U.S. patent application number 16/929560 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-20 for dishwasher door and dispenser mounting bracket assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Adam Christopher Hofmann, Jeremy Joseph Ryan.
Application Number | 20220015602 16/929560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220015602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ryan; Jeremy Joseph ; et
al. |
January 20, 2022 |
DISHWASHER DOOR AND DISPENSER MOUNTING BRACKET ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A dishwasher or dishwasher door, as provided herein, may include
an inner panel and a dispenser assembly. The inner panel may define
a stamped hole extending along an aperture axis. The dispenser
assembly may be mounted to the inner panel. The dispenser assembly
may include a retaining cup, a radial lip, a flat compression
gasket, and a discrete bracket. The retaining cup may have an
interior surface defining an additive compartment and an exterior
surface defining a relief outside of the additive compartment. The
retaining cup may be positioned through the stamped hole. The
radial lip may be joined to the retaining cup forward from the
stamped hole. The flat compression gasket may be disposed about the
retaining cup against a front surface of the inner panel. The
discrete bracket may be held between a back surface of the inner
panel and the relief of the retaining cup.
Inventors: |
Ryan; Jeremy Joseph;
(Louisville, KY) ; Hofmann; Adam Christopher;
(Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
16/929560 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2020 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/42 20060101
A47L015/42; A47L 15/44 20060101 A47L015/44; A47L 15/23 20060101
A47L015/23 |
Claims
1. A dishwasher door comprising: an outer panel; an inner panel
attached to the outer panel, the inner panel defining a stamped
hole extending along an aperture axis; and a dispenser assembly
mounted to the inner panel, the dispenser assembly comprising a
retaining cup having an interior surface defining an additive
compartment and an exterior surface defining a relief outside of
the additive compartment, the retaining cup being positioned
through the stamped hole, a radial lip joined to the retaining cup
forward from the stamped hole along the aperture axis to hold
radial lip between the inner panel and a wash chamber, a flat
compression gasket disposed about the retaining cup against a front
surface of the inner panel, and a discrete bracket held within the
dishwasher door between a back surface of the inner panel and the
relief of the retaining cup, wherein the front surface is directed
toward the wash chamber and the back surface is directed away from
the wash chamber, wherein the flat compression gasket has a
toroidal shape defining a forward surface and a rearward surface
parallel to the forward surface, wherein each of the forward
surface and the rearward surface extend from an innermost minor
edge to an outermost major edge, wherein the forward surface is
disposed against the radial lip, and wherein the rearward surface
is disposed against the inner panel.
2. The dishwasher door of claim 1, wherein the flat compression
gasket is a closed-cell foam material.
3. The dishwasher door of claim 1, wherein the stamped hole defines
a perimeter edge about the aperture axis, and wherein the minor
edge is disposed radially outward from the perimeter edge.
4. The dishwasher door of claim 1, wherein the stamped hole defines
a perimeter edge about the aperture axis, and wherein the minor
edge is disposed radially inward from the perimeter edge.
5. The dishwasher door of claim 1, wherein the inner panel is a
polymer material.
6. The dishwasher door of claim 1, wherein the discrete bracket is
a metal material.
7. (canceled)
8. The dishwasher door of claim 1, wherein the back surface of the
inner panel defines a pocket extending about a portion of the
bracket.
9. The dishwasher door of claim 1, wherein the discrete bracket
comprises a resilient wing selectively received within the relief
of the retaining cup.
