Sump Assembly For A Dishwasher Appliance

Abstract

A sump assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The sump assembly includes a housing that defines a chamber. The sump assembly also includes a filter and an impeller mounted within the chamber. The impeller can hinder object accumulation within the filter or improve performance of the filter or both.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to sump assemblies, e.g., for dishwasher appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash compartment for receipt of articles for washing. Within the wash compartment, a spray assembly can apply wash fluid to the articles during operation of the dishwasher appliance. Further, such wash fluid can accumulate within a sump assembly that is positioned at a bottom of the wash chamber during operation of the dishwasher appliance.

[0003] The sump assembly can be connected to a drain pump and/or a recirculation pump in order to remove or circulate wash fluid within the wash compartment. For example, the drain pump can direct a flow of wash fluid out of the wash compartment when activated. Conversely, the recirculation pump can direct wash fluid to the spray assembly within the wash compartment when activated.

[0004] The sump assembly can include a filter for cleaning wash fluid within the sump assembly. For example, the filter can hinder dirt, food particles, and other objects from entering the drain pump and/or the recirculation pump. By filtering or blocking such objects, the filter can facilitate proper operation of dishwasher appliance. For example, the filter can hinder such objects from damaging the recirculation pump, and the filter can also hinder such objects from clogging the spray assembly.

[0005] However, filters collect debris, food particles, and/or dirt over time. Such objects can obstruct the drain pump's flow of wash fluid out of the wash compartment and/or or the recirculation pump's flow of wash fluid to the spray assembly. Generally, the filter must be replaced, cleaned, or flushed at regular intervals, e.g., during a drain cycle, in order to limit such negative effects. However, dishwasher appliances users can forget to clean or replace the filter. Also, such maintenance can be time consuming and inconvenient.

[0006] Accordingly, a sump assembly with features for hindering object accumulation within a filter of the sump assembly would be useful. Also, a sump assembly with features for increasing a time interval between flush drains or cleaning or replacement of a filter of the sump assembly would be useful. Further, a sump assembly with features for improving performance of a filter of the sump assembly would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present subject matter provides a sump assembly for a dishwasher appliance. The sump assembly includes a housing that defines a chamber. The sump assembly also includes a filter and an impeller mounted within the chamber. The impeller can hinder object accumulation within the filter or improve performance of the filter or both. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0008] In a first exemplary embodiment, a sump assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The sump assembly includes a housing defining an inlet and a chamber. A filter is disposed within the chamber of the housing. The filter and the housing define a filtered volume and an unfiltered volume within the chamber of the housing. An outlet conduit defines an outlet passage. The outlet passage of the outlet conduit is in fluid communication with the unfiltered volume of the chamber. A recirculation conduit defines a recirculation passage. The recirculation passage of the recirculation conduit is in fluid communication with the filtered volume of the chamber. An impeller is mounted within the chamber of the housing. The impeller is also mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation.

[0009] In a second exemplary embodiment, a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash compartment. The wash compartment of the tub extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. A rack assembly is received within the wash compartment of the tub and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The dishwasher appliance also includes a spray assembly for applying wash fluid to the articles within the rack assembly, a drain pump for urging a flow of wash fluid out of the wash chamber of the tub, and a recirculation pump for urging a flow of wash fluid to the spray assembly. A sump assembly is mounted to the tub and is positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the wash compartment of the tub. The sump assembly includes a housing that defines a chamber and an inlet that provides fluid communication between the wash compartment of the tub and the chamber of the housing. A filter is disposed within the chamber of the housing. The filter and the housing define a filtered volume and an unfiltered volume within the chamber of the housing. An outlet conduit defines an outlet passage. The outlet passage of the outlet conduit is in fluid communication with the unfiltered volume of the chamber and the drain pump. A recirculation conduit defines a recirculation passage. The recirculation passage of the recirculation conduit is in fluid communication with the filtered volume of the chamber and the recirculation pump. An impeller is mounted within the chamber of the housing. The impeller is also mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 provides a front elevation view of a dishwasher appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1 and, in particular, reveals a wash compartment of the dishwasher appliance.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sump assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter and as may be used in the dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 provides a sectional view of the sump assembly of FIG. 3 and, in particular, reveals a filter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter and an impeller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] FIGS. 5 and 6 provide schematics of the sump assembly of FIG. 3 during operation of the dishwasher washer appliance of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0018] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a dishwasher appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in FIG. 1, dishwasher appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a front 114 and a back 116. The cabinet 102 also extends between a top 110 and a bottom 112. The cabinet 102 has a tub 104 therein that defines a wash compartment 106. The tub 104 also defines a front opening (not shown). Dishwasher appliance 100 includes a door 120 hinged at a bottom 122 of door 120 for movement between a normally closed, vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein wash compartment 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal, open position for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher appliance 100. Latch 123 is used to lock and unlock door 120 for access to wash compartment 106. Tub 104 also includes a sump assembly 170 positioned adjacent bottom 112 of cabinet 102 and configured for receipt of a liquid (e.g., water, detergent, wash fluid, and/or any other suitable fluid) during operation of dishwasher appliance 100.

