U.S. patent application number 14/317788 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-01 for dish washing machine and sump assembly therof.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Seung Gee HONG, Chang Wook LEE, Jea Won LEE, Chan Young PARK, Soo Hyung YOO.
Application Number | 20150000714 14/317788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51167611 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150000714 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOO; Soo Hyung ; et
al. |
January 1, 2015 |
DISH WASHING MACHINE AND SUMP ASSEMBLY THEROF
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a dish washing machine having a sump
assembly including a sump housing including a water storage chamber
to store wash water and a sidewall portion and a bottom portion,
the sidewall portion and the bottom portion defining the water
storage chamber, a fine filter arranged at an upper portion of the
sump housing and provided with an opening allowing the washing tub
and the water storage chamber to communicate with each other
therethrough, a coarse filter formed in a cylindrical shape and
mounted on the opening, and a microfilter mounted in the water
storage chamber to define a dirt catching chamber for catching of
dirt in conjunction with one part of the sidewall portion and one
part of the bottom portion of the sump housing, the microfilter
being formed in a flat shape.
Inventors: |
YOO; Soo Hyung; (Incheon,
KR) ; LEE; Jea Won; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ; HONG;
Seung Gee; (Suwon-si, KR) ; PARK; Chan Young;
(Suwon-si, KR) ; LEE; Chang Wook; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon
KR
|
Family ID: |
51167611 |
Appl. No.: |
14/317788 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/111 ;
134/110; 210/253 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/4208 20130101;
A47L 15/4214 20130101; A47L 15/22 20130101; A47L 15/4282 20130101;
A47L 15/4206 20130101; A47L 15/16 20130101; A47L 15/4204
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/111 ;
134/110; 210/253 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/42 20060101
A47L015/42; A47L 15/16 20060101 A47L015/16; A47L 15/22 20060101
A47L015/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 27, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0074462 |
Dec 31, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0169460 |
Claims
1. A dish washing machine comprising: a body; a washing tub
provided in the body; a basket provided in the washing tub to store
dishes; a spray unit to spray wash water to wash the dishes in the
basket; and a sump assembly arranged at a lower portion of the
washing tub to store wash water, wherein the sump assembly
comprises: a sump housing comprising a water storage chamber to
store wash water and a sidewall portion and a bottom portion, the
sidewall portion and the bottom portion defining the water storage
chamber; a fine filter arranged at an upper portion of the sump
housing and provided with an opening allowing the washing tub and
the water storage chamber to communicate with each other
therethrough; a coarse filter formed in a cylindrical shape and
mounted on the opening; and a microfilter mounted in the water
storage chamber to define a dirt catching chamber for catching of
dirt in conjunction with one part of the sidewall portion and one
part of the bottom portion of the sump housing, the microfilter
being formed in a flat shape.
2. The dish washing machine according to claim 1, further
comprising a circulation chamber defined by the other part of the
sidewall portion, the other part of the bottom portion of the sump
housing, and the microfilter and adapted to circulate the wash
water to the spray unit.
3. The dish washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
sidewall portion of the sump housing is provided with a pair of
side fitting grooves allowing the microfilter to be fitted
thereinto.
4. The dish washing machine according to claim 3, wherein a width
of each of the side fitting grooves gradually decreases as the side
fitting grooves extend downward.
5. The dish washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
bottom portion of the sump housing is provided a bottom fitting
groove allowing the microfilter to be fitted thereinto.
6. The dish washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
microfilter comprises a filter mesh to filter out dirt and a filter
frame to support the filter mesh, wherein the filter mesh is formed
in a flat shape.
7. The dish washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the
microfilter comprises a pair of fitting protrusions protruding from
both sides of the filter frame to be coupled to the sump housing,
wherein a width of each of the fitting grooves gradually decreases
as the fitting grooves extend downward.
8. The dish washing machine according to claim 1, further
comprising a dirt cover coupled to the sump housing to cover an
open top of the dirt catching chamber.
9. The dish washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the dirt
cover is screw-coupled to the sump housing.
10. The dish washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the dirt
cover comprises a through hole allowing the coarse filter to pass
therethrough.
11. The dish washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the dirt
cover comprises a filter support protruding toward the microfilter
to support the microfilter.
12. The dish washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the sump
housing further comprises a cover support protruding inward to
support the dirt cover.
13. A dish washing machine comprising: a body; a washing tub
provided in the body; a sump housing arranged at a lower portion of
the washing tub and provided with a water storage chamber to store
wash water; a fine filter adapted to cover the water storage
chamber and provided with an opening allowing the washing tub and
the water storage chamber to communicate with each other
therethrough; a coarse filter formed in a cylindrical shape and
mounted on the opening; and a microfilter mounted in the water
storage chamber such that the microfilter crosses the water storage
chamber, the microfilter being formed in a flat shape.
14. The dish washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the
microfilter comprises a filter mesh formed in a flat shape and a
filter frame to support the filter mesh.
15. The dish washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the
microfilter comprises a fitting protrusion protruding from the
filter frame to be coupled to the sump housing.
16. The dish washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the
sump housing comprises a sidewall portion and a bottom portion, the
sidewall portion and the bottom portion defining the water storage
chamber, wherein: one part of the sidewall portion, one part of the
bottom portion of the sump housing, and the microfilter define a
dirt catching chamber to catch dirt; and the other part of the
sidewall portion, the other part of the bottom portion of the sump
housing, and the microfilter define a circulation chamber to
circulate the wash water to the washing tub.
17. The dish washing machine according to claim 16, further
comprising a dirt cover coupled to the sump housing to cover an
open top of the dirt catching chamber.
18. A dish washing machine comprising: a body; a washing tub
provided in the body; a sump housing arranged at a lower portion of
the washing tub and provided with a water storage chamber to store
wash water, a sidewall portion, and a bottom portion, the sidewall
portion and the bottom portion defining the water storage chamber;
a fine filter adapted to cover the water storage chamber and
provided with an opening allowing the washing tub and the water
storage chamber to communicate with each other therethrough a
coarse filter formed in a cylindrical shape and mounted on the
opening; a microfilter mounted in the water storage chamber; a dirt
catching chamber defined by the microfilter, one part of the
sidewall portion, and one part of the bottom portion of the sump
housing, and adapted to communicate with the opening; and a
circulation chamber defined by the microfilter, the other part of
the sidewall portion, the other part of the bottom portion of the
sump housing, and adapted to circulate the wash water to the
washing tub.
19. The dish washing machine according to claim 18, wherein the
circulation chamber takes a non-circular concentrated form.
20. The dish washing machine according to claim 18, wherein the
microfilter is formed in a flat shape.
