FR2593379A1 - Device for dispensing cleaning and rinsing agents for dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for dispensing cleaning and rinsing agents. It concerns a device in which a restoring component 17 has openings that engage with arms 15, 16 of members 10, 13 controlling the dispensing of cleaning and rinsing agents. A weight 18 is attached to the restoring component 17 and causes it to fall whenever the door of the machine is opened. The rinsing agent cannot therefore be dispensed if the cleaning agent has not been dispensed already. Application to dishwashers.

Description

The present invention relates to devices for dispensing detergent agents and rinsing agents in dishwashing machines. It relates in particular to a dispensing device which can be mounted on a dishwashing machine door which can be oriented between a horizontal loading position and a vertical washing position, comprising:
a first container for accommodating a washing agent and cooperatively carrying a first dispensing control member whose movement causes, during use, the dispensing of the washing agent,
a second container, intended to house a rinsing agent (rinsing agent or to make it shine) and cooperatively carrying a second dispensing control member whose movement causes, during use, the distribution of the rinsing agent; , and
a control device capable of provoking, rar dnu. x successive actions, the movement of the first distribution control member and the movement of the second distribution control member.

 The dispensing devices of the type indicated above are of current use and are commonly called "integrated" type dispensers when the two associated dispensing containers form a single element.

 The distribution control device may be constituted, in a known solution, by two electromechanical actuating members successively controlled by a timer or a timer which controls the operation of the dishwashing machine.

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<tb> rinsing respectively at the first maneuver and the second maneuver of the electromechanical actuator.

 A disadvantage that appears in the dispensing devices of the type indicated above, controlled by a single electromechanical actuator is due to the fact that, at least under certain accidental operating conditions (for example a faulty closure of the washing agent container after its loading), the dispensing control member of the rinsing agent can also be set in motion when the maneuvering device is maneuvered. Such dual distribution of the rinse agent is even more undesirable and harmful in the event that the event which caused it is the lack of loading of the washing agent into the respective container.

 The invention relates to a very functional and efficient dispensing device, whereby the risk of dual distribution of the rinsing agent is avoided safely.

position dans laquelle cette transmission du mouvement est interdite, l'élément de renvoi étant associe à un poids qui, lorsque la'porte vient en position horizontale de chargement, provoque une action d'entraînement de l'4ler munt de renvoi vers la seconde position sous l'action de la pusanteur. More precisely, according to the invention, these characteristics are obtained by producing a device of the type indicated above, characterized in that:
the control device comprises a single motor element acting on the first distribution control member, and
a return element placed between the first and the second distribution control member is intended to cooperate with one of the first and second distribution control members in a first position in which it determines the transmission of the movement between as COIIUIItiltlv.

position in which this transmission of movement is prohibited, the return element being associated with a weight which, when the door comes to the horizontal loading position, causes a driving action of the 4ler munt return to the second position under the action of the blaster.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Figures 1 and 2 show in perspective, according to two substantially opposite points of view, a dispensing device according to the invention; and
Figures 3 to 11 schematically show various operating conditions of the dispensing device of Figures 1 and 2, Figures 4,6,8 and 10 being sections along the lines IV-IV, VV, VIII-VIII and XX of Figures 3 , 5, 7 and 9, Fig. 11 being a further sectional view along line XX of Fig. 9 and referring to an operating condition other than that to which Fig. 10 refers.

 In Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a dispensing device intended to be mounted on the inner face of the door of a dishwashing machine. Part of this door is schematically represented in the figure and bears the reference S. According to a feature known for a long time, this door is orientable and can be placed in horizontal position (loading position) so that it allows the introduction of the washing dishes in the washing tub and removing the washed dishes, and in a vertical position (washing position) in which the door closes the washing tub and prevents the washing liquid from leaving the machine.

The dispensing device 1 follows the door
S and is therefore adjustable between a horizontal loading position in which the dispensing device can be opened by the user so that he can fill it with a detergent and a rinsing agent, and a vertical washing position in wherein the dispenser is disposed within the washing tub of the washing machine and allows the dispensing of doses of the detergent and rinse agents respectively in the washing liquid and in the rinse water.

 In the description and in the claims that follow, the term "detergent agent" refers to any type of detergent or washing agent that can be used in a dishwashing cycle. Likewise, the term "rinsing agent" refers to any product that can be used to "shine" the dishes, commonly called rinsing agents.

 The device 1 is essentially constituted by a pressed plastic body 2 of generally flattened shape intended to be placed in a corresponding opening formed in the door S.

 In the body 2 there is an "internal" side (visible in FIG. 1) which is intended to be turned towards the washing tank in the washing position, and an "external" side (to which reference is made to FIG. 2), and more schematically, Figures 3,5,7 and 9), in the mounting position of the device 2 which is placed inside the door S and is therefore hidden from view.

