LAUNDRY APPLIANCE GUIDE FEATURE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to laundry appliances, or more specifically, to a guide feature for a laundry appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a cabinet that receives a tub for containing wash and rinse water. A wash basket is rotatably mounted within the tub. A drive assembly is coupled to the tub and configured to rotate the wash basket within the tub to cleanse articles within the wash basket. Upon completion of a wash cycle, a pump assembly can be used to rinse and drain soiled water to a draining system. Some washing machine appliances may also rotate the wash basket at a relatively high speed for a spin cycle to further drain or shed water from articles within the wash basket.

During assembly of washing machine appliances, or laundry appliances generally, cabinet panels are positioned and mounted. Oftentimes, for conventional laundry appliances, it is difficult to align fastener holes and/or otherwise position and mount cabinet panels in a desired manner. For example, protruding door gaskets of conventional laundry appliances often make it difficult to align fastener holes and/or otherwise position and mount panels of laundry appliance cabinets. Furthermore, such door gaskets may create a gap between the panels and the cabinet or other mounting surface of the laundry appliance once a panel is mounted and, thus, prevent or inhibit panels from being flat to the cabinet.

Accordingly, a feature or method that makes it easier to position and mount panels during assembly of the laundry appliance is desirable. More specifically, a guide feature that positions and mounts panels during assembly of the laundry appliance would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

In one exemplary embodiment, a laundry appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The laundry appliance includes a cabinet including a first panel and a second panel moveable between a detached position and an attached position relative to the first panel. Additionally, the laundry appliance includes a basket rotatably mounted within the cabinet for receiving a load of clothes. Furthermore, the laundry appliance includes a guide feature protruding from the first panel for guiding the second panel to the attached position relative to the first panel. The guide feature includes a main body. Moreover, the guide feature includes a retaining clip mounted to and integrally formed with the main body. Additionally, the retaining clip is cantilevered along the main body.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for mounting a second panel of a laundry appliance is provided. The laundry appliance defines a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The method includes mounting a top portion of the second panel on a panel positioning bracket protruding from a first panel of a cabinet of the laundry appliance. Additionally, the method includes pivoting the second panel about the panel positioning bracket toward a guide feature protruding from the first panel and positioned below the panel positioning bracket. Furthermore, the method includes receiving the guide feature through a guide feature opening defined through the second panel while pivoting the second panel. Moreover, the method includes moving a guide feature opening wall that surrounds the guide feature opening along a retaining clip of the guide feature while pivoting the second panel until the retaining clip exits the guide feature opening to retain the second panel.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter with a door of the example washing machine appliance shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door of the example washing machine appliance shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a guide feature for use with the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a close-up side view of the example guide feature of FIG. 4 and the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 provides a close-up perspective view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 provides a side view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with a front panel of the example washing machine appliance shown being mounted in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 provides a close-up perspective view of the example guide feature of FIG. 4 and the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 provides a close-up perspective view of the example guide feature of FIG. 4 and the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 provides a flow diagram for a method of mounting a panel of a laundry appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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. 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”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged.

Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be 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 “generally,” “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, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration. ” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment”does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, FIG. 2 is a front view of washing machine appliance 100, and FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. 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 108 and a right side 110 along the lateral direction, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transverse direction T.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, 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. ”

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. 3, a plurality of ribs or baffles 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, for example, baffles 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120 during rotation of wash basket 120.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 3, cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 and a pair of side panels 131 spaced apart in lateral direction L. Front panel 130 defines a chamber 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 chamber opening 132 and is rotatably mounted to front panel 130. In this manner, door 134 permits selective access to chamber opening 132 by being movable between an open position (FIG. 2) facilitating access to a wash tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 124.

A door gasket 138 may be positioned between front panel 130 and door 134 for providing a fluid seal between door 134 and cabinet 102 when door 134 is in the closed position. Door gasket 138 may surround chamber opening 132. Furthermore, door gasket 138 may generally be made from a resilient material such that it flexes to form a fluid seal when door 134 is in the closed position. For example, door gasket 138 may be made from rubber or any other suitably resilient material capable of forming a fluid seal. Door gasket 138 may generally define a perimeter 139 that surrounds or encircles chamber opening 132. For example, door gasket 138 may be mounted to front panel 130, e.g., such that at least a portion of door gasket 138 extends forward of front panel 130 for engaging door 134 as it is moved toward the closed position.

