Controller effectively controlling the power for a washing machine or a dryer, and a method for doing the same

• US 8,051,685 B2
• Filed: 10/16/2009
• Issued: 11/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/11/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Original Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Inventors: Kim, Byung Chan
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson; Frankie L
• Application Number:
  US12/580,910
• Publication Number:
  US 20100037659A1
• Time in Patent Office: 753 Days
• Field of Search: 68/120.1, 134/113
• US Class Current: 68/12.02
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2103/44 Current or voltage
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 33/46 Control of the energy or water consumption
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/05 for wireless communication between components, e.g. for remote monitoring or control
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/10 Power supply arrangements, e.g. stand-by circuits
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 58/48 Control of the energy consumption
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 40/00 Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a controller effectively controlling the power for a washing machine and a drier, and a method of doing the same. More particularly, it relates to a controller for a washing machine or a dryer, and a method for supplying the power so that a washing machine and a drier as a one body may perform an optimal efficiency in a range of a current limit, when supplied the power by the same power source. A controller for a washing machine comprising a micom; and communication means for communicating with a controller of a dryer. A controller for a dryer comprising a micom; and communication means for communicating with the controller of the washing machine.

Claims

1. A controller for a washing machine comprising:

a micom wherein an optimal performance electric current value for a washing machine and an electric current limit for concurrent operation of the washing machine and the dryer are set therein; and

communication means for communicating with a controller of a dryer,

wherein the micom determines through the communication with the dryer an electric current value to be supplied to the washing machine according to an operation state of the dryer, and

wherein the micom determines the electric current value to be supplied to the washing machine out of the electric current limit, corresponding to a ratio between the optimal performance electric current values of the washing machine and the dryer, once the motor for driving the drum of the dryer is judged to be operated.

3. The controller for the washing machine of claim 1, wherein the micom determines the electric current value to be supplied to the washing machine as the optimal performance current value of the washing machine, once a motor for driving a drum of the dryer is judged not to be operated.

5. The controller for the washing machine of claim 3, wherein, the micom determines the electric current value to be supplied to the washing machine as one of the optimal performance current value of the washing machine and the electric current value given after subtracting the optimal performance current value of the dryer from the current limit value is supplied to the washing machine, once the motor for driving the drum of the dryer is judged to be operated.

2. A controller for a dryer comprising:

a micom wherein an optimal performance electric current value for a dryer and an electric current limit for concurrent operation of the washing machine and the dryer are set therein; and

communication means for communicating with the controller of the washing machine,

wherein the micom determines through the communication with the washing machine an electric current value to be supplied to the dryer according to an operation state of the washing machine, and

wherein, the micom determines the electric current value to be supplied to the dryer out of the electric current limit, corresponding to a ratio between the optimal performance current of the dryer and the washing machine, once the motor for driving the drum of the washing machine is judged to be operated.

4. The controller for the dryer of claim 2, wherein the micom determines the electric current value to be supplied to the dryer as the optimal performance current value of the dryer, once a motor for driving a drum of the washing machine is judged not to be operated.

6. The controller for the dryer of claim 4, wherein, the micom determines the electric current value to be supplied to the dryer as one of the optimal performance current value of the dryer and the electric current value given after subtracting the optimal performance current value of the washing machine from the current limit value, once the motor for driving the drum of the washing machine is judged to be operated.