10. A dishwashing appliance comprising: a tub defining a wash
chamber for receipt of articles for washing, the tub comprising a
plurality of sidewalls; a door movable between a closed position
and an open position, the door comprising an inner panel enclosing
the wash chamber when the door is in the closed position, the inner
panel defining a stamped hole extending along an aperture axis; and
a dispenser assembly mounted to the inner panel, the dispenser
assembly comprising a retaining cup having an interior surface
defining an additive compartment and an exterior surface defining a
relief outside of the additive compartment, the retaining cup being
positioned through the stamped hole, a radial lip joined to the
retaining cup forward from the stamped hole along the aperture axis
to hold radial lip between the inner panel and the wash chamber, a
flat compression gasket disposed about the retaining cup against a
front surface of the inner panel proximal to the wash chamber, and
a discrete bracket held within the door between a back surface of
the inner panel and the relief of the retaining, wherein the front
surface is directed toward the wash chamber and the back surface is
directed away from the wash chamber, wherein the flat compression
gasket has a toroidal shape defining a forward surface and a
rearward surface parallel to the forward surface, wherein each of
the forward surface and the rearward surface extend from an
innermost minor edge to an outermost major edge, wherein the
forward surface is disposed against the radial lip, and wherein the
rearward surface is disposed against the inner panel.
11. The dishwashing appliance of claim 10, wherein the flat
compression gasket is a closed-cell foam material.
12. The dishwasher door of claim 10, wherein the stamped hole
defines a perimeter edge about the aperture axis, and wherein the
minor edge is disposed radially outward from the perimeter
edge.
13. The dishwasher door of claim 10, wherein the stamped hole
defines a perimeter edge about the aperture axis, and wherein the
minor edge is disposed radially inward from the perimeter edge.
14. The dishwashing appliance of claim 10, wherein the inner panel
is a polymer material.
15. The dishwashing appliance of claim 10, wherein the discrete
bracket is a metal material.
16. (canceled)
17. The dishwashing appliance of claim 10, wherein the back surface
of the inner panel defines a pocket extending about a portion of
the bracket.
18. The dishwashing appliance of claim 10, wherein the discrete
bracket comprises a resilient wing selectively received within the
relief of the retaining cup.
19. A dishwashing appliance comprising: a tub defining a wash
chamber for receipt of articles for washing, the tub comprising a
plurality of sidewalls; a door movable between a closed position
and an open position, the door comprising an inner panel enclosing
the wash chamber when the door is in the closed position, the inner
panel defining a stamped hole extending along an aperture axis; and
a dispenser assembly mounted to the inner panel, the dispenser
assembly comprising a retaining cup having an interior surface
defining an additive compartment and an exterior surface defining a
relief outside of the additive compartment, the retaining cup being
positioned through the stamped hole, a radial lip joined to the
retaining cup forward from the stamped hole along the aperture axis
to hold radial lip between the inner panel and a wash chamber, a
flat compression gasket disposed about the retaining cup against a
front surface of the inner panel proximal to the wash chamber, and
a discrete bracket held within the door between a back surface of
the inner panel and the relief of the retaining, wherein the flat
compression gasket is a closed-cell foam material having a toroidal
shape defining a forward surface and a rearward surface parallel to
the forward surface to seal the stamped hole both radially and
axially, wherein each of the forward surface and the rearward
surface extend from an innermost minor edge to an outermost major
edge, wherein the forward surface is disposed against the radial
lip, wherein the rearward surface is disposed against the inner
panel, and wherein the back surface of the inner panel defines a
pocket extending circumferentially about a portion of the bracket
to limit radial movement thereof.
20. The dishwashing appliance of claim 19, wherein the inner panel
is a polymer material.
21. The dishwashing appliance of claim 19, wherein the discrete
bracket comprises a resilient wing selectively received within the
relief of the retaining cup.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to dishwashing
appliances, and more particularly to doors and dispenser assemblies
mounted thereon to supply a wash additive to a dishwashing
appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dishwashers or dishwashing appliances generally include a
tub that defines a wash compartment. Rack assemblies can be mounted
within the wash compartment of the tub for receipt of articles for
washing. In a typically known dishwashing appliance, spray
assemblies within the wash compartment can apply or direct wash
fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order
to clean such articles. Multiple spray assemblies can be provided
including, for example, a lower spray arm assembly mounted to the
tub at a bottom of the wash compartment, a mid-level spray arm
assembly mounted to one of the rack assemblies, or an upper spray
assembly mounted to the tub at a top of the wash compartment.
