Household appliance wire harness

Abstract

A household appliance includes a cabinet. The cabinet includes a first side panel, a rear panel, and a second side panel, and a harness assembly is coupled to the rear panel of the cabinet. The harness assembly includes a housing extending between a top end and a bottom end in a vertical direction, a front side and a back side in a transverse direction, and a first side and a second side in a lateral direction. The harness assembly also includes a fastener extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing, a clip extending in the transverse direction from the front side of the housing, and a locating protrusion extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to household appliances, or more specifically, to systems managing wires within a household appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Household appliances, such as washing machine appliances, generally include electrical wires extending between various internal components. These wires are typically harnessed together to properly restrain the wires in an appliance to reduce / prevent unsafe conditions or conditions that could result in a loss of function. In general, a wire harness aims to protect wires from sharp edges, pinch points, moving parts, etc. Additionally, the harness may also be restrained to the appliance to reduce / prevent strain within the harness, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0003] One conventional harness includes features such as zip-ties or similar features attached to the bare harness, where the zip ties are attached to mating features on the appliance. Other harnesses may include rigid protective coverings. In some cases, the harness is routed into hard-to-reach place, e.g., for a user, within the appliance, or may be assembled in a blind assembly location making orientation and location of fixation elements difficult. Additionally, a harness running along the whole length, height, or width of the appliance may further complicate assembly.

[0004] Accordingly, a household appliance having improved features for managing wiring would be desirable. More specifically, an appliance with an improved harness for reducing complexity of assembly would be particularly beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] 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.

[0006] In accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction are mutually perpendicular. The washing machine appliance includes a wash tub positioned within the cabinet. The wash tub defines a wash chamber. The washing machine appliance also includes a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and being configured for receiving of a load of articles for washing, and a drive motor operably coupled to the wash basket for selectively rotating the wash basket. A controller is operably coupled to the drive motor. The washing machine appliance further includes a harness assembly coupled to the cabinet. The harness assembly includes a housing extending between a top end and a bottom end in the vertical direction, a front side and a back side in the transverse direction, and a first side and a second side in the lateral direction. The harness assembly also includes a fastener extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing, a clip extending in the transverse direction from the front side of the housing, and a locating protrusion extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing.

[0007] In accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure, a household appliance is provided. The household appliance comprises a cabinet defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction are mutually perpendicular. The cabinet includes a first side panel, a rear panel, and a second side panel, and a harness assembly is coupled to the rear panel of the cabinet. The harness assembly includes a housing extending between a top end and a bottom end in the vertical direction, a front side and a back side in the transverse direction, and a first side and a second side in the lateral direction. The harness assembly also includes a fastener extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing, a clip extending in the transverse direction from the front side of the housing, and a locating protrusion extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing.

[0008] 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

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an example washing machine appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an example cabinet of a washing machine appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a rear, elevation view of the example cabinet of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a top, section view of an example harness housing of the example cabinet of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a side, elevation view of the example harness housing of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 7A illustrates a detail view of an example fastener of section A of FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 7B illustrates a detail view of an example fastener of section B of FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 7C illustrates a detail view of an example locator of section C of FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 8 provides a perspective, detail view of a top of the example harness housing of FIG. 6.

[0020] FIG. 9 provides a perspective, detail view of an example clip of the example harness housing of FIG. 6.

[0021] FIG. 10 provides a perspective, detail view of an example biasing member of the example harness housing of FIG. 6.

[0022] FIG. 11 provides a side, elevation view of another example harness housing according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”).

[0026] 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 ten percent (10%) margin.

[0027] Referring now to the figures, illustrated in FIG. 1 is an appliance 100 defining a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions may be mutually perpendicular. In particular, FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of an example horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, and FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only, and the present subject matter may be used in any suitable household appliance, e.g., a double oven range appliance, a dishwasher appliance, a refrigerator appliance, a freezer appliance, a dryer machine appliance, a wine cooler appliance, a trash compactor, a stand-alone icemaker appliance, etc. Thus, the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular configuration, arrangement, or appliance.

[0028] As stated above, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 and FIG. 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. Washing machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a left side, e.g., a left side panel 108, and a right side, e.g., a right side panel 110, along the lateral direction L, and between a front side, e.g., front panel 112 (FIG. 2) and a rear side, e.g., rear panel 114 along the transverse direction T.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, a wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. A motor 122, e.g., such as a pancake motor, is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 124 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 124. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Indeed, for simplicity of discussion, these terms may all be used interchangeably herein without limiting the present subject matter to any particular “wash fluid.”

