Patent ID: 10349807

Abstract:
A foreign object protection system for dishwashers is disclosed. The foreign object protection system prevents large objects from damaging other components of a dishwasher. An example dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils for treatment according to the at least one automatic cycle of operation, a sump fluidly coupled to the tub and collecting liquid supplied to the tub, a recirculation pump having an inlet fluidly coupled to the sump and an outlet fluidly coupled to the tub to recirculate liquid from the sump to the treating chamber; and a foreign object protection system comprising an inclined grate, and fluidly separating the sump and the outlet; wherein liquid in the tub collects in the sump and is recirculated by actuating the recirculation pump such that the liquid in the sump is drawn through the foreign object screen and expelled through the outlet to the tub and the foreign object screen protects the recirculation pump from harmful objects.