DISHWASHING APPLIANCE DROP-IN DOOR HINGE

Abstract

A dishwashing appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber therein. A door is rotatably coupled to the tub by a hinge. The hinge includes a first bracket mounted on the door, a second bracket mounted to the tub, and a hinge pin extending between the first bracket and the second bracket. The second bracket includes an outer channel configured to receive the hinge pin during installation and removal of the door, a round socket configured to retain the hinge pin during rotation of the door between the open position and the closed position, and a transition channel adjoining the outer channel and the round socket. The outer channel defines a first width and the transition channel defines a second width. The first width is generally constant over the entire outer channel and the second width is generally constant over the entire transition channel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to dishwashing appliances, and more particularly to dishwashing appliances with a drop-in door hinge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dishwashing appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber. Rack assemblies can be mounted within the wash chamber of the tub for receipt of articles for washing. Multiple spray assemblies can be positioned within the wash chamber for applying or directing wash liquid (e.g., water, detergent, etc.) towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. After being applied or directed towards the rack assemblies and/or articles therein, the wash liquid generally flows by gravity to or towards a bottom of the wash chamber, such as to a sump positioned at the bottom of the wash chamber. Dishwashing appliances are also typically equipped with one or more pumps, such as a circulation pump or a drain pump, for directing or motivating wash liquid from the sump to, e.g., the spray assemblies or an area outside of the dishwashing appliance.

Dishwashing appliances typically include a door rotatably mounted to the tub, such as with a hinge, for selectively sealingly enclosing the wash chamber within the tub. The hinge may be coupled or decoupled, such as coupled during installation or decoupled in order to access internal components of the dishwashing appliance for service or maintenance, etc. Some hinges currently in use may be difficult to couple or decouple, such as requiring multiple, compound movements of the door relative to the tub while the door is manually aligned in order to attach or detach the door to the tub, and/or may be too easy to decouple, which may lead to accidental detachment of the door, such as during shipping, handling, or installation of the dishwashing appliance.

Accordingly, dishwashing appliances that include features for retaining the door coupled to the tub during use while also providing easier installation and/or removal of the door during assembly or service would be useful.

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 dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance defines a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction that are mutually perpendicular. The dishwashing appliance includes a tub extending between a front side and a rear side along the transverse direction. The tub defines a wash chamber therein for receipt of articles for washing. The wash chamber within the tub is accessible through an opening in the front side of the tub. The dishwashing appliance also includes a sump positioned at a bottom of the wash chamber for receiving fluid from the wash chamber and a fluid circulation system coupled to the sump. The fluid circulation system includes a pump and at least one spray assembly located in the wash chamber and configured to direct a spray of fluid into the wash chamber. The dishwashing appliance further includes a door rotatably coupled to the tub by a hinge. The door is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The door permits access to the wash chamber in the open position and the door sealingly encloses the wash chamber in the closed position. The hinge includes a first bracket mounted on the door, a second bracket mounted to the tub, and a hinge pin extending between the first bracket and the second bracket. The second bracket includes an outer channel configured to receive the hinge pin during installation and removal of the door, a round socket configured to retain the hinge pin during rotation of the door between the open position and the closed position, and a transition channel adjoining the outer channel and the round socket. The outer channel defines a first width and the transition channel defines a second width. The first width is generally constant over the entire outer channel and the second width is generally constant over the entire transition channel.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance includes a tub extending between a front side and a rear side. The tub defines a wash chamber therein for receipt of articles for washing. The wash chamber within the tub is accessible through an opening in the front side of the tub. The dishwashing appliance also includes a sump positioned at a bottom of the wash chamber for receiving fluid from the wash chamber and a fluid circulation system coupled to the sump. The fluid circulation system includes a pump and at least one spray assembly located in the wash chamber and configured to direct a spray of fluid into the wash chamber. The dishwashing appliance further includes a door rotatably coupled to the tub by a hinge. The door is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The door permits access to the wash chamber in the open position and the door sealingly encloses the wash chamber in the closed position. The hinge includes a first bracket mounted on the door, a second bracket mounted to the tub, and a hinge pin extending between the first bracket and the second bracket. The second bracket includes an outer channel configured to receive the hinge pin during installation and removal of the door, a round socket configured to retain the hinge pin during rotation of the door between the open position and the closed position, and a transition channel adjoining the outer channel and the round socket. The outer channel defines a first width and the transition channel defines a second width. The first width is generally constant over the entire outer channel and the second width is generally constant over the entire transition channel.