21. The dish washing machine according to claim 18, further
comprising a dirt cover to cover an open top of the dirt catching
chamber.
22. A dish washing machine comprising: a body; a washing tub
provided in the body; a water storage chamber arranged at a lower
portion of the washing tub to store wash water; and a microfilter
arranged in the water storage chamber to divide the water storage
chamber into a dirt catching chamber to catch dirt and a
circulation chamber to circulate wash water to the washing tub, the
microfilter being formed in a non-cylindrical shape.
23. The dish washing machine according to claim 22, wherein the
microfilter is formed in a flat shape.
24. The dish washing machine according to claim 22, further
comprising a sump housing provided with the water storage chamber,
a sidewall portion, and a bottom portion, the sidewall portion and
the bottom portion defining the water storage chamber, wherein: the
dirt catching chamber is defined by the microfilter, one part of
the sidewall portion, and one part of the bottom portion of the
sump housing; and the circulation chamber is defined by the
microfilter, the other part of the sidewall portion, and the other
part of the bottom portion of the sump housing.
25. A sump assembly for a dish washing machine comprising: a sump
housing comprising a water storage chamber to store wash water and
a sidewall portion and a bottom portion, the sidewall portion and
the bottom portion defining the water storage chamber; a fine
filter arranged at an upper portion of the sump housing and
provided with an opening allowing the washing tub and the water
storage chamber to communicate with each other therethrough; a
coarse filter formed in a cylindrical shape and mounted on the
opening; and a microfilter mounted in the water storage chamber to
define a dirt catching chamber for catching of dirt in conjunction
with one part of the sidewall portion and one part of the bottom
portion of the sump housing, the microfilter being formed in a flat
shape.
26. A dish washing machine comprising: a body; a washing tub
provided in the body; a spray nozzle to spray wash water; a sump
provided with a water storage chamber to store wash water; a
microfilter mounted to the water storage chamber to partition the
water storage chamber into a dirt catching chamber to catch dirt
and a circulation chamber to circulate the wash water to the spray
nozzle, the microfilter being provided with a flat filter portion;
and a coarse filter mounted to the sump to pre-filter out dirt
contained in the wash water flowing to the dirt catching chamber
and to press the microfilter downward and laterally such that
sealing of a gap between the sump and the microfilter is
maintained.
27. The dish washing machine according to claim 26, wherein the
coarse filter is mounted to the sump by being inserted into the
sump vertically downward and then turned from a release position to
a lock position.
28. The dish washing machine according to claim 27, wherein, in
turning the coarse filter from the release position to the lock
position, the coarse filter moves downward and presses the
microfilter downward.
29. The dish washing machine according to claim 28, wherein the
coarse filter comprises a downwardly pressing surface to press the
microfilter downward.
30. The dish washing machine according to claim 29, wherein the
microfilter comprises a downwardly pressed surface pressed by the
downwardly pressing surface.
31. The dish washing machine according to claim 28, wherein the
coarse filter comprises a mounting protrusion provided with an
upward inclination surface inclined upward as the upward
inclination surface extends in a direction of turning of the coarse
filter from the release position to the lock position.
32. The dish washing machine according to claim 31, wherein the
sump comprises a mounting groove allowing the mounting protrusion
to be inserted thereinto, the mounting groove being provided with a
downward inclination surface configured to contact the upward
inclination surface and inclined downward as the downward
inclination surface extends in the direction of turning of the
coarse filter from the release position to the lock position.
33. The dish washing machine according to claim 27, wherein the
coarse filter comprises a laterally pressing surface formed by
expanding a portion of an outer circumferential surface of coarse
filter radially outward such that the laterally pressing surface
presses the microfilter laterally when the coarse filter is turned
from the release position to the lock position.
34. The dish washing machine according to claim 33, wherein the
microfilter comprises a laterally pressed surface pressed by the
laterally pressing surface.
35. The dish washing machine according to claim 26, wherein the
microfilter comprises a frame portion adapted to surround the
filter portion to support the filter portion, the frame portion
comprising an upper frame, lower frame, and two side frames.
36. The dish washing machine according to claim 35, wherein the
lower frame comprises a lower sealing groove adapted to seal the
sump.
37. The dish washing machine according to claim 36, wherein the
sump comprises a lower sealing protrusion inserted into the sealing
groove of the lower frame.
38. The dish washing machine according to claim 35, wherein each of
the side frames comprises a side sealing protrusion adapted to seal
the sump.
39. The dish washing machine according to claim 38, wherein the
sump comprises side sealing grooves allowing the side protrusions
of the side frames to be inserted thereinto.
40. The dish washing machine according to claim 26, further
comprising a vane to move within the washing tub and reflect the
wash water sprayed from the spray nozzle toward dishes, and a rail
extending from a front of the washing tub to a back of the washing
tub to guide movement of the vane, wherein the coarse filter is
disposed such that one of two sidewalls of the washing tub is
closer than the other sidewall to the coarse filter.
41. The dish washing machine according to claim 26, wherein a
bottom surface of the washing tub is provided with a drainage hole,
the dish washing machine further comprising a fine filter mounted
to the drainage hole.
42. A dish washing machine comprising: a body; a washing tub
provided in the body, the washing tub having a bottom surface
provided with a drainage hole; a fixed nozzle fixed to one side of
the washing tub to spray wash water; a vane to move within the
washing tub and reflect the wash water sprayed from the fixed
nozzle toward dishes; a rail extending from a front of the washing
tub to a back of the washing tub to guide movement of the vane; a
sump provided with a water storage chamber to store wash water; a
fine filter mounted to the drainage hole; a microfilter mounted to
the water storage chamber to partition the water storage chamber
into a dirt catching chamber to catch dirt and a circulation
chamber to circulate the wash water to the fixed nozzle; and a
coarse filter mounted to the sump to filter out dirt in the wash
water flowing to the dirt catching chamber, the coarse filter being
positioned such that one of two sidewalls of the washing tub is
closer than the other sidewall to the coarse filter.
43. The dish washing machine according to claim 42, wherein the
coarse filter is mounted to the sump by being inserted into the
sump vertically downward and then turned from a release position to
a lock position.
44. The dish washing machine according to claim 42, wherein the
coarse filter presses the microfilter downward and laterally to
maintain sealing of the sump and the microfilter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2013-0074462, filed on Jun. 27, 2013, and Korean
Patent Application No. 2013-0169460, filed on Dec. 31, 2013, in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a dish
washing machine having a sump assembly arranged at a lower portion
of a washing tub to store wash water.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A dish washing machine, which is a home appliance to wash
the dishes, includes a body provided therein with a washing tub, a
basket to accommodate dishes, a spray unit to spray wash water, a
water storage chamber to store wash water, and a sump assembly
having a plurality of filters to filter out dirt, and a washing
pump to pump out the wash water in the water storage chamber toward
the spray unit.
