Sump of dish washer

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.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

Referring toFIG. 1, a dishwasher10includes a tub defining a washing chamber, a door18provided in front of the tub11to open and close the washing chamber, and a sump assembly100mounted on a bottom-center of the tub11and reserving washing water therein. The tub11means a tub functioning as a space for washing the dishes by spraying the washing water to the dishes loaded therein.

The dishwasher10further includes a washing motor230mounted on a bottom of the sump assembly100and disposed in the sump assembly100to drive a washing pump (not shown), a water guide14defining a path along which washing water pumped out by the washing pump flows, a lower nozzle16coupled to a top of the sump assembly100to spray the washing water upward and/or downward in the washing chamber, an upper nozzle15extending from a portion of the water guide14toward a center of the tub11, and a top nozzle17extending from a top of the water guide14and located near a ceiling of the tub11to spray the washing water downward.

The dishwasher10further includes an upper rack12placed right above the upper nozzle15and a lower rack13disposed right above the lower nozzle16. That is, the dishes received on the upper rack12are washed by the washing water sprayed from the upper and top nozzles15and17. The dishes received on the lower rack13are washed by the washing water sprayed from the lower nozzle16.

The operation of the dishwasher10will be now described.

The door18is first opened and the upper rack12and/or lower rack13are withdrawn out of the dishwasher10. The dishes are arranged on the racks12and13. Then, the racks12and13are returned to their initial locations and the door18is closed. The operation button is pushed to wash the dishes received on the racks12and13.

Meanwhile, when the operation button is pushed, a water supply valve is opened so that the washing water is supplied into the sump assembly100. After a predetermined amount of the washing water is supplied into the sump assembly100, the washing motor230operates. At this point, an impeller (refer to the reference number2ofFIG. 2) connected to a motor shaft of the washing motor230and disposed in the washing pump rotates to pump the washing water to the lower nozzle16and the water guide14.

The washing water pumped out to the water guide14is sprayed into the washing chamber via the top and upper nozzles17and15. The washing water sprayed downward from the top nozzle17and the washing water sprayed upward from the upper nozzle15wash the dishes loaded on the upper rack12.

The washing water sprayed upward from the lower nozzle16washes the dishes loaded on the lower rack13. By forming spraying holes on a bottom of the upper nozzle15, the upper nozzle15may 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 assembly100and ground to small particles by a disposer (not shown) mounted in the sump assembly100. When the washing process is finished, the used washing water is drained together with the foreign objects out of the dishwasher10through a drain pump (not shown).

When the used washing water is drained, clean rinsing water is supplied to the sump assembly100through a washing water inlet and sprayed through the nozzles15,16and17to 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. 2is a perspective view of a sump assembly depicted inFIG. 1,FIG. 3is a vertical sectional view taken along lines I-I? ofFIG. 2, andFIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of the sump assembly depicted inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 2 through 4, the sump assembly100includes a sump case190for reserving the washing water, a sump cover130for covering an opening of the sump case190, a self-cleaning filter assembly120disposed on a top portion of the sump cover130and elevated by a predetermined height, a lower nozzle holder110disposed on the central portion of the self-cleaning filter assembly120and connected to the lower nozzle16, a washing motor230mounted on a lower portion of the sump case190to generate rotational force, and a drain pump250and a drain motor240that are mounted on a side portion of the sump case190to drain the washing water to an external side.

In addition, the sump assembly100further includes a heater200mounted on an inner bottom of the sump case190to heat the washing water, a disposer180rotating together with a motor shaft231to grind food residue, a pump lower170forming a soil chamber in which the food residue is accumulated, a fluid passage guide140disposed between the sump cover130and the pump lower170, a washing pump290disposed between the pump lower170and the fluid passage guide140to pump out the washing water, and a screen filter179disposed between the pump lower170and the disposer180to prevent the food waste ground by the disposer180from being introduced into the washing pump290.

The screen filter179is provided with a plurality of pores to filter the food residue and attached on a bottom of the pump lower170. The washing pump290includes a pump case171disposed on a central portion of the pump lower170and an impeller150disposed in the pump case171. The impeller150rotates together with the motor shaft231to suck the washing water reserved in the sump case190and discharge the sucked washing water to an external side. The fluid passage guide140is provided at a top surface with a passage for guiding the washing water pumped by the washing pump290to the upper nozzle or the lower nozzle. The passage will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The sump assembly100includes a vario valve210mounted on a side portion of the sump case190, a turbidity sensor220mounted near the vario valve210, and a pump sealer160fitted in a groove formed on a top surface of the pump lower170. That is, the vario valve210functions to alternately flow to the upper and lower nozzles. The turbidity sensor220detects the pollution level of the washing water collected in the sump assembly100during the washing process. The pump sealer160prevents leakage of the washing water through edges of the washing pump290and the vario valve210.