[0030] Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120 during rotation of wash basket 120.

[0031] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 which defines an opening 132 that permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 124. More specifically, washing machine appliance 100 includes a door 134 that is positioned over opening 132 and is rotatably mounted to front panel 130. In this manner, door 134 permits selective access to opening 132 by being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 124.

[0032] A window 136 in door 134 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 134 also includes a handle (not shown) that, e.g., a user may pull when opening and closing door 134. Further, although door 134 is illustrated as mounted to front panel 130, it should be appreciated that door 134 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 2, wash basket 120 also defines a plurality of perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottom of wash tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged by gravity from basket 120 to sump 142 through plurality of perforations 140.

[0034] A drain pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124 and is in fluid communication with sump 142 for periodically discharging soiled wash fluid from washing machine appliance 100. Drain pump assembly 144 may generally include a drain pump 146 which is in fluid communication with sump 142 and with an external drain 148 through a drain hose 150. During a drain cycle, drain pump 146 urges a flow of wash fluid from sump 142, through drain hose 150, and to external drain 148. More specifically, drain pump 146 includes a motor (not shown) which is energized during a drain cycle such that drain pump 146 draws wash fluid from sump 142 and urges it through drain hose 150 to external drain 148.

[0035] A spout 154 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into wash tub 124. For example, spout 154 may be in fluid communication with a water supply 155 (FIG. 2) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into wash tub 124. Spout 154 may also be in fluid communication with the sump 142. For example, pump assembly 144 may direct wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to spout 154 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 124.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a detergent drawer 156 is slidably mounted within front panel 130. Detergent drawer 156 receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 124 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 156 may also be fluidly coupled to spout 154 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

[0037] In addition, a water supply valve or control valve 158 may provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as a municipal water supply 155) into detergent dispenser 156 and into wash tub 124. In this manner, control valve 158 may generally be operable to supply water into detergent dispenser 156 to generate a wash fluid, e.g., for use in a wash cycle, or a flow of fresh water, e.g., for a rinse cycle. It should be appreciated that control valve 158 may be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet 102. In addition, although control valve 158 is described herein as regulating the flow of “wash fluid,” it should be appreciated that this term includes, water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.

[0038] A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and / or other items of interest to machine users.

[0039] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 166 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

[0040] Controller 166 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor 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 166 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. Control panel 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

[0041] During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 132, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. Wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, and / or other fluid additives, e.g., via spout 154 and or detergent drawer 156. One or more valves (e.g., control valve 158) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and / or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

[0042] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub 124 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and / or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a final spin cycle, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds and drain pump assembly 144 may discharge wash fluid from sump 142. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned, washed, and / or rinsed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 132.

[0043] While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances, or other appliances in general, having different configurations, different appearances, and / or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

[0044] Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 10, a harness assembly for a household appliance, such as washing machine appliance 100, will be described according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, as may be seen in FIG. 3, a harness assembly 200 may be positioned within cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100. For example, harness assembly 200 may be removably coupled to cabinet 102, e.g., harness assembly 200 may be fastened to one or more sides of cabinet 102, such as rear side 114 of cabinet 102. In general, harness assembly 200 includes a housing 202 configured to house various wiring of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, wiring 190 generally illustrates wiring extending within housing 202 of harness assembly 200. In particular, various components of household appliances include wiring for power and / or data communication, and housing 202 of harness assembly 200 may manage said wiring within the household appliance. One of skill in the art would appreciate that while harness assembly 200 is shown and described as extending between top 104 and bottom 106 of cabinet 102, other example embodiments may include harness assembly 200 oriented such that harness assembly 200 extends between left side 108 and right side 110 of cabinet 102 or extending between front side 112 and rear side 114 of cabinet 102.

[0045] Referring briefly to FIGS. 5 and 6, housing 202 of harness assembly 200 may generally extend between a top end 204 and a bottom end 206 in the vertical direction V, a first side 208 and a second side 210 in the lateral direction L, and a front side 212 and a back side 214 in the transverse direction T. Extending from housing 202, harness assembly 200 may generally include a first fastener 216 extending in the transverse direction T from back side 214 of housing 202, a clip 220 extending in the transverse direction T from front side 212 of housing 202, and a locating protrusion 222 extending in the transverse direction T from back side 214 of housing 202. In general, locating protrusion 222 may include, or otherwise be called, a hook 222 defining a groove 228. The hook 222 may generally be positioned such that groove 228 is positioned at bottom end 206 of housing 202. Additionally, in some example embodiments, harness assembly 200 may generally include a biasing element 230 extending in the transverse direction T from back side 214 of housing 202. Biasing element 230 may generally be a leaf spring, as best illustrated in FIG. 10. In general, one of skill in the art would appreciate that more than one biasing element 230 maybe provided on housing 202, and, additionally, would appreciate that a leaf spring is provided by way of example only and other types of biasing elements may be provided, such as helical springs, conical springs, etc.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is rear side 114 of cabinet 102. In general, first fastener 216, a second fastener 218, and locating protrusion 222 may extend through rear side 114 of cabinet 102, such as to couple harness assembly 200 to cabinet 102. In general, each of first fastener 216, second fastener 218, and locating protrusion 222 will be described in detail with respect to corresponding detail views, e.g., first fastener 216 will be described with respect to detail view A in FIG. 7A, second fastener 218 will be described with respect to detail view B in FIG. 7B, and locating protrusion 222 will be described with respect to detail view C in FIG. 7C.

[0047] Returning now to FIG. 5, right side 110 of cabinet 102 may include a flange 232 generally extending in the lateral direction L and wrapping toward back towards the transverse direction T. As such, fastener 216 of harness assembly 200 may extend through both flange 232 and rear side 114 of cabinet 102. Additionally or alternatively, harness assembly 200 may include a harness tab 236 generally extending in the lateral direction L. In general, harness tab 236 may include a flange channel 234 configured to engage flange 232 of right side 110. For example, flange channel 234 of harness tab 236 may engage flange 232 in order to position harness assembly 200 within cabinet 102 with respect to the lateral direction L, e.g., aiding assembly of harness assembly 200 to cabinet 102 by laterally aligning the fastening components, such as first fastener 216 and / or second fastener 218.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 6, first fastener 216 of harness assembly 200 is one of at least two fasteners, e.g., as illustrated with second fastener 218, however, one of skill in the art would appreciate that harness assembly 200 may include additional fasteners, such as a third fastener and / or a further fastener. In general, first fastener 216 and second fastener 218 may be barbed rivets, push-in rivets, screws, and / or “X-mas tree” snaps. Additionally, in some example embodiments, first fastener 216 and second fastener 218 may include biasing elements (not labeled) extending therefrom, for providing a load between harness assembly 200 and cabinet 102 thus securing harness assembly 200 to reduce / prevent rattling or undesired movement.

[0049] In general, first fastener 216 may be positioned proximate to top end 204 of housing 202, e.g., first fastener 216 may be positioned within a percentage of the total length, e.g., length 203, of housing 202 towards top end 204, such as twenty-five percent (25%), such as twenty percent (20%), such as fifteen percent (15%) of the total length of housing 202. In general, second fastener 218 may be positioned about halfway between top end 204 and bottom end 206 of housing 202, e.g., between thirty-five percent (35%) and sixty-five percent (65%), such as between forty-five percent (45%) and fifty-five percent (55%), such as about fifty percent (50%) of the length (e.g., length 203) between top end 204 and bottom end 206 of housing 202.

[0050] In general, clip 220 of harness assembly 200 is one of a plurality of clips extending in the transverse direction T from front side 212 of housing 202. For example, clip 220 is illustrated in the present example embodiment as a saddle clip, e.g., clip 220 generally includes two flanges (generally indicated in FIG. 9) configured to receive wiring 190, and hold wiring 190 within housing 202. In general, the plurality of clips 220 may be dispersed across length 203 of housing 202, such as to secure wiring 190 within housing 202 therethrough.

[0051] In general, harness assembly 200 may include an anchor, such as a first anchor 224, extending from top end 204 of housing 202. As best seen in FIG. 8, first anchor 224 may generally define a recess 238 configured to receive zip-ties. As such, wiring 190 routed through harness assembly 200 may be secured via a zip-tie (not shown) to top end 204 in addition to being held within housing 202 by clip(s) 220. In general, first anchor 224 is one of at least two anchors, e.g., a second anchor 226 may extend from bottom end 206 of housing 202. As such, wiring 190 routed through harness assembly 200 may be secured via a zip-tie (not shown) to bottom end 206.

[0052] Turning now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, illustrated are various detailed views of portions of cabinet 102 as provided in FIG. 4. Referring first to FIG. 7A, illustrated is first fastener 216 engaging through rear side 114 of cabinet 102. In general, first fastener 216 may engage a first aperture 240 in right side 110 of cabinet 102. In particular, first aperture 240 may be a hole positioned on flange 232 of right side 110, where first fastener 216 may engage with the first aperture 240 and extend through a clearance hole 242 in rear side 114. In particular, in one example embodiment, first fastener 216 may be taller (e.g., in the vertical direction V) than it is wide (e.g., in the lateral direction L), such as to provide vertical alignment of harness assembly 200 during assembly.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 7B, illustrated is second fastener 218 engaging through rear side 114 of cabinet 102. In general, second fastener 218 may engage a second aperture 250 in right side 110 of cabinet 102. In particular, second aperture 250 may be a vertically oriented slot positioned on flange 232 of right side 110, where second fastener 218 may engage with the second aperture 250 and extend through a clearance hole 252 in rear side 114. In particular, in one example embodiment, second fastener 218 may be wider (e.g., in the lateral direction L) than it is tall (e.g., in the vertical direction V), providing lateral alignment of harness assembly 200 during assembly.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 7C, illustrated is locating protrusion 222 coupled to cabinet 102. In general, as described above, locating protrusion 222, or hook 222, may include groove 228. In particular, groove 228 of locating protrusion 222 may engage with a third aperture 260 in flange 232 of right side 110, such that locating protrusion 222 may, at least partially, extend through a clearance slot 262 in rear side 114. In general, hook 222 may be inserted into third aperture 260 in order to align harness assembly 200 with respect to the vertical direction V.

[0055] In general, a multi-step assembly of assembling harness assembly 200 within a household appliance includes a first step of inserting the locating protrusion 222 into third aperture 260, e.g., providing rough alignment of housing 202 to cabinet 102 at locating protrusion 222. Once locating protrusion 222 is inserted into third aperture 260, housing 202 may be rotated towards flange 232 of right side panel 110, where first and second fasteners 216, 218 are engaged. In particular, the central snapping feature, e.g., second fastener 218, may snap into a slotted hole (e.g., second aperture 250), which allows clearance in the vertical direction V, providing easier alignment between other mating features for a user, than without clearance. The top snap feature, e.g., first fastener 216, may snap into a hole (e.g., first aperture 240) to provide the proper alignment with respect to the vertical direction V. As such, harness assembly 200 may be assembled within a household appliance to provide a rigid harness (e.g., wiring) routing housing which reduces vibration, provides clips and anchors to locate and restrain the wiring, as well as advantageously provides protection for the wiring.

[0056] Turning now to FIG. 11, provided is an alternative example embodiment of harness assembly 200. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes a second locating protrusion, e.g., a locating pin 300, positioned proximate top end 204. For example, locating pin 300 may be a tapered pin extending from back side 214 of housing 202, and positioned between first fastener 216 and top end 204. In general, locating pin 300 may further aid the alignment of housing 202 with cabinet 102 prior to engaging the fasteners / snaps. For example, with regards to washing machine appliance 100, locating pin 300 may be inserted into a fourth aperture (not shown) through flange 232 of right side110 in order to further aid the alignment of housing 202 with the other apertures of flange 232.

[0057] 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.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]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.

[0025]As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to household appliances, or more specifically, to systems managing wires within a household appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Household appliances, such as washing machine appliances, generally include electrical wires extending between various internal components. These wires are typically harnessed together to properly restrain the wires in an appliance to reduce / prevent unsafe conditions or conditions that could result in a loss of function. In general, a wire harness aims to protect wires from sharp edges, pinch points, moving parts, etc. Additionally, the harness may also be restrained to the appliance to reduce / prevent strain within the harness, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0003] One conventional harness includes features such as zip-ties or similar features attached to the bare harness, where the zip ties are attached to mating features on the appliance. Other harnesses may include rigid protective coverings. In some cases, the harness is routed into hard-to-reach place, e.g., for a user, within the appliance, or may be assembled in a blind assembly location making orientation and location of fixation elements difficult. Additionally, a harness running along the whole length, height, or width of the appliance may further complicate assembly.

[0004] Accordingly, a household appliance having improved features for managing wiring would be desirable. More specifically, an appliance with an improved harness for reducing complexity of assembly would be particularly beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] 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.

[0006] In accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction are mutually perpendicular. The washing machine appliance includes a wash tub positioned within the cabinet. The wash tub defines a wash chamber. The washing machine appliance also includes a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and being configured for receiving of a load of articles for washing, and a drive motor operably coupled to the wash basket for selectively rotating the wash basket. A controller is operably coupled to the drive motor. The washing machine appliance further includes a harness assembly coupled to the cabinet. The harness assembly includes a housing extending between a top end and a bottom end in the vertical direction, a front side and a back side in the transverse direction, and a first side and a second side in the lateral direction. The harness assembly also includes a fastener extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing, a clip extending in the transverse direction from the front side of the housing, and a locating protrusion extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing.

[0007] In accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure, a household appliance is provided. The household appliance comprises a cabinet defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction are mutually perpendicular. The cabinet includes a first side panel, a rear panel, and a second side panel, and a harness assembly is coupled to the rear panel of the cabinet. The harness assembly includes a housing extending between a top end and a bottom end in the vertical direction, a front side and a back side in the transverse direction, and a first side and a second side in the lateral direction. The harness assembly also includes a fastener extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing, a clip extending in the transverse direction from the front side of the housing, and a locating protrusion extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing.

[0008] 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

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an example washing machine appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an example cabinet of a washing machine appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a rear, elevation view of the example cabinet of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a top, section view of an example harness housing of the example cabinet of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a side, elevation view of the example harness housing of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 7A illustrates a detail view of an example fastener of section A of FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 7B illustrates a detail view of an example fastener of section B of FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 7C illustrates a detail view of an example locator of section C of FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 8 provides a perspective, detail view of a top of the example harness housing of FIG. 6.

[0020] FIG. 9 provides a perspective, detail view of an example clip of the example harness housing of FIG. 6.

[0021] FIG. 10 provides a perspective, detail view of an example biasing member of the example harness housing of FIG. 6.

[0022] FIG. 11 provides a side, elevation view of another example harness housing according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”).

[0026] 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 ten percent (10%) margin.

[0027] Referring now to the figures, illustrated in FIG. 1 is an appliance 100 defining a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions may be mutually perpendicular. In particular, FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of an example horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, and FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only, and the present subject matter may be used in any suitable household appliance, e.g., a double oven range appliance, a dishwasher appliance, a refrigerator appliance, a freezer appliance, a dryer machine appliance, a wine cooler appliance, a trash compactor, a stand-alone icemaker appliance, etc. Thus, the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular configuration, arrangement, or appliance.

[0028] As stated above, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 and FIG. 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. Washing machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a left side, e.g., a left side panel 108, and a right side, e.g., a right side panel 110, along the lateral direction L, and between a front side, e.g., front panel 112 (FIG. 2) and a rear side, e.g., rear panel 114 along the transverse direction T.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, a wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. A motor 122, e.g., such as a pancake motor, is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 124 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 124. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Indeed, for simplicity of discussion, these terms may all be used interchangeably herein without limiting the present subject matter to any particular “wash fluid.”

[0030] Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120 during rotation of wash basket 120.

[0031] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 which defines an opening 132 that permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 124. More specifically, washing machine appliance 100 includes a door 134 that is positioned over opening 132 and is rotatably mounted to front panel 130. In this manner, door 134 permits selective access to opening 132 by being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 124.

[0032] A window 136 in door 134 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 134 also includes a handle (not shown) that, e.g., a user may pull when opening and closing door 134. Further, although door 134 is illustrated as mounted to front panel 130, it should be appreciated that door 134 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 2, wash basket 120 also defines a plurality of perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottom of wash tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged by gravity from basket 120 to sump 142 through plurality of perforations 140.

[0034] A drain pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124 and is in fluid communication with sump 142 for periodically discharging soiled wash fluid from washing machine appliance 100. Drain pump assembly 144 may generally include a drain pump 146 which is in fluid communication with sump 142 and with an external drain 148 through a drain hose 150. During a drain cycle, drain pump 146 urges a flow of wash fluid from sump 142, through drain hose 150, and to external drain 148. More specifically, drain pump 146 includes a motor (not shown) which is energized during a drain cycle such that drain pump 146 draws wash fluid from sump 142 and urges it through drain hose 150 to external drain 148.

[0035] A spout 154 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into wash tub 124. For example, spout 154 may be in fluid communication with a water supply 155 (FIG. 2) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into wash tub 124. Spout 154 may also be in fluid communication with the sump 142. For example, pump assembly 144 may direct wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to spout 154 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 124.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a detergent drawer 156 is slidably mounted within front panel 130. Detergent drawer 156 receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 124 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 156 may also be fluidly coupled to spout 154 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

[0037] In addition, a water supply valve or control valve 158 may provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as a municipal water supply 155) into detergent dispenser 156 and into wash tub 124. In this manner, control valve 158 may generally be operable to supply water into detergent dispenser 156 to generate a wash fluid, e.g., for use in a wash cycle, or a flow of fresh water, e.g., for a rinse cycle. It should be appreciated that control valve 158 may be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet 102. In addition, although control valve 158 is described herein as regulating the flow of “wash fluid,” it should be appreciated that this term includes, water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.

[0038] A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and / or other items of interest to machine users.

[0039] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 166 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

[0040] Controller 166 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor 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 166 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. Control panel 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

[0041] During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 132, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. Wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, and / or other fluid additives, e.g., via spout 154 and or detergent drawer 156. One or more valves (e.g., control valve 158) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and / or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

[0042] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub 124 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and / or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a final spin cycle, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds and drain pump assembly 144 may discharge wash fluid from sump 142. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned, washed, and / or rinsed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 132.

[0043] While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances, or other appliances in general, having different configurations, different appearances, and / or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

[0044] Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 10, a harness assembly for a household appliance, such as washing machine appliance 100, will be described according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, as may be seen in FIG. 3, a harness assembly 200 may be positioned within cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100. For example, harness assembly 200 may be removably coupled to cabinet 102, e.g., harness assembly 200 may be fastened to one or more sides of cabinet 102, such as rear side 114 of cabinet 102. In general, harness assembly 200 includes a housing 202 configured to house various wiring of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, wiring 190 generally illustrates wiring extending within housing 202 of harness assembly 200. In particular, various components of household appliances include wiring for power and / or data communication, and housing 202 of harness assembly 200 may manage said wiring within the household appliance. One of skill in the art would appreciate that while harness assembly 200 is shown and described as extending between top 104 and bottom 106 of cabinet 102, other example embodiments may include harness assembly 200 oriented such that harness assembly 200 extends between left side 108 and right side 110 of cabinet 102 or extending between front side 112 and rear side 114 of cabinet 102.

[0045] Referring briefly to FIGS. 5 and 6, housing 202 of harness assembly 200 may generally extend between a top end 204 and a bottom end 206 in the vertical direction V, a first side 208 and a second side 210 in the lateral direction L, and a front side 212 and a back side 214 in the transverse direction T. Extending from housing 202, harness assembly 200 may generally include a first fastener 216 extending in the transverse direction T from back side 214 of housing 202, a clip 220 extending in the transverse direction T from front side 212 of housing 202, and a locating protrusion 222 extending in the transverse direction T from back side 214 of housing 202. In general, locating protrusion 222 may include, or otherwise be called, a hook 222 defining a groove 228. The hook 222 may generally be positioned such that groove 228 is positioned at bottom end 206 of housing 202. Additionally, in some example embodiments, harness assembly 200 may generally include a biasing element 230 extending in the transverse direction T from back side 214 of housing 202. Biasing element 230 may generally be a leaf spring, as best illustrated in FIG. 10. In general, one of skill in the art would appreciate that more than one biasing element 230 maybe provided on housing 202, and, additionally, would appreciate that a leaf spring is provided by way of example only and other types of biasing elements may be provided, such as helical springs, conical springs, etc.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is rear side 114 of cabinet 102. In general, first fastener 216, a second fastener 218, and locating protrusion 222 may extend through rear side 114 of cabinet 102, such as to couple harness assembly 200 to cabinet 102. In general, each of first fastener 216, second fastener 218, and locating protrusion 222 will be described in detail with respect to corresponding detail views, e.g., first fastener 216 will be described with respect to detail view A in FIG. 7A, second fastener 218 will be described with respect to detail view B in FIG. 7B, and locating protrusion 222 will be described with respect to detail view C in FIG. 7C.

[0047] Returning now to FIG. 5, right side 110 of cabinet 102 may include a flange 232 generally extending in the lateral direction L and wrapping toward back towards the transverse direction T. As such, fastener 216 of harness assembly 200 may extend through both flange 232 and rear side 114 of cabinet 102. Additionally or alternatively, harness assembly 200 may include a harness tab 236 generally extending in the lateral direction L. In general, harness tab 236 may include a flange channel 234 configured to engage flange 232 of right side 110. For example, flange channel 234 of harness tab 236 may engage flange 232 in order to position harness assembly 200 within cabinet 102 with respect to the lateral direction L, e.g., aiding assembly of harness assembly 200 to cabinet 102 by laterally aligning the fastening components, such as first fastener 216 and / or second fastener 218.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 6, first fastener 216 of harness assembly 200 is one of at least two fasteners, e.g., as illustrated with second fastener 218, however, one of skill in the art would appreciate that harness assembly 200 may include additional fasteners, such as a third fastener and / or a further fastener. In general, first fastener 216 and second fastener 218 may be barbed rivets, push-in rivets, screws, and / or “X-mas tree” snaps. Additionally, in some example embodiments, first fastener 216 and second fastener 218 may include biasing elements (not labeled) extending therefrom, for providing a load between harness assembly 200 and cabinet 102 thus securing harness assembly 200 to reduce / prevent rattling or undesired movement.

[0049] In general, first fastener 216 may be positioned proximate to top end 204 of housing 202, e.g., first fastener 216 may be positioned within a percentage of the total length, e.g., length 203, of housing 202 towards top end 204, such as twenty-five percent (25%), such as twenty percent (20%), such as fifteen percent (15%) of the total length of housing 202. In general, second fastener 218 may be positioned about halfway between top end 204 and bottom end 206 of housing 202, e.g., between thirty-five percent (35%) and sixty-five percent (65%), such as between forty-five percent (45%) and fifty-five percent (55%), such as about fifty percent (50%) of the length (e.g., length 203) between top end 204 and bottom end 206 of housing 202.

[0050] In general, clip 220 of harness assembly 200 is one of a plurality of clips extending in the transverse direction T from front side 212 of housing 202. For example, clip 220 is illustrated in the present example embodiment as a saddle clip, e.g., clip 220 generally includes two flanges (generally indicated in FIG. 9) configured to receive wiring 190, and hold wiring 190 within housing 202. In general, the plurality of clips 220 may be dispersed across length 203 of housing 202, such as to secure wiring 190 within housing 202 therethrough.

[0051] In general, harness assembly 200 may include an anchor, such as a first anchor 224, extending from top end 204 of housing 202. As best seen in FIG. 8, first anchor 224 may generally define a recess 238 configured to receive zip-ties. As such, wiring 190 routed through harness assembly 200 may be secured via a zip-tie (not shown) to top end 204 in addition to being held within housing 202 by clip(s) 220. In general, first anchor 224 is one of at least two anchors, e.g., a second anchor 226 may extend from bottom end 206 of housing 202. As such, wiring 190 routed through harness assembly 200 may be secured via a zip-tie (not shown) to bottom end 206.

[0052] Turning now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, illustrated are various detailed views of portions of cabinet 102 as provided in FIG. 4. Referring first to FIG. 7A, illustrated is first fastener 216 engaging through rear side 114 of cabinet 102. In general, first fastener 216 may engage a first aperture 240 in right side 110 of cabinet 102. In particular, first aperture 240 may be a hole positioned on flange 232 of right side 110, where first fastener 216 may engage with the first aperture 240 and extend through a clearance hole 242 in rear side 114. In particular, in one example embodiment, first fastener 216 may be taller (e.g., in the vertical direction V) than it is wide (e.g., in the lateral direction L), such as to provide vertical alignment of harness assembly 200 during assembly.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 7B, illustrated is second fastener 218 engaging through rear side 114 of cabinet 102. In general, second fastener 218 may engage a second aperture 250 in right side 110 of cabinet 102. In particular, second aperture 250 may be a vertically oriented slot positioned on flange 232 of right side 110, where second fastener 218 may engage with the second aperture 250 and extend through a clearance hole 252 in rear side 114. In particular, in one example embodiment, second fastener 218 may be wider (e.g., in the lateral direction L) than it is tall (e.g., in the vertical direction V), providing lateral alignment of harness assembly 200 during assembly.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 7C, illustrated is locating protrusion 222 coupled to cabinet 102. In general, as described above, locating protrusion 222, or hook 222, may include groove 228. In particular, groove 228 of locating protrusion 222 may engage with a third aperture 260 in flange 232 of right side 110, such that locating protrusion 222 may, at least partially, extend through a clearance slot 262 in rear side 114. In general, hook 222 may be inserted into third aperture 260 in order to align harness assembly 200 with respect to the vertical direction V.

[0055] In general, a multi-step assembly of assembling harness assembly 200 within a household appliance includes a first step of inserting the locating protrusion 222 into third aperture 260, e.g., providing rough alignment of housing 202 to cabinet 102 at locating protrusion 222. Once locating protrusion 222 is inserted into third aperture 260, housing 202 may be rotated towards flange 232 of right side panel 110, where first and second fasteners 216, 218 are engaged. In particular, the central snapping feature, e.g., second fastener 218, may snap into a slotted hole (e.g., second aperture 250), which allows clearance in the vertical direction V, providing easier alignment between other mating features for a user, than without clearance. The top snap feature, e.g., first fastener 216, may snap into a hole (e.g., first aperture 240) to provide the proper alignment with respect to the vertical direction V. As such, harness assembly 200 may be assembled within a household appliance to provide a rigid harness (e.g., wiring) routing housing which reduces vibration, provides clips and anchors to locate and restrain the wiring, as well as advantageously provides protection for the wiring.

[0056] Turning now to FIG. 11, provided is an alternative example embodiment of harness assembly 200. In particular, the illustrated embodiment includes a second locating protrusion, e.g., a locating pin 300, positioned proximate top end 204. For example, locating pin 300 may be a tapered pin extending from back side 214 of housing 202, and positioned between first fastener 216 and top end 204. In general, locating pin 300 may further aid the alignment of housing 202 with cabinet 102 prior to engaging the fasteners / snaps. For example, with regards to washing machine appliance 100, locating pin 300 may be inserted into a fourth aperture (not shown) through flange 232 of right side110 in order to further aid the alignment of housing 202 with the other apertures of flange 232.

[0057] 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.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]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.

[0025]As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are...

Claims

1. A washing machine appliance, comprising:a cabinet defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction mutually perpendicular;a wash tub positioned within the cabinet, the wash tub defining a wash chamber;a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and being configured for receiving of a load of articles for washing;a drive motor operably coupled to the wash basket for selectively rotating the wash basket;a controller operably coupled to the drive motor; anda harness assembly coupled to the cabinet, the harness assembly comprising:a housing extending between a top end and a bottom end in the vertical direction, a front side and a back side in the transverse direction, and a first side and a second side in the lateral direction;a fastener extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing;a clip extending in the transverse direction from the front side of the housing; anda locating protrusion extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing.

2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the harness assembly further comprises a biasing element extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing.

3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the biasing element comprises a leaf-spring.

4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the fastener of the harness assembly is a first fastener of at least two fasteners, the first fastener positioned proximate to the top end of the housing and a second fastener positioned about halfway between the top end and the bottom end of the housing.

5. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises one of a barbed rivet and a push-in rivet.

6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the clip of the harness assembly is one of a plurality of clips extending in the transverse direction from the front side of the housing.

7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the clip comprises a saddle clip.

8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the harness assembly further comprises an anchor extending from the top end of the housing, the anchor defining a recess configured to receive zip-ties.

9. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, wherein the anchor is a first anchor of at least two anchors, a second anchor extending from the bottom end of the housing.

10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the locating protrusion comprises a hook defining a groove, the hook positioned such that the groove is positioned at the bottom end of the housing.

11. A household appliance, comprising:a cabinet defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction mutually perpendicular, the cabinet comprising a first side panel, a rear panel, and a second side panel; anda harness assembly coupled to the rear panel of the cabinet, the harness assembly comprising:a housing extending between a top end and a bottom end in the vertical direction, a front side and a back side in the transverse direction, and a first side and a second side in the lateral direction;a fastener extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing;a clip extending in the transverse direction from the front side of the housing; anda locating protrusion extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing.

12. The household appliance of claim 11, wherein the harness assembly further comprises a biasing element extending in the transverse direction from the back side of the housing.

13. The household appliance of claim 12, wherein the biasing element of the harness assembly comprises a leaf-spring.

14. The household appliance of claim 11, wherein the fastener of the harness assembly is a first fastener of at least two fasteners, the first fastener positioned proximate to the top end of the housing and a second fastener positioned about halfway between the top end and the bottom end of the housing.

15. The household appliance of claim 11, wherein the fastener of the harness assembly comprises one of a barbed rivet and a push-in rivet.

16. The household appliance of claim 11, wherein the clip of the harness assembly is one of a plurality of clips extending in the transverse direction from the front side of the housing.

17. The household appliance of claim 11, wherein the clip of the harness assembly comprises a saddle clip.

18. The household appliance of claim 11, wherein the harness assembly further comprises an anchor extending from the top end of the housing, the anchor defining a recess configured to receive zip-ties.

19. The household appliance of claim 18, wherein the anchor of the harness assembly is a first anchor of at least two anchors, a second anchor extending from the bottom end of the housing.

20. The household appliance of claim 11, wherein the locating protrusion of the harness assembly comprises a hook defining a groove, the hook positioned such that the groove is positioned at the bottom end of the housing.

Images