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 view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure with a door in an intermediate position.

FIG. 3 provides a side, cross section view of the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a similar view as FIG. 3, with a door of the exemplary dishwashing appliance in an open position.

FIG. 5 provides a close-up view of a portion of a bracket of a hinge according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge may be incorporated into a dishwashing appliance such as the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 provides a partial view of the hinge in an installation/removal position.

FIG. 7 provides a partial view of the hinge in a transition position.

FIG. 8 provides a partial view of the hinge in a home, fully closed position.

FIG. 9 provides a partial view of the hinge in a home, intermediate position.

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 component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For instance, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. The term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a wash liquid (e.g., water, detergent, or wash additive). The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “wash liquid” refers to a liquid used for washing or rinsing the articles that is typically made up of water and may include additives, such as detergent or other treatments (e.g., rinse aid). Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “generally,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin of error. 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, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 through 4 depict an exemplary dishwasher or dishwashing appliance (e.g., dishwashing appliance 100) that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Generally, dishwasher 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.

Dishwasher 100 includes a tub 104 that defines a wash chamber 106 therein. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along the vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along the transverse direction T.

Tub 104 includes a front opening 114 at the front side 111. In some embodiments, the dishwashing appliance 100 may also include a door 116 at the front opening 114. The door 116 may, for example, be coupled to the tub 104 by a hinge 200 at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (FIGS. 1 and 3), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position (FIG. 4) for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher 100. A door closure mechanism or assembly 118, e.g., a latch, may be provided to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.

In exemplary embodiments, tub side walls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. For instance, guide rails 120 may be mounted to side walls 110 for supporting a lower rack assembly 122 and an upper rack assembly 126. In some such embodiments, upper rack assembly 126 is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber 106 above lower rack assembly 122 along the vertical direction V.

Generally, each rack assembly 122, 126 may be adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 through 4) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. In some embodiments, movement is facilitated, for instance, by rollers 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 122, 126, respectively.

Although guide rails 120 and rollers 128 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.

In optional embodiments, some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 126 are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122, 126 are shown). In this regard, rack assemblies 122, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash liquid to reach and impinge on those articles (e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle). According to additional or alternative embodiments, a silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to a rack assembly (e.g., lower rack assembly 122), for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the rack assembly.

Generally, dishwasher 100 includes one or more spray assemblies for urging a flow of fluid (e.g., wash liquid) onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106.

In exemplary embodiments, dishwasher 100 includes a lower spray arm assembly 134 disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly 122. In this regard, lower spray arm assembly 134 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash liquid up through lower rack assembly 122.

In some embodiments, an upper spray assembly 142 may be located proximate to and, e.g., below, upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be generally configured for urging of wash liquid up through upper rack assembly 126.

The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating wash liquid in tub 104. In certain embodiments, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a circulation pump 152 for circulating wash liquid in tub 104. Circulation pump 152 may be mounted to sump 138 and in fluid communication with the sump 138 through a circulation outlet 151 from the sump 138.

When assembled, circulation pump 152 may be in fluid communication with an external water supply line (not shown) and sump 138. A water inlet valve (not shown) can be positioned between the external water supply line and circulation pump 152 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to circulation pump 152). Additionally or alternatively, water inlet valve can be positioned between the external water supply line and sump 138 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to sump 138). During use, water inlet valve may be selectively controlled to open to allow the flow of water into dishwasher 100 and may be selectively controlled to close and thereby cease the flow of water into dishwasher 100. Further, fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing wash fluid from circulation pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. In exemplary embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a primary supply conduit 154 extends from circulation pump 152, along rear side 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash liquid throughout wash chamber 106.

In optional embodiments, circulation pump 152 urges or pumps wash liquid to a diverter 156 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In some such embodiments, diverter 156 is positioned within sump 138 of dishwashing appliance 100). Diverter 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash liquid to the spray assemblies 134, 142, or other spray manifolds or assemblies. For instance, the diverter disk may have at least one aperture configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber 158. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash liquid to the desired spray device(s).

In exemplary embodiments, diverter 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash liquid from circulation pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits—only some of which are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 for clarity. In certain embodiments, diverter 156 includes two or more outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash liquid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134 and a second conduit for supplying upper spray assembly 142 (e.g., supply conduit 154). Additional embodiments may also include one or more additional conduits, e.g., a third conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as a silverware rack, etc.

