JP2001046787A - Washer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washer with the less number of parts and requiring simple electric connection work. SOLUTION: A power source circuit 47 and a detection coil 64 of a leak sensor (zero phase converter) are mounted on a circuit substrate, and a power source switch 43 is disposed on the side of the circuit board. A relay contact 44 of the power source switch 43 is electrically provided in one feed passage of the power source circuit 47, and it is operated based on commercial AC power applied on a relay coil 45. In this case, parts of both feed passages of the power source circuit 47 positioned between the relay contact 44 and the power source circuit 47 are inserted into the detection coil 64 of the leak sensor. One feed passage thus becomes linear, so mechanical stress from one feed passage is hard to be applied to the leak sensor. One feed passage can thus be composed of a single relay cord 46, thereby the number of parts items is reduced, and besides, electric connection work is simplified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine configured to detect a current leak based on an output signal from a zero-phase current transformer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional construction of the above washing machine will be described with reference to FIGS. The circuit board 1 shown in FIG. 15 is disposed in the upper cover, and the circuit board 1 has a noise prevention circuit 2 mounted thereon. The relay cords 3a and 3b are connected to both output terminals of the noise prevention circuit 2, and one relay cord 3a is connected to one input terminal of the power supply circuit 4, as shown in FIG.

In the upper cover, as shown in FIG.
A power switch 5 is provided on the side of the circuit board 1. This power switch 5, as shown in FIG.
It has a relay contact 6 and a relay coil 7, and a relay cord 3 b and a switch cord 8 are connected to both terminals of the relay contact 6. The switch cord 8 is connected to an input terminal of the power supply circuit 4. When the user manually operates the plunger of the power supply switch 5, the relay contact 6 is mechanically held in the ON state, and the power supply circuit 4 is turned on. Is supplied with commercial AC power. Then, DC power is supplied from the power supply circuit 4 to the control device 9, and the control device 9 is activated.

As shown in FIG. 15, a zero-phase current transformer 10 is mounted on the circuit board 1. This zero-phase current transformer 10 is formed by winding a detection coil 11 (see FIG. 14) around a core. As shown in FIG. 14, a noise prevention circuit of the relay cords 3a and 3b is provided in the core. 2 and a portion located between the relay contacts 6 are inserted. Therefore, when current leakage occurs, the magnitude of the current flowing through one relay cord 3a differs from the magnitude of the reverse current flowing through the other relay cord 3b, and an unbalance signal is output from the detection coil 11.

A signal circuit 12 is connected to the detection coil 11. The output signal of the signal circuit 12 is switched based on the supply of the unbalance signal from the detection coil 11, and the control device 9 detects a current leak based on the switching of the output signal of the signal circuit 12. .

In the above configuration, when the control device 9 outputs an auto-off signal to the gate terminal of the triac 13, the triac 13 conducts, and the commercial AC power is applied to the relay coil 7. Then, the relay contact 6 is switched from the on state to the off state based on the attraction of the relay coil 7, and the commercial AC power is cut off.

[0007]

In the case of the above configuration, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the mechanical wiring path of one relay cord 3b having the relay contact 6 interposed therebetween is largely bent. For this reason, a mechanical stress acts on the zero-phase current transformer 10 from one of the relay cords 3b. (Black circles indicate relay cord 3b)
). Therefore, the number of parts increases, and electrical connection work becomes troublesome, so that the cost tends to increase. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a small number of parts and an easy electrical connection operation.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a power supply circuit mounted on a circuit board for generating a DC power supply from a commercial AC power supply; and one of the power supply circuits provided outside the circuit board for the power supply circuit. A power switch having a relay coil electrically connected to a power supply path and a relay coil electrically connected between both power supply paths to the power supply circuit,
A control device that operates the relay contact based on applying a commercial AC power supply to the relay coil through the two power supply paths, and a control device mounted on the circuit board, between the relay contact and the power supply circuit in the two power supply paths. A zero-phase current transformer having a portion penetrating therethrough, wherein the control device nullifies an unbalance signal output from the zero-phase current transformer when a commercial AC power is applied to the relay coil. However, it has features. According to the above-described means, the mechanical wiring path of one power supply path having the relay contact interposed is simplified. For this reason, it becomes difficult for mechanical stress to act on the zero-phase current transformer from one power supply line, so that it is not necessary to make a part penetrating the zero-phase current transformer from one power supply line independent, and the number of parts is reduced. In addition, the electrical connection work is simplified.

A washing machine according to a second aspect is characterized in that an unbalance signal output from a zero-phase current transformer is invalidated for a set time after the control device applies a commercial AC power to the relay coil. are doing. According to the above-described means, the current flows with a delay from the stop of the energization of the relay coil, and the current is invalidated even if the unbalance signal is output in spite of no leakage from the zero-phase current transformer. Is prevented.

