[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for an automatic dishwashing machine,
particularly for use in the dispense of a fragrance.
[0002] Automatic dishwashing is a well recognised field. It provides convenience to a consumer
in comparison to manual dishwashing.
[0003] One problem associated with the use of automatic dishwashers is that of malodour.
This is typically caused by the presence of a residual amount of wash liquor retained
in a part of the machine after use. Microbiological action on this residual liquor
can cause a generation of malodour, which although harmless, is unwelcome.
[0004] The malodour is noticeable when the machine is left open between wash cycles and
especially at the end of a wash cycle.
[0005] Usually the malodour is addressed by a fragrance emanator. The emanators used generally
comprise a cage for attachment to a part of the dishwasher and a source of fragrance
(such as a blister) contained therein.
[0006] FR 2 585 248 describes such a blister which is placed in the dishwashing rack.
[0007] Furthermore
US 4 545 917 describes a detergent dispenser for solid detergents which has controllable openings.
[0008] Although these emanators have been found to partially alleviate the malodour issue
their use is not without its problems.
[0009] The first problem is that of the rate of release of the fragrance. Normally the fragrance
release follows a reverse exponential curve: initially the release of fragrance is
strong, with the rate of release diminishing with time. Indeed in the early stages
of use the large amount of fragrance released, whilst addressing the malodour issue,
can reach an equally unpleasant level. Conversely towards the end of the life cycle
of the fragrance emanator the release of fragrance is often so weak that the malodour
issue is not effectively addressed.
[0010] A second problem is the nature of the fragrance released. Fragrances, whether a natural
or man-made, comprise a complex admixture of components, wherein each component provides
a different element to the overall fragrance. Normally the volatility of the components
varies having regard to one another. Hence their release from emanators, which are
normally unsophisticated devices (due to cost consideration), also varies. This has
the effect that the overall scent of the fragrance alters during the lifetime of the
emanator.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to overcome/mitigate the problems above.
[0012] According to the present invention there is provided a dispenser for an automatic
dishwasher, the dispenser comprising a body having an aperture for release of an active
component, the extent of opening of the aperture being controllable, and wherein the
active is contained in a blister disposed in the body.
[0013] Most preferably the active component is a fragrance. The fragrance is generally used
to address malodour issues prevalent in automatic dishwashers.
[0014] The dispenser of the present invention has been found to have excellent properties.
These properties are particularly pertinent when the release profile of the most preferred
active component, fragrance, is considered.
[0015] Firstly the dispenser has been found to be able to release the fragrance in a linear
fashion both over and between a large number of automatic dishwasher wash cycles (typically
between 50 and 100 wash cycles. This is in contrast to previous dispensers. Furthermore
with the dispenser of the invention linear release has been observed at varying opening
extents of the aperture. Thus not only is the dispenser able to dispense a fragrance
at a linear rate but also the rate of the release has been found to be adjustable,
without having an adverse effect on the linearity of the release.
[0016] Additionally the dispenser of the present invention has been found to overcome the
problem of differential release of different components of the fragrances. That is
to say, throughout the working life of the dispenser of the present invention the
fragrance released is virtually identical to that of the 'fresh' fragrance. Without
wishing to be bound by theory it is postulated that this effect is achieved by the
creation of a zone of saturated fragrance in the headspace of the dispenser.
[0017] Preferably the extent of opening of the aperture is controlled by a gate mounted
on the body. The gate is mounted such that it may be moved relative to the body to
affect the opening extent of the aperture. Usually the gate is mounted relative to
the body such that rotation of the gate relative to the body varies the opening extent
of the aperture.
[0018] The gate preferably comprises an apertured member. In this way when the aperture
of the gate is at least partially aligned with the body aperture dispense of the active
component may occur. The degree of alignment may preferably be varied to affect a
variable rate of release.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment the dispenser may have an indication system which displays
the degree of alignment between the gate and the body (and hence the expected rate
of release) to the user.