[0006] In general, the filters to filter out dirt include a fine
filter arranged on the bottom of the washing tub and having through
holes of an intermediate size, a coarse filter arranged in the
opening of the fine filter and having relatively large through
holes, and a microfilter arranged in the water storage chamber and
having microscopic through holes.
[0007] Herein, the microfilter is formed in the shape of a cylinder
having an open top and an open bottom and disposed in a water
storage space. After passing through the coarse filter, the wash
water is introduced into the microfilter through the open top of
the microfilter. Dirt whose size is greater than that of the micro
through holes formed in the circumferential surface of the
microfilter is caught in the microfilter.
[0008] Accordingly, a dirt catching chamber is formed in the
microfilter, and a circulation chamber connected to a circulation
flow passage is formed between the microfilter and a sump
housing.
SUMMARY
[0009] Therefore, it is an aspect to provide a dish washing machine
including a sump assembly having a microfilter formed in a flat
shape rather than a cylindrical shape.
[0010] It is an aspect to provide a dish washing machine including
a sump assembly having a dirt catching chamber defined by a
microfilter and a sidewall portion and a bottom portion of a sump
housing.
[0011] It is an aspect to provide a dish washing machine which may
ensure smooth circulation of wash water from a sump assembly to a
spray unit.
[0012] It is an aspect to provide a dish washing machine which may
enhance sealing of a microfilter and a sump.
[0013] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the
description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.
[0014] In accordance with one aspect, a dish washing machine
includes a body, a washing tub provided in the body, a basket
provided in the washing tub to store dishes, a spray unit to spray
wash water to wash the dishes in the basket, and a sump assembly
arranged at a lower portion of the washing tub to store wash water,
wherein the sump assembly includes a sump housing including a water
storage chamber to store wash water and a sidewall portion and a
bottom portion, the sidewall portion and the bottom portion
defining the water storage chamber, a fine filter arranged at an
upper portion of the sump housing and provided with an opening
allowing the washing tub and the water storage chamber to
communicate with each other therethrough, a coarse cylindrical
filter mounted on the opening, and a microfilter mounted in the
water storage chamber to define a dirt catching chamber for
catching of dirt in conjunction with one part of the sidewall
portion and one part of the bottom portion of the sump housing, the
microfilter being formed in a flat shape.
[0015] The dish washing machine may further include a circulation
chamber defined by the other part of the sidewall portion, the
other part of the bottom portion of the sump housing, and the
microfilter and adapted to circulate the wash water to the spray
unit.
[0016] The sidewall portion of the sump housing may be provided
with a pair of side fitting grooves allowing the microfilter to be
fitted thereinto.
[0017] Herein, a width of each of the side fitting grooves may
gradually decrease as the side fitting grooves extend downward.
[0018] The bottom portion of the sump housing may be provided a
bottom fitting groove allowing the microfilter to be fitted
thereinto.
[0019] The microfilter may include a filter mesh to filter out dirt
and a filter frame to support the filter mesh, wherein the filter
mesh may be formed in a flat shape.
[0020] Herein, the microfilter may include a pair of fitting
protrusions protruding from both sides of the filter frame to be
coupled to the sump housing, wherein a width of each of the fitting
grooves may gradually decrease as the fitting grooves extend
downward.
[0021] The dish washing machine may further include a dirt cover
coupled to the sump housing to cover an open top of the dirt
catching chamber.
[0022] Herein, the dirt cover may be screw-coupled to the sump
housing.
[0023] The dirt cover may include a through hole allowing the
coarse filter to pass therethrough.
[0024] The dirt cover may include a filter support protruding
toward the microfilter to support the microfilter.
[0025] The sump housing may further include a cover support
protruding inward to support the dirt cover.
[0026] In accordance with an aspect, a dish washing machine
includes a body, a washing tub provided in the body, a sump housing
arranged at a lower portion of the washing tub and provided with a
water storage chamber to store wash water, a fine filter adapted to
cover the water storage chamber and provided with an opening
allowing the washing tub and the water storage chamber to
communicate with each other therethrough, a coarse cylindrical
filter mounted on the opening, and a microfilter mounted in the
water storage chamber such that the microfilter crosses the water
storage chamber, the microfilter being formed in a flat shape.
[0027] Herein, the microfilter may include a filter mesh formed in
a flat shape and a filter frame to support the filter mesh.
[0028] The microfilter may include a fitting protrusion protruding
from the filter frame to be coupled to the sump housing.
[0029] The sump housing may include a sidewall portion and a bottom
portion, the sidewall portion and the bottom portion defining the
water storage chamber, wherein one part of the sidewall portion,
one part of the bottom portion of the sump housing, and the
microfilter may define a dirt catching chamber, and the other part
of the sidewall portion, the other part of the bottom portion of
the sump housing, and the microfilter may define a circulation
chamber to circulate the wash water to the washing tub.
[0030] The dish washing machine may further include a dirt cover
coupled to the sump housing to cover an open top of the dirt
catching chamber.
[0031] In accordance with an aspect, a dish washing machine
including a body, a washing tub provided in the body, a sump
housing arranged at a lower portion of the washing tub and provided
with a water storage chamber to store wash water, a sidewall
portion, and a bottom portion, the sidewall portion and the bottom
portion defining the water storage chamber, a fine filter adapted
to cover the water storage chamber and provided with an opening
allowing the washing tub and the water storage chamber to
communicate with each other therethrough, a coarse filter formed in
a cylindrical shape and mounted on the opening, a microfilter
mounted in the water storage chamber, a dirt catching chamber
defined by the microfilter, one part of the sidewall portion, and
one part of the bottom portion of the sump housing, and adapted to
communicate with the opening, and a circulation chamber defined by
the microfilter, the other part of the sidewall portion, the other
part of the bottom portion of the sump housing, and adapted to
circulate the wash water to the washing tub.
[0032] Herein, the circulation chamber may take a concentrated form
rather having a doughnut shape.
[0033] The microfilter may be formed in a flat shape.
[0034] The dish washing machine may further include a dirt cover to
cover an open top of the dirt catching chamber.
[0035] In accordance with an aspect, a dish washing machine
includes a body, a washing tub provided in the body, a water
storage chamber arranged at a lower portion of the washing tub to
store wash water, and a microfilter arranged in the water storage
chamber to divide the water storage chamber into a dirt catching
chamber to catch dirt and a circulation chamber to circulate wash
water to the washing tub, the microfilter being formed in a
non-cylindrical shape.
