BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an upper right perspective view of a dishwasher incorporating a detergent dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged upper right perspective view of the detergent dispenser of FIG. 1 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an is a perspective view of the detergent dispenser of FIG. 2 illustrated with a lid portion of the dispenser in an open configuration;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the detergent dispenser of FIG. 2 illustrating an actuator portion of a dispensing mechanism;
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the detergent dispenser of FIG. 2 illustrating a linkage portion of the dispensing mechanism;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the detergent dispenser constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an is a perspective view of the detergent dispenser of FIG. 6 illustrated with a lid portion of the dispenser in an open configuration;
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the detergent dispenser of FIG. 6 illustrating an actuator portion of a dispensing mechanism constructed in accordance with the second embodiment; and
FIGS. 9-14 illustrate a still further embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With initial reference to FIG. 1, a dishwasher constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated at 2. As shown, dishwasher 2 includes an outer body 4 arranged below a kitchen countertop 6. Also below kitchen countertop 6 is shown cabinetry 8 including a plurality of drawers 9-12, as well as a cabinet door 13. Although the actual dishwasher into which the present invention may be incorporated can vary, the invention is shown in connection with dishwasher 2 depicted as a dual cavity dishwasher having an upper washing unit 16 and a lower washing unit 18. Upper and lower washing units 16 and 18 take the form of drawers capable of operating either singly or in combination.
In the embodiment shown, upper washing unit or drawer 16 is shown to include a front wall 20, rear wall (not shown), bottom wall 22 and opposing side walls 23 and 24 that collectively define a wash tub or basin 28. In a manner known in the art, basin 28 is provided with a dish rack 30 for supporting various objects, such as dishware, glassware and the like, that are exposed to a washing operation. In a manner also known in the art, upper drawer 16 is slidingly supported within an outer body 4 through a pair of extensible support guides, one of which is indicated at 33. In addition, it should be understood that, although not shown, each drawer 16, 18 is provided with a corresponding lid member (not shown) that selectively seals a respective basin 28. In any event, the above description is provided for the sake of completeness and to enable a better understanding of the drawings. The present invention is particularly directed to a dispenser, such as indicated at 43, for selectively storing and subsequently releasing detergent and/or rinse aid for a washing operation.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, dispenser 43 includes a main body portion 46 having front, rear, top, bottom and opposing side portions 50-55. Main body portion 46 includes a first reservoir 60 for receiving and selectively releasing dishwashing detergent and a second reservoir 62 for storing and selectively releasing rinse aide. Reservoir 60 is sized and shaped so as to receive a variety of forms of dishwashing detergent, such as liquid, solid particulate and formed blocks. Second reservoir 62 is provided with a lid 64 having a raised area 65 which enables a consumer to readily grasp and remove lid 64 in order to expose second reservoir 62, thereby permitting rinse aid to be introduced therein. As will be detailed more fully below, the rinse aid is ejected or released from second reservoir 62 through an opening 67 provided in front portion 50 during select portions of the washing operation, particularly just prior to a final rinse cycle.
As best shown in FIG. 3, first reservoir 60 includes a front wall 70, rear wall 71, bottom wall 72 and opposing side walls 73 and 74 which collectively define a chamber 75. In accordance with the invention, chamber 75 is provided with a drain port 80 located adjacent bottom wall 72. Drain port 80 is provided to allow detergent to be rinsed from first reservoir 60. That is, drain port 80 is sized so as to ensure that liquid (gel) or particulate detergent can be maintained within chamber 75 until such a time as that detergent is diluted with water to form a washing solution. Once diluted, the detergent is capable of passing through drain port 80 into basin 28.
In order to prevent prematurely exposing the detergent held within first reservoir 60 to a flow of diluting water, dispenser 43 is provided with a lid 89 pivotally mounted relative to main body portion 46. As shown, lid 89 includes front, rear, top and opposing side sections 91-95 which, in one preferred arrangement, collectively define a third reservoir 96. Third reservoir 96 can be employed to store or hold detergent for providing a pre-wash to dishware located within basin 28. Lid 89 is also shown to include an extension 100 which selectively closes drain port 80 when lid 89 is in a closed position. Also, lid 89 is provided with a recess 102 which, as will be discussed more fully below, is provided to selectively retain lid 89 in a closed position.