 A first and a second container bearing the references 3 and 4 respectively are disposed on the inner side of the body 2 and they are closed by oscillating lids 5 and 6 hinged along the upper edge of the body 2 which has a generally rectangular shape.

 In Figure 1, the door 5 is shown in the open position, that is to say in the position in which the interior of the container 3 is accessible from the outside.

Under these conditions, the container 3 can be filled with detergent. The filling operation of the container 3 is normally carried out when the door S is in horizontal loading position, before carrying out a dishwashing operation.

 The container 4 (whose lid 6 is shown in the closed position in FIG. 1) is filled with a rinsing agent according to quite similar operations: the reduced amount of washing agent required for each washing cycle However, it is such that the container 4 must be filled only periodically, for example every fifty or a hundred washing operations.

 The covers 5 and 6 (or at least the lid 5 associated with the detergent container 3) are associated with springs (not shown in the figures) which bring them back to the open position.

 The covers 5 and 6 themselves are retained in the closed position by respective oscillating locks 7 and 8 which can be moved by the user when he wants to open the containers and proceed to the loading of the detergent agent and 1 ' rinse agent.

 The lock 7 associated with the detergent container 3 is also moved in automatic mode by an electromagnet 9 whose operation is controlled by a timer or a timer that regulates the course of the operating cycle of the dishwashing machine.

 More specifically, the latch 7 constitutes one of the two arms of a distributor control member 10, having the general configuration of a lever and mounted so that it can pivot on a pivot 11 protruding from the outer side of the body 2.

 The pivot 11 is directed approximately perpendicular to the direction of greatest development of the body 2.

 Accordingly, when the dispensing device 1 is mounted on the door S, the distributor control member 10 oscillates in a plane substantially parallel to the general plane of the door S.

 The reference 12 indicates an additional pivot disposed parallel to the pivot 11 of the outer side of the body 2 of the dispenser. The pivot 12 is mounted, generally, "above" the pivot 11, that is to say in a position such that, when the door S is in the vertical position, the pivot 12 is higher than the pivot 11.

 An additional distributor control member 13 also having a general lever shape is articulated on the pivot 12 (in a plane substantially parallel to the general plane of the door S).

 The control member 13 acts on the tank 4 in which the rinsing agent is located.

 More specifically, the control member 13 acts on a movable shutter associated with an opening 14 that comprises the container 4 of rinsing agent. When it is operated, the control member 13 determines the distribution of a dose of rinsing agent through the opening 14.

 The control member 10 and the control member 13 have two arms bearing the references 15 and 16 between which is mounted a deflection member 17 formed of a plate-shaped body (for example of plastics material) on which is applied a metal body 18, having the function of constituting a weight.

 The deflection element 17 has an elongated shape and has, at its ends, openings 19 and 20 in which are arranged the arm 15 of the control member of the distributor 10 and the arm 16 of the control member of the distributor. 13.

 The relative dimensions of the arm 16 and the cover 20 are chosen so that the element 17 can oscillate freely at its suspension location on the arm 16.

 In particular, the return element 17 is in a state of oscillation in a plane coinciding with the plane of oscillation of the control members 10 and 13 (that is to say in a plane substantially parallel to the general plane of the door S) and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the door S.

 The oscillation movement of the deflection element 17 in the general plane of the door is controlled, as will be better seen in the following, by a hook appendix 21 of the body 15 which passes into the opening 19 and curved towards the other side of the deflection element 17.

 The configuration of the opening 19 has a profile such that, within the limits of the opening 19 itself, there is a first part bearing the reference 19a and a second part bearing the reference 19b (Figure 4).

 More specifically, the first portion 19a constitutes a rectangular notch placed along one side of the second part 19b which has an approximately square shape.

 The notch defining the first portion 19a is disengaged along the outer side of the portion 19b, that is to say along the side of the portion 19b which is opposite at. containers 3 and 4. The notch defining the first portion 19a is disengaged near the top of the portion 19b turned towards the opening 20.

 The dimensions of the parts 19a and 19b of the aperture 19 are chosen so that, with the arm 15 passing therethrough, a tight coupling condition and a loose coupling condition are realized. In other words, when the arm 15 passes into the portion 19b, the movement of the arm 15 caused by the oscillation of the member 10 controlled by the actuating member 9 does not include a displacement resulting from the referral 17 and organ 13; on the contrary, when the arm 15 passes into the part 19a, the movement of the member 10 is transmitted, via the arm 15 itself and the deflection element 17, to the organ 13.

 A further V-shaped notch 22 positioned substantially in alignment with the deflection member 17 is formed on the side of the arm opposite the arm 16.

 The dimensions of the notch 19a and those of the V-notch 22 are selected so that, as described in more detail below, the arm 15 can enter the first portion 19a of the opening 19-under the action of an oscillating displacement of the deflection member 17 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the general plane of the S-only door when the deflection element 17 is aligned with the notch 22.

 The operating sequence of the device 1 is now described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11, in which, for reasons of simplicity, only the distributor control members 10 and 13 and the return element 17, with the elements directly associated with them.

In general terms, the sequence of use of the dispensing device 1 comprises the following steps:
-loading the detergent and rinse agent inside the containers 3 and 4 while the door S is in the horizontal position, before or after loading the dishes to be washed inside the washing tub ,
-closing the covers 5 and 6 and then folding the door S in the vertical working position, before starting washing,
-opening of the lid 5, with distribution of the detergent agent, under the action of the oscillating displacement of the control member 10 determined by a first actuation of the electromagnet 9 controlled by the timer or the timer of the machine during the dishwashing operation,
displacement of the shutter associated with the opening 14, and the resulting distribution of a dose of rinsing agent, because of the displacement of the control member 13 determined by a subsequent maneuver of the controlled electromagnet 9 by the timer or timer during the rinsing phase of the dishes, and
-reopening the door of the dishwashing machine at the end of the washing cycle and placing the dispenser in the horizontal position, before a subsequent washing cycle or the removal of the washed dishes,
As indicated above, the capacity of the tank 4 is such that it is not normally necessary to renew the washing agent at each cycle of operation.

 Figures 3 and 4 correspond to the conditions that precede the start of the wash cycle while the door S is in the vertical position.

 The lid 5 is retained in the closed position by the latch 7 and the arm 15 passes into the second part 19b of the opening 19.

 In all cases (as will be seen later), an abnormal operating condition in which the arm 15 cooperates with the first part 19a of the opening 19 itself is excluded.

 The deflection member 17 bears against the profiled applicator 21 of the arm 15 with a provision such that the V-notch 22 is displaced with respect to the profile of the opening 19.

 When the electromagnet 9 is firstly controlled, the control member 10 oscillates clockwise as schematically shown by the dashed lines B in FIG. 5. The oscillation movement of the The member 10 disengages the latch 7 from the lid 5 which moves to the open position causing the detergent to be dispensed into the wash solution.

 The oscillation of the member 10, however, does not allow the oscillation of the member 13 when, as in the previous figure, the dimensions of the part 19b of the opening 19 are such that the coupling with the arm 15 is loose and avoids the transmission of movement between the arm 15 and the arm 16.

 The oscillation of the control member 10 (and in particular the thrust exerted on the deflection member 17 by the appendix 21 when the control member 10 returns to its initial position at the end of the maneuvering interval However, the electromagnet 9) has the effect of placing the V-notch 22 in the alignment position on the lower edge of the notch delimiting the first part 19a of the opening 19. Under these conditions as well as under the effect of the return operation exerted by the weight 18 under the action of gravity (the-door S is indeed in the vertical position during the wash cycle), the return element 17 oscillates closer to the containers 3 and 4, so that (as shown in FIG. 6), the arm 15 comes into a position of cooperation with the lower edge of the notch delimiting the first part 19a of the opening 19. In such conditions, a There is cooperation between the arm 15 and the return element 17, allowing the transmission of movement through these two elements.

 When the electromagnet 9 is again operated by the timer or the timer (FIGS. 7 and 8), the clockwise oscillation movement of the control member 10 which results therefrom determines a corresponding lowering of the deflection element 17 and the resulting oscillation in the counterclockwise direction of the control member; following the oscillation of the control member 13, the shutter associated with the opening 14 moves and a dose of rinsing agent is distributed in the rinsing water.

The arrangement of the coupling between the arm 15 and the deflection element 17 is maintained when the electromagnet 9 returns to the rest position in the final phase of the washing cycle.
However, when, at the end of the washing operation, the door S is returned to the horizontal position (FIGS. 9 and 10), the effect of return by the action of gravity, exerted by the weight 19 and the in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10, causes the deflection member 17 to oscillate in the direction away from the containers 3 and 4. Due to the oscillation of the deflection member 17 the arm 15 leaves the first part 19a of the opening 19 and restores the loose coupling conditions with the opening 19 itself.

 Such loose coupling conditions are maintained in any event, that, after filling the container 3, the lid 5 is correctly closed towards the position shown in FIG. 4, either because of lack of attention or because of wear. the latch 7 of the lid 5 remains in the open position as schematically shown in FIG. 11.

 This latter figure refers to conditions in which the door S comes in vertical position with the lid 5 open: in all cases, since the gravity return exerted by the weight 18 puts the deflection member 17 in the support position against appendix 21 (FIG. 3), the accidental orientation of the deflection element 17 on the V-notch 22 and the resumption of the conditions of cooperation, with transmission of the movement, between the arm 15 and the element of referral 17 are prevented.

 Such conditions are not repeated until, during the following washing cycle, the control member 10 has oscillated following the first operation of the electromagnet 9.

 The arrangement of the various elements described is such that, in all cases, the operation of the control member 13 (with resulting distribution of the rinsing agent) is prevented at the first actuation of the electromagnet 9.

 The deflection member 17 may in fact cooperate with the distribution control members 10 and 13 in two distinct positions. In a first position (FIGS. 6 and 8), the deflection element 17 ensures the transmission of the movement between the distribution control elements 10 and 13. In the second operating position (FIGS. 4, 10 and 11), the transmission the movement of the first control member, on which the electromagnet 9 acts, on the second control member, which regulates the distribution of the rinsing agent, is prohibited.

The weight 18, associated with the deflection element 17, has a gravity drive effect which in all cases pushes the deflection element 17 towards the second position when the door S is placed in horizontal loading position.

 Of course, various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to the devices that have just been described as non-limiting examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. A device for dispensing detergent and rinsing agent, to be arranged on a door (S) of a dishwashing machine which can be oriented between a horizontal loading position and a vertical position of process, comprising: a first container (3,5) for accommodating a washing agent and associated with a first distribution control member (7,10) whose displacement causes, in use, the dispensing of the washing agent, -a second container (4,6) for accommodating a rinsing agent (agent for shining or rinsing) and carrying a second distribution control member (13) whose displacement causes, during the use, the distribution of the rinsing agent, and a control device (9) capable of causing, with two successive maneuvers, respectively the displacement of the first distribution control member (7, 10) and the displacement of the second organ of command of dis tribution (13), characterized in that the control device comprises a single motor element (9) acting on the first distribution control member (7, 10 and a return element (17) is arranged between the first organ dispensing control means (7, 10) and the second dispensing control member (13) and is intended to cooperate with one of the first and second dispensing control members (7, 10; 13) in a first position in which the transmission of motion between the distribution control members (7, 10;  13) is ensured and a second position in which this transmission of movement is prohibited, the return element (17) cooperating with a weight (18) which drives the deflection element (17) to the second position under the action gravity forces when the door (S) is placed in a horizontal loading position. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first distribution control member (10) comprises profiled parts (21, 22) which, at least when the door (S) is in the vertical working position, are intended to bring the return element to the first position under the action of the first distribution control member (7, 10) determined by the first of two successive operations of the control device. 3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that  the first distribution control member and the second distribution control member (13) both have a configuration generally forming a swingarm lever, and  the deflection element (17) connects an arm (15) of the first distribution control member (10) to an arm (16) of the second distribution control member (13) and has a profiled opening (19) which cooperates with one of the arms (15) and has a first portion (19a) and a second portion (19b) which forms, with one of the arms (15), a tight coupling configuration with motion transmission and a loose coupling configuration without motion transmission, the first and second positions of the deflection member (17) respectively corresponding to the tight coupling configuration (19a) and the loose coupling configuration (19b). 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the deflection element (17) is hingedly connected to the other arm (16) so that the displacement of the deflection element between the first and the second position is effected by pivoting the deflection element itself (17). 5. Device according to claims 2 and 4 taken together, characterized in that  the first distribution control member (10) comprises an arm (15) which cooperates with a profiled opening (19) of the deflection element (17),  the first distribution control member (10) and the return element (17) can oscillate in planes which coincide substantially,  the movement of the first distribution control member (10) determined by the first of the two successive maneuvers of the control device (9) is carried out from a rest position in which the first distribution control member (10) ) is placed against the edge of the second part (19b) of the contoured opening of the deflection element (17), preventing the displacement of the deflection element from the second position to the first, and  the first distribution control member (10) has a notch (22) which, following the displacement of the first dispensing member (10) determined by the first of the two successive maneuvers of the control device (9), in alignment position on the edge of the first part (19a) of the profiled opening (19) of the deflection element, allowing the displacement of the deflection element (17) from the second position to the first. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first distribution control member (10) comprises an appendage (21) intended to act on the return element (17) so that it causes, as a result, the displacement of the first distribution control member (10) determined by the first of the two successive operations of the control device (9), a corresponding displacement of the deflection element (17) which causes the setting of mutual alignment position the notch (22) of the first distribution control member (10) and the edge of the first portion (19a) of the profiled opening (19) of the deflection member (17).  7. Device according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the substantially coinciding planes in which oscillate the first distribution control member (10) and the return element (17) are approximately parallel to the plane gnerai of the door (S), and the action of return of the weight (18) associated with the deflection element (17) under the action of gravity, is made in a direction approximately perpendicular to the general plane of the door (S).