[0019] A spout 160 is positioned adjacent sump assembly 170 of dishwasher appliance 100. Spout 160 is configured for directing liquid into sump assembly 170. Spout 160 may receive liquid from, e.g., a water supply (not shown) or any other suitable source. In alternative embodiments, spout 160 may be positioned at any suitable location within dishwasher appliance 100 such that spout 160 directs liquid into tub 104. Spout 160 may include a valve (not shown) such that liquid may be selectively directed into tub 104. Thus, for example, during the cycles described below, spout 160 may selectively direct water and/or wash fluid into sump assembly 170 as required by the current cycle of dishwasher appliance 100.

[0020] Rack assemblies 130 and 132 are slidably mounted within wash compartment 106. Each of the rack assemblies 130, 132 is fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134. Each rack 130, 132 is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash compartment 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash compartment 106. A silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to rack assembly 132 for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the racks 130, 132.

[0021] Dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a lower spray assembly 144 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 146 of the wash compartment 106 and above a tub sump portion 142 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly 132. A mid-level spray assembly 148 is located in an upper region of the wash compartment 106 and may be located in close proximity to upper rack 130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 150 may be located above the upper rack 130.

[0022] The lower and mid-level spray assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150 are fed by a fluid circulation assembly 152 for circulating water and dishwasher fluid in the tub 104. Fluid circulation assembly 152 may include a recirculation pump 154 and a drain pump 156 located in a machinery compartment 140 located below tub sump portion 142 of the tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Drain pump 156 is configured for urging wash fluid within sump assembly 170 out of tub 104 and dishwasher appliance 100 to a drain 158. Recirculation assembly 154 is configured for supplying a flow of wash fluid from sump assembly 170 to spray assemblies 144, 148, and 150.

[0023] Each spray assembly 144, 148 includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 130 and 132. The arrangement of the discharge ports in spray assemblies 144, 148 provides a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray assembly 144 provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a spray of wash fluid.

[0024] Dishwasher appliance 100 is further equipped with a controller 137 to regulate operation of the dishwasher appliance 100. Controller 137 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

[0025] Controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, controller 137 may be located within a control panel area 121 of door 120 as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher appliance 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom 122 of door 120. Typically, controller 137 includes a user interface panel 136 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance 100. In one embodiment, user interface 136 may represent a general purpose I/O ("GPIO") device or functional block. In one embodiment, user interface 136 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. User interface 136 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. User interface 136 may be in communication with controller 137 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

[0026] It should be appreciated that the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher, and that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, instead of the racks 130, 132 depicted in FIG. 1, dishwasher appliance 100 may be of a known configuration that utilizes drawers that pull out from the cabinet and are accessible from the top for loading and unloading of articles.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sump assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter and as may be used in the dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1. Thus, as an example, sump assembly 200 may be used as sump assembly 170 or as a component of sump assembly 170 in dishwasher appliance 100. Sump assembly 200 defines an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. As shown in FIG. 3, sump assembly 200 includes a housing 210 with a cover 270. Housing 210 (e.g., cover 270) define an inlet 212 that permits a flow of wash fluid into sump assembly 200, e.g., wash fluid from wash compartment 106 of dishwasher appliance 100.

[0028] Housing 210 includes a bottom wall 218 and a sidewall 216 that extends away from bottom wall, e.g., along the axial direction A. Sidewall 216 may be substantially annular and extend along the circumferential direction C, e.g., in order to assist in defining chamber 214. As shown in FIG. 4, sidewall 216 may extend between and connect bottom wall 218 and cover 270.

[0029] Sump assembly 200 also includes an outlet conduit 220 and a recirculation conduit 224 mounted to housing 210. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, outlet conduit 220 is mounted to bottom wall 218, and recirculation conduit 224 is mounted to sidewall 216. Outlet conduit 220 defines an outlet passage 222. Outlet passage 222 may be in fluid communication with drain pump 156 such that wash fluid within sump assembly 200 can exit sump assembly 200 through outlet passage 222. In particular, drain pump 156 can draw such wash fluid out of sump assembly 200 through outlet conduit 220. Similarly, recirculation conduit 224 defines a recirculation passage 226. Recirculation passage 226 may be in fluid communication with recirculation pump 154 such that wash fluid within sump assembly 200 can exit sump assembly 200 through recirculation passage 226. In particular, recirculation pump 154 can draw such wash fluid out of sump assembly 200 through recirculation conduit 224 and, e.g., supply such wash fluid to spray assemblies 144, 148, and 150.

[0030] FIG. 4 provides a sectional view of sump assembly 200. As may be seen in FIG. 4, housing 210 defines a chamber 214. Chamber 214 is in fluid communication with inlet 212, e.g., in order to receive wash fluid from wash compartment 106 of dishwasher appliance 100 as described above. Chamber 214 is also in fluid communication with outlet passage 222 and recirculation passage 226, e.g., in order to permit wash fluid to exit chamber 214 as described above.

[0031] A filter 250 is positioned within chamber 214. Filter 250 divides chamber 214 into a filtered volume 230 and an unfiltered volume 232. Thus, filter 250 and housing 210 define filtered volume 230 and unfiltered volume 232. Filter 250 includes features for blocking or hindering particles or objects from passing between filtered volume 230 and unfiltered volume 232. Filter 250 may include a mesh or screen for removing such particles or objects as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, filtered volume 230 is configured as an annulus surrounding unfiltered volume 230 and is separated therefrom by a wall of filter 250.

[0032] As used herein, the term "unfiltered" describes a volume within chamber 214 that is not filtered relative to filter 250. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, sump assembly 200 may include additional filters that, e.g., coarsely filter wash fluid entering chamber 214 through inlet 212 in order to prevent relatively large objects or particles from entering or damaging sump assembly 200. Thus, "unfiltered volume" may be filtered relative to additional filters but not filter 250.

[0033] Filter 250 is spaced apart from sidewall 216 and assists with defining filtered portion 230 of chamber 216 therebetween. Filter 250 may annular and extend along the circumferential direction C. As shown in FIG. 4, filter 250 may extend between about bottom wall 218 and about cover 270 along the axial direction A. In particular, filter 250 may be integrally connected or mounted to cover 270. Further, in such configurations, cover 270 can be removed from sump assembly 200, e.g., to permit cleaning or washing of filter 250.

[0034] An impeller 240 is also rotatably mounted within chamber 214. In particular impeller 240 is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation X. Impeller 240 includes a post 242 that is mounted to bottom wall 218 and extends away from bottom wall 218, e.g., along the axial direction A. A plurality of blades 244, e.g., two, three, four, five, or more blades, are mounted to post 242 and extend away from post 242, e.g., along the radial direction R.

[0035] Each blade of plurality of blades 244 extends away from post 242 towards filter 250. Further, each blade of plurality of blades 244 includes a distal portion 246 that is positioned away from post 242 and spaced apart from the axis of rotation X by about a first distance D.sub.1. Conversely, filter 250 has an inner surface 252. Inner surface 252 of filter 250 is spaced apart from the axis of rotation X by about a second distance D.sub.2. First and second distances D.sub.1 and D.sub.2 may be different. In particular, the first distance D.sub.1 may be less than the second distance D.sub.2 such that distal portion 246 of plurality of blades 244 does not impact or touch inner surface 252 of filter 250.

