DISHWASHER

Abstract

A dishwasher comprises: a tub that forms a washing chamber; a spray unit that sprays water into the washing chamber; a sump housing that includes a first coupling portion; a pump, coupleable to the sump housing, and includes a second coupling portion; and a pump holder that connects the first coupling portion of the sump housing and the second coupling portion of the pump to thereby allow the pump to be mounted on the sump housing. In order to prevent the pump from separating from the sump housing, at least one of the first coupling portion or the second coupling portion may include a first extension portion extending along a first direction and a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion along a second direction intersecting with the first direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher having an improved structure.

BACKGROUND ART

A dishwasher is a machine that automatically cleans tableware by removing food waste from the tableware by using a detergent and water.

A dishwasher may include a tub constituting a space for washing, a storage container located in the tub to store tableware, a spray device provided to spray water into the storage container, a sump configured to collect water from the tub, and a pump configured to pump water in the sump and transmitting the water to the spray device.

Meanwhile, vibration may occur in the pump while driving the pump. This vibration may cause noise in the dishwasher and deviation of the pump. In addition, the pump may be separated from the sump in the event of an impact applied to the pump.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher having an improved structure.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher in which transmission of vibration is minimized.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher in which noise caused by vibration of a pump is reduced.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher in which separation of a pump from a sump housing is inhibited.

Technical Solution

According to an embodiment, a dishwasher includes a tub forming a washing chamber, a spray unit configured to spray water into the washing chamber, a sump housing including a water reservoir chamber to reserve water flowing from the washing chamber, a pump flange through which water from the water reservoir chamber passes, and a first coupler protruding outward from the water reservoir chamber, a pump configured to pump water of the water reservoir chamber to the spray unit and to be couplable to the pump flange of the sump housing, the pump including a second coupler arrangeable to correspond to the first coupler while the pump is coupled to the pump flange, and a pump holder to connect the first coupler of the sump housing with the second coupler of the pump to thereby allow the pump to be mounted on the sump housing, wherein at least one of the first coupler or the second coupler includes a first extension extending along a first direction and a second extension extending along a second direction intersecting with the first direction to prevent the pump from being separated from the sump housing.

The pump holder may be caught by the second extension along the first direction.

The sump housing may include a rib extending toward one side of the pump while the pump is coupled to the pump flange, wherein the pump may further include a protrusion protruding to be spaced apart from the rib toward the pump flange along the first direction while the pump is coupled to the pump flange.

The rib may be a first rib, the protrusion may be a first protrusion, the sump housing may further include a second rib extending toward another side of the pump to face to the first rib while the pump is coupled to the pump flange, and the pump may further include a second protrusion protruding to be spaced apart from the second rib toward the pump flange along the first direction while the pump is coupled to the pump flange.

The pump holder may include a pump holder body extending along a vertical direction, a first end formed at an upper region of the pump holder and couplable to the first coupler, and a second end formed at a lower region of the pump holder and couplable to the second coupler.

The dishwasher may further include a connector configured to guide water pumped by the pump to the spray unit, wherein the pump further includes an inlet connected to the pump flange to receive water from the water reservoir chamber, and an outlet connected to the connector to supply the water to the spray unit received through the inlet, and the pump is fixed to the sump housing by the inlet, the outlet, and the second coupler.

The pump holder may include a rubber material.

The dishwasher may further include a base frame disposed below the tub and provided to accommodate the sump housing, the pump, and the pump holder, wherein the pump is located to be spaced apart from a bottom of the base frame.

The dishwasher may further include a sealing member located on an inner side surface of the pump flange to prevent leakage of water between the sump housing and the pump.

The pump may further include a pump connector provided to transmit and receive an electrical signal, wherein the rib is provided to cover the pump connector to prevent water from entering the pump connector.

The dishwasher may further include a projection projecting toward the pump holder from one end of the second extension.

The second end of the pump holder may further include an insertion hole into which the second coupler of the pump is insertable, wherein the second coupler further includes a holding protrusion with a width greater than a width of the insertion hole to be caught by the second end in a state of being inserted into the insertion hole.

The pump may include a pump motor, an impeller configured to rotate in a state of being connected to the pump motor, and a case provided to accommodate the pump motor and the impeller and including the second coupler.

The pump may be detachably couplable to the pump flange of the sump housing along the first direction.

The pump holder may further include a cut opening formed between the first end and the second end.

According to an embodiment, a dishwasher includes a tub forming a washing chamber, a spray unit configured to spray water into the washing chamber, a sump housing including a water reservoir chamber to reserve water of the washing chamber and a pump flange through which water from the water reservoir chamber passes, and a pump coupleable to and decouplable from the pump flange and configured to transfer water of the water reservoir chamber to the spray unit, wherein the sump housing includes a rib extending downward toward one side of the pump and the pump includes a protrusion caught by the rib in the case where the pump moves along a direction to be separated from the pump flange.

The rib may be a first rib, the protrusion may be a first protrusion, the sump housing may further include a second rib extending downward toward the other side of the pump to face the first rib, and the pump may further include a second protrusion caught by the second rib in the case where the pump moves in a direction to be separated from the pump flange.

The sump housing may further include a first coupler protruding outward from the water reservoir chamber and including a first extension extending in a first direction and a second extension extending from the first extension in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and the pump may further include a second coupler located below the first coupler in a state of being coupled to the sump housing and extending in the first direction.

The dishwasher may further include a pump holder configured to fix the pump to the sump housing, wherein an upper end is connected to the first coupler and a lower end is connected to the second coupler.

The pump holder may be provided to be caught by the second extension of the first coupler to prevent the pump from being separated from the sump housing.

Advantageous Effects

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, vibration generated by a pump in a dishwasher may be reduced and transmission of the vibration of the pump may be minimized.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, noise caused by vibration of a pump may be reduced in a dishwasher.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may include a pump holder having a buffering effect.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may have an improved structure capable of inhibiting deviation of a pump.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating some components of the bottom of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating some components of the dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a disassembled state of a filter assembly after removing a spray unit from the some components of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sump assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sump assembly of FIG. 6 viewed from the rear.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sump assembly of FIG. 6 viewed from a side.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a sump assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a sump assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the sump assembly shown in FIG. 10 viewed from the rear.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the sump assembly shown in FIG. 10 viewed from below.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the sump housing and the circulation pump shown in FIG. 13 viewed from the rear.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sump housing and the circulation pump shown in FIG. 13 viewed from below.

FIG. 16 is a plan cross-sectional view partially illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a front view partially illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a rear view partially illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side view partially illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the sump housing and the circulation pump shown in FIG. 20 viewed from the rear.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a state where a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment are arranged to correspond to each other.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a process of coupling a pump holder to one of the two couplers shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a process of coupling a pump holder to the other of the two couplers shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a coupled state of the pump holder respectively to the two couplers shown in FIG. 24.

MODE FOR INVENTION

The embodiments described in the specification and shown in the drawings are only illustrative and are not intended to represent all aspects of the present disclosure, such that various equivalents and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

In addition, like reference numerals denote like elements or components having substantially the same functions in the drawings.

Also, the terms used herein are merely used to describe particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless otherwise indicated. Throughout the specification, the terms such as “including” or “having” are intended to indicate the existence of features, numbers, processes, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, processes, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.

In addition, throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the other element and the “indirectly connected to” includes connected to the other element. Also, when an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or the element may also be indirectly connected to or coupled to the other element.

Also, throughout the specification, it will be understood that when one element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element, or intervening elements may also be present therebetween.

In addition, it will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component discussed below could be termed a second component, and similarly, the second component may be termed the first component without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Meanwhile, the terms used throughout the specification “front-rear direction”, “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like are defined based on the drawings and the shape and position of each element are not limited by these terms.

For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an “up-down direction”, “height direction”, and “vertical direction” may refer the Z direction. A “horizontal direction” may refer to all directions in the X-Y plane. However, those described above are only examples, and the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 may define an exterior appearance of the dishwasher 1.

The dishwasher 1 may include a tub 12 provided in the main body 10. The tub 12 may be formed in an approximate box-shape. One side of the tub 12 may be open. That is, the tub 12 may have an open side 12a. For example, the front side of the tub 12 may be open.

The dishwasher 1 may include a door 11 provided to open and close the open side 12a of the tub 12. The door 11 may be installed at the main body 10 to open and close the open side 12a of the tub 12. The door 11 may be pivotally mounted on the main body 10. The door 11 may be detachably mounted on the main body 10.

The dishwasher 1 may include a water tank 15 provided to reserve water. The dishwasher 1 may store relatively clean water used in a rinsing operation at the end of a cycle of the dishwasher without draining the water. The water reserved in the water tank 15 may be reused in a next cycle of the dishwasher. As a result, water consumption of the dishwasher 1 may be reduced by reusing water used in the previous cycle.

For example, the water tank 15 may be located between the main body 10 and the tub 12. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the water tank 15 may also be provided inside the tub 12 or outside the main body 10.

The dishwasher 1 may further include a storage container provided in the tub 12 to store tableware items.

The storage container may include a plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53. The plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53 may be provided to accommodate various tableware items.

