Rack mounting features for a dishwasher appliance

A rack mounting assembly for supporting a third rack assembly within a tub of a dishwasher appliance is provided. The tub defines a wash chamber and a plurality of apertures spaced apart along a transverse direction. The rack mounting assembly includes a mounting body positioned inside the wash chamber and a latching arm positioned outside the wash chamber. The mounting body and/or latching arm include complementary features that pass through the plurality of apertures defined in the tub for engaging each other and securing the mounting body to the tub.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and more particularly to improved rack mounting features for dishwasher appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber. Rack assemblies can be mounted within the wash chamber of the tub for receipt of articles for washing. Multiple spray assemblies can be positioned within the wash chamber for applying or directing wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. Dishwasher appliances are also typically equipped with at least one pump for circulating fluid through the multiple spray assemblies. In addition, devices referred to as diverters may be used to control the flow of fluid received from the pump.

In addition to conventional lower and middle rack assemblies, certain dishwasher appliances include a “third rack” or “upper rack” positioned above the lower and middle rack assemblies, e.g., for receiving flatware, cutlery, or other cooking utensils. For both conventional and third rack assemblies, properly supporting such rack assemblies within the tub of the dishwasher appliance requires the installation of a mounting bracket or assembly. However, installing such mounting brackets is often complicated, requiring multiple parts and increasing the potential for misalignment or improper mounting. For example, assembly of such mounting brackets typically requires blind insertion of a mechanical fastener through a support plate and washer, through the tub, and into a boss defined on the mounting bracket.

Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance that utilizes improved rack mounting features would be useful. More specifically, a rack mounting assembly that enables a simple mounting of a third rack assembly with very few parts would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment, a dishwasher appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The dishwasher appliance include a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, the tub defining a first aperture, a third rack assembly slidably positioned within the wash chamber and configured for movement along the transverse direction, and a rack mounting assembly for supporting the third rack assembly. The rack mounting assembly includes a mounting body positioned inside the wash chamber and defining a first mounting feature that extends through the first aperture defined in the tub and a latching arm positioned outside the wash chamber and defining a first locking feature for engaging the first mounting feature to secure the mounting body to the tub.

In another exemplary embodiment, a rack mounting assembly for supporting a third rack assembly within a tub of a dishwasher appliance is provided. The tub defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing and a plurality of apertures. The rack mounting assembly includes a mounting body positioned inside the wash chamber and defining a first mounting feature that extends through a first aperture of the plurality of apertures defined in the tub and a latching arm positioned outside the wash chamber and defining a first locking feature for engaging the first mounting feature to secure the mounting body to the tub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.

As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments.

FIGS.1and2depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance100that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment ofFIGS.1and2, the dishwasher100includes a cabinet102(FIG.2) having a tub104therein that defines a wash chamber106. As shown inFIG.2, tub104extends between a top107and a bottom108along a vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls110along a lateral direction L, and between a front side111and a rear side112along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

The tub104includes a front opening114and a door116hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown inFIG.2), wherein the wash chamber106is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher100. According to exemplary embodiments, dishwasher100further includes a door closure mechanism or assembly118that is used to lock and unlock door116for accessing and sealing wash chamber106.

As best illustrated inFIG.2, tub side walls110accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, guide rails120may be mounted to side walls110for supporting a lower rack assembly122, a middle rack assembly124, and a third rack assembly126. As illustrated, third rack assembly126is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber106above middle rack assembly124, which is positioned above lower rack assembly122along the vertical direction V. Each rack assembly122,124,126is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber106, and a retracted position (shown inFIGS.1and2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber106. This is facilitated, for example, by rollers128mounted onto rack assemblies122,124,126, respectively. Although a guide rails120and rollers128are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies122,124,126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.

Some or all of the rack assemblies122,124,126are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members130(for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies122,124,126are shown inFIG.2). In this regard, rack assemblies122,124,126are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber106while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles, e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle. According to another exemplary embodiment, a silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to a rack assembly, e.g., lower rack assembly122, for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by rack122.

Dishwasher100further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber106. More specifically, as illustrated inFIG.2, dishwasher100includes a lower spray arm assembly134disposed in a lower region136of wash chamber106and above a sump138so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly122. Similarly, a mid-level spray arm assembly140is located in an upper region of wash chamber106and may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly124. In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly140may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly124and third rack assembly126. Additionally, an upper spray assembly142may be located above third rack assembly126along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly142may be configured for urging and/or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies122,124, and126. As further illustrated inFIG.2, third rack assembly126may further define an integral spray manifold144, which is generally configured for urging a flow of wash fluid substantially upward along the vertical direction V through third rack assembly126.