[0036] Herein, the microfilter may be formed in a flat shape.
[0037] The dish washing machine may further include a sump housing
provided with the water storage chamber, a sidewall portion, and a
bottom portion, the sidewall portion and the bottom portion
defining the water storage chamber, wherein the dirt catching
chamber may be defined by the microfilter, one part of the sidewall
portion, and one part of the bottom portion of the sump housing,
and the circulation chamber may be defined by the microfilter, the
other part of the sidewall portion, and the other part of the
bottom portion of the sump housing.
[0038] In accordance with an aspect, a sump assembly for a dish
washing machine includes a sump housing including a water storage
chamber to store wash water and a sidewall portion and a bottom
portion, the sidewall portion and the bottom portion defining the
water storage chamber, a fine filter arranged at an upper portion
of the sump housing and provided with an opening allowing the
washing tub and the water storage chamber to communicate with each
other therethrough, a coarse filter formed in a cylindrical shape
and mounted on the opening, and a microfilter mounted in the water
storage chamber to define a dirt catching chamber for catching of
dirt in conjunction with one part of the sidewall portion and one
part of the bottom portion of the sump housing, the microfilter
being formed in a flat shape.
[0039] A dish washing machine includes a body, a washing tub
provided in the body, a spray nozzle to spray wash water, a sump
provided with a water storage chamber to store wash water, a
microfilter mounted to the water storage chamber to partition the
water storage chamber into a dirt catching chamber to catch dirt
and a circulation chamber to circulate the wash water to the spray
nozzle, the microfilter being provided with a flat filter portion,
and a coarse filter mounted to the sump to pre-filter out dirt
contained in the wash water flowing to the dirt catching chamber
and to press the microfilter downward and laterally such that
sealing of a gap between the sump and the microfilter is
maintained.
[0040] Herein, the coarse filter may be mounted to the sump by
being inserted into the sump vertically downward and then turned
from a release position to a lock position.
[0041] Herein, in turning the coarse filter from the release
position to the lock position, the coarse filter may move downward
and press the microfilter downward.
[0042] Herein, wherein the coarse filter may include a downwardly
pressing surface to press the microfilter downward.
[0043] Herein, the microfilter may include a downwardly pressed
surface pressed by the downwardly pressing surface.
[0044] In addition, the coarse filter may include a mounting
protrusion provided with an upward inclination surface inclined
upward as the upward inclination surface extends in a direction of
turning of the coarse filter from the release position to the lock
position.
[0045] Herein, the sump may include a mounting groove allowing the
mounting protrusion to be inserted thereinto, the mounting groove
being provided with a downward inclination surface configured to
contact the upward inclination surface and inclined downward as the
downward inclination surface extends in the direction of turning of
the coarse filter from the release position to the lock
position.
[0046] In addition, the coarse filter may include a laterally
pressing surface formed by expanding a portion of an outer
circumferential surface of coarse filter radially outward such that
the laterally pressing surface presses the microfilter laterally
when the coarse filter is turned from the release position to the
lock position.
[0047] Herein, the microfilter may include a laterally pressed
surface pressed by the laterally pressing surface.
[0048] In addition, the microfilter may include a frame portion
adapted to surround the filter portion to support the filter
portion, the frame portion including an upper frame, lower frame,
and two side frames.
[0049] Herein, the lower frame may include a lower sealing groove
adapted to seal the sump.
[0050] Herein, the sump may include a lower sealing protrusion
inserted into the sealing groove of the lower frame.
[0051] In addition, each of the side frames may include a side
sealing protrusion adapted to seal the sump.
[0052] Herein, the sump may include side sealing grooves allowing
the side protrusions of the side frames to be inserted
thereinto.
[0053] In addition, the dish washing machine may further include a
vane to move within the washing tub and reflect the wash water
sprayed from the spray nozzle toward dishes, and a rail extending
from a front of the washing tub to a back of the washing tub to
guide movement of the vane, wherein the coarse filter may be
disposed such that one of two sidewalls of the washing tub is
closer than the other sidewall to the coarse filter.
[0054] Herein, a bottom surface of the washing tub may be provided
with a drainage hole, the dish washing machine further including a
fine filter mounted to the drainage hole.
[0055] In accordance with an aspect, a dish washing machine
includes a body, a washing tub provided in the body, the washing
tub having a bottom surface provided with a drainage hole, a fixed
nozzle fixed to one side of the washing tub to spray wash water, a
vane to move within the washing tub and reflect the wash water
sprayed from the fixed nozzle toward dishes, a rail extending from
a front of the washing tub to a back of the washing tub to guide
movement of the vane, a sump provided with a water storage chamber
to store wash water, a fine filter mounted to the drainage hole, a
microfilter mounted to the water storage chamber to partition the
water storage chamber into a dirt catching chamber to catch dirt
and a circulation chamber to circulate the wash water to the fixed
nozzle, and a coarse filter mounted to the sump to filter out dirt
in the wash water flowing to the dirt catching chamber, the coarse
filter being positioned such that one of two sidewalls of the
washing tub is closer than the other sidewall to the coarse
filter.
[0056] Herein, the coarse filter may be mounted to the sump by
being inserted into the sump vertically downward and then turned
from a release position to a lock position.
[0057] In addition, the coarse filter may press the microfilter
downward and laterally to maintain sealing of the sump and the
microfilter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more
readily appreciated from the following description of the
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of
which:
[0059] FIG. 1 is a view schematically illustrating a structure of a
dish washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0060] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the structure of the lower
portion of a washing tub of the dish washing machine of FIG. 1;
[0061] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the sump assembly of the dish
washing machine of FIG. 1;
[0062] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating
constituents of the sump assembly of the dish washing machine of
FIG. 1;
[0063] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating
constituents of the sump assembly of the dish washing machine of
FIG. 1, as viewed from a different angle;
[0064] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the sump assembly of the dish
washing machine of FIG. 1 with the coarse filter and fine filter
removed;
[0065] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of
FIG. 3;
[0066] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of
FIG. 3;
[0067] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a process of catching dirt in
the sump assembly of the dish washing machine of FIG. 1;
[0068] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a sump, a coarse filter and a
fine filter of a dish washing machine according to an
embodiment;
[0069] FIG. 11 is an exploded view illustrating the sump, coarse
filter, fine filter and microfilter of the dish washing machine of
FIG. 10;
[0070] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III
of FIG. 10;
[0071] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view illustrating section B of FIG.
12;
[0072] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of
FIG. 10;
[0073] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating section C of FIG.