[0020] In a further embodiment the aperture on the body may be split into a series of apertures
with a bespoke aperture for each level of release. Thus, as an example, the aperture
on the body may be split into two separate apertures; one large aperture for a high
rate of release (with the aperture on the gate being the same size as that of the
body) and a smaller aperture for a lower rate of release. Obviously this arrangement
of apertures may be reversed: the series of apertures may be on the gate rather than
on the body.
[0021] Preferably the body has a plurality of apertures to allow release of the active component
(and also for inflow/drainage of wash liquor). Equally preferably the gate also has
a plurality of apertures (most preferably one gate aperture per one body aperture).
Clearly it will be understood that in the embodiment where the aperture is subdivided
into a series of apertures there may be a plurality of these series of apertures.
[0022] Generally the apertures are arranged in a regular pattern on a side wall of the body.
[0023] Preferably the body has a means to permit attachment to the inside of a dishwasher.
Usually the attachment means is in the form of a hook or a clip.
[0024] Usually the body has a window so that the user is able to see the blister retained
within the body. In this way the user is able to assess the contents of the blister
and hence can obtain an indication of the likely remaining lifetime of the blister.
The window is most preferably in the form of an aperture in the body. Preferably the
window is sealed by being filled with the blister.
[0025] Generally the reservoir body comprises a substantially planar base.
[0026] The base is permeable to allow the contents of the blister to emanate in use.
[0027] It is preferred that the reservoir (preferably enclosed in a skin) projects from
a surface of the base. Most preferably the reservoir is stepped having a lower most
and an upper most portion. Preferably, in use, the upper most portion of the reservoir
body extends into the window aperture of the body. Preferably, in use, the lower most
portion of the reservoir body extends beneath and behind a lower edge of the window
aperture of the body.
[0028] As, generally the body is opaque, only the portion of the reservoir body which extends
into the window aperture is visible when the blister is mounted in the body. Thus
the blister has a hidden portion, which may, when appropriate conceal a residue of
a component which is to be released from the emanator. In this way the presence of
any residue (particularly from a fragrance composition) does not detrimentally effect
the impression of the user as to whether the blister needs to be replaced.
[0029] The volume of the portion of the reservoir body which is hidden may be varied to
suit the expected amount of residue remaining in the blister. Preferably the volume
of the reservoir body which is hidden comprises around 15% of the volume of the entire
reservoir. (It has been found that typical fragrance compositions leave a residue
of up to 15% by volume after the active components thereof have been allowed to/cause
to emanate. Thus a large portion of the reservoir body (around 85% by volume) may
be observed by user. This gives excellent indication of the use of the blister contents
and end-of-life indication.
[0030] Generally the blister, more particularly the skin of the blister, is transparent
so as to allow the user to view the contents thereof.
[0031] Most preferably the blister contains a fragrance composition. Generally the fragrance
composition contains a dye and/or a colouring agent. The dye/colouring agent may give
an indication of the nature of the fragrance for added consumer recognition/appeal.
For example an 'apple' fragrance may have a green colour and a 'citrus' fragrance
a yellow/orange colour.
[0032] The dispenser will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in
which:-
Figure 1 is a plan view of the components of the body of the dispenser of the invention;
Figure 2 is an underneath plan view of the components of the body of the dispenser
of the invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exploded device of the invention;
Figure 4 is an alternative perspective view of an exploded device of the invention;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the components of the body of an alternative embodiment
of the invention;
Figure 6 is an underneath plan view of an assembled device of the alternative embodiment
of the dispenser of the invention;
Figure 7 is a side view of an assembled device of the alternative embodiment of the
dispenser of the invention;
Figures 8 and 9 show side views of a preferred embodiment of a blister which can be
used in the dispense of the invention; and
Figures 10 and 11 show cross sections of the blister of figures 8 and 9 taken along
the longitudinal access A-A and the equatorial access B-B respectively.
[0033] With reference to Figures 1 to 4 the dispenser 1 of the present invention comprises
a body 2, a blister 3 and a gate 4.
[0034] The body 2 comprises a front section 5 and a rear section 6. Both the front section
5 and the rear section 6 include a largely circular portion 7 and an extended portion
8. The front section 5 and the rear section 6 adjoin by virtue of a 'snap fit' arrangement.
[0035] In the centre of the circular portion 7 of the front section 5 there is a window
aperture 9 to allow a consumer to view the contents of the blister 3, mounted therein.