In the washing machine according to the third aspect, when the control device detects the operation of the special switch, the unbalance signal output from the zero-phase current transformer is enabled even when the commercial AC power is applied to the relay coil. It is characterized by According to the above-described means, it is possible to easily inspect whether the zero-phase current transformer or the like operates normally only by operating the special switch without forcibly causing a leakage.

The washing machine according to the fourth aspect is characterized in that another sensor is electrically connected to a predetermined input port of the control device in addition to the zero-phase current transformer. According to the above-described means, the number of input ports can be reduced because it is not necessary to electrically connect the zero-phase current transformer and another sensor to separate input ports of the control device.

The washing machine according to the fifth aspect is characterized in that the control device identifies an electric leakage based on a time when an input signal to a predetermined input port is kept at a low level or a high level. According to the above means, it is possible to identify the leakage without providing the detection result of the zero-phase current transformer and the detection result of another sensor to the separate input ports of the control device.

A washing machine according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the control device identifies a leakage based on the frequency of an input signal to a predetermined input port. According to the above means, it is possible to identify the leakage without providing the detection result of the zero-phase current transformer and the detection result of another sensor to the separate input ports of the control device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine characterized in that the control device identifies an electric leakage based on a voltage level of an input signal to a predetermined input port. According to the above means, it is possible to identify the leakage without providing the detection result of the zero-phase current transformer and the detection result of another sensor to the separate input ports of the control device.

The washing machine according to the present invention is characterized in that a noise prevention circuit is electrically interposed between a relay contact of a power switch and the power supply circuit in both power supply paths to the power supply circuit. I have. According to the above means, the current charged and discharged in the capacitor of the noise prevention circuit can be cut off when the power switch is turned off, so that the power consumption is reduced.

[0016]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
A description will be given with reference to FIG. First, in FIG.
The outer box 21 is in the shape of a rectangular tube whose lower surface is closed,
A water receiving tank 22 is provided inside the outer box 21, and the water receiving tank 22 is provided.
A washing motor 23 is fixed to the lower surface of the washing machine. The washing motor 23 is an outer rotor type three-phase DC brushless motor, and a rotating shaft 24 of the washing motor 23 projects into the water receiving tub 22.

The rotating shaft 24 of the washing motor 23 has a water receiving tank 2
2 and a washing tub 25 is connected to the inside of the washing tub 25.
The stirrer 26 is connected to the inside of the container. The stirring body 26 is directly connected to the rotating shaft 24, and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 24 based on the operation of the washing motor 23.

The washing tub 25 is connected to the rotating shaft 24 via a clutch mechanism (not shown). This clutch mechanism switches between a dehydration mode in which both are mechanically connected and a washing mode in which both are mechanically cut off,
When the clutch mechanism is in the spin-dry mode, the washing tub 25 and the stirrer 26
Rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 24, and when the clutch mechanism is in the washing mode, the agitator 26 rotates alone based on the operation of the washing motor 23.

A drainage channel 27 is formed at the bottom of the water receiving tank 22, and a drainage valve 28 is mounted at an outlet of the drainage channel 27. The drain 27 communicates with the washing tub 25. When water is injected into the washing tub 25 with the drain valve 28 closed, water is stored in the drain 27 and the washing tub 25. A drain hose 29 is connected to the drain channel 27, and when the drain valve 28 is opened, water in the washing tub 25 is discharged from the drain channel 27 to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 29.

An auxiliary drain port 30 is formed at the bottom of the water receiving tank 22. The auxiliary drain port 30 communicates with the drainage channel 27. During dehydration, water in the washing tub 25 is discharged from the upper surface of the washing tub 25 into the water receiving tub 22 by centrifugal force, and is drained through the auxiliary drain port 30. It flows into the road 27.

A top cover 31 in the form of a rectangular frame is mounted on the upper end of the outer box 21, and an opening (not shown) is formed in the center of the top cover 31. The slot is used for putting laundry into the washing tub 25 and taking out laundry from the washing tub 25.
Is provided with a lid 32 for opening and closing the inlet. Also,
On the front side of the top cover 31, a substrate storage section 33 is formed. The substrate storage section 33 has a concave shape with an open upper surface, and an operation panel 34 covers the upper surface of the substrate storage section 33.

A circuit board 35 is provided in the board storage section 33. The circuit board 35 is made of a printed wiring board, and power cords 36 and 37 are electrically connected to the circuit board 35 as shown in FIG. These power cords 36 and 37 are electrically connected to a 100 V commercial AC power supply, and
5 is supplied with 100 V commercial AC power (main power) through power cords 36 and 37.