The operation of the above-described sump assembly100will be now described.

When the washing process starts, the washing water is supplied from the water supply unit to the sump case190. At this point, the impeller150rotates by the operation of the washing motor230to direct the washing water into the pump case171. The washing water directed to the pump case171flows to the vario valve210. The washing water flowing to the vario valve210further flows to the water guide14or the upper nozzle holder110along the passage formed on the top surface of the fluid passage guide110. The washing water directed to the water guide14or the lower nozzle holder110is sprayed into the tub11through the upper and top nozzles15and17or the lower nozzle16.

After the foreign objects adhered to the dishes are removed by the washing water, the washing water falls to the floor of the tub11. The falling washing water is reserved in the sump case190.

Meanwhile, a part of the washing water flowing from the washing pump290to the vario valve210flows to the turbidity sensor220so that the pollution level of the washing water can be detected. The washing water220passing through the turbidity sensor220flows to the drain pump250. The washing water collected in the drain pump250is drained out of the dishwasher by the drain motor240. 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. 5is a perspective view of the lower nozzle holder mounted on the top-central portion of the sump assembly.

Referring toFIG. 5, the lower nozzle holder110includes a cylindrical holder body111having a predetermined diameter and length, a seating plate112extending from an outer circumference of the holder body111and seating on the sump cover120.

The seating plate112is provided with coupling holes113through which coupling members (not shown) penetrate by which the seating plate112is coupled to the sump cover120. A depressed portion114having a predetermined depth and diameter is formed around each coupling hole113. Therefore, when the coupling members are coupled, heads of the coupling members are snugly disposed in the depressed portions114without being protruded above a surface of the seating plate112.

The holder body111extends from the seating plate112and contacts the sump cover130. That is, the holder body111is directly connected to a drain hole (see the reference number135aofFIG. 7) formed on a central portion of the sump cover130so that the washing water can be directly directed to the lower nozzle without being leaked.

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

Referring toFIG. 6, the self-cleaning filter assembly120is disposed on the top of the sump cover130. The self-cleaning filter assembly120filters foreign objects contained in the washing water when the washing water when the washing water passing through the turbidity sensor220flows backward from the floor of the tub.

The self-cleaning filter assembly120includes an upper frame121, a mesh filter128adhered to a bottom of the upper frame121, and a lower frame122disposed below the mesh filter128to strain the mesh filter128. The upper and lower frames121and122are integrally formed with each other by a thermal bonding process. The upper frame121and the lower frame122are identical in a shape to each other and coupled to each other.

The upper and lower frames121and122are formed in an identical shape. Each of the upper and lower frames121and122includes a leaked water collecting chamber cover124covering a top opening of the leaked water collecting chamber (see132bofFIG. 7) that will be described later and a nozzle holder seating portion126depressed on a top surface of the leaked water collecting chamber cover124. The seating plate112of the nozzle holder110seats on the nozzle holder seating portion126.

The mesh filter128is formed in a circular strip shape and attached between the leaked water collection chamber cover124and the outer frame of the self-cleaning filter assembly120. A nozzle holder insertion hole127through which the holder body11is inserted is formed on the nozzle holder seating portion126. Side slots129in which the depressed portions114of the nozzle holder110are inserted are formed on the nozzle holder seating portion126. The side slots129extend from the nozzle holder insertion hole127.

In addition, the leaked water collection chamber cover124is connected to the outer frame of the self-cleaning filter assembly120by frame bridges125. That is, the frame bridges125extend from the outer circumference of the leaked water collection chamber cover124in a radial direction. By the frame bridges125, the mesh filter128is divided into a plurality of sections each having a predetermined size. The frame bridges125functions to strain the mesh filter128. The self-cleaning filter assembly120is provided with one or more sump cover coupling holes123. By a coupling member penetrating the sump cover coupling hole123, the self-cleaning filter assembly120is coupled to the sump cover130. The self-cleaning filter assembly120is further provided with one or more addition sump case coupling holes123aformed on the outer frame. By a coupling member penetrating the sump case coupling hole123a, the self-cleaning filter assembly120is coupled to the sump case190.

