantially linear way, or following a trajectory at least partly inclined or curved: for this purpose corresponding sliding guides are provided between the body of the dispenser and the body of the lid. In the operation of the dishwasher, the washing water is sprayed inside the washing tank, in order to spray the dishes. Part of this washing water reaches the mounting wall of the dispenser and, by gravity, flows on this wall, penetrating also between the dispenser body and the lid, even when the latter is still in the closed position of the receptacle.

The receptacle is generally equipped with a first sealing arrangement, typically consisting of a raised edge surrounding the mouth of the receptacle, and the lid is generally equipped with a second sealing arrangement, typically consisting of an annular gasket arranged on the inner side of the lid. In this way, when the lid is in the closed position, the aforementioned gasket is pressed against the aforementioned raised edge that surrounds the mouth of the receptacle.

In first, more traditional, solutions the two aforementioned sealing arrangements are configured for sealing the receptacle in a watertight way, that is, for prevent the entry of washing water inside the receptacle, when the lid is in the closed position.

In second, more recent, solutions, in consideration of the evolution of the washing agents and their characteristics and/or the change in washing programs (for example in view of energy savings), the aforementioned sealing arrangements are instead configured to achieve a partial seal, that is, still allow a certain entry of water into the receptacle even with the lid closed. For this purpose, the aforementioned raised edge has a U-shaped profile, so as to only partially surround the mouth of the receptacle, leaving exposed the portion generally facing upwards (with reference to the operational position of the dispenser). In this way, part of the water that penetrates in by gravity between the body of the dispenser and the lid can also reach the inside of the receptacle. This measure is typically adopted to enable an initial contact between the water and the washing agent inside the receptacle, before the dispensing thereof determined by the door opening, for example in case it is intended to cause an initial dissolution of a detergent tablet and/or to enable the activation of certain ingredients of the washing agent that require such an activation. In addition or alternatively, the aforementioned measure is adopted to enable a preliminary supply of a certain amount of the washing agent before the opening of the lid (in practice, the water reaches the inside of the receptacle and then overflows from it, taking with it a part of the washing agent). The solution in question also favors the cleaning of the receptacle with the door open, during the washing cycle, understood as the removal of any residues of the washing agent that could remain in the receptacle itself following the opening of the lid.

For example, a solution of the second type mentioned above is shown in US5884821 A, upon which the preamble to claim 1 is based.

The first solutions mentioned above have the drawback of not allowing the aforementioned initial contact between the water and the washing agent, which - as mentioned - can be important for obtaining a preventive dissolution of the washing agent and/or its activation before the actual dispensing. On the other hand, the second solutions mentioned above often have the disadvantage of enabling an excessive introduction of water into the receptacle, with the risk of completely dissolving the washing agent before the opening of the lid - for example in the case of washing agent in powder or fluid form (liquid or gel) - and/or of causing excessive passage of water through the receptacle, such as to cause the total or most of the washing agent to overflow, even with the lid closed (in which case the washing agent is no longer available in the receptacle at the time the lid is opened, i.e., when the washing agent would actually serve for the correct washing cycle).

Aim and summary of the invention

In its general terms, the present invention proposes to solve one or more of the above drawbacks. This and other purposes, which will become clearer later, are achieved according to the present invention by a washing agent dispenser having the characteristics of the attached claims. The aims of the invention are also achieved by a dishwasher, or a part thereof, which includes such a dispenser. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in connection with the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Further aims, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be clear from the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the attached schematic drawings, provided purely as a non-limiting example, wherein:

- Figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of a washing agent dispenser according to possible embodiments, with a respective sliding lid in a closed condition and in an open condition, respectively;

- Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a body of the dispenser of Figures 1-2;

- Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a sliding lid of the dispenser of Figures 1-2;

- Figures 5 and 6 are sectioned perspective views of the dispenser of Figures 1 and 2, respectively, with the sliding lid in closed and open conditions, respectively,

- Figure 7 is a detail on a larger scale of Figure 5;

- Figure 8 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the dispenser of Figures 1-2, with the respective door in a closed condition;

- Figure 9 is a partial and schematic section of a dispenser according to possible embodiments;

- Figures 10, 11 and 12 are details of a dispenser according to possible alternative embodiments;

- Figures 13 and 14 are partial and schematic sections of a dispenser according to possible alternative embodiments, with the sliding lid in an intermediate position and in a closed position, respectively;

- Figures 15, 16 and 17 are sectioned perspective views of a dispenser of the type shown in Figures 13 and 14, with the sliding lid in an open, an intermediate and a closed position, respectively;

- Figure 18 is a sectioned perspective view of a dispenser according to further possible alternative embodiments, with the sliding lid in a closed condition;

- Figure 19 is a detail on a larger scale of Figure 18;

- Figure 20 is a detail similar to that of Figure 19, relating to a further possible embodiment; and

- Figure 21 is a schematic section similar to that of Figure 14, relating to a further possible embodiment.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Reference to “an embodiment” in this description indicates that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as “in an embodiment” and the like, possibly present in different places in this description, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, particular conformations, structures or characteristics can be combined in any appropriate way in one or more embodiments, even different from those depicted.

Unless otherwise specified, in this description and in the attached claims, the term “sealing” does not necessarily imply a watertightness with respect to a liquid, but must also be understood to include the case of a partial sealing, or such as to allow a certain passage of such liquid. For example, as will be seen, the sealing arrangements described below are configured to oppose to an uncontrolled flow of washing water into a receptacle for a washing agent, but without completely excluding that part of this water may reach the receptacle.

The references used herein are for convenience only and therefore do not define the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments.

Referring initially to Figures 1-3, reference 1 indicates as a whole a dispenser of washing agents according to possible embodiments of the present invention. In the specific case exemplified, the dispenser 1 is intended for use on a dishwasher machine, and is configured to be mounted on a wall of the corresponding washing tank. For example, the mounting wall can be defined by the inner shell of a dishwasher door, with the dispenser fixed to the side of this shell which - during the operation of the machine - faces the inside of the tank.

