Drain pump assembly for a dishwasher appliance

Abstract

A dishwasher appliance is provided having a sump for collecting wash fluid and a drain pump assembly for discharging wash fluid. The sump defines a drain basin and a drain cover is positioned over the drain basin to define a drain volute. A drain pump impeller is positioned within the drain volute on a drive shaft driven by a motor in a first direction during a wash cycle and in an opposite second direction during a drain cycle. During the wash cycle, soil enters the drain volute through a suction inlet defined by the drain cover where it is urged radially outward and trapped within the drain basin. When the motor operation is reversed, the drain pump impeller discharges the soiled wash fluid from the drain volute through a discharge conduit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and more particularly to an improved drain pump assembly for dishwasher appliances.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber. Rack assemblies can be mounted within the wash chamber of the tub for receipt of articles for washing. Wash fluid (e.g., various combinations of water and detergent along with optional additives) may be introduced into the tub where it collects in a sump space at the bottom of the wash chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, a pump may be used to circulate wash fluid to spray assemblies within the wash chamber that can apply or direct wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. During a drain cycle, a pump may periodically discharge soiled wash fluid that collects in the sump space and the process may be repeated.[0003]Conventional dishwasher applianc...

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