Integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher

Abstract

The dispensing device ( 1 ) comprises a first releasing device ( 2 ) for a detergent, including a receptacle ( 4 ) and an associated openable cover ( 5 ), and a second releasing device ( 3 ) for a rinsing agent. These releasing devices ( 2, 3 ) are intended to be activated at successive times in a washing cycle by successive energizations of a single electrically operable actuator ( 11 ) which is mechanically coupled thereto in such a way that a first energization of the actuator ( 11 ) is able to modify the state of the first releasing device ( 2 ) without changing the state of the second releasing device ( 3 ), and a successive energization of the actuator ( 11 ) is such as to cause the activation of the second releasing device ( 3 ). The actuator ( 11 ) is coupled to the cover ( 5 ) of the first releasing device ( 3 ) through a disengageable and re-engageable retaining mechanism ( 17 - 20 ), configured in such a way that a first energization and the successive de-energization of the actuator ( 11 ) cause the passage of the cover ( 5 ) to a pre-opening condition and an increased opening condition, respectively.

1 . Integrated dispensing device ( 1 ) for dispensing washing agents in a washing machine, in particular a dishwashing machine, comprising a first releasing device ( 2 ) for a detergent, including a receptacle ( 4 ) for the detergent and an associated openable cover ( 5 ), and a second releasing device ( 3 ) for a rinsing agent; the releasing devices ( 2 ,  3 ) being intended to be activated at successive times in a washing cycle by successive energizations of a single electrically operable actuator ( 11 ) which is mechanically coupled thereto in such a way that a first energization of the actuator ( 11 ) is able to modify the state of the first releasing device ( 2 ) without changing the state of the second releasing device ( 3 ), and a successive energization of the actuator ( 11 ) is such as to cause the activation of the second releasing device ( 3 ),
 the integrated dispensing device ( 1 ) being characterized in that the actuator ( 11 ) is coupled to the cover ( 5 ) of the first releasing device ( 3 ) through a disengageable and re-engageable retaining mechanism ( 17 - 20 ), configured in such a way that a first energization and the successive de-energization of the actuator ( 11 ) cause the passage of said cover ( 5 ) to a pre-opening condition and an increased opening condition, respectively.   
     
     
         2 . Dispensing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator ( 11 ) is coupled to the cover ( 5 ) of the first releasing device ( 2 ) through a rocker lever ( 15 - 17 ), one arm ( 17 ) of which has an engaging formation ( 18 ) adapted to successively engage with first and second retaining members ( 19 ,  20 ), respectively, of the cover ( 5 ), when the cover ( 5 ) is in the closed condition and, respectively, in the pre-opening condition. 
     
     
         3 . Dispensing device according to  claim 2 , wherein the engaging formation ( 18 ) is essentially shaped like a hammer head, and has two ends ( 18   a,    18   b ) protruding transversely with respect to the arm ( 17 ). 
     
     
         4 . Dispensing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator ( 11 ) comprises an electrically operable movable member ( 14 ), the movable member ( 14 ) being coupled to a valve device ( 7 ) of the second releasing device ( 3 ) through a drive device ( 21 ,  10 ) adapted to allow the opening of said valve device ( 7 ) only when the movable member ( 14 ) travels through a distance exceeding a predetermined value. 
     
     
         5 . Dispensing device according to  claim 4 , wherein the actuator ( 11 ) and its movable member ( 14 ) are positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle to the horizontal direction, the upper part of the actuator ( 11 ) being coupled to the cover ( 5 ), the lower part of the actuator ( 11 ) being coupled to the releasing device ( 3 ).