In accordance with the invention, dispenser 43 is provided with both a first or manual actuator 110 (see FIG. 3) and a second or automatic actuator 111 (see FIG. 4). As best seen in FIG. 3, manual actuator 110 includes a first end portion 114 which is pivotally mounted relative to main body portion 46 and leads to a second end portion 116. In accordance with the embodiment shown, manual actuator 110 includes a substantially vertical, planar surface 118 which is provided with a raised rib 119. With this arrangement, raised rib 119 cooperates with recess 102 to selectively retain lid 89 in the closed position. In order to cause lid 89 to shift to the open position, manual actuator 110 is pivoted about first end 114 to allow raised rib 119 to disengage from recess 102. At this point, a spring (not shown) provides a biasing force that causes lid 89 to shift from the closed position (FIG. 2) to the open position (FIG. 3). Manual actuator 110 is typically employed to enable the loading and/or visual inspection of first reservoir 60 by a consumer prior to initiating a washing operation. During the washing operation, lid 89 is automatically shifted from the closed position to the open position to expose any detergent contained therein to jets of washing fluid as discussed further below.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, automatic actuator 111 includes a linear actuator 134, which can be in the form of, for example, a wax motor or solenoid, operatively coupled to a linkage system 137. Linear actuator 134 includes an output shaft or first actuating element 139 which is adapted to engage and shift both a second actuating element 142 that is connected to a piston (not shown) and linkage system 137. The piston resides within a charging chamber 144 that is in fluid communication with second reservoir 62 and, as will be discussed more fully below, employed to discharge rinse aid into basin 28 during a select portion of the washing operation.
Referring to FIG. 5, linkage system 137 is shown to include a third actuating element 154 which is pivotally connected to a fourth actuating element 156. As shown, third actuating element 154 includes a first end 159 that is provided with a lever arm 160. First end 159 extends to a second end 161 that includes a pivot pin 163. In accordance with the invention, lever arm 160 is adapted to be operated on by first actuating element 139, while also being connected to second actuating element 142. In order to provide a degree of stability to linkage system 137, third actuating element 154 nests within a guide channel 165 formed by raised sections 166 and 167 formed on rear wall 51 of main body portion 46. In any event, fourth actuating element 156 includes a first end 170 having an opening (not separately labeled) that receives pivot pin 163. First end 170 extends to a second end 172 through an offset or stepped portion 173. Second end 172 is shown to include a collar (not separately labeled) which matingly engages with a shaft 175. Shaft 175 is operatively associated with manual actuator 110 such that operation of linkage system 137 rotates shaft 175 causing lid 89 to automatically shift from the closed position of FIG. 2 to the open position of FIG. 3.
In accordance with the invention, after charging first reservoir 60 with detergent and second reservoir 62 with rinse aid through lid 64, a consumer may initiate a washing operation in basin 28. Upon commencement of the washing operation, jets of washing fluid are directed about basin 28 from various upper and lower wash arms (not shown). If third reservoir 96 has been charged with detergent, the jets of washing fluid dilute the detergent contained therein to initiate a first or pre-wash operation. After the completion of any pre-wash operation, automatic actuator 111 is activated through a control system (not shown). More specifically, a first signal is sent to linear actuator 134 to initiate shifting of first and second actuating elements 139 and 142, while also acting upon lever arm 160 to raise third actuating element 154. Third actuating element 154 then acts upon fourth actuating element 156 resulting in the rotation of shaft 175 and the opening of lid 89. Once lid 89 is open to expose first reservoir 60, jets of washing fluid impinge upon detergent contained within first reservoir 60 creating a detergent solution employed during a second or main wash operation.
Prior to a final rinse cycle, the dishwasher control (not shown) signals linear actuator 134 a second time, causing first actuating member 139 to fully retract, thereby raising second actuating element 142 and causing the piston (not shown) to draw rinse aid into charging chamber 144 from second reservoir 62. At the initiation of the final rinse cycle, linear actuator 134 is de-energized, forcing first and second actuating elements 139 and 142 downward and causing the piston to move into chamber 144, thereby forcing rinse aid through opening 67 into basin 28. In a manner known in the art, the rinse aid mixes with rinse water so as to ensure a clean, final rinse to any dishware contained within basin 28.