The storage container may include a middle basket 52 located in the middle of the dishwasher 1 in the height direction and a lower basket 51 located at a lower region of the dishwasher 1 in the height direction. The middle basket 52 may be provided to be supported by the middle guide rack 13b. The lower basket 51 may be provided to be supported by a lower guide rack 13a. The middle guide rack 13b and the lower guide rack 13a may be installed on side surfaces 12c of the tub 12 sliding toward the open side 12a of the tub 12. The side surfaces 12c of the tub 12 may be a concept including an inner surface of a right wall of the tub 12 and/or an inner surface of a left wall thereof.

Tableware items with relatively large volumes may be stored in the plurality of baskets 51 and 52. However, types of the tableware items stored in the plurality of baskets 51 and 52 are not limited to that with large volume. That is, not only relatively large tableware items but also relatively small tableware items may be stored in the plurality of baskets 51 and 52.

The storage container may include an upper basket 53 located at an upper region of the dishwasher 1 in the height direction. The upper basket 53 may be provided in the form of a rack assembly to store tableware items with relatively small volumes. For example, cookware or cutlery such as ladles, knives, and turners may be stored in the upper basket 53. Small cups such as espresso cups may be stored in the upper basket 53. However, types of the tableware items stored in the upper basket 53 are not limited thereto.

The upper basket 53 may be provided to be supported by an upper guide rack 13c. The upper guide rack 13c may be mounted on a side surface 12c of the tub 12. For example, the upper basket 53 may be slidably moved by the upper guide rack 13c and may be introduced into or withdrawn from the washing chamber C.

The storage container is not limited to the shapes illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The storage container may be provided to include at least one of the upper basket 53, the middle basket 52, and the lower basket 51. For example, the storage container may not include the upper basket 53 depending on the size of the tub 12. That is, the storage container may be implemented by using only the middle basket 52 and the lower basket 51. As another example, the storage container may include only one of the upper basket 53, the middle basket 52, and the lower basket 51. That is, the storage container may be provided as a single basket.

The dishwasher 1 may include a washing chamber C as a space formed inside the tub 12. The washing chamber C may be defined as an inner space of the tub 12. The washing chamber C may refer to a space where tableware items stored in the storage container are cleaned by water and dried.

The dishwasher 1 may include a spray device 40 configured to spray water. The spray device 40 may spray water into the washing chamber C. The spray device 40 may spray water toward the tableware items stored in the storage container. The spray device 40 may receive water from a sump assembly 70 which will be described below.

The spray device 40 may include at least one spray unit. The spray device 40 may include one spray unit or a plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43.

For example, the plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may include a first spray unit 41 disposed below the lower basket 51 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1, a second spray unit 42 disposed below the middle basket 52 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1, and a third spray unit 43 disposed above the upper basket 53 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and 2 spray units or 4 or more spray units may be provided.

Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may be configured to spray water while rotating. Each of the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43 may be provided to spray water while rotating. The plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may also be referred to as a plurality of spray rotors. The first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43 may be referred to as first spray rotor 41, second spray rotor 42, and third spray rotor 43, respectively.

However, the spray device 40 may spray water in a different manner from the above-described example. For example, the first spray unit 41, unlike the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43, may be fixed at one region of the bottom 12b of the tub 12. In this case, the first spray unit 41 may be provided to spray water in an approximately horizontal direction by a fixed nozzle, and a direction of water sprayed from the nozzle of the first spray unit 41 in the approximately horizontal direction is changed by a switching assembly (not shown) located in the washing chamber C, so that the water may proceed upward. The switching assembly is installed at a rail (not shown) and provided to move in parallel thereto along the rail. Meanwhile, although the first spray unit 41 is described by way of example, the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43 may also be provided to spray water by using fixed nozzles as described above.

The dishwasher 1 may include an auxiliary spray device 30. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be located at a lower region of the washing chamber C and spray water to a certain area of the washing chamber C. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be designed to spray water at a relatively high pressure compared to the spray device 40 to intensively clean highly contaminated tableware items. The auxiliary spray device 30 may also be referred to as auxiliary unit 30. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be omitted.

The auxiliary spray device 30 may be detachably installed at a lower region of the washing chamber C. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be detachably mounted on the sump assembly 70. Although the auxiliary spray device 30 having a circular shape is illustrated in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the auxiliary spray device 30 may be provided in a shape similar to those of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43. The auxiliary spray device 30 may also be referred to as auxiliary spray rotor 30.

Meanwhile, the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30 may be a concept including at least two selected from the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, the third spray unit 43, and the auxiliary spray device 30. In the same manner, the plurality of spray rotors 41, 42, 43, and 30 may be a concept including at least two selected from the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, the third spray unit 43, and the auxiliary spray device 30.

The dishwasher 1 may include a sump assembly 70.

The sump assembly 70 may be provided to reserve water. The sump assembly 70 may collect water of the washing chamber C. For example, the bottom 12b of the tub 12 may be inclined downward toward the sump assembly 70 for easy collection of the water by the sump assembly 70. Water of the washing chamber C may flow along the slope of the bottom 12b of the tub 12 to be smoothly introduced into the sump assembly 70.

The sump assembly 70 may include a circulation pump 500 configured to pump the water reserved in the sump assembly 70 to the spray device 40.

The circulation pump 500 may also be referred to as pump 500 or washing pump 500.

For example, the circulation pump 500 may be located to be spaced apart from the bottom 16a of a base frame 16 which will be described below. Thus, vibration generated in the circulation pump 500 may not be transmitted to other components of the dishwasher 1. That is, because the circulation pump 500 is not contact with the bottom 16a of the base frame 16, the vibration generated in the circulation pump 500 may not be transmitted to the base frame 16. In addition, the vibration generated in the circulation pump 500 may not be transmitted to the main body 10 through the base frame 16. Therefore, noise of the circulation pump 500 may be reduced and operation stability of the circulation pump 500 may be obtained.

The sump assembly 70 may include a drain pump 600 configured to drain water and/or foreign matter (e.g., food waste) remaining in the sump assembly 70.

For example, the drain pump 600 may be located to be spaced apart from the bottom 16a of the base frame 16. Therefore, vibration generated in the drain pump 600 may not be transmitted to other components of the dishwasher 1.

The sump assembly 70 may pump the collected water to supply the water to the spray device 40. The sump assembly 70 may include a connection port 310 connected to the spray device 40 to supply water to the spray device 40.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, the connection port 310 may include a first connection port 311 connected to the first spray unit 41, a second connection port 312 connected to the second spray unit 42, and a third connection port 313 connected to the third spray unit 43. The second connection port 312 may be connected to the second spray unit 42 by a first duct. The third connection port 313 may be connected to the third spray unit 43 by a second duct. The first duct and the second duct may be provided as individual ducts or as one duct 14 as shown in FIG. 2. The duct 14 may have a shape extending in the height direction.

For example, the sump assembly 70 may supply water to the first spray unit 41 through the first connection port 311. The sump assembly 70 may supply water to the second spray unit 42 through the second connection port 312. The sump assembly 70 may supply water to the third spray unit 43 through the third connection port 313.

However, the embodiment is not limited to the example described above. For example, the second connection port 312 and the third connection port 313 may form one port, and water supplied through the one port may flow into the duct 14. Water introduced into the duct 14 may be branched while flowing to be supplied to at least one of the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43.

The sump assembly 70 may pump the collected water and supply the water to the auxiliary spray device 30. For example, the connection port 310 may include a fourth connection port 314 connected to the auxiliary spray device 30, and the sump assembly 70 may supply water to the auxiliary spray device 30 through the fourth connection port 314. The fourth connection port 314 may be omitted depending on the presence or absence of the auxiliary spray device 30.

Meanwhile, the plurality of connection ports 311, 312, 313, and 314 may be a concept including at least two of the first connection port 311, the second connection port 312, the third connection port 313, and the fourth connection port 314.

The dishwasher 1 may include a machine room L that is a space formed below the tub 12. The machine room L may be a place where components for circulating water are disposed.

For example, at least some components of the sump assembly 70 may be located in the machine room L. Most components of the sump assembly 70 may be located in the machine room L. That is, an area of the part of the sump assembly 70 located in the washing chamber C may be smaller than that of the sump assembly 70 located in the machine room L. By reducing the area of the sump assembly 70 occupying the washing chamber C, the area of the washing chamber C may become larger. Thus, the capacity of the washing chamber C may be increased to improve storage capacity of tableware items.

The dishwasher 1 may include a base frame 16. The base frame 16 may constitute the machine room L provided under the washing chamber C. The base frame 16 may be located under the tub 12. The base frame 16 may be provided as one component of the main body 10. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, the base frame 16 may be provided as a separate component from the main body 10. The base frame 16 may be provided to accommodate a sump housing 100, the circulation pump 500, the drain pump 600, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating some components of the bottom of the dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating some components of the dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a disassembled state of a filter assembly after removing a spray unit from the some components of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 3 to 4, the sump assembly 70 may include a sump main body 71. The sump main body 71 may define an exterior appearance of the sump assembly 70. Components used to collect, circulate, and supply water may be detachably mounted on the sump main body 71.