[0003] In order to facilitate cleaning of articles in a dishwashing
appliance, cleaning agents or wash additives are used. During
operation of the dishwashing appliance, the wash additives
generally mix with water in the wash compartment to form a fluid
that is used to clean articles within the wash compartment. Wash
additives include, for example, detergents and rinse agents. In
some cases, liquid wash additives are used.
[0004] For some existing appliances, wash additives are stored in
one or more reservoirs defined in the doors of dishwashing
appliances and are dispensed from these reservoirs during operation
of the dishwashing appliance. In many of these existing appliances,
the reservoir(s) are generally provided as separable elements that
can be mounted to the door by conventional brackets and mechanical
fasteners. As an example, multiple screws can be inserted through a
bracket surrounding the reservoir and into a portion of the door.
Alternatively, a set of bracket tabs may be integrally formed in a
stainless steel panel of the door that encloses the wash
compartment.
[0005] These existing designs come with various drawbacks. For
instance, in the case of a bracket attached to the door via
multiple screws, it can be difficult and expensive to properly
assemble the appliance. Specifically, the screws must be carefully
aligned to ensure a proper seal. Even when done correctly, this is
time-consuming and requires purchase of large numbers of screws,
which generally adds to the expense of the appliance. In the case
of an integral bracket, it can be difficult and expensive to
require stainless steel across the entire panel of the door.
Moreover, it can be difficult to ensure a proper seal is maintained
between the reservoir and door to prevent water from leaking into
the door from the wash compartment.
[0006] As a result, it would be useful to provide a dishwasher
appliance or door having features to address one or more of the
above issues. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide an
easily-assembled or low-cost dishwasher door and dispensing
assembly. Additionally or alternatively, it would advantageous to
provide a dishwasher door and dispensing assembly capable of being
attached together without requiring specialized tools while still
ensuring a water-tight seal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0008] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a
dishwasher door is provided. The dishwasher door may include an
outer panel, an inner panel, and a dispenser assembly. The inner
panel may be attached to the outer panel. The inner panel may
define a stamped hole extending along an aperture axis. The
dispenser assembly may be mounted to the inner panel. The dispenser
assembly may include a retaining cup, a radial lip, a flat
compression gasket, and a discrete bracket. The retaining cup may
have an interior surface defining an additive compartment and an
exterior surface defining a relief outside of the additive
compartment. The retaining cup may be positioned through the
stamped hole. The radial lip may be joined to the retaining cup
forward from the stamped hole. The flat compression gasket may be
disposed about the retaining cup against a front surface of the
inner panel. The discrete bracket may be held within the dishwasher
door between a back surface of the inner panel and the relief of
the retaining cup.
[0009] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a
dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance may
include a tub, a door, and a dispenser assembly. The tub may define
a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The tub may
include a plurality of sidewalls. The door may be movable between a
closed position and an open position. The door may include an inner
panel enclosing the wash chamber when the door is in the closed
position. The inner panel may define a stamped hole extending along
an aperture axis. The dispenser assembly may be mounted to the
inner panel. The dispenser assembly may include a retaining cup, a
radial lip, a flat compression gasket, and a discrete bracket. The
retaining cup may have an interior surface defining an additive
compartment and an exterior surface defining a relief outside of
the additive compartment. The retaining cup may be positioned
through the stamped hole. The radial lip may be joined to the
retaining cup forward from the stamped hole. The flat compression
gasket may be disposed about the retaining cup against a front
surface of the inner panel. The discrete bracket may be held within
the door between a back surface of the inner panel and the relief
of the retaining cup.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures.
