DISHWASHER DETERGENT DISPENSER ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The invention concerns a dishwasher machine comprising: a washing chamber delimited by top, bottom and wall surfaces; a door that when closed provides one of the delimiting wall surfaces and when open provides access to the washing chamber; and a detergent dispenser arrangement for dispensing fluid detergent, such as liquid or gel detergent, into the washing chamber during operation of the dishwasher machine, wherein the detergent dispenser arrangement is arranged on one of the wall surfaces and comprises a supply container for the fluid detergent and further comprises a transfer mechanism for transferring fluid detergent from the supply container into the washing chamber and wherein the supply container is adapted to be detachably attachable to the detergent dispenser arrangement. The transfer mechanism comprises a pump unit arranged in fluid communication with the washing chamber and the supply container.

Claims

1. Dishwasher machine comprising: a washing chamber delimited by top, bottom and wall surfaces; a door that when closed provides one of the delimiting wall surfaces and when open provides access to the washing chamber; and a detergent dispenser arrangement for dispensing fluid detergent, such as liquid or gel detergent, into the washing chamber during operation of the dishwasher machine, wherein the detergent dispenser arrangement is arranged on one of the wall surfaces and comprises a supply container for the fluid detergent and further comprises a transfer mechanism for transferring fluid detergent from the supply container into the washing chamber, and wherein the supply container is adapted to be detachably attachable to the detergent dispenser arrangement, characterized in that the transfer mechanism comprises a pump unit arranged in fluid communication with the washing chamber and the supply container when the supply container is attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement, wherein the supply container is adapted to be detachably attachable to the pump unit so that the supply container can be detached and removed without detaching and removing the pump unit, and wherein the pump unit is detachably attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement so that, at least when the supply container is detached and removed from the detergent dispenser arrangement, the pump unit is accessible for detachment and removal from the detergent dispenser arrangement.

2. Dishwasher machine according to claim 1, wherein the detergent dispenser arrangement is arranged in association with a housing compartment having a bottom, side walls and an at least partly open side opposite the bottom, wherein the housing compartment is arranged on one of the washing chamber wall surfaces with the partly open side facing outwards from the wall surface and facing inwards the washing chamber, and wherein the supply container is adapted to be at least partly inserted into the housing compartment via the partly open side thereof and be detachably attached to the housing compartment.

3. Dishwasher machine according to claim 2, wherein the pump unit is arranged at the bottom of the housing compartment behind the supply container when the supply container is attached to the housing compartment.

4. Dishwasher machine according to claim 2, wherein the housing compartment forms a separate housing unit that is arranged in an opening in one of the washing chamber wall surfaces.

5. Dishwasher machine according to claim 1, wherein the fluid communication between the pump unit and the supply container is provided by means of a pipe section and an opening adapted to receive the pipe section, wherein the pipe section is arranged on the pump unit or the supply container and the receiving opening is arranged on the other of the pump unit and the supply container so that fluid detergent is allowed to flow from the supply container into the pump unit through the pipe section.

6. Dishwasher machine according to claim 5, wherein the pipe section is directed in such a way, and wherein the pipe section and the receiving opening are positioned in relation to each other in such a way, that when the supply container is attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement, the pipe section is inserted into the receiving opening so as to provide for the fluid communication between the supply container and the pump unit.

7. Dishwasher machine according to claim 4, wherein the pipe section is arranged on the pump unit and forms an inlet of the pump unit, and wherein the receiving opening is arranged on the supply container and forms an outlet of the supply container.

8. Dishwasher machine according to claim 1, wherein the pump unit is a peristaltic pump comprising a flexible tube forming a fluid connection between an inlet and an outlet of the pump unit, the pump unit further comprising a rotor provided with a plurality of pump elements arranged to compress the flexible tube and provide a flow of fluid detergent when the rotor rotates.

9. Dishwasher machine according to claim 1, wherein the transfer mechanism further comprises a pump driver arranged to drive the pump unit so as to transfer fluid detergent from the supply container into the washing chamber.

10. Dishwasher machine according to claim 9, wherein the transfer mechanism comprises a rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the pump driver and to the pump unit for driving of the pump unit, wherein the drive shaft is arranged to be disconnectable so that the pump unit can be disconnected from the pump driver.

