Patent Publication Number: US-11647886-B2

Title: Dishwasher with drain assembly and check valve

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/268,846, filed Feb. 6, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,241,139, issued Feb. 8, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional dishwashers perform cycles of operation on items present in the dishwasher, and have a drain assembly that drains fluids from a sump of the dishwasher to a discharge outlet. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     An aspect of the disclosure relates to a check valve assembly for a drain pump configured to transfer fluid from a sump, through a volute having a pump discharge passageway extending from the volute, the check valve assembly comprising a seat assembly having a body with a first distal end and a second distal end that forms at least a portion of a geometry of the volute such that a profile of the volute is not round, a fluid passage extending through the body, the body defining a valve seat having a sealing surface about the fluid passage, and a flapper assembly operably coupled to the seat assembly and having a moveable portion configured to selectively move between a closed position where the moveable portion seals against the sealing surface and an opened position where the moveable portion raises to allow liquid through the fluid passage, wherein the check valve assembly is configured to be located within the pump discharge passageway downstream of the drain pump. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a check valve assembly for a drain pump configured to transfer fluid from a sump, through a volute having a pump discharge passageway extending from the volute, the check valve assembly including a seat assembly having a body with a first distal end and a second distal end, a fluid passage extending through the body, the body defining a valve seat having a sealing surface about the fluid passage, and a flapper assembly operably coupled to the seat assembly and having a moveable portion configured to selectively move between a closed position where the moveable portion seals against the sealing surface and an opened position where the moveable portion raises to allow liquid through the fluid passage, wherein the check valve assembly is configured to be located within the pump discharge passageway and at least one of: the first distal end extends lengthwise beyond the valve seat to define an extension that is configured to prevent insertion of a drain hose past the first distal end within the pump discharge passageway, the second distal end forms a portion of a geometry of the volute such that a profile of the volute is not round, or the seat assembly further includes a catch and the flapper assembly further includes a ring configured to be retained within the catch and wherein the moveable portion is operably coupled to the ring via a hinge. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a right-side perspective view of an automatic dishwasher having multiple systems for implementing an automatic cycle of operation. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view of the dishwasher of  FIG.  1    and illustrating at least some of the plumbing and electrical connections between at least some of systems. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic view of a controller of the dishwasher of  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a portion of a sump assembly and drain assembly that can be utilized in the dishwasher of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded perspective view of a check valve assembly that can be used in the drain assembly of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is cross-sectional view of the assembled check valve assembly of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a rear perspective view of the assembled check valve assembly of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  8    is a partial perspective view of a portion of the sump assembly and drain assembly of  FIG.  4   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an automatic dishwasher  10  capable of implementing an automatic cycle of operation to treat dishes. As used in this description, the term “dish(es)” is intended to be generic to any item, single or plural, that can be treated in the dishwasher  10 , including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, and silverware. As illustrated, the dishwasher  10  is a built-in dishwasher implementation, which is designed for mounting under a countertop. However, this description is applicable to other dishwasher implementations such as a stand-alone, drawer-type or a sink-type, for example. 
     The dishwasher  10  has a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement the automatic cycle of operation. A chassis is provided to support the variety of systems needed to implement the automatic cycle of operation. As illustrated, for a built-in implementation, the chassis includes a frame in the form of a base  12  on which is supported a open-faced tub  14 , which at least partially defines a treating chamber  16 , having an open face  18 , for receiving the dishes. A closure in the form of a door assembly  20  is pivotally mounted to the base  12  for movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face  18  of the tub  14 . Thus, the door assembly  20  provides selective accessibility to the treating chamber  16  for the loading and unloading of dishes or other items. 
     The chassis, as in the case of the built-in dishwasher implementation, can be formed by other parts of the dishwasher  10 , like the tub  14  and the door assembly  20 , in addition to a dedicated frame structure, like the base  12 , with them all collectively forming a uni-body frame to which the variety of systems are supported. In other implementations, like the drawer-type dishwasher, the chassis can be a tub that is slidable relative to a frame, with the closure being a part of the chassis or the countertop of the surrounding cabinetry. In a sink-type implementation, the sink forms the tub and the cover closing the open top of the sink forms the closure. Sink-type implementations are more commonly found in recreational vehicles. 
