Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser

thingiverse

I'm using a dishwashing detergent in grain/powder form for my dishwasher. I dislike "Tabs," as they're both expensive and not working as well as the grain. However, there's a significant drawback. Filling the small detergent box in the dishwasher's door from the detergent bag is challenging and often results in filling too much grain into the dishwasher, leaving the detergent elsewhere in the machine. Therefore, I decided to design a dispenser that will fit onto a standard PET-bottle, at least onto the European PET bottle screws known as PCO28. The name likely comes from the 28mm diameter. <h2>How it works:</h2> You fill the detergent powder (not suitable for liquid) into a PET bottle and attach the dispenser on top. To add some detergent to the dishwasher, hold the bottle upside down and point it into the detergent box in the dishwasher's door. Pull the trigger arm gently until the powder trickles out of the dispenser. Release the Trigger Arm, and the rubber band on the Retract Arm will close the Shutter, stopping the flow of powder. <h2>Assembling:</h2> After printing all parts, place the Shutter between the Bottom and Top Housing, leaning it forward towards the front while keeping the flat end parts on the Shutter's axle pointing upwards. It's essential to lean it forward so that it will close when turned backwards. If you assemble it with the Shutter leaning backwards, you won't be able to open it in the correct direction. It needs to open with a forward rotation. The back of the part is where the rubber band hook is attached on the bottom housing. (Refer to the attached images.) The Top Housing is symmetrical. Try rotating the Shutter; it should move freely. However, it won't turn 360° because it's elliptical to completely close the inner diameter. Glue the Bottom and Top Housing parts together with a suitable adhesive like UHU Plast, which works well for PLA parts. Make sure not to glue in the Shutter, as it needs to be moveable. Then attach the Trigger Arm on the left side of the Shutter's axle and the Retract Arm on the right side (see images). Finally, attach a standard household rubber band to the Retract Arm and the counter hook on the Bottom Housing. If you prefer the Trigger Arm to be on the other side, simply print the Bottom Housing part with a mirror image so that the counter hook is on the left instead of the right side.