The dispenser 1 comprises a dispenser body 20, which is preferably formed at least partly with molded thermoplastic material. The body 20 is preferably configured to be at least partially recessed into an opening provided in the aforementioned mounting wall. In the example shown, the body 20 has a generally quadrangular peripheral profile, although this is not an essential feature. The sides indicated by 20a and 20b of the peripheral profile of the body 20 are conventionally referred to here as the “upper side” and the “lower side”, in relation to a preferential orientation of dispenser 1 in its operational position, as shown for example in Figures 1 and 2. In the case of mounting on the dishwasher door, then, in the closed- door condition, the side 20a will be located higher than the side 20b.

The body 20 may comprise a front piece or part, suitable to face, or be located in, the washing tank, and a rear piece or part, suitable to be at least partially inserted into the aforementioned opening of the mounting wall, the two parts being conveniently molded with thermoplastic material separately from each other and then joined together, for example by welding, according to a technique known in itself. In the remainder of the present description a generic reference will be made to the dispenser body 20, taking for granted that the characteristics pertaining to the present invention refer essentially to its front part, which defines a front of dispenser 1 intended to face, or be located in, the washing tank, and which has at least one sliding lid associated thereto, indicated as a whole by 30, which in the example is displaceable in a generally transverse or perpendicular direction with respect to the two sides 20a and 20b, this direction being schematically indicated by the arrow X in Figures 1 and 2. The lid 30 can follow a substantially linear or at least partly arched path, or even a path that combines strokes with different angles and/or curvatures.

In the fore part or front of the body 20 a sliding zone A is identified, at which the lid 30 is constrained so that it can slide. In this zone A, a small tray or receptacle 40 is defined, suitable for containing a washing agent, such as a solid washing agent in the form of powder or tablet (although the containment of washing substances in another form, such as a liquid or gel, is not excluded). As can be seen, the receptacle is essentially made up of a recess with a bottom and a mouth generally opposite to the bottom, i.e., an opening for loading and dispensing the washing agent.

In the sliding zone A the body 20 has a first sealing arrangement, which partially surrounds the mouth of the receptacle 40, and which has at least one discontinuity at a portion of this mouth.

In the example, and as particularly visible in Figure 3, the aforementioned first arrangement comprises a protrusion 41 (with respect to the surface designated by 22) of the front of the body 20, configured substantially as an edge or lip or wall in relief, which extends only partially around the mouth of the receptacle 40.

In the example, the mouth of the receptacle 40 has a generally quadrangular profile, with the protrusion 41 having a U-profile, i.e., it affects only three sides of this profile, determining the aforementioned discontinuity in a position corresponding to a peripheral portion 40a of the mouth of the receptacle 40, which is generally facing the upper side 20a of the peripheral profile of the body 20.

The lid 30 has a corresponding body, formed for example by molding thermoplastic material, which can be a material analogous to the material forming the body 20, for example a polypropylene filled with a reinforcing material, such as talcum powder or fiberglass. The lid 30 is slidable in a guided manner on the body 20 (above the surface 22), so that it can move between a closing position and an opening position of the receptacle 40, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. For this purpose, a guiding or constraining arrangement is operationally set between the body 20 and the body of the lid 30: in the example, the body of the lid 30 is constrained relative to the dispenser body 11 by sliding guides, described below.

Referring to Figures 1-2, in the example illustrated, next to zone A of the body 20 a cover 2 is associated, provided with a corresponding coupling/releasing device 2a that can be operated manually. The cover 2 is preferably hinged to the dispenser body 20 to rotate according to a generally horizontal axis, but it can be mounted in a sliding way. The cover 2 is intended to cover a corresponding area wherein there is located the inlet of a (non- visible) reservoir of a second washing agent, such as a liquid agent, for example a rinse aid. In the same area subtended by the cover 2 there is also an outlet opening forming part of a system for dispensing the aforesaid liquid washing agent, and for this purpose the body of the lid 2 preferably has openings or passages to enable the outflow of said liquid agent towards the inside of the washing tank of the machine, not represented here. As mentioned, in this exemplifying description, it is assumed that the dispenser 1 is fixed to a wall delimiting said tank (in particular a wall defined by the dishwasher door), so that - in the closed-door condition - the upper side 20a of the peripheral profile of the body 20 extends higher than the lower side 20b: in this way, during the operation of the machine, the body 20 is oriented substantially vertically, favoring the outflow of washing agents towards the inside of the tank.

The presence of the aforementioned liquid washing agent dispensing system and its tank and cover 2 is not necessarily linked to the implementation of the present invention, such that these components could also be omitted. Moreover, the cover 2 could also be slidingly bound to the dispenser body 20, for example by using a sliding guide system of the type described below.

The lid 30 is preferably urged towards the respective condition of opening of the receptacle 40 by means of elastic means S, comprising, for example, a spring partly visible in Figures 5-6 and 15-17, constrained between the body 20 and lid 30, according to a technique in itself known (see for example US5884821 A, whose teachings in this regard are considered incorporated herein).

Between the body 20 and the lid 30 there is also a locking/releasing system of the lid, which is controllable by a machine programmer, not represented, or manually. In various embodiments, this system includes a coupling member 3a arranged in the zone A, as shown for example in Figures 3 and 8. The coupling member 3a is intended to cooperate with a retaining element provided on the lid 30, and may, for example, comprise or have associated a rotating shaft 3a', which is passes through the dispenser body 20 and can be drive by an actuator system 4 (see Figure 9) on the back of the body 20.