The extended section 8 of the front section 5 includes a hook 10 for mounting the
body within an automatic dishwasher (not shown). The interior side of the front section
5 has a lip 11 arranged around the window aperture 9. The lip 11 provides support
for the blister 3 to be mounted within the body 2 adjacent the window aperture a 9
such that the contents of the blister 3 are visible form the exterior of the body
2.
[0036] The circular portion 7 of the rear section 6 is stepped. This provides a volume within
the body 2 for retention of the blister 3. The circular portion 7 includes a number
of clusters of apertures 12 arranged with regular spacing. Each cluster 12 comprises
three individual apertures; a,b,c, arranged in an inverted `L' configuration.
[0037] The extended section 8 of the rear section 6 includes a series of markings; `HI',
'MED' and `LO'. The significance of these markings will become clear with reference
to the gate 4.
[0038] The gate 4 includes a largely circular portion 7 and a limb extension 13.
[0039] The circular portion 7 of the gate 4 is stepped in the same way as the rear section
6 of the body 2. The circular portion 7 includes a number of clusters of apertures
14 arranged with regular spacing. Each cluster 14 comprises two individual apertures;
I,II, arranged in an 'I' configuration.
[0040] The limb extension 13 of the gate 4 extends beyond the markings on the extended section
8 of the rear portion 6. The limb extension 13 includes a window 15. The markings
are intended to be visible through the window 15 of the limb extension 13.
[0041] The gate 4 is mounted adjacent the rear section 6 so that the gate 4 may be rotated
relative to the rear section 6. In this way the clusters of apertures 14 on the gate
4 may be arranged relative to the cluster of apertures 12 on the rear section 6.
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment three arrangements of the gate 4 relative to the rear
section 6 are contemplated (although none of these arrangements is actually illustrated)
as follows:-
[0043] In the first arrangement the window 15 of the limb extension 13 of the gate 4 is
aligned such that the marking `LO' is visible therethrough. In this orientation none
of the apertures I, II on the gate 4 are aligned with the apertures a,b,c on the rear
section 6.
[0044] In the second arrangement the window 15 of the limb extension 13 of the gate 4 is
aligned such that the marking 'MED' is visible therethrough. In this orientation the
apertures I on the gate 4 are aligned with the apertures a on the rear section 6.
[0045] In the third arrangement the window 15 of the limb extension 13 of the gate 4 is
aligned such that the marking 'HI' is visible therethrough. In this orientation the
apertures I and II on the gate 4 are aligned with the apertures b and c on the rear
portion 6.
[0046] Thus it can be seen that as the gate is moved from the 'LO' to the 'HI' setting the
area of overlap of the apertures I, II on the gate 4 and the apertures a, b, c on
the rear section 6 increases. This allows increased release form the dispenser 1.
[0047] It will obviously be appreciated that whilst in Figures 1 to 4 three separate arrangements
of the gate 4 relative to the rear section 6 have been contemplated, other numbers
of arrangements with other numbers of different positions are not ruled out.
[0048] With reference to Figures 5 to 7 an alternative embodiment of the dispenser 1 of
the present invention is shown. The alternative embodiment shares many of the features
described above for the first embodiment (with reference to Figures 1 to 4).
[0049] The body 2 comprises a front section 5 and a rear section 6. The front section 5
and the rear section 6 adjoin by virtue of a 'snap fit' arrangement. Both the front
section 5 and the rear section 6 are dished to provide a volume within the body 2
for retention of the blister 3.
[0050] The rear section 6 includes a hook 10 for mounting the body within an automatic dishwasher.
[0051] The periphery of the front section 5 includes a number of clusters of apertures 12
arranged with regular spacing. Each cluster 12 comprises four individual apertures;
a,b,c,d, arranged in a row.
[0052] The periphery of the rear section 6 is cutaway in sections to create four projections
16.