14;
[0074] FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating the sump and coarse
filter of the dish washing machine of FIG. 10, in which the coarse
filter performs a locking operation;
[0075] FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating the coarse filter of the
dish washing machine of FIG. 10;
[0076] FIG. 18 is a view illustrating the sump and coarse filter of
the dish washing machine of FIG. 10, in which the coarse filter
performs a locking operation;
[0077] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sump,
coarse filter and microfilter of the dish washing machine of FIG.
10;
[0078] FIG. 20 is a enlarged plan view illustrating parts of the
coarse filter and microfilter of the dish washing machine of FIG.
10; and
[0079] FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating the lower portion of a
washing tub of the dish washing machine of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0080] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout.
[0081] FIG. 1 is a view schematically illustrating a structure of a
dish washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG.
2 is a view illustrating the structure of the lower portion of a
washing tub of the dish washing machine of FIG. 1.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dish washing machine 1 of this
embodiment includes a body 10, a washing tub 12 provided in the
body 10, baskets 17 and 18 provided in the washing tub 12 to store
dishes, spray units 21, 22 and 23 to spray wash water to wash the
dishes in the baskets 17 and 18, a water flow passage 40 allowing
wash water to be supplied to the washing tub 12 therethrough, a
sump assembly 100 provided to a lower portion of the washing tub 12
to store wash water, a circulation pump 43 to pump wash water from
the sump assembly 100 to the spray units 21, 22 and 23, a
circulation flow passage 42 to connect the sump assembly 100 to the
spray units 21, 22 and 23, a drainage pump 45 to discharge the wash
water in the sump assembly 100 from the body 10, and a drainage
flow passage 44 to connect the sump assembly 100 to an exterior of
the body 10.
[0083] The washing tub 12 is approximately formed in the shape of a
box having an inner space, and the front of the washing tub 12 is
open to allow introduction and retrieval of dishes therethrough.
The open front of the washing tub 12 may be opened and closed by a
door 11.
[0084] The baskets 17 and 18 may include an upper basket 17 and a
lower basket 18. An upper rack 15 to support the upper basket 17
and a lower rack 16 to support the lower basket 18 may be provided
to the washing tub 12.
[0085] The spray units 21, 22 and 23 to spray wash water may
include a first spray unit 21 disposed at the upper side, a second
spray unit 22 disposed in the middle, and a third spray unit 23
disposed at a lower side.
[0086] The first spray unit 21 and the second spray unit 22 may be
rotor type spray units which spray wash water directly onto the
dishes while rotating about an axis of rotation.
[0087] The third spray unit 23 may be fixed to one side of the
washing tub 12 in order to spray wash water toward an inclined
surface 31 of a reflecting plate assembly 30 in an approximately
horizontal direction rather than onto the dishes. The wash water
sprayed onto the inclined surface 31 may be reflected on the
inclined surface 31 toward the dishes at the upper side of the
inclined surface 31. The reflecting plate assembly 30 may be
provided with a roller 32. Thereby, the reflecting plate assembly
30 may rectilinearly reciprocate along a rail 19 provided to a
sidewall 14 of the washing tub 12.
[0088] To this end, the dish washing machine 1 may be provided with
a drive unit to drive the reflecting plate assembly 30. The drive
unit may include a drive pump 35 to generate driving power, a
pulley 36 to transmit the driving power of the drive pump 35 to the
reflecting plate assembly 30, and a wire 37 to connect the pulley
36 to the reflecting plate assembly 30.
[0089] When the drive pump 35 is driven, the wire 37 may be pulled
toward the drive pump 35 and the reflecting plate assembly 30
connected to the wire 37 may move toward spray nozzles 24 of the
third spray unit 23. When wash water is sprayed from the spray
nozzles 24 with the drive pump 35 remaining stationary, the
reflecting plate assembly 30 may be moved in the spray direction of
the spray nozzles 24 by water pressure.
[0090] In this way, the reflecting plate assembly 30 may
rectilinearly reciprocate. Accordingly, the third spray unit 23 may
spray wash water into the washing tub 12 such that the wash water
reaches all positions in the washing tub 12.
[0091] The configuration of the drive unit of this embodiment is
simply illustrative. Any commonly known element adapted to
implement rectilinear reciprocation may be employed.
[0092] In addition, while the dish washing machine is illustrated
as being provided with two rotor type spray units 21 and 22, and
one spray unit 23 to rectilinearly move, embodiments of the present
invention are not limited thereto.
[0093] The water flow passage 40 connects an external water supply
source with the interior of the washing tub 12. The water flow
passage 40 may be provided with a water supply valve 41 to regulate
supply of water.
[0094] The sump assembly 100 is arranged at a lower portion of the
washing tub 12 to store wash water. The bottom surface 13 of the
washing tub 12 is inclined toward the sump assembly 100. Thereby,
wash water is allowed to flow down the bottom surface 13 and be
collected in the sump assembly 100.
[0095] The sump assembly 100 includes a sump housing 150, a water
storage chamber 151 (FIG. 4) provided in the sump housing 150, and
a plurality of filters to filter out dirt contained in the wash
water. The sump housing 150 may be provided with a circulation port
161 connected to the circulation flow passage 42 and a drainage
port 162 connected to the drainage flow passage 44.
[0096] The filters includes a coarse filter 110 having relatively
large through holes, a fine filter 120 having through holes of an
intermediate size, and a microfilter 130 (FIG. 4) having relatively
small through holes. Particularly, the microfilter 130 defines a
dirt catching chamber 152 (FIG. 7) which catches dirt and drains
the dirt along with the wash water during draining.
[0097] Hereinafter, constituents of the sump assembly 100 will be
described in detail.
[0098] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the sump assembly of the dish
washing machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating constituents of the sump assembly of the dish washing
machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating constituents of the sump assembly of the dish washing
machine of FIG. 1, which are viewed from a different angle. FIG. 6
is a view illustrating the sump assembly of the dish washing
machine of FIG. 1 with the coarse filter and fine filter removed.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG.
3.
[0099] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 8, the sump assembly 100 of the dish
washing machine according to this embodiment includes a sump
housing 150 having a water storage chamber 151 to store wash water,
a fine filter 120 arranged at the upper portion of the sump housing
150, a coarse cylindrical filter 110 mounted on an opening 123 of
the fine filter 120, and a microfilter 130 provided in the water
storage chamber 151.
[0100] The sump housing 150 may have an approximately semispherical
shape having an open top. The sump housing 150 includes a sidewall
portion 154 and a bottom portion 155, which define the water
storage chamber 151. The water storage chamber 151 is formed in a
space surrounded by the sidewall portion 154 and bottom portion 155
of the sump housing 150 and is provided with an open top.