[0036] As discussed above, filter 250 removes or collects particles within wash fluid in chamber 214 of housing 210. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, filter 250 can collect an amount or volume of particles sufficient to impede a flow of wash fluid through filter 250 during operation of dishwasher appliance 100 over time (e.g., after numerous washing cycles of dishwasher appliance 100). Sump assembly 200 includes features for hindering or impeding such particle collection within filter 250. In particular, impeller 240 is configured for stirring, churning, or agitating wash fluid contained within chamber 214 during rotation of impeller 240 about the axis of rotation X in order to hinder such particle collection as described in greater detail below.

[0037] FIGS. 5 and 6 provide schematics of sump assembly 200 during operation of dishwasher washer 100. In FIGS. 5 and 6, wash fluid enters chamber 214 of housing 210 through inlet 212 of housing 210 as a flow of wash fluid (shown with arrows F). As an example, controller 137 can activate recirculation pump 154 and/or drain pump 156 in order to draw flow of wash fluid F into chamber 214. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, flow of wash fluid F is urged through filter 250 and into recirculation passage 226, e.g., by recirculation pump 154. Flow of wash fluid F can then be directed to spray assemblies 144, 146, and/or 150 as described above.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, flow of wash fluid F contains particles P (e.g., dirt, food, and/or any other solid). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, particles P can damage recirculation pump 154 and/or clog spray assemblies 144, 146, and/or 150. Filter 250 hinders such particles from passing from or between unfiltered volume 232 and filtered volume 230 in order to prevent or hinder particles P from entering recirculation pump 154 and/or clog spray assemblies 144, 146, and/or 150. Thus, particles P remain within unfiltered volume 232 while flow of wash fluid F passes through filter 250 to filtered volume 230 and recirculation passage 226 during operation of dishwasher appliance 100, e.g., recirculation pump 154.

[0039] However as discussed above, as filter 250 collects particles P over time, particles P can hinder flow of wash fluid F passing through filter 250. In other words, filter 250 can become saturated or clogged with particles P. Impeller 240 is configured for hindering clogging of filter 250. During rotation of impeller 240, impeller 240 stirs, churns, and/or agitates wash fluid and particles contained therein in order to hinder particle collection within filter 250. In particular, such churning or stirring can, e.g., hinder particles P from collecting on inner surface 252 of filter 250. In various exemplary embodiments, impeller 240 is configured for rotating in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), or both the first and second directions. Thus, impeller 240 can rotate in any suitable direction or combination of directions.

[0040] Impeller 240 can be passive or active. In a passive configuration, impeller 240 rotates about axis of rotation X by momentum of flow of wash fluid F and impacting of flow of wash fluid F on impeller 240, e.g., plurality of blades 244 of impeller 240. In the active configuration, impeller 240 is in mechanical communication with a motor (not shown) that rotates impeller 240 about axis of rotation X when activated as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The motor may be a DC or AC electrical motor that is operated by controller 137. Impeller 240 may be directly driven by the motor or may include a transmission that reduces or increases that rotational speed of impeller 240 relative to the motor. The motor may rotate impeller 240 in the first direction, the second direction, or both the first and second directions.

[0041] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A sump assembly for a dishwasher appliance, the sump assembly comprising: a housing defining an inlet and a chamber; a filter disposed within the chamber of said housing, said filter and said housing defining a filtered volume and an unfiltered volume within the chamber of said housing; an outlet conduit defining an outlet passage, the outlet passage of said outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the unfiltered volume of the chamber; a recirculation conduit defining a recirculation passage, the recirculation passage of said recirculation conduit being in fluid communication with the filtered volume of the chamber; and an impeller mounted within the chamber of said housing and rotatable about an axis of rotation.

2. The sump assembly of claim 1, wherein the sump assembly defines an axial direction and a radial direction, wherein said impeller comprises: a post extending into the chamber of said housing along the axial direction; and a plurality of blades mounted to the post of said impeller and extending away from the post of said impeller along the radial direction.

3. The sump assembly of claim 2, wherein said housing comprises a bottom wall and the post of said impeller is mounted to the bottom wall of said housing and extending away from the bottom wall of said housing along the axial direction.