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a front elevation view of a dishwashing
appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 provides a side, section view of the exemplary
dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a door of a
dishwashing appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an interior portion of
the door of a dishwashing appliance according to exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 provides a magnified perspective view of an additive
dispenser assembly mounted on the exemplary door of FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 6 provides a magnified side perspective view of a
portion of the exemplary additive dispenser assembly of FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 7 provides a side, cross-section view of a portion of
an additive dispenser assembly mounted on a dishwasher door
according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 8 provides a side, cross-section view of a portion of
an additive dispenser assembly mounted on a dishwasher door
according to other exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of an assembly bracket
separated from the rest of the exemplary additive dispenser
assembly of FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 10 provides another perspective view of the exemplary
assembly bracket of FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 11 provides a bottom perspective view of a retaining
cup separated from the rest of the exemplary additive dispenser
assembly of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated
or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another
embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0024] As used herein, the term "or" is generally intended to be
inclusive (i.e., "A or B" is intended to mean "A or B or both").
The terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used
interchangeably to distinguish one element from another and are not
intended to signify location or importance of the individual
elements.
[0025] Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a
domestic dishwashing appliance 100 according to exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the dishwashing appliance 100 may include a cabinet 102 having a
tub 104 therein defining a wash chamber 106. The tub 104 may
generally include a front opening and a door 108 hinged at its
bottom 110 for rotatable movement between a closed or vertical
position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein wash chamber 106 is
sealed shut for washing operation and access to wash chamber 106 is
restricted, and a horizontal open position for loading and
unloading of articles from the dishwashing appliance 100. As shown
in FIG. 1, a latch 112 may be used to lock and unlock the door 108
for access to the chamber 106.
[0026] Generally, cabinet 102 may define a discrete vertical
direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T.
Vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction
T are mutually perpendicular such that vertical direction V,
lateral direction L, and transverse direction T form an orthogonal
directional system.
[0027] As is understood, the tub 104 may generally have a
rectangular cross-section defined by various wall panels or walls.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the tub 104 may include a top wall
160 and a bottom wall 162 spaced apart from one another along a
vertical direction V of the dishwashing appliance 100.
Additionally, the tub 104 may include a plurality of sidewalls 164
(e.g., three sidewalls) extending between the top and bottom walls
160, 162. It should be appreciated that the tub 104 may generally
be formed from any suitable material. However, in optional
embodiments, the tub 104 may be formed from a ferritic material,
such as stainless steel, or a polymeric material.
[0028] As particularly shown in FIG. 2, upper and lower guide rails
114, 116 may be mounted on opposing sidewalls 164 of the tub 104
and may be configured to accommodate roller-equipped rack
assemblies 120 and 122. Each of the rack assemblies 120, 122 may be
fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of
elongated members 124 (for clarity of illustration, not all
elongated members making up assemblies 120 and 122 are shown in
FIG. 2). Additionally, each rack 120, 122 may be adapted for
movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which
the rack 120, 122 is substantially positioned outside wash chamber
106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the
rack 120, 122 is located inside wash chamber 106. This may be
facilitated by rollers 126 and 128, for example, mounted onto racks
120 and 122, respectively.
[0029] In some embodiments, a silverware basket 170 is removably
mounted to lower rack assembly 122. However, in alternative
exemplary embodiments, the silverware basket 170 may also be
selectively attached to other portions of dishwashing appliance 100
(e.g., door 108). The silverware basket 170 defines one or more
storage chambers and is generally configured to receive of
silverware, flatware, utensils, and the like, that are too small to
be accommodated by the upper and lower rack assemblies 120, 122.
The silverware basket 170 may be constructed of any suitable
material (e.g., metal or plastic) and define a plurality of fluid
slots for permitting wash fluid therethrough.
[0030] The dishwashing appliance 100 includes one or more spray
assemblies housed within wash chamber 106. For instance, the
dishwashing appliance 100 may include a lower spray-arm assembly
130 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 132 of wash
chamber 106 directly above the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104 so as
to rotate in relatively close proximity to the rack assembly 122.
