Fill funnel for a dishwashing appliance

Abstract

A dishwashing appliance includes a tub, the tub includes a sidewall, the sidewall defines a fill hole. The dishwashing appliance further includes a fill funnel coupled with the sidewall of the tub positioned at the fill hole. The fill funnel defines an inlet. The fill funnel includes a hose connection feature disposed within the fill funnel adjacent to the inlet. The hose connection feature defines a primary flow path, the primary flow path is directed toward the fill hole. The hose connection feature further, at least partially, defines a secondary flow path directed toward the fill hole.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to fill funnels in dishwashing appliances and, more specifically, to systems for interfacing the fill funnel with a tub.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 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 fluid (e.g., water, detergent, etc.) towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. 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 fluid from the wash chamber (e.g., to the spray assemblies or an area outside of the dishwashing appliance).

[0003] Generally, a fill funnel is mounted in the dishwashing appliance in order to supply water for the wash cycles. Unsecure hoses connected with fill funnels in dishwashing appliances can cause water leaks and spillage. A hose that properly secures with a fill funnel in the dishwashing appliance would be advantageous.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0005] In one example embodiment, a dishwashing appliance includes a tub, the tub includes a sidewall, the sidewall defines a fill hole. The dishwashing appliance further includes a fill funnel coupled with the sidewall of the tub positioned at the fill hole. The fill funnel defines an inlet. The fill funnel includes a hose connection feature disposed within the fill funnel adjacent to the inlet. The hose connection feature defines a primary flow path, the primary flow path is directed toward the fill hole. The hose connection feature further, at least partially, defines a secondary flow path directed toward the fill hole.

[0006] In another example embodiment, a fill funnel for a dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, the tub defining a keyed fill hole, the fill funnel assembly comprising a fill funnel. The fill funnel includes a body defining a body hole aligned with the keyed fill hole. The fill funnel further includes a keyed rim coupled with the body and extending therefrom, wherein the keyed rim is complementary of the keyed fill hole to selectively interconnect with the sidewall at the keyed fill hole.

[0007] 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

[0008] 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.

[0009] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an example embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 provides a side, cross sectional view of the example dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a tub of an example embodiment of a dishwashing appliance according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an interior of the tub of FIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 provides a detailed view of a portion A of the tub of FIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of a fill funnel according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 provides a side elevation view of a sidewall of the tub of FIG. 4 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of a locking nut of FIG. 4 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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 or spirit 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.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,”“approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.

[0020] As used herein, 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 detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. 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 “cleaning cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time that may include a wash cycle, rinse cycle, and / or a drain cycle. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and / or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments.

[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an example domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 (FIG. 2) having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106 for receipt of articles 94 for washing. As shown in FIG. 2, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along a vertical direction V, between a pair of opposing side walls 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

[0022] In this regard, as used herein, the terms “cabinet,”“housing,” and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for appliance 100, e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of appliance 100. By contrast, cabinet 102 may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet 102. It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0023] The tub 104 includes a front opening 114 and a door 116 hinged at its bottom 117 for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIG. 1), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher appliance 100. According to example embodiments, dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a door closure mechanism or assembly 118 that is used to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.

[0024] At least one rack assembly is slidably positioned within wash chamber 106 and is configured for the receipt of articles for cleaning. For the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, opposing tub sidewalls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, guide rails 120 may be mounted to (or formed as part of) sidewalls 110 for supporting a first rack assembly 122 (also referred to as a lower rack assembly 122), a middle rack assembly 124 (also referred to as a second rack assembly 124), and a third rack assembly 126 (also referred to as an upper rack assembly 126). As illustrated, upper rack assembly 126 is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber 106 above middle rack assembly 124, which is positioned above lower rack assembly 122 along the vertical direction V. Additional details regarding the upper rack assembly 126 will be provided herein. For this example embodiment, upper rack assembly 126 is supported on opposing sidewalls 110 by rails 120 but rails 120 could be supported on and attached to middle rack assembly 124 as well.

[0025] Each rack assembly 122, 124, 126 is adapted for movement along transverse direction T 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 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This may be facilitated, for example, by rollers, or guide wheels 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, respectively. Although guide rails 120 and guide wheels 128 (also referred to as rollers) are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, dishwasher appliance 100 may accommodate a different number of rack assemblies and supporting guide rails. For example, dishwasher appliance 100 may accommodate only first rack assembly 122 and upper rack assembly 126, with accompanying guide rails.

[0026] Some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 may be fabricated into lattice, or grid, structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are shown in FIG. 2). The plurality of wires or elongated members 130 may be either steel and stainless steel, and the wire may be coated with none, one, or more of nylon and polyvinyl chloride. Rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured for guide rails 120 within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles, e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle. For some embodiments, a silverware basket (not shown) is 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 or delicate to be accommodated by rack 122.

[0027] At least one spray assembly is located in wash chamber 106 and is configured to direct wash fluids onto at least on rack assembly for washing articles located therein. For the example embodiment of FIG. 2, dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, dishwasher appliance 100 includes a first spray assembly 134 (also referred to as a lower spray arm assembly 134) disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 and above a sump 158 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly 122. Similarly, a second spray assembly 140 (also referred to as a mid-level spray arm assembly 140) is located in an upper region 144 of wash chamber 106 and may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly 124. In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly 140 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly 124 and third rack assembly 126. Additionally, an upper or third spray assembly 142 (also referred to as an upper spray assembly 142) may be located above upper or third rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, third spray assembly 142 may be configured for urging and / or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies 122, 124, and 126.

[0028] The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a pump 152 for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and / or rinse aid) in the tub 104. Pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water and / or wash fluid from pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a primary supply conduit 154 may extend from pump 152, along rear side 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber 106. In some examples, a secondary supply conduit (not shown) may supply additional wash fluid to one or more various spray assemblies and manifolds.

[0029] As illustrated, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140. Diverter assembly 156 can allow selection between spray assemblies 134 and 140, 142 being supplied with wash fluid. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein.

[0030] Each spray assembly 134, 140, 142 or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from 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 fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray assemblies 134, 140, 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. Movement of the spray arm assemblies 134 and 140 and the spray from fixed manifolds like spray assembly 142 provides coverage of dishes, silverware, and other dishwasher contents to be cleaned with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher appliance 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only and are not limitations of the present subject matter.

[0031] In operation, pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 and pumps it to a diverter assembly 156, e.g., which is positioned within sump 138 of dishwasher appliance. Diverter assembly 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber (not shown) for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray assemblies 134, 140, 142 and / or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber (not shown). In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.

[0032] According to an example embodiment, diverter assembly 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which (e.g., 154) are illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity. More specifically, diverter assembly 156 may include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134 in the clockwise direction, a second conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134 in the counterclockwise direction, a third conduit for spraying rack assembly 126 (shown in FIG. 2) as a silverware rack, and a fourth conduit for supplying only mid-level and / or upper spray assemblies 140, 142. Other configurations of diverter assembly 156 and / or other components (e.g., valves) may be used to allow various choices in the operation of the spray assemblies 134, 140, and 142 during a cleaning cycle.

[0033] The dishwasher appliance 100 is further equipped with a controller 160 (FIG. 2) to regulate operation of the dishwasher appliance 100. 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 cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and / 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.

[0034] The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 160 may be located within a control panel area 162 of door 116. In such an embodiment, input / output (“I / O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher appliance 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door 116. Typically, the controller 160 includes a user interface panel / controls 164 (FIG. 1) through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may represent a general purpose I / O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 164 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 164 may be in communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

[0035] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher appliance 100. The example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface 164, different configurations, including providing one or more rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 and one or more spray assemblies 134, 140, 142, to dishwasher appliance 100 may be used, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, different spray assemblies 134, 140, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0036] As may be generally seen in FIGS. 2 through 8, washing machine appliance 100 includes a fill funnel assembly 200 generally configured for supplying tub 104 with water for use in the wash and / or rinse cycles. The fill funnel assembly 200 includes a fill funnel 202 and a keyed locking nut 201. Between the fill funnel 202 and the tub 104, water flows through a locking nut 201. As seen in FIG. 3, the fill funnel 202 of the fill funnel assembly 200 may be positioned at an exterior portion 204 of tub 104 on a lateral side. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 4, fill funnel assembly 200 may be positioned on one of the pair of opposing sidewalls 110 at a keyed fill hole 201. Fill funnel 202 is at least partially secured to the tub 104 via the keyed locking nut 210 at an interior portion 211. The fill funnel assembly 200 may further comprises a hose 206. The hose 206 is coupled with the fill funnel 202. The hose 206 may be configured to deliver water to the fill funnel 202, which then delivers water to the tub 104 through the keyed fill hole 201. The fill funnel 202, the keyed fill hole 201, and the keyed locking nut 210 are described in further detail below.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a portion A of FIG. 3 in greater detail. FIG. 5 generally illustrates the fill funnel 202 coupled with the exterior portion 204 with the sidewall 110 of the tub 104 located at the keyed fill hole 201. In other words, the full funnel 200 is positioned outside of the wash chamber 106 at the keyed fill hole 201 aligned at an axis R. Further, the fill funnel 202 comprises a body 212.

[0038] With regard to FIG. 6, a rear lateral view of the fill funnel 202 is illustrated. The fill funnel 202 further defines a body hole 214 fluidly coupled with the keyed fill hole 201. The body hole 214 may be defined by the body 212 as illustrated.

[0039] Further, the fill funnel 202 comprises a keyed rim 216 coupled with the body 212. The keyed rim 216, as illustrated in the examples, may generally be cylindrical. Additionally, or alternatively, the keyed rim 216 may be of a generally prismatic geometry. The keyed rim 216, as illustrated in the examples, outwardly extends from the body 212 of the fill funnel 202 toward the sidewall 110 of the tub 104. The keyed rim 216 comprise an edge 220 distal the body 212. The edge 220 of the keyed rim 216 may define a recess 221. Additionally, or alternatively, the edge 220 of the keyed rim 216 may define at least one recess 221. In other words, the edge 220 of the keyed rim 216 may define a plurality of recesses 221. The plurality of recesses 221 may be arranged in an array by the edge 220 of the keyed rim 216. Additionally, or alternatively, the respective ones of the plurality of recesses 221 may be spaced apart arbitrarily or in another suitable pattern.

[0040] With further reference to FIG. 6, the keyed rim 216 may comprise a protrusion 224 extending from the keyed rim 216. The protrusion 224 may extend radially away from the keyed rim 216, as illustrated in the example. Additionally, or alternatively the protrusion 224 may extend radially inward from the keyed rim 216. The keyed rim 216 may comprise at least one protrusion 224. In other words, the keyed rim 216 may comprise a plurality of protrusions to 24. The plurality of protrusions may be arranged in an array around the keyed rim 216. Additionally or alternatively the respective ones of the plurality of protrusions 224 may be spaced apart arbitrarily or another suitable pattern.

[0041] The keyed rim 216 defines a surface 218. The surface 218 faces radially inward from the keyed rim 216. The keyed rim 216, on the surface 218, defines a groove 222. Even further, the keyed rim 216, on the surface 218, defines a notch 226. The groove 222 may extend at an angle laterally away from the tub 104. The notch 226 may extend linearly from the body hole 214. The keyed rim 216 may define a plurality of grooves 222 and a respective plurality of notches 226. The respective ones of the plurality of grooves 222 may be arranged in an array around the keyed rim 216. Additionally, or alternatively the respective ones of the plurality of notches 226 may be arranged in an array around the keyed rim 216.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 7 and as mentioned above, the fill funnel assembly 200 is aligned with the keyed fill hole 201 defined by the sidewall 110. The sidewall 110 includes a periphery 234 that defines the keyed fill hole 201. The sidewall 110 may comprise the protrusion 224 that further defines the keyed fill hole 201. The protrusion 224 may extend radially away from the periphery 234, as illustrated in the example. Additionally, or alternatively the protrusion 224 may extend radially inward from the periphery 234. The sidewall 110 may comprise at least one protrusion 224 at the keyed fill hole 201. In other words, sidewall 100 may comprise a plurality of protrusions 224. The plurality of protrusions may be arranged in an array around the periphery 234 of the keyed fill hole 201. Additionally or alternatively the respective ones of the plurality of protrusions 224 may be spaced apart arbitrarily or in another suitable pattern.

[0043] The periphery 234 of the sidewall 110 at the keyed fill hole 201 may define the recess 221. Additionally, or alternatively, the periphery 234 of the sidewall 110 at the keyed fill hole 201 may define at least one recess 221. In other words, periphery 234 of the sidewall 110 at the keyed fill hole 201 may define a plurality of recesses 221. The plurality of recesses 221 may be arranged in an array by the edge 220 of the periphery 234 of the sidewall 110 at the keyed fill hole 201. Additionally, or alternatively, the respective ones of the plurality of recesses 221 may be spaced apart arbitrarily or in another suitable pattern.

[0044] With further reference to FIG. 7, the sidewall 110 may include a protruding ring 228 extending from the sidewall 110. As illustrated in the example, the protruding ring 228 may extend laterally away from the tub 104. Additionally, or alternatively, the protruding ring may extend laterally toward the tub 104. The protruding ring 228 may comprise the periphery 234; Therefore, the keyed fill hole 201 may be defined by the protruding ring 228. The protruding ring 228, as illustrated in the example, may comprise at least one shoulder 236.

[0045] With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the fill funnel 202 is locked in the vertical direction V and the transverse direction T by interconnecting the keyed rim 216 with the sidewall 110 at the keyed fill hole 201. As illustrated in the examples, the recess 221 is configured to receive the protrusion 224. Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of recesses 221 are configured to receive the respective plurality of protrusions 224. As stated above, the protrusion 224 may extend from the periphery 234 or the keyed rim 216. Further and as stated above, the recess 221 may be defined by the edge 220 of the keyed rim 216 or by the periphery 234 of the side wall 110 at the keyed fill hole 201. Thus, the sidewall 110 at the keyed fill hole 201 and the keyed rim 216 at the edge 220 are complementary and are configured to selectively interlock. Even further, the keyed rim 216 interconnected with the sidewall 110 at the keyed fill hole 201 remains static relative to the sidewall 110 in the transverse direction T and the vertical direction V. Furthermore, the keyed rim 216 interconnected with the sidewall to 110 add the keyed fill hole 201 allows the fill funnel 202 to remain in an upright position along the vertical direction V.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 8, the fill funnel assembly200 comprises the keyed locking nut 210 disposed within the tub 104. The keyed locking nut 210 selectively couples with the fill funnel 200. More specifically, the keyed locking nut 210 selectively couples with the keyed rim 216 of the fill funnel 202. The keyed locking nut 210 may be generally circular or round allowing for rotation of the key locking nut 210 to secure the key locking nut 210 with the keyed rim 216 of the fill funnel 202.

[0047] The keyed locking nut 210, as illustrated in the example, comprises a tongue 230. The tongue 230 may extend radially inward from the key locking nut 210. The groove 222 defined by the keyed rim 216 on the surface 218, as mentioned above, is configured to slidably receive the tongue 230 of the keyed locking nut 210. Furthermore, the notch 226 is configured to receive the tongue 230. The keyed locking nut 210 may interconnect with the keyed rim 216 by aligning the tongue 230 with the groove 222; rotating the keyed locking nut 210 so as to slide the tongue 230 within the groove 222 toward the notch 226; compressing the tongue 230 within the crew 222 that slopes toward the notch 226; and allowing the tongue 230 to decompress into the notch 226. As illustrated in the example, the keyed locking nut 210 may include at least one torque thin 232. The torque thin 232 may assist the locking nut 210 to rotate the tongue 230 into the notch 226. Additionally, or alternatively, the keyed locking nut 210 may comprise at least one tongue 230. In other words, the keyed locking nut 210 may comprise a plurality of tongues 230. The respective ones of the plurality of tongues 230 may be arranged complementary of the respective plurality of grooves 222 of the keyed rim 216.

[0048] Even further, the keyed locking nut 210 is aligned with the axis R such that the keyed locking nut 210, the keyed fill hole 201, and the keyed rim 216 are aligned at the axis R. Thus, the keyed rim 216 that is interconnected with the keyed locking nut 210 at the surface 218 allows the fill funnel 202 to remain static in the lateral direction L. In other words, the keyed rim 216 that is interconnected with the keyed locking nut 210 at the surface 218 locks the fill funnel 202 along the lateral direction L.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 6 through 8, water delivered to the fill funnel 202 flows through the body 212 of the fill funnel 2022 the body hole 212 through the keyed rim 216 through the keyed fill hole 201 and through the keyed locking nut 210. The fill funnel assembly 200 may include a gasket 238 coupled with the body 212 of the fill funnel 202. The gasket may circumferentially surround the keyed rim 216. The gasket 238 may engage the side wall 110 circumferentially around the keyed fill hole 201. Thus, the gasket 238 at least partially prevents the water that is delivered through the keyed locking nut 210 from leaking.

[0050] Advantageously, the fill funnel assembly 200 described herein allows for greater security of the fill funnel 200 relative to the tub 104. The keyed rim 216 that interconnects with the sidewall 110 at the keyed fill hole 201 and that interconnects with the keyed locking nut 210 allows for the fill funnel 202 to remain in place relative to the tub 104 along the transverse direction T, the lateral direction L, the vertical direction V, and along the axis R. Allowing for the fill funnel 202 to remain static prevents leaks within a home thus saving notable amounts of time and effort that would be spent on repairing the home from water damage.

[0051] 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 comprising:a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, the tub comprising a sidewall, the sidewall defining a keyed fill hole;a fill funnel assembly comprising:a fill funnel coupled with the sidewall of the tub, the fill funnel positioned outside of the wash chamber at the keyed fill hole, the fill funnel comprising:a body;a keyed rim extending from the body of the fill funnel toward the tub, the rim to be received by the keyed fill hole, wherein the keyed rim is complementary to the keyed fill hole.

2. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the sidewall comprises at least one protrusion to define the keyed fill hole, and wherein the keyed rim defines at least one recess configured to receive the at least one protrusion.

3. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the keyed rim comprises at least one protrusion extending radially from the keyed rim, and wherein the sidewall defines at least one recession to at least partially define the keyed fill hole, the at least one recession configured to receive the at least one protrusion.

4. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the keyed rim further comprises an edge, wherein the keyed rim interconnects with the keyed fill hole at the edge.

5. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, further comprising a keyed locking nut removably coupled with the keyed rim of the fill funnel.

6. The dishwashing appliance of claim 5, wherein the keyed rim further comprises a surface, wherein the keyed rim interconnects with the keyed locking nut at the surface.

7. The dishwashing appliance of claim 5, wherein the keyed rim spaces the locking nut from a periphery of the keyed fill hole.

8. The dishwashing appliance of claim 5, wherein the keyed rim of the fill funnel interconnected with the keyed fill hole allows the fill funnel to remain static relative to the sidewall of the tub in a vertical direction and a transverse direction, and wherein the keyed locking nut interconnected with the keyed rim allows the fill funnel to remain static in a lateral direction relative to the sidewall.

9. The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the tub further comprises a protruding ring, wherein the keyed fill hole is defined by the protruding ring.

10. The dishwashing appliance of claim 9, wherein the protruding ring extends towards the fill funnel.

11. A fill funnel assembly for a dishwashing appliance comprising a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, the tub defining a keyed fill hole, the fill funnel assembly comprising a fill funnel, the fill funnel comprising:a body defining a body hole aligned with the keyed fill hole; anda keyed rim coupled with the body and extending therefrom, wherein the keyed rim is complementary of the keyed fill hole to selectively interconnect with the sidewall at the keyed fill hole.

12. The fill funnel assembly of claim 11, wherein the keyed rim interconnected with a periphery of the keyed fill hole locks the fill funnel along a transverse direction and a vertical direction relative to the sidewall of the tub.

13. The fill funnel assembly of claim 11, wherein the keyed rim interconnected with a periphery of the keyed fill hole allows the fill funnel to remain upright.

14. The fill funnel assembly of claim 11, further comprising a keyed locking nut selectively coupled with the keyed rim of the fill funnel.

15. The fill funnel assembly of claim 14, wherein the keyed locking nut coupled with the keyed rim of the fill funnel locks the fill funnel along a lateral direction relative to the sidewall of the tub.

16. The fill funnel assembly of claim 15, wherein the keyed rim further comprises:an edge, wherein the sidewall selectively interconnects with the edge of the keyed rim at the keyed fill hole; anda surface, wherein the keyed locking nut selectively interconnects with the surface of the keyed rim.

17. The fill funnel assembly of claim 16, wherein the surface of the keyed rim faces away from a periphery of the keyed fill hole.

18. The fill funnel assembly of claim 11, wherein the sidewall of the tub further comprises a protruding ring, wherein the protruding ring defines the keyed fill hole.

19. The fill funnel assembly of claim 11, wherein the keyed rim defines a plurality of recesses, and wherein the sidewall comprises a plurality of protrusions at the keyed fill hole, wherein the plurality of recesses is configured to receive the plurality of protrusions, respectively.

20. The fill funnel assembly of claim 11, wherein the sidewall defines a plurality of recesses at the keyed fill hole, and wherein the keyed rim comprises a plurality of protrusions extending radially into the keyed fill hole, wherein the plurality of recesses is configured to receive the plurality of protrusions, respectively.

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