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 labeled) 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.

Referring again to FIG. 3, 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.

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.

A spout 152 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into wash tub 124. For example, spout 152 may be in fluid communication with a water supply 154 (FIG. 2) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into wash tub 124. Spout 152 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 152 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a dispenser drawer 156 is slidably mounted within front panel 130. Dispenser 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 tub 124 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, dispenser drawer 156 may also be fluidly coupled to spout 152 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

In addition, a water supply valve 158 may provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as a municipal water supply 154) into detergent dispenser 156 and into wash tub 124. In this manner, water supply 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 water supply valve 158 may be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet 102. In addition, although water supply 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.

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.

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.

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 buses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through chamber 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 152 and or dispenser drawer 156. One or more valves (e.g., water supply 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 baffles 128) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

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. Baffles 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 chamber opening 132.

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 having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., vertical axis washing machine appliances.

Referring still to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system 170 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system 170 is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications between washing machine appliance 100 and 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 washing machine appliance 100. In addition, it should be appreciated that external communication system 170 may 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 system 170 permits controller 166 of washing machine appliance 100 to communicate with a separate device external to washing machine appliance 100, referred to generally herein as an external device 172. As described in more detail below, these communications may be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection, such as via a network 174. In general, external device 172 may be any suitable device separate from washing machine appliance 100 that is configured to provide and/or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, external device 172 may 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 server 176 may be in communication with washing machine appliance 100 and/or external device 172 through network 174. In this regard, for example, remote server 176 may be a cloud-based server 176, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, external device 172 may communicate with a remote server 176 over network 174, such as the Internet, to transmit/receive data or information, provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control washing machine appliance 100, etc. In addition, external device 172 and remote server 176 may communicate with washing machine appliance 100 to communicate similar information.

In general, communication between washing machine appliance 100, external device 172, remote server 176, 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 device 172 may be in direct or indirect communication with washing machine appliance 100 through any suitable wired or wireless communication connections or interfaces, such as network 174. For example, network 174 may 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 system 170 is 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 system 170 provided 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 specifically to FIGS. 4 through 9, one or more guide features 200, such as a pair of guide features 200, that may be used with washing machine appliance 100 will be described according to example embodiments of the present subject matter. Although the guide features 200 are described herein as being used with washing machine appliance 100, it should be appreciated that guide features 200 may be used on any other suitable laundry appliance, e.g., such as a dryer appliance, a combination washer/dryer appliance, or any other suitable appliance. Although an exemplary construction of guide features 200 is described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the guide features 200 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

During assembly of washing machine appliance 100, front panel 130 may be moved from a detached position (not shown) in which front panel 130 is separated from/not contacting any other portion of cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 to an attached position (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 9) in which front panel 130 is fixedly attached to cabinet 102, such as to side panels 131, or not moveable relative to cabinet 102. Guide features 200 may be used to position/guide and mount front panel 130 to side panels 131. While guide features 200 will be described herein as being used to position and mount front panel 130 to side panels 131, it should be appreciated that guide features 200 may be used to position and mount any other suitable panel of washing machine appliance 100 to side panels 131 or any other portion of cabinet 102. Furthermore, while guide features 200 will be described herein as being mounted to side panels 131, it should be appreciated that one or both guide features 200 may be mounted to the panel being mounted to cabinet 102, such as front panel 130. Additionally, while guide features 200 are a pair of guide features 200, it should be appreciated that washing machine appliance 100 may include any number of guide features 200 for positioning and mounting a panel of washing machine appliance 100 to cabinet 102.

According to example embodiments, each guide feature 200 may include a main body 201. The main body 201 of guide feature 200 may include a base or mounting bracket 202. In some embodiments, mounting bracket 202 may correspond to a rectangular-like plate. However, it should be appreciated that mounting bracket 202 may correspond to any suitable shape. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, mounting bracket 202 may include an anterior surface 204 facing away from cabinet 102, (e.g., anterior surface 204 may face front panel 130) and posterior surface 206 spaced apart from anterior surface 204 that faces cabinet 102. Additionally, mounting bracket 202 may include a bracket wall 208 positioned between anterior surface 204 and posterior surface 206 and defining a perimeter 210 of mounting bracket 202.

According to example embodiments, mounting bracket 202 may include one or more bracket positioning features 212, such as a first bracket positioning feature 212A and a second bracket positioning feature 212B, that protrude from and are integrally formed with posterior surface 206 of mounting bracket 202. For example, each bracket positioning feature 212 may be formed or molded together during with posterior surface 206 during manufacturing, such as via a plastic molding process. Additionally, bracket positioning features 212 may be used to rigidly/fixedly attach or mount guide feature 200 to cabinet 102. In this respect, one or more positioning feature holes 213, such as a first positioning feature hole 213A and a second positioning feature hole 213B, may be defined through side panel 131 for receiving corresponding bracket positioning features 212A, 212B therethrough. A width or diameter of positioning features holes 213 may be approximately equal to a width or diameter of bracket positioning features 212. Positioning feature holes 213 may bound bracket positioning features 212 so that guide feature 200 is mounted to side wall 131 and to inhibit or prevent rotational motion of guide feature 200 relative to side panel 131. In some embodiments, first bracket positioning features 212A and second bracket positioning feature 212B are spaced apart from each other and aligned with a fastener 217. Fastener 217 may be received through aligned fastener holes 214, 216 (FIG. 5) of guide feature 200 and side wall 131, respectively, for fastening guide feature 200 to side wall 131.

According to example embodiments, main body 201 may include a guide feature pin 220. The guide feature pin 220 may protrude from and be integrally formed with mounting bracket 202 of main body 201. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, guide feature pin 220 may extend from mounting bracket 202 perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to side panel 131 in transverse direction T.

According to example embodiments, guide feature pin 220 may include a base portion 222. In some embodiments, base portion 222 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to mounting bracket 202 and extend linearly from mounting bracket 202 at an inner end 221 of base portion 222 toward front panel 130 for a length of base portion 222. Base portion 222 may define a uniform/constant or substantially uniform/constant cross-section for length of base portion 222. For example, base portion 222 may define an annular cross-section for length of base portion 222. Furthermore, base portion 222 may define an outer perimeter 224 that is circular or substantially circular. For example, as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, base portion 222 may correspond to a cylinder.

In some embodiments, guide feature pin 220 may also include a tapered portion 225. Tapered portion 225 may be integrally formed with and extend linearly from base portion 222 at an outer end 223 of base portion 222 spaced apart from inner end 221 of base portion 222 (e.g., in transverse direction T). Tapered portion 225 may define a cross-section, such as an annular cross section, that decreases in width or diameter from a wide end 226 of tapered portion 225 that is integrally formed with outer end 223 of base portion 222 to a narrow end 227. In this respect, as will be described below, tapered portion 225 of guide feature pin 220 may help guide front panel 130 onto guide feature 200 for positioning and mounting front panel 130 to side panels 131. Additionally, base portion 222 of guide feature pin 220 may limit or inhibit movement of front panel 130 relative to side panels 131.

According to example embodiments, guide feature pin 220 may define a fastener drive opening 228 for receiving a fastener, such as fastener 217, within an interior portion 229 of guide feature 200. Fastener drive opening 228 may correspond to a hole or opening defined through narrow end 227 of tapered portion 225. However, it should be appreciated that fastener drive opening 228 may also, or alternatively, be defined through base portion 222. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, interior portion 229 of guide feature 200 may extend linearly from fastener drive opening 228 and through at least a portion of base portion 222. Fastener hole 214 of guide feature 200 may be defined through the remainder of base portion 222 from the interior portion 229 and through mounting bracket 202. Guide feature 200 may be positioned on side wall 131 so that fastener hole 214 of guide feature 200 and fastener hole 216 of side wall 131 are aligned so that fastener 217 may be simultaneously received through both fastener holes 214, 216 to mount guide feature 200 to side wall 131.

