Appliance control system with auxiliary inputs

摘要

An appliance controller includes a plurality of auxiliary inputs for adjusting parameters of appliance operation such as washing machine operation (e.g. water temperature, rinse options, water level, speeds and/or the like). Each auxiliary input unit acts as a low power potentiometer. The various auxiliary units are connected in series. Each auxiliary unit produces a variable resistance based on position of a control knob of the auxiliary unit. The auxiliary inputs cooperate with each other to produce a unique aggregate resistance signal for the particular arrangement of users knobs of the various auxiliary input units. This unique resistance signal is sent to the processor thereby providing user selection information relating to the various auxiliary input units to the processor. In one form, each auxiliary input unit requires only two wires thereby eliminating a substantial amount of wiring. In one form, a detent plate and associated grooves is provided to simulate tactile feedback experienced when a traditional appliance input knob is rotated.