A noise prevention circuit 38 is mounted on the circuit board 35, and both input terminals of the noise prevention circuit 38 are electrically connected to power cords 36 and 37. The noise prevention circuit 38 removes noise from the main power supply, and one end of a relay cord 39 corresponding to a power supply line is electrically connected to one output terminal of the noise prevention circuit 38. The noise prevention circuit 38 is mainly composed of a common mode choke coil 40 and a capacitor 41 as shown in FIG.

The other output terminal of the noise prevention circuit 38
As shown in FIG. 2, one end of the switch cord 42 is electrically connected, and a relay contact 44 of the power switch 43 is electrically connected to the other end of the switch cord 42, as shown in FIG. It is connected. This power switch 43
FIG. 2 shows an auto power-off type in which the relay contact 44 is mechanically held on when the relay contact 44 is manually operated, and is automatically turned off when the relay coil 45 is excited. As shown in (1), it is arranged on the side of the circuit board 35.

The relay contact 44 of the power switch 43
As shown in FIG. 1, one end of a relay cord 46 corresponding to a power supply path is electrically connected. These relay codes 4
The other ends of the power switches 6 and 39 are electrically connected to the input terminal of the power supply circuit 47, and are connected to the relay contacts 4 of the power switch 43.
When the switch 4 is closed, the main power is supplied to the power supply circuit 47 through the relay cords 39 and 46. The power supply circuit 47 generates the control DC power supply Vc and the drive DC power supply Vd based on rectifying and smoothing the main power supply, and is mounted on the circuit board 35 as shown in FIG. The power supply circuit 47 is mainly composed of a rectifying unit formed by connecting four diodes in a bridge and a smoothing capacitor (both are not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, a control device 49 mainly composed of a microcomputer is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 47. The control device 49 is mounted on the circuit board 35. When the relay contact 44 of the power switch 43 is closed, the control circuit 49 is supplied with a control DC power supply Vc from the power circuit 47, and the control device 49 Starts. Reference numeral 50 indicates a nonvolatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) electrically connected to the control device 49.

A start switch 51 and a course switch 52 are mounted on the circuit board 35, and the start switch 51 and the course switch 52 are electrically connected to a control device 49. These start switches 51
And the course switch 52 are operated through the operation panel 34.
A washing course such as a standard course, a time-saving course, a meticulous course, etc. is set based on the operation contents of 2.

A display 53 is mounted on the circuit board 35, and the display 53 is electrically connected to a control device 49. The display 53 is formed of a liquid crystal display panel, and the control device 49 displays the washing result such as the setting result of the washing course and the remaining washing time on the display 53.

A water supply valve 5 is provided between the relay cords 39 and 46.
4, the triac 55 is electrically connected. The gate terminal of the triac 55 is electrically connected to the control device 49.
Based on the detection of turning on of 1, the triac 55 is turned on, and the main power is supplied to the water supply valve 54. The water supply valve 54 is interposed in the water supply passage for the washing tub 25, and opens the water supply passage when the main power is supplied, and injects water into the washing tub 25.

A water level sensor 56 is electrically connected to the control device 49. The water level sensor 56 outputs a frequency signal corresponding to the water level in the washing tub 25, and the control device 49 stores water at the set water level in the washing tub 25 based on the frequency signal from the water level sensor 56. When this is detected, the water supply valve 54 is turned off based on turning off the triac 55. Then, the water supply valve 54 closes the water supply path, and the operation of pouring water into the washing tub 25 stops.

An inverter circuit 57 is mounted on the circuit board 35. This inverter circuit 57 has six IGBs.
It has a main circuit section formed by connecting T in a three-phase bridge and a gate drive section (both not shown). The input terminal of the main circuit section is electrically connected to the output terminal of the power supply circuit 47. I have. The main circuit is supplied with a driving DC power supply Vd from a power supply circuit 47. The output terminal of the main circuit is connected to the washing motor 23 via three motor cords 58.
Are electrically connected to a three-phase stator coil (not shown).

The gate drive section of the inverter circuit 57 is electrically connected to the control device 49.
Controls the switching of each IGBT in the main circuit section based on the provision of a gate drive signal to the gate drive section when the water at the set water level is stored in the washing tub 25. A three-phase drive power is supplied to the motor 23. Then, the rotation of the washing motor 23 is controlled according to the setting result of the washing course, and the set washing course is executed.

An AC switch 59 and a resistor 60 are electrically connected between the relay cords 39 and 46, and an AC input circuit 61 is electrically connected between the AC switch 59 and the resistor 60. The AC input circuit 61 is electrically connected to the control device 49, and when the AC switch 59 is turned on, a voltage waveform signal of a main power supply is supplied from the AC input circuit 61 to the control device 49.

A drain valve 2 is provided between the relay cords 39 and 46.
8. The triac 62 is electrically connected, and the gate terminal of the triac 62 is electrically connected to the control device 49. The drain valve 28 opens the drain channel 27 when the main power is supplied, and closes the drain channel 27 when the main power is shut off. The control device 49 controls the drive of the triac 62. The drain valve 28 is opened and closed based on the operation.

