Controller for standby power drawn by washing machine, determines mains current supply in correspondence with user settings, on wash cycle completion

摘要

A power supply unit (150) supplies current from the mains, as required by the machine. A controller (130) determines whether or not the washing machine is to be supplied with mains current corresponding with a user setting, when a wash cycle has been completed, or when an instruction to switch off is entered. The output current of the power supply is controlled in accordance with this determination. The switch unit included, switches the output current from the power supply on or off, as a function of a signal from the controller. The switch unit is a relay (160), its coil being coil connected to the control signal output from the controller. The switch is connected to the mains supply line of the power supply and switches on or off in accordance with the control of the coil. A key input unit (120) enables input of user settings. These determine whether mains current is to be supplied or not, when the wash cycle ends, or on entry of a switch-off instruction. A memory (140) inputs user keyed-in settings and is used in determining whether mains current is to be supplied or not. The power is switched off or the machine is placed in a standby mode, in which the mains current remains on. A data communications unit (110) and monitoring unit are provided. These are used for remote control and monitoring. Modes are provided in which sufficient current supply is, or is not retained for further communication. Wireless, or power line communication (PLC) is invoked. An independent claim IS INCLUDED FOR the corresponding method.