     The systems supported by the chassis, while essentially limitless, can include dish holding system  30 , spray system  40 , recirculation system  50 , drain system  60 , water supply system  70 , drying system  80 , heating system  90 , and filter system  100 . These systems are used to implement one or more treating cycles of operation for the dishes, for which there are many, and one of which includes a traditional automatic wash cycle. 
     A basic traditional automatic wash cycle of operation has a wash phase, where a detergent/water mixture is recirculated and then drained, which is then followed by a rinse phase where water alone or with a rinse agent is recirculated and then drained. An optional drying phase can follow the rinse phase. More commonly, the automatic wash cycle has multiple wash phases and multiple rinse phases. The multiple wash phases can include a pre-wash phase where water, with or without detergent, is sprayed or recirculated on the dishes, and can include a dwell or soaking phase. There can be more than one pre-wash phases. A wash phase, where water with detergent is recirculated on the dishes, follows the pre-wash phases. There can be more than one wash phase; the number of which can be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the wash liquid. One or more rinse phases will follow the wash phase(s), and, in some cases, come between wash phases. The number of wash phases can also be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the rinse liquid. The wash phases and rinse phases can included the heating of the water, even to the point of one or more of the phases being hot enough for long enough to sanitize the dishes. A drying phase can follow the rinse phase(s). The drying phase can include a drip dry, heated dry, condensing dry, air dry or any combination. 
     A controller  22  can also be included in the dishwasher  10  and operably couples with and controls the various components of the dishwasher  10  to implement the cycle of operation. The controller  22  can be located within the door assembly  20  as illustrated, or it can alternatively be located somewhere within the chassis. The controller  22  can also be operably coupled with a control panel or user interface  24  for receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The user interface  24  can include operational controls such as dials, lights, switches, and displays enabling a user to input commands, such as a cycle of operation, to the controller  22  and receive information. 
     The dish holding system  30  can include any suitable structure for holding dishes within the treating chamber  16 . Exemplary dish holders are illustrated in the form of upper dish racks  32  and lower dish rack  34 , commonly referred to as “racks,” which are located within the treating chamber  16 . The upper dish racks  32  and the lower dish rack  34  are typically mounted for slidable movement in to and out of the treating chamber  16  through the open face  18  for ease of loading and unloading. Drawer guides/slides/rails  36  are typically used to slidably mount the upper dish rack  32  to the tub  14 . The lower dish rack  34  typically has wheels or rollers  38  that roll along rails  39  formed in sidewalls of the tub  14  and onto the door assembly  20 , when the door assembly  20  is in the opened position. 
     Dedicated dish holders can also be provided. One such dedicated dish holder is a third level rack  28  located above the upper dish rack  32 . Like the upper dish rack  32 , the third level rack is slidably mounted to the tub  14  with drawer guides/slides/rails  36 . The third level rack  28  is typically used to hold dishes in the form of utensils, such as tableware, spoons, knives, spatulas, etc., in an on-the-side or flat orientation. However, the third level rack  28  is not limited to holding utensils. If an item can fit in the third level rack, it can be washed in the third level rack  28 . The third level rack  28  generally has a much shorter height or lower profile than the upper and lower dish racks  32 ,  34 . Typically, the height of the third level rack is short enough that a typical glass cannot be stood vertically in the third level rack  28  and have the third level rack  28  still slide into the treating chamber  16 . 
     Another dedicated dish holder can be a silverware basket (not shown), which is typically carried by one of the upper or lower dish racks  32 ,  34  or mounted to the door assembly  20 . The silverware basket typically holds utensils and the like in an upright orientation as compared to the on-the-side or flat orientation of the third level rack  28 . 
     A dispenser assembly  48  is provided to dispense treating chemistry, e.g. detergent, rinse agent, anti-spotting agent, etc., into the treating chamber  16 . The dispenser assembly  48  can be mounted on an inner surface of the door assembly  20 , as shown, or can be located at other positions within the chassis. The dispenser assembly  48  can dispense one or more types of treating chemistries. The dispenser assembly  48  can be a single-use dispenser or a bulk dispenser, or a combination of both. 
