Fluid dispensing system for a washing device

• US 7,571,734 B2
• Filed: 01/20/2005
• Issued: 08/11/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/20/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. DBA GE Appliances (Haier Group Company)
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Mantle, Paul Douglas, Tobbe, Joseph Duane, Kappler, Jerrod Aaron, Warms, Shelly Elizabeth
• Primary Examiner(s): Barr; Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Chaudhry; Saeed T
• Application Number:
  US11/038,869
• Publication Number:
  US 20060157086A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,664 Days
• Field of Search: 134/56.D, 134/57.D, 134/94.1, 134/99.2
• US Class Current: 134/58.00D
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4257 Details of the loading door
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4418 in the form of liquids A47L15/4409, A47L15/4436, A47L15/4445 take precedence

Abstract

A fluid dispensing system for a dishwasher door assembly having an inner door panel and an outer door panel is provided. The fluid dispensing system includes a storage tank fixedly coupled within the door assembly between the inner door panel and the outer door panel. A pump is fixedly coupled within the door assembly. A dispenser extends at least partially through the door assembly. At least one conduit is in flow communication with the storage tank, the pump, and the dispenser. A control board is in electrical communication with the pump.

Claims

1. A fluid dispensing system for a dishwasher door assembly comprising an inner door panel and an outer door panel, said system comprising:

a storage tank fixedly coupled within the door assembly between the inner door panel and the outer door panel thereof;

a pump fixedly coupled within the door assembly;

a dispenser extending at least partially through the door assembly;

at least one conduit in flow communication with said storage tank, said pump, and said dispenser; and

a control board in electrical communication said pump.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said storage tank is unitary and comprises a first. surface, a second surface, and a plurality of sidewalls extending therebetween, said first surface fixedly coupled to an inner portion of the door assembly.

3. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said storage tank is tapered and comprises an inlet formed therein, at least one sensor coupled thereto, and an outlet coupled to said at least one conduit, said at least one sensor in electrical communication with said control board and comprising at least one of a turbidity sensor, a thermal sensor, and a hardness sensor.

4. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said pump comprises a peristaltic pump, said peristaltic pump configured to be fixedly coupled to an inner portion of the door assembly.

5. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said pump configured to be activated by said control board during a wet portion of a wash cycle, said pump further configured to deliver a set amount of fluid into a dishwasher from said storage tank.

6. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said dispenser comprises a grommet coupling said at least one conduit to the door assembly, said grommet comprising at least one of a rubber material, a plastic material, and a metal material.

7. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said at least one conduit is flexible and removeably coupled to said dispenser and a tapered portion of said tank, said at least one conduit extends between said tank and said dispenser such that at least a portion of said at least one conduit is positioned within said pump.

8. A dishwasher comprising:

a cabinet comprising a tub having a front opening and a door assembly forming a wash chamber, said door assembly comprising an outer door panel, an inner door panel, and a plurality of sidewalls extending therebetween;

a fluid dispensing system, said fluid dispensing system in flow communication with said wash chamber, said fluid dispensing system comprising;

a tapered storage tank fixedly coupled within said door assembly between said outer door panel and said inner door panel thereof;

a peristaltic pump fixedly coupled within said door assembly;

a dispenser extending at least partially through said inner door panel; and

at least one flexible conduit removably coupled to said door assembly and in flow communication with said storage tank, said peristaltic pump, and said dispenser; and

a control board in electrical communication with said peristaltic pump.

9. A dishwasher in accordance with claim 8 wherein said storage tank is unitary and comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of sidewalls extending therebetween, said first surface fixedly coupled to said inner door panel, said storage tank further comprises an inlet formed therein, at least one sensor coupled thereto, and an outlet coupled to said at least one conduit, said at least one sensor in electrical communication with said control board and comprising at least one of a turbidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a hardness sensor.

10. A dishwasher in accordance with claim 8 wherein said peristaltic pump configured to be fixedly coupled to said inner door panel, said peristaltic pump configured to be activated by said control board during a wet portion of a wash cycle, said peristaltic pump further configured to deliver a set amount of fluid into said wash chamber.

11. A dishwasher in accordance with claim 8 wherein said dispenser comprises a grommet coupling said at least one conduit to said door assembly, said grommet comprising at least one of a rubber material, a plastic material, and a metal material.

12. A dishwasher in accordance with claim 8 wherein said at least one conduit is removably coupled to said dispenser and a tapered portion of said storage tank, said at least one conduit extends between said storage tank and said dispenser such that at least a portion of said at least one conduit is positioned within said peristaltic pump.

13. A dishwasher in accordance with claim 8 wherein said control board is configured to determine an optimal amount of fluid dispensed per wash cycle based on at least one of a water temperature, a water hardness, and a soil level.