As shown in FIG. 2, a mid-level spray-arm assembly 136 may be
located in an upper region of wash chamber 106, such as by being
located in close proximity to the upper rack 120. Moreover, an
upper spray assembly 138 may be located above the upper rack
120.
[0031] As is generally understood, the lower and mid-level
spray-arm assemblies 130, 136 and the upper spray assembly 138 may
generally form part of a fluid circulation assembly 140 for
circulating fluid (e.g., water and dishwasher fluid) within the tub
104. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid circulation assembly 140 may
also include a pump 142 located in a machinery compartment 144
located below the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104. One or all of the
spray assemblies 130, 136, 138 may be in fluid communication with
the pump 142 (e.g., to receive a pressurized wash fluid therefrom).
Additionally, each spray-arm assembly 130, 136 may include an
arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing
liquid onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 120
and 122, which may provide a rotational force by virtue of washing
fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation
of the lower spray-arm assembly 130 provides coverage of dishes and
other dishwasher contents with a spray (e.g., a spray of washing
fluid).
[0032] It should be appreciated that, although the dishwashing
appliance 100 will generally be described herein as including three
spray assemblies 130, 136, 138, the dishwashing appliance may, in
alternative embodiments, include any other number of spray
assemblies, including two spray assemblies, four spray assemblies
or five or more spray assemblies. For instance, in addition to the
lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 130, 136 and the upper
spray assembly 138 (or as an alternative thereto), the dishwashing
appliance 100 may include one or more other spray assemblies or
wash zones for distributing fluid within wash chamber 106.
[0033] The dishwashing appliance 100 may be further equipped with a
controller 146 configured to regulate operation of the dishwasher
100. The controller 146 may generally include one or more memory
devices and one or more microprocessors, such as one or more
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.
[0034] The controller 146 may be positioned in a variety of
locations throughout dishwashing appliance 100. In the illustrated
embodiment, the controller 146 is located within a control panel
area 148 of the door 108, as shown in FIG. 1. In some such
embodiments, input/output ("I/O") signals are routed between the
control system and various operational components of dishwashing
appliance 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the
bottom 110 of the door 108. Typically, the controller 146 includes
a user interface panel/controls 150 through which a user may select
various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the
dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 150 may
represent a general purpose I/O ("GPIO") device or functional
block. Additionally, the user interface 150 may 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 interface 150 may
also include a display component, such as a digital or analog
display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user.
The user interface 150 may be in communication with the controller
146 via one or more signal lines or shared communication
busses.
[0035] Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, a portion
of the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104 may be configured as a tub
sump portion 152 that is configured to accommodate one or more
components of the fluid recirculation assembly 140 (e.g., a filter
assembly or other components). It should be appreciated that, in
several embodiments, the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104 may be
formed as a single, unitary component such that the tub sump
portion 152 as well as the surrounding portions of the bottom wall
162 are formed integrally with one another. Alternatively, the tub
sump portion 152 may be configured as a separate component
configured to be attached to the remaining portion(s) of the bottom
wall 162.
[0036] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the fluid recirculation
assembly 140 may also include a diverter assembly 184 in fluid
communication with the pump 142 for diverting fluid between one or
more of the spray-arm assemblies 130, 136, 138. For example, the
diverter assembly 184 may, in several embodiments, include an inlet
192 coupled to the pump 142 (e.g., via pump conduit 180 shown in
FIG. 2) for directing fluid into the diverter assembly 184 and
first and second outlets 186, 188 for directing the fluid received
from the pump 142 to the lower spray-arm assembly 130 or the
mid-level and upper spray-arm assemblies 136, 138, respectively. In
some such embodiments, the first outlet 186 may be configured to be
directly coupled to the lower spray-arm assembly 130 and the second
outlet 188 may be coupled to a suitable fluid conduit 182 of the
fluid recirculation assembly 140 for directing fluid to the
mid-level and upper spray-arm assemblies 136, 138. Additionally,
the diverter assembly 184 may also include a diverter valve 194 to
selectively divert the flow of fluid through the assembly 184 to
the first outlet 186, the second outlet 188, or the third outlet
190.