4. The sump assembly of claim 2, wherein said plurality of blades comprises at least three blades.

5. The sump assembly of claim 2, wherein each blade of said plurality of blades has a distal portion that is positioned away from the axis of rotation of said impeller by about a first distance along the radial direction, wherein said filter has an inner surface that is positioned away from the axis of rotation of said impeller by about a second distance along the radial direction, wherein said second distance is greater than said first distance.

6. The sump assembly of claim 5, wherein the first and second distances are selected such that said plurality of blades do not contact said filter.

7. The sump assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a bottom wall and said impeller is mounted to the bottom wall of said housing.

8. The sump assembly of claim 1, wherein said impeller further comprises a motor in mechanical communication with said impeller in order to selectively rotate said impeller about the axis of rotation.

9. The sump assembly of claim 1, wherein said impeller is configured for rotation in a first direction, a second direction, or both the first and second directions.

10. The sump assembly of claim 1, wherein the sump assembly defines an axial direction and a radial direction, wherein said housing comprises a bottom wall and an sidewall mounted to the bottom wall and extending away from the bottom wall along the axial direction, wherein said outlet conduit is mounted to the bottom wall of said housing and said recirculation conduit is mounted to the sidewall of said housing.

11. A dishwasher appliance comprising: a tub that defines a wash compartment, the wash compartment of said tub extending between a top portion and a bottom portion; a rack assembly received within the wash compartment of said tub and configured for receipt of articles for washing; a spray assembly for applying wash fluid to the articles within the rack assembly; a drain pump for urging a flow of wash fluid out of the wash compartment of said tub; a recirculation pump for urging a flow of wash fluid to said spray assembly; and a sump assembly mounted to said tub and positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the wash compartment of said tub, said sump assembly comprising: a housing defining a chamber and an inlet that provides fluid communication between the wash compartment of said tub and the chamber of said housing; a filter disposed within the chamber of said housing, said filter and said housing defining a filtered volume and an unfiltered volume within the chamber of said housing; an outlet conduit defining an outlet passage, the outlet passage of said outlet conduit being in fluid communication with the unfiltered volume of the chamber and said drain pump; a recirculation conduit defining a recirculation passage, the recirculation passage of said recirculation conduit being in fluid communication with the filtered volume of the chamber and said recirculation pump; and an impeller mounted within the chamber of said housing and rotatable about an axis of rotation.

12. The dishwasher appliance of claim 11, wherein said sump assembly defines an axial direction and a radial direction, wherein said impeller comprises: a post extending into the chamber of said housing along the axial direction; and a plurality of blades mounted to the post of said impeller and extending away from the post of said impeller along the radial direction.

13. The dishwasher appliance of claim 12, wherein said housing comprises a bottom wall and the post of said impeller is mounted to the bottom wall of said housing and extending away from the bottom wall of said housing along the axial direction.

14. The dishwasher appliance of claim 12, wherein said plurality of blades comprises at least three blades.

15. The dishwasher appliance of claim 12, wherein each blade of said plurality of blades has a distal portion that is positioned away from the axis of rotation of said impeller by about a first distance along the radial direction, wherein said filter has an inner surface that is positioned away from the axis of rotation of said impeller by about a second distance along the radial direction, wherein said second distance is greater than said first distance.

16. The dishwasher appliance of claim 15, wherein the first and second distances are selected such that said plurality of blades do not contact said filter.

17. The dishwasher appliance of claim 11, wherein said housing comprises a bottom wall and said impeller is mounted to the bottom wall of said housing.

18. The dishwasher appliance of claim 11, wherein said impeller further comprises a motor in mechanical communication with said impeller in order to selectively rotate said impeller about the axis of rotation.

19. The dishwasher appliance of claim 11, wherein said impeller is configured for rotation in a first direction, a second direction, or both the first and second directions.

20. The dishwasher appliance of claim 11, wherein said sump assembly defines an axial direction and a radial direction, wherein said housing comprises a bottom wall and an sidewall mounted to the bottom wall and extending away from the bottom wall along the axial direction, wherein said outlet conduit is mounted to the bottom wall of said housing and said recirculation conduit is mounted to the sidewall of said housing.