Sump of dish washer

Abstract

There is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher. The sump assembly includes a sump case having coupling bosses protruded upward, a sump cover seating on an upper portion of the sump case, the sump cover having a coupling boss and a coupling hole, a self-cleaning filter assembly mounted on a top surface of the sump cover, the self-cleaning assembly having a coupling hole, a fluid passage guide mounted on a bottom of the sump cover, pump lower having a first coupling boss formed on a frame portion and a second coupling boss formed therein and a washing pump disposed between the fluid passage guide and the pump lower, and a washing pump disposed between the fluid passage guide and the pump lower.

Description

This application claims priority to Korean Application 10-2004-0102563 filed on Dec. 7, 2004, which is incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dishwasher and, more particularly, to a sump assembly mounted on a bottom of a tub of a dishwasher for supplying washing water.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a dishwasher is a machine that washes and dries dishes loaded on upper and lower racks by spraying washing water pumped out by the washing pump toward the upper and lower racks through spraying nozzles. The dishwasher includes a tub defining an outer appearance of the dishwasher, at least one rack disposed in the tub to load dishes, at least one spraying nozzle for spraying washing water to surfaces of the dishes, and a sump assembly mounted on a floor of the tub to reserve the washing water.

In addition, a turbidity sensor is installed at a location, through which the washing water flows, such as an inner-side portion of the sump assembly or a heater for heating the washing water being introduced into the sump assembly to detect a pollution level of the washing water during the washing process. When it is detected that the washing water is polluted above a predetermined level, the polluted washing water is exhausted and new clean washing water is introduced.

According to a dishwasher of the related art, food residue adhered to the dishes is removed from the dishes by pressure applied by washing water sprayed from a spraying nozzle. The food residue removed from the dishes is collected on a floor of the tub. A filter is mounted on the top surface of the sump assembly to filter relatively large particles of the food residue, thereby preventing a flow-resistance of the washing water from increasing by the foreign objects adhered in the sump assembly. A disposer for grinding the introduced food residue is mounted in the sump assembly to prevent the food residue from clogging a passage of the spraying nozzle when the washing water flows to the spraying nozzle.

The heater heats the washing water to a predetermined temperature to improve the washing efficiency. The heater is mounted in the tub.

However, in the dishwasher of the related art, a washing water reserving space in the sump assembly is too small to reserve a large volume of washing water.

Furthermore, since the heater for heating the washing water is mounted out of the sump assembly, an overall size of the dishwasher increases.

In addition, since the filtering efficiency of the filter is not so high, relatively large amount of foreign objects such as food residue are introduced into the sump assembly, the spraying hole of the spraying nozzle is frequently blocked.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a sump assembly of a dishwasher that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sump assembly of a dishwasher, which can increase a washing water reserving volume while not increasing an overall size of the dishwasher.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sump assembly of a dishwasher, that can allow washing water effectively flows in the sump assembly and minimize an amount of foreign objects contained in the washing water introduced into spraying nozzle.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher, including: a sump case for reserving washing water, the sump case having coupling bosses protruded upward; a sump cover seating on an upper portion of the sump case, the sump cover having a coupling boss and a coupling hole in which a coupling member is inserted; a self-cleaning filter assembly mounted on a top surface of the sump cover to filter foreign objects, the self-cleaning assembly having a coupling hole in which the coupling member is inserted; a washing pump for pumping out the washing water reserved in the sump case; a fluid passage guide for guiding flow of the washing water pumped out by the washing pump, the fluid passage being mounted on a bottom of the sump cover; and a pump lower disposed between the washing pump and the fluid passage guide, the pump lower having a first coupling boss formed on a frame portion and a second coupling boss formed therein.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher, including: a lower nozzle holder having a coupling hole in which a coupling member is inserted; a self-cleaning filter assembly on which the lower nozzle holder seats, the self-cleaning filter having a coupling hole in which the coupling member is inserted; a sump cover on which the self-cleaning filter assembly seats, the sump cover having at least one coupling boss and/or coupling hole therein; a fluid passage guide thermal-bonded on a bottom of the sump cover, the fluid passage guide having at least one coupling boss therein; a pump lower on which the fluid passage guide seats, the pump lower having a soil chamber in which foreign objects contained in washing water are accumulated and at least one coupling boss; and a sump case on which the pump lower seats, the sump case having at least one coupling boss.

In still yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher, including: a sump case for reserving washing water; a heater installed in the sump case to heat the washing water; a drain pump for draining the washing water to an external side; a washing pump for pumping out the washing water reserved in the sump case; a fluid passage guide for guiding flow of the washing water in a state where the washing pump is installed therein; a turbidity sensor installed on a flow path of the washing water to detect a pollution level of the washing water; a sump cover having a water recovering hole through which the sprayed washing water is returned into the sump case; a self-cleaning filter assembly provided on the sump cover to filter foreign objects contained in the washing water pumped out by the washing pump; and a lower nozzle holder for flowing of the washing water flowing from the fluid passage guide to a lower nozzle.

