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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

FIG. 1 provides a front elevation view of a dishwashing appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a side, section view of the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a door of a dishwashing appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

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.

FIG. 5 provides a magnified perspective view of an additive dispenser assembly mounted on the exemplary door of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 provides a magnified side perspective view of a portion of the exemplary additive dispenser assembly of FIG. 5.

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.

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.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of an assembly bracket separated from the rest of the exemplary additive dispenser assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 provides another perspective view of the exemplary assembly bracket of FIG. 10.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.