LAUNDRY APPLIANCE SPILL DRAIN

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to laundry appliances, or more specifically, to the spill drain of a laundry appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Washing machine appliances also generally include a door that can be opened to provide access to the wash chamber and closed to prohibit access to the wash chamber. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc. During a spin or drain cycle, a drain pump assembly may operate to discharge water from within sump.

Sometimes, fluid may leak or spill within washing machine appliances. For example, certain conventional washing machine appliances may include a dispenser drawer that may contain and/or direct wash fluid, and/or other fluid into the tub. Fluid may leak or spill from the dispenser drawer within a washing machine appliance such as, for example, during filling of the dispenser drawer or during operation of the washing machine appliance. Such fluid may include the wash fluid directed by the dispenser drawer or condensation that drips from the dispenser drawer. Additionally, fluid may leak or spill outside of the washing machine appliance and flow into the washing machine appliance through, for example, gaps between external components of the washing machine appliance. Leaking or spilling fluid within washing machine appliances may contact unintended or undesired components of the washing machine appliances, such as electrical components, and may damage or otherwise interfere with the function of the components.

Accordingly, a laundry appliance having a spill drain would be desirable. More specifically, a spill drain that is capable of directing leaking or spilling fluid away from components of the laundry appliance would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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 defining a chamber opening. The cabinet includes a panel. Additionally, the laundry appliance includes a basket rotatably mounted within the cabinet and defining a chamber for receiving a load of clothes. Furthermore, the laundry appliance includes a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chamber. Additionally, the laundry appliance includes a bracket including a main bracket body and a spill drain integrally formed with the main bracket body and positioned to capture and direct fluid. Moreover, the bracket is mounted to the panel of the cabinet.

In another exemplary embodiment, a laundry appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The laundry appliance includes a cabinet defining a chamber opening and a basket rotatably mounted within the cabinet and defining a chamber for receiving a load of clothes. Furthermore, the laundry appliance includes a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chamber. Moreover, the laundry appliance includes a dispenser drawer slidably mounted within the cabinet. Additionally, the laundry appliance includes a bracket including a main bracket body and a spill drain integrally formed with the main bracket body and positioned below the dispenser drawer to capture and direct fluid spilling from the dispenser drawer.

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.

FIG. 2 provides a front view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with a door in the open position according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an example bracket according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a side cross-sectional view of the example bracket of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides another perspective view of a portion of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 and the example bracket of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 provides a top view of an upper left corner portion of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 and the example bracket of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 provides a front view of the upper left corner portion of the example washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 and the example bracket of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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”). The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. 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 first (left) side 108 and a second (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 may also include a pair of side panels 129 spaced apart from each other in lateral direction L. Cabinet 102 may also include a front panel 130 and a top panel 131 mounted to pair of side panels 129. Top panel 131 may be positioned above front panel 130 in vertical direction V. 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 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. The 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.

As best illustrated in 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 155 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.

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 155) into dispenser drawer 156 and into wash tub 124. In this manner, water supply valve 158 may generally be operable to supply water into dispenser drawer 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.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, 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 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 to FIGS. 4 through 8, a bracket 200 that may be used with washing machine appliance 100 will be described according to example embodiments of the present subject matter. Although bracket 200 is described herein as being used with washing machine appliance 100, it should be appreciated that bracket 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 to capture and drain/direct spilling fluid within cabinet 102 away from components of laundry appliances, such as electrical components. Although an exemplary construction of bracket 200 is described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the bracket 200 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

According to example embodiments, bracket 200 may be positioned and mounted within cabinet 102. As such, bracket 200 may include a main bracket body 204 (FIGS. 4, 6) mounted to cabinet 102 and positioned behind front panel 130. In some embodiments, main bracket body 204 may be configured as a plate mounted to pair of side panels 129 of cabinet 102. As such, length of main bracket body 204 may extend from one of the side panels 129 of pair of side panels 129 to the other side panel 129 of pair of side panels 129 along lateral direction L within cabinet 102. Furthermore, bracket 200 may be positioned at a top portion of cabinet 102 in vertical direction V behind control panel 160. A control panel cover or fascia 161 (FIG. 2) of control panel 160 may cover or enclose bracket 200 within cabinet 102. Input selectors 162 (FIG. 2) and/or display 164 (FIG. 2) may be positioned on or through control panel fascia 161. In some embodiments, controller 166 (FIG. 2) may be positioned between and/or supported by control panel fascia 161 and bracket 200.

According to example embodiments, main bracket body 204 of bracket 200 may define a dispenser drawer opening 206 (FIGS. 4, 6). Dispenser drawer opening 206 may be spaced apart from the portion of bracket 200 supporting controller 166 in lateral direction L. Dispenser drawer 156 may be received through dispenser drawer opening 206 and slidable through dispenser drawer opening 206 between an open position (not shown) and a closed position (FIG. 1). When dispenser drawer 156 is in the open position, a portion of dispenser drawer 156 extends through dispenser drawer opening 206. Similarly, when dispenser drawer 156 is in the closed position, a portion of dispenser drawer 156 extends through dispenser drawer opening 206, however, the portion is extending though dispenser drawer opening 206 is lesser than when dispenser drawer 156 is in the open position.

According to example embodiments, one or more components of washing machine appliance 100, such as front panel 130 and/or top panel 131, may be mounted to or on bracket 200. As such, bracket 200 may include one or more guide features 230 for mounting components of washing machine appliance 100 to or on bracket 200. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6, mounting feature(s) 230 may correspond to bracket guide hook(s) 232, bracket mounting openings 234 defined through bracket 200, and/or any other protrusion protruding from and/or opening defined through main bracket body 204 or other portion of bracket 200 for mounting components to or on bracket 200.

According to example embodiments, washing machine appliance 100 may include a door lock 180 (FIGS. 6-8) for selectively locking door 134 in the closed position. Door lock 180 may include various electrical components and non-electrical components for operating door lock 180 to selectively lock door 134 in the closed position when initiated by controller 166 during, for example, a wash cycle. Door lock 180 may be at least partially positioned within cabinet 102, such as behind front panel 130. Additionally, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, door lock 180 may be positioned below dispenser drawer opening 206 of bracket 200 and dispenser drawer 156. However, in some embodiments, door lock 180 may be positioned below controller 166 and the portion of bracket 200 supporting controller 166.

In addition to other sources and locations, fluid, such as wash fluid, may leak or spill within cabinets of washing machine appliances from dispenser drawers and/or externally of washing machine appliances and into the cabinet such as, for example, behind controllers. In conventional washing machine appliances, fluid may leak or spill onto components within the washing machine appliances, including components such as door locks. However, as will be described below, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to features of bracket 200 for addressing these and other issues experienced with conventional washing machine appliances.

According to example embodiments, bracket 200 may include a spill drain 208 (FIGS. 4, 5) for capturing fluid, such as wash fluid, within cabinet 102 and directing captured fluid away from one or more components of washing machine appliance 100, such as door lock 180. Spill drain 208 is integrally formed with main bracket body 204. In this respect, spill drain 208 may include a rail or flange 207 integrally formed with main bracket body 204. For example, flange 207 may be formed or otherwise molded together with main bracket body 204 during manufacturing, such as through a forging process, so that flange 207 and main bracket body 204 are a single unit.

According to example embodiments, spill drain 208 may extend from main bracket body 204 toward front panel 130 in transverse direction T and approximately from one of the side panels 129 of the pair of side panels 129 and approximately to the other side panel 129 of the pair of side panels 129 of cabinet 102 in lateral direction L. For example, spill drain 208 may extend about 90% or at least 90% of the distance between pair of side panels 129 in lateral direction L.

According to example embodiments, spill drain 208 may be positioned directly below dispenser drawer 156 and dispenser drawer opening 206 in vertical direction V. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, spill drain 208 may be positioned directly below controller 166 in vertical direction V. In this respect, spill drain 208 may be positioned to capture and direct leaking/spilling fluid, such as wash fluid, condensation, and/or the like, from the portion of dispenser drawer 156 extending through dispenser drawer opening 206 and/or external of washing machine appliance 100 and direct fluid away from components of washing machine appliance 100, such as controller 166 and/or door lock 180.

In some embodiments, flange 207 of spill drain 208 may protrude from main bracket body 208 such that a right-angle RA (FIGS. 4) is defined between main bracket body 204 and flange 207. In this respect, flange 207 may extend approximately perpendicular from main bracket body 204. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, flange 207 of spill drain 208 may protrude from main bracket body 208 such that an acute angle AA (FIG. 5) is defined between main bracket body 204 and flange 207. In this respect, for example, flange 207 may extend upward in vertical direction V from main bracket body 204.

According to example embodiments, one or more sets of spill drain walls 212 (FIG. 4) may be positioned on and integrally formed with flange 207 of spill drain 208, such as a first pair of spill drain walls 212A and a second pair of spill drain walls 212B. First pair of spill drain walls 212A may be extend along flange 207 in lateral direction L and may be spaced apart from each other in transverse direction T such that a first drain path DP1 (FIG. 4) is defined between first pair of spill drain walls 212A and along flange 207 in lateral direction L. First pair of spill drain walls 212A may extend approximately to a first lateral end 209A (FIG. 4) of flange 207. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, first pair of spill drain walls 212A may be positioned directly below dispenser drawer 156 and dispenser drawer opening 206 to capture and direct leaking or spilling fluid from dispenser drawer 156 along first drain path DP1, which may be toward first (left) side 108 of washing machine appliance 100.

Likewise, second pair of spill drain walls 212B may be extend along flange 207 in lateral direction L and may be spaced apart from each other in transverse direction T such that a second drain path DP2 (FIG. 4) is defined between second pair of spill drain walls 212B along flange 207 in lateral direction L. Second pair of spill drain walls 212B may extend approximately to a second lateral end 209B (FIG. 4) of flange 207 spaced apart from first lateral end 209A of flange 207 in lateral direction L. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, second pair of spill drain walls 212B may be positioned directly below controller 166 to capture and direct leaking or spilling fluid along second drain path DP2, which may be toward second (right) side 110 of washing machine appliance 100 and away from controller 166. In this respect, second pair of spill drain walls 212B inhibit or prevent fluid from piling up on spill drain 208 and, thus, contacting controller 166.

However, in some embodiments, first drain path DP1 and/or second drain path DP2 may be defined by flange 207 of spill drain 208 and main bracket body 204 instead of spill drain walls 212. For example, first drain path DP1 and/or second drain path DP2 may extend along acute angle AA defined between flange 207 and main bracket body 204. In this respect, the combination of flange 207 and main bracket body 204 act as a gulley or ravine along which fluid may be directed.

Additionally, in some embodiments, flange 207 may define one or more embossed portions 240 therein, such as a first embossed portion 240A and a second embossed portion 240B. Each embossed portion 240A, 240B may be recessed within flange 207 and surrounded by corresponding pair of spill drain walls 212A, 212B for capturing and directing leaking or spilling fluid along first drain path DP1 and second drain path DP2 respectively.

According to example embodiments, spill drain 208 may be positioned directly above door lock 180 in vertical direction V and may extend beyond door lock 180 in transverse direction T and in lateral direction L. In this respect, spill drain 208 may inhibit or prevent fluid from falling directly onto door lock 180. For example, as mentioned previously, spill drain 208 may be positioned directly below dispenser drawer 156 and dispenser drawer opening 206 in vertical direction V and that spill drain 208 may thus capture fluid spilling from dispenser drawer 156 between first pair of spill drain walls 212A. As such, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8, since spill drain 208 may be positioned directly above door lock 180 in vertical direction V and extend beyond door lock 180 in transverse direction T and lateral direction L, spill drain 208 may inhibit or prevent fluid spilling from dispenser drawer 156 from falling directly on door lock 180. Furthermore, first drain path DP1 may extend beyond or past door lock 180 in lateral direction L. For example, first pair of spill drain walls 212A may extend beyond or past door lock 180 in lateral direction L. In this respect, first drain path DP1 may direct fluid past door lock 180 and, thus, away from door lock 180.

According to example embodiments, flange 207 of spill drain 208 may define one or more edges 220 upon which fluid exits spill drain 208. As such, edge(s) 220 may be positioned at lateral ends 209 of flange 207. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, a first edge 220A may be positioned at first lateral end 209A of flange 207 and a second edge 220B may be positioned at second lateral end 209B of flange 207. In some embodiments, each edge 220 may be curved downward from lateral direction L to vertical direction V. As such, fluid will drip or drain from/off of spill drain 208 at edges 220. Furthermore, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8, first edge 220A may be positioned past or beyond door lock 180 in lateral direction L. As such, fluid will drip or drain from/off of spill drain 208 from first edge 220A and away from/past door lock 180 positioned below.

As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a spill drain design of a laundry appliance positioned within the laundry appliance. The spill drain captures and directs fluid within the cabinet, such as leaking or spilling fluid. The spill drain is positioned relative to at least one component, such as a door lock and/or a controller, to direct fluid away from the component and, thus, prevent or inhibit interference with the components of the laundry appliance.

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.