According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher, including: a sump case for reserving washing water; a heater installed in the sump case to heat the washing water; a drain pump for draining the washing water to an external side; a washing pump for pumping out the washing water reserved in the sump case; a fluid passage guide for guiding flow of the washing water in a state where the washing pump is installed therein; a vario valve provided on an end of the fluid passage guide to control a discharging direction of the washing water; a turbidity sensor detecting a pollution level of the washing water bypassing before flowing to the vario valve; a sump cover for directing the sprayed washing water into the sump case; a self-cleaning filter assembly provided on the sump cover to filter foreign objects contained in the washing water pumped out by the washing pump; and a lower nozzle holder for flowing of the washing water flowing from the fluid passage guide to a lower nozzle.

In still yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher, including: a sump case for reserving washing water; a heater installed in the sump case to heat the washing water; a drain pump for draining the washing water to an external side; a washing pump for pumping out the washing water reserved in the sump case; a fluid passage guide for guiding flow of the washing water in a state where the washing pump is installed therein; a turbidity sensor installed on a flow path of the washing water to detect a pollution level of the washing water; a sump cover having a water recovering hole through which the sprayed washing water is returned into the sump case; a self-cleaning filter assembly provided on the sump cover to filter foreign objects contained in the washing water pumped out by the washing pump; and a lower nozzle holder for flowing of the washing water flowing from the fluid passage guide to a lower nozzle, wherein the fluid passage guide is divided into a lower fluid passage guide and an upper fluid passage guide partly covering an upper portion of the lower fluid passage guide, the lower and upper fluid passage guides being thermal-bonded to each other.

In still yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher, comprising: a sump case for reserving washing water; a heater installed in the sump case to heat the washing water; a drain pump for draining the washing water to an external side; a washing pump for pumping out the washing water reserved in the sump case; a fluid passage guide in which the washing pump is received, the fluid passage guide having a first passage for guiding the washing water discharged from the washing pump to a lower nozzle a water guide passage for guiding the washing water to a water guide, and a turbidity sensor passage for guiding the washing water to the turbidity sensor; a turbidity sensor installed on a flow path of the washing water to detect a pollution level of the washing water; a sump cover having a water recovering hole through which the sprayed washing water is returned into the sump case; a self-cleaning filter assembly provided on the sump cover to filter foreign objects contained in the washing water pumped out by the washing pump; and a lower nozzle holder for flowing of the washing water flowing from the fluid passage guide to a lower nozzle.

In still yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher, including: a sump case for reserving washing water; a heater installed in the sump case to heat the washing water; a drain pump for draining the washing water to an external side; a washing pump for pumping out the washing water reserved in the sump case; a fluid passage guide for guiding flow of the washing water in a state where the washing pump is installed therein; a lower nozzle holder for guiding flow of the washing water flowing from the fluid passage guide to a lower nozzle; a turbidity sensor installed on a flow path of the washing water to detect a pollution level of the washing water; a sump cover to which the lower nozzle holder is fixed; and a self-cleaning filter assembly provided on the sump cover to filter foreign objects contained in the washing water bypassing from a drain passage extending from the fluid passage guide to the drain pump.

According to the present invention, the washing water reserving space can increase and an overall volume of the sump assembly is optimized by mounting the heater in the sump assembly. Therefore, the internal volume of the dishwasher increases and the passage blocking phenomenon of the sump assembly by the foreign objects is prevented.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a dishwasher having a sump assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sump assembly depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines I-I′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a sump assembly depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower nozzle holder depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a self-cleaning filter assembly depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sump cover depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fluid passage guide depicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pump lower depicted in FIG. 3; and

FIGS. 10 and 11 are respectively perspective and rear views of a sump case depicted in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a dishwasher having a sump assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a dishwasher 10 includes a tub defining a washing chamber, a door 18 provided in front of the tub 11 to open and close the washing chamber, and a sump assembly 100 mounted on a bottom-center of the tub 11 and reserving washing water therein. The tub 11 means a tub functioning as a space for washing the dishes by spraying the washing water to the dishes loaded therein.

The dishwasher 10 further includes a washing motor 230 mounted on a bottom of the sump assembly 100 and disposed in the sump assembly 100 to drive a washing pump (not shown), a water guide 14 defining a path along which washing water pumped out by the washing pump flows, a lower nozzle 16 coupled to a top of the sump assembly 100 to spray the washing water upward and/or downward in the washing chamber, an upper nozzle 15 extending from a portion of the water guide 14 toward a center of the tub 11, and a top nozzle 17 extending from a top of the water guide 14 and located near a ceiling of the tub 11 to spray the washing water downward.

The dishwasher 10 further includes an upper rack 12 placed right above the upper nozzle 15 and a lower rack 13 disposed right above the lower nozzle 16. That is, the dishes received on the upper rack 12 are washed by the washing water sprayed from the upper and top nozzles 15 and 17. The dishes received on the lower rack 13 are washed by the washing water sprayed from the lower nozzle 16.

The operation of the dishwasher 10 will be now described.

The door 18 is first opened and the upper rack 12 and/or lower rack 13 are withdrawn out of the dishwasher 10. The dishes are arranged on the racks 12 and 13. Then, the racks 12 and 13 are returned to their initial locations and the door 18 is closed. The operation button is pushed to wash the dishes received on the racks 12 and 13.