[0101] The sump housing 150 includes a circulation port 151, a
drainage port 152, a first auxiliary port 163, and a second
auxiliary port 164, which communicate with the water storage
chamber 151. The circulation port 151 is connected to a circulation
flow passage, and the drainage port 152 is connected to a drainage
flow passage. When necessary, a turbidity sensor and an air
discharge hose may be connected to the first auxiliary port 163 and
the second auxiliary port 164.
[0102] The sidewall portion 154 of the sump housing 150 is provided
with a pair of side fitting grooves 156 into which the microfilter
130 is fitted, and the bottom portion 155 of the sump housing 150
is provided with a bottom fitting groove 157 (FIG. 8) into which
the microfilter 130 is fitted.
[0103] The microfilter 130 may be detachably fitted into the side
fitting grooves 156 and bottom fitting groove 157 of the sump
housing 150. By fitting the microfilter 130 into the sump housing
150, sealing of the gap between the microfilter 130 and the sump
housing 150 may be secured and dirt may be prevented from passing
through a portion at which the microfilter 130 and the sump housing
150 are coupled to each other.
[0104] The side fitting grooves 156 may have a width gradually
decreasing as the grooves extend downward. Thereby, the microfilter
130 may be easily inserted into the side fitting grooves 156.
[0105] Once the microfilter 130 is mounted to the sump housing 150
by fitting the microfilter 130 into the side fitting grooves 156
and the bottom fitting groove 157, the water storage chamber 151
may be partitioned into a dirt catching chamber 152 (FIGS. 7 and 8)
and a circulation chamber 153 (FIGS. 7 and 8) by the microfilter
130.
[0106] The fine filter 120 includes a fine filter body 121, fine
through holes 122 formed in the fine filter body 121 and having a
relatively intermediate size, and an opening 123 formed in the fine
filter body 121 to allow the washing tub to communicate with the
water storage chamber 151. The fine filter body 121 is inclined
toward the opening 123.
[0107] The coarse filter 110 is approximately formed in a
cylindrical shape. The coarse filter 110 is mounted on the opening
123 of the fine filter 120 to filter out dirt contained in the wash
water passing through the opening 123 of the fine filter 120. The
coarse filter 110 includes a coarse cylindrical filter body 111,
coarse through holes 112 formed in the coarse filter body 111 and
having a relatively large size, and a grip 113 facilitating holding
of the coarse filter 110.
[0108] The microfilter 130 is approximately formed in a flat shape.
The microfilter 130 is fitted into the sump housing 150 and
disposed in the water storage chamber 151 of the sump housing 150.
While the microfilter 130 is illustrated as being formed in a flat
shape, the microfilter may have any non-cylindrical shape different
form the flat shape.
[0109] For example, the microfilter 130 may have a bent shape or
zigzag shape, but is not limit any set shape.
[0110] That is, a microfilter having a bent shape or zigzag shape
may be within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure if
the microfilter is allowed to be disposed across the water storage
chamber such that a dirt catching chamber is defined by being
surrounded by the microfilter and the sump housing.
[0111] The microfilter 130 includes a filter mesh 131 having a flat
shape and micro through holes and a filter frame 132 to support the
filter mesh 131.
[0112] The filter frame 132 may include an outer frame 133 joined
to the edge of filter mesh 131 and a middle frame 134 arranged at
the center of the filter mesh 131. The lower end 135 of the filter
frame 132 may be fitted into the bottom fitting groove 157 of the
sump assembly 150.
[0113] In addition, the microfilter 130 may include a pair of
fitting protrusions 136 protruding from the filter frame 132 to be
fitted into the side fitting grooves 156 of the sump housing 150.
The width of the fitting protrusions 136 may decrease as the
fitting protrusions 136 extends downward such the fitting
protrusions 136 correspond to the side fitting grooves 156 of the
sump housing 150.
[0114] By fitting the fitting protrusions 136 on both sides of the
microfilter 130 into the side fitting grooves 156 of the sump
housing 150, the microfilter 130 is mounted to the sump housing 150
across the water storage chamber 151.
[0115] Accordingly, the water storage chamber 151 is divided into
two chambers 152 and 153 by the microfilter 130. Chamber 152 is
disposed under the opening 123 of the fine filter 120. Accordingly,
dirt having passed through the coarse filter 110 mounted on the
opening 123 is introduced into this chamber 152.
[0116] The dirt having failed to pass through the filter mesh 131
of the microfilter 130 is caught in the chamber 152. In this
context, the chamber 152 is defined as a dirt catching chamber 152,
and the other chamber 153 is defined as a circulation chamber 153.
The dirt catching chamber 152 communicates with the drainage port
162, and the circulation chamber 153 communicates with the
circulation port 161.
[0117] The dirt catching chamber 152 is formed in a space
surrounded by the microfilter 130, one part 154a of the sidewall
portion of the sump housing (FIGS. 7 and 8), and one part 155a of
the bottom portion of the sump housing (FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0118] In addition, the circulation chamber 153 is formed in a
space surrounded by the microfilter 130, the other part 154b of the
sidewall portion of the sump housing (FIGS. 7 and 8), and the other
part 155b of the bottom portion of the sump housing (FIGS. 7 and
8).
[0119] The above configuration results from the microfilter 130
being formed in a flat shape rather than a cylindrical shape and
disposed across the water storage chamber 150.
[0120] The dirt catching chamber 152 and the circulation chamber
153 take a concentrated form rather than a distributive form like a
doughnut shape. The concentrated form may allow smoother flow of
wash water than the distributive form.
[0121] The dish washing machine may further include a dirt cover
140 coupled to the open top of the dirt catching chamber 152 in
order to prevent backflow or overflow of the dirt caught in the
dirt catching chamber 152.
[0122] The dirt cover 140 may be joined to the sump housing 150 by
a screw S. To this end, screw fastening holes 143 and 158 (FIG. 5)
may be formed respectively in the dirt cover 140 and the sump
housing 150. In addition, the sump housing 150 may include a cover
support 159 protruding toward the water storage space 151 to
support the edge of the dirt cover 140.
[0123] The dirt cover 140 may include a cover portion 141 arranged
approximately horizontally to cover the open top of the dirt
catching chamber 152, and a filter support 142 protruding from the
cover portion 141 to support the microfilter 130.
[0124] The cover portion 141 may be provided with a through hole
144 through which the coarse filter 110 passes. The filter support
142 may include a horizontal support 142a to support the filter
frame 132 of the microfilter 130 and a vertical support 142b to
support the filter mesh 131 of the microfilter 130. The vertical
support 142b may be provided with an insertion groove 142c into
which the middle frame 134 of the filter frame 132 is inserted.
[0125] Through the configuration as above, the dirt cover 140 may
prevent backflow or overflow of the dirt caught in the dirt
catching chamber 152 and support the microfilter 130.
[0126] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a process of catching dirt in
the sump assembly of the dish washing machine of FIG. 1.
[0127] Hereinafter, a process of catching dirt in the sump assembly
of the dish washing machine will be described with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 9.
[0128] Wash water sprayed from the spray units 21, 22 and 23 washes
the dishes and falls to the bottom 13 of the washing tub 12,
causing the dirt to fall. Then, the wash water is moved to the fine
filter 120 by inclination of the bottom 13 of the washing tub
12.
[0129] Then, the wash water reaches the top of the fine filter 120.
After passing the through holes 122 of the fine filter 120, the
wash water is stored in the water storage chamber 151.
[0130] Some of the dirt reaching the fine filter 120 passes through
the through holes 122 of the fine filter 120 and falls into the
circulation chamber 153, and the remaining portion of the dirt is
moved to the coarse filter 110 by inclination of the fine filter
120.
[0131] Some masses of the dirt moved to the coarse filter 110 has a
large size and is thus caught at the exterior of the coarse filter
110, not passing through the through holes 112 of the coarse filter
110. The remaining masses of the dirt pass through the through
holes 112 of the coarse filter 110 and fall into the dirt catching
chamber 152.
[0132] When the circulation pump 43 is driven, the wash water in
the water storage chamber 151 is pumped out to the spray units 21,
22 and 23. At this time, some of the dirt having passed through the
fine filter 120 and fallen into the circulation chamber 153 is also
pumped out. Most of the dirt in the dirt catching chamber 152 fails
to pass through the densely formed microfilter 130 and continues to
remain in the dirt catching chamber 152.
[0133] After the dishes are sufficiently washed by operating the
circulation pump 43 several times, the drainage pump 45 is driven
to drain the wash water. When the drainage pump 45 is driven, the
dirt in the dirt catching chamber 152 and the wash water are
drained from the body 10.
[0134] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a sump, a coarse filter and a
fine filter of a dish washing machine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view illustrating the sump, coarse filter,
fine filter and microfilter of the dish washing machine of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line of FIG. 10. FIG.
13 is an enlarged view illustrating section B of FIG. 12. FIG. 14
is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 10. FIG.
15 is an enlarged view illustrating section C of FIG. 14. FIG. 16
is a plan view illustrating the sump and coarse filter of the dish
washing machine of FIG. 10, in which the coarse filter performs a
locking operation. FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating the coarse
filter of the dish washing machine of FIG. 10. FIG. 18 is a view
illustrating the sump and coarse filter of the dish washing machine
of FIG. 10, in which the coarse filter performs a locking
operation. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sump,
coarse filter and microfilter of the dish washing machine of FIG.
10. FIG. 20 is an enlarged plan view illustrating parts of the
coarse filter and microfilter of the dish washing machine of FIG.
10. FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating the lower portion of a
washing tub of the dish washing machine of FIG. 10.
[0135] Hereinafter, a sump and filters of a dish washing machine
according to an embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 10 to 12.
[0136] According to this embodiment, the dish washing machine
includes a sump 300 to store wash water, a circulation pump 251 to
circulate the wash water from the sump 300 to spray nozzles, a
drainage pump 252 to discharge the wash water in the sump 300 and
dirt from the body, and filters 320, 330 and 340 to filter out the
dirt contained in the wash water.
[0137] A bottom plate 235 of the washing tub is provided with a
drainage hole 250 (FIG. 21) to discharge wash water to the sump
300. The bottom plate 235 of the washing tub may be inclined toward
the drainage hole 250 such that the wash water is guided toward the
drainage hole 250 by gravity.
[0138] The sump 300 may be formed approximately in the shape of a
semi-sphere having an open top. The sump 300 includes a bottom
portion 301, a sidewall portion 303, a water storage chamber 310
formed between the bottom portion 301 and the sidewall portion 303
to store wash water, a circulation port 307 connected with the
circulation pump 251, and a drainage port 308 connected with the
drainage pump 252.
[0139] The filters 320, 330 and 340 includes a fine filter 320
mounted in the drainage hole 250 of the bottom plate 235, a coarse
filter 340 mounted to the sump 300, and a microfilter 330.
[0140] The coarse filter 340 may be approximately formed in a
cylindrical shape. The coarse filter 340 may be mounted on the
inner surface of the sidewall portion 303 of the sump 300.
[0141] The coarse filter 340 may have a filter portion 342 to
filter out dirt having a relatively large size and a handle 341 for
installation of the coarse filter 340. The filter portion 342 of
the coarse filter 340 may be formed on the circumferential surface
of the coarse filter 340.
[0142] The coarse filter 340 is mounted to the sump 300 through a
through hole 339 of the microfilter 330 and a through hole 321 of
the fine filter. The upper portion of the coarse filter 340
protrudes into the washing tub, and the lower portion thereof
protrudes toward a dirt catching chamber 311 of the sump 300. The
dirt catching chamber 311 will be described later.
[0143] The fine filter 320 may have a filter portion 321 to filter
out dirt having a relatively intermediate size or large size and a
through hole 322 through which the coarse filter 340 passes. The
fine filter 320 is approximately horizontally mounted on the
drainage hole 250 in the bottom plate 235 of the washing tub. The
fine filter 320 may be inclined to allow the wash water to be
guided toward the through hole 322 by gravity.
[0144] The wash water in the washing tub may flow toward the coarse
filter 340 along the fine filter 320. Some of the wash water and
dirt may pass through the filter portion 321 of the fine filter 320
and flow directly to the water storage chamber 310 of the sump
300.
[0145] The microfilter 330 may have a filer portion 331 adapted to
filter out dirt of a relatively small size or a size greater than
the small size and having a flat shape, frames 332, 333 and 335 to
support the filter portion 331, and a through hole 339 through
which the coarse filter 340 passes.
[0146] The frames 332, 333 and 335 include an upper frame 332, a
lower frame 333, and side frames 335. The microfilter 330 is
mounted to the sump 300 such that the lower frame 333 closely
contacts the bottom portion 301 of the sump 300 and that the side
frames 335 closely contact the sidewall portion 303 of the sump 300
of the sump 300.
[0147] The microfilter 330 may partition the water storage chamber
310 of the sump 300 into the dirt catching chamber 311 and a
circulation chamber 312. The drainage pump 252 is connected to the
dirt catching chamber 311, and the circulation pump 251 is
connected to the circulation chamber 312.
