Patent Publication Number: US-11659975-B2

Title: Dishwasher having a door assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of and claims benefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/594,901, filed Oct. 7, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,064,861, issued Jul. 20, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Contemporary automatic dishwashers for use in a typical household include a tub that can have an open front and at least partially defines a treating chamber into which items, such as kitchenware, glassware, and the like, can be placed to undergo a washing operation. At least one rack or basket for supporting soiled dishes can be provided within the tub. A spraying system with multiple sprayers can be provided for recirculating liquid throughout the tub to remove soils from the dishes. A door assembly is provided to seal the treating chamber and can include a stiffener to reduce deflection of the door assembly. The stiffener can also serve to improve the user perception of sturdiness and heft of the door assembly. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of assembling a stiffener to a dishwasher door assembly having an outer door and an inner door spaced from the outer door, the method comprising positioning a rib from the stiffener adjacent a channel in a side flange of the outer door assembly, rotating the stiffener to insert the positioning rib into the channel, after positioning the rib into the channel, sliding the stiffener until a portion of the stiffener contacts a bottom flange of the outer door, and while the portion of the stiffener abuts the bottom flange, securing the stiffener to the outer panel. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of assembling a dishwasher door having a stiffener, an outer door, and an inner door spaced from the outer door, the method comprising the stiffener being in a first pre-assembled position where a positioning rib from the stiffener is adjacent a channel in a side flange of the outer door, the stiffener being in a second pre-assembled position, rotationally different from the first pre-assembled position relative to the side flange, where the positioning rib is inserted into the channel, and the stiffener being in a third pre-assembled position, translationally different from the first pre-assembled position relative to a bottom flange of the outer door, where a portion of the stiffener is adjacent the bottom flange. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of assembling dishwasher door having a stiffener, an outer door and an inner door spaced from the outer door, the method comprising positioning the stiffener next to a front panel of the outer door, positioning a rib from the stiffener adjacent a channel in a side flange of the outer door, simultaneously rotating the stiffener such that the rib fully inserts into the channel and sliding the stiffener until a portion of the stiffener contacts a portion of the outer door, aligning the stiffener with a fastener, and while the portion of the stiffener abuts a bottom flange of the outer door, securing the stiffener to the outer door. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a right-side perspective view of an automatic dishwasher having multiple systems for implementing an automatic cycle of operation and having a door assembly in an opened position. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view of the dishwasher of  FIG.  1    and illustrating at least some of the plumbing and electrical connections between at least some of systems. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic view of a controller of the dishwasher of  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a rear perspective view of a door assembly of the dishwasher of  FIG.  1    with an inner panel removed for clarity. 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of the door assembly of the dishwasher of  FIG.  1    illustrating an outer panel, inner panel and stiffeners. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of the door assembly of  FIG.  4    with the addition of the inner panel and including one including a hinge assembly. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the stiffener of  FIG.  4    in a first pre-assembled position. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the stiffener of  FIG.  4    in a second pre-assembled position. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the stiffener of  FIG.  4    in a third pre-assembled position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an automatic dishwasher  10  capable of implementing an automatic cycle of operation to treat dishes. As used in this description, the term “dish(es)” is intended to be generic to any item, single or plural, that can be treated in the dishwasher  10 , including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, silverware, and other utensils. As illustrated, the dishwasher  10  is a built-in dishwasher implementation, which is designed for mounting under a countertop. However, this description is applicable to other dishwasher implementations such as a stand-alone, multi-tub-type, drawer-type, or a sink-type, for example, as well as dishwashers having varying widths, sizes, and capacities. The dishwasher  10  shares many features of a conventional automatic dishwasher, which may not be described in detail herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of aspects of the disclosure. 
     The dishwasher  10  has a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement the automatic cycle of operation. A chassis is provided to support the variety of systems needed to implement the automatic cycle of operation. As illustrated, for a built-in implementation, the chassis includes a frame in the form of a base  12  on which is supported a open-faced tub  14 , which at least partially defines a treating chamber  16 , having an open face  18 , for receiving the dishes. A closure in the form of a door assembly  20  can be hingedly or pivotally mounted to the base  12  for movement relative to the tub  14  between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face  18  of the tub  14 . In the opened position, a user can access the treating chamber  16 , as shown in  FIG.  1   , while in the closed position, the door assembly  20  covers or closes the open face  18  of the treating chamber  16 . Thus, the door assembly  20  provides selective accessibility to the treating chamber  16  for the loading and unloading of dishes or other items. 