Meanwhile, when the operation button is pushed, a water supply valve is opened so that the washing water is supplied into the sump assembly 100. After a predetermined amount of the washing water is supplied into the sump assembly 100, the washing motor 230 operates. At this point, an impeller (refer to the reference number 2 of FIG. 2) connected to a motor shaft of the washing motor 230 and disposed in the washing pump rotates to pump the washing water to the lower nozzle 16 and the water guide 14.

The washing water pumped out to the water guide 14 is sprayed into the washing chamber via the top and upper nozzles 17 and 15. The washing water sprayed downward from the top nozzle 17 and the washing water sprayed upward from the upper nozzle 15 wash the dishes loaded on the upper rack 12.

The washing water sprayed upward from the lower nozzle 16 washes the dishes loaded on the lower rack 13. By forming spraying holes on a bottom of the upper nozzle 15, the upper nozzle 15 may spray the washing water upward and downward to simultaneously wash both surfaces of the dishes.

The foreign objects generated during the washing process are filtered by a filter (not shown) provided in the sump assembly 100 and ground to small particles by a disposer (not shown) mounted in the sump assembly 100. When the washing process is finished, the used washing water is drained together with the foreign objects out of the dishwasher 10 through a drain pump (not shown).

When the used washing water is drained, clean rinsing water is supplied to the sump assembly 100 through a washing water inlet and sprayed through the nozzles 15, 16 and 17 to perform a rinsing process. When the rinsing process is finished, a drying process is performed to finalize the whole washing process.

The sump assembly of the present invention will be now described in more detail.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sump assembly depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines I-I? of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sump assembly depicted in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the sump assembly 100 includes a sump case 190 for reserving the washing water, a sump cover 130 for covering an opening of the sump case 190, a self-cleaning filter assembly 120 disposed on a top portion of the sump cover 130 and elevated by a predetermined height, a lower nozzle holder 110 disposed on the central portion of the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 and connected to the lower nozzle 16, a washing motor 230 mounted on a lower portion of the sump case 190 to generate rotational force, and a drain pump 250 and a drain motor 240 that are mounted on a side portion of the sump case 190 to drain the washing water to an external side.

In addition, the sump assembly 100 further includes a heater 200 mounted on an inner bottom of the sump case 190 to heat the washing water, a disposer 180 rotating together with a motor shaft 231 to grind food residue, a pump lower 170 forming a soil chamber in which the food residue is accumulated, a fluid passage guide 140 disposed between the sump cover 130 and the pump lower 170, a washing pump 290 disposed between the pump lower 170 and the fluid passage guide 140 to pump out the washing water, and a screen filter 179 disposed between the pump lower 170 and the disposer 180 to prevent the food waste ground by the disposer 180 from being introduced into the washing pump 290.

The screen filter 179 is provided with a plurality of pores to filter the food residue and attached on a bottom of the pump lower 170. The washing pump 290 includes a pump case 171 disposed on a central portion of the pump lower 170 and an impeller 150 disposed in the pump case 171. The impeller 150 rotates together with the motor shaft 231 to suck the washing water reserved in the sump case 190 and discharge the sucked washing water to an external side. The fluid passage guide 140 is provided at a top surface with a passage for guiding the washing water pumped by the washing pump 290 to the upper nozzle or the lower nozzle. The passage will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The sump assembly 100 includes a vario valve 210 mounted on a side portion of the sump case 190, a turbidity sensor 220 mounted near the vario valve 210, and a pump sealer 160 fitted in a groove formed on a top surface of the pump lower 170. That is, the vario valve 210 functions to alternately flow to the upper and lower nozzles. The turbidity sensor 220 detects the pollution level of the washing water collected in the sump assembly 100 during the washing process. The pump sealer 160 prevents leakage of the washing water through edges of the washing pump 290 and the vario valve 210.

The operation of the above-described sump assembly 100 will be now described.

When the washing process starts, the washing water is supplied from the water supply unit to the sump case 190. At this point, the impeller 150 rotates by the operation of the washing motor 230 to direct the washing water into the pump case 171. The washing water directed to the pump case 171 flows to the vario valve 210. The washing water flowing to the vario valve 210 further flows to the water guide 14 or the upper nozzle holder 110 along the passage formed on the top surface of the fluid passage guide 110. The washing water directed to the water guide 14 or the lower nozzle holder 110 is sprayed into the tub 11 through the upper and top nozzles 15 and 17 or the lower nozzle 16.

After the foreign objects adhered to the dishes are removed by the washing water, the washing water falls to the floor of the tub 11. The falling washing water is reserved in the sump case 190.

Meanwhile, a part of the washing water flowing from the washing pump 290 to the vario valve 210 flows to the turbidity sensor 220 so that the pollution level of the washing water can be detected. The washing water 220 passing through the turbidity sensor 220 flows to the drain pump 250. The washing water collected in the drain pump 250 is drained out of the dishwasher by the drain motor 240. At this point, when the turbidity of the washing water is lower than a predetermined level, the washing water is sprayed into the tub through a predetermined fluid passage.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower nozzle holder mounted on the top-central portion of the sump assembly.

Referring to FIG. 5, the lower nozzle holder 110 includes a cylindrical holder body 111 having a predetermined diameter and length, a seating plate 112 extending from an outer circumference of the holder body 111 and seating on the sump cover 120.