For example, the sump main body 71 may include a sump housing 100 and a sump cover 300. The sump housing 100 may include a water reservoir chamber 111 provided to reserve water.

The sump housing 100 may be detachably coupled to the bottom 12b of the tub 12. For example, the sump housing 100 may be fastened to the bottom 12b of the tub 12 by screws. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the sump housing 100 may be coupled to the tub 12 by various methods.

The sump assembly 70 may include the circulation pump 500. The circulation pump 500 may pump water reserved in the sump housing 100 and transmit the water to the spray device 40. The circulation pump 500 may be detachably coupled to the sump housing 100. The circulation pump 50 may be provided to communicate with water reservoir chamber 111. The circulation pump 500 may be located in the machine room L.

The sump assembly 70 may include the drain pump 600. The drain pump 600 may be provided to drain water and foreign matter reserved in the sump housing 100. The drain pump 600 may be detachably coupled to the sump housing 100. The drain pump 600 may be provided to communicate with the water reservoir chamber 111. The drain pump 600 may be located at the lowest position among the components of the sump assembly 70 for easy drainage. The drain pump 600 may be located in the machine room L.

The dishwasher 1 may include a support frame 80 detachably mounted on the bottom 12b of the tub 12. For example, the support frame 80 may be provided to surround the rim of the sump cover 300. For example, the support frame 80 may have a plurality of holes (not shown) and be provided to filter water through the plurality of holes.

The support frame 80 may include a mount 81 provided to support a filter assembly 60 to be described below. Meanwhile, the support frame 80 may be referred to as support plate 80, support cover 80, or the like.

The dishwasher 1 may include the filter assembly 60. The filter assembly 60 may be provided to filter water introduced into the sump assembly 70 to remove foreign matter contained therein. The filter assembly 60 may be detachably mounted on the sump housing 100. The filter assembly 60 may be located to correspond to the water reservoir chamber 111.

Referring to FIG. 5, the filter assembly 60 may include at least one filter. For example, the filter assembly 60 may include a fine filter 61, a coarse filter 62, and a micro filter 63.

The fine filter 61 may be detachably mounted on the bottom 12b of the tub 12. One side of the fine filter 61 may be supported by the mount 81 of the support frame 80. For example, the fine filter 61 may have a horizontal plate shape.

The fine filter 61 may have a filter opening 61a. For example, the coarse filter 62 may be located in the water reservoir chamber 111 of the sump housing 100 through the filter opening 61a. For example, the coarse filter 62 located in the water reservoir chamber 111 may be separated from the sump housing 100 through the filter opening 61a.

The coarse filter 62 may be provided to remove foreign matter with relatively large size compared to the fine filter 61. For example, the coarse filter 62 may include a first coarse filter 62a and a second coarse filter 62b. The first coarse filter 62a and the second coarse filter 62b may be provided to be separated from each other. The first coarse filter 62a may be located in the second coarse filter 62b. Although the coarse filter 62 including two coarse filters 62a and 62b is shown in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and one coarse filter 62 or three or more coarse filters 62 may be provided.

The micro filter 63 may be provided to remove waste with relatively small size compared to the fine filter 61. The micro filter 63 may be provided to partially surround the side surface of the coarse filter 62. The micro filter 63 may have an approximately circular shape. The micro filter 63 may be located in the water reservoir chamber 111. Although the micro filter 63 having a diameter greater than that of the filter opening 61a is illustrated in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the diameter of the micro filter 63 may be smaller than that of the filter opening 61a.

Water filtered by the filter assembly 60 may be pumped by the circulation pump 500 and supplied to the spray device 40. Therefore, clean water from which foreign matter is removed may be sprayed into the washing chamber C through the spray device 40.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sump assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sump assembly of FIG. 6 viewed from the rear. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sump assembly of FIG. 6 viewed from a side. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a sump assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a sump assembly of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the sump assembly shown in FIG. 10 viewed from the rear. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the sump assembly shown in FIG. 10 viewed from below.

The sump assembly 70 may include the sump main body 71.

For example, the sump main body 71 may include the sump housing 100 and the sump cover 300 provided to cover at least some components of the sump housing 100. Although the sump housing 100 and the sump cover 300 are shown as separate components in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the sump housing 100 may be integrated with the sump cover 300.

The sump housing 100 may be provided to store water.

The sump housing 100 may include the water reservoir chamber 111 provided to reserve water. The water reservoir chamber 111 may have a shape with an open top. The water reservoir chamber 111 may have a shape recessed downward. For example, the water reservoir chamber 111 may be provided to reserve water received from a water supply pipe 21 through a water supply hole 170 or to reserve water received from the tub 12.

The sump housing 100 may include a distribution chamber 121 to reserve water supplied by the spray device 40 (See FIGS. 10 to 12). The distribution chamber 121 may be separated from the water reservoir chamber 111. The distribution chamber 121 may receive water reserved in the water reservoir chamber 111.

The distribution chamber 121 may be a component of a distribution device 200 to be described below.

Meanwhile, although the water reservoir chamber 111 is integrated with the distribution chamber 121 in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the water reservoir chamber 111 and the distribution chamber 121 may be provided as separate components.

For example, the sump housing 100 may include a first sump body 110 provided to form the water reservoir chamber 111 and a second sump body 120 provided to form the distribution chamber 121.

For example, the sump housing 100 may include a third sump body 130. The third sump body 130 may refer to the exterior of the sump housing 100 excluding the first sump body 110 and the second sump body 120.

For example, the third sump body 130 may include a base 131 connecting the first sump body 110 with the second sump body 120. The third sump body 130 may include a rim 132 protruding upward from the outer edges of the base 131. However, the shape of the third sump body 130 is not limited thereto, and the third sump body 130 may have various shapes.

The first sump body 110 may include the water reservoir chamber 111. The water reservoir chamber 111 may be formed in a shape recessed downward from the base 131. The water reservoir chamber 111 may be surrounded by the base 131.

Components communicating with the water reservoir chamber 111 (e.g., circulation pump 500 and drain pump 600) may be detachably mounted on the first sump body 110.

The second sump body 120 may include the distribution chamber 121 (See FIGS. 10 to 12). The second sump body 120 may include a chamber bottom 121a and a chamber side wall 121b. The distribution chamber 121 may be defined by the chamber bottom 121a and the chamber side wall 121b surrounding the rim of the chamber bottom 121a. The distribution chamber 121 may be formed by the chamber bottom 121a and the chamber side wall 121b.

For example, the chamber bottom 121a may be located at an upper position than that of the base 131 of the third sump body 130. The chamber side wall 121b may be provided to extend upward from the base 131 of the third sump body 130 to surround the side of the chamber bottom 121a. That is, the distribution chamber 121 may be located at a higher position than the base 131. The distribution chamber 121 may be located at a higher position than the water reservoir chamber 111. Therefore, a volume of the distribution chamber 121 located at a higher position than the base 131 may be reduced so as to decrease water consumption of the dishwasher 1. For example, water on the base 131 does not flow into the distribution chamber 121 while flowing into the water reservoir chamber 111, and thus the overall amount of water filled in the distribution chamber 121 may be reduced.

Components communicating with the distribution chamber 121 (e.g., distribution device 200, connector 700, and valve assembly 800 to be described below) may be detachably mounted on the second sump body 120.

The second sump body 120 may have a chamber hole 122 communicating with the distribution chamber 121. A part of a connection shaft 220 of the distribution device 200, which will be described below, may be inserted into the chamber hole 122 to protrude into the distribution chamber 121. The chamber hole 122 may be provided at the center of the distribution chamber 121.

The second sump body 120 may include a shaft flange 150 corresponding to the chamber hole 122 and extending downward (See FIG. 12). The shaft flange 150 may include a flange cut opening 150a. The flange cut opening 150a may be provided to prevent interference with the connector 700.

The second sump body 120 may include an inlet port 123 through which water flows into the distribution chamber 121. The inlet port 123 may be connected to the connector 700.

The second sump body 120 may include an outlet port 124 through which water flows out of the distribution chamber 121. The outlet port 124 may be connected to a valve assembly 800.

The third sump body 130 may include the base 131 and the rim 132. The base 131 may be coupled to the tub 12. The rim 132 may have an insertion groove 133 to which a first sealing member 91, which will be described below, is coupled.

The sump housing 100 may include a reinforcing rib 93. The reinforcing rib 193 may be provided to reinforce rigidity of the sump housing 100. For example, the reinforcing rib 193 may be formed at the bottom of the base 131. For example, the reinforcing rib 193 may extend toward the rim 132 from the first sump body 110. However, the shape and position of the reinforcing rib 193 are not limited thereto.

The sump housing 100 may include a circulation pump connector 141 connected to the circulation pump 500. The circulation pump connector 141 may communicate with the water reservoir chamber 111. Water reserved in the water reservoir chamber 111 may flow into the circulation pump 500 through the circulation pump connector 141. For example, the circulation pump connector 141 may be formed at the first sump body 110. Meanwhile, the circulation pump connector 141 may also be referred to as pump flange 141.

The sump housing 100 may include a drain pump connector 142 connected to the drain pump 600. The drain pump connector 142 may communicate with the water reservoir chamber 111. Water and foreign matter remaining in the water reservoir chamber 111 may be drained out of the dishwasher 1 through the drain pump connector 142. For example, the drain pump connector 142 may be formed at the first sump body 110.

The sump housing 100 may include a drainpipe connector 143 connected to a drainpipe 22. The drainpipe connector 143 may be provided to communicate with the drain pump connector 142. For example, water and foreign matter contained in the water reservoir chamber 111 may be introduced into the drainpipe 22 after passing through the drain pump connector 142 and the drainpipe connector 143 by a pumping force of the drain pump 600. The water and foreign matter introduced into the drainpipe 22 may be discharged out of the dishwasher 1. For example, the drainpipe connector 143 may be formed at the first sump body 110.

The sump housing 100 may include a water supply port 144 connected to the water supply pipe 21. The water supply port 144 may communicate with the water reservoir chamber 111. For example, the water supply port 144 may communicate with a water supply hole 170 formed at the water reservoir chamber 111. While supplying water, the water may be reserved in the water reservoir chamber 111 after passing through a water source (not shown), the water supply pipe 21 connected to the water source, the water supply port 144, and the water supply hole 170. In addition, water supplied from the water source (not shown) may flow into the water supply pipe 21 after passing through a water softening device (not shown). For example, the water supply port 144 may be formed at the first sump body 110.

The sump housing 100 may include an auxiliary port 145. For example, a turbidity sensor 94 may be detachably mounted on the auxiliary port 145. The turbidity sensor 94 may be provided to detect the degree of contamination of the water reserved in the water reservoir chamber 111. A controller 1 (not shown) of the dishwasher 1 may be provided to control a washing operation (or rinsing operation) of dishwashing cycles based on information detected by the turbidity sensor 94. The controller (not shown) may control the number of times, hours, and the like of a washing cycle (or rinsing cycle) based on information detected by the turbidity sensor 94. However, the embodiment is not limited to the example described above, and the controller may notify a user of information detected by the turbidity sensor 94. For example, the auxiliary port 145 may be formed at the first sump body 110.

The sump housing 100 may include a holder coupler 160. The sump housing 100 may include the holder coupler 160 to which a holder 400 to be described below is detachably coupled. For example, the holder coupler 160 of the sump housing 100 may be coupled to a sump coupler 470 of the holder 400. The holder coupler 160 of the sump housing 100 may be fastened with the sump coupler 470 by a screw S. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and various coupling methods may be applied thereto. Although 3 holder couplers 160 are shown in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the number of the holder coupler 160 may be 2 or less or 4 or more. For example, the holder coupler 160 may be formed at the second sump body 120.

The sump assembly 70 may include a distribution device 200.

The distribution device 200 may supply water reserved in the distribution chamber 121 to the spray device 40. The distribution device 200 may supply water to one of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30. The distribution device 200 may allow the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30 to selectively spray water. The distribution device 200 may reduce water consumption of the dishwasher 1.

The distribution device 200 may include a distribution motor 210, a connection shaft 220, and a distribution disc 230.

The distribution motor 210 may generate a rotational force to rotate the distribution disc 230. The distribution motor 210 may include a motor shaft 211. The motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210 may form a rotation shaft of the distribution motor 210. The motor shaft 211 may be arranged to face the distribution disc 230.

The connection shaft 220 may connect the distribution motor 210 to the distribution disc 230. For example, the connection shaft 220 may have a shape extending in the up-down direction.

The connection shaft 220 may transmit the rotational force generated by the distribution motor 210 to the distribution disc 230. The connection shaft 220 may rotate together with the distribution motor 210 in conjunction with the rotation of the distribution motor 210.

One end of the connection shaft 220 may be coupled to the rotation shaft of the distribution motor 210 and the other end may be coupled to a rotation shaft of the distribution disc 230. For example, the connection shaft 220 may include a hollow 221a into which the motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210 is inserted (See FIG. 12).

The connection shaft 220 may be arranged in the same axis as that of the rotation shaft of the distribution motor 210. The connection shaft 220 may be arranged in the same axis as that of the rotation shaft of the distribution disc 230.

The distribution disc 230 may be located in the distribution chamber 121. The distribution disc 230 may be provided to rotate upon receiving the rotational force of the distribution motor 210. The distribution disc 230 may be provided to selectively open and close the plurality of connection ports 311, 312, 313, and 314 respectively connected to the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30, while rotating. Thus, water contained in the distribution chamber 121 may be selectively supplied to the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30.

For example, the distribution disc 230 may include a disc body 231, a shaft coupler 232, and a communicating hole 233.

The disc body 231 may define an exterior appearance of the distribution disc 230. For example, the disc body 231 may have an approximately plate shape.

The shaft coupler 232 may be detachably coupled to the connection shaft 220. The shaft coupler 232 may form the rotation shaft of the distribution disc 230. For example, the shaft coupler 232 may be formed at the center of the disc body 231. For example, the shaft coupler 232 may be arranged at the center of the distribution chamber 121.

The communicating hole 233 may be formed to penetrate the disc body 231. In accordance with the rotation of the distribution disc 230, the communicating hole 233 may be provided to communicate with at least one of the plurality of connection ports 311, 312, 313, and 314. Water contained in the distribution chamber 121 may be introduced into a spray unit connected to the corresponding connection port 310 through the connection port 310 communicating with the communicating hole 233.

The distribution device 200 may include a switch 240 provided to detect a rotation position of the connection shaft 220. For example, the switch 240 may detect an ON or Off signal depending on contact with the connection shaft 220. The controller (not shown) may assign rotation positions of the distribution disc 230 based on the signals of the switch 240 and control the distribution motor 210 to rotate the distribution disc 230 to a certain required rotation position among the assigned rotation positions of the distribution disc 230.

The distribution chamber 121 may be provided as a component of the distribution device 200. The sump cover 300 may be provided as a component of the distribution device 200.

The sump assembly 70 may include a holder 400.

The holder 400 may be provided to allow some components of the sump assembly 70 to be mounted thereon. The holder 400 may be provided to allow some components of the sump assembly 70 to be detachably mounted thereon. The holder 400 may enable compact arrangement of some components of the sump assembly 70, thereby decreasing the size of the sump assembly 70.

The holder 400 may be located under the sump housing 100. For example, the holder 400 may be detachably coupled to the bottom of the sump housing 100 to correspond to the distribution chamber 121. The holder 400 may be detachably mounted on the bottom of the second sump body 120.

The holder 400 may be provided to allow the distribution motor 210 to be mounted thereon. For example, the distribution motor 210, the holder 400, and the sump housing 100 may be coupled by using an additional fastening member. For example, the distribution motor 210, the sump coupler 470 of the holder 400, and the holder coupler 160 of the sump housing 100 may be fastened by a screw S, and accordingly the distribution motor 210 may be fixed to the holder 400.

The holder 400 may include a holder body 410. The holder body 410 may define an exterior appearance of the holder 400.

The holder 400 may include a shaft coupler 430 formed at the holder body 410. For example, the shaft coupler 430 may be formed to penetrate the holder body 410. The motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210 may penetrate the shaft coupler 430 to be coupled to the hollow 221a of the connection shaft 220.

The holder 400 may include a guide hole 420 provided to guide water received from the distribution chamber 121 out of the distribution motor 210. The guide hole 420 may drain water received from the distribution chamber 121 out of the sump assembly 70. Although the guide hole 420 penetrating the holder body 410 is shown in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the guide hole 420 may be recessed from the holder body 410 and may also be referred to as guide groove 420.

The holder 400 may include a switch mount 440 on which the switch 240 is mounted. The switch 240 may be mounted on the switch mount 440 to be in contact with the connection shaft 220.

The holder 400 may include a connector coupler 450 to which the connector 700 is coupled. The connector 700 may be detachably mounted on the connector coupler 450 to communicate with the inlet port 123 of the sump housing 100.

The holder 400 may include a valve coupler 460 to which the valve assembly 800 is coupled. The valve assembly 800 may be detachably mounted on the valve coupler 460 to communicate with the outlet port 124 of the sump housing 100.

The holder 400 may include a sump coupler 470 to which the sump housing 100 is coupled. For example, the sump coupler 470 may correspond to the holder coupler 160 of the sump housing 100. The sump coupler 470 may be fastened with the holder coupler 160 by a screw S.

The sump assembly 70 may include the circulation pump 500. The circulation pump 500 may be provided to pump water reserved in the water reservoir chamber 111. The circulation pump 500 may be detachably mounted on a pump flange 141 of the sump housing 100. The circulation pump 500 may include an inlet 510 through which water is introduced from the water reservoir chamber 111 and an outlet 520 through which the water introduced through the inlet 510 is drained. For example, the inlet 510 may be connected to the pump flange 141, and the outlet 520 may be connected to the connector 700.

For example, the circulation pump 500 may be arranged in the horizontal direction in the machine room L. This will be described in detail below.