     The chassis, as in the case of the built-in dishwasher implementation, can be formed by other parts of the dishwasher  10 , like the tub  14  and the door assembly  20 , in addition to a dedicated frame structure, like the base  12 , with them all collectively forming a uni-body frame by which the variety of systems are supported. In other implementations, like the drawer-type dishwasher, the chassis can be a tub that is slidable relative to a frame, with the closure being a part of the chassis or the countertop of the surrounding cabinetry. In a sink-type implementation, the sink forms the tub and the cover closing the open top of the sink forms the closure. Sink-type implementations are more commonly found in recreational vehicles. 
     The systems supported by the chassis, while essentially limitless, can include a dish holding system  30 , spray system  40 , recirculation system  50 , drain system  60 , water supply system  70 , drying system  80 , heating system  90 , and filter system  100 . These systems are used to implement one or more treating cycles of operation for the dishes, for which there are many, one of which includes a traditional automatic wash cycle. 
     A basic traditional automatic wash cycle of operation has a wash phase, where a detergent/water mixture is recirculated and then drained, which is then followed by a rinse phase where water alone or with a rinse agent is recirculated and then drained. An optional drying phase can follow the rinse phase. More commonly, the automatic wash cycle has multiple wash phases and multiple rinse phases. The multiple wash phases can include a pre-wash phase where water, with or without detergent, is sprayed or recirculated on the dishes, and can include a dwell or soaking phase. There can be more than one pre-wash phases. A wash phase, where water with detergent is recirculated on the dishes, follows the pre-wash phases. There can be more than one wash phase; the number of which can be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the wash liquid. One or more rinse phases will follow the wash phase(s), and, in some cases, come between wash phases. The number of wash phases can also be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the rinse liquid. The amounts of water, treating chemistry, and/or rinse aid used during each of the multiple wash or rinse steps can be varied. The wash phases and rinse phases can include the heating of the water, even to the point of one or more of the phases being hot enough for long enough to sanitize the dishes. A drying phase can follow the rinse phase(s). The drying phase can include a drip dry, a non-heated drying step (so-called “air only”), heated dry, condensing dry, air dry or any combination. These multiple phases or steps can also be performed by the dishwasher  10  in any desired combination. 
     A controller  22  can also be included in the dishwasher  10  and operably couples with and controls the various components of the dishwasher  10  to implement the cycles of operation. The controller  22  can be located within the door assembly  20  as illustrated, or it can alternatively be located somewhere within the chassis. The controller  22  can also be operably coupled with a control panel or user interface  24  for receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The user interface  24  can include operational controls such as dials, lights, switches, and displays enabling a user to input commands, such as a cycle of operation, to the controller  22  and receive information, for example about the selected cycle of operation. 
     The dish holding system  30  can include any suitable structure for receiving or holding dishes within the treating chamber  16 . Exemplary dish holders are illustrated in the form of an upper dish rack  32  and lower dish rack  34 , commonly referred to as “racks”, which are located within the treating chamber  16 . The upper dish racks  32  and the lower dish rack  34  define an interior and are typically mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treating chamber  16  through the open face  18  for ease of loading and unloading. Drawer guides/slides/rails  36  are typically used to slidably mount the upper dish rack  32  to the tub  14 . The lower dish rack  34  typically has wheels or rollers  38  that roll along rails  39  formed in sidewalls of the tub  14  and onto the door assembly  20 , when the door assembly  20  is in the opened position. 
     Dedicated dish holders can also be provided. One such dedicated dish holder is a third level rack  28  located above the upper dish rack  32 . Like the upper dish rack  32 , the third level rack is slidably mounted to the tub  14  with drawer guides/slides/rails  36 . The third level rack  28  is typically used to hold utensils, such as tableware, spoons, knives, spatulas, etc., in an on-the-side or flat orientation. However, the third level rack  28  is not limited to holding utensils. If an item can fit in the third level rack, it can be washed in the third level rack  28 . The third level rack  28  generally has a much shorter height or lower profile than the upper and lower dish racks  32 ,  34 . Typically, the height of the third level rack is short enough that a typical glass cannot be stood vertically in the third level rack  28  and the third level rack  28  still be slid into the treating chamber  16 . 