11. Dishwasher machine according to claim 10, wherein the drive shaft comprises a first part connected to the pump driver and a second part connected to the pump unit, and wherein the first and second drive shaft parts are connectable so as to be rotationally fixed to each other.

12. Dishwasher machine according to claim 9, wherein the pump driver comprises an electric motor and, optionally, one or more gear drives.

13. Dishwasher machine according to claim 9, wherein the pump driver is arranged on a back side of the bottom of the housing compartment, wherein a drive shaft operatively connected to the pump driver and the pump unit extends through the bottom of the housing compartment.

14. Dishwasher machine claim 1, wherein the pump unit is detachably attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement by means of a releasable connection structure, such as a snap-fit connection, a bayonet connection, a screw connection, etc.

15. Dishwasher machine according to claim 1, wherein the fluid communication between the pump unit and the washing chamber is provided by means of a channel through the supply container, wherein a first end of the channel connects to an outlet of the pump unit and a second end of the channel is open to the washing chamber when the supply container is attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement.

16. Dishwasher machine according to claim 1, wherein a spring-biased sealing member is arranged at an outlet of the supply container.

17. Detergent dispenser arrangement for dispensing fluid detergent, such as liquid or gel detergent, into a washing chamber of a dishwashing machine during operation of the dishwasher machine, wherein the detergent dispenser arrangement comprises a housing compartment having a bottom, side walls and an at least partly open side opposite the bottom, wherein the housing compartment is adapted to be arranged in an opening on a wall surface that delimits the washing chamber in the dishwashing machine with the partly open side facing outwards the wall surface and facing inwards the washing chamber, wherein the detergent dispenser arrangement comprises a supply container for the fluid detergent and further comprises a transfer mechanism for transferring fluid detergent from the supply container into the washing chamber, wherein the supply container is adapted to be at least partly inserted into the housing compartment via the partly open side thereof and be detachably attached to the housing compartment, wherein the transfer mechanism comprises a pump unit arranged in fluid communication with the washing chamber and the supply container when the supply container is attached to the housing compartment, wherein the transfer mechanism further comprises a pump driver arranged to drive the pump unit so as to transfer fluid detergent from the supply container into the washing chamber, wherein the supply container is adapted to be detachably attachable to the pump unit so that the supply container can be detached and removed without detaching and removing the pump unit, and wherein the pump unit is detachably attached to the housing compartment so that, at least when the supply container is detached and removed from the housing compartment, the pump unit is accessible for detachment and removal from the detergent dispenser arrangement.

18. Detergent dispenser arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the pump unit is arranged at the bottom of the housing compartment behind the supply container when the supply container is attached to the housing compartment.

19. Detergent dispenser arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the pump driver is arranged on a back side of the bottom of the housing compartment, wherein a drive shaft operatively connected to the pump driver and the pump unit extends through the bottom of the housing compartment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] In the description of the invention given below reference is made to the following figure, in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a dishwasher machine provided with a detergent dispenser arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 2a shows, in a perspective view, a front side of the detergent dispenser arrangement according to FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 2b shows, in a perspective view, a back side of the detergent dispenser arrangement according to FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the detergent dispenser arrangement according to FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a first cross section of the detergent dispenser arrangement according to FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a second cross section of the detergent dispenser arrangement according to FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a third cross section of the detergent dispenser arrangement according to FIG. 1.

[0043] FIGS. 7a-7c show detachment of a pump unit of the detergent dispenser arrangement according to FIG. 1.

[0044] FIGS. 8a-8c show different views of the pump unit according to FIGS. 7a-7c.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0045] An embodiment of a detergent dispenser arrangement arranged in a dishwasher will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-9.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a dishwasher machine 1 provided with detergent dispenser arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. An inner washing chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1 is defined by top 3, bottom 4 and wall surfaces 5. A door 5 provides one of the delimiting wall surfaces 5, 5 when closed and provides access to the washing chamber 2 when open. The detergent dispenser arrangement 10 is arranged to dispense fluid detergent, such as liquid or gel detergent, into the washing chamber 2 during operation of the dishwasher machine 1. In this case the detergent dispenser arrangement 10 is arranged in an opening of an inner wall surface of the door 5.

[0047] Upper and lower extractable and retractable basket/wire racks 6 for supporting goods to be cleaned are arranged between sidewalls of the dishwasher 1. The dishwasher 1 is typically provided with further components, such as spray arms, water recirculation system, control system, etc. Such further components are well known and not shown in FIG. 1.