Reference will now be made to FIGS. 6-8 in describing a second embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment shown, a dispenser 185 includes a main body portion 190 having front, rear, top, bottom and opposing side portions 193-198. Dispenser 185 is shown to include a first reservoir 210 for receiving detergent in liquid, particulate or solid form, as well as a second reservoir 214 for receiving and storing rinse aid. In a manner analogous to that set forth above, second reservoir 214 is provided with a lid 216 having a raised portion 217. Raised portion 217 enables a consumer to readily grasp and open lid 216 to expose second reservoir 214 and enable the addition of rinse aid. As will be discussed more fully below, front wall 193 of main body portion 190 is provided with an opening 219 which serves as a passage to enable rinse aid to be guided from second reservoir 214 into basin 28.
As best illustrated in FIG. 7, first reservoir 210 includes a front wall 221, a rear wall 222, a bottom wall 223 and opposing side walls 224 and 225 which collectively define a chamber 252. In the embodiment shown, arranged on front wall 221 is a drain port 256 which, in a manner corresponding to that described above, is sized and shaped to ensure that detergent remains within chamber 252 until diluted with washing fluid. That is, once chamber 252 is exposed to jets of washing fluid, a detergent/washing fluid mix can overflow sides 221-225 of chamber 252 while any remaining detergent mix can exit through drain port 256.
First reservoir 210 is provided with a lid 264, having front, rear, top, and opposing side wall portions 267-271, pivotally mounted relative to main body portion 190 through a hinge pin 275. As further shown, front wall portion 267 serves as a cover for drain port 256 when lid 264 is in the closed position. Lid 264 is also provided with a boss 277 arranged on side wall 270 which, in a manner that will be detailed more fully below, is adapted to selectively retain lid 264 in the closed position.
Dispenser 185 is provided with a first or manual actuator 286 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) which enables a consumer to charge first reservoir 252 with detergent, as well as a second or automatic actuator 287 (see FIG. 8) which selectively operates lid 264 during a portion of the washing operation. Manual actuator 286 includes a first end 289 that is pivotally mounted and spring biased relative to main body portion 190. First end 289 extends to a second end 292 having formed therein a depression 293. Depression 293 enables easy manipulation of manual actuator 286 by a consumer. As best shown in FIG. 7, manual actuator 286 also includes a substantially planar surface 297 positioned adjacent first reservoir 210. Formed in planar surface 297 is a recess 299 that is adapted to cooperate with boss 277 to selectively retain lid 264 in the closed position. When it is desirable to open lid 264, a consumer simply need pivot manual actuator 286 against a biasing force about first end 289. Pivoting manual actuator 286 causes recess 299 to disengage from boss 277 thereby allowing lid 264 to automatically shift to the open position. More specifically, given that lid 264 includes a spring (not shown), once boss 277 disengages from recess 299, lid 264 is biased into the open position.
Referring to FIG. 8, in order to automatically open lid 264 during the washing operation, automatic actuator 287 includes an electrically operated linear actuator, such as, for example, a wax motor or solenoid, indicated generally at 313. Linear actuator 313 is operatively coupled to a linkage system 316 through a first actuating element 319. In general, when a control (not shown) activates linear actuator 313, first actuating element 319 engages with linkage system 316 to automatically operate lid 264. Towards that end, linkage system 316 defines a second actuating element 353 pivotally connected to a first end 357 of a third actuating element 358 by a pin 359. More specifically, second actuating element 353 is operatively associated with a piston assembly (not shown) arranged in a charging chamber 365. First end 357 extends to a second end 368 which is provided with an angled surface 370 that is operatively connected to a fourth actuating element 380. Fourth actuating element 380 includes a first end 384 provided with a corresponding angled surface 386 which extends to a second end 390 that is provided with an opening 392. Opening 392 receives a shaft 396 that is keyed to manual actuator 286.