     Another dedicated dish holder can be a silverware basket (not shown), which is typically carried by one of the upper or lower dish racks  32 ,  34  or mounted to the door assembly  20 . The silverware basket typically holds utensils and the like in an upright orientation as compared to the on-the-side or flat orientation of the third level rack  28 . 
     A dispenser assembly  48  is provided to store and dispense treating chemistry, e.g. detergent, anti-spotting agent, etc., into the treating chamber  16 . The dispenser assembly  48  can be mounted on an inner surface of the door assembly  20 , as shown, or can be located at other positions within the chassis or treating chamber  16 , such that the dispenser assembly  48  is positioned to be accessed by the user for refilling of the dispenser assembly  48 , whether it is necessary to refill the dispenser assembly  48  before each cycle (i.e. for a single use dispenser) or only periodically (i.e. for a bulk dispenser). The dispenser assembly  48  can dispense one or more types of treating chemistries. The dispenser assembly  48  can be a single-use dispenser, which holds a single dose of treating chemistry, or a bulk dispenser, which holds a bulk supply of treating chemistry and which is adapted to dispense a dose of treating chemistry from the bulk supply during the cycle of operation, or a combination of both a single use and bulk dispenser. The dispenser assembly  48  can further be configured to hold multiple different treating chemistries. For example, the dispenser assembly  48  can have multiple compartments defining different chambers in which treating chemistries can be held. 
     Turning to  FIG.  2   , the spray system  40  is provided for spraying liquid in the treating chamber  16  and can have multiple spray assemblies or sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130 , some of which can be dedicated to a particular one of the dish holders, to particular area of a dish holder, to a particular type of cleaning, or to a particular level of cleaning, etc. The sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130  can be fixed or movable, such as rotating, relative to the treating chamber  16  or dish holder. Exemplary sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130  are illustrated and include, an upper spray arm  41 , a lower spray arm  42 , a third level sprayer  43 , a deep-clean sprayer  44 , and a spot sprayer  45 . The upper spray arm  41  and lower spray arm  42  can be rotating spray arms, located below the upper dish rack  32  and lower dish rack  34 , respectively, and rotate about a generally centrally located and vertical axis. The third level sprayer  43  is located above the third level rack  28 . The third level sprayer  43  is illustrated as being fixed, but could move, such as in rotating. In addition to the third level sprayer  43  or in place of the third level sprayer  43 , a sprayer  130  can be located at least in part below a portion of the third level rack  28 . The sprayer  130  is illustrated as a fixed tube, carried by the third level rack  28 , but could move, such as in rotating about a longitudinal axis. 
     The deep-clean sprayer  44  is a manifold extending along a rear wall of the tub  14  and has multiple nozzles  46 , with multiple apertures  47 , generating an intensified and/or higher pressure spray than the upper spray arm  41 , the lower spray arm  42 , or the third level sprayer  43 . The nozzles  46  can be fixed or move, such as in rotating. The spray emitted by the deep-clean sprayer  44  defines a deep clean zone, which, as illustrated, would extend along a rear side of the lower dish rack  34 . Thus, dishes needing deep cleaning, such as dishes with baked-on food, can be positioned in the lower dish rack  34  to face the deep-clean sprayer  44 . The deep-clean sprayer  44 , while illustrated as only one unit on a rear wall of the tub  14 , could comprise multiple units and/or extend along multiple portions, including different walls, of the tub  14 , and can be provided above, below, or beside any of the dish holders wherein deep cleaning is desired. 
     The spot sprayer  45 , like the deep-clean sprayer, can emit an intensified and/or higher pressure spray, especially to a discrete location within one of the dish holders. While the spot sprayer  45  is shown below the lower dish rack  34 , it could be adjacent any part of any dish holder or along any wall of the tub where special cleaning is desired. In the illustrated location below the lower dish rack  34 , the spot sprayer can be used independently of or in combination with the lower spray arm  42 . The spot sprayer  45  can be fixed or can move, such as in rotating. 
     These sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130  are illustrative examples of suitable sprayers and are not meant to be limiting as to the type of suitable sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130 . Additionally, it will be understood that not all of the exemplary sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130  need be included within the dishwasher  10 , and that less than all of the sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130  described can be included in a suitable dishwasher  10 . 