The seating plate 112 is provided with coupling holes 113 through which coupling members (not shown) penetrate by which the seating plate 112 is coupled to the sump cover 120. A depressed portion 114 having a predetermined depth and diameter is formed around each coupling hole 113. Therefore, when the coupling members are coupled, heads of the coupling members are snugly disposed in the depressed portions 114 without being protruded above a surface of the seating plate 112.

The holder body 111 extends from the seating plate 112 and contacts the sump cover 130. That is, the holder body 111 is directly connected to a drain hole (see the reference number 135a of FIG. 7) formed on a central portion of the sump cover 130 so that the washing water can be directly directed to the lower nozzle without being leaked.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the self-cleaning filter assembly.

Referring to FIG. 6, the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 is disposed on the top of the sump cover 130. The self-cleaning filter assembly 120 filters foreign objects contained in the washing water when the washing water when the washing water passing through the turbidity sensor 220 flows backward from the floor of the tub.

The self-cleaning filter assembly 120 includes an upper frame 121, a mesh filter 128 adhered to a bottom of the upper frame 121, and a lower frame 122 disposed below the mesh filter 128 to strain the mesh filter 128. The upper and lower frames 121 and 122 are integrally formed with each other by a thermal bonding process. The upper frame 121 and the lower frame 122 are identical in a shape to each other and coupled to each other.

The upper and lower frames 121 and 122 are formed in an identical shape. Each of the upper and lower frames 121 and 122 includes a leaked water collecting chamber cover 124 covering a top opening of the leaked water collecting chamber (see 132b of FIG. 7) that will be described later and a nozzle holder seating portion 126 depressed on a top surface of the leaked water collecting chamber cover 124. The seating plate 112 of the nozzle holder 110 seats on the nozzle holder seating portion 126.

The mesh filter 128 is formed in a circular strip shape and attached between the leaked water collection chamber cover 124 and the outer frame of the self-cleaning filter assembly 120. A nozzle holder insertion hole 127 through which the holder body 11 is inserted is formed on the nozzle holder seating portion 126. Side slots 129 in which the depressed portions 114 of the nozzle holder 110 are inserted are formed on the nozzle holder seating portion 126. The side slots 129 extend from the nozzle holder insertion hole 127.

In addition, the leaked water collection chamber cover 124 is connected to the outer frame of the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 by frame bridges 125. That is, the frame bridges 125 extend from the outer circumference of the leaked water collection chamber cover 124 in a radial direction. By the frame bridges 125, the mesh filter 128 is divided into a plurality of sections each having a predetermined size. The frame bridges 125 functions to strain the mesh filter 128. The self-cleaning filter assembly 120 is provided with one or more sump cover coupling holes 123. By a coupling member penetrating the sump cover coupling hole 123, the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 is coupled to the sump cover 130. The self-cleaning filter assembly 120 is further provided with one or more addition sump case coupling holes 123a formed on the outer frame. By a coupling member penetrating the sump case coupling hole 123a, the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 is coupled to the sump case 190.

Meanwhile, the outer frame of the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 extends downward by a predetermined height so that the self-cleaning filter 120 can be elevated from the top surface of the sump cover 130. As a result, the mesh filter 128 is to be disposed at a level elevated from the top surface of the sump cover 130. This is to prevent the mesh filter 128 from being immersed together with the sump cover 130 in the washing water reserved in the sump. This is to prevent the mesh filter 128 from being immersed together with the sump cover 130 in the washing water reserved in the sump. That is, this is to prevent the foreign objects clogging the mesh filter 128 from not being removed by the washing water that is sprayed from the lower nozzle 16 and does not reach the mesh filter 128.

That is, when the height of the mesh filter 128 is lower than a surface of the washing water reserved on the floor of the tub, the mesh filter is to be immersed in the washing water. In this case, since the washing water sprayed from the lower nozzle 16 cannot reach the mesh filter 128 by the washing water reserved on the floor of the tub, the foreign objects clogging the mesh filter 128 cannot be removed. When the foreign objects are not removed from the mesh filter 128, the washing water collected in the soil chamber 173 cannot flow backward to the floor of the tub 11 through the mesh filter 128. However, in the present invention, since the mesh filter 128 is disposed at a location elevated from a surface of the washing water reserved on the floor of the tub, the washing water sprayed from the lower nozzle 16 reaches the mesh filter 128, thereby effectively removing the foreign objects clogging the mesh filter 128.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sump cover.

Referring to FIG. 7, as described above, the sump cover 130 covers the top opening of the sump case 190.

Describing in more detail, the sump cover 130 includes a plurality of water recovering holes 131 formed on an edge along at least one circumferential line, a filter supporting sleeve 132 circumferentially extending upward at an inner side with respect to the water returning holes 131, and a leaked water collecting sleeve 132a circumferentially extending upward at an inner side with respect to the filter supporting sleeve 132.

The washing water sprayed from the nozzles is recovered into the sump case 190 through the water recovering holes 131. The self-cleaning filter assembly 120 is disposed on a top of the filter supporting sleeve 132. A diameter of the leaked water collecting sleeve 132a is less than that of the filter supporting sleeve 132 to reserve the washing water that is leaked during the washing water flows toward the lower nozzle holder 110. That is, the leaked water collecting sleeve 132a defines a leaked water collecting chamber 132b for reserving the leaked water.