With this particular arrangement, once a control (not shown) energizes linear actuator 313, first actuating element 319 extends outward causing third actuating element 358 to pivot about pin 359. Initially, first actuating element 319 extends only a small amount, causing angled surface 370 to ride against angled surface 386. This movement causes fourth actuating element 380 to pivot and shaft 396 to rotate so as to deflect manual actuator 286 in order to allow lid 264 to open. In this manner, first reservoir 210 is exposed to jets of washing fluid allowing the detergent contained therein to become diluted and enter into basin 28. As the washing operation progresses, first actuating element 319 extends further causing second actuating element 353 to shift relative to charging chamber 365 creating a vacuum in chamber 365. The vacuum causes rinse aid to be withdrawn from second reservoir 214 and directed into charging chamber 365. Once charging chamber 365 contains rinse aid, a signal is sent to linear actuator 313 which causes first actuating element 319 to retract, forcing rinse aid from charging chamber 365 out opening 219 and into basin 28. Preferably, the signal is sent to linear actuator 313 during a final rinse phase such that the rinse aid mixes with the fluid in wash tub 28 to ensure a clean, final rinse.
Reference will now be made to FIGS. 9-14 in describing a third embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment shown, a dispenser 500 includes a main body portion 510 having front, rear, top, bottom and opposing side portions 515-520. Dispenser 500 is shown to include a first reservoir 530 for receiving detergent in liquid, particulate or solid form, as well as a second reservoir 531 for receiving and storing liquid rinse aid. In a manner analogous to that set forth above, second reservoir 531 is provided with a lid 540 have a raised portion 541. Raised portion 541 enables a consumer to readily grasp and open lid 540 exposing second reservoir 531 to enable the addition of liquid rinse aid which, in a manner also corresponding to that described above, is selectively released from second reservoir 531 into basin 28 during a rinse cycle portion of an overall washing operation.
As shown, first reservoir 530 is provided with a lid 545, having front, rear, top and opposing side wall portions 546-550, pivotally mounted relative to main body portion 510 through a pair of rear hinges 552a and 552b. Hinges 552a and 552b allow lid 545 to rotate upward to expose first reservoir 530. Lid 545 is also provided with a protrusion or boss 551 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) arranged on side wall 549 which, in a manner similar to that described above, cooperates with an actuating mechanism to selectively retain lid 545 in the closed position. That is, dispenser 500 includes a manual actuator 553 that is selectively operated by a consumer to expose first reservoir 530 and an automatic actuator system 555 which is arranged on back wall 516 and controlled by dishwasher 2 to selectively open lid 545, exposing first reservoir 530 during select portions of a washing operation. Automatic actuating system 555 includes a linear actuator 560, coupled to a linkage system 565 having a plurality of linkage elements, two of which are indicated at 567 and 568, that are operated to selectively dispense either rinse aid and detergent from dispenser 500. However, as the operation of linkage system 565 directly corresponds to that described above, further discussion will not be provided herein. Instead, the focus of the third embodiment lies in the particular incorporation and orientation of a third reservoir or pre-wash chamber 574 into dispenser 500.
As best shown in FIGS. 9-11, pre-wash chamber 574 is integrally formed in main body portion 510 and positioned adjacent to first reservoir 530. Pre-wash chamber 574 is provided with an opening 584 that enables diluted detergent or a pre-washing fluid mixture to drain from dispenser 500 into washing chamber 28. That is, if a consumer desires to perform a pre-wash cycle in washing chamber 28, detergent in liquid, particulate or solid form is placed into pre-wash chamber 574. During the washing operation, washing fluid is directed into pre-wash chamber 574, causing the detergent contained therein to dissolve and/or become diluted so as to pass through opening 584 into washing chamber 28. The detergent then mixes with washing fluid and is directed upon dishware to perform a pre-wash operation.
Based on the above-discussed preferred embodiments, it should be readily understood that, given the construction of dishwasher 2, the dispensers of the present invention enable a consumer to charge dishwashing detergent in a top portion of a dispenser, while enabling or providing a path for washing fluid to mix with and dilute the detergent for release into the dishwasher. Although described with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, it should be readily understood that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. For instance, while each dispenser is shown mounted to a respective front wall, other locations, such as the side walls, would also be acceptable. Also, it should be noted that the presence of a reservoir in the dispenser lid is but one option, with other locations also being acceptable. In general, the invention is only intended to be limited by the scope of the following claims.
Patent Application
20070246070