     The recirculation system  50  recirculates the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber  16  by the sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130  of the spray system  40  back to the sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130  to form a recirculation loop or circuit by which liquid can be repeatedly and/or continuously sprayed onto dishes in the dish holders. The recirculation system  50  can include a sump  51  and a pump assembly  52 . The sump  51  collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber  16  and can be formed by a sloped or recess portion of a bottom wall of the tub  14 . The pump assembly  52  can include one or more pumps such as recirculation pump  53 . The sump  51  can also be a separate module that is affixed to the bottom wall and include the pump assembly  52 . 
     Multiple supply conduits  54 ,  55 ,  56 ,  57 ,  58  fluidly couple the sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130  to the recirculation pump  53 . A recirculation valve  59  can selectively fluidly couple each of the conduits  54 - 58  to the recirculation pump  53 . While each sprayer  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130  is illustrated as having a corresponding dedicated supply conduit  54 - 58 , one or more subsets, comprising multiple sprayers from the total group of sprayers  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130 , can be supplied by the same conduit, negating the need for a dedicated conduit  54 - 58  for each sprayer  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  130 . For example, a single conduit can supply the upper spray arm  41  and the third level sprayer  43 . Another example is that the sprayer  130  is supplied liquid by the conduit  56 , which also supplies the third level sprayer  43 . 
     The recirculation valve  59 , while illustrated as a single valve, can be implemented with multiple valves. Additionally, one or more of the conduits  54 - 58  can be directly coupled to the recirculation pump  53 , while one or more of the other conduits  54 - 58  can be selectively coupled to the recirculation pump  53  with one or more valves. There are essentially an unlimited number of plumbing schemes to connect the recirculation system  50  to the spray system  40 . The illustrated plumbing is not limiting. 
     The drain system  60  drains liquid from the treating chamber  16 . The drain system  60  includes a drain pump  62  fluidly coupling the treating chamber  16  to a drain line  64 . As illustrated, the drain pump  62  fluidly couples the sump  51  to the drain line  64 . 
     While separate recirculation  53  and drain pumps  62  are illustrated, a single pump can be used to perform both the recirculating and the draining functions, such as by configuring the single pump to rotate in opposite directions, or by providing a suitable valve system. Alternatively, the drain pump  62  can be used to recirculate liquid in combination with the recirculation pump  53 . When both a recirculation pump  53  and drain pump  62  are used, the drain pump  62  is typically more robust than the recirculation pump  53  as the drain pump  62  tends to have to remove solids and soils from the sump  51 , unlike the recirculation pump  53 , which tends to recirculate liquid which has solids and soils filtered away to at least some extent. 
     A water supply system  70  is provided for supplying fresh water to the dishwasher  10  from a water supply source, such as a household water supply via a household water valve  71 . The water supply system  70  includes a water supply unit  72  having a water supply conduit  73  with a siphon break  74 . While the water supply conduit  73  can be directly fluidly coupled to the tub  14  or any other portion of the dishwasher  10 , the water supply conduit is shown fluidly coupled to a supply tank  75 , which can store the supplied water prior to use. The supply tank  75  is fluidly coupled to the sump  51  by a supply line  76 , which can include a controllable valve  77  to control when water is released from the supply tank  75  to the sump  51 . 
     The supply tank  75  can be conveniently sized to store a predetermined volume of water, such as a volume required for a phase of the cycle of operation, which is commonly referred to as a “charge” of water. The storing of the water in the supply tank  75  prior to use is beneficial in that the water in the supply tank  75  can be “treated” in some manner, such as softening or heating prior to use. 
     A water softener  78  can be provided with the water supply system  70  to soften the fresh water. The water softener  78  is shown fluidly coupling the water supply conduit  73  to the supply tank  75  so that the supplied water automatically passes through the water softener  78  on the way to the supply tank  75 . However, the water softener  78  could directly supply the water to any other part of the dishwasher  10  than the supply tank  75 , including directly supplying the tub  14 . Alternatively, the water softener  78  can be fluidly coupled downstream of the supply tank  75 , such as in-line with the supply line  76 . Wherever the water softener  78  is fluidly coupled, it can be done so with controllable valves, such that the use of the water softener  78  is controllable and not mandatory. 