Two lower nozzle holder supporting ribs 135 are circumferentially formed on a central portion of the sump cover 130 and coupled to the holder body of the lower nozzle holder 110. A washing water discharge hole 135a is formed on an inner side of the nozzle holder supporting rib 135. The lower nozzle holder supporting ribs 135 are circumferentially spaced away from each other by a distance identical to a thickness of the holder body 111 and a lower end portion of the holder body 11 is inserted between the lower nozzle holder supporting ribs 135. The washing water discharged through the washing water discharge hole 135a flows to the lower nozzle. Two nozzle holder coupling bosses 136 to which the nozzle holder 110 is coupled are formed in the leaked water collecting chamber 132b. A water drain hole 138 through which the washing water collected in the leaked water collecting chamber 132b is drained is formed near an edge of the leaked water collecting chamber 132b.

A washing water backward hole 139a is formed on a part between the filter supporting sleeve 132 and the leaked water collecting sleeve 132a to allow the washing water flowing backward from the soil chamber 173 to flow backward into the tub through the self-cleaning filter 120. A foreign object collecting layer 139 is formed on a remaining part between the filter supporting sleeve 132 and the leaked water collecting sleeve 132a. A part of the washing water flowing backward through the washing water backward hole 136139a is collected in the foreign object collecting layer 139. One or more self-cleaning filter coupling bosses 137 for coupling the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 are formed on an inner circumference of the filter supporting sleeve 132, an outer circumference of the leaked water collecting sleeve 132a, and the foreign object collecting layer 139.

A cylindrical water guide connecting member 134 on which the water guide 14 is mounted is formed on the edge of the sump cover 130. A coupling member insertion hole 137a in which a sump cover coupling boss 197a is inserted is formed beside the water guide connecting member on the edge of the sump cover 130.

Formed on the outer circumference of the sump cover 130 are a sump case seating rib 133 bent and extending downward by a predetermined length and foreign object drain grooves 133a formed by cutting portions of the sump case seating rib 133 by a predetermined width. The foreign object drain grooves 133a are formed to allow the food residue falling to a contacting portion of the floor of the tub 11 and an upper frame of the sump case 190 to be effectively directed into the sump case 190. A depth of the foreign object drain groove 133a may be less than or identical to a height of the sump case seating rib 133.

Meanwhile, the outer circumference of the sump case seating rib 133 closely contacts the inner circumference of the sump case 190. As a result, the foreign objects falling to a boundary portion between the sump case 190 and the floor of the tub 1 may not be directed into the sump case 190. To prevent this, an outer diameter of the sump cover 130 is designed to be slightly less than an upper inner diameter of the sump case 190 so that the foreign objects can be effectively introduced into a gap between the sump cover 130 and the sump case 190.

Alternatively, the foreign object drain grooves 133a may be indented up to a bent portion where the sump case seating rib 133 starts and further indented slightly toward the center of the sump cover 130. That is, the foreign object drain groove 133a may be designed to have a -shaped vertical section. By this shape, the foreign objects can be effectively introduced into the sump case 190 even when the outer circumference of the sump cover 130 closely contacts the inner circumference of the sump case 190. The foreign object drain grooves 133a may be formed throughout the outer circumference of the sump cover 130 or may be locally formed on the outer circumference of the sump cover 130.

By the above-described sump cover assembly 130, the washing water falling to the tub 11 is introduced into the sump case 190 through the water recovering hole 131 and the foreign objects drain grooves 133a. The washing water flowing backward from the soil chamber 173 is directed to the floor of the tub through the washing water backward hole 139a and is then introduced into the sump case 190 through the foreign object drain grooves 133a.

In addition, the washing water leaked through the gap between the nozzle holder supporting rib 135 and the holder body 111 of the nozzle holder 110 during the washing water flows to the lower nozzle 16 is collected in the leaked water collecting chamber 132b. The collected washing water is introduced into the sump case 190 through the water drain hole 138.

In addition, a portion of the washing water flowing backward through the washing water backward hole 139a is collected in the foreign object collecting layer 139. When the drain process starts, the washing water collected in the foreign object collecting layer 139 flows to the drain pump 250 through the washing water backward hole 139a.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fluid passage guide.

Referring to FIG. 8, the fluid guide 140 is mounted on the bottom of the sump cover 130.

The fluid passage guide 140 is provided with a fluid passage along which the washing water pumped by the washing pump 290 flows to the upper and lower nozzles 15 and 16.

Describing in more detail, the fluid passage guide 140 includes a washing pump cover 141 covering the pump case 171, a vario valve guide passage 144 formed in a tangential direction of the washing pump cover 141 to guide the washing water pumped by the washing pump 290 to the vario valve 210, a vario valve insertion hole 143 formed on an end portion of the vario valve guide passage 144, a turbidity sensor insertion hole formed at a location spaced apart from the vario valve insertion hole 143 by a predetermined distance.

The fluid passage guide 140 further includes a lower nozzle passage 145 having a first end connected to the vario valve insertion hole 143 and a second end reaching a central portion of the washing pump cover 141 and a water guide passage 146 extending from another point of the vario valve insertion hole 143 to guide the washing water to the water guide 14.

The fluid passage guide 140 further includes a turbidity sensor passage branched off from a point of the vario valve guide passage 144 and connected to the turbidity sensor insertion hole 148, a drain passage 148b extending from a point of the turbidity sensor insertion hole 148 to allow the washing water introduced through the turbidity sensor passage 148a to flow to the drain pump 250, and a drain pump connecting hole 149 formed on an end portion of the drain passage 149b to allow the washing water to fall to the drain pump 250.

A sump cover coupling boss 142 is formed on the washing pump cover 141 and the coupling member penetrating the nozzle holder coupling boss 136 of the sump cover 130 is inserted into the sump cover coupling boss 142. By the coupling member, the fluid passage guide 140 is adhered to the bottom of the sump cover 130. A drain hole 147 is formed at a located spaced apart from the sump cover coupling boss 142 by a predetermined distance. The washing water collected in the leaked water collecting chamber 132b of the sump cover 130 is drained to the sump case 190 through the drain hole 147. The fluid passage guide 140 is tightly adhered to the bottom of the sump cover 130 through a thermal bonding process.

By the above-described construction, the washing water pumped by the washing pump 290 flows to the vario valve 210 mounted in the vario valve insertion hole 143 through the vario valve guide passage 144 and is then selectively dispensed to one of the lower nozzle passage 145 and the water guide passage 146. Then, a portion of the washing water flows into the turbidity sensor 220 through the turbidity sensor passage 148a branched off from the vario valve guide passage 144. The turbidity sensor 220 detects the pollution level of the washing water. The washing water passing through the turbidity sensor 220 flows the drain pump 250 through the drain passage 148 and the drain pump connecting hole 149. In addition, the leaked washing water falling through the drain hole 138 formed on the sump cover 130 falls to the sump case 190 through the drain hole 147 of the fluid passage guide 140.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pump lower.

Referring to FIG. 9, the pump lower 170 is disposed on the top surface of the sump case 190.

The pump lower 170 includes one or more sump case coupling bosses 170a formed on an outer circumference thereof, a self-cleaning coupling boss formed on the inner portion thereof, and a washing water suction hole 172 formed on a central portion thereof.

The sump case coupling boss 170a is designed to simultaneously couple the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 and the sump case 190. The self-cleaning coupling boss 170b couples the pump lower 170 to the self-cleaning filter assembly 120. The washing water sucked by the impeller 150 flows upward through the washing water suction hole 172.

The pump case 171 is formed on a central portion of the pump lower 170. That is, the pump case 171 includes an impeller seating groove 171b on which the impeller 150 seats and a pumping passage 171a rotating the washing water sucked by the impeller 150 using centrifugal force. Here, a connecting portion extending from an end of the pumping passage 171a to the vario valve insertion hole 174 is inclined at a predetermined angle so that the washing water can be effectively introduced into the vario valve 210.

The pump lower 170 includes a vario valve insertion hole 174, a turbidity sensor insertion hole 175 in which the turbidity sensor 220 is inserted and which is formed near the vario valve insertion hole 174, a drain pump connecting duct 176 formed at a location spaced apart from the turbidity sensor insertion hole 175. The washing water passing through the turbidity sensor 220 is drained to the drain pump 250 through the drain pump connecting duct 176.

In addition, the pump lower 170 includes a drain hole 177 formed between the pump case 171 and the turbidity sensor insertion hole 175 and a drain pump connecting duct 176a extending from a bottom of a location where the drain pump connecting duct 176 is located.

The washing water drained through the drain hole 147 of the fluid passage guide 140 is introduced into the sump case 190 through the drain hole 177. The drain pump connecting duct 176a extends downward by a predetermined length to be connected to the inside of the drain pump 250.

The pump lower 170 further includes a pump sealer seating groove 178 formed along an outer circumference of the vario valve insertion hole 174 and the sump case 171 and a soil chamber 173 for allowing the washing water flowing backward from the drain pump 250 to flow. The pump sealer 160 is inserted in the pump sealer seating groove 178 to prevent the water from leaking out of the pump case 171. The washing water introduced into the drain pump 250 through the drain pump connecting ducts 176 and 176a flows backward to the soil chamber 173. The washing water directed to the soil chamber 173 is drained out of the sump assembly 100 during the drain process. A portion of an outer wall of the drain pump connecting duct 176, which is opened to the soil chamber 173, is lowered in its height so that the washing water flows backward through an opening formed on an upper portion of the outer wall. Needless to say, all of the outer wall opened to the soil chamber 173 may be removed.

The soil chamber 173 is curved in response to the outer shape of the pump lower 170. The foreign objects contained in the washing water are collected on the floor of the soil chamber 173. The collected foreign objects are introduced into the drain pump and drained to the external side during the drain process.

By the above-described structure, the washing water sucked by the impeller 150 rotates along the pumping passage 171a in the pump case 171 and flows to the vario valve 210. Here, the food residue contained in the washing water flowing into the washing pump 290 by the impeller 150 is filtered by the screen filter 179 mounted on a lower portion of the washing water suction hole 172. Then, as described above, the washing water is introduced into the drain pump 250 via the turbidity sensor 220. Then, the washing water flows backward to the soil chamber 173. The washing water directed to the soil chamber 173 flows backward to the bottom surface of the tub via the mesh filter 128 to be returned to the sump case 190 through the recovering hole 131 of the sump cover 130. The food residue accumulated in the soil chamber 173 is drained to the external side via the drain pump 250 during the drain process.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are respectively perspective and rear views of the sump case.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the sump case 190 includes a washing water reserving chamber 191 and a washing water inlet 192 formed on a side portion of the washing water reserving chamber 191 to allow the washing water supplied from the water supplying source to be introduced into the washing water reserving chamber 191 through thereof.

The sump case 190 further includes pump lower coupling bosses 195 formed on a top surface to be coupled to the pump lower 170, a vario valve insertion hole 199a formed on the top surface to receive the vario valve 210, and a turbidity sensor insertion hole 199b in which the turbidity sensor 220 is inserted.

The sump case 190 further includes a self-cleaning filter coupling boss 197 formed near the vario valve insertion hole 1991 and a sump cover coupling boss 197a formed between the frame of the sup case 190 and the vario valve insertion hole 199a.

That is, the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 197 couples the sump case 190 to the self-cleaning filter 120. The sump case 190 and the sump cover 130 are coupled to each other by the screw penetrating the pump lower 170 and the sump cover coupling boss 197a.

The sump case 190 further includes a drain pump 250 formed on a side surface thereof to drain the used washing water, a drain pump guide duct 193 in which the drain pump connecting duct 176a of the pump lower 170 is inserted, and a check valve (not shown) mounted in front of the drain pump guide duct 193 to prevent the washing water that is being drained from flowing backward.

The heater 200 for heating the washing water reserved in the washing water reserving chamber 191 is inserted through the side surface of the sump case 190. The heater 200 has an end securely fixed by a heater clamp 290. A drain motor 240 is coupled to a rear of the drain pump 250 to drive a drain impeller (not shown) mounted in the drain pump 250.

The motor shaft 131 of the washing motor 230 is inserted through the bottom of the sump case 190. A water sealing formed of, for example, rubber is mounted on an outer circumference of the motor shaft 231. That is, a water sealing supporting sleeve 194 in which the water sealing 280 is inserted is formed on the bottom surface of the sump case 190. By tightly inserting the water sealing 280 in the water sealing supporting sleeve 194, the washing water reserved in the washing water reserving chamber 191 is not leaked to the washing motor 230.

One or more dismountable hook 196 is formed on the frame portion of the sump case 190 so as to make it easy to dismount the sump case 190 from the floor of the tub. A portion of the outer circumference of the motor shaft 231 is cut away so that a section thereof is not non-circular-shaped. The disposer 180 is fitted around the motor shaft 231. When the disposer 180 is fitted around the motor shaft 231, the disposer 180 can rotate together with the motor shaft 231.

Meanwhile, the washing motor 230 is mounted on an outer bottom center of the sump case 190. A bypass hole 198 is formed on a location right below the drain pump guide duct 193. The bypass hole 198 is formed to allow the washing water, which cannot flow to the drain pump 250 but flows backward, to circulate toward the inside of the tub 11. A cam member (not shown) for selectively opening the lower nozzle passage 145 and the water guide passage 146, a vario motor 240 rotating the cam member, and a micro switch 270 detecting the rotation of the cam member are mounted under a location where the vario valve 210 is mounted.

By the above-described structure, the washing water introduced to the washing water inlet 192 is reserved in the washing water reserving chamber 191. The reserved washing water is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater 200. When the washing motor 230 rotates, the disposer 180 and the impeller 150 rotate therewith. The washing water pumped by the washing pump 290 is sprayed into the tub through the spraying nozzles. The washing water contaminated during the washing process is introduced into the drain pump 250. When the drain pump 240 is operated, the washing water collected in the washing water reserving chamber 191 is drained to the external side by the drain pump 250. The assembly process of the components of the sump assembly 100 will be described hereinafter.

First, the pump lower 170 is disposed on the top surface of the sump case 190.

That is, the pump lower coupling boss 195 formed on the edge of the sump case 190 is inserted in the sump case coupling boss 170a formed on the frame portion of the pump lower 170. Then, the sump case coupling boss 170a is connected to a lower end of the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 132 formed on an inner circumference of the filter supporting sleeve 132 of the sump cover 130. Then, the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 137 is connected to a lower end of the sump case coupling hole 132a formed on the outer frame portion of the self-cleaning filter assembly 120. Therefore, the coupling member penetrating the sump case coupling hole 123a can penetrate the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 137, the sump case coupling boss 170a, and the pump lower coupling boss 195. That is, the self-cleaning filter assembly 120, the sump cover 130, the pump lower 170 and the sump case 190 can be coupled to each other by a single coupling member.

In addition, the self-cleaning coupling boss 197 formed inside the sump case 190 penetrates the pump lower 170 and the fluid passage guide 140 and is connected to the lower end of the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 137 protruded from the foreign object collecting layer 139 of the sump cover 130. The self-cleaning filter coupling boss 137 connected to an upper end of the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 197 is connected to a lower end of the sump cover coupling hole 123 formed on the frame bridge 125 of the self-cleaning filter assembly 120.