     Turning to  FIG.  2   , the spray system  40  is provided for spraying liquid in the treating chamber  16  and can have multiple spray assemblies or sprayers, some of which can be dedicated to a particular one of the dish holders, to a particular area of a dish holder, to a particular type of cleaning, or to a particular level of cleaning, etc. The sprayers can be fixed or movable, such as rotating, relative to the treating chamber  16  or dish holder. Six exemplary sprayers are illustrated and include, an upper spray arm  41 , a lower spray arm  42 , a third level sprayer  43 , a deep-clean sprayer  44 , and a spot sprayer  45 . The upper spray arm  41  and lower spray arm  42  are rotating spray arms, located below the upper dish rack  32  and lower dish rack  34 , respectively, and rotate about a generally centrally located and vertical axis. The third level sprayer  43  is located above the third level rack  28  about a longitudinal axis. The third level sprayer  43  is illustrated as being fixed, but could move, such as in rotating. In addition to the third level sprayer  43  or in place of the third level sprayer  43 , the sprayer  129  can be located at least in part below a portion of the third level rack  28 . The sprayer  129  is illustrated as a fixed tube, carried by the third level rack  28 , but could move, such as in rotating about a longitudinal axis. 
     The deep-clean sprayer  44  is a manifold extending along a rear wall of the tub  14  and has multiple nozzles  46 , with multiple apertures  47 , generating an intensified and/or higher pressure spray than the upper spray arm  41 , the lower spray arm  42 , or the third level sprayer  43 . The nozzles  46  can be fixed or move, such as in rotating. The spray emitted by the deep-clean sprayer  44  defines a deep clean zone, which in the illustrated example can be defined along a rear side of the lower dish rack  34 . Thus, dishes needing deep cleaning, such as dishes with baked-on food, can be located in the lower dish rack  34  to face the deep-clean sprayer  44 . The deep-clean sprayer  44 , while illustrated as only one unit on a rear wall of the tub  14  could comprises multiple units and/or extend along multiple portions, including different walls, of the tub  14 , and can be provide above, below or beside any of the dish holders where deep-cleaning is desired. 
     The spot sprayer  45 , like the deep-clean sprayer, can emit an intensified and/or higher pressure spray, especially to a discrete location within one of the dish holders. While the spot sprayer  45  is shown below the lower dish rack  34 , it could be adjacent any part of any dish holder or along any wall of the tub where special cleaning is desired. In the illustrated location below the lower dish rack  34 , the spot sprayer can be used independently of or in combination with the lower spray arm  42 . The spot sprayer  45  can be fixed or can move, such as in rotating. 
     These six sprayers are illustrative examples of suitable sprayers and are not meant to be limiting as to the type of suitable sprayers. 
     The recirculation system  50  recirculates the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber  16  by the sprayers of the spray system  40  back to the sprayers to form a recirculation loop or circuit by which liquid can be repeatedly and/or continuously sprayed onto dishes in the dish holders. The recirculation system  50  can include a sump  51  and a pump assembly  52 . The sump  51  collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber  16  and can be formed by a sloped or recess portion of a bottom wall of the tub  14 . The pump assembly  52  can include one or more pumps such as recirculation pump  53 . The sump  51  can also be a separate module that is affixed to the bottom wall and includes the pump assembly  52 . 
     Multiple supply conduits  54 ,  55 ,  56 ,  57 ,  58  fluidly couple the sprayers  28 - 44  to the recirculation pump  53 . A recirculation valve  59  can selectively fluidly couple each of the conduits  54 - 58  to the recirculation pump  53 . While each sprayer  28 - 44  is illustrated as having a corresponding dedicated supply conduit  54 - 58  one or more subsets, comprising multiple sprayers from the total group of sprayers  28 - 44 , can be supplied by the same conduit, negating the need for a dedicated conduit for each sprayer. For example, a single conduit can supply the upper spray arm  41  and the third level sprayer  43 . Another example is that the sprayer  129  is supplied liquid by the conduit  56 , which also supplies the third level sprayer  43 . 
     The recirculation valve  59 , while illustrated as a single valve, can be implemented with multiple valves. Additionally, one or more of the conduits can be directly coupled to the recirculation pump  53 , while one or more of the other conduits can be selectively coupled to the recirculation pump with one or more valves. There are essentially an unlimited number of plumbing schemes to connect the recirculation system  50  to the spray system  40 . The illustrated plumbing is not limiting. 
     A drain system  60  drains liquid from the treating chamber  16 . The drain system  60  includes a drain pump  62  fluidly coupled the treating chamber  16  to a drain line  64 . As illustrated the drain pump  62  fluidly couples the sump  51  to the drain line  64 . 
     While separate recirculation and drain pumps  53  and  62  are illustrated, a single pump can be used to perform both the recirculating and the draining functions. Alternatively, the drain pump  62  can be used to recirculate liquid in combination with the recirculation pump  53 . When both a recirculation pump  53  and drain pump  62  are used, the drain pump  62  is typically more robust than the recirculation pump  53  as the drain pump  62  tends to have to remove solids and soils from the sump  51 , unlike the recirculation pump  53 , which tends to recirculate liquid which has solids and soils filtered away to some extent. 
     A water supply system  70  is provided for supplying fresh water to the dishwasher  10  from a household water supply via a household water valve  71 . The water supply system  70  includes a water supply unit  72  having a water supply conduit  73  with a siphon break  74 . While the water supply conduit  73  can be directly fluidly coupled to the tub  14  or any other portion of the dishwasher  10 , the water supply conduit is shown fluidly coupled to a supply tank  75 , which can store the supplied water prior to use. The supply tank  75  is fluidly coupled to the sump  51  by a supply line  76 , which can include a controllable valve  77  to control when water is released from the supply tank  75  to the sump  51 . 
     The supply tank  75  can be conveniently sized to store a predetermined volume of water, such as a volume required for a phase of the cycle of operation, which is commonly referred to as a “charge” of water. The storing of the water in the supply tank  75  prior to use is beneficial in that the water in the supply tank  75  can be “treated” in some manner, such as softening or heating prior to use. 
     A water softener  78  is provided with the water supply system  70  to soften the fresh water. The water softener  78  is shown fluidly coupling the water supply conduit  73  to the supply tank  75  so that the supplied water automatically passes through the water softener  78  on the way to the supply tank  75 . However, the water softener  78  could directly supply the water to any other part of the dishwasher  10  than the supply tank  75 , including directly supplying the tub  14 . Alternatively, the water softener  78  can be fluidly coupled downstream of the supply tank  75 , such as in-line with the supply line  76 . Wherever the water softener  78  is fluidly coupled, it can be done so with controllable valves, such that the use of the water softener  78  is controllable and not mandatory. 
     A drying system  80  is provided to aid in the drying of the dishes during the drying phase. The drying system as illustrated includes a condensing assembly  81  having a condenser  82  formed of a serpentine conduit  83  with an inlet fluidly coupled to an upper portion of the tub  14  and an outlet fluidly coupled to a lower portion of the tub  14 , whereby moisture laden air within the tub  14  is drawn from the upper portion of the tub  14 , passed through the serpentine conduit  83 , where liquid condenses out of the moisture laden air and is returned to the treating chamber  16  where it ultimately evaporates or is drained via the drain pump  62 . The serpentine conduit  83  can be operated in an open loop configuration, where the air is exhausted to atmosphere, a closed loop configuration, where the air is returned to the treating chamber, or a combination of both by operating in one configuration and then the other configuration. 
     To enhance the rate of condensation, the temperature difference between the exterior of the serpentine conduit  83  and the moisture laden air can be increased by cooling the exterior of the serpentine conduit  83  or the surrounding air. To accomplish this, an optional cooling tank  84  is added to the condensing assembly  81 , with the serpentine conduit  83  being located within the cooling tank  84 . The cooling tank  84  is fluidly coupled to at least one of the spray system  40 , recirculation system  50 , drain system  60 , or water supply system  70  such that liquid can be supplied to the cooling tank  84 . The liquid provided to the cooling tank  84  from any of the systems  40 - 70  can be selected by source and/or by phase of cycle of operation such that the liquid is at a lower temperature than the moisture laden air or even lower than the ambient air. 
