DISHWASHER DETERGENT DISPENSER HAVING A SIPHON

Abstract

A dishwasher having a detergent dispenser including an opening allowing the insertion of dishwashing detergent into the dispenser without needing to open the dispenser. The detergent dispenser includes a housing including a tray for holding the inserted detergent. The housing also includes a siphon component with a cap and an outlet tube. A delivery tube provides water via one or more nozzles via the opening during operation of the dishwasher. Dissolved detergent is siphoned from the housing via the outlet tube and into the tub.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising: a tub defining a washing compartment; a main conduit; a flow controller for delivering fluid to the main conduit; a delivery tube fluidly connected to the main conduit and comprising an end and at least one nozzle located at the end of the delivery tube for dispensing fluid; a detergent dispensing system for supplying a cleaning agent to the tub, the detergent dispenser comprising: a frame; a door movable relative to the frame, the door defining a chamber and comprising: a front door panel; a lower portion comprising an outlet; a spout defining a spout inlet, the spout being formed along the front door panel, wherein the spout inlet is configured to enable a volume of washing detergent to be located in the chamber, and wherein the fluid dispensed by the at least one nozzle flows into the chamber through the spout inlet to dissolve the washing detergent; and a siphon comprising: a first siphon member having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet in flow communication with the lower portion outlet; and a second siphon member surrounding the first siphon member, the first siphon member and second siphon member located in the chamber and defining a flow path, wherein the siphon is configured to receive dissolved detergent via the flow path and convey flow of the dissolved detergent via the inlet and into the tub via the outlet.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle is directly adjacent the spout inlet.

3. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the door is movable between a first position away from the frame and a second position nested within the frame, and wherein the volume of washing detergent is able to be inserted through the spout inlet when the door is nested within the frame.

4. The dishwasher of claim 3, wherein the spout inlet is defined by the door and frame when the door is in the closed position.

5. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the first siphon member and second siphon member are cylindrical, and wherein the flow path defined between the siphon members being annular.

6. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the detergent dispensing system comprises an insert located in the chamber, and wherein the second siphon member included along the insert.

7. The dishwasher of claim 6, wherein the insert is removable from the chamber when the door is located away from the frame.

8. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the detergent dispensing system includes an insert that comprises the second siphon member and a tray.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the insert is removable from the chamber, and wherein the tray is located proximate the spout when the insert is in the chamber.

10. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the tray is configured to support the volume of washing detergent.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the tray comprises a number of openings to enable dissolved detergent to pass through the tray.

12. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the dishwasher comprises a movable dishwasher door with a dishwasher door panel, and wherein the detergent dispensing system is located along the dishwasher door panel.

13. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the door further comprises: a back door panel; first and second side panels extending between the first and back door panels; and a bottom door panel joining the first, side and back panels, wherein the first, side, back and bottom panels define the chamber.

14. The dishwasher of claim 13, wherein the bottom panel comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the outlet of the first siphon member is formed on the lower portion.

15. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the volume of washing detergent is a pod or tablet.

16. A dishwasher comprising: a tub defining a washing compartment; a main conduit; a flow controller for delivering fluid to the main conduit; a delivery tube fluidly connected to the main conduit and comprising at least one nozzle located at an end of the delivery tube for dispensing fluid; a detergent dispensing system for supplying a cleaning agent to the tub, the detergent dispenser comprising: a frame; a door movable relative to the frame, the door defining a chamber and comprising: a front door panel; a lower portion comprising an outlet; a spout defining a spout inlet, wherein the spout inlet is configured to enable a volume of washing detergent to be located in the chamber, and wherein the fluid dispensed by the at least one nozzle flows into the chamber through the spout inlet to dissolve the washing detergent; and a siphon comprising: a first siphon member having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet in flow communication with the lower portion outlet; and a second siphon member surrounding the first siphon member, the first siphon member and second siphon member located in the chamber and defining a flow path, wherein the siphon is configured to receive dissolved detergent via the flow path and convey flow of the dissolved detergent via the inlet and into the tub via the outlet.

17. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein the at least one nozzle is directly above the spout inlet.

18. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein the at least one nozzle has at least one opening.

19. A dishwasher comprising: a tub defining a washing compartment; a main conduit; an upper spray arm; a flow controller for delivering fluid to the main conduit; a delivery tube fluidly connected to the main conduit proximate the upper spray arm and comprising at least one nozzle located at an end of the delivery tube for dispensing fluid through at least one opening in the at least one nozzle; a detergent dispensing system for supplying a cleaning agent to the tub, the detergent dispenser comprising: a frame; a door movable relative to the frame, the door defining a chamber and comprising: a front door panel; a lower portion comprising an outlet; a spout defining a spout inlet, wherein the spout inlet is configured to enable a volume of washing detergent to be located in the chamber, and wherein the fluid dispensed through the at least one opening flows into the chamber through the spout inlet to dissolve the washing detergent; and a siphon comprising: a first siphon member having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet in flow communication with the lower portion outlet; and a second siphon member surrounding the first siphon member, the first siphon member and second siphon member located in the chamber and defining a flow path, wherein the siphon is configured to receive dissolved detergent via the flow path and convey flow of the dissolved detergent via the inlet and into the tub via the outlet.

20. The dishwasher of claim 19, wherein the at least one nozzle is directly adjacent the spout inlet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be further described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 2A is an enlarged, partial view of an interior door of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 that includes a detergent dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary embodiment detergent dispenser of FIG. 2A;

[0036] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment detergent dispenser of FIG. 2B with a volume of detergent positioned outside of the dispenser;

[0037] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment detergent dispenser of FIG. 2B with a detergent dispenser door in an open position;

[0038] FIG. 2E is an expanded view of the exemplary embodiment detergent dispenser of FIG. 2D showing a detergent dispenser housing and a unitary tray and cap member;

[0039] FIG. 2F is the exemplary detergent dispenser of FIG. 2D with a dispenser frame represented in dashed font to illustrate the details of a dispenser door displacement control mechanism;

[0040] FIG. 2G is a sectional view of the detergent dispenser sump taken along line 2G-2G in FIG. 2D;

[0041] FIG. 3A is a longitudinal sectional view of the door and frame of the exemplary dispenser detergent dispenser of FIG. 2B;

[0042] FIG. 3B shows the outline of the door and frame of FIG. 3A in dashed font with the unitary trap and cap member positioned in the exemplary detergent dispenser of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIGS. 4A-4C are views of different types of water conduits for delivering water to a spray arm and detergent dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0044] FIGS. 5A-5C are views illustrating a spray arm for delivering fluid into the detergent dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0045] The Figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the dishwasher illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain aspects of the embodiments are shown and described. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0047] In FIG. 1, an exemplary dishwasher 100 is generally shown. The exemplary dishwasher generally comprises an exterior housing 600, a tub 700 defining a washing compartment 102, and a movable door 104 with a door panel 117. The door is configured to be located between the open position shown in FIG. 1, and a closed position where the door is located adjacent washing compartment opening 101, and thereby closes and seals washing compartment 102 during dishwasher use. The dishwasher further comprises a spraying system 105 located in the washing compartment. Spraying system 105 comprises a lower spray arm 106, and an upper spray arm 108 with water supplied to the arms by a flow controller 114. A pump delivers water to the flow controller and the flow controller enables the required volume of water to be supplied to the spray system. Spray arms 106 and 108 may include multiple water outlet portions. A lower rack 110 and an upper rack 112 are proximate lower spray arm 106 and upper spray arm 108 respectively. The upper and lower racks are adapted to support items to be cleaned by the dishwasher during a washing cycle. Additionally, dishwasher 100 may comprise a specific top rack or a specific lower rack for cutlery and/or utensils, (not shown) the utensils, plate, cutlery in dishwasher will collectively referred to hereinafter as contents.

[0048] A controller 120 such as a microprocessor can typically be arranged in the interior of dishwasher 100 for controlling washing programs and is communicatively connected to user interface 122 that is used to select a suitable washing program to clean contents on racks 110 and 112 in the washing compartment. Controller 120 may be in communication with one or more operational components of dishwasher 100. In some embodiments, controller 120 may control the rate of flow in different water conduits of dishwasher 100, as described in greater detail below. For example, controller 120 may control the rate of fluid distribution to spray arms 106 and 108 to effectively clean dishwasher contents. Controller 120 may comprise a processor or other computing means so that operations can be performed by different dishwasher components of dishwasher 100. Additionally, or alternatively, controller 120 may comprise a memory for storage of data such as routines for operation of dishwasher 100.

[0049] Washing fluid referred to hereinafter is used by the dishwasher to clean, wash, and rinse the contents of the dishwasher and may include, for example, any combination of water, dishwashing soap, detergent, and any other suitable washing and/or rinsing fluid. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A, dishwasher 100 includes a detergent dispenser 116 along the inner portion of door panel 117. As will be disclosed herein, detergent dispenser effectively enables water supplied to the dispenser to dissolve detergent, and supply washing fluid into compartment 102 with the detergent concentration required to effectively clean the dishwasher contents. The detergent dispenser may, in at least one exemplary embodiment, be located in washing compartment 102 proximate washing compartment opening 101 during dishwasher use, when the door is in the closed position.

[0050] The detergent dispenser is shown in FIGS. 2A-3B. Detergent dispenser 116 comprises a frame 119 fixed to dishwasher door panel 117 and a door 118 that may be selectively moved between open and closed positions relative to frame 119 by a dishwasher user. See FIGS. 2B and 2D. It is understood that detergent dispenser 116, as disclosed, is not meant to be opened by any means during dishwasher use. Further, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the loading of a dish detergent tablet, such as a tablet 204, may be loaded into the detergent dispenser 116 without moving the door 118 to the open position shown in FIG. 2D. Door 118 is nested or located within frame when in the closed position.

[0051] Dishwasher detergent tablet, or pod 204, may be placed inside the detergent dispenser 116, in detergent chamber 140 in a manner that will be described further below. The term detergent tablet used herein refers to any type, unit and volume of dishwasher detergent placed in the detergent dispenser for use in the dishwasher during a washing program and may comprise liquid detergent, a detergent cube, a detergent pad, a detergent capsule, or the like.

[0052] In FIG. 2A, a partial view of door panel 117 is shown showing exemplary detergent dispenser 116 of the present disclosure. In one exemplary embodiment, dispenser 116 may be located on the top left corner of door 104. Alternatively, dispenser 116 may be located on the top center of the door or the top right corner of the door. The ability to locate the detergent dispenser in different locations along door panel 117 provides for ease of installation and use, such as by a manufacturer of the dishwasher appliance, and does not hinder the intended performance of the detergent dissolving process set forth herein.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2B, movable door 118 of exemplary detergent dispenser 116 includes an outwardly directed spout 202 provided along a front door panel 130. Spout 202 is suitably configured to allow water to be supplied to the interior of dispenser 116. Spout 202 includes a front spout wall 205, a first side wall 207 and a second side wall 209. The first and second side walls extend between front spout wall 205 and front panel 130. Front spout wall 205 is tapered inwardly as it extends from a spout opening 203 toward front door panel 130. As shown in FIG. 2C when the door is in the closed position the front spout wall and the sidewalls in combination with frame 119 define spout opening 203 that is suitably dimensioned to permit the dishwasher user to insert a unit of dishwashing detergent 204 within detergent chamber 140 of detergent dispenser 116. When door 118 is in the closed position, shown in FIG. 2B, spout 202 is located adjacent frame 119 and when the door is in the open position shown in FIG. 2D, spout 202 is located away from the frame 119. In the present embodiment, spout opening 203 comprises a trapezoidal configuration, but may have any suitable configuration that allows detergent to be effectively located within the detergent dispenser.

[0054] A conventional hinge connection comprises a pin 128 as shown in FIGS. 5C and 2G that extends between door 118 and frame 119 and enables the door to move about the pin between the open and closed positions previously described. The ends of the pin are supported by a pair of opposed flange members 153 and 155 that extend from upper portion 144 and lower portion 142 respectively of floor 138. In the present embodiment, a pin connections is described, however any suitable connection that enables the desired door displacement may be used.

[0055] In addition to front panel 130, door 118 comprises a back panel 136, and two side panels 132 and 134 that extend between the front and back panels. Floor 138, shown in FIG. 2G joins the side panels, the front panel and back door panels. The front panel, back panel, side panels and floor define a door detergent chamber 140. Frame 119 incudes a frame back wall 137 and a frame bottom 139. As shown in FIG. 2G, when door 118 is nested in frame chamber, door back wall 136 is located proximate frame back wall 137 and frame and door bottom walls are separated by a distance and define a flow channel 141.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3A floor 138 has a lower portion 142 and an upper portion 144 that include downwardly extending support flanges 155, 153 previously described. Upper portion 144 joins sidewall 134 and is angled downward as it extends away from sidewall 134 toward lower portion 142. A transition member 146 joins lower and upper portions 142 and 144. Lower portion includes an outlet opening 145. The outlet opening is in flow communication with channel 141. See FIG. 2G. Further illustrated in FIG. 3A, a hollow first siphon tube 150 is provided on the lower portion and is flow connected with outlet opening 145 formed on lower portion 142. See FIG. 3B. The siphon tube is located within door chamber 140 and includes an inlet opening 152 and a discharge opening 154 at opposite siphon tube ends. The discharge end is adjacent opening 145. An annular hub 156 with radially extending flange 157 is seated on the lower portion 142 adjacent the outlet end of the first siphon tube and maintains the siphon tube stationary in chamber 140.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2F and 3B, the opening displacement of the door 118 is limited by a contact face 213 of a latching mechanism 212. When the door is displaced about the hinge through about 45 degrees, the latch face contacts frame 119 to prevent further door displacement. To return the door to the closed position nested in frame 119, the user depresses latch member 214 allowing the door to be closed. Any suitable latching means may be used to limit displacement of door 118 and prevent the unintentional opening of the door such as during a dishwasher cycle.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2D, 2E and 3B, an insert 217 is located in door chamber 140. The insert is a unitary member and includes a tray 208 and a cap 206. Detergent unit 204 is seated on the tray when the detergent unit is located in chamber 140. Alternatively, in some embodiments, tray 208 and cap 206 may be discrete elements located side-by-side in the chamber. In the present exemplary embodiment, tray 208 and cap 206 comprise a single-piece construction and made from plastic although any material that can effectively be immersed in the washing fluid used by dishwasher may be used. As shown in FIG. 2E, insert 217 can be removed from dispenser 116 when door 118 is in the open position. This may allow for easy cleaning of the parts or replacement of dispenser chamber 140.

[0059] Tray 208 includes a plurality of openings 230 that permit water and dissolved detergent to pass therethrough. The tray may include a single opening or any suitable number or configuration of openings that permit a suitable flow of water and detergent through the tray when in use. In the present exemplary embodiment, openings 230 comprise a plurality of spaced slots. A cylindrical second siphon tube 211 extends from the underside of cap 206 and includes an inlet 213 at end 215. As shown in FIG. 3B when insert 217 is located in the door chamber 140 tray member 208 is seated on the upper portion 144 of floor 138 and the periphery of cap 206 is supported on back wall 136, See FIG. 2G, and side wall 132 See FIG. 3B. In this way, end 215 of second siphon tube 211 is separated from lower portion 142 by a gap 229. FIG. 2G illustrates the two-piece siphon comprised of first siphon tube 150 nested within second siphon tube 211. When assembled as shown in FIG. 2G, the first siphon and second outer siphon tube define an annular flow path 219.

[0060] In use, detergent tablet 204 is located on tray 208 and the water that enters chamber 140 dissolves the detergent. The washing fluid passes through openings 230, around siphon tube 211 and moves through gap 229 and into annular flow path 219 defined by two-piece siphon 150 and 211. As the level of the washing fluid in the flow path rises along siphon 150 and approaches inlet end 152, the washing fluid enters inlet 152, flows through inner siphon 150, exits the siphon through outlet 145, flows through channel 141 and upon flowing out of the dispenser channel enters dishwasher compartment 102.

[0061] In FIG. 4A, a view 400A of an exemplary dishwasher 100 and fluid lines within the dishwasher is shown. FIG. 4A shows a main water conduit 402 and a spray arm 404A. In this embodiment, water flows through the main water conduit to upper spray arm 108.

[0062] The main water conduit may be connected to a flow controller, such as flow controller assembly 114. Further, spray arm 404A is flow connected in a conventional manner to main water conduit 402 and enables the supply of water to dispenser 116. In FIG. 4A spray arm 404A is flow connected to the conduit proximate the upper spray arm. However, it should be understood that spray arm 404A may be flow connected to conduit 402 at different locations along the length of conduit, between flow controller 114 and spray arm 108. Discharge nozzle 502 shown generally in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C is located at the end of the spray arm and includes a discharge opening 504 that is positioned directly adjacent spout opening 203. The nozzle is located immediately adjacent opening 203 of spout 202 to enable a volume of dissolving water to directly enter the chamber 140. Although nozzle 502 is shown having a single opening, any suitable nozzle may be used to provide a flow of water into chamber 140 of dispenser 116. The water enters the chamber and serves to uniformly dissolve the detergent located on tray 208. FIGS. 5A-5C show alternate views of a delivery tube 404 for spraying fluid into the detergent dispenser 116 is shown. Delivery tube 404 may comprise spray arms 404A, 404B or 404C as previously described. Nozzle 502 may be positioned directly above spout 202. In some embodiments, nozzle 502 may be positioned so as not to be in contact with the spout 202. For example, nozzle 502 may be separated from the spout opening by one or two millimeters away to provide an air gap between the nozzle openings and the spout 202. In some embodiments, nozzle 502 may function as a cover For example, nozzle 502 may provide for the prevention of unintentional water sprays from other spray arms within the dishwasher from entering detergent dispenser 116.

[0063] An alternate embodiment water deliver configuration is illustrated in FIG. 4B showing an exemplary dishwasher having main water conduit 402 and a discrete delivery line 404B separate from main water conduit 402. Both main water conduit 402 and delivery line 404B may be connected directly to a flow controller assembly 114. Main conduit and spray arm 108 are the same as previously described in the previous embodiment water delivery configuration. In this alternate embodiment, water may flow through line 404B independently from water flowing through conduit 402. Delivery line 404B is directly connected to an outlet of the flow controller 114 so that water flows from the flow controller to delivery line 404B without passing through any dishwasher spray arms or devices in addition to the detergent dispenser. In some embodiments, the flow rate may be determined based on dishwasher cycle or operation settings. Flow rate may be controlled by a flow controller, such as a flow controller assembly 114. Nozzle 502 is flow connected to the end of conduit 402 with nozzle opening located proximate the spout opening. The volume of water to be supplied as determined by controller 114 to detergent dispenser 116 is flowed through conduit 404B and supplied directly to dispenser 116. The water serves to effectively dissolve detergent 204 located on tray 208 in chamber 140.

[0064] A further alternate embodiment water deliver configuration 400C is illustrated in FIG. 4C showing an exemplary dishwasher having main water conduit 402 and a discrete external delivery line 404C separate from main water conduit 402. FIG. 4C shows an external delivery tube 404C that includes nozzle 502 located proximate spout 202 in the manner previously described in conjunction with the previous alternate embodiments 400A, 400B. In the present alternate embodiment, delivery tube 404C may operate independently of, or in sync with, water conduit 402 of dishwasher 100 during operation. For example, water may flow at different rates or different times from a main water conduit during a dishwasher's cycle. Delivery tube 404C has an inlet end (not shown) that may be connected to an outlet of the flow controller to guide the water outside of the dishwasher tub. The delivery tube 404C is located between the dishwasher outer housing and the dishwasher tub that defines washing compartment 102. The delivery tube 404C is located outside of the tub and passes through the dishwasher tub wall and into the compartment where the delivery tube outlet end and nozzle are located proximate spout opening 203. The volume of water to be supplied to dispenser 116 is flowed through spray arms 404C, out nozzle opening 504 and directly to dispenser 116. The water serves to effectively dissolve detergent 204 located on tray 208 in chamber 140.

[0065] When dishwasher 100 is in use, a dishwashing cycle is selected via user interface 122, and consistent with the selected dishwashing cycle, water is supplied through one of spray arms 404A, 404B and 404C to nozzle 502, out nozzle discharge opening 504 and directly into detergent dispenser chamber 140 through spout opening 203. The water is collected in the chamber and serves to dissolve detergent located on tray 208. The washing fluid may flow into the first siphon tube 150 and second siphon tube 211 when the dissolved mixture reaches a certain level, such as 60 ml. This level is not meant to be limiting, but merely provided for illustrative purposes.

[0066] Washing fluid passes through openings 230 in tray 208 toward two-part siphon 211, 150. Washing fluid flows through opening 229 and into annular opening 217. As the washing fluid level rises and reaches inlet 152, it flows into siphon tube 150, and exits the siphon tube through outlet 154 and opening 145. The washing fluid flows through channel 141 and is released into compartment 102 to aid in the cleaning of the dishwasher compartment contents. The exemplary detergent dispensing system of the present disclosure serves to dissolve detergent, mix the dissolved detergent with water flowed into the detergent chamber and release washing fluid effectively to enable dishwashers to more effectively clean dishwasher contents during use.

[0067] Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0068] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.