[0037] It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is
not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of
dishwashing appliance. The exemplary embodiments depicted in FIGS.
1 and 2 are simply provided for illustrative purposes only. For
example, different locations may be provided for the user interface
150, different configurations may be provided for the racks 120,
122, and other differences may be applied as well.
[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, perspective views are provided
for portions of a door 108 having an inner panel 196 and an outer
panel 198, such as that for dishwasher 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2).
Specifically, FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of door 108, such
that a front surface 210 of inner panel 196 is visible. FIG. 4
provides a perspective view of an interior portion of the door 108
(e.g., between inner panel 196 and outer panel 198), such that a
back surface 212 of inner panel 196 is visible. It is understood
that as described below, references to the vertical, lateral, and
transverse directions (e.g., defined by door 108) are made with
respect to the door 108 being in the closed position (e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 2). Thus, door 108 generally extends along the
vertical direction V between a top end 107 and a bottom end 108,
between the lateral direction L between a first end 214 and a
second end 216, and along the transverse direction T between an
inner side 218 (e.g., at front surface 210) and an outer side 220
(e.g., at outer panel 198). Moreover, inner panel 196 generally
faces wash chamber 106 while outer panel 198 faces the ambient
environment.
[0039] Inner panel 196 and outer panel 198 may be formed of
different materials or, alternatively, the same material. In
certain embodiments, inner panel 196 is or includes a polymer
material (i.e., is formed from a polymer material), such those
including poly-propylene. In additional or alternative embodiments,
outer panel 198 is or includes a metal or glass material (i.e., is
formed from a metal or glass material).
[0040] In some embodiments, a dispensing assembly 224 is provided
at or on inner panel 196 of door 108 to receive and dispense the
wash fluid (e.g., liquid, powder, or pod cleaning agent) to the
wash chamber 106. In particular, dispensing assembly 224 may be
attached to the inner panel 196 of the door 108. A stamped hole 222
defined through the inner panel 196 along an aperture axis A (e.g.,
parallel to the transverse direction T) may receive a portion of
dispensing assembly 224. Thus, dispensing assembly 224 may be fixed
to the door 108 and thereby move with the door 108 (e.g., as it is
moved between the open and closed positions). Generally, attachment
of dispensing assembly 224 to door 108 will be described in greater
detail below
[0041] Turning now generally to FIGS. 3 through 5 and 11, FIG. 5
provides a magnified view of the interior portion of door 108 and
dispensing assembly 224 while FIG. 11 provides a perspective view
of a retaining cup 226 that defines an additive compartment 228. As
shown, dispensing assembly 224 includes a retaining cup 226
defining at least one additive compartment 228 to receive or hold a
volume of wash additive therein. Retaining cup 226 includes one or
more cup walls (e.g., sidewalls 232 and base wall 234) that, when
mounted to door 108, the cup walls generally extend rearward
through inner panel 196 and within the interior portion of door 108
partially enclose the additive compartment 228. Specifically, an
interior surface of sidewalls 232 defines additive compartment 228.
A front opening may be defined by the one or more sidewalls 232
opposite of the base wall 234. Optionally, a separate dispensing
outlet (not shown) may be provided through sidewalls 232 or base
wall 234 for the selective release of wash additive or cleaning
agent to the wash tub 106. As will be further described below, an
exterior surface 236 of sidewalls 232 defines one or more reliefs
240 outside of the additive compartment 228 (e.g., within the
interior portion of door 108). Each relief 240 generally faces
towards the front opening. Optionally, one or more of the reliefs
240 may include multiple teeth arranged in an ascending step
sequence in the transverse direction T along a path extending away
from the front opening.
[0042] As shown, retaining cup 226 is formed as an open box in
exemplary embodiments. Nonetheless, any other suitable shape for
receiving and containing liquids, such as a cleaning agent, may be
provided in alternative embodiments.
[0043] In certain embodiments, a front cover 242 is provided to
selectively cover or close additive compartment 228. For instance,
the front cover 242 may be placed over the front opening, enclosing
additive compartment 228 and restricting access thereto. Moreover,
front cover 242 may be joined to retaining cup 226 forward from
stamped hole 222. Thus, when the door 108 (FIG. 2) is in the closed
position, the front cover 242 is positioned between additive
compartment 228 and wash chamber 106. As shown, a radial lip 244 of
front cover 242 is larger than the perimeter edge 258 defining
stamped hole 222. When assembled, the radial lip 244 may thus be
positioned radially outward from the perimeter edge 258. During
use, such as when adding wash additive to additive compartment 228,
a portion of front cover 242 may be moved apart (e.g., pivoted
away) from the front opening or otherwise adjusted such that access
to additive compartment 228 is permitted.
[0044] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, as well as FIGS. 9 and 10,
various views are provided to illustrate a discrete bracket 250 of
dispensing assembly 224. FIGS. 5 and 6 provide perspective views of
discrete bracket 250 mounted to the rest of dispensing assembly 224
while FIGS. 9 and 10 provide perspective views of discrete bracket
250 in isolation.
[0045] Within the door 108 (i.e., within the interior portion), a
discrete bracket 250 can selectively secure additive dispensing
assembly 224 to inner panel 196. Generally, discrete bracket 250 is
separate from inner panel 196 and retaining cup 226 and, thus, can
be moved relative to the same prior to assembly. As shown, discrete
bracket 250 includes an annular base 252 and one or more resilient
wings 254. Annular base 252 may have a continuous perimeter that
defines a central hole that is larger than the lateral and vertical
dimensions of retaining cup 226. When mounted, annular base 252 can
be disposed about the exterior surface 236. Thus, retaining cup 226
can be received through the central hole of annular base 252.
[0046] The resilient wings 254 may extend from annular base 252. In
particular, the resilient wings 254 may extend from the inner
radial perimeter of the annular base 252 away from the inner panel
196. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient wings 254 may be
biased towards the central hole such that a non-parallel or
non-perpendicular angle is defined by each resilient wing 254
relative to the transverse direction T or aperture axis A. If
multiple resilient wings 254 are provided, each resilient wing 254
may be spaced apart from the others (e.g., circumferentially) about
the central hole of annular base 252. In some embodiments, discrete
bracket 250 is formed as an integral or unitary (e.g., monolithic)
member. For instance, discrete bracket 250 may be stamped from a
single piece of sheet metal. Thus, discrete bracket 250 may be a
metal material, such as stainless steel.
[0047] When assembled, the resilient wings 254 may contact or
engage the reliefs 240 of exterior surface 236. In particular, the
elastic character of the resilient wings 254 may bias the resilient
wings 254 radially inwards against the exterior surface 236 while
an axial tip of one or more resilient wings 254 pushes axially
against a corresponding relief 240. A planar rim of annular base
252 may be held in contact (e.g., direct contact) against back
surface 212. The counteracting axial force, for instance, of radial
lip 244 against the front surface 210 of inner panel 196 may serve
to hold discrete bracket 250 in place (e.g., without requiring any
adhesive or mechanical fasteners). Specifically, discrete bracket
250 may be held within the door 108 between a back surface 212 of
the door 108 and the relief 240 of the retaining cup 226. As shown,
each resilient wing 254 may correspond to a discrete relief 240
defined by exterior surface 236.
[0048] Although exemplary embodiments may hold discrete bracket 250
about the stamped hole 222 without the need of any adhesive or
separate mechanical fasteners, a portion of inner panel 196 may
radially bound a portion of discrete bracket 250. For instance, as
shown, a portion of the back surface 212 of inner panel 196 may
define a pocket 256 extending (e.g., circumferentially) about a
portion of discrete bracket 250. In some such embodiments, discrete
bracket 250 is held within pocket 256. Thus, pocket 256 may limit
at least a portion of radial movement (e.g., in the lateral
direction L or vertical direction V) of discrete bracket 250 along
the back surface 212 of inner panel 196.
[0049] Turning especially to FIGS. 5 through 8, FIGS. 7 and 8
provide cross-section views of dispensing assembly 224 that
illustrate engagement between dispensing assembly 224 and inner
panel 196. As shown, a flat compression gasket 260 is provided
between at least a portion of inner panel 196 and radial lip 244.
Flat compression gasket 260 may be formed from a material
configured to compress predominately in a primary direction (e.g.,
axially). For instance, flat compression gasket 260 may be (e.g.,
formed from) a closed-cell foam material.
[0050] Generally, flat compression gasket 260 has a continuous
perimeter that defines a central hole. Specifically, flat
compression gasket 260 defines a minor edge 262 and a larger major
edge 264 about the central hole, and thus has a generally toroidal
shape (e.g., defined according to a rectangular cross section).
When assembled, flat compression gasket 260 is disposed about
retaining cup 226. In particular, minor edge 262 is positioned
proximal to exterior surface 236 while major edge 264 is positioned
distal to (e.g., further radially outward from) exterior surface
236 relative to the aperture axis A. Thus, retaining cup 226 can
also be received through the central hole of flat compression
gasket 260.
[0051] Generally, the major edge 264 of flat compression gasket 260
is larger than the perimeter edge 258 defining stamped hole 222.
Additionally or alternatively, major edge 264 may be larger than
the innermost edge of annular base 252. Thus, when assembled, major
edge 264 may be disposed radially outward from the perimeter edge
258 of stamped hole 222 and the innermost edge of annular base 252.
As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the minor edge 262 of flat
compression gasket 260 is larger than the perimeter edge 258
defining stamped hole 222. Thus, when assembled, minor edge 262 may
be disposed radially outward from the perimeter edge 258 of stamped
hole 222. As shown in FIG. 8, in alternative embodiments, the minor
edge 262 of flat compression gasket 260 is smaller than the
perimeter edge 258 defining stamped hole 222. Thus, when assembled,
minor edge 262 may be disposed radially inward from the perimeter
edge 258 of stamped hole 222.
[0052] Between the minor edge 262 and major edge 264, flat
compression gasket 260 may define a pair of flat surfaces.
Specifically, flat compression gasket 260 may define a forward
surface 266 and a rearward surface 268. Forward surface 266 and
rearward surface 268 may be parallel to each other (e.g.,
perpendicular to the aperture axis A or transverse direction T).
Moreover, radial lip 244 may define a complementary rear-facing
surface to contact forward surface 266 while the front surface 210
inner panel 196 defines a flat surface (e.g., planar and unrounded
about stamped hole 222) complementary to rearward surface 268.
[0053] During assembly, the retaining cup 226 may be pushed through
the stamped hole 222 and flat compression gasket 260 from the front
surface 210 while the discrete bracket 250 is pushed in the
opposite direction towards the back surface 212 of inner panel 196.
A portion of the exterior surface 236 (e.g., expanding ramp
portion) rearward of the reliefs 240 may deflect the resilient
wings 254 radially outward before the resilient wings 254 are able
to snap back and into engagement with the reliefs 240. The
counteracting forces of discrete bracket 250 and radial lip 244 may
compress flat compression gasket 260 axially. Advantageously, flat
compression gasket 260 may seal the stamped hole 222 both axially
and radially (e.g., without requiring any gasket or seal segment
that extends through stamped hole 222).
[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *