Dishwasher additive dispenser having a timer controlled cam mechanism

Claim 1

An improved apparatus for dispensing additive into a wash chamber of a dishwasher having a timer control unit, an additive storage container with a rotatable cover and handle therefor, cam means in communication with said timer control unit, said apparatus being mounted between the inner and outer walls of a door of said dishwasher, the improvement comprising: means for biasing said cover toward an open position in which said container is uncovered, detent means for holding said cover in a sealed position in which said cover seals said container, said detent means being fixedly attached to said cover handle for rotation therewith, said detent means including a radially extending arm having an engaging surface and a retaining surface formed thereon, cam follower means operably connected to said cam means for movement between an engaging position in which said follower means engages said engaging and retaining surfaces and holds said retaining surface, and a release position removed from said surfaces in which said follower means releases said retaining surface, in response to motion of said cam means, thereby uncovering said container at the appropriate time in the washing cycle as determined by said control timer unit, said cam follower means including a first pin projecting from said inner door wall, and an elongated member slidably mounted at one end thereof to said first pin, said first pin being disposed adjacent said cam means, and said retaining surface being sloped such that a predetermined angle is formed by the intersection of a line representative of the slope of said retaining surface and a line passing through the center of rotation of said detent means and a leading edge of said retaining surface as said surface moves into initial engagement with said follower means, said angle being selected such that the retaining force required to hold said surface is optimized to accommodate wide manufacturing and assembly tolerances.