Treating agent dispensing device for use in a washing machine

• US 7,770,418 B2
• Filed: 01/15/2007
• Issued: 08/10/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Miele & CIE KG (The Miele Group)
• Original Assignee: Miele & CIE KG (The Miele Group)
• Inventors: Makuc, Nadine, Kramme, Friedrich-Wilhelm, Muether, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson; Frankie L
• Application Number:
  US11/623,176
• Publication Number:
  US 20070163307A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,303 Days
• Field of Search: 68/17.R, 682/07
• US Class Current: 68/17.00R
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/022 in a liquid state D06F39/024 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/028 Arrangements for selectively supplying water to detergent compartments

Abstract

A dispensing device for liquid and/or powdered treating agents includes a compartment for holding a first treating agent. A first nozzle is disposed above a lateral region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent. A second nozzle is disposed above a central region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent. A receptacle configured to hold a second liquid treating agent can be inserted into the compartment so as to form a gap between a wall of the receptacle and a wall of the compartment. Introduction of water through the first nozzle and the second nozzle is selectively controllable.

Claims

1. A dispensing device for liquid and/or powdered treating agents, comprising:

a compartment for holding a first treating agent;

a first nozzle disposed above a lateral region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent;

a second nozzle disposed above a central region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent; and

a receptacle configured to hold a second liquid treating agent, the receptacle being receivable in the compartment so as to form a gap between a wall of the receptacle and a wall of the compartment, the receptacle including a cover having an elongated opening configured to introduce water, the elongated opening being disposed below the second nozzle when the receptacle is received in the compartment;

wherein introduction of water through the first nozzle and the second nozzle is selectively controllable and the second nozzle is disposed above the receptacle and configured to empty the receptacle when the receptacle is received in the compartment.

2. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the dispensing device is a dispensing device of a washing machine.

3. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first nozzle is directed into the gap so as to introduce water into the compartment.

4. The dispensing device as recited in claim 3 wherein the first nozzle is directed at an angle toward the wall of the compartment.

5. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a hinged lid disposed at a front portion thereof and configured to load the second liquid treating agent.

6. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a spacer extending from an exterior portion thereof and configured to bridge the gap.

7. The dispensing device as recited in claim 6 wherein the spacer includes a wing-like shape in cross-section.

8. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes an emptying device configured to at least substantially empty the receptacle.

9. The dispensing device as recited in claim 8 wherein the receptacle has an inclined or curved shape in cross-section so as to enable an at least substantial emptying of the receptacle, and the emptying device includes a siphon forming a rear wall of the receptacle in a region of a lowest point at a rear end of the receptacle.

10. The dispensing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a fixing device disposed at an exterior wall thereof and configured to fix a position of the receptacle within the compartment.