[0053] The front section 5 is mounted adjacent the rear section 6 so that the front section
5 may be rotated relative to the rear section 6. In this way the clusters of apertures
12 on the front section 5 may be arranged relative to the projections 16.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment five arrangements of the front section 5 relative to
the projections 16 are contemplated (although none of these arrangements is actually
illustrated) as follows:-
[0055] In the first arrangement the front section 5 is aligned such that all of the apertures
a,b,c,d are adjacent the projections 16 on the rear section 6. Thus none of the apertures
a,b,c,d is open.
[0056] In the second through to the fifth arrangement the front section 5 is aligned such
that a decreasing number of the apertures a,b,c,d is adjacent the projections 16 on
the rear section 6. Thus progressively the apertures a,b,c,d are opened with, finally
in the fifth arrangement, all of the apertures a,b,c,d being open.
[0057] Thus it can be seen that as the front section 5 is moved relative to the rear section
6 the area of overlap of the apertures a,b,c,d on the front section 5 and the projections
16 on the rear section 6 decreases. This allows increased release from the dispenser
1.
[0058] It will be appreciated that whilst in Figures 5 to 7 five separate arrangements of
the front section 5 relative to the rear section 6 have been contemplated, other numbers
of arrangements with other numbers of different positions are not ruled out.
[0059] Figures 8 to 11 show the preferred embodiment of the blister 3 for use with the dispenser
1.
[0060] The blister 3 comprises a base 17 in the form of an oval strip. The oval base 17
comprises a permeable skin for release of the fragrance.
[0061] The base 17 is provided with two-stepped platforms 18 and 19 which project on the
front side of the base 17. The platform 18 has a similar shape to the base 17, namely
it is oval, yet is smaller than the base 17, thus leaving a non-platformed perimeter
20 therearound.
[0062] The stepped platform 19 has a circular surface 21. The surface 21 is inclined at
an angle about an axis therethrough, the said axis being arranged parallel to the
equatorial axis of the blister B-B. Thus the stepped platform 19 has a depth which
varies along longitudinal axis A-A.
[0063] The surface 21 and most preferably the entire blister 3 is transparent.
[0064] In use the blister 3 is preferably supported in the body 2 by the lip 11 such that
at least a portion of the surface 21 of the stepped platform 19 is visible through
the window aperture 9. This allows the user to visually determine the amount of fragrance
contained within the blister 3.
[0065] The platform 18 extends beneath and behind a lower edge of the window aperture 9.
This arrangement allows the last remnants of liquid in the blister 3 to be hidden
from a user. This serves as an aid to the user for blister replacement as typically
the last remnants of fragrance solution contain little or no fragrance and mostly
comprise colorant, i.e. is `inactive'. If this portion is seen the user may perceive
that the blister 3 is still capable of functioning thus the replacement of the blister
3 may be delayed. When hidden the presence of this 'inactive' will not dissuade the
user from replacing the unit and thus the high efficacy of the blister 3 is maintained.
[0066] Generally the blister 3 is mounted such that the longitudinal axis A-A is substantially
vertical with the deepest part of the recess 19 uppermost. This serves to reduce the
appearance of under-fill of the blister 3 - an important consideration for consumers.
[0067] Generally the surface 22A of retainer 22 against which the upper surface 21 of the
blister 3 abuts is arranged so as to be co-planer therewith. In the illustrated embodiment
this is achieved by surface 22A being substantially domed.
[0068] The invention will be further illustrated with reference to the following non-limiting
examples.
Examples
Example 1 - Fragrance Dispenser Rate
[0069] The fragrance dispense rate of a dispenser in accordance with the invention was measured
in an automatic dishwashing machine.
[0070] A dispenser as shown in Figures 1 to 4 was used. The dispenser contained a blister
as shown in Figures 8 to 11. The blister contained 4 grams of a commercially available
dishwasher fragrance.
[0071] The fragrance release rate was measured by taking the weight of the blister after
a number of cycles in an automatic dishwasher (Miele, model G 676 SC, program "Universal")
which was run for a number of cycles at 65°C. The weight loss was expressed as a percentage
of fragrance lost from the blister (referring to the initial weight of 4g).
[0072] In the tests a varying number of apertures of the dispenser were set to the open
position to determine the effect that this would have on the fragrance release rate.