[0048] The detergent dispenser arrangement 10 comprises a supply container 11 for the fluid detergent and further comprises a transfer mechanism 14, 16 for transferring fluid detergent from the supply container 11 into the washing chamber 2.

[0049] The detergent dispenser arrangement 10 further comprises a housing compartment 18 having a bottom 18a, side walls 18b and an at least partly open side 18c opposite the bottom 18a (see e.g. FIGS. 3 and 7c). The housing compartment 18 forms in this case a separate housing unit that is arranged in an opening in the wall surface of the door 5 with the partly open side 18c facing outwards from the door wall surface 5 and facing inwards the washing chamber 2.

[0050] The supply container 11 is adapted to be at least partly inserted into the housing compartment 18 via the partly open side 18c thereof and be detachably attached to the housing compartment 18. A handle 13 (see FIG. 2a) is used to release the supply container 11 from the housing compartment 18. A lid 12 covers an opening through which detergent can be introduced for refill of the supply container 11.

[0051] The transfer mechanism comprises a pump unit 14 arranged in fluid communication with the washing chamber 2 and the supply container 11 when the supply container 11 is attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement 10. The transfer mechanism further comprises a pump driver 16 arranged to drive the pump unit 14 so as to transfer fluid detergent from the supply container 11 into the washing chamber 2.

[0052] As described more in detail below, the supply container 11 is adapted to be detachably attachable to the pump unit 14 so that the supply container 11 can be detached and removed without detaching and removing the pump unit 14. Further, the pump unit 14 is detachably attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement 10 so that, when the supply container 11 is detached and removed from the detergent dispenser arrangement 10 (see FIGS. 7a-7c), the pump unit 14 is accessible for detachment and removal from the housing compartment 18 and thus from the detergent dispenser arrangement 10. The pump unit 14 is in this case arranged at the bottom 18a of the housing compartment 18 behind the supply container 11 when the supply container 11 is attached to the housing compartment 18.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid communication between the pump unit 14 and the supply container 11 is provided by means of a pipe section 15 and an opening 17 adapted to receive the pipe section 15. The pipe section 15 is in this case arranged on the pump unit 14 and the receiving opening 17 is arranged on the supply container 11 so that fluid detergent is allowed to flow from the supply container 11 into the pump unit 14 through the pipe section 15. The pipe section 15 forms an inlet of the pump unit 14 and the receiving opening 17 forms an outlet of the supply container (11).

[0054] The pipe section 15 is directed in such a way, i.e. straight towards the supply container 11, and the pipe section 15 and the receiving opening 17 are positioned in relation to each other in such a way, i.e. they are aligned with each other, that when the supply container 11 is attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement 10, i.e. when the supply container 11 is inserted into the housing compartment 18 and moved towards the bottom 18a of the housing compartment 18, the pipe section 15 is inserted into the receiving opening 17 so as to provide for the fluid communication between the supply container 11 and the pump unit 14. An O-ring may be arranged around the pipe section 15 so as to seal towards an annular inner side of the opening 17.

[0055] As shown in e.g. FIG. 5, the pump unit 14 is a peristaltic pump comprising a flexible tube 14a forming a fluid connection between an inlet (pipe section 15) and an outlet (pipe section 26, see e.g. FIG. 9) of the pump unit 14. The pump unit 14 further comprises a rotor 14b provided with a plurality of pump/roller elements 14c arranged to compress the flexible tube 14a and provide a flow of fluid detergent when the rotor 14b rotates.

[0056] A rotatable drive shaft 19a, 19b is operatively connected to the pump driver 16 and to the pump unit 14 for driving of the pump unit 14. The drive shaft 19a, 19b is arranged to be disconnectable so that the pump unit 14 can be disconnected from the pump driver 16. In this case this disconnection is achieved in that the drive shaft comprises a first part 19a connected to the pump driver 16 and a second part 19b connected to the pump unit 14, and wherein the first and second drive shaft parts 19a, 19b are connectable so as to be rotationally fixed to each other. As shown in FIGS. 7c and 8b, the disconnection and rotational fixation is arranged by giving an end portion of the second part 19b of the drive shaft a cross section having an X- or +-shape and by giving an end portion of the first part 19a of the drive shaft a corresponding cross section configured to receive the end portion of the second part 19b. When the two end portion are fitted together, the first and second drive shaft parts 19a, 19b are rotationally fixed to each other. Other cross sections could be used of course. As an alternative to the use of a dividable drive shaft, it is possible to provide for disconnection (and connection) of the entire drive shaft from one or both of the pump driver 16 and the pump unit 14.

[0057] As shown in e.g. FIG. 3, the pump driver 16 comprises an electric motor 16a and, in this case, three gear wheels 16b connecting the motor 16a with (the first part 19a) of the drive shaft.

[0058] As shown in e.g. FIG. 2b, the pump driver 16 is arranged on a back side of (and partly below) the bottom 18a of the housing compartment 18. The drive shaft 19a, 19b extends through the bottom 18a of the housing compartment 18.

[0059] FIGS. 7a-7c show that the pump unit 14 is detachably attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement 10 by means of a releasable connection structure comprising a pin 21 arranged on the housing compartment 18 and a pin-receiving element 22 arranged on the pump unit. The releasable connection structure is in this example a snap-fit connection where rotation of the pump unit 14 allows for release of the pump unit 14 from the housing compartment 18 as shown in FIGS. 7a-7c. Attachment of the pump unit 14 (which may a new pump unit if the former one does not work properly) is carried out in the same manner as detachment, i.e. the pump unit 14 is properly placed into the housing compartment 18 with the two drive shaft parts 19a, 19b properly connected (as in FIG. 7b), and then the pump unit 14 is rotated so that the pin 21 snap-fits into the pin-receiving element 22 (as in FIG. 7a). Other possible releasable connections are, for instance, a bayonet connection or a screw connection, etc.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the fluid communication between the pump unit 14 and the washing chamber 2 is provided by means of a channel 25 through the supply container 11. A first end 25a of the channel 25 connects to the outlet 26 of the pump unit 14 and a second end 25b of the channel 25 is open to the washing chamber 2 when the supply container 11 is attached to the detergent dispenser arrangement 10 and thus to the compartment housing 18. The pump unit outlet 26 forms a pipe section similar to the pipe section 15 forming the inlet of the pump unit 14.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, a spring-biased sealing member 28 is arranged at the outlet 17 of the supply container 11. The outlet 17 then becomes closed when the supply container 11 is removed from the housing compartment 18.

[0062] Control of the detergent dispenser arrangement 10, i.e. control of the pump driver 16, can be achieved by a dishwasher control system that is used also for controlling the different washing programs etc. Timing and amounts of detergent to be dispensed may be controlled depending on operation program chosen by user and/or signal from sensor configured to sense level of dirt in the washing water.

[0063] When the electric motor 16a of the pump driver 16 is activated, a rotational movement is transferred via the gear drive 16b to the drive shaft 19a, 19b, This causes the rotor 14b and the roller elements 14c to rotate. As the roller elements 14c moves/rotates, they compress the flexible tube 14a so that fluid detergent flows, as indicated in FIG. 4, from the supply container 11, out through the opening 17 and through the pipe section 15 and into and through the flexible tube 14a. Further, as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the detergent flows through the flexible tube 14a, out from the pump unit 14 via outlet/pipe section 26, through the channel 25 and out to the washing chamber 2.

[0064] The amount of fluid detergent dispensed into the washing chamber 2 is thus controlled by controlling the electric motor 16a.

[0065] The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

FIGURE REFERENCES

[0066] 1 dishwasher machine [0067] 2 washing chamber [0068] 3 top [0069] 4 bottom [0070] 5 wall [0071] 5 door [0072] 6 basket [0073] 10 detergent dispenser arrangement [0074] 11 supply container for fluid detergent [0075] 12 lid [0076] 13 handle [0077] 14 pump unit [0078] 14a flexible tube [0079] 14b rotor [0080] 14c roller element [0081] 15 pipe section [0082] 16 pump driver [0083] 16a pump motor [0084] 16b gear drive [0085] 17 opening for receiving pipe section 15 [0086] 18 housing compartment [0087] 18a bottom [0088] 18b side wall [0089] 18c open side [0090] 19a first part of pump drive shaft [0091] 19b second part of pump drive shaft [0092] 21, 22 releasable connection structure (pin 21, pin-receiving element 22) [0093] 25 channel through supply container 11 [0094] 26 outlet of pump unit 14