SYSTEMS FOR MOUNTING RACKS IN DISHWASHING APPLIANCES

A dishwasher appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber, and a rack assembly. The rack assembly includes a bracket positioned within the wash chamber of the tub. The bracket includes a roller extending therefrom, and a pair of posts mounted to the bracket. The pair of posts extend through an outer surface of the tub, and a brace is positioned opposite the bracket on the outer surface of the tub. The brace includes a snap projection configured to engage the pair of posts such that the snap projection hinders the pair of posts from retracting through the outer surface of the tub. A pair of fasteners extend through the brace into the pair of posts, where the pair of fasteners secure the brace to the pair of posts.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to systems for mounting racks in dishwashing appliances, particularly relating to the mounting of third racks in dishwasher appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dishwasher appliances generally include rack assemblies for positioning various articles for cleaning within a wash chamber. One or more devices, such as nozzles or spray assemblies, may be included at various locations relative to the rack assemblies for purposes of delivering fluids as part of the cleaning process. During the cleaning cycle, the rack assemblies can support and position the articles while also having openings that allow fluid to pass through to the articles. Factors such as the velocity of the fluid, orientation of the fluid spray or stream relative to the articles, the shape and density of the articles in the rack assemblies, and others can impact the effectiveness of the cleaning cycle.

One or more rack assemblies may be used in dishwasher appliances for user convenience. Multiple rack assemblies on multiple levels within dishwasher appliances may allow users to place articles of differing heights and sizes in optimal positions to allow for proper cleaning of the articles. Some dishwasher appliances may include one or more baskets which may also be provided for holding articles, particularly smaller or for more narrow articles, such as silverware. Additionally, the user may have the option of, e.g., placing articles, such as silverware, within a basket on a lower rack assembly or placing the silverware directly (without the basket) onto an upper rack assembly specially configured for the receipt of such articles.

The positioning of articles within a dishwasher appliance can affect the fluid dynamics to which the articles are exposed during the cleaning process. For example, articles placed in a lower rack assembly may be subjected to different spray assemblies with different spray patterns, velocities, and spray duration than articles placed in a higher rack assembly. As dishwasher appliances have begun including more racks, space and positioning of dishwashing components, such as rack-mounting systems, inside of the dishwasher is important to ensure proper washing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one example embodiment, a dishwasher appliance defines a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions are mutually perpendicular. The dishwasher appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber, a wash conduit in the wash chamber, a first rack assembly slidably positioned within the wash chamber, and a first spray assembly positioned in the wash chamber, configured to direct wash fluids at the first rack assembly. The dishwasher appliance also includes a second rack assembly slidably positioned in the wash chamber above the first rack assembly, and a second spray assembly positioned in the wash chamber, configured to direct wash fluids at the second rack assembly. The dishwasher appliance further includes a third rack assembly slidably positioned in the wash chamber above the second rack assembly. The third rack assembly includes a bracket positioned within the wash chamber of the tub. The bracket includes a roller extending therefrom, and a pair of posts mounted to the bracket. The pair of posts extend through an outer surface of the tub, and a brace is positioned opposite the bracket on the outer surface of the tub. The brace includes a snap projection configured to engage the pair of posts such that the snap projection hinders the pair of posts from retracting through the outer surface of the tub. A pair of fasteners extend through the brace into the pair of posts, where the pair of fasteners secure the brace to the pair of posts.

In another example embodiment, a dishwasher appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber, and a rack assembly. The rack assembly includes a bracket positioned within the wash chamber of the tub. The bracket includes a roller extending therefrom, and a pair of posts mounted to the bracket. The pair of posts extend through an outer surface of the tub, and a brace is positioned opposite the bracket on the outer surface of the tub. The brace includes a snap projection configured to engage the pair of posts such that the snap projection hinders the pair of posts from retracting through the outer surface of the tub. A pair of fasteners extend through the brace into the pair of posts, where the pair of fasteners secure the brace to the pair of posts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1provides a front, elevation view of a dishwasher appliance100according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.FIG.2provides a perspective view of dishwasher appliance100with a door120of dishwasher appliance100shown in an open position to reveal a wash chamber or compartment201of dishwasher appliance100. Dishwasher appliance100defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.

Dishwasher appliance100includes a tub200that defines wash chamber201. Tub200has a pair of side walls128, a back wall125, and a top wall202that assist with defining wash chamber201. Side walls128are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Back wall125and top wall202extend between and connect side walls128, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Tub200also includes door120hinged at its bottom122for movement between a normally closed configuration (shown inFIG.1) in which wash chamber201is sealed shut, e.g., for washing operation, and an open configuration (shown inFIGS.2and3) for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher appliance100.