In various embodiments, the locking/releasing system of the lid 30 comprises a pushbutton, designated by 3b for example in Figures 1 and 2, which is carried by lid 30 and is operable manually by a user, according to a technique known in itself; the button 3b can be operatively associated to a manual release mechanism 3c (Figure 4), also brought by the lid 30 and including the aforementioned retaining element. The presence of the button 3b and the associated mechanism 3c is merely optional, as the manual switching function of the coupling/releasing system can be obtained directly by the member 3 a, for example by equipping it with a manually operable lever for rotating the same member, and wherein this lever - exemplified in 3a" in Figure 1 - protrudes at least in part beyond the lid 30 when the lid is in the closed position, in order to be accessible to the user (see also the aforementioned US5884821 A, whose teachings in this regard are considered incorporated herein).

In various forms of preferential implementation, the zone A, in which the receptacle 40 is defined and above which the lid 30 slides, is delimited laterally by corresponding portions of the body 20, or the front thereof, to which the lid 30 is engaged. In preferential embodiments, the zone A may be bounded longitudinally by two portions or walls of the body 20 which are generally opposite or spaced apart from each other, designated by 20c and 20d, and which are preferably substantially parallel to each other and to the direction of displacement of the lid 30, indicated by the arrow X in Figures 1 and 2.

The opposite portions 20c and 20d, here referred to as “walls”, may include, for example, at least two portions of the body 20 which are in relief in relation to a general plane of the zone A (for example identified by the entrance plane of the receptacle 40), located substantially near the two longitudinal sides or flanks (32c, 32d, Figure 4) of the lid 30.

In the embodiment illustrated, the wall 20c is a lateral end wall in relief of the body 20 and the wall 20d is an intermediate wall in relief, here separating zone A and the area subtended by the flippable cover 2.

In Figure 4 the lid is shown upside down, in order to highlight the inner side thereof. As shown in Figure 4, the body of the lid 30 has a main wall 31, the inner side of which is intended to face the front of the body 20, in zone A, as well as a plurality of flanks or side walls, which in the non-limiting example are intended to extend from the wall 31 towards the front of the body 20. In the case exemplified, the body of the lid 30 has at least two sides or longitudinal walls, indicated with 32c and 32d in Figure 4, which are preferably generally parallel to each other and with respect to the direction of displacement X of the lid 30 (and therefore preferably substantially parallel to the facing surfaces of the walls 20c and 20d of the body 20).

Between the walls 20c and 32c, on the one hand, and the walls 20d and 32d, on the other hand, the aforementioned sliding guides are operative, which constrain the lid 30 in relation to the dispenser body 20. In various embodiments, said slides comprise:

- at least one first guiding element and one first guided element at the facing sides of the walls 20c and 32c, and

- at least a second guiding element and a second guided element, at the facing sides of the walls 20d and 32d.

In various embodiments, such as that exemplified in the figures, at least one guiding element, or each guiding element, comprises at least one longitudinally extended guiding recess 21c or 2 Id, defined at the inner side of the relevant wall 20c or 20d of the body 20, respectively. As shown in Figure 4, at least one guided element, or each of them, comprises instead a sliding element 33c or 33d, susceptible of engagement with a corresponding guiding recess 21c or 2 Id, which is defined at the external side of the corresponding wall 32c or 32d of the body of the lid 30, respectively.

In preferred embodiments, such as the one exemplified, the guiding elements provided on the inner side of each of the walls 20c and 20d of the dispenser body 20 comprise essentially two guiding recesses 21c and 2 Id, preferably arranged substantially one after the other in the direction of displacement X of the lid 30, while the guided elements on the outer side of each of the walls 32c and 32d of the lid body 30 each comprise a pair of sliding elements 33c and 33d placed at a distance from each other on the walls 32c and 32d, respectively. In the example, the sliding element are substantially configured as pins protruding from the corresponding wall 32c or 32d, preferably cylindrical pins. Clearly, an inverse arrangement of the elements constituting the sliding guides is possible, that is, with the guiding recesses formed on the body of the lid 30 and with the sliding elements formed on the dispenser body 20. The two guiding recesses on each of the walls 20c and 20d of the body 20 can possibly be defined by a single uninterrupted recess and suitably shaped for the purpose.

The guiding recesses and the sliding elements are preferably defined entirely by the dispenser body and the lid body, as a result of the molding of these bodies with thermoplastic material, but in other realizations parts interposed between the body 20 and the body of the lid 30 may be provided for this purpose, according to a technique known in itself.

The lid 30 has a second sealing arrangement, on its inner face intended to face the front of dispenser body 20: for this purpose, in the example of Figure 4, a gasket 34 is mounted in a region of the inner face of the lid 30 (corresponding to the inner side of its wall 31). In the case exemplified, at the inner side of the wall 31 of the body of the lid 30, a seat 35 for mounting the gasket 34 is defined for this purpose, according to a technique known in itself. In the example, the gasket 34 has a generally quadrangular shape, but in other embodiments it may have a U-shape, in accordance with the profile of the protrusion 41 that partially surrounds the mouth of the receptacle 40.

The aforementioned first sealing arrangement, represented by the protrusion 41, and the aforementioned second sealing arrangement, represented by the gasket 34, are configured to cooperate with each other when the lid 30 is in its closed position, to provide a partial seal around the mouth of the receptacle. In other words, as is evident, the tightness determined by the coupling between the protrusion 41 and the gasket 34 does not affect the entire peripheral profile of the receptacle mouth, given the presence of the aforementioned discontinuity (in correspondence of the portion 40a of the mouth in which the protrusion 41 does not extend). This means that, even in condition of lid 30 being closed, part of the washing water that is sprayed inside the tank during the operation of the dishwasher can still reach, for example by gravity, the inside of the receptacle 40, penetrating through spans or passages that exist between the body 20 and the lid 30: as explained in the introductory part, this can be used, for example, to enable an initial contact between the water and the washing agent contained in receptacle 40, even before the opening of the lid 30 is controlled by the dishwasher control system.

