Liquid dispenser with collapsible container

摘要

A liquid dispenser utilizes a collapsible container that contains a supply of liquid. The collapsible container is received within a chamber that has a stationary wall. A moveable member is adjustable into contact with the collapsible container within the chamber. An indicator displays an estimated amount of liquid remaining in the collapsible container based on a position of the moveable member. The moveable member may squeeze the collapsible container against the stationary wall to thereby increase pressure within the liquid in the collapsible container to urge an outlet valve towards an open position in order to resolve any clogs in the valve.

主权项

1. A household appliance including a liquid dispenser of the type that utilizes a collapsible container and a pump and valve mechanism attached to the collapsible container, the appliance comprising:
a household appliance body having a door; a chamber formed within the door of the body for receiving a collapsible container, the chamber including a stationary wall; a movable member resting on top of the collapsible container within the chamber; a biasing element that urges the movable member against the collapsible container with the collapsible container between the movable member and the stationary wall; a liquid gauge for displaying an estimated amount of liquid remaining in the collapsible container based on a position of the movable member and a signal received from a processor; a volume indicator, said volume indicator being an extension of the movable member, and further providing that a portion of the volume indicator is visible outside the door; and a position sensor that senses the position of the movable member and sends a signal to the processor for estimating the amount of liquid remaining in the collapsible container; and wherein the pump and valve mechanism is positioned at least partially in the collapsible container and selectively actionable to allow a liquid of the collapsible container to be dispensed via the liquid dispenser.