Turning toFIG.2, tub side walls128accommodate middle and lower rack assemblies130and132. Each of the middle and lower racks assemblies130and132is fabricated from lattice structures that include a plurality of wires or elongated members134. Dishwasher appliance100also includes an upper rack assembly210positioned above middle and lower racks assemblies130and132, e.g., along the vertical direction V, at a top portion of wash chamber201. Each rack assembly130,132and210is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack assembly is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber201, and a retracted position (shown inFIGS.1and2) in which the rack assembly is located inside the wash chamber201.

Dishwasher appliance100includes a lower spray assembly144that is mounted within a lower region146of the wash chamber201and above a tub sump portion142so as to be in relatively close proximity to the lower rack assembly132. A mid-level spray assembly148is located in an upper region of the wash chamber201and may be located in close proximity to middle rack assembly130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly (not shown) may be located above the upper rack assembly210and mounted to top wall202of tub200.

The lower and mid-level spray assemblies144and148and the upper spray assembly are fed by a pump (not shown) for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in the tub200. The pump is located in a machinery compartment140located below the bottom sump portion142of the tub200, as generally recognized in the art. A conduit or circulation piping108directs water and/or wash fluid from the pump to lower spray assembly144and mid-level spray assembly148.

Each spray assembly includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid onto dishes or other articles located in the middle and lower rack assemblies130,132, silverware basket160and upper rack assembly210. Lower spray assembly144is rotatably mounted in wash chamber201. Accordingly, the arrangement of the discharge ports on lower spray assembly144may provide a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray assembly144can provide coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray.

The dishwasher appliance100is further equipped with a controller137to regulate operation of the dishwasher appliance100. Controller137may 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. Alternatively, controller137may 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.

Controller137may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance100. In the illustrated example embodiment, controller137is located within a control panel116of door120. In alternative example embodiments, controller116may be positioned beneath tub200or at any other suitable location on dishwasher appliance100. Typically, controller137includes a user interface panel136through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance100. In one example embodiment, user interface136represents a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In another example embodiment, user interface136includes input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. User interface136may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user.

It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher appliance and that dishwasher appliance100depicted inFIGS.1and2is provided for illustrative purposes only. For example, the present subject matter may be used in dishwasher appliances having other rack configurations or spray assembly arrangements.

FIG.3provides a partial, front perspective view of tub200and upper rack assembly210of dishwasher appliance100.FIG.4provides a partial, front elevation view of tub200and rack assembly210of dishwasher appliance100. As discussed in greater detail below, rack assembly210includes features for assisting with mounting rack assembly210to tub200within wash chamber201of tub200. In addition, it should be understood that, while described in greater detail below in the context of dishwasher appliance100, tub200and/or rack assembly210may be used in any other suitable dishwasher appliance, in alternative example embodiments.

As may be seen inFIGS.3and4, tub200defines wash chamber201and includes a top wall202and transition portions204. Transition portions204correspond to portions of tub200that extend between top wall202and other portions of tub200, such as side walls128and/or back wall125, e.g., along the vertical direction V. Transition portions204include curved inner surfaces206. In certain example embodiments, tub200is constructed of or with a molded material, such as plastic, or a stamped material, such as stainless steel. Thus, top wall202and transition portions204may be integrally formed of a single piece of molded plastic or stamped metal.

Rack assembly210includes silverware baskets212and mounting assembly214. Silverware baskets212are configured for receiving and supporting silverware therein during operation of an associated dishwasher appliance. Mounting assembly214assists with mounting silverware baskets212to tub200. Thus, mounting assembly214can assist with supporting silverware baskets212within wash chamber201of tub200. As may be seen inFIGS.3and4, mounting assembly214includes a slide rail220and at least one bracket230. Brackets230are mounted to tub200and are positioned within wash chamber201of tub200. Slide rail220is also positioned within wash chamber201of tub200. In particular, slide rail220is slidably mounted to brackets230within wash chamber201of tub200, as discussed in greater detail below.

As discussed above, tub200defines curved inner surface206. As may be seen inFIGS.3and4, brackets230may be positioned in wash chamber201at or on curved inner surface206of tub200. In particular, brackets230define a curved outer surface232. Curved outer surface232of brackets230are complementary to curved inner surface206of tub200. In particular, a shape or profile of curved outer surface232of brackets230can substantially match or fit curved inner surface206of tub200, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the transverse direction T. Curved outer surface232of brackets230may be positioned on or at curved inner surface206of tub200.

Slide rail220is positioned within wash chamber201of tub200and is mounted or positioned on a roller226of brackets230. Roller226is moveable or slidable within slide rail220, e.g., along the transverse direction T. However, roller226may hinder or prevent movement of slide rail220along other directions, such as the vertical direction V and/or the lateral direction L. Thus, roller226may permit movement of slide rail220along only the transverse direction T when roller226of brackets230is received within slide rail220. Rack assembly210also includes a seal or gasket (not shown). The gasket is positioned at or on curved outer surface232of bracket230. The gasket assists with hindering or preventing leaks or liquid flow out of wash chamber201of tub200.