In preferential embodiments, the sliding guides, and more particularly the recesses 21c and 2 Id, are configured in such a way that the gasket 34 comes into contact with the top of the protrusion 41 which partially surrounds the mouth of receptacle 40 only in a final phase of the movement of the lid 30 from the opening position to the closing position. This can be achieved in a way that is itself known in the field. By way of example, within the guiding recesses 21c and 2 Id it is possible to provide a terminal recess portion (“terminal” must be understood with reference to the direction of movement of the lid from the open position to the closed position) which extends to a lower height than the height according to which the remaining main portion of the same recess extends (“height” must be understood with reference to the protrusion 41 on which the gasket 34 has to sealingly rest). The desired effect can also be obtained thanks to a generally arched conformation of the guiding recesses, regardless of the height at which the corresponding terminal portions are located (see for example the upper recess 2 Id in figure 9). In the case of a single uninterrupted recess on each of the walls 20c and 20d of the body 20, this recess may have a terminal portion and an intermediate portion located at the aforementioned lower height, to enable the gasket 34 to come into contact with the relief 41 only in the final phase of the closing movement of the lid 30.

Figure 3 shows only the recesses 21c, but the realization of the recesses 21d is similar (see for example Figure 9). It is clear that the sliding elements 33c and 33d represented here by cylindrical pins, could have a different shape from the one exemplified and that each guiding element may also have other shapes, such as a course at least partly curved or arched.

As can be imagined, thanks to the engagement between the guided elements and the guiding elements, the lid 30 can slide between the closing and opening positions in the direction X, within the zone A, above the surface 22. As per the known technique, the sliding from the open position to the closed position can be determined by a user, who manually pushes the lid 30 up to the engagement of the aforementioned coupling/releasing system 3a-3c; Conversely, sliding from the closing position to the opening position may take place due to the effect of the above-mentioned elastic means, when the control system of the dishwasher causes - through the actuator system 4 of the dispenser 1 - the switching of said coupling/releasing system, at an appropriate time of an operating cycle of the machine. The possible presence of the button 3b and its associated mechanism 3c is intended to allow a user to manually control the release of the lid 30, before starting a washing program (for example when, after manually closing the lid 30 and before closing the dishwasher door, the user realizes that he has not inserted the detergent in the receptacle 40). As mentioned, in the event that the button 3b and its mechanism 3c are not present, the function can be performed using the lever 3a" of Figure 1.

Again from Figures 1-4, as well as from Figures 5-6, it can be seen that the mouth of the receptacle 40 is located in the zone A in an intermediate position between the two opposite sides 20a and 20b of the peripheral profile of the body 20, and in any case in such a position that at least between the portion 40a of the mouth and the corresponding upper side 20a of the profile of the body 20 there extends an area 22 of the front of the dispenser body 20, that is, a surface that substantially obtains a bottom of the sliding zone A.

From a comparison between Figures 1 and 2, as well as from a comparison between Figures 5 and 6, it can be noted how at least one portion of the surface 22 is at least partially covered by the lid 30 in both the open and closed positions.

In various embodiments, in such a portion of the surface 22 the coupling member 3a is positioned. In the case exemplified, therefore, the coupling member 3a is always in a hidden position, in both positions of the lid 30, given that this member is still operable manually thanks to the button 3b and the associated mechanism 3c; in other embodiments, however, the coupling device 3a may protrude at least partially beyond the lid, when the latter is in the closed position (see for example Figure 1, in relation to the manual actuation lever of the member 3 a designated by 3a").

According to the invention, the lid 30 has a third sealing arrangement, which is configured to provide an additional seal with respect to the dispenser body 20 as a result of the sliding of the lid itself from the opening position to the closing position. Such a third sealing arrangement is in particular configured to obtain the additional seal in an intermediate position of the surface 22 which is spaced out from the portion 40a of the mouth of the receptacle 40, or is spaced out from the first sealing arrangement represented here by the protrusion 41, when the lid is closed. In various embodiments, such as those shown in the figures, the intermediate position of the surface 22, where the additional seal is obtained, is spaced with respect to the portion 40a of the mouth of receptacle 40, or with respect to the aforementioned discontinuity of the first sealing arrangement, in the direction of displacement X of the lid 30.

In various embodiments, the third sealing arrangement comprises a sealing element, designated by 50 in the figures. In the example, the sealing element 50 extends transversely, preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the direction of displacement X of the lid 30, that is, transversely to the longitudinal extension of the zone A or its bottom surface 22.

In various preferential embodiments, the sealing element 50 is an elastically deformable sealing element, which comprises, for example, a gasket made of elastomer material, which can be obtained for example by molding or extrusion; as will be seen, in any case, the sealing element could also be made with another material, for example formed integrally with the body of the lid 30.

Preferably, the sealing element 50 is located in a rear end region of the body of the lid 30, with reference to the direction of displacement from the opening position to the closing position. For this purpose, as shown in Figure 7, in such an end region of the body of the lid 30 a seat 36 can be defined, which extends transversely. A foot portion 50a of the sealing element 50 is received in the seat 36 a portion of foot, from the foot portion extending a corresponding head portion 50b.

Fixing of the sealing element 50 in the seat 36 can be attained in any known manner, for example by fitting or gluing or hot upsetting of suitable retaining parts of the body of the lid 30 on either side of the seat 36. In any case, the sealing element 50 could also be overmolded or co-molded with respect to the body of the lid 30.

The element 50 can also be formed in a single piece with the gasket 34, it being understood that - even in this case - the sealing part that forms the gasket 34 and the sealing part that forms the element 50 will be preferably spaced from each other in the direction of displacement X of the lid 30.

Preferably, the sealing element 50 has a shape such as to enable an even minimal flexibility or to enable for a possible adaptation of its position, in particular with a view to improving sealing. For this purpose, the head portion 50b with decreasing or reduced thickness may be provided, in particular to make at least this end more flexible. In the example of the figures the element 50 is made of elastomer with a head portion 50b having substantially triangular or trapezoidal cross-section: however, the sealing element could also be made of a substantially rigid thermoplastic polymer, such as the material of the lid 30, molded with a reduced thickness such as to make it at least partly flexible.

The dispenser body 20 has a fourth sealing arrangement, which is configured for cooperating with the third sealing arrangement, represented here by the element 50, in order to provide the aforementioned additional seal. Such a fourth sealing arrangement is obtained by means of a portion of the bottom surface 22 of the zone A, which is configured or shaped to sealingly cooperate with the sealing element 50 when the lid 30 is in the closed position.

In the case exemplified in the figures cited above, for this purpose, the aforementioned portion of the surface 22 includes a step, designated by 23, with respect to which the sealing element 50 is capable of cooperating in a sealing way. The step 23 extends transversely in the zone A, preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction X, so that at least a portion of the element 50, here a distal portion, can come into contact with the vertical surface of the step itself, preferably in a condition of at least partial elastic deformation, as shown in detail in Figure 7 (in this figure the partial interpenetration between the element 50 and the step 23 is intended to represent the partial elastic deformation of the element 50). In this example of embodiment, therefore, the step 23 identifies the intermediate position of the surface 22 at which the additional seal between the body 20 and the lid 30 is obtained.

It should be noted that, although preferable, the sealing element 50 does not necessarily have to be deformable, and that therefore it could possibly be substantially rigid, without prejudice to its function - explained below - of creating a sort of screen with respect to a flow of water, without necessarily preventing the transit of a part thereof.

The figures cited above supply examples of a third sealing arrangement, here including the elastic sealing element 50, and a fourth sealing arrangement, here including the step 23 in the surface 22, which extend substantially straight in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of displacement X of the lid 30. However, the third and fourth sealing arrangements could be configured in such a way that the intermediate position where the additional seal is obtained extends in another way, for example at least partly curved and/or comprising sections inclined with respect to the axis X.

In Figure 8 the body of the lid 30 and the gasket 34 thereof are represented only partially, while in Figure 9 the representation of the lid 30 is omitted, while maintaining the sealing element 50. Figure 8 shows that, in the closed position of the lid 30, the gasket 34 sealingly cooperates with the protrusion 41; from the same figure, as well as from Figure 9, it can be seen that, in the same position of the lid, the element 50 sealingly cooperates with the step 23 (see also Figure 5). As it can be imagined, therefore, the additional seal is obtained following upon the simple displacement of the lid 30 from the open position to the closed position.

Figures 5-9 also show that the mounting position of the coupling member 3a is such that the same member is preferably in an intermediate position between the portion 40a of the mouth of the receptacle 40 and the intermediate position of the surface 22 in which the additional seal is obtained, identified here by step 23.

In various embodiments, the additional seal is a partial seal, in the sense that the cooperation between the aforementioned third and fourth sealing arrangements is not such as to completely obstruct the passage of liquid towards the receptacle 40, or in any case towards the area covered by the lid 30. For this purpose, in various embodiments, the width of the element 50 - understood as a dimension perpendicular to the direction X, or the dimension Y in Figure 3 - is smaller than the width of the zone A, or the distance between the two walls 20c and 20d of the dispenser body 20. In this way, for example, between the two lateral ends of the element 50 and the walls 20c, 20d that delimit the zone A longitudinally, at least two passageways can be defined, suitable for allowing partial flows of water.

Such a case is exemplified in Figure 10, wherein the aforementioned passageways are indicated with PW. Of course it is also possible to provide a width of the element 50 such that only one lateral passageway PW is defined, or such as to define two passageways PW having different widths: the latter case is exemplified in Figure 11, wherein the width of the element 50 and its mounting position on the lid (not represented herein for the sake of clarity) is such that the right way PW is wider (greater width) than the left way. Another example is provided in Figure 12, wherein the width of the element 50 and its mounting position on the lid (also not represented herein for the sake of clarity) is such that the ways PW are substantially equal to each other, but have a much wider width than in the case of Figure 10, in order to allow a greater passage of liquid.

The solution in Figure 10 can be used, for example, to create a sort of screen for the flow of water which, by gravity, flows in the zone A between the lid 30 and the body 20, when the lid is closed, in order to prevent such an incoming flow from penetrating to a large extent in the receptacle 40, or to divide such a flow into two partial flows F which are mainly conveyed laterally on the surface 22, beyond the parallel stretches of the sealing protrusion 41. The solutions in Figures 11 and 12, which outline sealing elements 50 of smaller width, allow a greater partial flow F on one side (Figure 11) or on both sides (Figure 11), to enable a greater entry of washing liquid into the receptacle 40. In any case, the width of the passageways PW is predetermined during the design phase, in order to control to a certain extent the amount of liquid that is allowed to reach the area subtended by the lid 30, for example to optimize such and amount according to the characteristics of the washing programs of the dishwashers from different manufacturers.

As can be seen, for certain applications, the element 50 creates a sort of partialization or reduction member of the flow of water admitted towards the area where the receptacle 40 is located.

It goes without saying that, in the open position of the lid 30, the third sealing arrangement exemplified by the element 50 does not achieve the aforementioned additional seal with respect to the dispenser body 20, thereby allowing a greater passage or flow of water towards the zone A, and on its bottom surface 22 wherein the receptacle 40 opens, thus allowing a complete removal of the washing agent from the receptacle itself, as well as its cleaning. The concept is evident, for example, from Figure 6, wherein the sealing element 50 is located at a distance from the surface 22 (here even beyond the side 20a of the profile of the dispenser body 20).

The advantage at the production level is evident, wherein one and the same type of dispenser can be easily adapted to the different needs and/or to different washing cycles of dishwasher manufacturers, simply by replacing the sealing element 50, or possibly the lid 30 if this integrates the sealing element 50.

The fourth sealing arrangement, or the conformation of the portion of the surface 22 at which the sealing element 50 operates, can be made in a different way from that previously exemplified. For example, in possible alternative embodiments, the surface 22 may comprise an inclined surface portion, so that, during the passage of the lid 30 from the open position to the closed position, the sealing element 50 undergoes an increasing elastic deformation due to its contact with such an inclined surface portion, in the transition from the open position to the closed position. Such an embodiment is exemplified in Figures 13 and 14, wherein the surface 22 is a surface generally inclined relative to the direction of movement of the lid 30, in particular an upwardly inclined surface, starting from the upper side 20a of the peripheral profile of the body 20 towards the opposite side (20b).

Figure 13 shows an intermediate position of the lid 30, during its passage to the closed position, where the distal end of the sealing element 50 is still at a distance from the surface 22. Thereafter, the distal end of the element 50 will come into contact with the surface 22, and then the element 50 will undergo elastic bending due to contact with the surface 22 and the movement of the lid, up to the closing position as exemplified in Figure 14, with a maximum bending of the element 50. Naturally, the ability of elastic deformation of the element 50 and friction thereof with respect to the surface 22 will be chosen so as not to hinder the engagement during closure and not to prevent the subsequent passage of the lid 30 from the closed position to the open position.

The concept exemplified in Figures 13-14 is also shown in the following Figures 15-17, which represent the fully open position of the lid 30, the intermediate position of Figure 13 and the closing position of Figure 14, respectively.

Of course, also the sliding guides 21c, 33c and 2 Id, 33d can be configured to for the purpose of determining the increasing deformation of the sealing element 50 due to contact thereof with the inclined surface 22, as is exemplified in Figures 13-14 and 15-17. By the way, in other embodiments , the surface 22 could also be flat, i.e., not inclined, and the increasing deformation effect of the sealing element 50 could be obtained through the sole configuration of the sliding guides 21c, 336c and 2 Id, 33d. Also in this case, as in the other variants described below, in the position of the lid 30 being open, the third sealing arrangement does not achieve the aforementioned additional seal with respect to the body of the dispenser 20 (see for example Figure 15), thus allowing a greater passage or flow of water towards zone A.

Figures 18 and 19 exemplify further possible embodiments, wherein the fourth sealing arrangement comprises a relief 24 of the surface 22, rather than a step 23 as shown in Figures 1-12 above. Also in this case, the relief 24 extends transversely into zone A, preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of displacement X of the lid 30, so that at least a distal portion of the element 50 can come into contact with the front of the relief 24 (with reference to the direction of displacement between the opening and closing positions), preferably in a condition of an at least partial elastic deformation, as shown in detail in Figure 19 (also in this figure the partial interpenetration between the element 50 and the relief 24 is intended to represent the partial elastic deformation of the element 50). In this example of embodiment it is therefore the relief 24 that identifies the intermediate position of the surface 22 at which the additional seal between the body 20 and the lid 30 is obtained. Variations similar to those indicated for the step 23 may also be provided for the relief 24, in relation to different shapes and orientations.

Figure 20 shows, through a representation similar to that of Figure 19, a further possible variant embodiment, according to which - instead of a step 23 or a relief 24 - the fourth sealing arrangement comprises a recess 25 of the surface 22. Also in this case, the recess 25 extends transversely in the zone A, preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of displacement X of the lid 30. In embodiments of this type, the distal end portion of the element 50 is intended to mate in the recess 25, due to the ability of elastic deformation of the element 50. In this case, the degree of elastic deformation of the element 50 in the static condition of coupling with the recess 25 may be also lower than that which occurs before this coupling (in other words, the element 50 may flex more when the distal end thereof comes into contact with the surface 22, and then assume less flexion following upon coupling with the recess 25). In this example of embodiment it is therefore the recess 25 that identifies the intermediate position of the surface 22 at which the additional seal between the body 20 and the lid 30 is obtained. Also for the recess 25 variants similar to those indicated for step 23 can be provided, in relation to different shapes and orientations. Preferably, the step 23 or relief 24 or recess 25, on the one hand, and the sealing element 50, on the other hand, are configured to be at least partly complementary, for example in terms of shape and/or orientation.

From the given description, the characteristics of the present invention are clear, as well as its advantages. The proposed solution allows to reduce or partialize the flow of water that penetrates the area of the dispenser where the receptacle for containment of a washing agent opens, in the condition of closed lid. In this way the entry of water into the area subtended by the closed lid can be controlled, for example, to possibly have a minimum entry of water into the receptacle for enabling the possible dissolution of a detergent tablet or the preventive activation of components of a washing agent, but at the same time preventing an excessive filling of the same receptacle, which could lead to an overflow, or an excessive overflow, of the washing agent before the lid is made to open.

A substantial advantage of the proposed solution is represented by the possibility of configuring the dispenser differently, according to the different needs of the manufacturers of washing machines, simply by varying the width (always understood as transverse dimension with respect to the direction X) of the sealing element 50 and/or its mounting position on the lid 30. For example, for certain applications, the element 50 may extend over the entire width of the lid 30, or the zone A, in order to counteract the passage of the washing liquid to receptacle 40 at most. This measure can be useful for those cases wherein it is desired to oppose the entry of water into the receptacle during the pre-washing phase of a dishwasher operating cycle, in order to keep the washing agent substantially dry (especially if in powder or tablet form), so that it can fall into the tank more easily once the lid is opened. Again for example, in other applications, the element 50 may extend to a more or less limited with respect to the width of the lid 30, for example for the reasons explained in relation to Figures 10-12. It goes without saying that, in the case of an element 50 consisting of a gasket applied to the lid 30, such a gasket can also be omitted, in case the maximum passage of the washing liquid towards the receptacle 40 is desired.

It is clear that numerous variations are possible for the person skilled in the art to the dispenser described as an example, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow. As previously mentioned, the sealing element 50, instead of being made from an element in elastomer material, could be formed in a single piece with the body of the lid, for example with a thermoplastic material, and have a thickness that still allows a certain ability of elastic deformation or bending.

In the examples given, the sealing element 50 extends uninterrupted between its two lateral ends: however, in possible variant embodiments, the element 50 could provide for one or more discontinuities or intermediate interruptions, in order to allow in any case a controlled passage of the liquid. Clearly, the surface 22 could also have one or more discontinuities for the same purpose, for example in the form of longitudinal recesses at the step 23 or the relief 24.

The realization of the aforementioned third and fourth sealing arrangements could be reversed with respect to what was previously described, without prejudice to their positioning on the lid and the dispenser body, respectively. In other words, for example, a substantially rigid sealing element could be provided on lid the 30, to replace the element previously designated by 50, and another elastically deformable sealing element, to replace the step 23, or the relief 24, or the recess 25, could be provided at the surface 22 to identify the intermediate position at which the additional seal between the body 20 and the lid 30 is obtained.

An example of this type is shown in Figure 21, wherein the lid 30 defines a sealing element 50', here in the form of a transverse relief in relatively rigid material, preferably formed integrally in the body of the same lid or associated thereto, and the surface 22 has a corresponding elastically deformable sealing element 26 associated thereto, for example, a gasket of elastomer material similar to the one previously indicated by 50. Such a gasket 26 can be constrained in a corresponding seat 22a defined within the surface 22, substantially in the position where the additional seal is to be defined. By the way, the element 26 could also be formed integrally with the dispenser body 20: in this case, preferably, at least one of the elements 50' and 26 will be shaped to be at least partially elastically deformable, although this is not strictly indispensable in view of achieving the aims of the invention. Similarly, both the element 50' and the element 26 could be formed in elastomer material. Variations similar to those indicated for the step 23 may also be provided for the elements 26 and 50' in relation to different shapes and orientations.

An inverted realization between the third and fourth sealing arrangements may also be considered with reference to the embodiments of Figures 1-12, 13-17, 18-19 and 20, by providing elements similar to those previously designated by 23, 24 and 25, respectively, on a sealing surface of the lid 30, and by providing for an element similar to that previously designated by 50 at the surface 22. Also in such cases, the sliding means provided between the dispenser body 20 and the body of the lid will be preferably configured to ensure cooperation between the respective sealing elements following upon the passage of the lid from the open position to the closed position.

The basic concept of the invention is also applicable, with adaptations that appear clear to the person skilled in the art, to the case of dispensers with a lid which slides in different directions with respect to the case previously exemplified (for example as in the aforementioned US5884821 A, wherein the direction of movement of the lid is substantially perpendicular to the direction X previously indicated).

Similarly, the concept of the invention is also applicable for the person skilled in the art to the case wherein the guide arrangement between the dispenser body 20 and the body of the lid 30 includes an articulated coupling, configured for enabling an angular sliding of the lid above at least part of the surface 22 around an axis of articulation that extends substantially according to the depth dimension of the dispenser body, i.e., the dimension identified between the front and back of such a body, indicated by Z in Figure 9 (see, as s simple reference, DE10244678 A, US2006249547 A, WO2011063942 A).

The concept of providing for a partialization arrangement of the flow of the washing water allowed towards the receptacle, as described in relation to the element 50, is also applicable to the case of dispensers having a tilting lid, that is, constrained to displace angularly between the opening and closing positions around an axis substantially parallel to the front of the dispenser body.

Claims

1. A washing agent dispenser for dishwashers, comprising a dispenser body (20) and a lid (30), wherein the dispenser body (20) has a front at which at least one receptacle (40) is defined for the containment of a washing agent, wherein the lid (30) is mounted in a sliding way relative to the dispenser body (20) to be displaceable between a closing position and an opening position of the at least one receptacle (40), between the dispenser body (20) and the lid (30) there being provided a guide arrangement (21c, 2 Id, 33c, 33d) configured for guiding sliding of the lid (30) between the closing position and the opening position according to a direction of displacement (X), wherein the dispenser body (20) has a first sealing arrangement (41) which partially surrounds a mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), the first sealing arrangement (41) having at least one discontinuity at a first portion (40a) of the mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), wherein the lid (30) has a second sealing arrangement (34) on an inner face of the lid (30) facing the front of the dispenser body (20), the first sealing arrangement (41) and the second sealing arrangement (34) being configured to cooperate with each other when the lid (30) is in the closing position, to provide at least a partial seal around the mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), wherein the front of the dispenser body (20) has a first surface (22) at which the first sealing arrangement (41) is located, the lid (30) being able to slide above at least part of the first surface (22) between the opening position and the closing position, characterized in that the lid (30) has a third sealing arrangement (50) to provide an additional seal with respect to the dispenser body (20) as a result of sliding of the lid (30) from the opening position to the closing position, the third sealing arrangement (50) being configured to achieve the additional seal at an intermediate position of the first surface (22) which is spaced from the first portion (40a) of the mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), or from the first sealing arrangement (41), in particular in the direction of displacement (X) of the lid (30).

2. The dispenser according to Claim 1, wherein:

- the dispenser body (20) has a front and a peripheral profile which includes a first side (2a) and a second side (2b) generally opposite to each other,

- the guide arrangement comprises sliding guides (21c, 2 Id, 33c, 33d) configured for enabling a substantially linear sliding of the lid (30) between the closing position and the opening position in a direction generally transverse with respect to the first side (2a) and the second side (2b) of the peripheral profile of the dispenser body (20), the direction of displacement (X) being in particular a substantially linear direction,

- the first surface (22) of the dispenser body (20) extends at least between the first side (20a) of the peripheral profile of the dispenser body (20) and the first portion (40a) of the mouth of the receptacle (40), or the discontinuity of the first sealing arrangement (41), the first surface (22) being at least partially covered by the lid (30) both in the opening and in the closing position,

- the intermediate position of the first surface (22) at which the additional seal is achieved is located between the first side (20a) of the peripheral profile of the dispenser body (20) and the first portion (40a) of the mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), or the discontinuity of the first sealing arrangement (41), at a distance from both of them.