Meanwhile, the outer frame of the self-cleaning filter assembly120extends downward by a predetermined height so that the self-cleaning filter120can be elevated from the top surface of the sump cover130. As a result, the mesh filter128is to be disposed at a level elevated from the top surface of the sump cover130. This is to prevent the mesh filter128from being immersed together with the sump cover130in the washing water reserved in the sump. This is to prevent the mesh filter128from being immersed together with the sump cover130in the washing water reserved in the sump. That is, this is to prevent the foreign objects clogging the mesh filter128from not being removed by the washing water that is sprayed from the lower nozzle16and does not reach the mesh filter128.

That is, when the height of the mesh filter128is 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 nozzle16cannot reach the mesh filter128by the washing water reserved on the floor of the tub, the foreign objects clogging the mesh filter128cannot be removed. When the foreign objects are not removed from the mesh filter128, the washing water collected in the soil chamber173cannot flow backward to the floor of the tub11through the mesh filter128. However, in the present invention, since the mesh filter128is 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 nozzle16reaches the mesh filter128, thereby effectively removing the foreign objects clogging the mesh filter128.

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

Referring toFIG. 7, as described above, the sump cover130covers the top opening of the sump case190.

Describing in more detail, the sump cover130includes a plurality of water recovering holes131formed on an edge along at least one circumferential line, a filter supporting sleeve132circumferentially extending upward at an inner side with respect to the water returning holes131, and a leaked water collecting sleeve132acircumferentially extending upward at an inner side with respect to the filter supporting sleeve132.

The washing water sprayed from the nozzles is recovered into the sump case190through the water recovering holes131. The self-cleaning filter assembly120is disposed on a top of the filter supporting sleeve132. A diameter of the leaked water collecting sleeve132ais less than that of the filter supporting sleeve132to reserve the washing water that is leaked during the washing water flows toward the lower nozzle holder110. That is, the leaked water collecting sleeve132adefines a leaked water collecting chamber132bfor reserving the leaked water.

Two lower nozzle holder supporting ribs135are circumferentially formed on a central portion of the sump cover130and coupled to the holder body of the lower nozzle holder110. A washing water discharge hole135ais formed on an inner side of the nozzle holder supporting rib135. The lower nozzle holder supporting ribs135are circumferentially spaced away from each other by a distance identical to a thickness of the holder body111and a lower end portion of the holder body11is inserted between the lower nozzle holder supporting ribs135. The washing water discharged through the washing water discharge hole135aflows to the lower nozzle. Two nozzle holder coupling bosses136to which the nozzle holder110is coupled are formed in the leaked water collecting chamber132b. A water drain hole138through which the washing water collected in the leaked water collecting chamber132bis drained is formed near an edge of the leaked water collecting chamber132b.

A washing water backward hole139ais formed on a part between the filter supporting sleeve132and the leaked water collecting sleeve132ato allow the washing water flowing backward from the soil chamber173to flow backward into the tub through the self-cleaning filter120. A foreign object collecting layer139is formed on a remaining part between the filter supporting sleeve132and the leaked water collecting sleeve132a. A part of the washing water flowing backward through the washing water backward hole136139ais collected in the foreign object collecting layer139. One or more self-cleaning filter coupling bosses137for coupling the self-cleaning filter assembly120are formed on an inner circumference of the filter supporting sleeve132, an outer circumference of the leaked water collecting sleeve132a, and the foreign object collecting layer139.

A cylindrical water guide connecting member134on which the water guide14is mounted is formed on the edge of the sump cover130. A coupling member insertion hole137ain which a sump cover coupling boss197ais inserted is formed beside the water guide connecting member on the edge of the sump cover130.

Formed on the outer circumference of the sump cover130are a sump case seating rib133bent and extending downward by a predetermined length and foreign object drain grooves133aformed by cutting portions of the sump case seating rib133by a predetermined width. The foreign object drain grooves133aare formed to allow the food residue falling to a contacting portion of the floor of the tub11and an upper frame of the sump case190to be effectively directed into the sump case190. A depth of the foreign object drain groove133amay be less than or identical to a height of the sump case seating rib133.

Meanwhile, the outer circumference of the sump case seating rib133closely contacts the inner circumference of the sump case190. As a result, the foreign objects falling to a boundary portion between the sump case190and the floor of the tub1may not be directed into the sump case190. To prevent this, an outer diameter of the sump cover130is designed to be slightly less than an upper inner diameter of the sump case190so that the foreign objects can be effectively introduced into a gap between the sump cover130and the sump case190.

Alternatively, the foreign object drain grooves133amay be indented up to a bent portion where the sump case seating rib133starts and further indented slightly toward the center of the sump cover130. That is, the foreign object drain groove133amay be designed to have a-shaped vertical section. By this shape, the foreign objects can be effectively introduced into the sump case190even when the outer circumference of the sump cover130closely contacts the inner circumference of the sump case190. The foreign object drain grooves133amay be formed throughout the outer circumference of the sump cover130or may be locally formed on the outer circumference of the sump cover130.

By the above-described sump cover assembly130, the washing water falling to the tub11is introduced into the sump case190through the water recovering hole131and the foreign objects drain grooves133a. The washing water flowing backward from the soil chamber173is directed to the floor of the tub through the washing water backward hole139aand is then introduced into the sump case190through the foreign object drain grooves133a.

In addition, the washing water leaked through the gap between the nozzle holder supporting rib135and the holder body111of the nozzle holder110during the washing water flows to the lower nozzle16is collected in the leaked water collecting chamber132b. The collected washing water is introduced into the sump case190through the water drain hole138.

In addition, a portion of the washing water flowing backward through the washing water backward hole139ais collected in the foreign object collecting layer139. When the drain process starts, the washing water collected in the foreign object collecting layer139flows to the drain pump250through the washing water backward hole139a.

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

Referring toFIG. 8, the fluid guide140is mounted on the bottom of the sump cover130.

The fluid passage guide140is provided with a fluid passage along which the washing water pumped by the washing pump290flows to the upper and lower nozzles15and16.

Describing in more detail, the fluid passage guide140includes a washing pump cover141covering the pump case171, a vario valve guide passage144formed in a tangential direction of the washing pump cover141to guide the washing water pumped by the washing pump290to the vario valve210, a vario valve insertion hole143formed on an end portion of the vario valve guide passage144, a turbidity sensor insertion hole formed at a location spaced apart from the vario valve insertion hole143by a predetermined distance.

The fluid passage guide140further includes a lower nozzle passage145having a first end connected to the vario valve insertion hole143and a second end reaching a central portion of the washing pump cover141and a water guide passage146extending from another point of the vario valve insertion hole143to guide the washing water to the water guide14.

The fluid passage guide140further includes a turbidity sensor passage branched off from a point of the vario valve guide passage144and connected to the turbidity sensor insertion hole148, a drain passage148bextending from a point of the turbidity sensor insertion hole148to allow the washing water introduced through the turbidity sensor passage148ato flow to the drain pump250, and a drain pump connecting hole149formed on an end portion of the drain passage149bto allow the washing water to fall to the drain pump250.

A sump cover coupling boss142is formed on the washing pump cover141and the coupling member penetrating the nozzle holder coupling boss136of the sump cover130is inserted into the sump cover coupling boss142. By the coupling member, the fluid passage guide140is adhered to the bottom of the sump cover130. A drain hole147is formed at a located spaced apart from the sump cover coupling boss142by a predetermined distance. The washing water collected in the leaked water collecting chamber132bof the sump cover130is drained to the sump case190through the drain hole147. The fluid passage guide140is tightly adhered to the bottom of the sump cover130through a thermal bonding process.

By the above-described construction, the washing water pumped by the washing pump290flows to the vario valve210mounted in the vario valve insertion hole143through the vario valve guide passage144and is then selectively dispensed to one of the lower nozzle passage145and the water guide passage146. Then, a portion of the washing water flows into the turbidity sensor220through the turbidity sensor passage148abranched off from the vario valve guide passage144. The turbidity sensor220detects the pollution level of the washing water. The washing water passing through the turbidity sensor220flows the drain pump250through the drain passage148and the drain pump connecting hole149. In addition, the leaked washing water falling through the drain hole138formed on the sump cover130falls to the sump case190through the drain hole147of the fluid passage guide140.

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

Referring toFIG. 9, the pump lower170is disposed on the top surface of the sump case190.

The pump lower170includes one or more sump case coupling bosses170aformed on an outer circumference thereof, a self-cleaning coupling boss formed on the inner portion thereof, and a washing water suction hole172formed on a central portion thereof.

The sump case coupling boss170ais designed to simultaneously couple the self-cleaning filter assembly120and the sump case190. The self-cleaning coupling boss170bcouples the pump lower170to the self-cleaning filter assembly120. The washing water sucked by the impeller150flows upward through the washing water suction hole172.

The pump case171is formed on a central portion of the pump lower170. That is, the pump case171includes an impeller seating groove171bon which the impeller150seats and a pumping passage171arotating the washing water sucked by the impeller150using centrifugal force. Here, a connecting portion extending from an end of the pumping passage171ato the vario valve insertion hole174is inclined at a predetermined angle so that the washing water can be effectively introduced into the vario valve210.

The pump lower170includes a vario valve insertion hole174, a turbidity sensor insertion hole175in which the turbidity sensor220is inserted and which is formed near the vario valve insertion hole174, a drain pump connecting duct176formed at a location spaced apart from the turbidity sensor insertion hole175. The washing water passing through the turbidity sensor220is drained to the drain pump250through the drain pump connecting duct176.

In addition, the pump lower170includes a drain hole177formed between the pump case171and the turbidity sensor insertion hole175and a drain pump connecting duct176aextending from a bottom of a location where the drain pump connecting duct176is located.

The washing water drained through the drain hole147of the fluid passage guide140is introduced into the sump case190through the drain hole177. The drain pump connecting duct176aextends downward by a predetermined length to be connected to the inside of the drain pump250.

The pump lower170further includes a pump sealer seating groove178formed along an outer circumference of the vario valve insertion hole174and the sump case171and a soil chamber173for allowing the washing water flowing backward from the drain pump250to flow. The pump sealer160is inserted in the pump sealer seating groove178to prevent the water from leaking out of the pump case171. The washing water introduced into the drain pump250through the drain pump connecting ducts176and176aflows backward to the soil chamber173. The washing water directed to the soil chamber173is drained out of the sump assembly100during the drain process. A portion of an outer wall of the drain pump connecting duct176, which is opened to the soil chamber173, 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 chamber173may be removed.

The soil chamber173is curved in response to the outer shape of the pump lower170. The foreign objects contained in the washing water are collected on the floor of the soil chamber173. 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 impeller150rotates along the pumping passage171ain the pump case171and flows to the vario valve210. Here, the food residue contained in the washing water flowing into the washing pump290by the impeller150is filtered by the screen filter179mounted on a lower portion of the washing water suction hole172. Then, as described above, the washing water is introduced into the drain pump250via the turbidity sensor220. Then, the washing water flows backward to the soil chamber173. The washing water directed to the soil chamber173flows backward to the bottom surface of the tub via the mesh filter128to be returned to the sump case190through the recovering hole131of the sump cover130. The food residue accumulated in the soil chamber173is drained to the external side via the drain pump250during the drain process.

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

Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, the sump case190includes a washing water reserving chamber191and a washing water inlet192formed on a side portion of the washing water reserving chamber191to allow the washing water supplied from the water supplying source to be introduced into the washing water reserving chamber191through thereof.

The sump case190further includes pump lower coupling bosses195formed on a top surface to be coupled to the pump lower170, a vario valve insertion hole199aformed on the top surface to receive the vario valve210, and a turbidity sensor insertion hole199bin which the turbidity sensor220is inserted.

The sump case190further includes a self-cleaning filter coupling boss197formed near the vario valve insertion hole1991and a sump cover coupling boss197aformed between the frame of the sup case190and the vario valve insertion hole199a.

That is, the self-cleaning filter coupling boss197couples the sump case190to the self-cleaning filter120. The sump case190and the sump cover130are coupled to each other by the screw penetrating the pump lower170and the sump cover coupling boss197a.

The sump case190further includes a drain pump250formed on a side surface thereof to drain the used washing water, a drain pump guide duct193in which the drain pump connecting duct176aof the pump lower170is inserted, and a check valve (not shown) mounted in front of the drain pump guide duct193to prevent the washing water that is being drained from flowing backward.

The heater200for heating the washing water reserved in the washing water reserving chamber191is inserted through the side surface of the sump case190. The heater200has an end securely fixed by a heater clamp290. A drain motor240is coupled to a rear of the drain pump250to drive a drain impeller (not shown) mounted in the drain pump250.

The motor shaft131of the washing motor230is inserted through the bottom of the sump case190. A water sealing formed of, for example, rubber is mounted on an outer circumference of the motor shaft231. That is, a water sealing supporting sleeve194in which the water sealing280is inserted is formed on the bottom surface of the sump case190. By tightly inserting the water sealing280in the water sealing supporting sleeve194, the washing water reserved in the washing water reserving chamber191is not leaked to the washing motor230.

One or more dismountable hook196is formed on the frame portion of the sump case190so as to make it easy to dismount the sump case190from the floor of the tub. A portion of the outer circumference of the motor shaft231is cut away so that a section thereof is not non-circular-shaped. The disposer180is fitted around the motor shaft231. When the disposer180is fitted around the motor shaft231, the disposer180can rotate together with the motor shaft231.

Meanwhile, the washing motor230is mounted on an outer bottom center of the sump case190. A bypass hole198is formed on a location right below the drain pump guide duct193. The bypass hole198is formed to allow the washing water, which cannot flow to the drain pump250but flows backward, to circulate toward the inside of the tub11. A cam member (not shown) for selectively opening the lower nozzle passage145and the water guide passage146, a vario motor240rotating the cam member, and a micro switch270detecting the rotation of the cam member are mounted under a location where the vario valve210is mounted.

By the above-described structure, the washing water introduced to the washing water inlet192is reserved in the washing water reserving chamber191. The reserved washing water is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater200. When the washing motor230rotates, the disposer180and the impeller150rotate therewith. The washing water pumped by the washing pump290is sprayed into the tub through the spraying nozzles. The washing water contaminated during the washing process is introduced into the drain pump250. When the drain pump240is operated, the washing water collected in the washing water reserving chamber191is drained to the external side by the drain pump250. The assembly process of the components of the sump assembly100will be described hereinafter.

First, the pump lower170is disposed on the top surface of the sump case190.

That is, the pump lower coupling boss195formed on the edge of the sump case190is inserted in the sump case coupling boss170aformed on the frame portion of the pump lower170. Then, the sump case coupling boss170ais connected to a lower end of the self-cleaning filter coupling boss132formed on an inner circumference of the filter supporting sleeve132of the sump cover130. Then, the self-cleaning filter coupling boss137is connected to a lower end of the sump case coupling hole132aformed on the outer frame portion of the self-cleaning filter assembly120. Therefore, the coupling member penetrating the sump case coupling hole123acan penetrate the self-cleaning filter coupling boss137, the sump case coupling boss170a, and the pump lower coupling boss195. That is, the self-cleaning filter assembly120, the sump cover130, the pump lower170and the sump case190can be coupled to each other by a single coupling member.

In addition, the self-cleaning coupling boss197formed inside the sump case190penetrates the pump lower170and the fluid passage guide140and is connected to the lower end of the self-cleaning filter coupling boss137protruded from the foreign object collecting layer139of the sump cover130. The self-cleaning filter coupling boss137connected to an upper end of the self-cleaning filter coupling boss197is connected to a lower end of the sump cover coupling hole123formed on the frame bridge125of the self-cleaning filter assembly120.

Therefore, the coupling member penetrating the sump cover coupling hole123is inserted in the self-cleaning filter coupling boss137of the sump cover130and the self-cleaning filter coupling boss917to couple them each other as an single body. The self-cleaning coupling boss197supports the pump lower170and the fluid passage guide140.

In addition, the self-cleaning coupling boss170bformed on the soil chamber173of the pump lower170is connected to the outer circumference of the leaked water collection sleeve132of the sump cover130and the self-cleaning filter coupling boss137formed on the foreign object collecting layer138. The self-cleaning filter coupling boss137is connected to a lower end of the sump cover coupling hole123formed on the frame portion of the leaked water collecting chamber124. Therefore, the coupling member penetrating the sump cover coupling hole123is inserted into the self-cleaning coupling boss of the sump cover130and the self-cleaning filter coupling boss170bof the pump lower170. That is, the self-cleaning filter assembly120, the sump cover130and the pump lower170can be coupled to each other by a single coupling member.

The sump cover coupling boss142formed inside the washing pump cover141of the fluid passage guide140is connected to a lower end of the nozzle holder coupling boss136formed inside the leaked water collecting chamber132bof the sump cover130. The nozzle holder coupling boss136penetrates the side slots129for the depressed portion of the self-cleaning filter assembly120and is connected to the depressed portion114of the lower nozzle holder110. Therefore, the coupling member penetrating the coupling hole113formed on the depressed portion114is inserted in the nozzle holder coupling boss136of the sump cover130. That is, the lower nozzle holder110, the self-cleaning filter assembly120and the sump cover130are 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.