HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE EQUIPPED WITH A SLIDING CONTAINER FOR ITEMS TO BE TREATED

Abstract

A household appliance for treating items including: a treating chamber with a top, bottom, rear, and lateral walls and an aperture for a closing door; a container slidingly arranged in the treating chamber and including a container section facing one lateral wall; a supporting device arranged between the container section and the one lateral wall, wherein the supporting device includes a first rolling member and a second rolling member and a rail received therebetween. The rail includes a first rolling surface contacting the first rolling member and a second rolling surface contacting the second rolling member. The supporting device includes a stop device arranged at the rail to define an end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members. The stop device includes a stopping portion and an elastic portion that enables the stopping portion to be moved to a stopping position where it protrudes from the first rolling surface and abuts the first rolling member to define the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a household appliance having a treating chamber for items to be treated.

Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a dishwasher or an oven comprising a sliding container which is displaceable into and out of the treating chamber.

BACKGROUND ART

A dishwasher is an apparatus for washing items using a force of washing liquid sprayed onto the items. A dishwasher comprises a washing chamber, or tub, closable by a door in which items to be washed are positioned, usually in racks.

The door is typically a downwardly opening hinged door which may pivot along a lower axis up to a horizontal opened position.

Typically, dishwashers comprise one or more spray arms spraying washing liquid, e.g. a mixture of water and detergent, onto the items to clean them. The washing liquid is collected in a sump at a bottom of the tub. A circulation pump of the dishwasher is fluidly connected to the sump and pumps washing liquid from the sump to the spray arms during a wash cycle.

A dishwasher typically comprises two or more racks, vertically arranged one to the other inside the tub, in which the items to be cleaned can be positioned. The racks are usually displaceable into and out of the tub so as to facilitate loading and unloading of items into and out of the racks.

The lower rack is usually provided with wheels which roll along rails or ledges formed on the tub walls in alignment with the inner surface of the door when the door is in its horizontal opened position. This allows the lower rack to be rolled on the wheels out onto the inner surface of the door for easy loading and unloading.

The upper rack, or the upper racks if more than one are provided, is displaceable into and out of the tub by means of a couple of supporting devices arranged between vertical lateral tub walls and respective vertical lateral sides of the rack.

A support device of known type comprises a rail which is connected to a vertical lateral side of the rack and at least two pairs of horizontally spaced support rollers connected to a vertical lateral tub wall. Each pair of rollers comprises an upper roller and a lower roller that slidingly receive therebetween respective upper and lower sliding surfaces of the rail.

Thus the rail, and the rack connected thereto, can roll between the supporting rollers with respect the tub so that the rack can slide far enough to move completely out of the tub. The support device is also advantageously equipped with a stop system that limits the maximum extraction stroke of the rack and avoids the rack from moving out the support rollers. The stop system preferably comprises a stop member mounted at the innermost end of the rail, wherein the stop member is provided with a stopping surface protruding from the upper and/or the lower sliding surface of the rail.

To allow assembling of the rack during manufacturing or disassembling operations for cleaning or repair operations, the stop member should be easily removable as well as easily replaceable without the use of any special tools, while being of sufficiently low cost of manufacture. Another function of the stop member is to provide a resilient bumper for the rail against the rollers when they reach the end of the stroke so that they do not make a noisy impact with the stop member or produce a sharp impact which might cause fragile items on the rack to be broken.

According to known systems, assembling operations comprises the steps of positioning the innermost end of the rail, without the stop member, near the space between the upper and lower rollers, inserting the innermost end of the rail though the gap between the upper and lower rollers, moving the rail and the rack inside the tub and finally connecting the stop member at the innermost end of the rail.

Disassembling operations, vice-versa, comprises the steps of removing the stop member from the innermost end of the rail and moving the rail and the rack outside the tub.

Known solutions, therefore, require complex assembling and/or disassembling operations.

An oven is an apparatus for heating/cocking food using a heat source. An oven comprises a cooking chamber closable by a door in which food is positioned, usually in trays.

An oven typically comprises two or more trays, vertically arranged one to the other inside the chamber, in which food and/or pots with food can be positioned. The trays are usually displaceable into and out of the chamber.

As for dishwashers, also ovens are provided with supporting devices for trays and the same problems above mentioned for the dishwashers arise.

It is an object of the present invention to optimize assembling and/or disassembling operations in a household appliance.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a household appliance suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a solution that makes maintenance operations of a household appliance more comfortable compared to known systems.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Applicant has found that by providing a supporting device for a sliding container apt to contain items to be treated in a treating chamber of a household appliance, wherein said supporting device comprises at least a pair of rolling members including a first rolling member and a second rolling member and a rail received between the first and second rolling members, wherein the rail comprises a first rolling surface contacting the first rolling member and a second rolling surface contacting the second rolling member and by providing a stop device arranged at the rail to define an end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of said rail with respect to said first and second rolling members along a first direction wherein the stop device comprises a stopping portion and an elastic portion that enables said stopping portion to be moved to a stopping position and to a releasing position, it is possible to reach the mentioned objects.

In an aspect thereof the present invention relates, therefore, to a household appliance for treating items comprising:

• • a treating chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, lateral walls and an aperture for a closing door;
  • a container for said items, said container being slidingly arranged in said chamber, said container comprising a container section facing one treating chamber lateral wall of said treating chamber lateral walls;
  • a supporting device arranged between said container section and said treating chamber lateral wall, said supporting device comprising at least a pair of rolling members including a first rolling member and a second rolling member both connected to said treating chamber lateral wall or to said container section and a rail connected to said container section or to said treating chamber lateral wall, said rail being received between said first and second rolling members and said rail comprising a first rolling surface contacting said first rolling member, a second rolling surface contacting said second rolling member and a central section comprised between said first rolling surface and said second rolling surface, said supporting device allowing a reciprocal movement of said rail with respect to said rolling members along a first direction and a reciprocal movement of said rail with respect to said rolling members along a second direction which is opposite said first direction, wherein said supporting device comprises a stop device arranged at said rail to define an end of stroke of said reciprocal movement of said rail with respect to said first and second rolling members along said first direction;
    wherein said first direction is:
  • the extraction direction of said rail with respect to said first and second rolling members when said first and second rolling members are both connected to said treating chamber lateral wall and said rail is connected to said container section; or
  • the extraction direction of said first and second rolling members with respect to said rail when said rail is connected to said treating chamber lateral wall and said first and second rolling members are both connected to said container section;
  • wherein said stop device comprises a stopping portion and an elastic portion, wherein said elastic portion enables said stopping portion to be moved to a stopping position and to a releasing position, wherein
  • in said stopping position said stopping portion protrudes from said first rolling surface and abuts said first rolling member to define said end of stroke of said reciprocal movement of said rail with respect to said rolling members along said first direction, and wherein
  • in said releasing position said elastic portion collapses under the action of said first rolling member pushing said stopping portion towards said central section of said rail so that said first rolling member moves beyond said stopping portion when said reciprocal movement of said rail with respect to said rolling members is carried out along said second direction.

Advantageously, the stop device arranged at said rail defines the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members along the first direction.

At the same time, the stop device simplifies the assembling process, and related assembling operations, of the supporting device. In particular, assembling operations require the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members along the second direction, or insertion direction, so that the rail is inserted between the first and second rolling members. Advantageously, the stop device of the supporting device according to the invention is firstly mounted to the rail and successively the rail and the rolling members are reciprocally moved along the insertion direction. During the insertion movement, advantageously, the elastic portion collapses under the action of the first rolling member and the stopping portion is moved to the releasing position. The first rolling member thus can move beyond the stopping portion and the supporting device is brought into the assembled configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the stop device is arranged at an end of the rail.

Preferably, the stop device is an end cap for the rail.

Advantageously, the stop device is easily connected to the rail.

According to a preferred embodiment, when the rail is connected to the container section, the stop device is arranged at the end of the rail which is closest to the rear wall of treating chamber.

According to a further preferred embodiment, when the rail is connected to the treating chamber lateral wall, the stop is arranged at the end of the rail which is closest to the aperture of the treating chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, the releasing position of the stopping portion corresponds to a retracted position of the stopping portion, compared to the stopping position, towards the central section of the rail.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stop device comprises a body, wherein the body comprises the elastic portion and the stopping portion and wherein the body is fixed at the rail so that the elastic portion is arranged in the central section of the rail and the stopping portion protrudes with respect to the first rolling surface of the rail.

Advantageously, the elastic portion and the stopping portion are embodied as a single body which is easily fixed to the rail.

Preferably, the rail is configured to engage the stopping portion in the stopping position when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction.

Advantageously, when the rail is moved along the extraction direction, the first rolling member cannot pass over the first stopping portion and the rail is stopped with respect to the first and second rolling members thus defining said end of stroke.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rail is configured to allow the stopping portion moving from the stopping position, wherein the stopping portion protrudes from the first rolling surface, to the releasing position when the reciprocal movement is performed along the second direction.

Advantageously, when the rail is moved along the second direction which corresponds to the direction of the reciprocal movement during the assembling process of the supporting device, the first rolling member may move beyond the stopping portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the first rolling surface of the rail comprises a first aperture through which the stopping portion extends and may move.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first aperture defines a first abutment edge, wherein when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction the stopping portion is pushed against said first abutment edge so that said first abutment edge engages said stopping portion and maintains said stopping portion in said stopping position.

Advantageously, when the rail is moved along the extraction direction, the first abutment edge guarantees that the stopping portion is maintained in the stopping protruding position.

Preferably, the stopping portion comprises a tail surface facing the first rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction so that the first rolling member abuts the tail surface of the stopping portion to define the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement along said first direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the stopping portion comprises a head surface facing the first rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the second direction so that the first rolling member pushes the head surface of the stopping portion towards the central section of the rail.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stop device comprises a second stopping portion and a second elastic portion, wherein the second elastic portion enables the second stopping portion to be moved to a stopping position and to a releasing position, wherein in the stopping position the second stopping portion protrudes from the second rolling surface and abuts the second rolling member to define said end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members along the first direction, and wherein in the releasing position the second elastic portion collapses under the action of the second rolling member pushing the second stopping portion towards the central section of the rail so that the second rolling member moves beyond the second stopping portion when the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to said rolling members is carried out along the second direction.

Advantageously, the stop function is enhanced by the second stopping portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the body that comprises the elastic portion and the stopping portion further comprises the second elastic portion and the second stopping portion, wherein the second elastic portion is arranged in the central section of the rail and the second stopping portion protrudes with respect to the second rolling surface of the rail.

Preferably, the second stopping portion and the second elastic portion are symmetrically arranged with respect to the stopping portion and the elastic portion in the body portion.

Advantageously, the stopping portions and the second elastic portions are embodied as a single body which is easily fixed to the rail.

In a preferred embodiment, the rail is configured to engage the second stopping portion in the stopping position when said reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction.

Advantageously, when the rail is moved along the extraction direction, the second rolling member cannot pass over the second stopping portion and the rail is stopped with respect to the first and second rolling members thus defining said end of stroke.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rail is configured to allow the second stopping portion moving from the stopping position, wherein the second stopping portion protrudes from the second rolling surface, to the releasing position when the reciprocal movement is performed along the second direction.

Advantageously, when the rail is moved along the second direction which corresponds to the direction of the reciprocal movement during the assembling process of the supporting device, the second rolling member may move beyond the second stopping portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second rolling surface of the rail comprises a second aperture through which the second stopping portion extends and may move.

Preferably, the second aperture defines a second abutment edge, wherein when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction the second stopping portion is pushed against the second abutment edge so that the second abutment edge engages the second stopping portion and maintains the second stopping portion in said stopping position.

Advantageously, when the rail is moved along the extraction direction, the second abutment edge guarantees that the second stopping portion is maintained in the stopping protruding position.

In a preferred embodiment, the second stopping portion comprises a tail surface facing the second rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction so that the second rolling member abuts the tail surface of the second stopping portion to define said end of stroke of the reciprocal movement along the first direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second stopping portion comprises a head surface facing the second rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the second direction so that the second rolling member pushes the head surface of the second stopping portion towards the central section of the rail.

Preferably, the first rolling member or the second rolling member comprises: a rolling wheel rotatable around a shaft or a roller pin or a rolling shaft or a fixed pin or a fixed shaft.

In a preferred embodiment, the household appliance is a dishwasher and the container is a rack for items to be washed.

In a further preferred embodiment, the household appliance is an oven and the container is a tray for items to be cocked.

In another aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a supporting device in a household appliance as disclosed above, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• • connecting said pair of rolling members to said treating chamber lateral wall;
  • positioning said rail, provided with said stop device, in front of said pair of rolling members in a position between said first and second rolling members;
  • inserting said rail between said first and second rolling members by moving said rail along said second direction so that said elastic portion collapses under the action of said first rolling member pushing said stopping portion towards said central section of said rail so that said first rolling member moves beyond said stopping portion and further moving said rail along said second direction until said stopping portion is automatically moved to said stopping position by said elastic portion; or
  • connecting said rail, provided with said stop device, to said treating chamber lateral wall;
  • positioning said pair of rolling members in front of said rail so that said rail is in a position between said first and second rolling members;
  • inserting said rail between said first and second rolling members by moving said pair of rolling members along said second direction so that said elastic portion collapses under the action of said first rolling member pushing said stopping portion towards said central section of said rail so that said first rolling member moves beyond said stopping portion and further moving said pair of rolling members along said second direction until said stopping portion is automatically moved to said stopping position by said elastic portion.

Advantageously, the stop device simplifies the assembling process, and related assembling operations, of the supporting device. In particular, assembling operations require the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members along the second direction, or insertion direction, so that the rail is inserted between the first and second rolling members. Advantageously, the stop device of the supporting device according to the invention is firstly mounted to the rail and successively the rail and the rolling members are reciprocally moved along the insertion direction. During the insertion movement, advantageously, the elastic portion collapses under the action of the first rolling member and the stopping portion is moved to the releasing position. The first rolling member thus can move beyond the stopping portion, the stopping portion is automatically moved to the stopping position and the supporting device is finally brought into the assembled configuration.

In a further aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for disassembling a supporting device in a household appliance as disclosed above, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• • a) when said first and second rolling members are both connected to said treating chamber lateral wall and said rail is connected to said container section:
  • moving said rail along said first direction;
  • manually acting on said stop device to move said stopping portion in said releasing position;
  • extracting said rail from said pair of rolling members by further moving said rail along said first direction while said stopping portion is maintained in said releasing position by the action of said first rolling member pushing said stopping portion towards said central section of said rail; or
  • b) when said rail is connected to said treating chamber lateral wall and said first and second rolling members are both connected to said container section:
  • moving said pair of rolling members along said first direction;
  • manually acting on said stop device to move said stopping portion in said releasing position;
  • extracting said pair of rolling members from said rail by further moving said pair of rolling members along said first direction while said stopping portion is maintained in said releasing position by the action of said first rolling member pushing said stopping portion towards said central section of said rail.

Advantageously, disassembling operations are simplified.

In another aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a household appliance for treating items comprising:

• • a treating chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, lateral walls and an aperture for a closing door;
  • a container for said items, said container being slidingly arranged in said chamber, said container comprising a container section facing one treating chamber lateral wall of said treating chamber lateral walls;
  • a supporting device arranged between said container section and said treating chamber lateral wall, said supporting device comprising at least a pair of rolling members including a first rolling member and a second rolling member both connected to said treating chamber lateral wall or to said container section and a rail connected to said container section or to said treating chamber lateral wall, said rail being received between said first and second rolling members and said rail comprising a first rolling surface contacting said first rolling member, a second rolling surface contacting said second rolling member and a central section comprised between said first rolling surface and said second rolling surface, wherein said supporting device comprises a stop device arranged at said rail to define an end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of said rail with respect to said first and second rolling members;
  • wherein said stop device comprises a body arranged at an end of said rail, said body comprising a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion that are arranged in said central section of said rail and extending in opposite directions, said first elastic portion bearing a first stopping portion and said second elastic portion bearing a second stopping portion, wherein said first and second elastic portions urge said first and second stopping portions so that they protrude from said first and second rolling surfaces and allow said first and second stopping portions to move towards said central section of said rail under the action of said first and second rolling members.

Advantageously, the stop device arranged at said rail defines the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members along the first direction. At the same time, the stop device simplifies the assembling process, and related assembling operations, of the supporting device. In particular, assembling operations require the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members along the second direction, or insertion direction, so that the rail is inserted between the first and second rolling members.

Advantageously, the stop device of the supporting device according to the invention is firstly mounted to the rail and successively the rail and the rolling members are reciprocally moved along the insertion direction. During the insertion movement, advantageously, the first and second elastic portions collapse under the action of the first and second rolling members and the first and second stopping portion are moved towards the central section of the rail. The first and second rolling members thus can move beyond the first and second stopping portions and the supporting device is brought into the assembled configuration.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first rolling surface comprises a first aperture through which the first stopping portion extends and may move and the second rolling surface comprises a second aperture through which the second stopping portion extends and may move.

In a preferred embodiment, the first aperture defines a first abutment edge engaging the first stopping portion and apt to maintain the first stopping portion protruding from the first rolling surface and the second aperture defines a second abutment edge engaging the second stopping portion and apt to maintain the second stopping portion protruding from the second rolling surface.

Advantageously, the first abutment edge and the second abutment edge guarantee that the first stopping portion and the second stopping portion are maintained in the stopping protruding position.

Preferably, the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members is carried out along a first direction and along a second direction which is opposite the first direction, wherein the stop device defines said end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members along the first direction, wherein the first direction is:

• • the extraction direction of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members when the first and second rolling members are both connected to the treating chamber lateral wall and the rail is connected to the container section; or
  • the extraction direction of the first and second rolling members with respect to the rail when the rail is connected to the treating chamber lateral wall and the first and second rolling members are both connected to the container section.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first stopping portion comprises a tail surface facing the first rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction so that the first rolling member abuts the tail surface of the first stopping portion to define said end of stroke of the reciprocal movement along the first direction and the second stopping portion comprises a tail surface facing the second rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction so that the second rolling member abuts the tail surface of the second stopping portion to define said end of stroke of the reciprocal movement along the first direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the first stopping portion comprises a head surface facing the first rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the second direction so that the first rolling member pushes the head surface of the first stopping portion towards the central section of the rail and the second stopping portion comprises a head surface facing the second rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the second direction so that the second rolling member pushes the head surface of the second stopping portion towards the central section of the rail.

According to a preferred embodiment, when the rail is connected to the container section, the stop device is arranged at the end of the rail which is closest to the rear wall of the treating chamber.

According to a further preferred embodiment, when the rail is connected to the treating chamber lateral wall, the stop device is arranged at the end of the rail which is closest to the aperture of the treating chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be highlighted in greater detail in the following detailed description of some of its preferred embodiments, provided with reference to the enclosed drawings. In the drawings, corresponding characteristics and/or components are identified by the same reference numbers. In particular:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a dishwasher according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with a rack positioned in a fully extracted position and the top panel removed therefrom;

FIG. 2 shows a supporting device of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 isolated from the rest according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows the supporting device of FIG. 2 in a first position during assembling operations;

FIG. 5 shows a frontal plan view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows the supporting device of FIG. 2 in a second position during assembling operations;

FIG. 7 shows a frontal plan view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7A shows an enlarged detail of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 shows the supporting device of FIG. 2 in a third position during assembling operations;

FIG. 9 shows a frontal plan view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows the supporting device of FIG. 2 in a fourth position during assembling operations;

FIG. 11 shows a frontal plan view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows the supporting device of FIG. 2 in a final position during assembling operations;

FIG. 13 shows a frontal plan view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13A shows an enlarged detail of FIG. 13;

FIG. 13B shows an element of FIG. 13A isolated from the rest;

FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a dishwasher according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention with a rack positioned in a fully extracted position;

FIG. 15 shows a supporting device and a rack of the dishwasher of FIG. 14 isolated from the rest according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 shows a partial exploded view of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows an isometric view of a supporting device according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows a frontal plan view of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 shows an isometric view of an oven according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with a tray positioned in a fully extracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dishwasher 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The dishwasher 1 comprises an outer cabinet 2 and a washing chamber 3 configured to accommodate items to be washed, such as dishware, cutlery, and the like.

A number of walls form the washing chamber 3, hereinafter also indicated as tub 3. The tub 3 preferably comprises a top wall 6, a bottom wall 8, a rear wall 9, lateral walls 10, 12 and an aperture 14. The aperture 14 allows access to the tub 3 and a closing door 16 is associated to the aperture 14.

The dishwasher 1 comprises one or more racks 20 apt to accommodate said items, such as dishware, cutlery, and the like.

In FIG. 1, only the uppermost rack 20 is shown for the reason of brevity and clarity. The uppermost rack 20 is typically arranged to accommodate cutlery and is also known as a top cutlery tray 20.

The dishwasher 1 is also preferably equipped with further racks, not shown, for example a lower rack and an intermediate rack arranged one above the other wherein each rack is configured to accommodate specific items to be washed, for example the lower rack configured to receive dishes or pots and the intermediate rack configured to receive mugs and/or glasses.

Hereinafter we will refer to the uppermost rack 20, also simply indicated as rack 20, but it has to be understood that the solution shown and described throughout the description may apply to any other rack of a dishwasher.

The dishwasher 1, as known in the art, further comprises a sump 28 at a bottom of the tub 3, one or more spray devices, such as one or more spray arms, and a circulation pump. The circulation pump is configured to pump liquid from the sump 28 to the spray devices during a wash cycle of the dishwasher 1. The liquid is sprayed from the spray devices onto the items to clean the items. Due to gravity, the liquid is collected in the sump 28 where it is pumped again by the circulation pump to the spray devices. For the reason of brevity and clarity, the spray devices and the circulation pump are not illustrated in FIG. 1.

In a first aspect of the invention, the rack 20 is slidingly arranged in the tub 3 so that it can be displaced into and out of the tub 3 so as to facilitate loading and unloading of items into and out of the rack 20. FIG. 1 shows the rack 20 displaced out of the tub 3 in a fully extracted position that facilitates loading and unloading of cutlery into and out of the rack 20.

The rack 20 is slidingly arranged in the tub 3 by means of supporting devices 30, preferably by means of two supporting devices 30 placed at opposite sides of the rack 20, i.e. a left supporting device 30 and a right supporting device 30 looking at FIG. 1.

According to the preferred embodiment here illustrated and described, the two supporting devices 30 are substantially identical. Hereinafter we will refer to one of the two supporting devices 30, in particular the left supporting device, which is an object of the present invention, being clear that the description may be extended to the opposite right supporting device 30.

The rack 20 comprises a rack section 22 facing the left lateral wall 10 of the tub 3. According to an aspect of the invention, the supporting device 30 is arranged between the rack section 22 and the lateral wall 10.

The supporting device 30, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 isolated from the rest, preferably comprises two pairs 32, 32′ of rolling members 34, 36, 34′, 36′.

Each pair 32, 32′ of rolling members includes a first rolling member 34, 34′ and a second rolling member 36, 36′ both connected to the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3. The rolling members 34, 36, 34′, 36′ are preferably connected to the lateral wall 10 by means of a supporting plate 38 fixedly associated to the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3.

In further preferred embodiments, not shown, different connecting means may be provided for the connection of the rolling members to the lateral wall of the tub. In the preferred embodiment here illustrated and described each rolling member 34, 36, 34′, 36′ is preferably embodied as a rolling wheel rotatable around a respective shaft 40, 42, 40′, 42′.

The supporting device 30 then preferably comprises a rail 44 received between the pairs of wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′, preferably received between the first wheel 34, 34′ and the second wheel 36, 36′.

The rail 44 comprises a first rolling surface 46 contacting the first wheels 34, 34′ and a second rolling surface 48 contacting the second wheel 36, 36′. A central section 47 of the rail 44 is comprised between the first rolling surface 46 and the second rolling surface 48. The central section 47 is preferably embodied as a hollow section.

Preferably, the first and second rolling surfaces 46, 48 of the rail 44 and the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ are shaped to match each other, more preferably both have a curved shape. In further preferred embodiments, the first and second rolling surfaces of the rail and the wheels may have different shapes, not necessarily matching each other.

The rail 44 is connected to the rack section 22. In the first preferred embodiment illustrated and described herein the rail 44 is connected to the rack section 22 so that the rack 20 may slide for a predetermined stroke with respect to the rail 44. At this purpose the rail 44 is preferably connected to the rack section 22 by means of a couple of wheels 80, 80′ received in the hollow central section 47 of the rail 44. The wheels 80, 80′ are rotatable around respective shafts 82, 82′ fixedly connected to the rack section 22.

In further preferred embodiments, not shown, the rail may be fixedly connected to the rack section, for example through a screw, so that rail and the rack always move together.

The supporting device 30 allows the reciprocal movement of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ along a first direction d1 and a reciprocal movement of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ along a second direction d2 which is opposite the first direction d1.

In the first preferred embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 13, the first direction d1 is the extraction direction of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′.

The second direction d2 is preferably the insertion direction of the rail 44 into the tub 3.

The rail 44 is therefore advantageously placeable in its fully inserted position inside the tub 3 and placeable in its maximum/fully extraction position with respect the tub 3, as shown in FIG. 1.

The rail 44 is therefore movable for a predetermined stroke with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′.

According to an aspect of the invention, the supporting device 30 preferably comprises a stop device 50 arranged at the rail 44. Preferably, the stop device 50 is arranged at an end 44a of the rail 44, more preferably arranged at the innermost end 44a of the rail 44 in the assembled configuration, i.e. the end 44a of the rail 44 closest to the rear wall 9 of the tub 3.

Preferably, the outermost end 44b of the rail 44 in the assembled configuration, i.e. the end 44b of the rail 44 closest to the aperture 14 of the tub 3, is provided with a closure member 51, more preferably a plastic closure member 51.

The stop device 50 has the aim of defining an end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ along the first direction d1, i.e. the extraction direction d1. As a consequence, the stop device 50 also defines an end of stroke of the movement of the rack 20 with respect to the tub 3 along the first direction d1, being the rack 20 connected to the rail 44. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the stop device 50 defines the end of stroke of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ when the rack 20 is extracted from the tub 3.

The stop device 50 according to the invention comprises a first stopping portion 52 and a first elastic portion 54. The first elastic portion 54 preferably bears the first stopping portion 52. The first elastic portion 54 enables the first stopping portion 52 to be moved to a stopping position wherein the first stopping portion 52 protrudes from the first rolling surface 46 and abuts the first wheel 34, 34′ to define the end of stroke of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ along the first direction d1, as illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13 and 13A. Such operating position is also the position shown in FIG. 1. The first elastic portion 54 preferably urges the first stopping portion 52 so that it protrudes from the first rolling surface 46.

Furthermore, preferably, the rail 44 is configured to maintain the first stopping portion 52 in the stopping position when the rail 44 is moved along the first direction d1, as explained later.

The first elastic portion 54 also enables the first stopping portion 52 to be moved to a releasing position when the reciprocal movement of the rail 44 is carried out along the second direction d2, in particular during assembling operations of the supporting device 30 as described later. The rail 44 is preferably configured to allows the first stopping portion 52 moving from the stopping position wherein the stopping portion 52 protrudes from the first rolling surface 46 to the releasing position when the reciprocal movement is performed along the second direction d2.

In the releasing position, the first elastic portion 54 collapses under the action of the first wheel 34, 34′ pushing the first stopping portion 54 towards the central section 47 of the rail 44 so that the first wheel 34, 34′ moves beyond the first stopping portion 52, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and 7A or 10 and 11.

Therefore, the releasing position of the first topping portion 54 corresponds to a retracted position of the first stopping portion 52, compared to the stopping position, towards the central section 47 of the rail 44.

According to an aspect of the invention, in fact, the stop device 50 is configured so that the first stopping portion 52 is displaceable in the releasing position by the action of the first wheel 34, 34′ when the rail 44 is moved with respect to the first wheel 34, 34′ along the second direction d2 (FIG. 7 and 7A or 10 and 11).

The first stopping portion 52 is automatically moved back to protrude from the first rolling surface 46 under the elastic force of the first elastic portion 54 as the rail 44 is moved away and the first wheel 34, 34′ does not act on the first stopping portion 52 anymore.

The first stopping portion 52 comprises a first head surface 52a and a first tail surface 52b (FIGS. 13A and 13B).

The first head surface 52a of the first stopping portion 52 is preferably the surface that faces the first wheel 34, 34′ when the rail 44 is moved along the second direction d2 during the assembling operations, as better described later and shown in FIGS. 5 and 9.

The first stopping portion 52 is moved to its retracted position by the pushing action of the first wheel 34, 34′ against the head surface 52a of the first stopping portion 52 and against the elastic force exerted by the first elastic portion 54.

The first tail surface 52b of the first stopping portion 52 is preferably the surface that faces the first wheel 34, 34′ when the rail 44 is moved along the first direction d1 and the rail 44 is in the assembled configuration, as better described later and shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A.

Since the first stopping portion 52 is maintained in its stopping position when the rail 44 is moved along the first direction d1, the first tail surface 52b of the first stopping portion 52 abuts the first wheel 34, 34′. The first wheel 34, 34′ cannot pass over the first stopping portion 52 and the rail 44 is stopped with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ thus defining said end of stroke.

Preferably the first stopping portion 52 and the first elastic portion 54 are embodied as a single body stop device 50, more preferably embodied as a single plastic body stop device 50.

The stop device 50 is preferably configured to be mounted on the innermost end 44a of the rail 44, working as an end cap 50 for the rail 44.

The stop device 50 is preferably configured to be removably associated to the rail 44 and preferably comprises a mounting portion 51. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the Figures the mounting portion 51 allows the connection of the stop device 50 through mechanical interference to the rail 44.

At this purpose the mounting portion 51 of the stop device 50 preferably comprises interference surfaces 60, as shown in FIG. 13A, apt to match respective interference surfaces at the end 44a of the rail 44.

The first elastic portion 54 of the stop device 50 is preferably arranged in the central section 47 of the rail 44.

The first rolling surface 46 of the rail 44 is provided with a first aperture 70 through which the first stopping portion 52 extends and may move. The first aperture 70 preferably defines a first abutment edge 71 the function of which is to engage the first stopping portion 52 and to maintain the first stopping portion 52 in the stopping position when the rail 44 is moved along the first direction d1, as explained later.

The stop device 50 according to the invention is preferably configured to comprises the the first stopping portion 52 and the first elastic portion 54, as described above. A preferred embodiment of the stop device comprising only a first stopping portion and a first elastic portion is shown, and described later, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

In the first preferred embodiment here described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, nevertheless, the stop device 50 according to the invention is preferably configured to comprises a second stopping portion 56 and a second elastic portion 58, the function of which are the same of the respective first stopping portion 52 and first elastic portion 54.

The stop device 50 thus further preferably comprises a second stopping portion 56 and a second elastic portion 58. The second elastic portion 58 preferably bears the second stopping portion 56. The second elastic portion 58 enables the second stopping portion 54 to be moved to a stopping position wherein the second stopping portion 54 protrudes from the second rolling surface 48 and abuts the second wheel 36, 36′ to define the end of stroke of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ along the first direction d1. The second elastic portion 58 preferably urges the second stopping portion 56 so that it protrudes from the second rolling surface 48.

The second elastic portion 58 also enables the second stopping portion 56 to be moved to a releasing position when the reciprocal movement of the rail 44 is carried out along the second direction d2, in particular during assembling operations of the supporting device 30 as described later. In the releasing position, the second elastic portion 58 collapses under the action of the second wheel 36, 36′ pushing the second stopping portion 56 towards the central section 47 of the rail 44 so that the second wheel 36, 36′ moves beyond the second stopping portion 56, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and 7A or 10 and 11.

The releasing position of the second stopping portion 56 corresponds to a retracted position of the second stopping portion 56, compared to the stopping position, towards the central section 47 of the rail 44.

The stop device 50 is thus preferably configured so that the second stopping portion 56 is displaceable in the releasing position by the action of the second wheel 36, 36′ when the rail 44 is moved with respect to the second wheel 36, 36′ along the second direction d2 (FIG. 7 and 7A or 10 and 11).

The second stopping portion 56 is automatically moved back to protrude from the second rolling surface 48 under the elastic force of the second elastic portion 58 as the rail 44 is moved away and the second wheel 36, 36′ does not act on the second stopping portion 56 anymore.

The second stopping portion 56 comprises a second head surface 56a and a second tail surface 52b (FIGS. 13A and 13B).

The second head surface 56a of the second stopping portion 56 is preferably the surface that faces the second wheel 36, 36′ when the rail 44 is moved along the second direction d2 during the assembling operations, as better described later and shown in FIGS. 5 and 9.

The second stopping portion 56 is moved to its retracted position by the pushing action of the second wheel 36, 36′ against the head edge 56a of the second stopping portion 56 and against the elastic force exerted by the second elastic portion 58.

The second tail surface 56b of the second stopping portion 56 is preferably the surface that faces the second wheel 36, 36′ when the rail 44 is moved along the first direction d1 and the rail 44 is in the assembled configuration, as better described later and shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A.

Since the second stopping portion 56 is maintained in its stopping position when the rail 44 is moved along the first direction d1, the second tail surface 56b of the second stopping portion 56 abuts the second wheel 36, 36′. The second wheel 36, 36′ cannot pass over the second stopping portion 56 and the rail 44 is stopped with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ thus defining said end of stroke.

Preferably the second stopping portion 56 and the second elastic portion 58 are embodied as a single body stop device 50 together with the first stopping portion 52 and the first elastic portion 54, more preferably embodied as a single plastic body stop device 50. The second elastic portion 58 is preferably arranged in the central section 47 of the rail 44.

The second stopping portion 56 and the second elastic portion 58 are preferably arranged opposite and symmetrically with respect to the first stopping portion 52 and the first elastic portion 54. Therefore, the first elastic portion 54 and the second elastic portion 58 preferably extends in opposite directions.

The second rolling surface 48 of the rail 44 is provided with a second aperture 72 through which the second stopping portion 56 extends and may move. The second aperture 72 preferably defines a second abutment edge 73 the function of which is to engage the second stopping portion 56 and to maintain the second stopping portion 56 in the stopping position when the rail 44 is moved along the first direction d1, as explained later.

The second aperture 72 of the second rolling surface 48 is preferably arranged opposite and symmetrically with respect to the first aperture 70 of the first rolling surface 46.

Functioning of the supporting device 30 and of the stop device 50 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is described hereinafter, in particular with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13.

The first functioning mode of the supporting device 30 and of the stop device 50 has been already disclosed above and corresponds to the function of defining the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ along the first direction d1, i.e. the extraction direction d1. In such a configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13 and 13A, the first wheel 34 abuts against the tail edge 52b of the first stopping portion 52 and the first stopping portion 52 is pushed against the first abutment edge 71 of the first aperture 70. The first abutment edge 71 maintains the first stopping portion 52 in its protruded position and prevents it from moving through the aperture 70. The stop function is therefore guaranteed.

Analogously, the second wheel 36 abuts against the tail edge 56b of the second stopping portion 56 and the second stopping portion 56 is pushed against the second abutment edge 73 of the second aperture 72. The second abutment edge 73 maintains the second stopping portion 56 in its protruded position and prevents it from moving through the aperture 72. The stop function is thus enhanced by the second stopping portion 56.

The second functioning mode of the supporting device 30 refers to the assembling operations of the supporting device 30 to the tub 3.

The assembling operations of the supporting device 30 to the tub 3 require for the insertion of the rail 44 between the pairs 32, 32′ of wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′. In a preferred embodiment, the rail 44 is inserted between the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ and successively the rack 20 is connected to the rail 44, for example by means of said wheels 80, 80′. In a further preferred embodiment, the rack 20 is firstly connected to the rail 44 and successively the rail 44, together with the rack 20, is inserted between the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the first step of the assembling operation wherein the rail 44, with the stop device 50 already mounted thereto, is aligned to the second pair 32′ of wheels 34′, 36′.

The rail 44 is moved towards the pair of wheels 34′, 36′, along the second direction d2, and the wheels 34′, 36′ pushes the first and second head surfaces 52a, 56a of the first and second stopping portions 52, 56 moving the latest towards the central section 47 of the rail 44 in the retracted position (FIGS. 6, 7 and 7A).

The rail 44 is then moved forward (FIGS. 8 and 9) and the wheels 34′, 36′ move beyond the first and second stopping portions 52, 56. The first and second stopping portions 52, 56 automatically move back to protrude from the first and second rolling surfaces 46, 48 under the elastic force exerted by the first and second elastic portions 54, 58.

The rail 44 is moved towards the first pair 32 of wheels 34, 36 and the wheels 34, 36 pushes the first and second head surfaces 52a, 56a of the first and second stopping portions 52, 56 moving the latest towards the central section 47 of the rail 44 in the retracted position (FIGS. 10 and 11).

The rail 44 is then moved forward (FIGS. 12, 13 and 13A) and the wheels 34, 36 move beyond the first and second stopping portions 52, 56. The first and second stopping portions 52, 56 automatically move back to protrude from the first and second rolling surfaces 46, 58 under the elastic force exerted by the first and second elastic portions 54, 58. Assembling operations are thus terminated.

The supporting device 30 according to the invention, therefore, advantageously allows simply assembling operations.

Also, disassembling operations of the supporting device 30 from the tub 3 are simpler than known systems. From the assembled configuration, for example the position shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, a user may manually act on the stop device 50 to move the first stopping portion 52 and the second stopping portion 56 in the respective releasing positions. The rail 44 is then moved along the first direction d1 and extracted from the first pair 32 of wheels 34, 36 while the stopping portions 52, 56 are maintained in the releasing positions by the action of the wheels 34, 36 pushing the stopping portions 52, 56 towards the central section 47 of the rail 44.

After the rail 44 has been extracted from the first pair 32 of wheels 34, 36 the same operations are carried out for extracting the rail 44 from the second pair 32′ of wheels 34′, 36′ wherein a user may manually act on the stop device 50 to move the first stopping portion 52 and the second stopping portion 56 in the respective releasing positions. Disassembling operations are thus terminated.

FIGS. 14 to 16 show a further preferred embodiment of the invention which differs from the preferred embodiment previously described in that the supporting device 130 has two pairs 32, 32′ of wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ connected to the rack section 22 and the rail 44 is connected to the lateral wall 10 of the tub 3 of the dishwasher 101.

Eventually, according to this embodiment, arrangement of the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ and of the rack 44 with respect to the rack 20 and the tub 3 is therefore inverted compared to the first embodiment described above.

In the drawings, corresponding characteristics and/or components of the first embodiment previously described are identified by the same reference numbers.

The stop device 50 is arranged at the outermost end 44b of the rail 44 in the assembled configuration, i.e. the end 44b of the rail 44 closest to the aperture 14 of the tub 3.

The stop device 50 still has the aim of defining an end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ along the first direction d1, in particular has the aim of defining an end of stroke of the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ with respect the rail 44. As a consequence, the stop device 50 has also the aim of defining an end of stroke of the movement of the rack 20 with respect to the tub 3 along the first direction d1, being the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ connected to the rack 20, as shown in FIG. 14.

Furthermore, the stop device 50 still allows simple assembling operations of the supporting device 130 to the tub 3 or disassembling operations of the supporting device 130 from the tub 3. Assembling/disassembling operations are carried out analogously to what previously described for the first embodiment.

FIGS. 17 to 19 show a further preferred embodiment of the invention which differs from the preferred embodiments previously described in that the supporting device 230 comprises a stop device 250 having a single stopping portion 52 and a respective single elastic portion 54 instead of two stopping portions and respective elastic portions as previously disclosed.

In the drawings, corresponding characteristics and/or components of the first embodiment previously described are identified by the same reference numbers.

The stop device 250 with the single stopping and elastic portion 52, 54 is able to perform the same functions above described, i.e. defines the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail 44 with respect to the wheels 34, 36, 34′, 36′ along the first direction d1 and allows simple assembling/disassembling operations of the supporting device 230 to/from the tub 3.

The single stopping portion 52 cooperates with the first wheel 34, 34′ in the same way as descried above with reference to the first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 13.

Applicant has found that the present embodiment of the stop device 250 comprising a single stopping and elastic portion 52, 54 properly works and achieves the invention objects.

The first preferred embodiment of the stop device 50 comprising two stopping portions 52, 56 and two elastic portions 54, 58 provides for a more reliable solution being the function of the single stopping and elastic portion 52, 56 advantageously carried out by both the first stopping and elastic portion 52, 56 and the second stopping and elastic portion 54, 58.

FIG. 20 shows a further preferred embodiment of the invention wherein an oven 301 having a treating chamber 303 for food receives a sliding tray 320 therein.

The tray 320 is slidingly arranged in the treating chamber 303 by means of supporting devices 330, preferably by means of two supporting devices 330 placed at opposite sides of the tray 320.

The supporting device 330 used in the oven 301 is a supporting device according any embodiment of the invention, preferred embodiments of which have been previously disclosed.

It is clear that materials used to realize the components of the supporting device will be adapted to withstand high temperatures, for example materials such as steel or iron.

In the embodiments illustrated and described above, the rolling members preferably comprise two rolling wheels rotatable around respective shafts, wherein the rail is received between the two rolling wheels.

In different embodiments, not shown, the rolling members may comprise two rolling pins or rolling shafts or even two fixed pins (not rotatable pins) or fixed shafts (not rotatable shafts). In the latest, the fixed pins or shafts are preferably realized, or covered, with a material having a low coefficient of friction.

It has thus been shown that the present invention allows all the set objects to be achieved. In particular, the invention makes possible to provide a household appliance with a treating chamber for items to be treated and having a container slidingly arranged in the treating chamber through supporting devices that optimize assembling and/or disassembling operations compared to known systems.

While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments shown in the figures, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein; on the contrary, further variants of the embodiments described herein fall within the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1.-33. (canceled)

34. A household appliance for treating items comprising:

a treating chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, lateral walls, and an aperture for a closing door;

a container slidingly arranged in the treating chamber and comprising a container section facing one of the lateral walls; and

a supporting device arranged between the container section and the lateral wall and comprising at least a pair of rolling members including a first rolling member and a second rolling member both connected to the one lateral wall or to the container section and a rail connected to the container section or to the lateral wall, wherein the rail is configured to be received between the first and second rolling members and comprises a first rolling surface contacting the first rolling member, a second rolling surface contacting the second rolling member, and a central section comprised between the first rolling surface and the second rolling surface, wherein the supporting device allows reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members along a first direction (d1) and a reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members along a second direction (d2) that is opposite the first direction (d1), wherein the supporting device comprises a stop device arranged at the rail to define an end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail along the first direction (d1), wherein the first direction (d1) is: the extraction direction of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members when the first and second rolling members are both connected to the lateral wall and the rail is connected to the container section (22); or the extraction direction of the first and second rolling members with respect to the rail when the rail is connected to the lateral wall and the first and second rolling members are both connected to the container section;

wherein the stop device comprises a stopping portion and an elastic portion, wherein the elastic portion enables the stopping portion to be moved to a stopping position and to a releasing position, wherein, in the stopping position, the stopping portion protrudes from the first rolling surface and abuts the first rolling member to define the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members along the first direction (d1), and wherein, in the releasing position, the elastic portion collapses under the action of the first rolling member pushing the stopping portion towards the central section of the rail so that the first rolling member moves beyond the stopping portion when the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members is carried out along the second direction (d2).

35. The household appliance of claim 34, wherein the stop device is arranged at an end of the rail.

36. The household appliance according to claim 35, wherein, when the rail is connected to the container section the stop device, the stop device is arranged at the end of the rail that is closest to the rear wall of the treating chamber.

37. The household appliance of claim 35, wherein, when the rail is connected to the lateral wall, the stop device is arranged at the end of the rail that is closest to the aperture of the treating chamber.

38. The household appliance of claim 34, wherein the releasing position corresponds to a retracted position of the stopping portion, compared to the stopping position, towards the central section of the rail.

39. The household appliance of claim 34, wherein the stop device comprises a body, the body comprising the elastic portion and the stopping portion, wherein the body is fixed at the rail so that the elastic portion is arranged in the central section of the rail and the stopping portion protrudes with respect to the first rolling surface of the rail.

40. The household appliance of claim 34, wherein the rail is configured to engage the stopping portion in the stopping position when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction (d1).

41. The household appliance of claim 34, wherein the rail is configured to allow the stopping portion to be moved from the stopping position, wherein the stopping portion protrudes from the first rolling surface, to the releasing position when the reciprocal movement is performed along the second direction (d2).

42. A household appliance of claim 34, wherein the first rolling surface comprises a first aperture through which the stopping portion extends and may move.

43. The household appliance of claim 42, wherein the first aperture defines a first abutment edge, wherein, when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction (d1), the stopping portion is pushed against the first abutment edge so that the first abutment edge engages the stopping portion and maintains the stopping portion in the stopping position.

44. The household appliance of claim 34, wherein the stopping portion comprises a tail surface facing the first rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction (d1) so that the first rolling member abuts the tail surface of the stopping portion to define the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement along the first direction (d1).

45. The household appliance of claim 34, wherein the stopping portion comprises a head surface facing the first rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the second direction (d2) so that the first rolling member pushes the head surface of the stopping portion towards the central section of the rail.

46. The household appliance of claim 34, wherein the stop device comprises a second stopping portion and a second elastic portion, wherein the second elastic portion enables the second stopping portion to be moved to a stopping position and to a releasing position, wherein, in the stopping position, the second stopping portion protrudes from the second rolling surface and abuts the second rolling member to define the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members along the first direction (d1), and wherein, in the releasing position, the second elastic portion collapses under the action of the second rolling member pushing the second stopping portion towards the central section of the rail so that the second rolling member moves beyond the second stopping portion when the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members is carried out along the second direction (d2).

47. A method for assembling the supporting device in the household appliance of claim 34, comprising the steps of:

connecting the pair of rolling members to the lateral wall;

positioning the rail, provided with the stop device, in front of the pair of rolling members in a position between the first and second rolling members;

inserting the rail between the first and second rolling members by moving the rail along the second direction (d2) so that the elastic portion collapses under the action of the first rolling member pushing the stopping portion towards the central section of the rail so that the first rolling member moves beyond the stopping portion and further moving the rail along the second direction (d2) until the stopping portion is automatically moved to the stopping position by the elastic portion; or

connecting the rail, provided with the stop device, to the lateral wall;

positioning the pair of rolling members in front of the rail so that the rail is in a position between the first and second rolling members;

inserting the rail between the first and second rolling members by moving the pair of rolling members along the second direction (d2) so that the elastic portion collapses under the action of the first rolling member pushing the stopping portion towards the central section of the rail so that the first rolling member moves beyond the stopping portion and further moving the pair of rolling members along the second direction (d2) until the stopping portion is automatically moved to the stopping position by the elastic portion.

48. The method for disassembling the supporting device in the household appliance of claim 34, comprising the steps of:

a) when the first and second rolling members are both connected to the lateral wall and the rail is connected to the container section, moving the rail along the first direction (d1); manually acting on the stop device to move the stopping portion in the releasing position; extracting the rail from the pair of rolling members by further moving the rail along the first direction (d1) while the stopping portion is maintained in the releasing position by the action of the first rolling member pushing the stopping portion towards the central section of the rail; or

b) when the rail is connected to the treating chamber lateral wall and the first and second rolling members are both connected to the container section: moving the pair of rolling members along the first direction (d1); manually acting on the stop device to move the stopping portion in the releasing position; extracting the pair of rolling members from the rail by further moving the pair of rolling members along the first direction (d1) while the stopping portion is maintained in the releasing position by the action of the first rolling member pushing the stopping portion towards the central section of the rail.

49. A household appliance for treating items comprising:

a treating chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, lateral walls, and an aperture for a closing door;

a container slidingly arranged in the chamber and comprising a container section facing one lateral wall; and

a supporting device arranged between the container section and the lateral wall and comprising at least a pair of rolling members including a first rolling member and a second rolling member both connected to the lateral wall or to the container section and a rail connected to the container section or to the lateral wall, wherein the rail is received between the first and second rolling members and comprises a first rolling surface contacting the first rolling member, a second rolling surface contacting the second rolling member, and a central section comprised between the first rolling surface and the second rolling surface, wherein the supporting device comprises a stop device arranged at the rail to define an end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members,

wherein the stop device comprises a body arranged at an end of the rail, the body comprising a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion that are arranged in the central section of the rail and extending in opposite directions, the first elastic portion bearing a first stopping portion and the second elastic portion bearing a second stopping portion, wherein the first and second stopping portions protrude from the first and second rolling surfaces and allow the first and second stopping portions to move towards the central section of the rail under the action of the first and second rolling members.

50. The household appliance of claim 49, wherein the first rolling surface comprises a first aperture through which the first stopping portion extends and may move and the second rolling surface comprises a second aperture through which the second stopping portion extends and may move.

51. The household appliance of claim 50, wherein the first aperture defines a first abutment edge engaging the first stopping portion and configured to maintain the first stopping portion protruding from the first rolling surface and the second aperture defines a second abutment edge engaging the second stopping portion and configured to maintain the second stopping portion protruding from the second rolling surface.

52. The household appliance of claim 49, wherein the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the rolling members is carried out along a first direction (d1) and along a second direction (d2) that is opposite the first direction (d1), wherein the stop device defines the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members along the first direction (d1), wherein the first direction (d1) is:

the extraction direction of the rail with respect to the first and second rolling members when the first and second rolling members are both connected to the lateral wall and the rail is connected to the container section; or

the extraction direction of the first and second rolling members with respect to the rail when the rail is connected to the lateral wall and the first and second rolling members are both connected to the container section.

53. The household appliance of claim 52, wherein the first stopping portion comprises a tail surface facing the first rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction (d1) so that the first rolling member abuts the tail surface of the first stopping portion to define the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement along the first direction (d1) and the second stopping portion comprises a tail surface facing the second rolling member when the reciprocal movement is performed along the first direction (d1) so that the second rolling member abuts the tail surface of the second stopping portion to define the end of stroke of the reciprocal movement along the first direction (d1).