In some embodiments, a supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash liquid to one or more spray assemblies (e.g., to upper spray assembly 142). It should be appreciated, however, that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash liquid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For instance, according to another exemplary embodiment, supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash liquid to lower spray arm assembly 134 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash liquid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash liquid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwashing appliance 100.

Each spray assembly 134 and 142, or other spray device as may be included in dishwashing appliance 100, may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash liquid received from circulation pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash liquid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray assemblies 134, 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray assemblies 134, 142 and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For instance, dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc.

Drainage of soiled wash liquid within sump 138 may by provided, for instance, by a drain pump 168 (e.g., during or as part of a drain cycle). In particular, wash liquid may exit sump 138 through a drain outlet 167 and may flow through a drain conduit or directly to the drain pump 168. Thus, drain pump 168 is downstream of sump 138 and facilitates drainage of the soiled wash liquid by urging or pumping the wash liquid to a drain line external to dishwasher 100.

In some embodiments, a filter assembly may be provided, e.g., in the sump 138 and/or at a top entrance into the sump 138, e.g., to filter fluid to circulation assembly 150 and/or drain pump 168. Generally, the filter assembly removes soiled particles from the liquid that flows to the sump 138 from the wash chamber 106 during operation of dishwashing appliance 100. In exemplary embodiments, the filter assembly may include both a first filter (also referred to as a “coarse filter”) and a second filter (also referred to as a “fine filter”).

Although a separate circulation pump 152 and drain pump 168 are described herein, it is understood that other suitable pump configurations (e.g., using only a single pump for both recirculation and draining) may be provided.

Dishwashing appliance 100 may also include ventilation features, e.g., to promote improved, e.g., more rapid, drying of articles therein after the wash and rinse cycles. For example, one or more vents 170 may be provided in the tub 104 for introducing relatively dry air from outside of the tub 104 into the wash chamber 106 and/or for removing relatively humid air from the wash chamber 106 to the outside of the tub 104. In some embodiments, a fan 172 may be provided. The fan 172 may be operable to urge air through the wash chamber 106, such as to promote air circulation and/or ventilation within and through the wash chamber. Such air movement may increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from articles in the wash chamber 106 after a wash and/or rinse cycle.

In certain embodiments, dishwasher 100 includes a controller 160 configured to regulate operation of dishwasher 100 (e.g., initiate one or more wash operations). Controller 160 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 wash operation that may include a wash cycle, rinse cycle, or drain cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry—such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like—to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein.

Controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In optional embodiments, controller 160 is located within a control panel area 162 of door 116 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door 116. Typically, the controller 160 includes or is operatively coupled to a user interface panel/controls 164 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of dishwasher 100. In some embodiments, user interface 164 includes a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In additional or alternative embodiments, user interface 164 includes 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. In further additional or alternative embodiments, user interface 164 includes a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. When assembled, user interface 164 may be in operative communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher 100. The exemplary embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 through 4 are for illustrative purposes only. For instance, different locations may be provided for user interface 164 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, or other locations as well), different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 126, different spray assemblies 134, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, different sensors may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 through 9, the hinge 200 may include a first bracket 202 mounted on the door 116 and a second bracket 204 mounted to the tub 104. The hinge 200 may further include a hinge pin 206 that extends between the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 204. As is understood, when the hinge 200 is assembled, e.g., in a “home” positioned as discussed below, the hinge pin 206 defines a pivot or fulcrum for the hinge 200 as the door 116 rotates between the open and closed positions.

FIG. 5 provides a close-up view of a portion of the second bracket 204 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As may be seen in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the second bracket 204 comprises an outer channel 210 that extends from a mouth 212 in an exterior edge of the second bracket 204 to a transition channel 214. In some embodiments, the outer channel 210 may be linear, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5. In additional embodiments, the outer channel 210 may also be fully or partially curved. The second bracket 204 may also include a round socket 222. The round socket 222 may be defined at and adjoined to an end of the transition channel 214 and may be opposite the outer channel 210 with respect to the transition channel 214. The transition channel 214 may be defined between a back edge 220, e.g., an internal edge of the second bracket 204, and a retaining point 218 at a front boundary of the transition channel 214, e.g., the transition channel 214 may be bounded along the transverse direction T by the retaining point 218 and the back edge 220, where the back edge 220 may be a vertical or generally vertical edge. The transition channel 214 may adjoin the outer channel 210 at one end of the transition channel 214 and may adjoin the round socket 222 at the other, opposite, end of the transition channel 214. Further, in some embodiments, a radius or arcuate internal edge 228 of the second bracket 204 may be defined at the junction between the outer channel 210 and the transition channel 214, such as at the intersection of or adjoining between the back edge 226 of the outer channel 210 and the back edge 220 of the transition channel 214. The retaining point 218 may be defined at a boundary of the round socket 222 and the transition channel 214, e.g., at the front junction between the transition channel 214 and the round socket 222. For example, in some embodiments, the retaining point 218 may be defined by a rounded corner at the boundary of the round socket 222 and the transition channel 214. As will be described in more detail below, the outer channel 210 may be configured to receive the hinge pin 206 during installation and removal of the door 116 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7), while the retaining point 218 and the round socket 222 may be configured to retain the hinge pin 206 during rotation of the door 116 between the open position and the closed position (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9).

In some embodiments, the outer channel 210 may be linear, e.g., in such embodiments the linear outer channel 210 defines a centerline 230 which is a single, straight line. For example, in some embodiments, the outer channel 210 may be defined between two straight line edges in the second bracket 204, and the two straight line internal edges of the second bracket 204 that define the outer channel 210 may be generally parallel, e.g., “generally” parallel including within ten degrees or less of parallel, as noted above. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the two straight line internal edges of the second bracket 204 that define the outer channel 210 may be a first edge 224 and a second edge 226. The first edge 224 may be a front edge of the outer channel 210 and the second edge 226 may be a back edge of the outer channel 210. Also as may be seen in FIG. 5, the transition channel 214 may define a centerline 232 between the back edge 220 of the transition channel 214 and a retention point or retaining point 218. It should be understood that “front” and “back” are used in describing the various edges herein with same context as the dishwasher 100 overall. For example, the front edge 224 of the outer channel 210 is closer to the front of the dishwasher appliance 100, e.g., the front side 111 and/or door 116, than the back edge 226 of the outer channel 210. Similarly, the back edge 226 of the outer channel 210 is closer to the back of the dishwasher 100, e.g., the rear side 112 and/or the tub 104, than the front edge 224. For example, the second bracket 204 may extend forward or frontward from the tub 104, such as to a front end 216, where the front end 216 is a frontmost terminal portion of the second bracket 204 along the transverse direction T. Thus, the “front” edges or other “front” portions of the various elements described herein may also be those edges or portions which are closest to the front end 216 of the second bracket 204.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the outer channel 210 may be oblique to the vertical direction V. For example, the outer channel 210, e.g., the centerline 230 thereof, may define an angle 208 (FIG. 6) with respect to the vertical direction V. In embodiments where the outer channel 210 is linear, e.g., as illustrated, the angle 208 may be constant over the entire length of the outer channel 210. In embodiments where the outer channel 210 is at least partially curved, the angle 208 may be defined by a line that is tangent to the curved centerline of the curved outer channel 210 at the intersection of the curved outer channel 210 and the transition channel 214. For example, in various embodiments, the angle 208 may be between about ten degrees and about forty degrees with the vertical direction V, such as between about fifteen degrees and about thirty degrees, such as about twenty degrees. Also as may be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the transition channel 214, e.g., the centerline 232 thereof, may extend generally along the vertical direction V. Thus, the outer channel 210 may also be oriented at an oblique angle to the transition channel 214, e.g., the same angle 208 as with respect to the vertical direction V.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 8, assembly of the hinge 200, and thereby installation of the door 116 to the tub 104, is generally shown in sequential order. The hinge pin 206 may be fixed to the first bracket 202. As shown in FIG. 6, the hinge pin 206 may enter the outer channel 210, such as via the mouth 212 (FIG. 5) of the outer channel 210, whereby the hinge 200, and thus the door 116 and tub 104, forms the angle 208. That is, where the outer channel 210 is oriented at the angle 208 relative to the vertical direction V, the first bracket 202 will also be oriented at the angle 208 when the hinge pin 206 is within the outer channel 210, such that the first bracket 202 is oriented at the angle 208 with respect to the second bracket 204 and the door 116 is oriented at the angle 208 with respect to the tub 104. In particular, the hinge pin 206 may have an obround cross section shape or may, as in the illustrated embodiments, have arcuate ends which are less than semi-circular, and, in embodiments where the hinge pin has two linear sides interconnecting two opposite arcuate ends, the two linear sides of the hinge pin 206 may be generally aligned with and/or parallel to the linear edges 224 and 226 of the outer channel 210, e.g., in embodiments where the outer channel 210 is at least partially linear, while the hinge pin 206 travels through the outer channel 210, whereby the first bracket 202 is oriented at the angle 208 as described during such portions of the installation or removal of the door 116.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the transition from an installation or removal position to the home or installed position is made by travelling the hinge pin 206, e.g., and the first bracket 202 to which the hinge pin 206 is fixed, e.g., and the door 116 to which the first bracket 202 is mounted, along the vertical direction V, such as directly or exactly along the vertical direction V. In some embodiments, the transition may be made at an angle of up to ten degrees from the vertical direction V, such as ten degrees counterclockwise from vertical as shown on the page in FIGS. 7 and 8, e.g., an intermediate position that is up to ten degrees away from the closed position. The term “intermediate position” is used to refer to any position between the closed position and the open position, e.g., any position where the door 116 is not fully closed nor fully open. The angle at which the hinge 200, and thereby door 116, may make the transition between home or installed and the installation/removal position may be defined by the retaining point 218 and/or by the arcuate extent of the round socket 222. For example, as seen in FIG. 9, when the door 116, and thus the first bracket 202 and the hinge pin 206 thereon, rotates past the retaining point 218, e.g., when the door 116 is in an intermediate position more than ten degrees away from the closed position, the hinge 200 is held together by the retaining point 218, e.g., the hinge pin 206 is retained within the second bracket 204, such as within the round socket 222 thereof, by the retaining point 218. Thus, the transition described herein may be defined by the hinge pin 206 passing, e.g., moving at least a portion of the hinge pin 206, above the retaining point 218.

In some embodiments, the door 116 may not be removable when in the closed position, e.g., an edge at the top of the tub 104 may obstruct translational movement of the door 116 directly along the vertical direction V from the closed position, and/or the latch 118 may need to be disengaged to permit the removal of the door 116. In such embodiments, the door 116 may be removable, and the hinge 200 separable, beginning at one degree away from the closed position, such as when in any intermediate position between one degree and ten degrees away from the closed position.

In some embodiments, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outer channel 210 may define a first width 234 and the transition channel 214 may define a second width 236. As may be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, in some embodiments, the first width 234 is generally constant over the entire outer channel 210 and the second width 236 is generally constant over the entire transition channel 214, where “generally” constant includes variation or deviation of the width of up to ten percent. In such embodiments, the length of the transition channel 214 may be defined as the distance along the centerline 232 over which the second width 236 is generally constant, e.g., does not vary by more than ten percent, greater or less, from the median width of the transition channel 214 and/or the width of the transition channel 214 as defined between the retaining point 218 and the back edge 220 of the transition channel 214 along the transverse direction T. Further, in at least some embodiments, the first width 234 may be generally equal to the second width 236. The widths 234 and 236 being generally equivalent may advantageously promote ease of installation or removal of the door 116, e.g., by eliminating hang up or snag points at transitions in width where the hinge pin 206 might get stuck when travelling through and between the channels 210 and 214 during installation or removal. For example, in some embodiments, the outer channel 210 and the transition channel 214 may partially define a travel path for the hinge pin 206, such as an installation path and/or removal path, between the mouth 212 and the round socket 222, such as beginning at the mouth 212 and ending at the round socket 222 (e.g., during installation, and in reverse order for removal). In such embodiments, the travel path may define a width, including widths 234 and 236, which is generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the hinge pin 206, and the width of the entire travel path may be generally constant.

As mentioned above, the angle at which the hinge 200, and thereby door 116, may make the transition between home or installed position and the installation/removal position may be defined at least in part by the arcuate extent of the round socket 222. For example, in some embodiments, the junction of the round socket 222 and the transition channel 214 may define an opening of about ten degrees in an upper portion of the round socket 222, e.g., the opening may subtend an angle of about ten degrees and the round socket 222 may be a partial circle (circular arc) which subtends an angle of about three hundred and fifty degrees. In such embodiments, the angle subtended by the opening is the maximum angle, e.g., the farthest away from the closed position, at which the door 116 and hinge 200 may transition from the home position to the installation/removal position. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the round socket 222 may define a circular arc of greater than one hundred eighty degrees, e.g., a circular arc that subtends an angle of one hundred eighty degrees or more, such as 210° or more, such as 230° or more, such as 250° or more, such as 270° or more, such as 290° or more, such as 310° or more, such as 320° or more, such as 330° or more, such as about 350°.

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 dishwashing appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction that are mutually perpendicular, the dishwasher appliance comprising:

a tub extending between a front side and a rear side along the transverse direction, the tub defining a wash chamber therein for receipt of articles for washing, wherein the wash chamber within the tub is accessible through an opening in the front side of the tub;

a sump positioned at a bottom of the wash chamber for receiving fluid from the wash chamber;

a fluid circulation system coupled to the sump, the fluid circulation system comprising a pump and at least one spray assembly located in the wash chamber and configured to direct a spray of fluid into the wash chamber; and

a door rotatably coupled to the tub by a hinge, the door rotatable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the door permits access to the wash chamber in the open position and wherein the door sealingly encloses the wash chamber in the closed position;

wherein the hinge comprises a first bracket mounted on the door, a second bracket mounted to the tub, and a hinge pin extending between the first bracket and the second bracket, the second bracket comprising a mouth in an exterior edge of the second bracket, an outer channel configured to receive the hinge pin during installation and removal of the door, a round socket configured to retain the hinge pin during rotation of the door between the open position and the closed position, and a transition channel adjoining the outer channel and the round socket, wherein the outer channel defines a first width and the transition channel defines a second width, wherein the first width is generally constant over the entire outer channel and the second width is generally constant over the entire transition channel, wherein the outer channel is oblique to the vertical direction and the transition channel extends generally along the vertical direction, wherein the outer channel and the transition channel define a travel path for the hinge pin between the mouth and the round socket for installation or removal of the door, the travel path extending along a single vertical orientation between the mouth and the round socket.

2. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the first width is generally equal to the second width.

3. (canceled)

4. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the outer channel is linear and defines an angle of between about ten degrees and about forty degrees with the vertical direction.

5. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein an opening of about ten degrees is defined in an upper portion of the round socket.

6. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, further comprising a retaining point defined at a boundary of the round socket and the transition channel.

7. The dishwashing appliance of claim 6, wherein the retaining point is defined by a rounded corner at the boundary of the round socket and the transition channel.

8. The dishwashing appliance of claim 6, wherein the second bracket comprises a front end, and the retaining point is defined at a front edge of the boundary of the round socket and the transition channel.

9. The dishwashing appliance of claim 6, wherein the transition channel is bounded along the transverse direction by the retaining point and a vertical edge.

10. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the round socket defines a circular arc of greater than one hundred eighty degrees.

11. A dishwashing appliance, comprising:

a tub extending between a front side and a rear side, the tub defining a wash chamber therein for receipt of articles for washing, wherein the wash chamber within the tub is accessible through an opening in the front side of the tub;

a sump positioned at a bottom of the wash chamber for receiving fluid from the wash chamber;

a fluid circulation system coupled to the sump, the fluid circulation system comprising a pump and at least one spray assembly located in the wash chamber and configured to direct a spray of fluid into the wash chamber; and

a door rotatably coupled to the tub by a hinge, the door rotatable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the door permits access to the wash chamber in the open position and wherein the door sealingly encloses the wash chamber in the closed position;

wherein the hinge comprises a first bracket mounted on the door, a second bracket mounted to the tub, and a hinge pin extending between the first bracket and the second bracket, the second bracket comprising a mouth in an exterior edge of the second bracket, an outer channel configured to receive the hinge pin during installation and removal of the door, a round socket configured to retain the hinge pin during rotation of the door between the open position and the closed position, and a transition channel adjoining the outer channel and the round socket, wherein the outer channel defines a first width and the transition channel defines a second width, wherein the first width is generally constant over the entire outer channel and the second width is generally constant over the entire transition channel, wherein the outer channel is oblique to the transition channel, wherein the outer channel and the transition channel define a travel path for the hinge pin between the mouth and the round socket for installation or removal of the door, the travel path extending along a single vertical orientation between the mouth and the round socket.

12. The dishwashing appliance of claim 11, wherein the first width is generally equal to the second width.

13. (canceled)

14. The dishwashing appliance of claim 11, wherein the outer channel defines an angle of between about ten degrees and about forty degrees with the transition channel.

15. The dishwashing appliance of claim 11, wherein an opening of about ten degrees is defined in an upper portion of the round socket.

16. The dishwashing appliance of claim 11, further comprising a retaining point defined at a boundary of the round socket and the transition channel.

17. The dishwashing appliance of claim 16, wherein the retaining point is defined by a rounded corner at the boundary of the round socket and the transition channel.

18. The dishwashing appliance of claim 16, wherein the second bracket comprises a front end, and the retaining point is defined at a front edge of the boundary of the round socket and the transition channel.

19. The dishwashing appliance of claim 16, wherein the transition channel is bounded by the retaining point and a vertical edge.

20. The dishwashing appliance of claim 11, wherein the round socket defines a circular arc of greater than one hundred eighty degrees.