Patent Application
20250127373
Contemporary appliances for use in a typical household include a cabinet with an interior tub, drum, or the like at least partially defining a treating chamber into which articles can be placed for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation. Such articles can include kitchenware, glassware, or clothing items in some examples. A dispensing system can be provided for supplying treating chemistry to the treating chamber. A user interface can be provided for selecting, modifying, or otherwise controlling a cycle of operation of the household appliance.
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a household appliance for treating articles according to an automatic cycle of operation. The household appliance includes a chassis having an interior surface at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving the articles for treatment according to the cycle of operation; and a dispensing system having a dispenser outlet fluidly coupled to the treating chamber and a dispenser assembly operably coupled to the interior surface. The dispenser assembly includes a dispenser housing having a cartridge recess having a recess back wall and a recess sidewall defining an open face, a cartridge seat within the dispenser housing and having a seating wall pivotally mounted to the dispenser housing and movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the recess back wall, a cartridge having a treating chemistry reservoir and insertable into the cartridge seat to define a seated position; and a cover carried by the cartridge, wherein, when the cartridge is in the seated position and the seating wall is in the retracted position, the dispenser assembly defines a dispensing position with the cover closing the open face, and wherein, when the seating wall is in the extended position, the dispenser assembly defines an access position with the cover spaced from the open face and the cartridge is accessible for unseating from the cartridge seat.
In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a dispenser assembly for a household appliance having a treating chamber. The dispenser assembly includes a dispenser housing having a cartridge recess having a recess back wall and a recess sidewall defining an open face, a cartridge seat within the dispenser housing and having a seating wall pivotally mounted to the dispenser housing and movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the recess back wall, a cartridge having a treating chemistry reservoir and insertable into the cartridge seat to define a seated position; and a cover carried by the cartridge, wherein, when the cartridge is in the seated position and the seating wall is in the retracted position, the dispenser assembly defines a dispensing position with the cover closing the open face, and wherein, when the seating wall is in the extended position, the dispenser assembly defines an access position with the cover spaced from the open face and the cartridge is accessible for unseating from the cartridge seat.
In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to a dispenser assembly for a household appliance having a treating chamber. The dispenser assembly includes a dispenser housing having a cartridge recess having a recess back wall and a recess sidewall defining an open face, a cartridge seat within the dispenser housing and having a seating wall pivotally mounted to the dispenser housing and movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the recess back wall, with the cartridge seat configured to receive a cartridge having a treating chemistry reservoir to define a seated position, and a cover configured for coupling to the cartridge, wherein, when the cartridge is in the seated position and the seating wall is in the retracted position, the dispenser assembly defines a dispensing position with the cover closing the open face, and wherein, when the seating wall is in the extended position, the dispenser assembly defines an access position with the cover spaced from the open face and configured for access to the cartridge for unseating from the cartridge seat.
In the drawings:
The disclosure generally relates to a dispensing assembly for a household appliance. In typical household appliances, such as dishwashers, the treating chamber may include a dispenser chamber with a connected flip-top or rotatable lid, wherein a user supplies treating chemistry to the chamber and closes the lid prior to a cycle of operation.
Aspects of the dispensing assembly disclosed herein include a cartridge configured to secure to a housing, such as within the treating chamber, without need of a lid connected to the housing. The dispensing assembly additionally includes a movable wall providing selective access to the cartridge while maintaining a compact form factor when in a dispensing position.
In the illustrated example, the household appliance 1 is in the form of a dishwasher 10 for treating dishes. As used in this description, the term “dish(es)” or “dish item(s)” is intended to be generic to any item, single or plural, that can be treated in the dishwasher 10, including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, or silverware. As illustrated, the dishwasher 10 is a built-in dishwasher implementation, which is designed for mounting under a countertop. However, this description is applicable to other dishwasher implementations such as a stand-alone, drawer-type or a sink-type, for example.
The dishwasher 10 has a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement the automatic cycle of operation. A chassis 11 is provided to support the variety of systems needed to implement the automatic cycle of operation. The chassis 11 includes an interior surface 13 that at least partially defines a treating chamber 16. The treating chamber 16 includes an open face for receiving the dishes. As illustrated, for a built-in implementation, the chassis 11 includes a frame in the form of a base 12, an open-faced tub 14 supported by the base 12, and a closure in the form of a door assembly 20. The door assembly 20 can be pivotally mounted to the base 12 for movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face of the treating chamber 16, such as for loading and unloading of dishes or other items.
The tub 14 includes a tub surface 15 at least partially defining the treating chamber 16. The door assembly 20 includes an inner door surface 21 at least partially defining the treating chamber 16. In this manner, the interior surface 13 can include at least one of the tub surface 15 or the inner door surface 21.
The chassis 11, as in the case of the built-in dishwasher implementation, can be formed by portions of the dishwasher 10, such as the tub 14 and the door assembly 20, in addition to a dedicated frame structure, like the base 12, with them all collectively forming a unibody frame to which the variety of systems are supported. In other implementations such as a drawer-type dishwasher, the chassis can be a tub that is slidable relative to a frame, with the closure being a part of the chassis or the countertop of the surrounding cabinetry. In a sink-type implementation, the sink forms the tub and the cover closing the open top of the sink forms the closure. Sink-type implementations are more commonly found in recreational vehicles.
The systems supported by the chassis 11, while essentially limitless, can include a dish holding system 30, a spray system 40, a recirculation system 50, a drain system 60, a water supply system 70, a drying system 80, a heating system 90, and a filter system 100. These systems are used to implement one or more treating cycles of operation for the dishes, for which there are many, and one of which includes a traditional automatic wash cycle.
A basic traditional automatic wash cycle of operation has a wash phase, where a detergent/water mixture is recirculated and then drained, which is then followed by a rinse phase where water alone or with a rinse agent is recirculated and then drained. An optional drying phase can follow the rinse phase. More commonly, the automatic wash cycle has multiple wash phases and multiple rinse phases. The multiple wash phases can include a pre-wash phase where water, with or without detergent, is sprayed or recirculated on the dishes, and can include a dwell or soaking phase. There can be more than one pre-wash phases. A wash phase, where water with detergent is recirculated on the dishes, follows the pre-wash phases. There can be more than one wash phase; the number of which can be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the wash liquid. One or more rinse phases will follow the wash phase(s), and, in some cases, come between wash phases. The number of wash phases can also be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the rinse liquid. The wash phases and rinse phases can included the heating of the water, even to the point of one or more of the phases being hot enough for long enough to sanitize the dishes. A drying phase can follow the rinse phase(s). The drying phase can include a drip dry, heated dry, condensing dry, air dry or any combination.
A controller 22 can also be included in the dishwasher 10 and operably couples with and controls the various components of the dishwasher 10 to implement the cycle of operation. The controller 22 can be located within the door assembly 20 as illustrated, or it can alternatively be located somewhere within the chassis 11. The controller 22 can also be operably coupled with a control panel or user interface 24 for receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The user interface 24 can include operational controls such as dials, lights, switches, and displays enabling a user to input commands, such as a cycle of operation, to the controller 22 and receive information.
The dish holding system 30 can include any suitable structure for holding dishes within the treating chamber 16. Exemplary dish holders are illustrated in the form of an upper dish rack 32 and a lower dish rack 34, commonly referred to as “racks”, which are located within the treating chamber 16. The upper dish rack 32 and the lower dish rack 34 are typically mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treating chamber 16 through the open face for ease of loading and unloading. Drawer guides 36, which can include slides or rails, are typically used to slidably mount the upper dish rack 32 to the tub 14. The lower dish rack 34 typically has wheels or rollers 38 that roll along rails 39 formed in sidewalls of the tub 14 and onto the door assembly 20 when the door assembly 20 is in the opened position.
Dedicated dish holders can also be provided. One such dedicated dish holder is a third-level rack 33 located above the upper dish rack 32. Like the upper dish rack 32, the third-level rack is slidably mounted to the tub 14 with drawer guides 36. The third-level rack 33 is typically used to hold utensils, such as tableware, spoons, knives, spatulas, etc., in an on-the-side or flat orientation. However, the third-level rack 33 is not limited to holding utensils. If an item can fit in the third-level rack 33, it can be washed in the third-level rack 33. The third-level rack 33 generally has a much shorter height or lower profile than the upper and lower dish racks 32, 34. Typically, the height of the third-level rack 33 is short enough that a typical glass cannot be stood vertically in the third-level rack 33 within the treating chamber 16.
