Detergent dispenser for a washer system

• US 20060059958A1
• Filed: 11/22/2004
• Published: 03/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American TRIM LLC (Superior Metal Products Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: American TRIM LLC (Superior Metal Products Incorporated)
• Inventors: Byrne, Robert M., Hafeken, Kurt Sr.
• Granted Patent: US 7,284,561 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 68/17.R
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4418 in the form of liquids A47L15/4409, A47L15/4436, A47L15/4445 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4463 Multi-dose dispensing arrangements

Abstract

A detergent dispenser system is disclosed in which a dispensing valve is provided for fluidly connecting to a detergent supply container. A receptacle is connected to the dispensing valve for receiving a predetermined quantity of detergent from the detergent supply container. A motor is provided for displacing the receptacle between a fill position, connected to the dispensing valve, and a dispensing position, where the detergent is dispensed from the receptacle.

Claims

1. A detergent dispensing system comprising:

a dispensing valve for fluidly connecting to a detergent supply container;

a receptacle fluidly connected to the dispensing valve for receiving a predetermined quantity of detergent from the detergent supply container; and

a motor for displacing the receptacle between a fill position, connected to the dispensing valve, and a dispensing position, where the detergent is dispensed from the receptacle.

2. The detergent dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising a support plate for supporting to the dispensing valve, wherein the support plate includes a first opening for providing a fluid connection between the dispensing valve and the fill position of the receptacle.

3. The detergent dispensing system of claim 2 wherein the support plate further comprises a dispensing aperture for aligning with the receptacle when displaced to the dispensing position, so as to dispense detergent from the receptacle into the interior of the washer system.

4. The detergent dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the motor comprises a wax motor for displacing the receptacle.

5. The detergent dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the detergent supply container comprises a docking port that is penetrated by the dispensing valve, so as to facilitate the discharge of detergent into the receptacle.

6. The detergent dispensing system of claim 5 wherein the docking port is formed in at least one of a side of the container and a cap of the container.

7. The detergent dispensing system of claim 5 wherein the dispensing valve comprises a probe and wherein the docking port comprises a biased seal, wherein the probe displaces the biased seal to discharge detergent into the receptacle.

8. A detergent dispensing system comprising:

a support plate formed in or affixed to an interior of a washer system, the support plate including a first opening and a second opening;

a dispensing valve connected to the support plate and cooperating with the first opening to define a fluid connecting to a detergent supply container;

a receptacle that is movable between a fill position and a dispensing position, the receptacle being fluidly connected to the dispensing valve in the fill position for receiving a predetermined quantity of detergent from the detergent supply container, and aligned with the second opening when displaced to the dispensing position, so as to dispense detergent from the receptacle into the interior of the washer system; and

a motor for displacing the receptacle between the fill position and the dispensing position.

9. The detergent dispensing system of claim 8 wherein the motor comprises a wax motor for displacing the receptacle.

10. The detergent dispensing system of claim 8 wherein the detergent supply container comprises a docking port that is penetrated by the dispensing valve, so as to facilitate the discharge the predetermined quantity of detergent into the receptacle.

11. The detergent dispensing system of claim 10 wherein the docking port is formed in at least one of a side of the container and a cap of the container.

12. The detergent dispensing system of claim 10 wherein the dispensing valve comprises a probe and wherein the docking port comprises a biased seal, wherein the probe displaces the biased seal to discharge detergent into the receptacle.

14. The washer system of claim 12 further comprising a support plate affixed to an interior surface of the washer system, for connecting to the dispensing valve and including a fluid connection between the dispensing valve and the fill position of the receptacle.

15. The washer system of claim 14 wherein the interior surface of the washer system is an interior surface of the cabinet door.

16. The washer system of claim 14 wherein the support plate comprises a dispensing aperture for aligning with the receptacle when displaced to the dispensing position, so as to dispense detergent from the receptacle into the interior of the washer system.

13. A washer system comprising:

an interior cabinet for retaining a plurality of articles to be washed;

a washer assembly for directing wash water onto the plurality of articles;

a cabinet door for enclosing the interior cabinet and enabling the plurality of articles to be inserted and removed;

a detergent dispensing system comprising;

a dispensing valve for fluidly connecting to a detergent supply container;

a receptacle fluidly connected to the dispensing valve for receiving a predetermined quantity of detergent from the detergent supply container; and

a motor for displacing the receptacle between a fill position, connected to the dispensing valve, and a dispensing position, where the detergent is dispensed from the receptacle.

17. The washer system of claim 13 wherein the motor comprises a wax motor for displacing the receptacle.

18. The washer system of claim 13 wherein the detergent supply container comprises a docking port that is penetrated by the dispensing valve, so as to discharge the predetermined quantity of detergent into the receptacle.

19. The washer system of claim 18 wherein the docking port is formed in at least one of a side of the container and a cap of the container.

20. The washer system of claim 18 wherein the dispensing valve comprises a probe and wherein the docking port comprises a biased seal, wherein the probe displaces the biased seal to discharge detergent into the receptacle.