Patent Application
20230255440
The present subject matter relates generally to appliances, and more particularly to dishwashing appliances having a linkage assembly for in-situ removal of a door from an installed dishwashing appliance.
Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A door provides for selective access to the wash chamber. For example, the door can be rotatably mounted to the wash tub with a hinge. The door can selectively adjust between an open and a closed position by rotating about the hinge in order to permit access to the wash chamber.
Typically, removal of a dishwasher door requires the hinge arms to disconnect from the door while the hinges stay connected to the tub and spring system. In order to maintain proper door stiffness in relation to the hinge arms, the hinge arms must stay connected to the door during removal of the door. This requires removal of the entire dishwasher from the cabinet in order to access the spring linkage and remove the door. Removal of the entire dishwasher from the cabinet is undesirable because of, for example, the additional labor involved with removing and reinstalling the appliance in the cabinet and accidental damage to cabinets and floors. Moreover, removing the door may require angling the door, which may add potential energy to door balance system. This increase in potential energy may create a safety risk and increase the difficulty for door removal. Past attempts to solve such problems or otherwise provide a linkage system to counterbalance the door have been unsatisfactory. In particular, past systems could become misaligned (e.g., at the connection point between the linkage system and the door or hinge), interfering with rotation of the door. For instance, audible clicks or noises were often created by the misaligned contact between a door hook and a door hinge. Additionally or alternatively, misalignment between a door hook and a door hinge may prevent the door from staying open (e.g., bias the door to a closed position).
Accordingly, a need arises for an appliance that allows for easy removal of the door. It may also be advantageous to provide dishwashing appliances that allow for removal of the dishwasher door without requiring removal of the dishwasher from the cabinet. Moreover, it may be especially advantageous to provide a dishwashing appliance wherein interference or misalignment between the linkage assembly and the door was prevented.
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.
In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a door, a hinge, a spring linkage, and a clevis. The cabinet may define a wash chamber for the receipt of articles for washing. The cabinet may include a pair of opposing sidewalls, a top wall, and a rear wall. The tub may be disposed inside the cabinet and define a front opening. The door may be rotatably positioned at the front opening and provide selective access to the wash chamber of the cabinet. The hinge may be rotationally fixed to the door. The hinge may define a top edge, a bottom edge, and an arched cutout extending upward from the bottom edge. The arched cutout may have an entrance defined at the bottom edge, an apex disposed above the entrance relative to a vertical direction, and an arcuate seat disposed below the apex relative to the vertical direction. The spring linkage may extend from a first end to a second end. The first end may be mounted to the cabinet. The clevis may be disposed at the second end of the spring linkage in selective attachment with the hinge. The clevis may include a rigid leg and a connecting pin extending laterally from the rigid leg. The connecting pin may be received within the arcuate seat. The rigid leg may extend upward above the apex relative to the vertical direction to cover the apex.
In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a door, a hinge, a spring linkage, and a clevis. The cabinet may define a wash chamber for the receipt of articles for washing. The cabinet may include a pair of opposing sidewalls, a top wall, and a rear wall. The tub may be disposed inside the cabinet and define a front opening. The door may be rotatably positioned at the front opening and provide selective access to the wash chamber of the cabinet. The hinge may be rotationally fixed to the door. The hinge may define a top edge, a bottom edge, and an arched cutout extending upward from the bottom edge. The arched cutout may have an entrance defined at the bottom edge, an apex disposed above the entrance relative to a vertical direction, and an arcuate seat disposed below the apex relative to the vertical direction. The spring linkage may extend from a first end to a second end. The first end may be mounted to the cabinet. The clevis may be disposed at the second end of the spring linkage in selective attachment with the hinge. The clevis may include pair of rigid legs and a connecting pin extending laterally between the pair of rigid legs. The connecting pin may be received within the arcuate seat. Each rigid leg may extend upward above the apex relative to the vertical direction to cover the apex and sandwich the hinge between the pair of rigid legs.
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.
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.
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.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. 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”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be 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 “generally,” “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, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, 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.
The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.
The tub 104 includes a front opening (not shown) and a door 120 hinged at its bottom 122 for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in
Upper and lower guide rails 124, 126 are mounted on tub side walls 128 and accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies 130 and 132. Each of the rack assemblies 130, 132 is fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up assemblies 130 and 132 are shown in
The dishwasher 100 further includes a lower spray-arm assembly 144 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 146 of the wash chamber 106 and above a tub sump portion 142 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly 132. A mid-level spray-arm assembly 148 is located in an upper region of the wash chamber 106 and may be located in close proximity to upper rack 130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 150 may be located above the upper rack 130. Although a spray assembly 150 is shown, an upper spray arm assembly may be used as well. Other fluid emitting devices for cleaning articles may be used at the lower, middle, and/or upper positions as well.
The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150 are in fluid communication with a pump 154 and a main supply conduit 152 for circulating fluids (e.g., wash or rinse) in the tub 104. The main supply conduit 152 is served by a recirculation pump 154 positioned in a machinery compartment 140 located below the tub sump portion 142 (i.e., bottom wall) of the tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Pump 154 receives fluid from sump 142 to provide a flow to the main supply conduit 152. A heating element 170 can be used to provide heat during e.g., a drying cycle.
Each spray-arm assembly 144, 148 includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing fluid received from pump 154 onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 130 and 132. The arrangement of the discharge ports in spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 provides a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and the operation of spray assembly 150 using fluid from pump 154 provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well.
The middle spray-arm assembly 148 is releasably connected with fluid supply conduit 152 by way of a diverter 200 as further described herein. Specifically, as rack 130 is moved in and out of chamber 106, fluid supply conduit 112 releasably connects or disconnects from diverter 200. Other configurations may also be used.
The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 137 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller may 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.
The controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 137 may be located within a control panel area 121 of door 120 as shown in
It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher. The exemplary embodiment depicted in
Turning now generally to
In some embodiments, a pair of one-piece hinges 300 are disposed proximate the opposing side walls 128 of cabinet 102. Each hinge 300 defines a top edge 302, bottom edge 304, hinge distal end 306, and hinge proximal end 308. Optionally, the hinge proximal end 308 may be removably coupled to the door 120.
The hinge distal end 306 is spaced apart along transverse direction T from hinge proximal end 308. The hinge distal end 306 defines an arched cutout 310 extending vertically upward from the bottom edge 304 and terminating near the hinge distal end 306. As shown, especially in
Appliance 100 includes at least one spring linkage, shown as a pair of spring assemblies or spring linkages 312, positioned on each side 128 of cabinet 102. Only one side is shown in the current figures-it being understood the construction of each side is substantially similar. On each side of appliance 100, the spring linkage 312 has a clevis 320 removably coupled to the cutout 310 of the hinge 300.
For each side, the spring linkage 312 includes a cable 332 coupled to the clevis proximal end 322 using a conical cable mount 336. The conical cable mount 336 provides a hole of decreasing diameter to secure an end of cable 332. Spring linkage 312 includes a spring 314 removably coupled to a leg 326 of the dishwasher frame 342. A cable eyelet 343 is mounted to the cable 332 and coupled to the spring 314. Spring 314 applies tension to the cable 332, which in turn pulls on hinge 300 using clevis 320.
In some embodiments, a guide wheel 380 is rotatably mounted to cabinet 102. For instance, guide wheel 380 may be attached to cabinet 102 proximate to one of the pair of opposing sidewalls 128. When assembled, a portion of spring linkage 312 (e.g., cable 332) may be disposed along a portion of the circumference of guide wheel 380. Guide wheel 380 may thus engage a portion of spring linkage 312. Moreover, cable 332 may be directed beneath guide wheel 380 (e.g., such that a portion of cable 332 is disposed along a bottom portion of guide wheel 380). When spring linkage 312 is attached to door 120, cable 332 may be wound along circumference of guide wheel 380 from the bottom portion of guide wheel 380 upward along the vertical direction V toward hinge 300, which may be positioned above guide wheel 380. During use, guide wheel 380 may thus maintain tension on spring linkage 312 (e.g., as spring linkage 312 biases door 120 between the open position and the closed position).
As shown, the clevis 320 generally defines a clevis proximal end 322 and a clevis distal end 324. Generally, clevis includes at least one rigid leg 326 extending to the clevis distal end 324 (e.g., from the conical cable mount 336). A connecting pin 328 further extends from the rigid leg 326. Specifically, the connecting pin 328 extends laterally from the rigid leg 326. As shown, rigid leg 326 generally defines or spans a larger area across the vertical-transverse plane than connecting pin 328. As shown, when viewed in the vertical-transverse plane, rigid leg 326 completely covers or blocks the view of (or access to connecting pin 328 along the lateral direction L). When assembled, and as will be described in greater detail below, connecting pin 328 is selectively received within an arched cutout 310 defined by hinge 300.
In some embodiments, a pair of clevis legs 326 are positioned on opposing sides of the hinge 300 and form a slot 337 for receipt of hinge 300 (e.g., to sandwich hinge 300 between legs 326). Clevis legs 326 are positioned at clevis distal end 324 and extend from clevis distal end 324 towards the clevis proximal end 322. Each leg 326 of the clevis 320 may include a longitudinal rib 334 formed into the leg 326 for additional strength or to help guide a spring linkage removal tool (not shown) into position. For this exemplary embodiment, clevis 320 is symmetrical about rib 334.
In certain embodiments, the clevis connecting pin 328 is disposed between the pair of legs 326 at the clevis distal end 324 and within slot 337. Each clevis leg 326 has at least one tool bore (i.e., bore hole) 330 for complementary receipt of a linkage removal tool. For this exemplary embodiment, each clevis leg 326 includes a pair of tool bores 330 positioned in an opposing manner about rib 334 so as to provide a total of four tool bores 330.
The illustrated embodiments the hinge 300 with a pin retention lip 340 projecting towards the second section 373 for retaining the clevis connection pin 328 in an engaged position while the door 120 is opened and closed. The arched cutout 310 is oriented with the entrance on the bottom edge 304. The arched cutout 310 extends from the bottom edge 304 of the hinge 300 and may enable servicing from below without removing the dishwasher from the installed position (in-situ). When assembled, connecting pin 328 is received within arcuate seat 377. Thus, connecting pin 328 may be bounded (e.g., along the transverse direction T) between pin retention lip 340 and the distal end 306 of hinge 300. The pair of rigid legs 326 may bound the hinge 300 (e.g., along the lateral direction L).
As shown, the rigid legs 326 extend past one or more sections of the arched cutout 310 (e.g., as viewed from the side of the appliance 100 or otherwise in the two-dimensional vertical-transverse plane). In particular, rigid leg 326 (e.g., one or both rigid legs 326) extends upward (e.g., from pin 328) relative to the vertical direction V to a point above apex 373 (e.g., while still being laterally offset from apex 373). Thus, the clevis distal end 344 is disposed at a higher vertical height than apex 373. Moreover, apex 373 is covered by rigid leg 326 (e.g., both in the closed and open positions, as well as one or more intermediate positions therebetween). Optionally, the perimeter of rigid leg 326 may define a curved radius. The curved radius of rigid leg 326 may be larger than that of connection pin 328 or any section of arched cutout 310. Optionally, the radius may be constant from the front end 382 of clevis 320 to the rear end 384 of clevis 320. Notably, rigid leg 326 (or clevis 320, generally) may be prevented from laterally crossing apex 373 or otherwise being tilted relative to hinge 300, even as door 120 rotates between the closed position and the open position (e.g., as illustrated by
Separate from or in addition to extending upward above the apex 373, rigid leg 326 (e.g., one or both rigid legs 326) may extend forward relative to the transverse direction T (e.g., towards door 120). In some such embodiments, rigid leg 326 extends forward (e.g., from pin 328) past hinge retention lip 340. All or some of retention lip 340 may be covered by rigid leg 326 (e.g., both in the closed and open positions, as well as one or more intermediate positions therebetween). In some embodiments, rigid leg 326 further extends forward past at least a portion of entrance 350. In turn, rigid leg 326 may further cover at least a portion of entrance 350 (e.g., both in the closed and open positions, as well as one or more intermediate positions therebetween). Notably, rigid leg 326 (or clevis 320, generally) may be prevented from laterally crossing retention lip 340 or entrance 350, or otherwise being tilted relative to hinge 300, even as door 120 rotates between the closed position and the open position (e.g., as illustrated by
Further additionally or alternatively, rigid leg 326 (e.g., one or both rigid legs 326) may extend rearward relative to the transverse direction T (e.g., towards tub 104). In some such embodiments, rigid leg 326 extends rearward (e.g., from pin 328) past the distal end 306 of hinge 300 (e.g., the distalmost point of hinge 300). Distal end 306 may be covered by rigid leg 326 (e.g., both in the closed and open positions, as well as one or more intermediate positions therebetween). Notably, rigid leg 326 (or clevis 320, generally) may be prevented from laterally crossing distal end 306 (or the portion of arched cutout 310 disposed between distal end 306 and connection pin 328 along the transverse direction T) or otherwise being tilted relative to hinge 300, even as door 120 rotates between the closed position and the open position (e.g., as illustrated by
A linkage removal tool (not shown) may gain access to the clevis 320 from the front of the dishwasher after removal of the dishwasher toekick panel. Specific features of the arched cutout 310, as shown in
In optional embodiments, the arched cutout 310 is formed such that the clevis connecting pin 328 moves in three linked travel paths for engagement and disengagement with the hinge 300. The first path 370 starts at the enlarged entrance 350 and extends upward in the first angle α direction toward the rear wall 129. The second path 372 extends in a generally traverse direction sufficient distance such that the clevis connecting pin 328 clears the pin retention lip 340. The third path 374 extends downward along second angle β direction toward the rear wall 129. These linked travel paths provide serviceable geometry to retain the clevis pin 328 connection with the hinge 300 during normal door 120 operation while also allowing a linkage removal tool (not shown) to disengage the clevis 320 from the hinge 300 for in-situ door 120 removal. As shown, these three paths may be at non-zero angles to each other.
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.