Another dedicated dish holder can be a silverware basket (not shown), which is typically carried by one of the upper or lower dish racks 32, 34 or mounted to the door assembly 20. Such a silverware basket typically holds utensils and the like in an upright orientation as compared to the on-the-side or flat orientation of the third-level rack 33.
A dispensing system 18 is provided to dispense one or more types of treating chemistries, e.g. detergent, anti-spotting agent, etc., into the treating chamber 16. The dispensing system 18 can include at least a treating chemistry reservoir and a dispenser outlet. The dispenser assembly 118 can include a single-use dispenser, or a bulk dispenser, or a combination of both in some implementations.
The dispensing system 18 can also include a dispenser assembly 118 operably coupled to the interior surface 13 of the treating chamber 16. In the illustrated example, the dispenser assembly 118 is coupled to the inner door surface 21 though this need not be the case. The dispenser assembly 118 can also be coupled to the tub surface 15 in some implementations. It is also contemplated that multiple dispenser assemblies 118 can be provided, including on the inner door surface 21 or the tub surface 15.
Turning to
The deep-clean sprayer 44 is a manifold extending along a rear wall of the tub 14 and has multiple nozzles 47, with multiple apertures 48, generating an intensified and/or higher pressure spray than the upper spray arm 41, the lower spray arm 42, or the third-level sprayer 43. The nozzles 47 can be fixed or move, such as in rotating. The spray emitted by the deep-clean sprayer 44 defines a deep clean zone, which, as illustrated, would like along a rear side of the lower dish rack 34. Thus, dishes needing deep cleaning, such as dishes with baked-on food, can be located in the lower dish rack 34 to face the deep-clean sprayer 44. The deep-clean sprayer 44, while illustrated as only one unit on a rear wall of the tub 14 could include multiple units and/or extend along multiple portions, including different walls, of the tub 14, and can be provide above, below or beside any of the dish holders with deep-cleaning is desired.
The spot sprayer 45, like the deep-clean sprayer 44, can emit an intensified and/or higher pressure spray, especially to a discrete location within one of the dish holders. While the spot sprayer 45 is shown below the lower dish rack 34, it could be adjacent any part of any dish holder or along any wall of the tub where special cleaning is desired. In the illustrated location below the lower dish rack 34, the spot sprayer 45 can be used independently of or in combination with the lower spray arm 42. The spot sprayer 45 can be fixed or movable, including by rotating.
The upper spray arm 41, lower spray arm 42, third-level sprayer 43, deep-clean sprayer 44, spot sprayer 45, and tube sprayer 46 are illustrative examples of suitable sprayers and are not meant to be limiting as to the type of suitable sprayers in the set of sprayers 40S.
The recirculation system 50 recirculates the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber 16 by the sprayers of the spray system 40 back to the sprayers to form a recirculation loop or circuit by which liquid can be repeatedly and/or continuously sprayed onto dishes in the dish holders. The recirculation system 50 can include a sump 51 and a pump assembly 52. The sump 51 collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber 16 and can be formed by a sloped or recess portion of a bottom wall of the tub 14. The pump assembly 52 can include one or more pumps such as a recirculation pump 53. The sump 51 can also be a separate module that is affixed to the bottom wall and include the pump assembly 52.
Multiple liquid supply conduits 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 fluidly couple the set of sprayers 40S to the recirculation pump 53. A recirculation valve 59 can selectively fluidly couple each of the conduits 54-58 to the recirculation pump 53. While each sprayer in the set of sprayers 40S is illustrated as having a corresponding dedicated supply conduit 54-58, two or more sprayers in the set of sprayers 40S can be supplied by the same conduit, negating the need for a dedicated conduit for each sprayer. For example, a single conduit can supply the upper spray arm 41 and the third-level sprayer 43. Another example is that the tube sprayer 46 is supplied liquid by the conduit 56, which also supplies the third-level sprayer 43.
The recirculation valve 59, while illustrated as a single valve, can be implemented with multiple valves. Additionally, one or more of the conduits can be directly coupled to the recirculation pump 53, while one or more of the other conduits can be selectively coupled to the recirculation pump with one or more valves. There are essentially an unlimited number of plumbing schemes to connect the recirculation system 50 to the spray system 40. The illustrated plumbing is not limiting.
