Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and more particularly to additive dispensers for washing machine appliances. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash liquid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash liquid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc. 
         [0003]    During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of wash liquid is directed into the tub in order to wash and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber. One or more fluid additives may be added to the wash liquid to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the wash liquid. The fluid additives may be in powder or concentrated liquid form, and are generally added to a dispenser box of the washing machine appliance by, e.g., a user of the washing machine appliance. The dispenser box may contain various chambers for containing different additives, e.g., wash detergent and softener. Water may be directed into the chambers of the dispenser box through a plurality of water inlet valves to mix with the additives and the resulting wash liquid is then dispensed into the wash chamber. 
         [0004]    A typical dispenser box includes a bottom surface that slopes toward a siphon having a siphon inlet close to the bottom surface. Water is added to the dispenser box to mix with the wash additive and form a wash liquid. After the wash liquid has breached the top of the siphon, wash liquid flows through the siphon into the tub until the level of the wash liquid drops below the siphon inlet. In addition, such a dispenser box may also include an overflow weir for delivery of excess wash liquid into the wash chamber. 
         [0005]    However, conventional dispenser boxes have bottom surfaces that have a single, uniformly sloped surface. Thus, wash additive tends to collect around the siphon inlet. In addition, water is typically added to the dispenser box by directing it downward over the entire chamber, i.e., a “rainfall” or “shower” flow. Alternatively, these dispenser boxes spray water directly at the detergent to flood the chamber. Particularly when powdered detergent is used, conventional dispenser boxes and methods of adding water to the dispenser box result in powdered detergent clogging the siphon inlet. More specifically, the powdered detergent is forced to the siphon inlet before sufficient mixing with water may occur, resulting in a partial slurry that has low viscosity, clogs the siphon inlet, and terminates the siphon effect. This results in improper mixing of the water and detergent and prevents complete delivery of wash liquid, particularly when late cycle or low water volume dispense cycles are selected. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, an additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance that improves the delivery of detergent is desirable. More particularly, an additive dispenser that improves complete delivery of powdered detergent during low water volume dispense cycles would be particularly beneficial. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance having an improved additive dispenser having a chamber geometry and water flow pattern that provides complete delivery of wash liquid, even when using powdered detergent during low water volume dispense cycles. The water flows past the siphon inlet to clear the siphon path, dissolve and entrain wash additive, and clear the chamber floor upon delivery of the wash liquid. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
         [0008]    In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet; a tub positioned within the cabinet; and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The washing machine appliance further includes an additive dispenser positioned within the cabinet and configured to provide wash liquid to the tub. The additive dispenser includes a lower portion including a bottom surface defining a siphon sump and a plateau that includes a receiving surface, the siphon sump positioned below the plateau. An upper portion is joined with the lower portion to form a dispenser chamber, the upper portion defining an opening configured to receive a wash additive, the opening being positioned directly over the receiving surface. A siphon having a siphon inlet is positioned in the siphon sump and a water delivery nozzle is mounted to the upper portion and configured to provide a flow of water to the dispenser chamber, the flow of water being directed adjacent to and past the receiving surface toward the siphon sump. 
         [0009]    In another exemplary embodiment, an additive dispenser for providing wash liquid to a tub of a washing machine appliance is provided. The additive dispenser includes a lower portion including a bottom surface defining an overflow weir, a plateau that includes a receiving surface, and a siphon sump, the siphon sump positioned below the plateau. An upper portion is joined with the lower portion to form a dispenser chamber, the upper portion defining an opening configured to receive a wash additive, the opening being positioned directly over the receiving surface. A siphon having a siphon inlet is positioned in the siphon sump adjacent the overflow weir and a water delivery nozzle is mounted to the upper portion and configured to provide a flow of water to the dispenser chamber, the flow of water being directed around the overflow weir on a side opposite the siphon. 
         [0010]    In still another exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet; a tub positioned within the cabinet; and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. An additive dispenser is positioned within the cabinet and configured to provide wash liquid to the tub. The additive dispenser includes a lower portion and an upper portion joined with the lower portion to form a dispenser chamber. A water delivery nozzle is mounted to the upper portion proximate a first end of the dispenser chamber, the water delivery nozzle being configured to provide a flow of water to the dispenser chamber. The additive dispenser further includes a siphon sump proximate a second end of the dispenser chamber and including a siphon and a siphon inlet; and a sloping surface defining a receiving surface, the siphon sump positioned below the sloping surface. The flow of water is directed from the first end toward the second end directly toward the siphon sump, such that the flow of water passes adjacent to the receiving surface, and wherein the second end of the dispenser chamber is curved to direct the flow of water past the siphon inlet and back up onto the sloping surface. 
         [0011]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1  with the door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in an open position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  provides a top, perspective view of a lower portion of an additive dispenser according an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, with an upper portion removed for clarity. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  provides a bottom, perspective view of the upper portion of the exemplary additive dispenser of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  provides a top view of the exemplary additive dispenser of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  provides a top view of the exemplary additive dispenser of  FIG. 3 , with part of the upper portion removed for clarity. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  provides a top view of the lower portion of the exemplary additive dispenser of  FIG. 3 , with part of the upper portion removed for clarity and the flow path of water indicated by arrows. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  provides a top view of the lower portion of the exemplary additive dispenser of  FIG. 3 , with part of the upper portion removed for clarity and the flow path of water indicated by arrows. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary additive dispenser of  FIG. 3 , taken along Line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary additive dispenser of  FIG. 3 , taken along Line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance  100 . In  FIG. 1 , a lid or door  130  is shown in a closed position. In  FIG. 2 , door  130  is shown in an open position. Washing machine appliance  100  generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. 
         [0025]    While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance  100 , using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance  100  is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal axis washing machines. 
         [0026]    Washing machine appliance  100  has a cabinet  102  that extends between a top portion  103  and a bottom portion  104  along the vertical direction V. A wash basket  120  ( FIG. 2 ) is rotatably mounted within cabinet  102 . A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket  120  to selectively rotate wash basket  120  (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  100 ). Wash basket  120  is received within a wash tub or wash chamber  121  ( FIG. 2 ) and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub  121  holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket  120  within wash tub  121 . An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends into wash basket  120  and is also in mechanical communication with the motor. The impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket  120  during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . 
         [0027]    Cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  100  has a top panel  140 . Top panel  140  defines an opening  105  ( FIG. 2 ) that permits user access to wash basket  120  of wash tub  121 . Door  130 , rotatably mounted to top panel  140 , permits selective access to opening  105 ; in particular, door  130  selectively rotates between the closed position shown in  FIG. 1  and the open position shown in  FIG. 2 . In the closed position, door  130  inhibits access to wash basket  120 . Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket  120 . A window  136  in door  130  permits viewing of wash basket  120  when door  130  is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . Door  130  also includes a handle  132  that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door  130 . Further, although door  130  is illustrated as mounted to top panel  140 , alternatively, door  130  may be mounted to cabinet  102  or any other suitable support. 
         [0028]    A control panel  110  with at least one input selector  112  ( FIG. 1 ) extends from top panel  140 . Control panel  110  and input selector  112  collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display  114  of control panel  110  indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation. 
         [0029]    Operation of washing machine appliance  100  is controlled by a controller or processing device  108  ( FIG. 1 ) that is operatively coupled to control panel  110  for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel  110 , controller  108  operates the various components of washing machine appliance  100  to execute selected machine cycles and features. 
         [0030]    Controller  108  may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  100  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel  110  and other components of washing machine appliance  100  may be in communication with controller  108  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
         [0031]    During operation of washing machine appliance  100 , laundry items are loaded into wash basket  120  through opening  105 , and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors  112 . Wash additives may be added to washing machine appliance  100  to assist in the cleaning process. In this regard, top panel  140  may define one or more apertures configured for receiving wash additives when door  130  is rotated to the open position. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a first aperture  150  may be configured to receive pretreating additive, bleach, or powdered detergent for late wash cycles. A second aperture  152  may be configured to receive detergent for the primary wash cycle. Each aperture  150 ,  152  may direct wash additives to a separate additive dispenser or dispensing chamber. By contrast, the wash additives may be directed to a single dispensing chamber separated by a partition, as is known in the art. Although two apertures  150 ,  152  are illustrated, one skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more than two apertures may be used and may be configured to receive any particular type of wash additive depending on the particular application. 
         [0032]    As will be described in detail below, wash additive that is added through first aperture  150  may be received in an additive dispenser  200 . Water may be added to additive dispenser  200  to create a wash liquid that may be dispensed into wash basket  120  along with additional water, detergent, and/or other powdered or fluid additives. One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance  100  to provide for filling wash basket  120  to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket  120  is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket  120  can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket  120 . 
         [0033]    After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket  120  can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket  120  depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller may again provide agitation within wash basket  120 . One or more spin cycles also may be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket  120  is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket  120  are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket  120 , e.g., by reaching into wash basket  120  through opening  105 . 
         [0034]    Referring now generally to  FIGS. 3 through 8 , additive dispenser  200  that may be used with washing machine appliance  100  will be described in more detail. Although the discussion below refers to additive dispenser  200 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the features and configurations described may be used for other additive dispensers in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, additive dispenser  200  may be positioned elsewhere within cabinet  102 , may have a different shape or chamber configuration, and may dispense water, detergent, or other additives. Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiment described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0035]    Additive dispenser  200  includes a lower portion  202  ( FIG. 3 ) and an upper portion  204  ( FIG. 4 ) that are spaced apart along the vertical direction V and joined together to form a dispenser chamber  206 . Lower portion  202 , upper portion  204 , and other components of additive dispenser  200  may be made from any suitably rigid material. For example, according to the exemplary embodiment, lower portion  202  and upper portion  204  may be formed of injection molded plastic. In this regard, they may be injection molded from plastic such as HIPS (high impact polystyrene-injection molding grade) or ABS (injection molding grade). 
         [0036]    According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, lower portion  202  includes a bottom surface  210  defining a siphon sump area  212  and a plateau  214 , which will be described in more detail below. Upper portion  204  may have substantially the same cross-sectional shape as lower portion  202  and may be fixed onto lower portion  202  using suitable mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc. Similarly, glue, snap-fit mechanisms, interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof may secure lower portion  202  and upper portion  204 . 
         [0037]    Additive dispenser  200  may further include a water supply nozzle  216  for directing water into dispenser chamber  206 . For example, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 6 , water supply nozzle  216  is mounted to upper portion  204  and is configured to provide a flow of water to dispenser chamber  206 . In general, this water may be mixed with wash additive, such as powdered detergent  224 , to form a wash liquid to be dispensed into the wash tub  121  from additive dispenser  200 . 
         [0038]    To supply water to water supply nozzle  216 , washing machine appliance  100  may further include a plurality of valves (not shown) that supply hot and/or cold water to water supply nozzle  216  from a hot water supply and a cold water supply. Each valve may be, for example, a solenoid valve that is electrically connected to controller  108 . However, any other suitable water valve may be used to control the flow of water. The hot and cold water may be diverted directly to water supply nozzle  216  or may be mixed to achieve the appropriate water temperature prior to delivery through water supply nozzle  216  into dispenser chamber  206 . Other methods of water delivery into dispenser chamber  206  are possible and within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0039]    Although the illustrated embodiment shows a single water supply nozzle  216  mounted to upper portion  204 , it will be understood that different nozzle configurations may be used in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, a water supply nozzle may be positioned on lower portion  202  of additive dispenser  200  or multiple nozzles may be placed throughout dispenser chamber  206 . Other configurations are also possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0040]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 3 through 8 , plateau  214  is generally a sloping surface that may have one or more angles, each angle being configured to direct liquid toward the siphon sump  212 . Plateau  214  is positioned vertically above the siphon sump  212  and may define a receiving surface  218 . Upper portion  204  may define an opening  222  configured to receive a wash additive (e.g., powdered detergent  224 ). According to the illustrated embodiment, opening  222  is positioned directly over receiving surface  218 . 
         [0041]    Additive dispenser  200  may be mounted underneath top panel  140  of cabinet  102  ( FIG. 2 ) such that opening  222  may receive wash additive poured into first aperture  150  or second aperture  152 . For example, according to the example embodiment, first aperture  150  may coincide with opening  222 , such that powdered detergent poured into first aperture  150  is received directly through opening  222 . In this regard, the user may see bottom surface  210  of lower portion  202 , and may thereby know how much detergent has been added to additive dispenser  200 . However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present subject matter is not limited to such a method of adding wash additive to additive dispenser  200 . For example, wash additive may be supplied directly from an additive reservoir located within cabinet  102  or apertures  150 ,  152  may connect to additive dispenser  200  indirectly, e.g., via a chute or channel. 
         [0042]    Additive dispenser  200  may be mounted to top panel  140  using a plurality of mounting features, using mechanical fasteners, or in any other suitable manner. Similarly, glue, snap-fit mechanisms, interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof may secure additive dispenser  200  to cabinet  102 . In addition, additive dispenser  200  may be easily removable, e.g., for periodic cleaning. One skilled in the art will appreciate that additive dispenser  200  may be mounted in other locations and use other mounting means according to alternative exemplary embodiments. 
         [0043]    As described above, opening  222  is configured to receive wash additive through first aperture  150  of washing machine appliance  100  (i.e., a vertical-axis washing machine). However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that different configurations of additive dispenser  200  are possible in alternative washing machine appliances and according to alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, according to an alternative embodiment, additive dispenser  200  may be slidably received within the cabinet of a horizontal-axis washing machine, such that a user may pull additive dispenser  200  along the transverse direction T to slide it out of the cabinet. The user may then add wash additive through opening  222  before sliding additive dispenser  200  back into the cabinet prior to starting a wash cycle. Alternatively, additive dispenser  200  may draw wash additives from a separate storage container within washing machine appliance  100 . Other configurations of additive dispenser  200  and dispenser chamber  206  are also possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. In addition, although only one dispenser chamber  206  is described herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that more than one dispenser chamber may be included in alternative additive dispensers. 
         [0044]    Referring again to  FIGS. 3 through 8 , bottom surface  210  may further define an inner siphon cylinder  230  that extends in a substantially vertical direction from siphon sump  212 . One or more alignment ribs  232  may extend radially outward from inner siphon cylinder  230 . Upper portion  204  may define an outer siphon cylinder  234  that extends downward over inner siphon cylinder  230  when upper portion  204  is mounted on lower portion  202 . Outer siphon cylinder  234  may define a plurality of alignment slots  236  ( FIG. 4 ) configured to receive alignment ribs  232 . In this manner, inner siphon cylinder  230  and outer siphon cylinder  234  define a siphon  238 . 
         [0045]    Outer siphon cylinder  234  extends below plateau  214  very close to siphon sump  212 . A siphon inlet  240  is therefore formed between inner siphon cylinder  230  and outer siphon cylinder  234  proximate to the siphon sump  212 . In this manner, siphon  238  includes a siphon path that extends from siphon inlet  240 , through an annular siphon channel defined between siphon cylinders  230 ,  234 , and out a siphon outlet  242 , such that wash liquid may flow through the inside of inner siphon cylinder  230  and into wash tub  121 . According to the exemplary embodiment, the annular siphon channel has a uniform thickness defined between the outer surface of the inner siphon cylinder  230  and the inner surface of the outer siphon cylinder  234 . 
         [0046]    After detergent  224  is added to receiving surface  218 , water may be added to create a wash liquid, and the siphon  238  is used to draw the wash liquid out of the dispenser chamber  206  and into wash tub  121 . More particularly, to operate siphon  238  according to an example embodiment, controller  108  may cause water to enter dispenser chamber  206  through water supply nozzle  216  to raise the level of wash liquid in dispenser chamber  206 . Eventually, the wash liquid rises above siphon outlet  242 , which creates a siphon effect to draw wash liquid out of dispenser chamber  206  and into wash tub  121  through inner siphon cylinder  230 . As long as nothing clogs siphon inlet  240 , wash liquid may siphoned out of dispenser chamber  206  until the level of wash liquid drops below plateau  214  and siphon inlet  240 . 
         [0047]    Bottom surface  210  may further define an overflow weir  250  that extends vertically upward from siphon sump  212 . A weir inlet  252  is defined at the top of overflow weir  250  and is in fluid communication with wash tub  121 . Weir inlet  252  is typically positioned vertically above the top of inner siphon cylinder  230 —i.e., the siphon outlet  242 . In this manner, wash liquid is dispensed into wash tub  121  through overflow weir  250  only when the level of wash liquid is above weir inlet  252 . When wash liquid is below this level, wash liquid is dispensed into wash tub  121  through the siphon  238 , as described above. Notably, weir inlet  252  has a larger cross-section than siphon outlet  242  to allow for higher flow rates of wash liquid when dispenser chamber  206  is filled. 