[0148] Since the lower portion of the coarse filter 340 protrudes
toward the dirt catching chamber 311 as described above, the wash
water and the dirt therein which have passed through the coarse
filter 340 are introduced into the dirt catching chamber 311.
[0149] The wash water introduced into the dirt catching chamber 311
may pass through the microfilter 330 and then flow to the
circulation chamber 312. The dirt contained in the wash water
introduced into the dirt catching chamber 311 fails to pass through
the microfilter 330, and therefore it remains in the dirt catching
chamber 311 without flowing to the circulation chamber 312.
[0150] The dirt caught in the dirt catching chamber 311 may be
discharged from the body along with the wash water when the
drainage pump 252 is driven.
[0151] Meanwhile, to prevent the dirt in the dirt catching chamber
311 from flowing into the circulation chamber 312 through a gap
between the microfilter 330 and the sump 300, the microfilter 330
should closely contact the bottom portion 301 and sidewall portion
303 of the sump 300.
[0152] To this end, the lower frame 333 of the microfilter 330 may
be provided with a lower sealing groove 334, and each of the side
frames 335 may be provided with a side sealing protrusion 336. The
bottom portion 301 of the sump 300 may be correspondingly provided
with a lower sealing protrusion 302 inserted into the lower sealing
groove 334, and the sidewall portion 303 of the sump 300 may be
correspondingly provided with a side sealing groove 304 allowing
the side sealing protrusion 336 to be inserted thereinto.
[0153] By the structures of the lower and side protrusions and
grooves, sealing of the microfilter 330 and the sump 300 may be
enhanced.
[0154] Meanwhile, the coarse filter 340 may be mounted to the sump
300 when it is inserted vertically downward into the sump 300 and
turned from a release position to a lock position.
[0155] To this end, the outer circumferential surface of the coarse
filter 340 may be provided with a mounting protrusion 343, and the
inner surface of the sidewall portion 303 of the sump 300 may be
provided with a mounting groove 305 into which the mounting
protrusion 343 is horizontally inserted when the coarse filter 340
is turned from the release position to the lock position.
[0156] The mounting protrusion 343 may have an upward inclination
surface 344 inclined upward as it extends in the direction of
turning of the coarse filter 340 from the release position to the
lock position. The mounting groove 305 may have a downward
inclination surface 306 inclined downward as it extends in the
direction of turning of the coarse filter 340 from the release
position to the lock position.
[0157] With this configuration, when the coarse filter 340 is
turned from the release position to the lock position, the upward
inclination surface 344 of the mounting protrusion 343 may slide
along the downward inclination surface 306 of the mounting groove
305, thereby causing the coarse filter 340 to move downward.
[0158] When the coarse filter 340 is turned from the release
position to the lock position, it may press the microfilter 330
downward while moving downward. To this end, the coarse filter 340
may have a downwardly pressing surface 345 which is horizontally
formed to press the microfilter 330 downward. The microfilter 330
may have a downwardly pressed surface 337 which is horizontally
formed to be pressed by the downwardly pressing surface 345.
[0159] As the coarse filter 340 presses the microfilter 330
downward by being turned from the release position to the lock
position, sealing of the gap between the lower frame 333 of the
microfilter 330 and the bottom portion 301 of the sump 300 may be
further enhanced, and displacement of the microfilter 330 may be
prevented.
[0160] In addition, the coarse filter 340 may have a laterally
pressing surface 346 formed by radially outward expansion of a
portion of the outer circumferential surface of the coarse filter
340 so as to laterally pressing the microfilter 330 when it is
turned from the release position to the lock position. That is, the
coarse filter 340 may have a bulging shape or an oval shape.
[0161] The microfilter 330 may have a laterally pressed surface 338
which is laterally pressed by the laterally pressing surface
346.
[0162] With this configuration, the microfilter 330 is laterally
pressed when the coarse filter 340 is turned from the release
position to the lock position. Thereby, sealing of the gap between
the side frames 335 of the microfilter 330 and the sidewall portion
303 of the sump 300 may be enhanced.
[0163] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 21, the coarse filter 340 may be
disposed such that one of two sidewalls 233 and 234 of the washing
tub is closer than the other one of the sidewalls 233 and 234 to
the coarse filter 340. That is, the coarse filter 340 may be
disposed such that the left sidewall 233 is closer than the right
sidewall 234 to the coarse filter 340. That is the coarse filter
340 is disposed off center of the center line of the bottom of the
washing tub. As the coarse filter 340 is disposed as above, the
coarse filter 340 may be readily removed without being interfered
with by a rail 440, which guides movement of the reflecting plate
400.
[0164] As is apparent from the above description, according to
embodiments, a microfilter disposed in a water storage chamber to
define a dirt catching chamber for catching of dirt has a flat
shape which is simpler than the conventional cylindrical shape.
[0165] Thereby, the cost of fabrication of fabricating the
microfilter may be reduced.
[0166] In addition, cleaning the microfilter may be facilitated.
For example, installing a spray nozzle for spray of wash water for
cleaning of a filter in a water storage chamber may facilitate
cleaning of the microfilter.
[0167] Moreover, since a dirt catching chamber to catch dirt and a
circulation chamber to circulate wash water through a spray unit
are respectively defined by a microfilter and a sidewall portion
and bottom portion of a sump housing, the dirt catching chamber and
the circulation chamber may take a concentrated form.
[0168] Accordingly, wash water may smoothly flow from the
circulation chamber into a circulation flow passage, and designing
the sizes and specific shapes of the dirt catching chamber and the
circulation chamber may be facilitated.
[0169] For example, in the case of a sump assembly having a
conventional cylindrical microfilter, the circulation chamber is
formed in a doughnut shape between the exterior of the microfilter
and the sump housing, and accordingly increasing the diameter of
the microfilter to increase the size of the dirt catching chamber
may adversely affect flow of wash water in the circulation
chamber.
[0170] On the contrary, a circulation chamber according to an
embodiment takes a concentrated form rather than having a doughnut
shape, and accordingly it may enhance flow of wash water compared
to conventional cases. In addition, shifting the microfilter toward
the circulation chamber to increase the size of the dirt catching
chamber may rarely change flow of wash water in the circulation
chamber.
[0171] According to embodiments, sealing of a microfilter and a
sump may be enhanced. Thereby, the dirt catching capability of the
dish washing machine may be improved.
[0172] In addition, as a course filter is arranged such that one of
the two sidewalls is closer than the other sidewall to the coarse
filter. Accordingly, the coarse filter may be readily installed and
separated without being interfered with by rails guiding the
vane.
[0173] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it
would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may
be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles
and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *