U.S. patent application number 16/016743 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-26 for household appliance including a mountable wireless communication module.
The applicant listed for this patent is WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Wyndham F. Gary, Jr., Jonathan D. Gephart, John Howard Lanham.
Application Number | 20190387950 16/016743 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66826929 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190387950 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gary, Jr.; Wyndham F. ; et
al. |
December 26, 2019 |
HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE INCLUDING A MOUNTABLE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
MODULE
Abstract
A household appliance that includes a selectively mountable
wireless communication module. The selectively mountable wireless
communication module can be selectively mounted in a toe kick area
of the household appliance. The household appliance can be, but is
not limited to, a dishwasher, an oven, a refrigerator, a freezer, a
microwave, a washing machine, a dryer, or a combo washer-dryer.
Inventors: |
Gary, Jr.; Wyndham F.;
(Whitefish Bay, WI) ; Gephart; Jonathan D.; (Saint
Joseph, MI) ; Lanham; John Howard; (Saint Joseph,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66826929 |
Appl. No.: |
16/016743 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/4251 20130101;
A47L 2401/10 20130101; D06F 33/00 20130101; A47L 2401/19 20130101;
A47L 15/006 20130101; A47L 2401/12 20130101; D06F 34/28 20200201;
A47L 15/0063 20130101; A47L 15/4297 20130101; D06F 39/125 20130101;
A47L 15/4295 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/00 20060101
A47L015/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. The dishwasher of claim 21 comprising a toe kick plate located
in the toe kick area.
3. The dishwasher of claim 2 wherein the first and second wireless
communication mounts are located behind the toe kick plate.
4. The dishwasher of claim 21 further comprising left and right
legs at the bottom-front of the dishwasher.
5. The dishwasher of claim 4 wherein the first and second wireless
communication mounts are adjacent a corresponding one of the left
and right legs.
6. The dishwasher of claim 5 further comprising a left and right
foot extending from the left and right legs.
7. The dishwasher of claim 6 wherein at least one of the legs and
feet are radio wave transmissive.
8. The dishwasher of claim 4 further comprising a base frame with a
pair of side walls connected by cross bars, with the side walls
having the first and second wireless communication mounts.
9. The dishwasher of claim 21 wherein the single wireless
communication module further comprises a transmitter and
receiver.
10. The dishwasher of claim 21 further comprising a wired connector
electrically connecting the single antenna directly to the
controller.
11. The dishwasher of claim 10 wherein the controller is located
centrally between left and right sides of the dishwasher.
12. The dishwasher of claim 11 wherein the door assembly defines
front of a dishwasher and the controller is located within the door
assembly.
13. (canceled)
14. The household appliance of claim 22 comprising a toe kick plate
located in the toe kick area.
15. The household appliance of claim 14 wherein the first and
second wireless communication mounts are located behind the toe
kick plate.
16. The household appliance of claim 22 further comprising left and
right legs at the bottom-front of the housing wherein the first and
second wireless communication mounts are adjacent a corresponding
one of the left and right legs.
17. The household appliance of claim 16 further comprising feet
extending from the left and right legs wherein at least one of the
legs and the feet are radio wave transmissive.
18. The household appliance of claim 16 further comprising a base
frame with a pair of side walls connected by cross bars, with the
side walls having the first and second wireless communication
mounts.
19. The household appliance of claim 22 wherein the single wireless
communication module further comprises a transmitter and
receiver.
20. The household appliance of claim 22 further comprising a wired
connector electrically connecting the single antenna directly to
the controller.
21. A dishwasher for treating dishes according to at least one
automatic cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising: a tub at
least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening;
a door assembly movable between opened/closed positions to
selectively open/close the access opening of the tub; a toe kick
area along a bottom-front of the dishwasher wherein at least a
portion of the door assembly overhangs the toe kick area; a first
wireless communication mount located at a left side of the toe kick
area; a second wireless communication mount located at a right side
of the toe kick area; a single wireless communication module
comprising a single antenna, the single wireless communication
module selectively mountable to either one of the first wireless
communication mount or the second wireless communication mount,
wherein the selective mounting of the single wireless communication
module to either the first wireless communication mount or the
second wireless communication mount is selected based on which of
the first wireless communication mount or the second wireless
communication mount provides a stronger wireless communication
signal for the single wireless communication module; and a
controller configured to communicate with the single wireless
communication module.
22. A household appliance comprising: a housing defining an
interior and having a toe kick area along a bottom-front of the
housing and a front overhanging the toe kick area; a controller
located within the interior; a first wireless communication mount
located at a left side of the toe kick area; a second wireless
communication mount located at a right side of the toe kick area;
and a single wireless communication module comprising a single
antenna, the single wireless communication module selectively
mountable to either one of the first wireless communication mount
or the second wireless communication mount, wherein the selective
mounting of the single wireless communication module to either the
first wireless communication mount or the second wireless
communication mount is selected based on which of the first
wireless communication mount or the second wireless communication
mount provides a stronger wireless communication signal for the
single wireless communication module; and wherein the controller is
configured to communicate with the single wireless communication
module.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Users are increasingly interested in remote communication
with household appliances, including dishwashers, in order to
efficiently manage usage of the appliance. It is known to provide a
household appliance, such as a dishwasher, with an antenna to
facilitate remote communication. Providing a household appliance
with an antenna is challenging because most household appliances
are primarily constructed of metal that is electrically connected
to earth ground, which acts as a large Faraday shield and does not
allow wireless signals to escape the household appliance. Previous
solutions have included mounting an antenna away from the household
appliance, or mounting an antenna on one of the outside surfaces of
the household appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0002] In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a dishwasher for
treating dishes according to at least one automatic cycle of
operation. The dishwasher can include a tub that at least partially
defines a treating chamber with an access opening. The dishwasher
can also include a door assembly movable between opened/closed
positions to selectively open/close the access opening of the tub
and a toe kick area along a bottom-front of the dishwasher wherein
at least part of the door assembly overhangs the toe kick area. A
first wireless communication mount can be located at a left side of
the toe kick area and a second wireless communication mount can be
located at a right side of the toe kick area. A wireless
communication module that includes at least an antenna can be
selectively mounted at either the first wireless communication
mount or the second wireless communication mount. A controller can
be configured to communicate with the wireless communication
module.
[0003] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a household
appliance that includes a housing that defines an interior with a
toe kick area along a bottom-front of the housing and a front
overhanging the toe kick area. The household appliance can also
include a controller located within the interior. A first wireless
communication mount can be located at a left side of the toe kick
area and a second wireless communication mount can be located at a
right side of the toe kick area. A wireless communication module
that includes at least an antenna can be selectively mounted in
either the first wireless communication mount or the second
wireless communication mount.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] In the drawings:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a dishwasher
in accordance with various aspects described herein, including a
Wireless communication module located in either of two front
corners behind a toe kick plate in a toe kick area.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a controller of the dishwasher
of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the toe kick area of
the dishwasher of FIG. 1, with the toe kick plate exploded for
better viewing of a base for the dishwasher.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of a portion of the
base for the dishwasher of FIG. 1, with a wireless communication
module show in a pre-installed position.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a right side perspective view of the portion of
the dishwasher of FIG. 4 after the wireless communication module is
installed.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of the dishwasher
illustrating wireless communication signal ranges.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a generic household
appliance according to another aspect of the present
disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
[0012] Household appliances present a unique and difficult
challenge for wireless communication, such as a WI-FI connection.
Most household appliances have a major portion of which is metal,
especially electrically-grounded metal, which functions as a
Faraday cage to block the receipt/transmission of radio waves. In
addition to the appliance itself blocking the wireless signal, the
location of the appliance with respect to the wireless router or
with respect to other appliances further compounds the problem. As
there is no standardized location for wireless routers or
appliances within a home, the problem is further compounded.
Similarly, in the case of a kitchen installation, the
non-standardized location of appliances can also compound the
problem.
[0013] All other things being equal, the front side of the
appliance is normally a better location for a wireless
communication module than a rear side because the rear side of the
appliance is normally against an exterior wall, and the metal
portion of the household appliance lies between the rear wall and
the interior of the home, where the wireless router is typically
located, which would normally interfere with transmission into the
interior of the house from a wireless communications module on the
rear wall.
[0014] Of the front of the appliance, the lower toe-kick area
provides a good location, from a design perspective, to locate the
wireless module as the toe-kick area is not readily visible to the
user, making it possible to make the toe-kick plate in the toe-kick
area from a non-metal material without interfering with the visual
aesthetic of a metal face (cabinet fronts, doors, etc.) found on
most appliances.
[0015] Depending on the position of other appliances or the
wireless router, one of the front corners tends to be better than
the other for a specific home. Of course, which corner is better is
not known until the appliance is installed. Thus, it is beneficial
to provide a mounting location for the wireless communication
module at both lower front corners, and let the installer determine
which is best.
[0016] As many parts of an appliance, such as the base and/or feet,
are made of metal, which could block part of the signal to/from the
wireless communication module, it may be beneficial to make some of
these historically metal parts out of a non-metal.
[0017] Therefore, the aspects of the present disclosure are
generally directed to a selectively mountable wireless
communication module for a household appliance, for example, a
dishwasher. In order to provide optimal signal for a particular
installation location, the wireless communication module can be
mounted in a first or second wireless communication mount located
in a toe-kick area of the household appliance.
[0018] All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, proximal,
distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral,
front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal,
clockwise, counterclockwise, upstream, downstream, forward, aft,
etc.) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's
understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create
limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use
of aspects of the disclosure described herein. Connection
references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, secured, fastened,
and joined) are to be construed broadly and can include
intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative
movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such,
connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements
are directly connected and in fixed relation to one another. The
exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the
dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the
drawings attached hereto can vary.
[0019] In FIG. 1, an automated dishwasher 10 according to an aspect
of the present disclosure is illustrated. The dishwasher 10 shares
many features of a conventional automated dishwasher, which will
not be described in detail herein except as necessary for a
complete understanding. A chassis 12 can define an interior of the
dishwasher 10 and can include a frame, with or without panels
mounted to the frame. The chassis 12 can also include a base frame
70. By way of non-limiting example, the base frame 70 can be
included in the chassis 12. An open-faced tub 14 can be provided
within the base frame 70, such that the base frame 70 supports the
tub 14. The tub 14 can at least partially define a treating chamber
16, having an open face, for washing dishes. A closure, or door
assembly 18 can be movably mounted to the dishwasher 10 for
movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open
and close the open face of the tub 14. Thus, the door assembly
provides accessibility to the treating chamber 16 for the loading
and unloading of dishes or other washable items.
[0020] It should be appreciated that the door assembly 18 can be
secured to the lower front edge of the tub 14 via a hinge assembly
(not shown) configured to pivot the door assembly 18 or to a
portion of the chassis 12. When the door assembly 18 is closed, an
access opening 17 to the treating chamber 16 can be closed, whereas
the access opening 17 to the treating chamber 16 can be open when
the door assembly 18 is open. The door assembly 18 overhangs a toe
kick area 20 that is located along the bottom-front 22 of the
dishwasher 10. The toe kick area 20 can include a toe kick plate
24. The toe kick plate 24 can be made of a material that is
transparent to wireless communication signals and is therefore
radio wave transmissive. A non-limiting example of a radio wave
transmissive material that can be used to construct the toe kick
plate 24 includes plastic.
[0021] Dish holders, illustrated in the form of upper and lower
dish racks 26, 28, are located within the treating chamber 16 and
receive dishes for washing. The upper and lower racks 26, 28 are
typically mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treating
chamber 16 for ease of loading and unloading. Other dish holders
can be provided, such as a silverware basket. As used in this
description, the term "dish(es)" is intended to be generic to any
item, single or plural, that can be treated in the dishwasher 10,
including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans,
glassware, and silverware.
[0022] A spray system is provided for spraying liquid in the
treating chamber 16 and is provided in the form of a first lower
spray assembly 34, a second lower spray assembly 36, a rotating
mid-level spray arm assembly 38, and/or an upper spray arm assembly
40. Upper spray arm assembly 40, mid-level rotatable sprayer 38 and
lower rotatable sprayer 34 are located, respectively, above the
upper rack 26, beneath the upper rack 26, and beneath the lower
rack 28 and are illustrated as rotating spray arms. The second
lower spray assembly 36 is illustrated as being located adjacent
the lower dish rack 28 toward the rear of the treating chamber 16.
The second lower spray assembly 36 is illustrated as including a
vertically oriented distribution header or spray manifold 44. Such
a spray manifold is set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,594,513,
issued Sep. 29, 2009, and titled "Multiple Wash Zone Dishwasher,"
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0023] A recirculation system is provided for recirculating liquid
from the treating chamber 16 to the spray system. The recirculation
system can include a sump 30 and a pump assembly 31. The sump 30
collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber 16 and can be
formed by a sloped or recess portion of a bottom wall of the tub
14. The pump assembly 31 can include both a drain pump 32 and one
or more recirculation pumps 33. The drain pump 32 can draw liquid
from the sump 30 and pump the liquid out of the dishwasher 10 to a
household drain line (not shown). The recirculation pump 33 can
draw liquid from the sump 30 and the liquid can be simultaneously
or selectively pumped through a supply tube 42 to each of the
assemblies 34, 36, 38, 40 for selective spraying. While not shown,
a liquid supply system can include a water supply conduit coupled
with a household water supply for supplying water to the treating
chamber 16. The household water supply can include a household cold
water supply, household hot water supply, or a mixture as
desired.
[0024] A heating system including a heating element 46 can be
located within the sump 30 for heating the liquid contained in the
sump 30.
[0025] A controller 50 can also be included in the dishwasher 10,
which can be operably coupled with various components of the
dishwasher 10 to implement a cycle of operation. The controller 50
can be located within the door assembly 18 as illustrated.
Alternatively the controller 50 can be located in the toe kick area
20 or somewhere within the chassis 12. The controller 50 can also
be operably coupled with a control panel or user interface 56 for
receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the
user. The user interface 56 can include operational controls such
as dials, lights, switches, and displays enabling a user to input
commands, such as a cycle of operation, to the controller 50 and
receive information.
[0026] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 2, the controller 50
can be coupled with the heating element 46 for heating the wash
liquid during a cycle of operation, the drain pump 32 for draining
liquid from the treating chamber 16, and the recirculation pump 33
for recirculating the wash liquid during the cycle of operation.
The controller 50 can be provided with a memory 52 and a central
processing unit (CPU) 54. The memory 52 can be used for storing
control software that can be executed by the CPU 54 in completing a
cycle of operation using the dishwasher 10 and any additional
software. For example, the memory 52 can store one or more
pre-programmed cycles of operation that can be selected by a user
and completed by the dishwasher 10. The controller 50 can also
receive input from one or more sensors 58. Non-limiting examples of
sensors that can be communicably coupled with the controller 50
include a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and turbidity sensor
to determine the soil load associated with a selected grouping of
dishes, such as the dishes associated with a particular area of the
treating chamber 16. The controller 50 can also be configured to
communicate with a wireless communication module 60. The wireless
communication module 60 includes at least an antenna 62. The
wireless communication module 60 can include, but is not limited
to, a transmitter 64 and a receiver 66.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher 10 from
FIG. 1 with the toe kick plate 24 removed. The base frame 70 can
include a pair of side walls (74a, 74b) connected by one or more
cross bars 76. As illustrated in a non-limiting example, a first
side wall 74a is located on the left side 82 of the toe kick area
20 and a second side wall 74b is located on the right side 92 of
the toe kick area 20. The first and second side walls 74a, 74b can
be made of a material that is radio wave transmissive.
[0028] A left leg 78 can couple to the first side wall 74a located
in the toe kick area 20 of the bottom-front 22 of the dishwasher
10. A first wireless communication mount 80 is adjacent to the left
leg 78 located at a left side 82 of the toe kick area 20. The left
leg 78 can also include a left foot 84 that extends from the left
leg 78. The left foot 84 can be used to help level the dishwasher
10. The left leg 78 or the left foot 84 can be made of a material
that is radio wave transmissive.
[0029] Spaced some distance from the left leg 78, a right leg 88
can couple to the second side wall 74b located in the toe kick area
20 of the bottom-front 22 of the dishwasher 10. A second wireless
communication mount 90 is adjacent to the right leg 88 located at a
right side 92 of the toe kick area 20. The right leg 88 can also
include a right foot 94 that extends from the right leg 88. The
right foot 94 can be used to help level the dishwasher 10. The
right leg 88 or the right foot 94 can be made of a material that is
radio wave transmissive.
[0030] The wireless communication module 60 can use radio waves to
communicate information between the dishwasher 10 and other
household wireless communication devices. The wireless
communication module 60 can be mounted in the first wireless
communication mount 80. A wired connector 86 can electrically
connect the wireless communication module 60 to the controller 50.
The wired connector 86 can couple to or through the chassis 12 or
the base frame 70 at a central location 85 in the toe kick area
20.
[0031] Alternatively, the wireless communication module 60 can be
mounted in the second wireless communication mount 90 as an
alternative to the first wireless communication mount 80. The wired
connector 86 can electrically connect the wireless communication
module 60 to the controller 50 when the wireless communication
module 60 is mounted in the second wireless communication mount 90.
The controller 50 can be mounted, as an alternative, to the toe
kick area 20. The controller 50 can be located centrally between
the left and right sides of the housing whether it is mounted in
the toe kick area 20, the door assembly 18, or another part of the
chassis 12.
[0032] The toe kick plate 24 is illustrated as exploded in FIG. 3
to reveal the toe kick area 20. When the toe kick plate 24 is
replaced, left and right legs 78, 88 and the first and second
wireless communication mounts 80, 90 will be located behind the toe
kick plate 24 as demonstrated in FIG. 1. The toe kick plate 24 is
made of a material that is radio wave transmissive.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a close up of the second side wall 74b on the
right side 92 of the toe kick area 20. The second side wall 74b is
constructed, molded or cast from a material that is radio wave
transmissive, such as a plastic. The right leg 88 can be a portion
of the second side wall 74b or coupled to the second side wall 74b.
The right leg 88 can be made of a material that is radio wave
transmissive. The right foot 94 can be threaded into the right leg
88 by twisting means. The right foot 94 can couple to the right leg
88 using alternative methods known in the art. The right foot can
be made of a material that is radio wave transmissive.
[0034] The second side wall second 74b can include the second
wireless communication mount 90. The second wireless communication
mount 90 can be formed as a pocket area 95 defined by the second
side wall 74b and a brace 96. Alternatively, the second wireless
communication mount 90 can form a pocket area that can be coupled
to the second side wall 74b.
[0035] The pocket area 95 is designed to slidably receive the
wireless communication module 60. In FIG. 4 the wireless
communication module 60 is illustrated as in an unmounted position.
The wireless communication module 60 can include a cover 100 made
of a material that is radio wave transmissive. The cover 100 can
include a recess 102. When slideably mounted into the pocket area
95 of the second wireless communication mount 90, the recess 102
can receive a detent 98 located on the brace 96.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates the wireless communication module 60
inside the cover 100 slidably mounted to into the pocket area 95 of
the second wireless communication mount 90. The wireless
communication module 60 can be secured to the wireless
communication mount 90 by the brace 96. The wireless communication
module can be further be secured by the fitting of the detent 98
into the recess 102 (not shown).
[0037] The wireless communication module 60 includes the wired
connector 86 to communicate with the controller 50. With the
wireless communication module 60 mounted to the second wireless
communication mount 90, the position of the wired connector 86 can
be guided by a hook 104 that is formed as a part of or coupled to
the second side wall 74b.
[0038] While only the right side 92 is illustrated in FIG. 4 and
FIG. 5; it is understood that the left side 82 and corresponding
components would have the same features in mirror image to those on
the right side 92.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates is a schematic top-down view of the
dishwasher to graphically demonstrate wireless communication signal
regions. When the wireless communication module 60 is selectively
mounted in the first wireless communication mount 80, the estimated
wireless communication signal range is demonstrated, but limited
to, the angle at the first wireless communication mount 80
represented by a first region 110. When the wireless communication
module 60 is selectively mounted to the second wireless
communication mount 90, the estimated signal range is demonstrated,
but not limited to the angle at the second wireless communication
mount 90 represented by a second region 120.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic front view of a household
appliance 210 with a housing 212 that defines an interior 202.
[0041] The household appliance 210 is substantially similar to the
dishwasher 10. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like
numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the
description of the like parts of the dishwasher 10 applies to the
household appliance 210 unless otherwise noted.
[0042] A bottom front 222 of the housing 212 of the household
appliance 210 includes a toe kick area 220. At least part of the
housing 212 overhangs the toe kick area 220. The household
appliance 210 can include a first wireless communication mount 280
located at a left side 282 of the toe kick area 220. The household
appliance 210 also includes a second wireless communication mount
290 on the right side 292 of the toe kick area 220. The first and
second wireless communication mounts 280, 290, as well as other
aspects of the toe kick area 220, can be constructed or cast from a
material(s) that are radio wave transmissive.
[0043] A controller 250 is located in the interior 202 of the
household appliance 210. The controller 250 can communicate with a
wireless communication module 260 via wired connector 286. The
wireless communication module 260 can include an antenna (not
shown). Additionally or alternatively to the antenna, the wireless
communication module 260 can include a transmitter or receiver.
[0044] The wireless communication module 260 including at least the
antenna, can be selectively mounted in the second wireless
communication mount 290. Alternatively, the wireless communication
module 260 can be removed from the second wireless communication
mount 290 and selectively mounted in the first wireless
communication mount 280.
[0045] The household appliance 210 can be, but is not limited to, a
dishwasher, an oven, a refrigerator, a freezer, a microwave, a
washing machine, a dryer, or a combo washer-dryer.
[0046] In operation, a user or technician can remove the toe kick
plate 24 in the bottom-front 22 of the dishwasher 10. Once removed,
the toe kick area 20 is accessible. The wireless communication
module 60 can be selectively mounted in the first wireless
communication mount 80. The first wireless communication mount 80
is located on the left side 82 of the toe kick area 20; adjacent to
the left leg 78. The wireless communication module 60 can be
coupled to the first wireless communication mount 80 using the
alignment of the detent 98 on the brace 96 of the first wireless
communication mount 80 and the recess 102 in the cover 100 of the
wireless communication module 60. Alternatively or additionally,
other clasping or latching techniques can be used to secure the
removable wireless communication module 60 to the first wireless
communication mount 80. The wired connector 86 can be guided into a
proper location using the hook 104. Additionally or alternative,
other wire guiding methods can be used to ensure the placement of
the wired connector 86.
[0047] Once the wireless communication module 60 is mounted in the
first wireless communication mount 80, the estimated signal range
can be the first region 110.
[0048] The user or technician can remove the wireless communication
module 60 from the first wireless communication mount 80 and free
the wired connector 86 from the hook 104. The user or technician
can then selectively mount the wireless communication module 60 in
the second wireless communication mount 90. The second wireless
communication mount 90 is located on the right side 92 of the toe
kick are 20; adjacent to the right leg 88. Similar latching and
clasping techniques to those discloses above for the first wireless
communication mount 80 can be used to mount the wireless
communication module 60 to the second wireless communication mount
90. Similarly, the hook 104, or any acceptable wire guide method
can be used to position the wired connector 86. Once the wireless
communication module 60 is mounted in the second wireless
communication mount 90, the estimated signal range can be the
second region 120.
[0049] Depending on the geometry of other household appliances,
other wireless communication devices, and location of the
dishwasher 10, the user or technician can decide which of the first
and second wireless communication mounts 80, 90 gives the user the
strongest signal.
[0050] One advantage of the present disclosure is that with a
selectively mountable wireless communication module 60, a much
broader region of signal is available without adding one or more
additional antennas to the household appliance.
[0051] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the
wired connector 86 couples to or through the chassis 12 or the base
frame 70 at the central location 85 in the toe kick area 20. This
ensures that the communication between the wireless communication
module 60 and the controller 50 is maintained as the wireless
communication module 60 moves between the first and second wireless
communication mounts 80, 90. Moving the wireless communication
module 60 from the first wireless communication mount 80 to the
second wireless communication mount 90 or vice versa does not
require the attachment or detachment of wires; nor the presence of
additional wires.
[0052] To the extent not already described, the different features
and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination
with each other as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated
in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot
be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various
features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as
desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are
expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features
described herein are covered by this disclosure.
[0053] This written description uses examples to disclose aspects
of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any
person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure,
including making and using any devices or systems and performing
any incorporated methods. While aspects of the disclosure have been
specifically described in connection with certain specific details
thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration
and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are
possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings
without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, which is
defined in the appended claims.
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