     A drying system  80  is provided to aid in the drying of the dishes during the drying phase. The drying system as illustrated includes a condensing assembly  81  having a condenser  82  formed of a serpentine conduit  83  with an inlet fluidly coupled to an upper portion of the tub  14  and an outlet fluidly coupled to a lower portion of the tub  14 , whereby moisture laden air within the tub  14  is drawn from the upper portion of the tub  14 , passed through the serpentine conduit  83 , where liquid condenses out of the moisture laden air and is returned to the treating chamber  16  where it ultimately evaporates or is drained via the drain pump  62 . The serpentine conduit  83  can be operated in an open loop configuration, where the air is exhausted to atmosphere, a closed loop configuration, where the air is returned to the treating chamber, or a combination of both by operating in one configuration and then the other configuration. 
     To enhance the rate of condensation, the temperature difference between the exterior of the serpentine conduit  83  and the moisture laden air can be increased by cooling the exterior of the serpentine conduit  83  or the surrounding air. To accomplish this, an optional cooling tank  84  is added to the condensing assembly  81 , with the serpentine conduit  83  being located within the cooling tank  84 . The cooling tank  84  is fluidly coupled to at least one of the spray system  40 , recirculation system  50 , drain system  60  or water supply system  70  such that liquid can be supplied to the cooling tank  84 . The liquid provided to the cooling tank  84  from any of the systems  40 - 70  can be selected by source and/or by phase of cycle of operation such that the liquid is at a lower temperature than the moisture laden air or even lower than the ambient air. 
     As illustrated, the liquid is supplied to the cooling tank  84  by the drain system  60 . A valve  85  fluidly connects the drain line  64  to a supply conduit  86  fluidly coupled to the cooling tank  84 . A return conduit  87  fluidly connects the cooling tank  84  back to the treating chamber  16  via a return valve  79 . In this way a fluid circuit is formed by the drain pump  62 , drain line  64 , valve  85 , supply conduit  86 , cooling tank  84 , return valve  79  and return conduit  87  through which liquid can be supplied from the treating chamber  16 , to the cooling tank  84 , and back to the treating chamber  16 . Alternatively, the supply conduit  86  could fluidly couple to the drain line  64  if re-use of the water is not desired. 
     To supply cold water from the household water supply via the household water valve  71  to the cooling tank  84 , the water supply system  70  would first supply cold water to the treating chamber  16 , then the drain system  60  would supply the cold water in the treating chamber  16  to the cooling tank  84 . It should be noted that the supply tank  75  and cooling tank  84  could be configured such that one tank performs both functions. 
     The drying system  80  can use ambient air, instead of cold water, to cool the exterior of the serpentine conduit  83 . In such a configuration, a blower  88  is connected to the cooling tank  84  and can supply ambient air to the interior of the cooling tank  84 . The cooling tank  84  can have a vented top  89  to permit the passing through of the ambient air to allow for a steady flow of ambient air blowing over the serpentine conduit  83 . 
     The cooling air from the blower  88  can be used in lieu of the cold water or in combination with the cold water. The cooling air will be used when the cooling tank  84  is not filled with liquid. Advantageously, the use of cooling air or cooling water, or combination of both, can be selected based on the site-specific environmental conditions. If ambient air is cooler than the cold water temperature, then the ambient air can be used. If the cold water is cooler than the ambient air, then the cold water can be used. Cost-effectiveness can also be considered when selecting between cooling air and cooling water. The blower  88  can be used to dry the interior of the cooling tank  84  after the water has been drained. Suitable temperature sensors for the cold water and the ambient air can be provided and send their temperature signals to the controller  22 , which can determine which of the two is colder at any time or phase of the cycle of operation. 
     A heating system  90  is provided for heating water used in the cycle of operation. The heating system  90  includes a heater  92 , such as an immersion heater, located in the treating chamber  16  at a location where it will be immersed by the water supplied to the treating chamber  16 , such as within or near the sump  51 . However, it will also be understood that the heater  92  need not be an immersion heater; it can also be an in-line heater located in any of the conduits. There can also be more than one heater  92 , including both an immersion heater and an in-line heater. The heater  92  can also heat air contained in the treating chamber  16 . Alternatively, a separate heating element (not shown) can be provided for heating the air circulated through the treating chamber  16 . 
     The heating system  90  can also include a heating circuit  93 , which includes a heat exchanger  94 , illustrated as a serpentine conduit  95 , located within the supply tank  75 , with a supply conduit  96  supplying liquid from the treating chamber  16  to the serpentine conduit  95 , and a return conduit  97  fluidly coupled to the treating chamber  16 . The heating circuit  93  is fluidly coupled to the recirculation pump  53  either directly or via the recirculation valve  59  such that liquid that is heated as part of a cycle of operation can be recirculated through the heat exchanger  94  to transfer the heat to the charge of fresh water residing in the supply tank  75 . As most wash phases use liquid that is heated by the heater  92 , this heated liquid can then be recirculated through the heating circuit  93  to transfer the heat to the charge of water in the supply tank  75 , which is typically used in the next phase of the cycle of operation. 
     A filter system  100  is provided to filter un-dissolved solids from the liquid in the treating chamber  16 . The filter system  100  includes a coarse filter  102  and a fine filter  104 , which can be a removable basket  106  residing the sump  51 , with the coarse filter  102  being a screen  108  circumscribing the removable basket  106 . Additionally, the recirculation system  50  can include a rotating filter in addition to or in place of the either or both of the coarse filter  102  and fine filter  104 . Other filter arrangements are contemplated such as an ultrafiltration system. 
     As illustrated schematically in  FIG.  3   , the controller  22  can be coupled with the heater  92  for heating the wash liquid during a cycle of operation, the drain pump  62  for draining liquid from the treating chamber  16 , the recirculation pump  53  for recirculating the wash liquid during the cycle of operation, and the dispenser assembly  48  for selectively dispensing treating chemistry to the treating chamber  16 . The controller  22  can be provided with a memory  110  and a central processing unit (CPU)  112 . The memory  110  can be used for storing control software that can be executed by the CPU  112  in completing a cycle of operation using the dishwasher  10  and any additional software. For example, the memory  110  can store one or more pre-programmed automatic cycles of operation that can be selected by a user and executed by the dishwasher  10 . The controller  22  can also receive input from one or more sensors  114 . Non-limiting examples of sensors that can be communicably coupled with the controller  22  include, to name a few, ambient air temperature sensor, treating chamber temperature sensor, water supply temperature sensor, door open/close sensor, and turbidity sensor to determine the soil load associated with a selected grouping of dishes, such as the dishes associated with a particular area of the treating chamber. The controller  22  can also communicate with the recirculation valve  59 , the household water valve  71 , the controllable valve  77 , the return valve  79 , and the valve  85 . Optionally, the controller  22  can include or communicate with a wireless communication device  116 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded view of the door assembly  20  that can be provided with dishwasher  10 , which includes an outer door  200 , inner door  220 , with stiffeners  240  and fasteners  290  in the lower corners. The outer door  200  has a front panel  202  with side flanges  204  and a bottom flange  208 , with the side edges and bottom edge defining the lower corners. 
     The outer door  200  includes a front panel  202 , side flanges  204 , and a bottom flange  208 . The side flanges  204  and bottom flange  208  at least partially form lower corners  212  where the stiffeners are located. 
     The inner door  220  includes a rear panel  223  with side edges  224 , top edge  225 , and bottom edge  226 . A depression  227  is formed in the rear panel  223 , which, in combination with at least some of the side edges  224 , top edge  225 , and bottom edge  226 , effectively form a second channel  230 , which is present at least along a portion of the side edges  224 . The second channel  230  can extend about the periphery of the depression  227 . The second channel  230  can also be formed without the depression  227 . The depression  227  is advantageous in that it provides more interior room for the dishwasher. A dispenser assembly  48  can be located in the depression  227 . 
     The stiffener  240  consists of a body  242  and a finger  262 . The body  242  has a first projection  248  and a second projection  258  from which a rib  246  extends. The first projection  248  and the second projection  258  are spaced and define an intervening gap  310 . The stiffener  240  further has a first surface  243  and a second surface  244 . While the first surface  243  is shown as a continuously planar face of the body  242 , it could be formed by multiple ribs or projections like the second surface. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the door assembly  20  showing the relative positioning of the outer door  200 , the inner door  220  and the stiffeners  240  of the door assembly  20 , when the outer door  200  is assembled to the inner door  220 . The outer door  200  and the inner door  220  define an interior space  210 . The stiffeners  240  are located in the interior space  210  and at the lower corners  212 . 