         [0048]    As best shown in  FIG. 5 , overflow weir  250  is positioned adjacent siphon  238  within the siphon sump  212 . In addition, overflow weir  250  has a generally arcuate shape and wraps at least partly around siphon  238 . In this manner, overflow weir  250 , lower portion  202 , and upper portion  204  define a flow channel  254  on the opposite side of overflow weir  250  from siphon  238 . As described in detail below, this configuration directs the flow of water such that clogs in the siphon inlet  240  are reduced or eliminated. 
         [0049]    During operation of washing machine appliance  100 , a user may add powdered detergent through first aperture  150 . First aperture  150  coincides with opening  222 , which is positioned directly over receiving surface  218 . Therefore, powdered detergent is collected on receiving surface  218  of plateau  214 . Notably, receiving surface  218  is positioned remote from siphon inlet  240 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6, 9, and 10 , receiving surface  218  does not coincide with siphon inlet  240 . Instead, receiving surface  218  may be adjacent to siphon inlet  240 , and is sufficiently spaced apart to prevent detergent  224  from collecting in siphon inlet  240 . More specifically, receiving surface  218  may be spaced at least 5 millimeters away from outer siphon cylinder  234  along a horizontal direction H ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ). 
         [0050]    In addition, receiving surface  218  has a lower angle relative to horizontal than the remainder of plateau  214 . The angle of receiving surface  218  may be such that powdered detergent remains on receiving surface  218  until a flow of water entrains the powdered detergent. For example, receiving surface  218  may have an angle of less than five degrees relative to horizontal H ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ). In this manner, powdered detergent has a reduced tendency of collecting around and clogging siphon inlet  240 . 
         [0051]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 6 through 8 , the flow path of water within dispenser chamber  206  will be described. Additive dispenser  200  and dispenser chamber  206  may generally define a first end  260  proximate water supply nozzle  216  and a second end  262  proximate siphon sump  212 . According to the exemplary embodiment, water supply nozzle  216  directs a flow of water  264  (as indicated by arrows in  FIGS. 6 through 8 ) in a substantially horizontal direction from first end  260  toward second end  262 . In this manner, liquid dispensed onto plateau  214  always tends to flow toward siphon sump  212 , and more particularly, to siphon inlet  240 . 
         [0052]    The flow of water  264  may be generally directed so as to slowly disperse and entrain powdered detergent. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 through 8 , the flow of water  264  may be directed primarily down a side of dispenser chamber  206 , through flow channel  254 . Notably, second end  262  is curved such that channel  254  wraps around overflow weir  250  and directs water directly past siphon inlet  240 . As the flow of water  264  is directed past siphon inlet  240 , it forces powdered detergent away from siphon inlet  240 , thereby reducing the tendency of powdered detergent to clog the siphon inlet  240 . More specifically, the flow of water  264  is directed past siphon  238  and back up onto plateau  214 . 
         [0053]    As best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , plateau  214  has two sloping portions and receiving surface  218 . A first sloping portion  270  is positioned underneath water supply nozzle  216  and slopes substantially in a direction toward siphon sump  212 . More particularly, the flow of water  264  on first sloping portion  270  is substantially parallel with a first sidewall  272  of lower portion  202 . A second sloping portion  274  is sloped substantially toward receiving surface  218  and toward siphon sump  212 . More particularly, second sloping portion  274  is angled in a direction substantially away from a second sidewall  276  and toward siphon sump  212 . Due to the geometry of bottom surface  210 , sidewalls,  272 ,  276 , and plateau  214 , the flow of water  264  tends to circulate about receiving surface  218 . In this manner, the powdered detergent deposited on top of receiving surface  218  is slowly eroded, entrained, and dispersed in the flow of water  264 . By directing water adjacent to and past receiving surface  218 , the tendency of powdered detergent to clog siphon inlet  240  may be reduced or eliminated when compared to designs that simply flush detergent using a shower of water or more direct flows of water. 
         [0054]    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 include 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 languages of the claims.

Technology Category: 6