Therefore, the coupling member penetrating the sump cover coupling hole 123 is inserted in the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 137 of the sump cover 130 and the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 917 to couple them each other as an single body. The self-cleaning coupling boss 197 supports the pump lower 170 and the fluid passage guide 140.

In addition, the self-cleaning coupling boss 170b formed on the soil chamber 173 of the pump lower 170 is connected to the outer circumference of the leaked water collection sleeve 132 of the sump cover 130 and the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 137 formed on the foreign object collecting layer 138. The self-cleaning filter coupling boss 137 is connected to a lower end of the sump cover coupling hole 123 formed on the frame portion of the leaked water collecting chamber 124. Therefore, the coupling member penetrating the sump cover coupling hole 123 is inserted into the self-cleaning coupling boss of the sump cover 130 and the self-cleaning filter coupling boss 170b of the pump lower 170. That is, the self-cleaning filter assembly 120, the sump cover 130 and the pump lower 170 can be coupled to each other by a single coupling member.

The sump cover coupling boss 142 formed inside the washing pump cover 141 of the fluid passage guide 140 is connected to a lower end of the nozzle holder coupling boss 136 formed inside the leaked water collecting chamber 132b of the sump cover 130. The nozzle holder coupling boss 136 penetrates the side slots 129 for the depressed portion of the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 and is connected to the depressed portion 114 of the lower nozzle holder 110. Therefore, the coupling member penetrating the coupling hole 113 formed on the depressed portion 114 is inserted in the nozzle holder coupling boss 136 of the sump cover 130. That is, the lower nozzle holder 110, the self-cleaning filter assembly 120 and the sump cover 130 are coupled to each other by a single coupling member.

By the above-described assembling process, the sump assembly of the present invention can be realized.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, a volume of the tub mounted in the dishwasher can be reduced.

In addition, by improving the fluid passage structure extending toward the spraying nozzle in the sump assembly, the blocking of the food residue contained in the washing water in the spraying nozzle can be remarkably reduced.

Furthermore, since the heater is mounted in the sump assembly, the electric power consumption for heating the washing water can be reduced.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sump assembly of a dishwasher, comprising: a sump case for reserving washing water, the sump case having coupling bosses protruded upward;a sump cover seating on an upper portion of the sump case, the sump cover having a first coupling boss and a second coupling boss;a self-cleaning filter assembly mounted on a top surface of the sump cover to filter foreign objects, the self-cleaning assembly having a first coupling hole and a second coupling hole;a fluid passage guide thermal-bonded on a bottom of the sump cover;a pump lower having a first coupling boss formed on a frame portion and a second coupling boss formed therein;a washing pump disposed between the fluid passage guide and the pump lower, for pumping out the washing water reserved in the sump case and guided by the fluid passage guide;a first coupling member inserted into the first coupling boss of the pump lower through the first coupling hole of the self-cleaning filter and the first coupling boss of the sump cover; anda second coupling member inserted into the coupling boss of the sump case through the second coupling hole of the self-cleaning filter, the second coupling boss of the sump cover, and the second coupling boss of the sump lower;wherein the first coupling member and the second coupling member are inserted after the fluid passage guide is mounted on the bottom of the sump cover.

2. The sump assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a lower nozzle holder seating on an inner-upper portion of the self-cleaning filter assembly.

3. A sump assembly of a dishwasher, comprising: a lower nozzle holder having a coupling hole;a self-cleaning filter assembly on which the lower nozzle holder seats, the self-cleaning filter having at least one first coupling hole, at least one second coupling hole and at least one side slot;a sump cover on which the self-cleaning filter assembly seats, the sump cover having at least one first coupling boss, at least one second coupling boss, and at least one third coupling boss;a fluid passage guide thermal-bonded on a bottom of the sump cover, the fluid passage guide having at least one coupling boss therein;a pump lower on which the fluid passage guide seats, the pump lower having a soil chamber in which foreign objects contained in washing water are accumulated, at least one first coupling boss, and at lest one second coupling boss;a sump case on which the pump lower seats, the sump case having at least one coupling boss;at least one first coupling member inserted into at least one of the first coupling boss of the pump lower through at least one of the first coupling hole of the self-cleaning filter and at least one of the first coupling boss of the sump cover;at least one second coupling member inserted into at least one of the coupling boss of the sump case through at least one of the second coupling hole of the self-cleaning filter, at least one of the second coupling boss of the sump cover, and at least one of the second coupling boss of the sump lower; andat least one third coupling member inserted into at least one of the coupling boss of the fluid passage guide through at least one of the coupling hole of the lower nozzle holder, at least one of the side slot of the self-cleaning filter, and at least one of the third coupling boss of the sump cover;wherein the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and the third coupling member are inserted after the fluid passage guide is mounted on the bottom of the sump cover.

4. The sump assembly according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the coupling hole of the lower nozzle holder is formed at a seating plate expanding from an outer circumference of the lower nozzle holder.

5. The sump assembly according to claim 3, wherein a nozzle holder seating portion is formed at the self-cleaning filter, and the coupling hole of the lower nozzle holder, the slot side of the self-cleaning filter, the third coupling boss of the sump cover, and the coupling boss of the fluid passage guide are aligned with each other.