As may be seen inFIGS.3and4, slide rail220may include a C-shaped channel222positioned on rollers226. Thus, roller226may be received within C-shaped channel222. Rack assembly210also includes a frame228(e.g., formed of bent metal wire). Frame228supports silverware baskets212, e.g., and is positioned below silverware baskets212along the vertical direction V. Thus, silverware baskets212may rest on and/or be mounted to frame228.

FIG.5provides an exploded perspective view of a brace240of rack assembly210.FIG.6provides an assembled perspective view of brace240of rack assembly210. Brackets230also include various features for assisting with mounting brackets230to tub200, e.g., easily and/or quickly. In particular, a pair of projection or post234is mounted to each bracket230. As an example, posts234may be integrally mounted to brackets230such that posts234and brackets230are constructed from a single, continuous piece of material, such as molded plastic. Posts234extend from brackets230through the tub200. A brace240is snapped onto posts234. e.g., outside of wash chamber201of tub200. Thus, brace240is not disposed within wash chamber201of tub200. Brace240may extend between the pair of posts234along the outer surface of the tub. A snap projection242may engage with post234within brace240preventing or hindering posts234from moving back though holes203into wash chamber201of tub200. In some example embodiments, brace240may include a pair of snap projections242configured to engage the pair of posts234such that each of the snap projections242hinders the pair of posts234from retracting through the curved inner surface206of tub200. Further, fasteners260also extend into post234, e.g., outside of wash chamber201of tub200. Thus, fasteners260are also not disposed within wash chamber201of tub200. Fasteners260may be threaded or mounted onto post234. In particular, screw threads of fasteners260may engage or mesh with posts234.

Mounting of rack assembly210to tub200is discussed in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.3and4. To mount rack assembly210to tub200, an assembler can mount slide rail220to brackets230, e.g., such that slide rail220is received on rollers226. The assembler can then position brackets230(with slide rail220mounted thereto) within wash chamber201of tub200. In addition, the assembler can direct or insert posts234through holes defined by tub200, e.g., until curved outer surfaces232of brackets230are disposed on or at curved inner surface206of tub200and posts234are positioned or disposed outside of wash chamber201of tub200. With posts234so positioned, the assembler can hold or support brackets230and slide rail220within wash chamber201of tub200and snap brace240onto posts234. In particular, the assembler can snap the snap projection242onto the post234. With brace240so positioned, brace240supports brackets230and slide rail220within wash chamber201of tub200by preventing or hindering posts234from moving back though holes203into wash chamber201of tub200. Thus, the assembler can let go of and stop supporting brackets230and slide rail220within wash chamber201of tub200due to brace240supporting such components.

With brace240supporting brackets230and slide rail220within wash chamber201of tub200, the assembler fixes a pair of fasteners260to the pair of posts234through brace240. The pair of fasteners260may include at least one of screws or bolts. In particular, the assembler can rotate or turn fasteners260with a tool or drill in order to thread fasteners260into posts234with the drill. The assembler can tighten fasteners260against brace240and/or fix fasteners260to posts234such that brackets230are drawn towards tub200within wash chamber201of tub200. By drawing brackets230towards tub200, the gasket is compressed between tub200and brackets230, e.g., between curved outer surfaces232of brackets230and curved inner surface206of tub200. By extending between tub200and brackets230, the gasket can assist with limiting or preventing leaks or liquid flow through or out of the holes in tub200.

As may be seen inFIG.7, a connecting rail280may extend between and connect brackets230such that brackets230are coupled together with connecting rail280. Connecting rail280may be integrally formed with brackets230. Thus, brackets230and connecting rail280may be constructed from a single, continuous piece of material, such as molded plastic. As another example, brackets230, posts234and connecting rail280may be constructed from a single, continuous piece of material, such as molded plastic.

Mounting assembly214may advantageously assist with mounting slide rail220to tub200within wash chamber201of tub200, e.g., without welding and/or tox. Mounting assembly214may also permit a single installer or assembler to mount slide rail220to tub200within wash chamber201of tub200. Slide rail220may be substantially level when mounted to tub200.

As may be seen from the above, a single piece brace with snap projections eliminates the need for individual components of traditional sleeve tub mount systems. The operator traditionally would install two sleeve tub mounts and two brace tub mounts to the exterior of the dishwasher. The assembler would then be able to use two unique screws for the final install. Additionally, this would be repeated for the opposite side tub mount. The single piece brace advantageously reduces the number of parts and decreases the complexity of assembly compared to the traditional methods.