The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly150for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly150includes a pump152for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in the tub104. Pump152may be located within sump138or within a machinery compartment located below sump138of tub104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly150may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water and/or wash fluid from pump152to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated inFIG.2, a primary supply conduit154may extend from pump152, along rear112of tub104along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber106.

As illustrated, primary supply conduit154is used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies, e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly140and upper spray assembly142. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For example, according to another exemplary embodiment, primary supply conduit154could be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly140and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwasher appliance100.

Each spray arm assembly134,140,142, integral spray manifold144, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pump152onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray arm assemblies134,140,142may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray arm assemblies134,140,142and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher100may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only, and are not limitations of the present subject matter.

In operation, pump152draws wash fluid in from sump138and pumps it to a diverter assembly156, e.g., which is positioned within sump138of dishwasher appliance. Diverter assembly156may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber158for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray arm assemblies134,140,142and/or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber158. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.

According to an exemplary embodiment, diverter assembly156is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump152to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which are illustrated inFIG.2for clarity. More specifically, diverter assembly156may include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly134in the clockwise direction, a second conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly134in the counter-clockwise direction, a third conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as the silverware rack, and a fourth conduit for supply mid-level and/or upper spray assemblies140,142, i.e., such as primary supply conduit154.

The dishwasher100is further equipped with a controller160to regulate operation of the dishwasher100. The controller160may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors 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. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller160may 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.

The controller160may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller160may be located within a control panel area162of door116as shown inFIGS.1and2. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher100along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door116. Typically, the controller160includes a user interface panel/controls164through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher100. In one embodiment, the user interface164may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface164may include 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. The user interface164may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface164may be in communication with the controller160via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher100. The exemplary embodiment depicted inFIGS.1and2is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface164, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies122,124,126, different spray arm assemblies134,140,142and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now generally toFIGS.2and3, a rack mounting assembly200for mounting third rack assembly126to tub104will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. According to the illustrated embodiment, dishwasher appliance100includes two rack mounting assemblies200positioned within wash chamber106and mounted to tub104for supporting third rack assembly126. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used to support any suitable rack assembly in any suitable appliance. For example, mounting assemblies200or aspects thereof may be used to support lower rack assembly122, middle rack assembly124, or a rack of any other suitable appliance, such as a refrigerator or oven appliance. According to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, the two rack mounting assemblies include only two pieces and are identical and interchangeable.

As best illustrated inFIG.3, dishwasher appliance100includes two rack mounting assemblies200positioned at the top corners of tub104. More specifically, tub104defines radiused corners202where top wall107and the left and right side walls110meet. Radiused corners202are frequently used in dishwasher appliance tubs to simplify the formation process and improve the structural rigidity of tub104. However, installing rack mounting assemblies200within such radiused corners202is often a difficult task. For example, space is limited within tub104and technicians often have to insert screws into blind holes. According to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, tub104is formed from stainless steel or any other suitably rigid material. According to still other embodiments, tub104may be injection-molded using any suitable plastic material.

Referring now also toFIGS.4through7, rack mounting assembly200will be generally described according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, rack mounting assembly200generally includes a mounting body210that is positioned inside wash chamber106and a latching arm212that is positioned outside of wash chamber106. As explained in more detail below, mounting body210and latching arm212include complementary features that are designed to engage each other such that mounting body210and latching arm212sandwich or clamp onto tub104when connected. In this regard, rack mounting assembly200is a two-piece assembly that is quick and easy for a technician to install onto tub104.

In order to permit interaction between the mounting body210and latching arm212, tub104defines a plurality of apertures220through which a portion of mounting body210and/or latching arm212may pass to engage each other. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, tub104defines a first aperture222and a second aperture224that are spaced apart along the transverse direction T. According to exemplary embodiments, first aperture222and second aperture224are sized just large enough to receive the mounting features of mounting body210and latching arm212without introducing a large leak point. In addition, first aperture222and second aperture224may have a resilient sealing element (not shown), such as a gasket or O-ring, mounted therein to provide a fluid tight engagement with mounting body210and/or latching arm212. Although two apertures220are illustrated for purposes of explaining aspects of the present subject matter, it should be appreciated that the number, size, position, and configuration of apertures220may vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now specifically toFIGS.5through7, mounting body210may include or define a first mounting feature230that extends away from a rear surface232of mounting body210. Thus, when mounting body210is positioned on or installed within tub104, first mounting feature230may extend through first aperture222, e.g., such that is positioned outside of tub104and may be engaged by latching arm212. More specifically, latching arm212may define a first locking feature234that is generally configured for engaging the first mounting feature230to secure mounting body210to tub104. When first locking feature234engages first mounting feature230, mounting body210and latching arm212are securely joined and snuggly pressed against tub104, e.g., such that latching arm212is securely seated against an outer surface236of tub104. Although exemplary mounting features and locking features are described herein in order to explain aspects of the present subject matter, it should be appreciated that any mechanically interacting or complementary features for securing mounting body210and latching arm212together may be used while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, first mounting feature230is a cylindrical post240that defines a flattened portion242that is positioned between rear surface232of mounting body210and a locking flange244that is positioned on a distal end of cylindrical post240. In addition, first locking feature234generally includes a locking clip246that defines a notch248for securely receiving cylindrical post240. More specifically, notch248includes an opening250for receiving cylindrical post240and a base252where cylindrical post240bottoms out within notch248. In this regard, once a cylindrical post240is inserted through first aperture222, locking clip246may be moved toward cylindrical post240such that flattened portion242slides through opening250into notch248before stopping against base252.

In addition, locking clip246may include one or more resilient elements254that are generally positioned and configured for securing cylindrical post240within notch248, e.g., securely seating cylindrical post240against base252such that it may not be removed from notch248. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, resilient element254is mounted on locking clip246proximate opening250and extends toward base252. In this manner, as cylindrical post240slides into notch248, resilient element254is deflected until a cylindrical post240clears resilient element254, at which point resilient element254snaps back into place and secures cylindrical post240.

Referring now toFIG.5, mounting body210may include a second mounting feature260and latching arm212may include a second locking feature262that engage each other to secure mounting body210and latching arm212at a different location. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, second mounting feature260is similar or identical to the first mounting feature230and second locking feature262is similar or identical to the first locking feature234. In this regard, second mounting feature260is a cylindrical post240that are spaced apart from the first mounting feature230(i.e., another cylindrical post240) and second locking feature262is a locking clip246spaced apart from first locking feature234(i.e., another locking clip246). Specifically, for example, latching arm212may include locking clips246positioned at both ends of a handle portion264.

Notably, to install rack mounting assembly200as shown inFIG.5, mounting body210is positioned against tub104such that first mounting feature230and second mounting feature260pass through first aperture222and second aperture224, respectively. While holding mounting body210in place, latching arm212may be positioned such that mounting features230,260are engaged by locking features234,262. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, such as shown inFIG.5, latching arm212may be secured to the mounting body210by sliding or translating latching arm212along outer surface236of tub104. Thus, according to this embodiment, notches248of first locking feature234and second locking feature262are oriented in the same direction. By contrast, referring briefly toFIG.6, notches248could instead be oriented in opposite directions, such that a user installs latching arm212by rotating latching arm212about a central axis266.

Referring now toFIG.7, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, mounting body210may include a receiving hole270that has an entrance at least partially covered by a keyed entry flange272. In this regard, keyed entry flange272is positioned at or forma a part of rear surface232of mounting body210. In addition, latching arm212may define an insertion arm274that includes a keyed distal end276. Notably, keyed entry flange272and keyed distal end276are designed to be complementary such that keyed entry flange272engages keyed distal end276to prevent entry of insertion arm274into receiving hole270unless latching arm212is oriented at a first angular position relative to mounting body210. In this regard, as shown for example inFIG.7, latching arm212and mounting body210must be oriented end-to-end, e.g., such that insertion arm274is positioned between locking clip246and first mounting feature230along the transverse direction T, before insertion arm274may be received within the receiving hole270.

After insertion arm274is fully received within the receiving hole270, latching arm212may be rotated such that keyed entry flange272and keyed distal end276engage each other to lock insertion arm274within the receiving hole270. According to the illustrated embodiment, first mounting feature230engages first locking feature234when latching arm212continues to rotate into a second angular position. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, moving latching arm212from the first angular position to the second angular position includes rotating the latching arm by 180° about central axis266.

Notably, the embodiments of rack mounting assembly200illustrated inFIGS.5through7use different complementary features to secure latching arm212and mounting body210to tub104. It should be appreciated that these features may be interchangeable while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. In addition, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to such mounting structures without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

It should be appreciated that rack mounting assembly200is described herein only for the purpose of explaining aspects of the present subject matter. Modifications and variations may be made to rack mounting assembly200while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, the size, configuration, position, and operation of mounting body210and latching arm212may vary or be adjusted to control the interaction with tub104or each other while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. Rack mounting assembly200as described above provides a simple and effective mechanism for installing third rack assembly126or any other suitable rack assembly within dishwasher appliance100in a reliable manner and with only two pieces. Other configurations and benefits will be apparent to those of skill in the art.