A comparative example of a dispenser which is outside the scope of the present invention,
i.e. not having controllable apertures was also tested as a comparison.
[0073] The results of the weight loss are shown in Table 1 below.
Table 1
No of Washes |
Loss of Fragrance (% w/w) |
Comparative Example |
"LO" |
"MED" |
"HI" |
5 |
9.54 |
2.00 |
3.85 |
6.79 |
10 |
18.71 |
3.75 |
8.79 |
13.40 |
15 |
26.75 |
5.88 |
13.14 |
19.88 |
20 |
34.56 |
7.72 |
17.20 |
26.15 |
25 |
43.35 |
11.58 |
23.04 |
33.70 |
30 |
49.85 |
13.39 |
26.60 |
38.63 |
35 |
56.33 |
15.34 |
30.92 |
43.92 |
40 |
63.18 |
17.81 |
35.73 |
49.32 |
45 |
70.50 |
21.01 |
40.59 |
55.13 |
50 |
75.59 |
22.58 |
43.82 |
59.61 |
55 |
79.83 |
24.12 |
47.61 |
63.98 |
60 |
83.48 |
25.45 |
50.63 |
67.93 |
"LO" means 0 open apertures.
"MED" means 8 open apertures.
"HI" means 16 open apertures. |
[0074] The dispenser in accordance with the present invention has excellent release properties.
Not only is the fragrance release linear in mature but also the rate of release can
be varied (whilst still remaining linear) to suit the output required.
[0075] The Comparative Example has a very large uncontrollable rate of release with the
rate of release displaying the usual reverse exponential decay.
Example 2 - Nature of Fragrance Dispensed
[0076] The nature of the fragrance dispensed from a dispenser in accordance with the invention
was measured.
[0077] A dispenser as shown in Figures 1 to 4 was used. The dispenser contained a blister
as shown in Figures 8 to 11. The blister contained 4 grams of a commercially available
dishwasher fragrance.
[0078] The nature of the fragrance released was tested taking a sample of the fragrance
(from the inside of the blister) and feeding the sample into a Gas-Chromatograph (Agilent,
model 6890 Series, columns HP-1, HP-5 Carbowax, carrier gas: Helium 1 ml/min; program
80°C to 250°C (10 min), heating rate 6°C/min). In this way the content of the fragrance
could be measured.
[0079] For the fragrance the top note, the medium notes and the low notes were measured
after 60 washes under the wash conditions in Example 1 (with the dispenser at the
medium setting). The measurements for the dispenser in accordance with the present
invention were compared with the pure fragrance and with the fragrance from a dispenser
which is outside the scope of the present invention. The results of the analysis are
shown in Table 2 (given as total peak area %).
Table 2
Dispenser Type |
Fragrance Top Notes (0-30 min.) |
Fragrance Middle Notes (30-50 min.) |
Fragrance Base Notes (50-81 min.) |
None (Fresh Fragrance) |
16.3% |
68% |
15.7% |
Dispenser of the Invention |
7.9% |
74.3% |
17.6% |
Comparative Dispenser |
1.5% |
56.3% |
42.2% |
[0080] In the dispenser of the present invention the fragrance after 60 washes is much closer
to that of the fresh fragrance than that of the comparative Example.
1. A dispenser (1) for an automatic dishwasher, the dispenser comprising a body (2) having
an aperture for release of an active component, the extent of opening of the aperture
being controllable, characterised in that the active is contained in a blister (3) disposed in the body, and in that the active component is a fragrance composition which is a liquid within the blister
and is released from the blister as a vapour.
2. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance composition contains a dye
and/or a colouring agent.
3. A dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extent of opening of the aperture
is controlled by a gate (4) mounted on the body.
4. A dispenser according to claim 3, wherein rotation of the gate relative to the body
opening extent of the aperture.
5. A dispenser according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the gate comprises an apertured member.
6. A dispenser according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the dispenser has an indication
system to display the degree of alignment between the gate and the body.
7. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the aperture on the body
is split into a series of apertures with a bespoke aperture for each level of release.
8. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the body has a plurality
of apertures to allow release of the active component (also for inflow/drainage of
wash liquor).
9. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gate has a plurality
of apertures.
10. A dispenser according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the apertures are arranged in a regular
pattern.
11. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body has a means (10)
to permit attachment to the inside of a dishwasher.
12. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body has a window
(9).
1. Spender (1) für einen automatischen Geschirrspüler, wobei der Spender einen Körper
(2) mit einer Öffnung zum Freisetzen eines Wirkbestandteils umfasst, wobei der Öffnungsgrad
der Öffnung steuerbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Wirkstoff in einem in dem Körper angeordneten Blister (3) enthalten ist und dass
es sich bei dem Wirkbestandteil um eine Duftstoffzusammensetzung handelt, die im Blister
eine Flüssigkeit ist und als Dampf aus dem Blister freigesetzt wird.
2. Spender nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Duftstoffzusammensetzung einen Farbstoff und/oder
ein farbmittel enthält.
3. Spender nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Öffnungsgrad der Öffnung durch eine an dem
Körper angebrachte Blende (4) gesteuert wird.
4. Spender nach Anspruch 3, wobei eine Drehung der Blende in Bezug auf den Körper den
Öffnungsgrad der Blende ändert.
5. Spender nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, wobei die Blende ein offenes Element umfasst.
6. Spender nach Anspruch 3, 4 oder 5, wobei der Spender ein Anzeigesystem aufweist, um
den Ausrichtungsgrad zwischen der Blende und dem Körper anzuzeigen.
7. Spender nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei die Öffnung an dem Körper mit einer
maßgeschneiderten Öffnung für jeden Freisetzungsgrad in eine Reihe von Öffnungen aufgeteilt
ist.
8. Spender nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei der Körper eine Mehrzahl an Öffnungen
aufweist, um eine Freisetzung des Wirkbestandteils (auch für eine Einströmung/einen
Ablauf der Waschlauge) zu ermöglichen.
9. Spender nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei die Blende eine Mehrzahl an Öffnungen
aufweist.
10. Spender nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, wobei die Öffnungen in einem regelmäßigen Muster angeordnet
sind.
11. Spender nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, wobei der Körper ein Mittel (10) zum Ermöglichen
der Anbringung am Inneren eines Geschirrspülers aufweist.
12. Spender nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, wobei der Körper ein Fenster (9) aufweist.
1. Distributeur (1) pour un lave-vaisselle automatique, le distributeur comportant un
corps (2) ayant une ouverture pour la libération d'un constituant actif, l'étendue
du débouché de l'ouverture pouvant être réglée, caractérisé en ce que le constituant actif est contenu dans une bulle d'emballage (3) disposée dans le
corps, et en ce que le constituant actif est une composition de parfum qui est liquide à l'intérieur
de l'emballage à bulle et est libérée de l'emballage à bulle sous la forme d'une vapeur.
2. Distributeur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la composition de parfum contient
un colorant et/ou un agent de coloration.
3. Distributeur selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel l'étendue du débouché de l'ouverture
est réglée par un volet (4) monté sur le corps.
4. Distributeur selon la revendication 3, dans lequel une rotation du volet par rapport
au corps modifie l'étendue du débouché de l'ouverture.
5. Distributeur selon la revendication 3 ou 4, dans lequel le volet comporte un élément
perforé.
6. Distributeur selon la revendication 3, 4 ou 5, lequel distributeur comporte un système
d'indication destiné à afficher le degré d'alignement entre le volet et le corps.
7. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel l'ouverture
sur le corps est divisée en une série d'ouvertures avec une ouverture sur mesure pour
chaque niveau de libération.
8. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel le corps
présente de multiples ouvertures pour permettre la libération du constituant actif
(également pour l'apport/l'évacuation d'un liquide de lavage).
9. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel le volet
présente de multiples ouvertures.
10. Distributeur selon la revendication 8 ou 9, dans lequel les ouvertures sont agencées
en une configuration régulière.
11. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, dans lequel le corps
comporte un moyen (10) destiné à permettre une fixation à l'intérieur d'un lave-vaisselle.
12. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, dans lequel le corps
a une fenêtre (9).