       FIG.  6   . is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the corners of  FIG.  5    with a hinge assembly  300  in place. The enlarged cross-section of  FIG.  6    better illustrates some of the details. For example, the side flanges  204  are shaped to define a first channel  206 . The first channel  206  overlies and confronts the front panel  202 . The second channel  230  of inner door  220  confronts the front panel  202 . 
     The stiffener  240  is located such that the first surface  243  abuts the front panel  202  and the second surface  244  abuts the side flange  204 . The rib  246  is received within the first channel  206 . The first projection  248  is received within the second channel  230 . The width of the rib  246  is sized to be received within the first channel  206 . While the rib  246  could be oversized to provide an interference fit with the first channel  206 , it is contemplated the rib  246  will have a width that is the same or less than a width  259  of the first channel  206 . The rib  246  defines a first step  245  in the body  242  and the first channel  206  defines a second step  205  in the side flange  204 . The first step  245  and the second step  205  seat together as is shown in  FIG.  6   . A first distance  250  between the first surface  243  and the rib  246  can be greater than or at least equal to a second distance  252  between the front panel  202  and an opening to the first channel  206 . 
     The first projection  248  has a first width  249  less than a width  232  of the second channel  230 . While the first projection  248  can be located within the second channel  230  in any suitable manner, it is shown to have an interference fit with at least a portion of the second channel  230 , such as the portion of the depression  227  forming part of the second channel  230 . While such an interference fit is not necessary, it helps to hold the parts together and prevent their relative movement. 
     The structure of the stiffener  240  provides for easy assembly with the outer and inner doors to form the door assembly  20 . The method of assembly begins as is shown in  FIG.  7   , with a first pre-assembled position of the stiffener  240  next to the front panel  202 . In this first pre-assembled position, the rib  246  is positioned adjacent the first channel  206  in the side flange  204  of the outer door  200 . The alignment of the fastener  290  with the stiffener  240  is illustrated. In the position, the stiffener  240  can be rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in  FIG.  7   . Rotation in this position will further insert the rib  246  into the first channel  206 . 
     After the rotation is completed, the stiffener is in the position shown in  FIG.  8   , which is a second pre-assembled position, in which the rib  246  of the stiffener  240  is fully inserted into the first channel  206  and the second surface  244  abuts the side flange  204 . Once the rotation is complete and the stiffener is in the second pre-assembled position, the stiffener can be slid in the direction of the arrow in  FIG.  8   , until the finger  262  abuts the bottom flange  208 . While it is contemplated that the stiffener  240  will be fully rotated before sliding, it is possible to simultaneously rotate and slide the stiffener, as it is possible to partially rotate and slide the stiffener. 
     When the stiffener is slid until the finger  262  abuts the bottom flange  208 , it is in the position shown in  FIG.  9   , which is a third pre-assembled position in which the rib  246  of the stiffener  240  is installed within the first channel  206 , the second surface  244  abuts the side flange  204  and the second projection  258  abuts against the stop  260 . The front panel  202  comprises a stop  260  abutting the body  242 . In this position, the finger  262  can be secured with a fastener (including but not limited to a screw) to the bottom flange. 
     The aspects described herein can be used to provide a door assembly with a stiffener for a dishwasher that is configured for improved rigidity of the door. Having a space between the inner door and the outer door of a dishwasher door assembly can result in a perception of weakness, reduced stability with regard to deflection. By placing the stiffener in the space between the inner and outer door, the rigidity of the door can be improved. Engaging the stiffener within a channel of and fastening the stiffener to the door panel further increases the connection between the stiffener and the door panels and thereby improves the stability and reduces the flexibility of the door assembly. 
     It will also be understood that various changes and/or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, although the present disclosure is described for use with a door assembly pivotable about a horizontal axis, it will be recognized that the door assembly can be employed with various constructions, including door assemblies pivotable about a vertical axis and/or door assemblies for drawer-style dishwashers. 
     To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature is not illustrated in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While aspects of the disclosure have been specifically described in connection with certain specific details thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims.