Insulation Retention Feature for a Dishwasher Appliance

The present subject matter relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and more particularly, to systems for retaining an insulation blanket on a wash tub of a dishwasher appliance.

Dishwasher 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. Wash fluid (e.g., various combinations of water and detergent along with optional additives) may be introduced into the tub where it collects in a sump space at the bottom of the wash chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, a pump may be used to circulate wash fluid to spray assemblies within the wash chamber that can apply or direct wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. During a drain cycle, a pump may periodically discharge soiled wash fluid that collects in the sump space and the process may be repeated.

Conventional dishwashers commonly use an insulation blanket as a sound barrier between the dishwasher and cabinet space. For example, these insulation blankets are placed on top of the wash tub and are draped over the sides and/or the back of the wash tub. However, conventional insulation blankets are particularly hard to install with the unit, as there is often limited space between the cabinet and unit sidewalls and top. For example, during installation, the insulation blanket often slides forward, shifts out of place to the left or right, is bunched up at one or more locations, or ends up getting pinched around the collar of the unit. In addition, conventional methods of installing/attaching the insulation blanket are complex and costly.

Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance including features for retaining an insulation blanket would be desirable. More specifically, features that prevent shifting, bunching, or sliding of an insulation blanket during shipping or installation of a dishwasher appliance would be particularly beneficial.

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

In one exemplary embodiment, a dishwasher appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a structural base, a wash tub positioned on top of the structural base and defining a wash chamber for receipt of a load of articles, a tub support positioned between the structural base and the wash tub, wherein the tub support defines a blanket retention feature, and an insulation blanket positioned over at least a portion of the wash tub, the insulation blanket configured to engage the blanket retention feature to retain the insulation blanket on the wash tub.

In another exemplary embodiment, an insulation assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a structural base and a wash tub positioned on top of the structural base. The insulation assembly includes a tub support positioned between the structural base and the wash tub, wherein the tub support defines a blanket retention feature and an insulation blanket positioned over at least a portion of the wash tub, the insulation blanket configured to engage the blanket retention feature to retain the insulation blanket on the wash tub.

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.

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.

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.

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. In addition, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

depict an exemplary domestic dishwashing appliance or dishwasherthat may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of, the dishwasherincludes a cabinethaving a tubtherein that defines a wash chamber. As shown, tubextends between a topand a bottomalong a vertical direction V, between a pair of side wallsalong a lateral direction L, and between a front sideand a rear sidealong a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually orthogonal to one another.

The tubincludes a front openingand a doorhinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in), wherein the wash chamberis sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher. According to exemplary embodiments, dishwasherfurther includes a door closure mechanism or assemblythat is used to lock and unlock doorfor accessing and sealing wash chamber.

As illustrated in, tub side wallsmay accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, guide railsmay be mounted to side wallsfor supporting a lower rack assembly, a middle rack assembly, and an upper rack assembly. As illustrated, upper rack assemblyis positioned at a top portion of wash chamberabove middle rack assembly, which is positioned above lower rack assemblyalong the vertical direction V. Each rack assembly,,is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber, and a retracted position (shown in) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber. This is facilitated, for example, by rollersmounted onto rack assemblies,,, respectively. Although guide railsand rollersare illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies,,, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.

Some or all of the rack assemblies,,are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members(for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies,,are shown in). In this regard, rack assemblies,,are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamberwhile allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles (e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle). According to another exemplary embodiment, a silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to a rack assembly (e.g., lower rack assembly) for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by rack.

Dishwasherfurther includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber. More specifically, as illustrated in, dishwasherincludes a lower spray arm assemblydisposed in a lower regionof wash chamberand above a sumpso as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly. Similarly, a mid-level spray arm assemblyis located in an upper region of wash chamberand may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly. In this regard, mid-level spray arm assemblymay generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assemblyand upper rack assembly. Additionally, an upper spray assemblymay be located above upper rack assemblyalong the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assemblymay be configured for urging or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies,, and. As further illustrated in, upper rack assemblymay further define an integral spray manifold, which is generally configured for urging a flow of wash fluid substantially upward along the vertical direction V through upper rack assembly.

The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assemblyfor circulating water and wash fluid in the tub. More specifically, fluid circulation assemblyincludes a pumpfor circulating water or wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, or rinse aid) in the tub. Pumpmay be located within sumpor within a machinery compartment located below sumpof tub, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assemblymay include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water or wash fluid from pumpto the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in, a primary supply conduitmay extend from pump, along rearof tubalong the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber.

As illustrated, primary supply conduitis used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies (e.g., to mid-level spray arm assemblyand upper spray assembly). 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. For example, according to another exemplary embodiment, primary supply conduitcould be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assemblyand a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwasher appliance.

Each spray arm assembly,,, integral spray manifold, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pumponto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber. 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 arm assemblies,,may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray arm assemblies,,and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwashermay 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.

In operation, pumpdraws wash fluid in from sumpand pumps it to a diverter assembly(e.g., which may be positioned within sumpof dishwasher appliance). Diverter assemblymay include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamberfor selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray arm assemblies,,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. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.

According to an exemplary embodiment, diverter assemblyis configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pumpto various fluid supply conduits, only some of which are illustrated infor clarity. More specifically, diverter assemblymay include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assemblyin the clockwise direction, a second conduit for rotating lower spray arm assemblyin the counter-clockwise direction, a third conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as the silverware rack, and a fourth conduit for supply mid-level or upper spray assemblies,(e.g., such as primary supply conduit).

The dishwasheris further equipped with a controllerto regulate operation of the dishwasher. The controllermay 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, controllermay be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

The controllermay be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher. In the illustrated embodiment, the controllermay be located within a control panel areaof door, as shown in. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasheralong wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door. Typically, the controllermay be in operative communication with a user interface panelthrough which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher. In one embodiment, the user interfacemay represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In certain embodiments, the user interfaceincludes input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including capacitive touch screens/buttons, rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interfacemay further include one or more display components, such as a digital display device or one or more indicator light assemblies designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interfacemay be in communication with the controllervia one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher. The exemplary embodiment depicted inis for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies,,, different spray arm assemblies,,and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. Moreover, aspects of the present subject matter may be applied to other appliances as well, such as refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, etc.

Referring now generally to, doorwill be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Although dooris described herein as being used with dishwasher, it should be appreciated that dooror variations thereof may be used on any other suitable residential or commercial appliance. As described herein, doormay share a coordinate system with dishwasher, e.g., when dooris in the closed position (e.g., as shown in). Specifically, doormay define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Therefore, these directions may be used herein to refer to features of doorand its various components and sub-assemblies.

As shown, in the normally closed position, doorextends from a top end or top edgeto a bottom end or bottom edgealong the vertical direction V; from a front endto a rear endalong the transverse direction T; and between two lateral endsalong the lateral direction L. According to exemplary embodiments, doormay be formed from one or more exterior panels that define an interior chamber of door. According to exemplary embodiments, the exterior panels of doormay be panels that are stamped from stainless steel or may be formed from any other suitably rigid material, such as thermoformed plastic, other metals, etc. In general, the exterior panels of doormay be assembled in any suitable manner, e.g., may be secured together using any suitable mechanical fastener, welding, snap-fit mechanisms, etc. In addition, it should be appreciated that an insulating material (not shown), such as fiberglass or foam insulation, may be positioned within doorto provide thermal and/or sound insulation to dishwasher.

Referring still to, user interface panelis positioned proximate top edgeof dooralong the vertical direction V. In this manner, user interface panelmay be partially hidden below a countertop when dishwasher applianceis installed below the countertop and dooris closed. Accordingly, dishwasher appliancemay be referred to as a “top control dishwasher appliance.” However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used with dishwasher appliances having other configurations or any other suitable appliance. For example, user interface panelmay be alternately positioned on front face or front endof door.

User interface panelis positioned on doorsuch that a user can engage or interact with user interface panel, e.g., to select operating cycles and parameters, activate/deactivate operating cycles, or adjust other operating parameters of dishwasher appliance. User interface panelmay include a printed circuit board (not shown) that is positioned within door. According to exemplary embodiments, printed circuit board may include or be operatively coupled to controllerand/or user interface panel. In addition, user interface panelmay include or be operably coupled to one or more user inputs or touch buttons (e.g., identified generally herein as user inputs) for receiving user input, providing user notifications, or illuminating to indicate cycle or operating status.

Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, user inputsinclude a plurality of capacitive sensors that are mounted to user interface paneland are operable to detect user inputs. For example, these capacitive sensors may be configured for triggering when a user touches a top edgeof user interface panelin a region associated with a particular user input. In particular, these capacitive sensors can detect when a finger or another conductive material with a dielectric different than air contacts or approaches user interface panel, along with the precise location, pressure, etc. of the finger interaction.

When a user touches top edgeof user interface paneladjacent one of user inputs, the associated capacitive sensors may be triggered and may communicate a corresponding signal to controller. In such a manner, operations of dishwasher appliancecan be initiated and controlled. According to exemplary embodiments, the capacitive sensors may be distributed laterally on user interface panel. It will be understood that other any suitable number, type, and position of capacitive sensors may be used while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. Indeed, any suitable number, type, and configuration of user inputsmay be used while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

User interface panelmay define a plurality of surfaces that are intended to be illuminated for various purposes. For example, user inputsmay be illuminated by light sources to inform the user of the location of the button or to provide some other status indication. Notably, this illumination is typically achieved by directing a light beam along the vertical direction V onto top edgeof user interface panel. Doormay further include a plurality of light sources or lighting devices that are configured for illuminating one or more surfaces of user interface panel. It should be appreciated that these light sources may include any suitable number, type, configuration, and orientation of light sources mounted at any suitable location to illuminate status indicators or buttons in any suitable colors, sizes, patterns, etc. In other words, the light sources may be provided as any suitable number, type, position, and configuration of electrical light source(s), using any suitable light technology and illuminating in any suitable color. For example, the light sources may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which may each illuminate in a single color (e.g., white LEDs), or which may each illuminate in multiple colors (e.g., multi-color or RGB LEDs) depending on the control signal from controller.

However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, the light sources may include any other suitable traditional light bulbs or sources, such as halogen bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, glow bars, a fiber light source, etc. Moreover, the light sources may be operably coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to controlleror another suitable control board to facilitate activation or illumination of the light sources (e.g., to indicate a user input, state of the dishwasher appliance, state of the wash cycle, or any other relevant information to a user).

According to exemplary embodiments, user interface panelmay be any suitable transparent or semitransparent feature for diffusing, directing, or otherwise transmitting light from a light source. For example, user interface panelmay be formed from a suitable transparent or translucent material configured to direct light energy, such as a dielectric material, such as glass or plastic, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyacrylic, or any other suitable material.

In addition, user interface panelmay be a dead fronted panel. As used herein, the term “dead front” and the like is generally intended to refer to portions of a control panel which may be used as indicators, buttons, interactive control surfaces, or other user-interaction features without exposing the user to the operating side of the equipment or live parts and connections, i.e., lights, electrical connections, etc. For example, user interface panelmay include a transparent or translucent body and an opaque masking material that is selectively printed on top edgeof the translucent body to define capacitive touch buttons or user inputs.

The opaque material may be deposited on the translucent body to define any suitable number, size, and configuration of illuminated features. These illuminated features may be shapes or include other forms such as symbols, words, etc. that are visible on user interface panel. More specifically, when light sources are energized, capacitive touch buttons or user inputson top edgemay be illuminated. Thus, the dead fronted top edgemay be the surface that is contacted for controlling dishwasher applianceor which may be illuminated for purposes of indicating operating status or other conditions to the user of the dishwasher appliance.

Referring still to, a schematic diagram of an external communication systemwill be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication systemis configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications between dishwasher applianceand one or more external devices. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of dishwasher appliance. In addition, it should be appreciated that external communication systemmay be used to transfer data or other information to improve performance of one or more external devices or appliances and/or improve user interaction with such devices.

For example, external communication systempermits controllerof dishwasher applianceto communicate with a separate device external to dishwasher appliance, referred to generally herein as an external device. As described in more detail below, these communications may be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection, such as via a network. In general, external devicemay be any suitable device separate from dishwasher appliancethat is configured to provide and/or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, external devicemay be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.

In addition, a remote servermay be in communication with dishwasher applianceand/or external devicethrough network. In this regard, for example, remote servermay be a cloud-based server, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, external devicemay communicate with a remote serverover network, such as the Internet, to transmit/receive data or information, provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control dishwasher appliance, etc. In addition, external deviceand remote servermay communicate with dishwasher applianceto communicate similar information.

In general, communication between dishwasher appliance, external device, remote server, and/or other user devices or appliances may be carried using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. For example, external devicemay be in direct or indirect communication with dishwasher appliancethrough any suitable wired or wireless communication connections or interfaces, such as network. For example, networkmay include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short- or long-range wireless networks, etc. In addition, communications may be transmitted using any suitable communications devices or protocols, such as via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, wireless radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. In addition, such communication may use a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

External communication systemis described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication systemprovided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now also to, dishwasher appliancemay further include a wash tub support assemblyfor receiving and supporting wash tub. For example, wash tub support assemblymay include a structural basewhich includes one or more structural members for supporting the weight of dishwasherduring operation. According to the illustrated embodiment of, structural basemay include base membersthat are positioned on opposite lateral sides of dishwasherand are configured for seating on the floor where dishwasher applianceis installed. In addition, structural basemay include vertical supportsthat extend from a rear end of each of the base membersupward along the vertical direction V. Vertical supportsare generally configured for supporting wash tub. As shown for example in, structural basemay generally be covered in an apron or cabinet structure (e.g., referred to herein generally as cabinet).

Notably, structural base(or more specifically, vertical supports) may have a tendency to damage wash tubwhen large impacts are made to structural base. For example, during delivery of dishwasher appliance, structural baseoften experiences large impacts associated with the movement of dishwasher appliance. These impact forces tend to travel up vertical supportsand directly transfer to wash tub. Because wash tubis commonly formed from a thin metal material, dents, deformations, and other damage to wash tubmay occur. Accordingly, in order to prevent damage to wash tub, wash tub support assemblymay further include a tub supportthat is positioned between structural baseand wash tub, e.g., to facilitate dampening of forces between structural baseand wash tub.

Although an example tub supportis described below, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. As illustrated, tub supportmay generally be mounted to a top end of vertical supportsand may support a lower cornerwhere a bottom walland a sidewallof wash tubmeet. More specifically, tub supportsmay be positioned at lower cornerson opposite ends of wash tubalong the lateral direction L. Although two tub supportsare illustrated, it should be appreciated that wash tub support assemblymay further include additional vertical supportsand tub supportsas needed to sufficiently and safely support wash tub.

As shown in, tub supportgenerally includes a mounting structurethat is attached to structural base(e.g., at a distal end of vertical supports). In general, mounting structuremay define a tub support surfacethat is configured for securely supporting wash tub. In this regard, for example, tub support surfacemay be contoured to match a contact surfaceof wash tub(e.g., a profile of corner). For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, tub supportis positioned on arcuate cornerwhere bottomand sidewallof wash tubmeet. Accordingly, tub support surfacemay also be curved or arcuate in a manner that matches the contour of corner sidewallof wash tub. In this manner, pressure points may be reduced and wash tubmay be securely supported to reduce vibrations and mitigate impact forces.

It should be appreciated that various features of mounting structureand tub supportmay be formed from any suitably rigid material. For example, according to exemplary embodiments, mounting structuremay be formed by injection molding, e.g., using a suitable plastic material, such as injection molding grade Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Nylon 6, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any other suitable blend of polymers. Alternatively, according to the exemplary embodiment, these components may be compression molded, e.g., using sheet molding compound (SMC) thermoset plastic or other thermoplastics. According to still other embodiments, portions of mounting structuremay be formed from any other suitable rigid material.

Although mounting structure is formed from a rigid or semi rigid material, it should be appreciated that according to example embodiments, it may be desirable to absorb impact forces within mounting structure. Accordingly, mounting structuremay define a geometry that is intended to support wash tubwhile minimizing the transfer of impact forces on structural base. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, mounting structuredefines a cellular structure that allows flexing of the injection molded plastic mounting structureto absorb impact forces. In this regard, the cellular structure may be a honeycomb structure, a cellular matrix structure, or any other suitable grid, lattice, or mesh-like structure capable of absorbing impact forces.

In general, mounting structuremay be attached to vertical supportsin any suitable manner. In this regard, mounting structuremay be attached to the vertical supportsusing mechanical fasteners, adhesive, welding, or any other suitable attachment mechanism. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, structural basemay define one or more attachment aperturesand mounting structuremay define complementary featuresfor receipt within attachment apertures. For example, referring specifically to, mounting structuremay define two rigid protrusionsand one resilient snap fit mechanismthat are configured for engaging attachment aperturesof vertical supports.

Referring now specifically to, dishwasher appliancemay further include an insulation assemblyconfigured to provide sound, vibration, and/or thermal insulation between dishwasher applianceand surrounding cabinetry. In this regard, for example, insulation assemblymay include an insulation blanket(see) that is draped or positioned over at least a portion of wash tubto prevent transmission of sound and vibrations. Insulation blanketmay generally be formed from any suitable material, such as a woven blanket, a ceramic fiber insulation blanket, a rubber or foam mesh, etc.

According to an example embodiment, insulation blanketis seated over three or four sides of wash tub, e.g., on an outer surfaceof wash tub. Specifically, according to an example embodiment, insulation blanketis a single sheet of material that is positioned over a top of wash tuband includes side panels that fold over to sidewallsof wash tub. According to still other embodiments, insulation blanketmay include a back panel that drapes over a rear of wash tub. Notably, as explained briefly above, insulation blankets may commonly become displaced when the dishwasher is slid into surrounding cabinetry, resulting in installation difficulty, reduced sound dampening, and customer dissatisfaction. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to features for simplifying installation of insulation blanketwhile also ensuring that it remains in place for the life of the unit. Moreover, these features add little to no costs to the unit and do not complicate dishwasher assembly.

Specifically, insulation assemblymay include a blanket retention featuredefined on tub support. In this regard, blanket retention featuremay be any suitable feature for engaging insulation blanketwhen it is in the installed position. Although an example blanket retention featureis described and illustrated herein, it should be appreciated that numerous other mechanisms for retaining insulation blanketmay be used while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. In addition, although a single mounting structureand blanket retention featureis described, it should be appreciated that insulation assemblymay include multiple mounting structures and associated blanket retention features, as described above with respect to tub supports.