The relay coil 45 of the power switch 43 and the triac 63 are electrically connected between the relay cords 39 and 46. The gate terminal of the triac 63 is electrically connected to the control device 49. When the control device 49 detects that the set time has elapsed from the end of the washing operation, it outputs an auto-off signal to the gate terminal of the triac 63. Then, the triac 63 is turned on to supply the main power to the relay coil 45. Then
The relay contact 44 of the power switch 43 is opened based on the excitation of the relay coil 45, and the main power is cut off.

A leak sensor 64 is mounted on the circuit board 35 as shown in FIG. This leak sensor 6
Reference numeral 4 denotes a round window penetrating type zero-phase current transformer (ZCT) in which a detection coil 65 (see FIG. 1) is wound around a cylindrical core. Is inserted inside. The leak sensor 64 detects a leak, and when a leak occurs, the magnitude of the current flowing through one of the relay cords 39 is different from the magnitude of the reverse current flowing through the other of the relay cords 46, and FIG.
As shown in (5), an unbalanced signal synchronized with the main power supply frequency is output from the detection coil 65.

As shown in FIG. 1, the detection coil 65 includes
The signal circuit 66 is electrically connected. This signal circuit 66 binarizes the output signal of the detection coil 65, and when the unbalance signal is not output from the detection coil 65, as shown in FIG. When the level signal is output and the unbalance signal is output from the detection coil 65, the output signal of the signal circuit 66 switches to low level.

As shown in FIG. 1, the signal circuit 66 is electrically connected to the control device 49. The control device 49 switches the output signal of the signal circuit 66 to the low level in step S1 of FIG. Is detected, the process proceeds to step S2. Here, the output state of the auto-off signal is determined, and the following processing operation is performed based on the determination result.

<When the auto-off signal is not output> The controller 49 determines "NO" in the step S2, and shifts to the step S3. Here, the low-level signal of the signal circuit 66 is validated, and it is determined that a leakage has occurred. Then, the occurrence of the electric leakage is recorded in the non-volatile memory 50,
Based on the display of the message on the display 53, the user is notified of the leakage. When the washing motor 23, the drain valve 28, the water supply valve 54, and the like are driven, the driving of the washing motor 23, the drain valve 28, the water supply valve 54, and the like is stopped, and the washing operation is stopped.

<When the auto-off signal is output>
When the auto-off signal is being output, the power switch 4 shown in FIG.
The main power is applied to the third relay coil 45. For this reason, the direction of the current flowing through one relay cord 39 changes, and no current flows through the other relay cord 46, so that the output signal of the signal circuit 66 switches to the same low level as at the time of leakage.

However, control device 49 determines "YES" in step S2 of FIG. 4 and proceeds to step S4. Here, the output signal of the signal circuit 66 is invalidated, and it is determined that there is no leakage. Then, the main power supply is cut off based on the continuous output of the auto-off signal without recording the leakage and displaying the message. The above operation is executed by the control device 49 based on a control program recorded in the internal ROM in advance.

According to the first embodiment, the relay contact 44 and the power supply circuit 4
Since the portion located between 7 is inserted into the leak sensor 64, the mechanical wiring path of the relay cord 46 to which the relay contact 44 is connected is simplified. Therefore, the relay code 46
Therefore, mechanical stress is less likely to act on the leak sensor 64, so that there is no need to make a portion that penetrates the leak sensor 64 from the relay cord 46 independent. Accordingly, the number of parts is reduced and the electrical connection work is simplified, so that the cost is reduced.

When outputting an auto-off signal applying main power to the relay coil 45, the leak sensor 6
4. The unbalanced signal output from 4 was invalidated. For this reason, the unbalanced signal generated when the relay coil 45 is energized and the unbalanced signal generated when the electric leakage occurs are clearly identified, so that erroneous detection of the electric leakage can be prevented.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The relay contact 44 of the power switch 43 may be opened with a delay from the energization of the relay coil 45.
For this reason, a delay current flows for a predetermined time from the stop of the output of the auto-off signal, so that the direction of the delay current flowing through one of the relay cords 39 changes and the current does not flow through the other relay cord 46. The output signal at 66 may be switched to the same low level as at the time of leakage.

When the control device 49 detects that the set time has elapsed since the stop of the output of the auto-off signal, the process shifts from step S5 to S3 in FIG. And step S
The low level signal detected in step 1 is validated, and the leakage processing is executed. If it is detected that the set time has not elapsed from the stop of the output of the auto-off signal, the process proceeds from step S5 to S4. Then, the low level signal detected in step S1 is invalidated, and the electric leakage processing is not performed.