The sump assembly 70 may include the drain pump 600. The drain pump 600 may be provided to drain water and foreign matter remaining in the water reservoir chamber 111. The drain pump 600 may be detachably mounted on the drain pump connector 142 of the sump housing 100. The drain pump 600 may communicate with the drainpipe 22.

For example, the drain pump 600 may be located in the machine room L in the horizontal direction. The drain pump 600 may include a drain motor (not shown) generating a rotational force to pump water and foreign matter stored in the water reservoir chamber 111. The motor shaft of the drain motor may be arranged in a direction approximately perpendicular to the height direction of the dishwasher 1. The motor shaft of the drain motor may be arranged in the horizontal direction. In this arrangement, the height of the washing chamber C may be increased by decreasing the height of the machine room L. Therefore, the capacity of the washing chamber C may be increased to easily obtain the space of the washing chamber C.

The sump assembly 70 may include the connector 700. The connector 700 may connect the circulation pump 500 with the distribution chamber 121. The connector 700 may guide water from the circulation pump 500 to the distribution chamber 121. One end of 710 the connector 700 may be connected to the outlet 520 of the circulation pump 500, and the other end 720 of the connector 700 may be connected to the inlet port 123 of the sump housing 100. The other end 720 of the connector 700 may communicate with the distribution chamber 121 through the inlet port 123.

The sump assembly 70 may include the valve assembly 800. The valve assembly 800 may connect the water tank 15 (See FIG. 1) with the distribution chamber 121. The valve assembly 800 may be provided to open and close a flow path between the water tank 15 and the distribution chamber 121. In the case where the valve assembly 800 opens the flow path between the water tank 15 and the distribution chamber 121, water contained in the distribution chamber 121 may flow into the water tank 15 through a water recovery pipe 23.

The sump assembly 70 may include a sealing member to reduce or prevent leakage of water.

For example, the sealing member may include a first sealing member 91 provided to seal between the tub 12 and the sump housing 100. The first sealing member may be provided to be inserted into the insertion groove 133 formed in the rim 132 of the sump housing 100. The first sealing member 91 may have a ring shape.

For example, the sealing member may include a second sealing member 92 provided to seal between the sump housing 100 and the distribution device 200. The second sealing member 92 may be provided to seal between the shaft flange 150 and the connection shaft 220. The second sealing member 92 may have a ring shape.

For example, the sealing member may include a third sealing member 93 provided to seal between the sump housing 100 and the pump flange 141. This will be described in detail below.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the sump housing and the circulation pump shown in FIG. 13 viewed from the rear. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sump housing and the circulation pump shown in FIG. 13 viewed from below. FIG. 16 is a plan cross-sectional view partially illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, the circulation pump 500 may be connected to the sump housing 100. The circulation pump 500 may be connected to the pump flange 141 of the sump housing 100. The circulation pump 500 may be detachably connected to the pump flange 141 of the sump housing 100 in a first direction A.

The circulation pump 500 may be located in the machine room L in the horizontal direction. The circulation pump 500 may be arranged in a direction approximately perpendicular to the height direction Z of the dishwasher 1. For example, a rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500 may be provided to be approximately perpendicular to the height direction Z. For example, the rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500 may be provided to intersect with the height direction Z. For example, a motor shaft 502a (FIG. 16) of the circulation motor 502 of the circulation pump 500 may be arranged to intersect with the height direction Z. For example, a rotation shaft of an impeller 503 of the circulation pump 500 may be arranged to intersect with the height direction Z. In this arrangement, the height of the washing chamber C may be increased by decreasing the height of the machine room L. Therefore, the capacity of the washing chamber C is increased to easily obtain the space of the washing chamber C.

The circulation pump 500 may include an inlet 510 and an outlet 520.

The inlet 510 may be connected to the pump flange 141 to receive water from the water reservoir chamber 111 (See FIG. 16). The inlet 510 may be inserted into the pump flange 141. The inlet 510 may be accommodated in the pump flange 141. The inlet 510 may be located in the pump flange 141 to communicate with the water reservoir chamber 111. For example, the inlet 510 may have a pipe shape in which water flows. For example, the inlet 510 may be formed at a pump case 501 of the circulation pump 500. The inlet 510 may be formed at one end 500a of the circulation pump 500.

Meanwhile, the one end 500a of the circulation pump 500 may be closer to the pump flange 141 in the first direction A. The other end 500b of the circulation pump 500 may be opposite to the one end 500a of the circulation pump 500. The other end 500b of the circulation pump 500 may be farther from the pump flange 141 in the first direction A.

The outlet 520 may be provided to supply water introduced through the inlet 510 to the spray device 40. For example, the outlet 520 may be connected to one end 710 of the connector 700. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, the outlet 520 may be directly connected to the distribution chamber 121. For example, the outlet 520 may have a pipe shape in which water flows. For example, the outlet 520 may be formed at the pump case 501 of the circulation pump 500.

The circulation pump 500 may include a pump connector 560. The pump connector 560 may be provided to transmit and receive an electrical signal. For example, the pump connector 560 may be electrically connected to the controller (not shown).

For example, at least one pump connector 560 may be provided. For example, the circulation pump 500 may include a first pump connector 561 and a second pump connector 562.

The first pump connector 561 may be provided for the operation of a heater (not shown) disposed in the pump case 501 of the circulation pump 500. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, the first pump connector 561 may be provided for the operation of another component of the circulation pump 500 other than the heater (not shown).

The second pump connector 562 may be provided for the operation of a circulation motor 502 disposed in the pump case 501 of the circulation pump 500. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, the second pump connector 561 may be provided for the operation of another component other than the circulation motor 502.

Although two pump connectors 560 are illustrated in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto. One pump connector 560 or three or more pump connectors 560 may be provided, if required.

The circulation pump 500 may include a connector cover 570 that covers the pump connector 560. The connector cover 570 may prevent water from flowing into the pump connector 560. The connector cover 570 may be provided to protect the pump connector 560 from water. For example, in the case where moisture enters the pump connector 560, the circulation pump 500 may break down or an accident such as electric shock and fire may occur. The connector cover 570 may prevent breakdown of the circulation pump 500 by preventing moisture from entering the pump connector 560. The connector cover 570 may prevent occurrence of an accident such as electric shock and fire in advance by preventing moisture from entering the pump connector 560.

For example, at least one connector cover 570 may be provided. For example, the circulation pump 500 may include a first connector cover 571 and a second connector cover 572.

The first connector cover 571 may be provided to cover the first pump connector 561 to prevent moisture from entering the first pump connector 561. The first connector cover 571 may guide water dropping to the first pump connector 561 out of the first pump connector 561. The first connector cover 571 may cover the top of the first pump connector 561. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the first connector cover 571 may be provided to have the same configuration as that of a first protrusion 541 to be described below. However, this is merely an example, and the first connector cover 571 and the first protrusion 541 may be provided as separate components.

The second connector cover 572 may be provided to cover the second pump connector 562 to prevent moisture from entering the second pump connector 562. The second connector cover 572 may guide water dropping to the second pump connector 562 out of the second pump connector 562. The second connector cover 572 may cover the top of the second pump connector 561.

Although two connector covers 570 are illustrated in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The connector cover 570 may be provided to correspond to the number of the pump connector 560. One connector cover 570 or three or more connector covers 570 may be provided, if required.

Referring to FIG. 16, the circulation pump 500 may include a pump case 501, a circulation motor 502, and an impeller 503.

The pump case 501 may define an exterior appearance of the circulation pump 500. For example, the pump case 501 may accommodate at least some components of the circulation pump 500. The pump case 501 may accommodate the circulation motor 502. The pump case 501 may accommodate the impeller 503. The pump case 501 may accommodate a heater (not shown) configured to heat water flowing therein. Meanwhile, the heater, which is not an essential component of the circulation pump 500, may be omitted.

The pump case 501 may include an inlet 510 and an outlet 520. The inlet 510 may protrude toward the pump flange 141. The outlet 520 may protrude toward the distribution device 200. The outlet 520 may protrude toward the connector 700. For example, the inlet 510 and the outlet 520 may be arranged approximately perpendicular to each other. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the inlet 510 and the outlet 520 may be arranged in various positions.

The circulation motor 502 may generate a rotational force to pump water filtered by the drain pump 600 from the water reservoir chamber 111. The circulation motor 502 may include a stator (not shown) and a rotor (not shown). The circulation motor 502 may be accommodated in the pump case 501. For example, the circulation motor 502 may be a BLDC motor.

The motor shaft 502a of the circulation motor 502 may be provided in the same axis as that of the rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500. The motor shaft 502a of the circulation motor 502 may be arranged in the same line as that of the rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500. For example, the motor shaft 502a of the circulation motor 502 may be the same as the rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500. For example, the motor shaft 502a of the circulation motor 502 may be approximately parallel to the first direction A.

The impeller 503 may be connected to the circulation motor 502. The impeller 503 may be connected to the rotation shaft of the circulation motor 502. The impeller 503 may be connected to the motor shaft 502a of the circulation motor 502. The impeller 503 may be provided to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the circulation motor 502. By the rotation of the impeller 503, water introduced through the inlet 510 may be drained through the outlet 520.

Referring to FIG. 16, the dishwasher 1 may include a third sealing member 93. The third sealing member 93 may prevent leakage of water between the sump housing 100 and the pump flange 141. For example, the third sealing member 93 may have a hollow cylindrical shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, the third sealing member 93 may also have various shapes as long as leakage of water is reduced by sealing between the sump housing 100 and the pump flange 141.

For example, the third sealing member 93 may include a first contact protrusion 931 in contact with an inner surface of the pump flange 141. The first contact protrusion 931 may be provided in plural. Each of the plurality of first contact protrusions 931 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500.

For example, the third sealing member 93 may include a second contact protrusion 932 in contact with an outer surface of the inlet 510 of the circulation pump 500. The second contact protrusion 932 may be provided in plural. Each of the plurality of second contact protrusions 932 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500.

The third sealing member 93 may be provided as a separate component from the sump housing 100 and the circulation pump 500. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the third sealing member 93 may be provided as a component of the sump housing 100. For example, the third sealing member may be formed integrally with the inner surface of the pump flange 141 of the sump housing 100. Alternatively, the third sealing member 93 may be provided as a component of the circulation pump 500. For example, the third sealing member may be formed integrally with the outer surface of the inlet 510 of the circulation pump 500.

Meanwhile, the dishwasher 1 may include a pump holder 900. The pump holder 900 may mount the circulation pump 500 on the sump housing 100. The pump holder 900 may fix the circulation pump 500 to the sump housing 100. The pump holder 900 may allow the circulation pump 500 to hang on the sump housing 100.

Because the circulation pump 500 may be mounted on the sump housing 100 by the pump holder 900, the circulation pump 500 may be located to be spaced apart from the bottom 16a of the base frame 16. That is, the circulation pump 500 may not be placed on the bottom 16a of the base frame 16. Therefore, vibration generated in the circulation pump 500 may not be transmitted to the base frame 16. Vibration generated in the circulation pump 500 may not be transmitted to the main body 10. As a result, the pump holder 900 may reduce noise of the dishwasher 1 by minimizing the transmission of vibration of the circulation pump 500.

The sump housing 100 may include a first coupler 180. The first coupler 180 may protrude to the outside of the water reservoir chamber 111. For example, the first coupler 180 may extend outward from the rim 132 of the third sump body 130 radially. For example, the first coupler 180 may have an L-shape. This will be described in detail below.

The circulation pump 500 may include a second coupler 530. The second coupler 530 may be arranged to correspond to the first coupler 180 of the sump housing 100 in a state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. The second coupler 530 may correspond to the first coupler 180 in the up-down direction. The second coupler 530 may be arranged to be spaced apart downward from the first coupler 180.

The pump holder 900 may be provided to connect the circulation pump 500 with the sump housing 100. The pump holder 900 may be provided to connect the first coupler 180 of the sump housing 100 to the second coupler 530 of the circulation pump 500. The pump holder 900 may be provided to be coupled to each of the first coupler 180 and the second coupler 530. This will be described in detail below.

FIG. 17 is a front view partially illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a rear view partially illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a side view partially illustrating a coupled state of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, the sump housing 100 may include a rib 190. The circulation pump 500 may include a protrusion 540 arranged to correspond to the rib 190. For example, the protrusion 540 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the rib 190 along the first direction A in a state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141 (i.e., the inlet 510 is inserted into the pump flange 141). For example, the protrusion 540 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the rib 190 along the rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. For example, the protrusion 540 may be spaced apart from the rib 190 in the first direction A toward the pump flange 141 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141.

The rib 190 of the sump housing 100 and the protrusion 540 of the circulation pump 500 may prevent the circulation pump 500 from being separated from the pump flange 141. The rib 190 of the sump housing 100 and the protrusion 540 of the circulation pump 500 may prevent deviation of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. For example, while the circulation pump 500 moves in a direction to be separated from the pump flange 141 along the first direction A in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141, the protrusion 540 of the circulation pump 500 may be provided to be caught by the rib 190 of the sump housing 100. Thus, the circulation pump 500 may not be separated from the pump flange 141.

The rib 190 may also be referred to as anti-deviation rib 190. The protrusion 540 may also be referred to as anti-deviation protrusion 540.

For example, the rib 190 may be provided in plural. The protrusion 540 may be provided in plural. Although two ribs 190 and two protrusions 540 are shown in the drawings, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The rib 190 and the protrusion 540 may be provided as one or three or more, respectively.

For example, referring to FIGS. 17 and 19, the sump housing 100 may include a first rib 191. The circulation pump 500 may include a first protrusion 541.

The first rib 191 may extend toward one side of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. The first rib 191 may extend downward toward one side of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. The first rib 191 may protrude downward toward one end 500a of the circulation pump 500 and the other end 500b of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141.

For example, one side of the circulation pump 500 may refer to any area of the circulation pump 500 other than the one end 500a of the circulation pump 500, the other end 500b of the circulation pump 500, the top of the circulation pump 500, and the bottom of the circulation pump 500.

The first protrusion 541 may be spaced apart from the first rib 191 to the pump flange 141 in the first direction A in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. The first protrusion 541 may be spaced apart from the first rib 191 toward one side close to the pump flange 141 in the first direction A in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. The first protrusion 541 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first rib 191 toward the one end 500a of the circulation pump 500 along the rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. In the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141, a first gap G1 may be formed between the first rib 191 and the first protrusion 541 along the first direction A. That is, in the case where the circulation pump 500 is normally coupled to the pump flange 141 and is not deviated from the coupled position, the first protrusion 541 and the first rib 191 may not interfere with each other. In this arrangement, the first rib 191 may not collide with the first protrusion 541 by vibration generated in the circulation pump 500 while the circulation pump 500 operates. As a result, collision between the first rib 191 and the first protrusion 541 may be inhibited while the circulation pump 500 operates.

The first protrusion 541 may be provided to cover the pump connector 560. For example, the first protrusion 541 may be provided to cover the top of the first pump connector 561. That is, the first protrusion 541 may be provided as the same configuration as the first connector cover 571. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, the first protrusion 541 and the first connector cover 571 may be provided as separate components.

The first rib 191 and the first protrusion 541 may prevent the circulation pump 500 from being separated from the pump flange 141.

For example, in the case of movement of the circulation pump 500 in a direction to be separated from the pump flange 141 by an external impact or the like, the first protrusion 541 may be caught by the first rib 191. For example, in the case of movement of the circulation pump 500 to the right based on FIG. 17, the first protrusion 541 may be caught by the first rib 191. In this regard, the ‘to the right’ is an example based on FIG. 17, but the moving direction of the circulation pump 500 is not limited to this term. As the circulation pump 500 moves in a direction to be separated from the pump flange 141, the first protrusion 541, as a component of the circulation pump 500, may also move in the direction to be separated from the pump flange 141. By the movement of the first protrusion 541, the first protrusion 541 may interfere with the first rib 191. That is, the first protrusion 541 may be in contact with the first rib 191, and accordingly the first gap G1 between the first protrusion 541 and the first rib 191 may be removed. In accordance with the movement of the circulation pump 500, the first gap G1 may converge on 0. As a result, because the first protrusion 541 and the first rib 191 interfere with each other, the circulation pump 500 may not be separated from the pump flange 141.

The first rib 191 may also be referred to as first anti-deviation rib 191. The first protrusion 541 may also be referred to as first anti-deviation protrusion 541.

For example, referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the sump housing 100 may include a second rib 192. The circulation pump 500 may include a second protrusion 542.

The second rib 192 may extend toward the other side of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. The second rib 192 may extend downward to the other side of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. For example, the second rib 192 may be located to face the first rib 191. For example, the circulation pump 500 may be disposed between the first rib 191 and the second rib 192. The second rib 192 may protrude downward between one end 500a of the circulation pump 500 and the other end 500b of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141.

The second protrusion 542 may be spaced apart from the second rib 192 to the pump flange 141 in the first direction A in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. The second protrusion 542 may be spaced apart from the second rib 192 toward one side close to the pump flange 141 in the first direction A in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. The second protrusion 542 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second rib 192 toward the one end 500a of the circulation pump 500 along the rotation shaft 500c of the circulation pump 500 in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141. In the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141, a second gap G2 may be formed between the second rib 192 and the second protrusion 542 along the first direction A. That is, in the case where the circulation pump 500 is normally coupled to the pump flange 141 and is not deviated from the coupled position, the second protrusion 542 and the second rib 192 may not interfere with each other. In this arrangement, the second rib 192 may not collide with the second protrusion 542 by vibration generated in the circulation pump 500 while the circulation pump 500 operates. As a result, collision between the second rib 192 and the second protrusion 542 may be inhibited while the circulation pump 500 operates.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, the second protrusion 542 may be provided to cover the pump connector 560.

The second rib 192 and the second protrusion 542 may prevent the circulation pump 500 from being separated from the pump flange 141.

For example, in the case of movement of the circulation pump 500 in a direction to be separated from the pump flange 141 by an external impact or the like, the second protrusion 542 may be caught by the second rib 192. For example, in response to movement of the circulation pump 500 to the left based on FIG. 18, the second protrusion 542 may be caught by the second rib 192. In this regard, the ‘to the left’ is only an example based on FIG. 18, but the moving direction of the circulation pump 500 is not limited to this term. As the circulation pump 500 moves in the direction to be separated from the pump flange 141, the second protrusion 542, as a component of the circulation pump 500, may also move in the direction to be separated from the pump flange 141. By the movement of the second protrusion 542, the second protrusion 542 may interfere with the second rib 192. That is, the second protrusion 542 is brought into contact with the second rib 192, and accordingly, the second gap G2 between the second protrusion 542 and the second rib 192 may be removed. In response to the movement of the circulation pump 500, the second gap G2 may converge on 0. As a result, because the second protrusion 542 and the second rib 192 interfere with each other, the circulation pump 500 may not be separated from the pump flange 141.

The second rib 192 may also be referred to as second anti-deviation rib 192. The second protrusion 542 may also be referred to as first anti-deviation protrusion 542.

In general, the circulation pump may be separated from the sump assembly by an external impact, or the like. For example, the circulation pump and the sump housing may be disassembled during a distribution process. For example, the circulation pump may deviate from the original coupled position by vibration generated during the operation of the circulation pump. For example, the inlet of the circulation pump may be decoupled from the pump flange of the sump housing.

On the contrary, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, separation or deviation of the circulation pump 500 from the sump housing 100 may be prevented in the dishwasher 1 by including the rib 190 and the protrusion 540. As described above, in the case where the circulation pump 500 moves in the direction to be separated from the sump housing 100 by an external impact or the like, the protrusion 540 of the circulation pump 500 may be caught by the rib 190 of the sump housing 100. As a result, the circulation pump 500 may be maintained in the state coupled to the sump assembly 70 by interference between the rib 190 and the protrusion 540.

Meanwhile, the circulation pump 500 may move in the direction to be coupled to the pump flange 141 again by a restoration force of the pump holder 900 even after moving in the direction to be separated from the pump flange 141. For example, even in the case where the circulation pump 500 moves to the right based on FIG. 17, the circulation pump 500 may move to the left based on FIG. 17 by a restoration force of the pump holder 900. For example, even in the case where the circulation pump 500 moves to the left based on FIG. 18, the circulation pump 500 may move to the right based on FIG. 18 by the restoration force of the pump holder 900. That is, the pump holder 900 may locate the circulation pump 500 at a correct position. In addition, the pump holder 900 may prevent the circulation pump 500 from being separated therefrom in the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141.

For example, the circulation pump 500 may be fixed to the sump housing 100 at a plurality of points. The circulation pump 500 may be fixed to the sump housing 100 by the inlet 510, the outlet 520, and the second coupler 530. The inlet 510 of the circulation pump 500 may be supported by the pump flange 141. The outlet 520 of the circulation pump 500 may be supported by the connector 700. The second coupler 530 of the circulation pump 500 may be supported by the pump holder 900. Therefore, the circulation pump 500 may be stably fixed to the sump housing 100.

The plurality of points may be different from the center of gravity M of the circulation pump 500. For example, the point at which the circulation pump 500 is fixed to the sump housing 100 by the inlet 510 may be a point closer to the one end 500a of the circulation pump 500 than the center of gravity M. For example, the point at which the circulation pump 500 is fixed to the sump housing 100 by the second coupler 530 may be a point closer to the other end 500b of the circulation pump 500 than the center of gravity M. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, the circulation pump 500 may be fixed to the sump housing 100 at various points.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the sump housing and the circulation pump shown in FIG. 20 viewed from the rear.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the circulation pump 500 may be detachably coupled to the pump flange 141 of the sump housing 100 in the first direction A. The inlet 510 of the circulation pump 500 may be inserted into the pump flange 141 of the sump housing 100 in the first direction A.

The circulation pump 500 may communicate with the water reservoir chamber 111 by being coupled to the pump flange 141. The circulation pump 500 may pump water of the water reservoir chamber 111 to flow the pumped water to the spray device 40.

The third sealing member 93 may be disposed between the pump flange 141 and the circulation pump 500. The third sealing member 93 may be accommodated in the pump flange 141. For example, the third sealing member 93 may be provided to surround the inlet 510 of the circulation pump 500, and the pump flange 141 may be provided to surround the third sealing member 93.

The circulation pump 500 may be mounted on the sump housing 100 by the pump holder 900. The circulation pump 500 may be fixed to the sump housing 100 by the pump holder 900. The circulation pump 500 may be supported by the sump housing 100 by the pump holder 900.

The pump holder 900 may be coupled to the first coupler 180 of the sump housing 100. The upper end of the pump holder 900 may be coupled to the first coupler 180 of the sump housing 100. The pump holder 900 may be coupled to the second coupler 530 of the circulation pump 500 in the first direction A. The lower end of the pump holder 900 may be coupled to the second coupler 530 of the circulation pump 500.

For example, the pump holder 900 may include a pump holder body 900a, a first end 910, and a second end 920.

The pump holder body 900a may define an exterior appearance of the pump holder 900. For example, the pump holder body 900a may have an approximately rectangular shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the pump holder body 900a may have various shapes.

The first end 910 may be formed at an upper region of the pump holder body 900a and coupled to the first coupler 180. For example, the first end 910 may have a first insertion hole 911 into which the first coupler 180 is inserted. For example, the first insertion hole 911 may be formed to penetrate the pump holder body 900a. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first insertion hole 911 may be in the form partially recessed in the pump holder body 900a. In this case, the first insertion hole 911 may also be referred to as first insertion groove 911.

The second end 920 may be formed at a lower region of the pump holder body 900a and coupled to the second coupler 530. For example, the second end 920 may have a second insertion hole 921 into which the second coupler 530 is inserted. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second insertion hole 921 may be in the form partially recessed in the pump holder body 900a. In this case, the second insertion hole 921 may be referred to as second insertion groove 921.

The pump holder 900 may include a cut opening 930 to be easily twisted upon receiving an external force. The pump holder 900 may be easily deformed by a force applied by the user and the like due to the cut opening 930. That is, the pump holder 900 may be more easily coupled to the first coupler 180 and the second coupler 530. For example, the cut opening 930 may have a groove or hole shape. For example, the cut opening 930 may be formed between the first end 910 and the second end 920. Meanwhile, the cut opening 930 that is not an essential component of the pump holder 900 may be omitted.

The pump holder 900 may include a material with a restoration force. The pump holder 900 may include a material having an elastic restoration force. The pump holder 900 may include a material with flexibility. For example, the pump holder 900 may include a rubber material. However, the type of the pump holder 900 is not limited as long as the pump holder 900 has a restoration force.

For example, conventional dishwashers include a fixing member to fix the circulation pump to the sump assembly. However, such a fixing member inevitably has a relatively high hardness to support a weight of the circulation pump. Accordingly, the fixing member has a low buffering effect and is not effective on reducing noise. In addition, in the case where the circulation pump deviates from the sump assembly, the user should manually move the circulation pump back to an original position thereof.

As another example, conventional dishwashers include separate additional fixing members used after a circulation pump is fixed to a sump assembly. In this case, vibration of the circulation pump is transmitted to the additional fixing member, and thus noise may increase. In addition, the effect of vibration due to central imbalance in the radial direction may increase.

For example, by including a rubber material, the pump holder 900 may have an excellent buffering effect and reduced noise. In addition, even in the case where the circulation pump 500 deviates from the pump flange 141, the circulation pump 500 may return to the original position by the restoration force of the pump holder 900. As a result, the circulation pump 500 may be stably fixed to the pump flange 141. Therefore, the dishwasher 1 may maintain the coupled state of the circulation pump 500 to the pump flange 141. In addition, because the circulation pump 500 is located to be spaced apart from the bottom 16a of the base frame 16, vibration generated in the circulation pump 500 may not be transmitted to the base frame 16. That is, vibration of the circulation pump 500 may not be transmitted to other components of the dishwasher 1 through the base frame 16.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a state where a sump housing and a circulation pump of a dishwasher according to an embodiment are arranged to correspond to each other. FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a process of coupling a pump holder to one of the two couplers shown in FIG. 22. FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a process of coupling the pump holder to the other coupler shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a coupled state of the pump holder respectively to the two couplers shown in FIG. 24.

Then, referring to FIGS. 22 to 25, a process of coupling the pump holder 900 to the sump housing 100 and the circulation pump 500 will be exemplarily described. In addition, referring to FIGS. 22 to 25, the first coupler 180, the second coupler 530, and the pump holder 900 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 22, the sump housing 100 may include the first coupler 180, and the circulation pump 500 may include the second coupler 530.

In the state where the circulation pump 500 is coupled to the pump flange 141, the second coupler 530 may be located to correspond to the first coupler 180. For example, the second coupler 530 may be located to correspond to the first coupler 180 in the up-down direction. For example, the second coupler 530 may be disposed below the first coupler 180.

For example, at least one of the first coupler 180 and the second coupler 530 may include a first extension 181 and a second extension 182. That is, the first coupler 180 may include the first extension 181 and the second extension 182, the second coupler 530 may include the first extension 181 and the second extension 182, or the first coupler 180 and the second coupler 530 may include the first extension 181 and the second extension 182, respectively. Hereinafter, a first coupler 180 including a first extension 181 and a second extension 182 will be described by way of example for the convenience of description.

The first extension 181 may extend in the first direction A. For example, the first extension 181 may extend from the rim 132 of the sump housing 100.

The second extension 182 may extend from the first extension 181 in a second direction B. For example, the second direction B may be a direction intersecting with the first direction A. The second direction B may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction A. For example, the first extension 181 and the second extension 182 may constitute an L-shape.

The second extension 182 may prevent the circulation pump 500 from being separated from the sump housing 100. The second extension 182 may prevent the pump holder 900 from being separated from the first coupler 180. In the case where the second coupler 530 includes the first extension 181 and the second extension 182, the second extension 182 of the second coupler 530 may prevent the pump holder 900 from being separated from the second coupler 530. This will be described in more detail below.

A projection 183 may be formed at one end of the second extension 182. The projection 183 may project from the end of the second extension 182 toward the pump holder 900. For example, during a process of coupling the pump holder 900 to the second extension 182, the projection 183 may be caught by the pump holder 900. For example, the projection 183 may be provided to temporarily fix the pump holder 900 during the process of coupling the pump holder 900 to the first coupler 180.

The second coupler 530 may include a holding protrusion 550. The holding protrusion 550 may be provided to be caught by the second end 920 of the pump holder 900. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, the holding protrusion 550 may be formed not at the second coupler 530 but at the first coupler 180 in the case where the second coupler 530 include the first extension 181 and the second extension 182. In this case, the holding protrusion 550 may be provided to be caught by the first end 910 of the pump holder 900.

For example, the holding protrusion 550 may have a shape extending in the second direction B. The holding protrusion 550 may include a first holder 551 and a second holder 552. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, the holding protrusion 550 may have any shape as long as the holding protrusion 550 is caught by the pump holder 900.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, one end of the pump holder 900 may be first coupled one of the first coupler 180 and the second coupler 530. Then, the other end of the pump holder 900 may be coupled to the other of the first coupler 180 and the second coupler 530.

For example, after the second end 920 of the pump holder 900 is coupled to the second coupler 530, the first end 910 of the pump holder 900 may be coupled to the first coupler 180. However, unlike those illustrated in the drawings, after the first end 910 of the pump holder 900 is coupled to the first coupler 180, the second end 920 of the pump holder 900 may be coupled to the second coupler 530. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, a case of coupling the pump holder 900 to the second coupler 530 first will be described.

Referring to FIG. 23, the second end 920 of the pump holder 900 may be coupled to the second coupler 530. For example, the second end 920 may be coupled to the second coupler 530 in an approximately first direction A. The second coupler 530 may be inserted into the second insertion hole 921 of the second end 920. The second coupler 530 may be inserted into the second insertion hole 921 of the second end 920.

After the second end 920 is coupled to the second coupler 530, the pump holder 900 may be deformed for coupling of the first end 910 to the first coupler 180. For example, the first end 910 may be twisted with respect to the second end 920. The first end 910 may be twisted toward the second extension 182 of the first coupler 180. The first end 910 may be deformed to face the end of the second extension 182 of the first coupler 180.

For example, the first end 910 may be coupled to the second extension 182 of the first coupler 180 in an approximately second direction B. The first insertion hole 911 of the first end 910 may be coupled to the second extension 182. The second extension 182 may be inserted into the first insertion hole 911. The second extension 182 may be inserted into the first insertion hole 911.

Referring to FIG. 24, the first end 910 of the pump holder 900 may be coupled to the second extension 182 and then coupled to the first extension 181. The first end 910 may move in a state of being coupled to the second extension 182 to be coupled to the first extension 181. For example, the first end 910 may move in an approximately second direction B in a state of being inserted into the second extension 182. Then, the first end 910 may move in an approximately first direction A, in a state where the movement in the second direction B is limited by the first extension 181, to be coupled to the first extension 181. The first insertion hole 911 of the first end 910 may be coupled to the first extension 181. The first extension 181 may be inserted into the first insertion hole 911. The first extension 181 may be inserted into the first insertion hole 911.

Referring to FIG. 25, the pump holder 900 may be coupled to both the first coupler 180 and the second coupler 530. The first end 910 of the pump holder 900 may be coupled to the first coupler 180 and the second end 920 of the pump holder 900 may be coupled to the second coupler 530.

The circulation pump 500 may not be separated from the sump housing 100 by the structure of the first extension 181, the second extension 182, and the pump holder 900.

The pump holder 900 may be provided to be caught by the second extension 182.

For example, the pump holder 900 may be provided to be held by the second extension 182 in the first direction A. For example, even when vibration is generated in the circulation pump 500 or an external impact is applied to the sump assembly 70, the pump holder 900, caught by the second extension 182, may not be separated from the first coupler 180. For example, even when the circulation pump 500 moves in a direction to be separated from the pump flange 141 along the first direction A, the pump holder 900, caught by the second extension 182 in the first direction A, may not be separated from the first coupler 180. That is, movement of the pump holder 900 in the first direction A may be limited by the second extension 182. In other words, because the first end 910 of the pump holder 900 interferes with the second extension 182, the pump holder 900 may not be easily separated from the first coupler 180. As a result, the pump holder 900 may be stably coupled to the sump housing 100 even by an external impact, vibration of the circulation pump 500, and the like.

Meanwhile, a width w2 of the holding protrusion 550 of the second coupler 530 may be greater than a width w1 of the second insertion hole 921. Thus, the second coupler 530 may be caught by the second end 920 in a state of being inserted into the second insertion hole 921. For example, the holding protrusion 550 of the second coupler 530 may be caught by the second end 920 of the pump holder 900 in the first direction A. As a result, the pump holder 900 may not be easily separated from the second coupler 530 even by an external impact. In addition, the pump holder 900 may not be easily separated from the second coupler 530 even by the vibration of the circulation pump 500. That is, because the holding protrusion 550 is caught by the second end 920, the pump holder 900 may be easily coupled to the sump housing 100.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been provided for illustrative purposes, the scope of the present disclosure is limited thereto. Various embodiments that may be modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims, should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A dishwasher comprising: a tub forming a washing chamber;a spray unit configured to spray water into the washing chamber;a sump housing comprising a water reservoir chamber to reserve water flowing from the washing chamber, a pump flange through which water from the water reservoir chamber passes, and a first coupler protruding outward from the water reservoir chamber;a pump configured to pump water of the water reservoir chamber to the spray unit and to be couplable to the pump flange of the sump housing, the pump comprising a second coupler arrangeable to correspond to the first coupler while the pump is coupled to the pump flange; anda pump holder to connect the first coupler of the sump housing with the second coupler of the pump to thereby allow the pump to be mounted on the sump housing,wherein at least one of the first coupler or the second coupler comprises a first extension extending along a first direction and a second extension extending along a second direction intersecting with the first direction to prevent the pump from being separated from the sump housing.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the pump holder is caught by the second extension along the first direction.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the sump housing comprises a rib extending toward one side of the pump while the pump is coupled to the pump flange, wherein the pump further comprises a protrusion protruding to be spaced apart from the rib toward the pump flange along the first direction while the pump is coupled to the pump flange.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein the rib is a first rib,the protrusion is a first protrusion,the sump housing further comprises a second rib extending toward another side of the pump to face the first rib while the pump is coupled to the pump flange, andthe pump further comprises a second protrusion protruding to be spaced apart from the second rib toward the pump flange along the first direction while the pump is coupled to the pump flange.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the pump holder comprises a pump holder body extending along a vertical direction,a first end formed at an upper region of the pump holder and couplable to the first coupler, anda second end formed at a lower region of the pump holder and couplable to the second coupler.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a connector configured to guide water pumped by the pump to the spray unit, wherein the pump further comprises an inlet connected to the pump flange to receive water from the water reservoir chamber, and an outlet connected to the connector to supply the water to the spray unit received through the inlet, andthe pump is fixed to the sump housing by the inlet, the outlet, and the second coupler.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the pump holder comprises a rubber material.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a base frame disposed below the tub and provided to accommodate the sump housing, the pump, and the pump holder, wherein the pump is located to be spaced apart from a bottom of the base frame.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member located on an inner side surface of the pump flange to prevent leakage of water between the sump housing and the pump.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein the pump further comprises a pump connector provided to transmit and receive an electrical signal, wherein the rib is provided to cover the pump connector to prevent water from entering the pump connector.

11. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a projection projecting toward the pump holder from one end of the second extension.

12. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the second end of the pump holder further comprises an insertion hole into which the second coupler of the pump is insertable, wherein the second coupler further comprises a holding protrusion with a width greater than a width of the insertion hole to be caught by the second end in a state of being inserted into the insertion hole.

13. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the pump comprises a pump motor, an impeller configured to rotate in a state of being connected to the pump motor, anda case provided to accommodate the pump motor and the impeller and including the second coupler.

14. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the pump is detachably couplable to the pump flange of the sump housing along the first direction.

15. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the pump holder further comprises a cut opening formed between the first end and the second end.