     As illustrated, the liquid is supplied to the cooling tank  84  by the drain system  60 . A valve  85  fluidly connects the drain line  64  to a supply conduit  86  fluidly coupled to the cooling tank  84 . A return conduit  87  fluidly connects the cooling tank  84  back to the treating chamber  16  via a return valve  79 . In this way a fluid circuit is formed by the drain pump  62 , drain line  64 , valve  85 , supply conduit  86 , cooling tank  84 , return valve  79  and return conduit  87  through which liquid can be supplied from the treating chamber  16 , to the cooling tank  84 , and back to the treating chamber  16 . Alternatively, the supply conduit  86  could fluidly couple to the drain line  64  if re-use of the water is not desired. 
     To supply cold water from the household water supply via the household water valve  71  to the cooling tank  84 , the water supply system  70  would first supply cold water to the treating chamber  16 , then the drain system  60  would supply the cold water in the treating chamber  16  to the cooling tank  84 . It should be noted that the supply tank  75  and cooling tank  84  could be configured such that one tank performs both functions. 
     The drying system  80  can use ambient air, instead of cold water, to cool the exterior of the serpentine conduit  83 . In such a configuration, a blower  88  is connected to the cooling tank  84  and can supply ambient air to the interior of the cooling tank  84 . The cooling tank  84  can have a vented top  89  to permit the passing through of the ambient air to allow for a steady flow of ambient air blowing over the serpentine conduit  83 . 
     The cooling air from the blower  88  can be used in lieu of the cold water or in combination with the cold water. The cooling air will be used when the cooling tank  84  is not filled with liquid. Advantageously, the use of cooling air or cooling water, or combination of both, can be selected on the site-specific environmental conditions. If ambient air is cooler than the cold water temperature, then the ambient air can be used. If the cold water is cooler than the ambient air, then the cold water can be used. Cost-effectiveness can also be taken into account when selecting between cooling air and cooling water. The blower  88  can be used to dry the interior of the cooling tank  84  after the water has been drained. Suitable temperature sensors for the cold water and the ambient air can be provided and send their temperature signals to the controller  22 , which can determine which of the two is colder at any time or phase of the cycle of operation. 
     A heating system  90  is provided for heating water used in the cycle of operation. The heating system  90  includes a heater  92 , such as an immersion heater, located in the treating chamber  16  at a location where it will be immersed by the water supplied to the treating chamber  16 . The heater  92  need not be an immersion heater, it can also be an in-line heater located in any of the conduits. There can also be more than one heater  92 , including both an immersion heater and an in-line heater. 
     The heating system  90  can also include a heating circuit  93 , which includes a heat exchanger  94 , illustrated as a serpentine conduit  95 , located within the supply tank  75 , with a supply conduit  96  supplying liquid from the treating chamber  16  to the serpentine conduit  95 , and a return conduit  97  fluidly coupled to the treating chamber  16 . The heating circuit  93  is fluidly coupled to the recirculation pump  53  either directly or via the recirculation valve  59  such that liquid that is heated as part of a cycle of operation can be recirculated through the heat exchanger  94  to transfer the heat to the charge of fresh water residing in the supply tank  75 . As most wash phases use liquid that is heated by the heater  92 , this heated liquid can then be recirculated through the heating circuit  93  to transfer the heat to the charge of water in the supply tank  75 , which is typically used in the next phase of the cycle of operation. 
     A filter system  100  is provided to filter un-dissolved solids from the liquid in the treating chamber  16 . The filter system  100  includes a coarse filter  102  and a fine filter  104 , which can be a removable basket  106  residing the sump  51 , with the coarse filter  102  being a screen  108  circumscribing the removable basket  106 . Additionally, the recirculation system  50  can include a rotating filter in addition to or in place of the either or both of the coarse filter  102  and fine filter  104 . Other filter arrangements are contemplated such as an ultrafiltration system. 
     As illustrated schematically in  FIG.  3   , the controller  22  can be coupled with the heater  92  for heating the wash liquid during a cycle of operation, the drain pump  62  for draining liquid from the treating chamber  16 , and the recirculation pump  53  for recirculating the wash liquid during the cycle of operation. The controller  22  can be provided with a memory  110  and a central processing unit (CPU)  112 . The memory  110  can be used for storing control software that can be executed by the CPU  112  in completing a cycle of operation using the dishwasher  10  and any additional software. For example, the memory  110  can store one or more pre-programmed automatic cycles of operation that can be selected by a user and executed by the dishwasher  10 . The controller  22  can also receive input from one or more sensors  114 . Non-limiting examples of sensors that can be communicably coupled with the controller  22  include, to name a few, ambient air temperature sensor, treating chamber temperature sensor, water supply temperature sensor, door open/close sensor, and turbidity sensor to determine the soil load associated with a selected grouping of dishes, such as the dishes associated with a particular area of the treating chamber. The controller  22  can also communicate with the recirculation valve  59 , the household water valve  71 , the controllable valve  77 , the return valve  79 , and the valve  85 . Optionally, the controller  22  can include or communicate with a wireless communication device  116 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a sump assembly  120  that can be included in the dishwasher  10  and includes among other things, the sump  51  and a recirculation outlet  122  configured to receive liquid from the recirculation pump  53  and where the recirculation outlet  122  can be configured to fluidly couple with the recirculation valve  59  and the multiple supply conduits  54 ,  55 ,  56 ,  57 ,  58 . In the illustrated example, the sump  51  is defined by a peripheral wall extending upwards from a base. 
     A drain assembly  124  is also illustrated and includes the drain pump  62 , the drain line  64 , a volute  130 , and a check valve assembly  140 . As illustrated portions of the sump assembly  120  can be a unitary body including that the volute  130  can be unitarily formed with the sump  51 . By way of non-limiting example, the volute  130  can have a first portion  131  that operably couples to the drain pump  62 , a second portion  132  illustrated as a rear surface includes an opening  133  that fluidly couples the volute  130  to the sump  51  and an air vent  134 . While the opening  133  is D-shaped; it is contemplated that openings having other shapes could be used. The example air vent  134  is configured to allow for air to pass therethrough, thereby reducing or preventing air lock conditions. By allowing air to escape, multiple starts and stops of the drain pump  62  can be reduced or eliminated, which may increase customer satisfaction. 
     The volute  130  can have and a discharge outlet  138  having an opening  139  within the volute  130  and is operably coupled with the drain line  64 . More specifically the drain line  64  is illustrated as a hose that can be inserted within the discharge outlet  138 . While not specifically shown, it will be understood that an impeller of the drain pump  62  fluidly couples the volute  130  and can be at least partially received within the volute  130 , as the volute  130  is the casing that receives the fluid being pumped by the impeller. Further still a diameter  136  of the volute  130  is illustrated. 
     A check valve assembly  140  for the drain pump  62  is also illustrated and includes a seat assembly  142  and a flapper assembly  144 . The check valve assembly  140  includes a stop feature  158  that is configured to prevent over-insertion of the drain line  64  beyond a predetermined point in the discharge outlet  138 . As illustrated, a distal end  64   a  of the drain line  64  abuts the stop feature  158  and is prevent from further insertion thereby. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates the seat assembly  142  and the flapper assembly  144  in an exploded view so both can be more easily seen. A body  146  of the seat assembly  142  extends between a first distal end  148  and a second distal end  147 . A valve seat  160  is formed in a portion of the body  146  and the first distal end  148  extends lengthwise beyond the valve seat  160  to define an extension  158   a  defining the hose stop feature  158 . The extension  158   a  has a concave upper surface and is configured to prevent insertion of the drain hose  64  past the first distal end  148 . 
     An inner diameter  149  of the body  146  defines a fluid passage  150  extending through the body  146 . The fluid passage  150  extends through the valve seat  160  and a sealing surface of the valve seat  160  extends about the fluid passage  150 . It will be understood that the body  146  of the seat assembly  142  is illustrated merely in a non-limiting example and that any suitable body can be utilized. In the illustrated example an outside profile  151  of the body  146  includes a first rib  152  spaced from a second rib  153  forming a catch  154  there between. It will be understood that neither the first rib  152  nor the second rib  153  need be formed the entire way around the outside profile  151  of the body  146  of the seat assembly  142 . Further still, the first rib  152  and/or the second rib  153  can have varying contours about the outside profile  151  of the body  146  of the seat assembly  142 . In the illustrated example, the second rib  153  is not fully formed at an upper portion of the body  146  to allow for portions of the flapper assembly  144 . 
     An alignment feature  156  is also provided on the outside profile of the body  146  of the seat assembly  142 . The alignment feature  156  is configured to aid in placement of the check valve assembly  140  within the pump discharge passageway  138 . More specifically, the alignment feature  156  is illustrated as a first contour that is complementary to a second contour within a portion of the pump discharge passageway  138 . It will be understood that the alignment feature  156  can be any suitable alignment feature. In the instant case the outside perimeter includes a concave contour, profile, or shape forming the alignment feature and a portion of the second distal end and the pump discharge passageway includes a convex contour complementary to the alignment feature  156 . 
     A body  162  of the flapper assembly  144  includes a ring  164  having an inner diameter  166  that can be fit about the catch  154  such that the ring  164  can be retained between the first rib  152  and the second rib  153 . A hinge  168  is operably coupled to ring  164  and extends therefrom and operably couples a flapper portion or moveable portion  170  having a sealing face  172  to the ring  164 . 
     As better seen in the cross-section of  FIG.  6    the sealing face  172  of the moveable portion of the flapper assembly  144  has a larger diameter than a diameter of the valve seat  160 . The moveable portion  170  of the flapper assembly  144  is moveable between a sealed position and an opened position (shown in phantom). In the sealed position or closed position, the sealing face  172  abuts the valve seat  160  and a seal is formed at  174 . More specifically, the hinge  168  allows the moveable portion  170  to pivot upwards and downwards at the hinge  168 . In the opened position (shown in phantom), the sealing face  172  is generally horizontal and aligned with the hinge  168  such that the moveable portion  170  allows for a flow of liquid through the check valve assembly  140 . It can also be seen that the extension  158   a , which forms the stop feature  158 , has a length that is at least even with an extent of the moveable portion  170  when it is located in the opened position (shown in phantom). The concave profile of the stop feature  158  also allows for movement of the moveable portion  170  there above. 
     Also illustrated is that the ring  164  of the flapper assembly also includes a keyed extension  176  that can be received within a corresponding groove portion of the outside profile  151  of the body  146  of the seat assembly  142  such the flapper assembly  144  can be properly aligned on the seat assembly  142 . It is contemplated that the body  162  of the flapper assembly  144  can be a unitary body, The body  162  of the flapper assembly can be formed from any suitable material including, by way of non-limiting example, silicone, which would allow for the ring  164  to be placed within the catch and for the hinge  168  to move during operation without tearing. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates the flapper assembly  144  operably coupled to the seat assembly  142  with the ring  164  located between the first rib  152  and the second rib  153 . The view illustrated shows the second distal end  147  of the body  146  of the seat assembly  142  in more clarity. More specifically it can be seen that an outermost edge  180  of the distal end is countered and not round. A ramped portion  182  leads from the outer edge  180  to an entrance  184  to the fluid passage  150  formed within the body  146  of the seat assembly  142 . It will be understood that a portion of the alignment feature  156  aids in shaping the outer edge  180  and the ramped portion  182  although this need not be the case. The outer edge  180  and ramped portion  182  form a portion of a geometry of the volute  130  when the check valve assembly  140  is located properly within the discharge outlet  138 . This can be more clearly seen with respect to  FIG.  8   , which illustrates that the check valve assembly  140  has been press fit into the discharge outlet  138  and the outer edge  180  of the second distal end  147  of the body  146  of the seat assembly  142  is within the opening  139  of the discharge outlet  138 , extends fully around the opening  139 , and sealingly abutted therewith. The outer edge  180  and ramped portion  182  of the second distal end  147  of the body  146  of the seat assembly  142  forms a portion of the geometry of the volute  130 . In the illustrated example, the second distal end  147  of the check valve assembly  140  is formed such that a profile of the volute  130  is not round. This is particularly beneficial during operation because the change in contour provided to the volute  130  by the second distal end  147  allows for increased operation efficiency as opposed to a round volute. Further still the diameter  136  of the volute  130  having the contour provided by the second distal end  147  at the discharge outlet  138  can be decreased in size as compared to that of a round volute. More specifically, in the illustrated example, a 10 mm decrease in diameter (From 60 mm to 50 mm) in the volute  130  can be achieved over a round volute and a gain of 5 mm of compression can be achieved. 
     During operation, liquid is moved from the sump  51 , through the opening  133  and into the volute  130  via the impeller of the drain pump  62 . The profile of the second distal end  147  of the body  146  of the seat assembly  142  aids in priming the drain pump  62  and increases the performance of the drain pump  62 . The impeller of the drain pump  62  in turn pushes the liquid through the discharge outlet  138  and the check valve assembly  140 . More specifically, the liquid is pushed against the moveable portion  170 , which rotates the moveable portion  170  on the hinge  168  from the closed position to the opened position to allow liquid to flow to the drain line  64 . 
     When operation of the drain pump  62  ceases, the force created by the liquid on the moveable portion  170  also stops and the moveable portion  170  returns to the closed position where the sealing face  172  abuts the valve seat  160  to form a seal that prevents liquid from entering from the drain line  64  into the volute  130 . In this manner the check valve assembly  140  prevents dirty water from entering back into the sump assembly  120 . 
     The inclusion of the volute geometry simplifies the design of the pump volute, while also allowing for changes to the discharge area of the volute by modification of the check valve assembly. This is desirable for making changes in pump performance based on application-specific design criteria, such as pumping efficiency, power consumption, noise level or quality, and passage of objects. The integral stop feature eliminates the problem of an over-inserted connecting hose keeping the check valve from opening completely which would cause pump inefficiency and susceptibility to clogging by foreign objects. Existing pumps do not incorporate part of the pump volute in the valve assembly, precluding simple changes to pump discharge geometry. Existing check valve assemblies do not have an integral hose insertion depth stop. The check valve body also includes a feature to ensure correct alignment in the pump assembly. The check valve assembly components are preassembled and pressed into place in the pump discharge nozzle, allowing for a simple assembly operation during manufacturing. In the illustrated example, a portion of the volute  130  lies below a plane defined by the base of the sump  51  of the sump assembly  120 . Aspects of the present disclosure allow for a compressed size in both vertical and horizontal directions of the drain assembly, while maintaining pump efficiency. For example a majority of the volute  130  has been illustrated above a plane defined by the base of the sump  51 . The overall height of the pump and sump assemblies was compressed roughly an additional 5 mm with no loss in drain pump performance. Additional side benefits may include simplified tooling of the drain volute and reduced assembly torque due to reduced seal diameter. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure provide a variety of benefits including improvements to manufacturability and modularity of the drain pump assembly. The ability to change the profile of the volute using the second distal end of the check valve assembly geometry allows for the ability to design or optimize the pump performance based on design criteria including desired pumping efficiency, desired power consumption, desired noise level, desired noise quality, and passage of objects. Further still, inclusion of the volute geometry simplifies the design of the pump volute itself, while also allowing for changes to the discharge area of the volute by modification of the check valve assembly. In this manner the sump assembly having the simplified volute can be used in a variety of applications and changes can be provided by merely changing the check valve assembly. Further still, the extension on the check valve assembly valve body prevents over-insertion of a connecting hose such as a drain line or the household drain. This in turn improves performance of the assembly by allowing the moveable portion or flapper of the check valve assembly to open fully when the drain pump is operating because hose over insertion is prevented. The inability to fully open would cause pump inefficiency and susceptibility to clogging by foreign objects. 
     To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While aspects of the disclosure have been specifically described in connection with certain specific details thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims.