TREATING AGENT DISPENSING DEVICE FOR USE IN A WASHING MACHINE

Abstract

A dispensing device for liquid and/or powdered treating agents includes a compartment for holding a first treating agent. A first nozzle is disposed above a lateral region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent. A second nozzle is disposed above a central region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent. A receptacle configured to hold a second liquid treating agent can be inserted into the compartment so as to form a gap between a wall of the receptacle and a wall of the compartment. Introduction of water through the first nozzle and the second nozzle is selectively controllable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following FIGS. I through 7, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine with the drawer partially pulled out;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a drawer;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispensing device;

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the dispensing device, taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispensing device, taken along line V-V of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective detail view of the receptacle with the front lid open; and

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the drawer with the receptacle inserted and the upper part removed.

Claims

1. A dispensing device for liquid and/or powdered treating agents, comprising: a compartment for holding a first treating agent;a first nozzle disposed above a lateral region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent;a second nozzle disposed above a central region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent; anda receptacle configured to hold a second liquid treating agent, the receptacle being receivable in the compartment so as to form a gap between a wall of the receptacle and a wall of the compartment;wherein introduction of water through the first nozzle and the second nozzle is selectively controllable.

2. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the dispensing device is a dispensing device of a washing machine.

3. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first nozzle is directed into the gap so as to introduce water into the compartment.

4. The dispensing device as recited in claim 3 wherein the first nozzle is directed at an angle toward the wall of the compartment.

5. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the second nozzle is disposed above the receptacle and configured to empty the receptacle when the receptacle is received in the compartment.

6. The dispensing device as recited in claim 5 wherein the receptacle includes a cover having an elongated opening configured to introduce water, the elongated opening being disposed below the second nozzle when the receptacle is received in the compartment.

7. The dispensing device as recited in claim 6 wherein the receptacle includes a hinged lid disposed at a front portion thereof and configured to load the second liquid treating agent.

8. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a spacer extending from an exterior portion thereof and configured to bridge the gap.

9. The dispensing device as recited in claim 8 wherein the spacer includes a wing-like shape in cross-section.

10. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes an emptying device configured to at least substantially empty the receptacle.

11. The dispensing device as recited in claim 10 wherein the receptacle has an inclined or curved shape in cross-section so as to enable an at least substantial emptying of the receptacle, and the emptying device includes a siphon forming a rear wall of the receptacle in a region of a lowest point at a rear end of the receptacle.

12. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a fixing device disposed at an exterior wall thereof and configured to fix a position of the receptacle within the compartment.

13. A receptacle for a dispensing device for use in a washing machine, the dispensing device including a compartment for holding liquid and/or powdered treating agents, the receptacle comprising: a volume configured to hold a first liquid treating agent; anda first wall configured to, upon an insertion of the receptacle into the compartment, form a gap with a wall of the compartment.

14. The receptacle as recited in claim 13 wherein the receptacle includes a cover portion having an elongated opening configured to introduce water.

15. The receptacle as recited in claim 14 wherein the receptacle includes a hinged lid disposed at a front portion thereof and configured to load the first liquid treating agent.

16. The receptacle as recited in claim 13 wherein the receptacle includes a spacer extending from an exterior portion thereof and configured to bridge the gap.

17. The receptacle as recited in claim 16 wherein the spacer includes a wing-like shape in cross-section.

18. The receptacle as recited in claim 13 wherein the receptacle includes an emptying device configured to at least substantially empty the receptacle.

19. The dispensing device as recited in claim 18 wherein the receptacle has an inclined or curved shape in cross-section so as to enable an at least substantial emptying of the receptacle, and the emptying device includes a siphon forming a rear wall of the receptacle in the region of a lowest point at a rear end of the receptacle.