The drain system 60 drains liquid from the treating chamber 16. The drain system 60 includes a drain pump 62 fluidly coupled the treating chamber 16 to a drain line 64. As illustrated the drain pump 62 fluidly couples the sump 51 to the drain line 64.
While separate recirculation and drain pumps 53, 62 are illustrated, a single pump can be used to perform both the recirculating and the draining functions. Alternatively, the drain pump 62 can be used to recirculate liquid in combination with the recirculation pump 53. When both a recirculation pump 53 and drain pump 62 are used, the drain pump 62 is typically more robust than the recirculation pump 53 as the drain pump 62 tends to have to remove solids and soils from the sump 51, unlike the recirculation pump 53, which tends to recirculate liquid which has solids and soils filtered away to some extent.
The water supply system 70 is provided for supplying fresh water to the dishwasher 10 from a household water supply via a household water valve 71. The water supply system 70 includes a water supply unit 72 having a water supply conduit 73 with a siphon break 74. While the water supply conduit 73 can be directly fluidly coupled to the tub 14 or any other portion of the dishwasher 10, the water supply conduit is shown fluidly coupled to a supply tank 75, which can store the supplied water prior to use. The supply tank 75 is fluidly coupled to the sump 51 by a supply line 76, which can include a controllable valve 77 to control when water is released from the supply tank 75 to the sump 51.
The supply tank 75 can be conveniently sized to store a predetermined volume of water, such as a volume required for a phase of the cycle of operation, which is commonly referred to as a “charge” of water. The storing of the water in the supply tank 75 prior to use is beneficial in that the water in the supply tank 75 can be “treated” in some manner, such as softening or heating prior to use.
A water softener 78 is provided with the water supply system 70 to soften the fresh water. The water softener 78 is shown fluidly coupling the water supply conduit 73 to the supply tank 75 so that the supplied water automatically passes through the water softener 78 on the way to the supply tank 75. However, the water softener 78 could directly supply the water to any other part of the dishwasher 10 than the supply tank 75, including directly supplying the tub 14. Alternatively, the water softener 78 can be fluidly coupled downstream of the supply tank 75, such as in-line with the supply line 76. Wherever the water softener 78 is fluidly coupled, it can be done so with controllable valves, such that the use of the water softener 78 is controllable and not mandatory.
The drying system 80 is provided to aid in the drying of the dishes during the drying phase. The drying system as illustrated includes a condensing assembly 81 having a condenser 82 formed of a serpentine conduit 83 with an inlet fluidly coupled to an upper portion of the tub 14 and an outlet fluidly coupled to a lower portion of the tub 14, whereby moisture laden air within the tub 14 is drawn from the upper portion of the tub 14, passed through the serpentine conduit 83, where liquid condenses out of the moisture laden air and is returned to the treating chamber 16 where it ultimately evaporates or is drained via the drain pump 62. The serpentine conduit 83 can be operated in an open loop configuration, where the air is exhausted to atmosphere, a closed loop configuration, where the air is returned to the treating chamber, or a combination of both by operating in one configuration and then the other configuration.
To enhance the rate of condensation, the temperature difference between the exterior of the serpentine conduit 83 and the moisture laden air can be increased by cooling the exterior of the serpentine conduit 83 or the surrounding air. To accomplish this, an optional cooling tank 84 is added to the condensing assembly 81, with the serpentine conduit 83 being located within the cooling tank 84. The cooling tank 84 is fluidly coupled to at least one of the spray system 40, recirculation system 50, drain system 60 or water supply system 70 such that liquid can be supplied to the cooling tank 84. The liquid provided to the cooling tank 84 from any of the systems 40-70 can be selected by source and/or by phase of cycle of operation such that the liquid is at a lower temperature than the moisture laden air or even lower than the ambient air.
As illustrated, the liquid is supplied to the cooling tank 84 by the drain system 60. A valve 85 fluidly connects the drain line 64 to a supply conduit 86 fluidly coupled to the cooling tank 84. A return conduit 87 fluidly connects the cooling tank 84 back to the treating chamber 16 via a return valve 79. In this way a fluid circuit is formed by the drain pump 62, drain line 64, valve 85, supply conduit 86, cooling tank 84, return valve 79 and return conduit 87 through which liquid can be supplied from the treating chamber 16, to the cooling tank 84, and back to the treating chamber 16. Alternatively, the supply conduit 86 could fluidly couple to the drain line 64 if re-use of the water is not desired.
To supply cold water from the household water supply via the household water valve 71 to the cooling tank 84, the water supply system 70 would first supply cold water to the treating chamber 16, then the drain system 60 would supply the cold water in the treating chamber 16 to the cooling tank 84. It should be noted that the supply tank 75 and cooling tank 84 could be configured such that one tank performs both functions.
The drying system 80 can use ambient air, instead of cold water, to cool the exterior of the serpentine conduit 83. In such a configuration, a blower 88 is connected to the cooling tank 84 and can supply ambient air to the interior of the cooling tank 84. The cooling tank 84 can have a vented top 89 to permit the passing through of the ambient air to allow for a steady flow of ambient air blowing over the serpentine conduit 83.
The cooling air from the blower 88 can be used in lieu of the cold water or in combination with the cold water. The cooling air will be used when the cooling tank 84 is not filled with liquid. Advantageously, the use of cooling air or cooling water, or combination of both, can be selected on the site-specific environmental conditions. If ambient air is cooler than the cold water temperature, then the ambient air can be used. If the cold water is cooler than the ambient air, then the cold water can be used. Cost-effectiveness can also be taken into account when selecting between cooling air and cooling water. The blower 88 can be used to dry the interior of the cooling tank 84 after the water has been drained. Suitable temperature sensors for the cold water and the ambient air can be provided and send their temperature signals to the controller 22, which can determine which of the two is colder at any time or phase of the cycle of operation.
A heating system 90 is provided for heating water used in the cycle of operation. The heating system 90 includes a heater 92, such as an immersion heater, located in the treating chamber 16 at a location where it will be immersed by the water supplied to the treating chamber 16. The heater 92 need not be an immersion heater, it can also be an in-line heater located in any of the conduits. There can also be more than one heater 92, including both an immersion heater and an in-line heater.
The heating system 90 can also include a heating circuit 93, which includes a heat exchanger 94, illustrated as a serpentine conduit 95, located within the supply tank 75, with a supply conduit 96 supplying liquid from the treating chamber 16 to the serpentine conduit 95, and a return conduit 97 fluidly coupled to the treating chamber 16. The heating circuit 93 is fluidly coupled to the recirculation pump 53 either directly or via the recirculation valve 59 such that liquid that is heated as part of a cycle of operation can be recirculated through the heat exchanger 94 to transfer the heat to the charge of fresh water residing in the supply tank 75. As most wash phases use liquid that is heated by the heater 92, this heated liquid can then be recirculated through the heating circuit 93 to transfer the heat to the charge of water in the supply tank 75, which is typically used in the next phase of the cycle of operation.
A filter system 100 is provided to filter un-dissolved solids from the liquid in the treating chamber 16. The filter system 100 includes a coarse filter 102 and a fine filter 104, which can be a removable basket 106 residing the sump 51, with the coarse filter 102 being a screen 108 circumscribing the removable basket 106. Additionally, the recirculation system 50 can include a rotating filter in addition to or in place of either or both of the coarse filter 102 and fine filter 104. Other filter arrangements are contemplated such as an ultrafiltration system.
As illustrated schematically in
Referring now to
The dispenser housing 120 includes a cartridge recess 150 having a recess back wall 152 and a recess sidewall 154 defining an open face 151. As shown, the cartridge recess 150 is located in the inner door surface 21 though this need not be the case. In some implementations, the cartridge recess 150 can be located in any portion of the interior surface 13, including the tub surface 15 (
A cartridge seat 125 is also provided within the dispenser housing. In the example shown, the cartridge seat 125 includes a seating wall 122 and two seating arms 124. In some implementations, the cartridge seat 125 can include the seating wall 122 alone. In addition, a set of guide members 128 can be provided and configured to align or index the cartridge 130 with the cartridge seat 125. The set of guide members 128 can be provided along at least a portion of the cartridge 130, the cover 140, the seating wall 122, one or more seating arms 124, or combinations thereof. In the non-limiting example shown, the set of guide members 128 includes a first guide 128A extending along a side of the cartridge 130, and a second guide 128B extending along one seating arm 124. For instance, the first guide 128A or the second guide 128B can include a channel, a slot, a rail, a projecting arm, an interlocking member, a dovetail, or the like, or combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that the set of guide members 128 can secure or fasten the cartridge 130 within the cartridge seat 125.
The cartridge 130 includes at least one treating chemistry reservoir 132 for containing any suitable amount of treating chemistry, including a single dose or charge, or multiple doses or charges. The cartridge 130 can also include a fluid outlet port 134 fluidly coupled to the treating chemistry reservoir 132. The fluid outlet port 134 can extend or project from the cartridge 130, as shown in the illustrated example, or can also be positioned along or within the cartridge 130 in some implementations. The cartridge 130 additionally defines a cartridge width 135 and a cartridge height 137 as shown. The cartridge width 135 can be the same as, smaller than, or larger than the cartridge height 137.
The cover 140 can be coupled to the cartridge 130, including in a detachable or a non-detachable manner. Optionally, the cover 140 can include a handle 142, including a projecting handle, a pocket handle, a surface grip, or the like for removal or replacement. In some implementations, the cover 140 and the cartridge 130 can be formed as a unitary body. The cover 140 additionally defines a cover width 145 and a cover height 147 as shown. The cover width 145 can be the same as, smaller than, or larger than the cover height 147. Additionally, in the example shown, the cover width 145 is the same as the cartridge width 135, and the cover height 147 is the same as the cartridge height 137, though this need not be the case.
A dispenser outlet 156 and a fluid connection port 158 are also provided. The dispenser outlet 156 can be provided on the interior surface 13, e.g. the inner door surface 21, though this need not be the case. The fluid connection port 158 can be disposed along one of the recess sidewalls 154 as shown. Additionally or alternatively, one or more fluid connection ports 158 can be disposed on the inner door surface 21 spaced from the cartridge recess 150, or on a surface having no such recess. The fluid connection port 158 is fluidly coupled to the dispenser outlet 156, such as by a fluid conduit, tubing, or the like. The fluid connection port 158 is also configured to couple with the fluid outlet port 134 of the cartridge 130. For instance, either or both of the fluid connection port 158 or the fluid outlet port 134 can include a piercing end, a cannula, a membrane, a press-fit connector, a valve, or the like.
Turning to
In addition, a bias member 160 can be provided and operably coupled to the seating wall 122 for biasing the seating wall 122 toward a predetermined position. For instance, the bias member 160 can include an elastic component, a push-push latch, a deformable component, or the like. In the non-limiting example shown, the bias member 160 includes a spring that partially extends into the recess back wall 152 and biases the seating wall 122 away from the recess back wall 152, toward the extended position 170, though this need not be the case. In some examples, the bias member 160 can bias the seating wall 122 toward the recess back wall 152. In some implementations, the bias member 160 can be incorporated into the pivot coupling 126, such as by a spring hinge or the like, or can include a push-push latch for selective biasing of the seating wall 122. In some implementations, an additional bias member can be provided for biasing the cartridge 130 away from the fluid connection port 158, such as a “pop-up” style arrangement. Further still, the seating wall 122 or the cartridge 130 can be freely movable with no bias member present.
The set of guide members 128 can be configured for alignment of the cartridge 130 with the cartridge seat 125 during insertion. In the illustrated example, the first guide 128A on the cartridge 130 can be slidably guided along the second guide 128B on the seating arm 124. It is also contemplated that the set of guide members 128 can be configured for alignment of the fluid outlet port 134 with the fluid connection port 158.
It is contemplated that the dispenser assembly 118 can define an access position 175 when the seating wall 122 is in the extended position 170. In the access position 175, the cover 140 is spaced from the open face 151 and the cartridge 130 is accessible for unseating from the cartridge seat 125. In this manner, the access position 175 provides for user access to the cartridge 130 or interior portions of the dispenser housing 120.
Turning to
In the illustrated example, the cover 140 is aligned, flush, or coplanar with the interior surface 13, e.g. the inner door surface 21, though this need not be the case. In some implementations, the cover 140 can project or protrude from the interior surface 13 while closing the open face 151, such as a cap-style or button-style cover.
Referring generally to
In some implementations, the fluid outlet port 134 of the cartridge 130 can be coupled to or engage with the fluid connection port 158 whenever the cartridge 130 is in the seated position, regardless of the positioning of the seating wall 122. In other implementations, the fluid outlet port 134 can be coupled to the fluid connection port 158 once the dispenser assembly 118 is in the dispensing position 185. Regardless of where the fluid coupling is made, the fluid connection port 158 can provide a fluidic connection between the treating chemistry reservoir 132 and the dispenser outlet 156, such that treating chemistry may be supplied to the treating chamber 16 (
For instance, in one non-limiting example of operation, a valve can be provided with the dispenser assembly 118 for selectively coupling the fluid connection port 158 to the dispenser outlet 156. In such a case, the valve can be closed when the dispenser assembly 118 is in the access position 175, and open when the dispenser assembly 118 is in the dispensing position 185. In this manner, when the cartridge 130 is in the seated position 180 and the seating wall 122 is in the extended position 170, the fluid outlet port 134 can couple to the fluid connection port 158 and the valve can remain closed. When the seating wall 122 is moved into the retracted position 172 and the dispenser assembly 118 is in the dispensing position 185, the valve can be opened.
In another non-limiting example of operation, the fluid connection port 158 can be aligned such that fluid coupling is made with the fluid outlet port 134 once the dispenser assembly 118 is in the dispensing position 185. In such a case, fluidic connection between the treating chemistry reservoir 132 and the dispenser outlet 156 can occur after the cartridge 130 is inserted into the cartridge seat 125 and the cover 140 closes the open face 151 of the cartridge recess 150.
In this manner, the fluid outlet port 134 can be configured to fluidly couple to the fluid connection port 158 when at least one of the cartridge 130 is in the seated position 180, or the dispenser assembly 118 is in the dispensing position 185.
The dispenser assembly 218 includes a cartridge 230, a cover 240, and a set of guide members 228 as shown. The cartridge 230 defines a cartridge width 235 and a cartridge height 237, and the cover 240 defines a cover width 245 and a cover height 247. One difference is that the cover width 245 and the cover height 247 are larger than the respective cartridge width 235 and cartridge height 237. Another difference is that the set of guide members 228 is provided along the cover 240. In this manner, the cover 240 can be configured to engage with a cartridge seat, similar to the cartridge seat 125 (
The dispenser assembly 318 includes a cartridge 330, a cover 340, and a set of guide members 328 as shown. The cartridge 330 defines a cartridge width 335 and a cartridge height 337, and the cover 340 defines a cover width 345 and a cover height 347. One difference is that the cover width 345 is the same as the cartridge width 335, and the cover height 347 is larger than the cartridge height 337. Another difference is that the cartridge 330 and the cover 340 are formed as a single, unitary body 348 as shown. Still another difference is that the set of guide members 328 includes projecting tabs extending along the unitary body 348 as shown.
Aspects of the disclosure provide for several benefits, including that the cartridge can be secured or coupled to the treating chamber without need of a hinged or rotatable lid connected to the treating chamber surface. The use of a movable seating wall provides for guided access to the cartridge while maintaining a compact, hidden form within the treating chamber when in the dispensing position, which maximizes available space for articles within the treating chamber. In addition, the set of guiding members provide for ease of alignment and automatic fluid coupling during cartridge insertion, which reduces waste and isolates the user from contact with treating chemistry inside the cartridge.
To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.
This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While aspects of the disclosure have been specifically described in connection with certain specific details thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims.
Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:
A household appliance for treating articles according to an automatic cycle of operation, the household appliance comprising: a chassis having an interior surface at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving the articles for treatment according to the cycle of operation; and a dispensing system having a dispenser outlet fluidly coupled to the treating chamber and a dispenser assembly operably coupled to the interior surface, the dispenser assembly comprising: a dispenser housing comprising a cartridge recess having a recess back wall and a recess sidewall defining an open face; a cartridge seat within the dispenser housing and comprising a seating wall pivotally mounted to the dispenser housing and movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the recess back wall; a cartridge having a treating chemistry reservoir and insertable into the cartridge seat to define a seated position; and a cover carried by the cartridge; wherein, when the cartridge is in the seated position and the seating wall is in the retracted position, the dispenser assembly defines a dispensing position with the cover closing the open face; and wherein, when the seating wall is in the extended position, the dispenser assembly defines an access position with the cover spaced from the open face and the cartridge is accessible for unseating from the cartridge seat.
A dispenser assembly for a household appliance having a treating chamber, the dispenser assembly comprising: a dispenser housing comprising a cartridge recess having a recess back wall and a recess sidewall defining an open face; a cartridge seat within the dispenser housing and comprising a seating wall pivotally mounted to the dispenser housing and movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the recess back wall; a cartridge having a treating chemistry reservoir and insertable into the cartridge seat to define a seated position; and a cover carried by the cartridge; wherein, when the cartridge is in the seated position and the seating wall is in the retracted position, the dispenser assembly defines a dispensing position with the cover closing the open face; and wherein, when the seating wall is in the extended position, the dispenser assembly defines an access position with the cover spaced from the open face and the cartridge is accessible for unseating from the cartridge seat.
A dispenser assembly for a household appliance having a treating chamber, the dispenser assembly comprising: a dispenser housing comprising a cartridge recess having a recess back wall and a recess sidewall defining an open face; a cartridge seat within the dispenser housing and comprising a seating wall pivotally mounted to the dispenser housing and movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the recess back wall, with the cartridge seat configured to receive a cartridge having a treating chemistry reservoir to define a seated position; and a cover configured for coupling to the cartridge; wherein, when the cartridge is in the seated position and the seating wall is in the retracted position, the dispenser assembly defines a dispensing position with the cover closing the open face; and wherein, when the seating wall is in the extended position, the dispenser assembly defines an access position with the cover spaced from the open face and configured for access to the cartridge for unseating from the cartridge seat.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the seating wall is rotatable between the extended position and the retracted position.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a set of guide members along at least a portion of the cartridge seat and configured to align the cartridge with the cartridge seat.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the cartridge seat further comprises a seating arm coupled to the seating wall and extending toward the open face.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the set of guide members comprises at least one guide extending along at least one of the cartridge, the cover, the seating wall, or the seating arm.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the chassis further comprises a door assembly having an inner door surface at least partially defining the interior surface; wherein the dispenser assembly is operably coupled to the inner door surface.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the cartridge recess is located in the inner door surface.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising: a fluid connection port fluidly coupled to the dispenser outlet; and a fluid outlet port disposed on the cartridge and fluidly coupled to the treating chemistry reservoir; wherein the fluid outlet port is configured to fluidly couple to the fluid connection port when at least one of: the cartridge is in the seated position; or the dispenser assembly is in the dispensing position.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the fluid connection port comprises a cannula and the fluid outlet port comprises a membrane, wherein the cannula is configured to pierce the membrane when the dispenser assembly is in the dispensing position.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the cover comprises a panel removably coupled to the cartridge.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the cartridge defines a cartridge width and the cover defines a cover width greater than the cartridge width.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a bias member operably coupled to the seating wall.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the bias member biases the seating wall toward at least one of the extended position or the retracted position.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the seating wall is rotatable between the extended position and the retracted position.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the cartridge seat further comprises a seating arm coupled to the seating wall and extending toward the open face.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a set of guide members along at least a portion of the cartridge seat and configured to align the cartridge with the cartridge seat.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the set of guide members comprises at least one guide extending along at least one of the cartridge, the cover, the seating wall, or the seating arm.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the set of guide members comprises a channel, a slot, a rail, a projecting arm, an interlocking member, a dovetail, a recessed portion, a dimple, or a projecting tab.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a fluid outlet port disposed on the cartridge and fluidly coupled to the treating chemistry reservoir, with the fluid outlet port configured to fluidly couple to a dispensing system of the household appliance.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the fluid outlet port comprises a membrane configured to be pierced by a cannula of the dispensing system when the dispenser assembly is in the dispensing position.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the cover comprises a panel removably coupled to the cartridge.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the cover comprises a panel configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the cover and the cartridge are formed as a single, unitary body.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the cartridge defines a cartridge width and the cover defines a cover width greater than the cartridge width.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a bias member operably coupled to the seating wall.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the bias member biases the seating wall toward at least one of the extended position or the retracted position.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a set of guide members along at least a portion of the cartridge seat and configured to align the cartridge with the cartridge seat.
The dispenser assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the set of guide members comprises at least one guide extending along at least one of the cartridge, the cover, the seating wall, or the seating arm.
The household appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the set of guide members comprises a channel, a slot, a rail, a projecting arm, an interlocking member, a dovetail, a recessed portion, a dimple, or a projecting tab.