According to example embodiments, guide feature 200 may also include a retaining clip 230. The retaining clip 230 may be mounted to and cantilevered along main body 201, such as along base portion 222. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, retaining clip 230 may be mounted to and protrude from tapered portion 225 of guide feature pin 220 toward side panel 131 and cantilevered over base portion 222. However, it should be appreciated that retaining clip 230 may be mounted to main body 201 at any other suitable location. For example, retaining clip 230 may be mounted to mounting bracket 202 of main body 201. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that retaining clip 230 may be cantilevered along main body 201 in any other suitable manner. For example, retaining clip 230 may be cantilevered over, under, or beside main body 201, such as over, under, or beside base portion 222. Additionally, in some embodiments, retaining clip 230 may extend in an oblique direction O relative to base portion 222 of guide feature pin 220 and, thus, an acute angle AA may be defined between retaining clip 230 and base portion 222 of guide feature pin 220.

According to example embodiments, retaining clip 230 may include a mounted portion 231. Mounted portion 231 may be mounted to and integrally formed with main body 201, such as to guide feature pin 220. For example, mounted portion 231 may be mounted to and integrally formed with tapered portion 225 of guide feature pin 220. However, it should be appreciated that mounted portion 231 may be mounted to main body 201 at any other suitable location, such as to mounting bracket 202. Additionally, retaining clip 230 may include a free portion 232. Free portion 232 may be integrally formed with and protrude from mounted portion 231, such as toward side panel 131. Furthermore, free portion 232 may be cantilevered from mounted portion 231 along base portion 222 of guide feature pin 220.

According to example embodiments, free portion 232 of retaining clip 230 may be bendable/flexible and, thus, flexibly moveable between a standard or resting position 234 and a compressed position 236 in which free portion 232 is closer to guide feature pin 220. In this respect, retaining clip 230 may be formed or made up of a flexible material, such as a plastic material. As will be described below, free portion 232 of retaining clip 230 may be moved toward or to compressed position 236 so that front panel 130 may receive guide feature therethrough and, once front panel 130 has received guide feature 200 therethrough, free portion 232 may be returned to resting position 234 to retain front panel 130 onto side panel 131.

According to example embodiments, front panel 130 may be positioned and mounted to side panels 131 during assembly of washing machine appliance 100 and, thus, may be moveable from detached position to attached position. As such, as best illustrated in FIG. 6, front panel 130 may first be mounted to a pair of panel positioning brackets 240, such as a pair of hooks, positioned at a top portion of cabinet 102 above guide feature 200. Panel positioning brackets 240 may protrude from side panels 131 or a component of washing machine appliance 100, such as a bracket, toward front panel 130. Front panel 130 may thus define a pair of corresponding positioning panel openings 242 therethrough for mounting/hanging front panel 130 from panel positioning brackets 240. As best illustrated in FIG. 7, once front panel 130 is mounted to panel positioning brackets 240, front panel is pivoted about panel positioning brackets 240 toward guide feature 200 and, thus, toward attached position.

According to example embodiments, front panel 130 may receive guide feature 200 when moving front panel 130 toward and to attached position. In this respect, front panel 130 may include a flange 250 extending therefrom that defines a guide feature opening 252 therethrough surrounded or bounded by a guide feature opening wall 253. As front panel 130 is pivoted toward attached position, guide feature 200 is received through guide feature opening 252. In this respect, as best illustrated in FIG. 8, guide feature opening wall 253 directly contacts retaining clip 230 and slides along retaining clip 230 as front panel 130 is pivoted. As such, guide feature opening wall 253 applies pressure to move free portion 232 of retaining clip 230 toward or to compressed position as guide feature opening wall 253 slides along retaining clip 230 so that guide feature 200 may be received through guide feature opening 252.

Additionally, as best illustrated in FIG. 9, after guide feature opening wall 253 reaches the end of retaining clip 230, retaining clip 230 may exit guide feature opening 252. As such, guide feature opening wall 253 may move off retaining clip 230 so that front panel 130 is approximately in the attached position relative to side panels 131. When front panel 130 is in the attached position, flange 250 may be positioned behind retaining clip 230. As such, with pressure no longer being applied by guide feature opening wall 253, retaining clip 230 may move to resting position 234. Since flange 250 is positioned behind retaining clip 230, retaining clip 230 provides a boundary to inhibit or prevent front panel 130 from moving away from side panels 131 in one direction, such as transverse direction T. Likewise, guide feature opening 252 may surround guide feature pin 220, which may limit or inhibit movement of front panel 130 in two directions, such as lateral direction L and vertical direction V.

Now that the construction of an exemplary washing machine appliance has been presented, an exemplary method 300 of mounting a panel of a laundry appliance will be described. In this regard, method 300 provides an example method for mounting a panel of a laundry appliance to align fastener holes of the panel and laundry appliance and prevent movement of the panel/misalignment of the fastener holes. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 300 of mounting front panel 130 of washing machine appliance 100, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 300 is applicable to mounting a panel to any suitable laundry appliance, such as a dryer appliance and/or a different washing machine appliance.

Referring to FIG. 10, method 300 includes, at (302), mounting a portion of a second panel on a panel positioning bracket protruding from a first panel of a cabinet of a washing machine appliance. In some embodiments, the second panel may be mounted on a panel positioning bracket protruding from a side panel of the cabinet of the washing machine appliance. For example, as described above, washing machine appliance 100 may include the pair of panel positioning brackets 240, such as a pair of hooks, positioned at a top portion of cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100. Each panel positioning bracket 240 of the pair of panel positioning brackets 240 may protrude from one of the side panels 131. Additionally, front panel 130 may define a pair of corresponding positioning panel openings 242 therethrough for mounting/hanging front panel 130 from panel positioning brackets 240. As such, front panel 130 may be hung from or otherwise mounted to panel positioning brackets 240 by receiving panel positioned brackets 240 through positioning panel openings 242.

Additionally, at (304), method 300 includes pivoting the second panel about the panel positioning bracket toward a guide feature protruding from the first panel and positioned below the panel positioning bracket. For example, as described above, washing machine appliance 100 may include a guide feature 200 mounted to side panel 131 and positioned below panel positioning brackets 240 in vertical direction V. As such, once front panel 130 has been mounted to panel positioning brackets 240, front panel 130 is pivoted about panel positioning brackets 240 toward guide feature 200.

Furthermore, at (306), method 300 includes receiving the guide feature through a guide feature opening defined through the second panel while pivoting the second panel. For example, as described above, guide feature opening 252 may be defined through flange 250 of front panel 130. As such, while front panel 130 is pivoted, guide feature 200 may be received through guide feature opening 252.

Moreover, at (308), method 300 includes moving a guide feature opening wall that surrounds the guide feature opening along a retaining clip of the guide feature while pivoting the second panel until the retaining clip exits the guide feature opening. For example, as described above, guide feature opening wall 253 may surround guide feature opening 252. As front panel 130 is pivoted toward attached position, guide feature opening wall 253 directly contacts retaining clip 230 and slides along retaining clip 230 as front panel 130 is pivoted. After guide feature opening wall 253 reaches the end of retaining clip 230, retaining clip 230 may exit guide feature opening 252. As such, guide feature opening wall 253 may move off retaining clip 230 so that front panel 130 is in the attached position relative to side panels 131.

Additionally, at (310), method 300 includes driving one or more fasteners through the second panel and one or more mounting components of the washing machine appliance to secure the second panel to the washing machine appliance. For example, several fastener holes (not shown) may be defined through front panel 130. Corresponding fasteners hole aligned with the fastener holes of front panel 130 may be defined through one or more mounting components of washing machine appliance 100, such as through side panels 131. In this respect, fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, and/or the like) may be simultaneously driven through the fastener holes of the front panel 130 and the mounting component(s) of washing machine appliance 100 to which front panel 130 is being mounted. As such, front panel 130 is secured to washing machine appliance 100.

As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a laundry appliance guide feature for positioning and mounting a panel on the laundry appliance. For example, the guide feature includes a retaining clip which may be flexible so that the panel being mounted may compress the retaining clip to be mounted to the different panels and/or brackets of the laundry appliance. Once the panel is mounted on the guide feature, the retaining clip is moved to a resting position. The guide feature may position the panel at a desired location so that fastener holes of the cabinet of the laundry appliance and the panel are aligned. Additionally, once the panel is in position, the guide feature may inhibit movement of the panel to prevent misalignment of the fastener holes.

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.