3. The dispenser according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the dispenser body (20) has a fourth sealing arrangement (23, 24, 25, 26) configured for cooperating with the third sealing arrangement (50) to provide the additional seal.

4. The dispenser according to any of Claims 1-3, wherein the third sealing arrangement (50; 50') comprises at least one of from among an elastically deformable sealing element, a polymer sealing element at least partly flexible, a substantially rigid sealing element, a sealing step, a sealing relief, a sealing recess, a sealing surface.

5. The dispenser according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the fourth sealing arrangement (23; 24; 25; 26) comprises at least one from among an elastically deformable sealing element, an at least partially flexible polymer sealing element, a substantially rigid sealing element, a sealing step, a sealing relief, a sealing recess, a sealing surface.

6. The dispenser according to Claims 4 and 5, wherein one of the third sealing arrangement (50; 50') and the fourth sealing arrangement (23, 24, 25, 26) comprises an elastically deformable sealing element, and the other one of the third sealing arrangement (50; 50') and the fourth sealing arrangement (23; 24; 25; 26) comprises a sealing surface that is configured for sealingly cooperating with the elastically deformable sealing element when the lid (30) is in the closing position.

7. The dispenser according to Claim 6, wherein said sealing surface comprises one from among a step (23), a relief (24) or a recess (25) with which the elastically deformable sealing element is suitable to sealingly cooperate.

8. The dispenser according to Claim 6, wherein said sealing surface is an inclined surface, configured for sealingly cooperating with the first sealing arrangement (50) as a result of the passage of the lid (30) from the opening position to the closing position.

9. The dispenser according to any of Claims 6-8, wherein the guide arrangement (21c, 2 Id, 33c, 33d) is configured in such a way that during passage of the lid (30) from the opening position to the closing position the elastically deformable sealing element undergoes a variable deformation as a result of its contact with said sealing surface.

10. The dispenser according to any of Claims 6-9, wherein the elastically deformable sealing element is associated with the lid (30) and said sealing surface belongs to the first surface (22).

11. The dispenser according to any of Claims 1-10, wherein the third sealing arrangement (50) is in a position spaced apart from the second sealing arrangement (34) on the inner face of the lid (30), in the direction of movement (X) of the lid (30).

12. The dispenser according to any of Claims 1-11, wherein the additional seal is a partial seal.

13. The dispenser according to any of Claims 1-12, wherein:

- one of the first sealing arrangement (41) and the second sealing arrangement (34) comprises a sealing protrusion of the dispenser body (20) or else of the lid (30), and

- the other of the first sealing arrangement (41) and the second sealing arrangement (34) comprises a gasket on the lid (30) or else on the dispenser body (20), respectively, the sealing protrusion and the gasket being suitable to sealingly cooperate when the lid (30) is in the closing position.

14. The dispenser according to any of Claims 1-13, wherein, at the first surface (22) of the dispenser body (20), a member (3 a) belonging to a hooking/releasing system of the lid (30) is mounted, said member (3a) being in an intermediate position between said first portion (40a) of the mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), or the discontinuity of the first sealing arrangement (41), and the intermediate position of the first surface (22).

15. The dispenser according to any of Claims 1-14, wherein the guide arrangement comprises:

- at least one guiding element, which includes one of a longitudinally extended recess (21c, 2 Id) and a sliding element in relief (33c, 33d), which is defined at a longitudinal wall (20c, 20d) of the dispenser body (20), and at least one guided element, which includes the other one of a sliding element in relief (33c, 33d) and a longitudinally extended recess (21c, 2 Id), which is defined at a longitudinal side of the lid (20), or else

- an articulated coupling configured for enabling an angular or at least partly curved sliding of the lid (30) above at least part of the first surface (22) between the opening position and the closing position, about an articulation axis which extends substantially according to a depth dimension (Z) of the dispenser body (20), the direction of displacement (X) being a direction at least partly curved.

16. A washing agent dispenser for dishwashers, comprising a dispenser body (20) and a lid (30), wherein the dispenser body (20) has a front at which at least one receptacle (40) is defined for the containment of a washing agent, wherein the lid (30) is mounted relative to the dispenser body (20) to be displaceable between a closing position and an opening position of the at least one receptacle (40), between the dispenser body (20) and the lid (30) there being provided a constraining arrangement (21c, 2 Id, 33c, 33d) configured for guiding displacement of the lid (30) between the closing position and the opening position, wherein the dispenser body (20) has a first sealing arrangement (41) which partially surrounds a mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), the first sealing arrangement (41) having at least one discontinuity at a first portion (40a) of the mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), wherein the lid (30) has a second sealing arrangement (34) on an inner face of the lid (30) facing the front of the dispenser body (20), the first sealing arrangement (41) and the second sealing arrangement (34) being configured to cooperate with each other when the lid (30) is in the closing position, to provide at least a partial seal around the mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), wherein the front of the dispenser body (20) has a first surface (22) at which the at least one receptacle (40) is located, the lid (30) being able to cover at least part of the first surface (22) in the closing position, characterized in that the between the lid (30) and the dispenser body (20) a reducing arrangement (50) is provided, which is active following upon displacement of the lid (30) from the opening position to the closing position, the reducing arrangement (50) being configured to reduce a possible flow of water admitted towards the at least one receptacle (40), at an intermediate position of the first surface (22) which is spaced apart from the first portion (40a) of the mouth of the at least one receptacle (40), or from the first sealing arrangement (41).

17. A household washing dishwasher, comprising a washing agent dispenser according to one or more of Claims 1 to 16.