According to the second embodiment, the relay coil 4
Since the unbalance signal output from the leak sensor 64 is invalidated for a set time after the main power supply is applied to the power supply 5, the erroneous detection of the leakage due to the influence of the delay current is prevented.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. When the examiner simultaneously operates the course switch 52 and the power switch 43 (special switch operation), the control device 49 records that the special switch operation has been performed in the internal RAM, and outputs an auto-off signal. Then, based on the output of the unbalance signal from the leak sensor 64, the output signal of the signal circuit 66 switches to a low level.

When the control device 49 detects in step S1 that the output signal of the signal circuit 66 has been switched to the low level, the control device 49 proceeds to step S2. Here, the output of the auto-off signal is determined, and the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined that a special switch operation has been performed based on the recorded contents of the RAM. Then, the process proceeds to step S3, in which the low-level signal detected in step S1 is validated, and a leakage process such as displaying a message on the display 53 is performed.

According to the third embodiment, when the special switch operation is performed, the unbalance signal output from the leak sensor 64 is enabled even when the commercial AC power is applied to the relay coil 45. It is possible to easily inspect whether the leak sensor 64, the signal circuit 66, and the like operate normally without forcibly causing an electric leakage.

In the third embodiment, the simultaneous operation of the course switch 52 and the power switch 43 is exemplified as the special switch operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the start switch 51 and the course switch 52 Simultaneous operation, pressing the start switch 51 twice, etc. may be used. In the first to third embodiments, the output signal of the signal circuit 66 is switched from the high level to the low level based on the output of the unbalance signal from the leak sensor 64. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, the level may be switched from a low level to a high level.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The output terminal of the signal circuit 66 has a transistor 6
7 is connected to the base terminal, and the emitter terminal of the transistor 67 is grounded. Further, a collector terminal of the transistor 67 is connected to a predetermined input port of the control device 49, and a control DC power supply Vc is connected between the collector terminal of the transistor 67 and a predetermined input port of the control device 49 via a resistor 68. ing.

The signal circuit 66 outputs a high-level signal based on the output of the unbalance signal from the leak sensor 64. When the unbalance signal is not output from the leak sensor 64, the output of the signal circuit 66 The signal is kept at the low level, and the transistor 67 is turned off.

A case 69 is mounted on the lower surface of the outer box 21. The case 69 receives water leaked from the outer box 21, and a water leak sensor 70 corresponding to another sensor is housed in the case 69. The water leak sensor 70 has a pair of electrodes 71, and a signal circuit 72 is electrically connected to the water leak sensor 70.
The output signal of the signal circuit 72 is held at a low level when the electrodes 71 are in a non-conductive state, and is switched to a high level based on conduction between the electrodes 71 through the water in the case 69.

The output terminal of the signal circuit 72 is connected to the base terminal of the transistor 73.
Are connected to the ground. The collector terminal of the transistor 73 is connected between the collector terminal of the transistor 67 and a predetermined input port of the control device 49 (wired OR connection).

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When neither current leakage nor water leakage occurs, a low level signal is output from both signal circuits 66 and 72. In this case, both the transistors 67 and 73 are turned off, and the input signal to the predetermined input port of the control device 49 is held at the high level.

When current leakage occurs, the transistor 67 is turned on based on the output signal of the signal circuit 66 switching to high level, and the input signal to a predetermined input port of the control device 49 switches to low level. Then
The control device 49 detects that either the current leakage or the water leakage has occurred, and records an abnormality in the nonvolatile memory 50. Then, the abnormality is notified to the user based on the display of the message on the display 53, and the washing operation is stopped when the washing operation is being executed.

When a water leak occurs, the transistor 73 is turned on based on the output signal of the signal circuit 72 switching to the high level, and the input signal to the input port of the control device 49 switches to the low level. Then, the control device 49 detects that either the current leakage or the water leakage has occurred, and records an abnormality in the nonvolatile memory 50. Then, the abnormality is notified to the user based on the display of the message on the display 53, and the washing operation is stopped when the washing operation is being executed.

According to the fourth embodiment, the leak sensor 6
When an abnormality was detected based on the detection result of No. 4 and the detection result of the water leak sensor 70, the same abnormality processing was performed. For this reason, it is not necessary to discriminate between the current leak and the water leak based on providing the detection result of the leak sensor 64 and the detection result of the water leak sensor 70 to separate input ports of the control device 49. Fewer input ports required.

In the fourth embodiment, case 6
Although 9 is mounted on the lower surface of the outer box 21, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, water leakage from the water receiving tank 22 may be detected based on mounting on the lower surface of the water receiving tank 22.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The output terminal of the signal circuit 66 is connected to the base terminal of a transistor 75 via a resistor 74, the emitter terminal of the transistor 75 is grounded, and a resistor 76 is connected between the base terminal and the emitter terminal of the transistor 75. ing. The collector terminal of the transistor 75 is connected to the control power supply Vc via the resistor 77, and the common connection point between the collector terminal of the transistor 75 and the resistor 77 is connected to a predetermined input port of the control device 49.

The signal circuit 66 outputs a high-level signal based on the output of the unbalance signal from the leak sensor 64. When the unbalance signal is not output from the leak sensor 64, the output of the signal circuit 66 is output. The signal is held at a low level. In this case, the transistor 75 is turned off, and as shown in FIG.
The potential at the point R is maintained at a high level. It should be noted that FIG.
Represents an output signal of the leak sensor 64.

A diode 78 is connected to the AC switch 59 in parallel. The photodiode 80 of the photocoupler 79 is connected in anti-parallel to the diode 78, and the emitter terminal of the phototransistor 81 of the photocoupler 79 is grounded. The collector terminal of the phototransistor 81 is connected to a control power supply Vc via a resistor 82, and a common connection point between the collector terminal of the phototransistor 81 and the resistor 82 is connected to a predetermined input port of the control device 49. In addition, AC switch 5
9 corresponds to another sensor.

As shown in FIG. 9C, the AC switch 59 is held in the ON state in a normal state, and is switched to the OFF state in an abnormal state. When the AC switch 59 is turned on, the phototransistor 81 is turned off. , AC switch 5
When the switch 9 is off, the phototransistor 81 is turned on intermittently every half-wave of the commercial AC power supply frequency. FIG. 9D shows the potential at the point A.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When no leakage occurs and the AC switch 59 is in a normal ON state, the output signal of the signal circuit 66 is held at a low level, and the transistor 75 is turned off. At the same time, since the phototransistor 81 is turned off, a high-level signal is supplied to a predetermined input port of the control device 49 as shown in FIG.

When a leakage occurs and the AC switch 59 is in a normal ON state, the output signal of the signal circuit 66 is switched to a high level, and the transistor 75 is turned on. Therefore, as shown in FIG. An input signal to a predetermined input port of control device 49 switches to a low level.
When no leakage occurs and the AC switch 59 is abnormally off, the phototransistor 81 is turned on intermittently. Therefore, as shown in FIG. A pulse signal synchronized with the commercial AC power supply frequency is supplied to the port.

The controller 49 counts the time T during which the input signal to the predetermined input port is held at the low level, and the holding time T is equal to a half-wave of the commercial AC power supply frequency (10 ms when the commercial AC power supply frequency is 50 Hz). If it is more than the above, it is determined that a leakage has occurred, and a leakage processing operation is performed. When the holding time T is equal to or less than a half-wave of the commercial AC power supply frequency, it is determined that the AC switch 59 has been abnormally turned off, and a predetermined processing operation is performed.

When a leakage occurs and the AC switch 59 is in an abnormal off state, the input signal to a predetermined input port of the control device 49 is switched to a low level as shown in FIG. In this case, it is determined that an electric leakage has occurred, and electric leakage processing is performed.

According to the fifth embodiment, the leakage is identified based on the time when the input signal is held at the low level. Therefore, the detection result of the leak sensor 64 and the detection result of the AC switch 59 can be given to the same input port of the control device 49, so that the number of input ports of the control device 49 can be reduced.

In the fifth embodiment, a high-level signal is supplied to a predetermined input port of the control device 49 when there is no leakage, and the input signal is switched to a low level when leakage occurs. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, a high-level signal may be given at the time of leakage. in this case,
It is preferable to identify the leakage based on the time when the input signal is held at the high level.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. One end of the detection coil 65 of the leak sensor 64 is grounded, and the other end of the detection coil 65 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 83. The inverting input terminal of the comparator 83 is connected to a common connection point between the resistors 84 and 85.
c, and the resistor 85 is grounded.

The output terminal of the comparator 83 is connected to the base terminal of a transistor 87 via a resistor 86, the emitter terminal of the transistor 87 is grounded, and a resistor 88 is connected between the base terminal and the emitter terminal of the transistor 87. Have been. The collector terminal of the transistor 87 is connected to the control power supply Vc via the resistor 89.
The common connection point between the collector terminal of the transistor 87 and the resistor 89 is connected to a predetermined input port of the control device 49.

The transistor 87 is turned off at the time of non-leakage,
At the time of electric leakage, it is turned on and off in synchronization with the frequency of the commercial AC power supply. As shown in FIG. To switch to high level and low level. FIG. 10A shows the detection coil 65.
Of FIG.

The water level sensor 56 is mainly composed of a coil 90 whose reactance changes according to the water level in the washing tub 25, two capacitors 91, three resistors 92, and two inverters 93 ( An output terminal of the water level sensor 56 is connected to a predetermined input port of the control device 49. This water level sensor 56 outputs a frequency signal corresponding to the water level in the washing tub 25 as shown in FIG. 10C, and when the water level sensor 56 fails, FIG. As shown in e), the output signal of the water level sensor 56 is held at a high level or a low level. The water level sensor 56 corresponds to another sensor, and outputs a frequency signal of about 24 kHz in a state where water is not stored in the washing tub 25.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When no electric leakage occurs and the water level sensor 56 is normal, the transistor 87 is turned off, and the water level in the washing tub 25 is transferred from the water level sensor 56 to a predetermined input port of the control device 49 as shown in FIG. Is output. Further, when a leakage occurs and the water level sensor 56 is normal, the transistor 87 is turned on and off in synchronization with the commercial AC power supply frequency, so that a predetermined input port of the control device 49 is set to about 10 kHz as shown in FIG. Are provided.

In the event of a failure in which no electric leakage has occurred and the output signal of the water level sensor 56 is fixed at a high level, FIG.
As shown in (h), a high-level signal is supplied to a predetermined input port of the control device 49. In addition, when there is no electric leakage and the output signal of the water level sensor 56 is fixed at a low level, a low level signal is supplied to a predetermined input port of the control device 49 as shown in FIG.

The control device 49 counts the frequency f of the input signal to the predetermined input port.
When the frequency is about 0 kHz, it is determined that no electric leakage has occurred and the water level sensor 56 is operating normally, and the water level in the washing tub 25 is detected based on the frequency f. Also, the frequency f
Is about half of 10 kHz, it is determined that an electric leakage has occurred, and an electric leakage processing is performed. When the frequency f is zero (fixed to a high level or a low level), an abnormality of the water level sensor 56 is detected, and a predetermined abnormality process is performed.

When a short circuit occurs and the water level sensor 56 is abnormal, as shown in FIG.
9, a signal corresponding to the abnormal state of the water level sensor 56 is input to the predetermined input port, and it is detected that both the electric leakage and the abnormality of the water level sensor 56 have occurred based only on the signal of (j) in FIG. Can not. However, since the electric leakage does not occur unless the electric component is turned on, both the electric leakage and the abnormality of the water level sensor 56 are determined based on whether or not the signal of FIG. Can be identified.

According to the sixth embodiment, the leakage is identified based on the frequency f of the input signal. Therefore, the detection result of the leak sensor 64 and the detection result of the water level sensor 56 can be given to the same input port of the control device 49, so that the number of input ports of the control device 49 can be reduced.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The output terminal of the signal circuit 66 is connected to the base terminal of a transistor 95 via a resistor 94, the emitter terminal of the transistor 95 is grounded, and a resistor 96 is connected between the base terminal and the emitter terminal of the transistor 95. I have.

The collector terminal of the transistor 95 is a resistor 9
7 and an A / D converter 98, and is connected to a predetermined input port of the control device 49.
A control power supply V of 5 V is provided between the converters 98 via a resistor 99.
c is connected. The signal circuit 66 outputs a high-level signal based on the output of the unbalance signal from the leak sensor 64.
When no unbalanced signal is output from the signal line 4, the output signal of the signal circuit 66 is held at a low level.

A lid switch 100 corresponding to another sensor is mounted on the top cover 31. The lid switch 100 is turned on when the lid 32 is closed and turned off when the lid 32 is opened. One terminal of the lid switch 100 is grounded, and the other terminal of the lid switch 100 is connected to resistors 97 and 99 via a resistor 101. Connected between them.

The resistance of the resistor 97 is set to 2 kΩ, the resistance of the resistor 99 is set to 1 kΩ, the resistance of the resistor 101 is set to 3 kΩ, and (1) the transistor 95
Is turned off and the lid switch 99 is turned off, a digital signal having a voltage level of 5 V is input to a predetermined input port of the control device 49, and (2) the transistor 95 is turned on and the lid switch 99 is turned off. Sometimes, a digital signal having a voltage level of “5 V × 2 kΩ / (1 kΩ + 2 kΩ)” is input.

(3) When the transistor 95 is turned off and the lid switch 99 is turned on, “5V × 3 kΩ / (1 kΩ +
3kΩ) ”is input.
(4) When the transistor 95 and the lid switch 99 are turned on, “5V × 6 kΩ / (5 kΩ + 6 k
Ω) "is input.

The control device 49 monitors the voltage level of the digital signal, and identifies the presence or absence of leakage and the state of the lid switch 100 based on which of the above (1) to (4) the voltage level corresponds to. .

According to the seventh embodiment, the leakage is identified based on the voltage level of the input signal. Therefore, the detection result of the leak sensor 64 and the detection result of the lid switch 100 can be given to the same input port of the control device 49, so that the number of input ports of the control device 49 can be reduced.

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A relay contact 44 of a power switch 43 is electrically connected to the power cord 37,
The relay coil 45 of the power switch 43 is connected to the power cord 37.
And between the relay cord 39.

The relay contact 44 is electrically connected to one input terminal of the noise prevention circuit 38 via the switch cord 42. One end of a relay cord 46 is electrically connected to one output terminal of the noise prevention circuit 38.
The other end of the relay cord 46 is electrically connected to one input terminal of the power supply circuit 47.

According to the eighth embodiment, the noise prevention circuit 38 is electrically interposed between the relay contact 44 and the power supply circuit 47 in both power supply paths to the power supply circuit 47. For this reason, when the power switch 43 is turned off, the current charged and discharged in the capacitor 41 of the noise prevention circuit 38 can be cut off, so that the power consumption is reduced.

[0089]

As apparent from the above description, the washing machine of the present invention has the following effects. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a portion located between the relay contact of the power switch and the power supply circuit in both power supply paths to the power supply circuit is inserted into the zero-phase current transformer, so that the number of parts is reduced. In addition, the electrical connection work is simplified. In addition, when the commercial AC power is applied to the relay coil of the power switch, the unbalanced signal output from the zero-phase current transformer is invalidated, so that the leakage can be accurately detected.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the imbalance signal output from the zero-phase current transformer is invalidated for a set time after the commercial AC power is applied to the relay coil of the power switch. In addition, erroneous detection of leakage due to the influence of the delay current is prevented. According to the third aspect of the invention, when the special switch is operated, the unbalance signal output from the zero-phase current transformer is validated even when the commercial AC power is applied to the relay coil. Therefore, it is possible to easily check whether the zero-phase current transformer or the like operates normally without forcibly causing a leakage.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the zero-phase current transformer and another sensor are electrically connected to the same input port of the control device, the number of input ports can be reduced. According to the means described in claim 5, the leakage is identified based on the time when the input signal is held at the low level or the high level, so that the number of input ports can be reduced.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the leakage is identified based on the frequency of the input signal, the number of input ports can be reduced.

According to the means of claim 7, the leakage is identified based on the voltage level of the input signal.
Fewer input ports required.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the noise prevention circuit is electrically interposed between the power supply circuit and the relay contact of the power switch in both power supply paths to the power supply circuit, the power consumption is reduced. You.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention (a diagram showing an electrical configuration).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing wiring paths of a power switch, a power circuit, and the like.

3A is a diagram showing an output signal of a leak sensor, FIG.
(B) shows an output signal of the signal circuit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control contents of a control device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the entire configuration in a state where the outer box is broken.

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention (a is a diagram showing an output signal of a leak sensor, b is a diagram showing an R-point potential, and c is A
The figure which shows the state of C switch, d is the figure which shows the electric potential of A point, e
To g show input signals of the control device)

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention (a is a diagram showing an output signal of a leak sensor, b is a diagram showing an R-point potential, c to c).
e is a diagram showing an output signal of the water level sensor, f to j are diagrams showing input signals of the control device)

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention (a is a diagram showing a connection state of a leak sensor and a lid switch, and b is a diagram showing a voltage level of an input signal).

FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a conventional example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2;

[Description of References] 35 is a circuit board, 39 is a relay cord (feeding path), 43 is a power switch, 44 is a relay contact, 45 is a relay coil, 46 is a relay cord (feeding path), 47 is a power supply circuit,
9 is a control device, 56 is a water level sensor (another sensor), 59
Denotes an AC switch (another sensor), 64 denotes a leak sensor (a zero-phase current transformer), and 70 denotes a water leak sensor (another sensor).

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A power supply circuit mounted on a circuit board and generating a DC power supply from a commercial AC power supply; and a relay contact provided outside the circuit board and electrically interposed in one power supply path to the power supply circuit. And a power switch having a relay coil electrically connected between both power supply paths to the power supply circuit; and controlling the relay contact based on applying commercial AC power to the relay coil through the both power supply paths. And a zero-phase current transformer mounted on the circuit board and penetrating a portion of the two power supply paths located between the relay contact and the power supply circuit, wherein the control device includes the zero-phase current transformer. A washing machine for invalidating an unbalance signal output from a dishwasher when commercial AC power is applied to the relay coil. 2. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the control device invalidates the unbalance signal output from the zero-phase current transformer for a set time after applying the commercial AC power to the relay coil. Machine. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when a special switch operation is detected, the unbalance signal output from the zero-phase current transformer is validated even when commercial AC power is applied to the relay coil. The washing machine according to claim 1. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein another sensor is electrically connected to the predetermined input port of the control device in addition to the zero-phase current transformer. 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the leakage is identified based on a time when an input signal to a predetermined input port is held at a low level or a high level.
The washing machine as described. 6. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the controller identifies the electric leakage based on a frequency of an input signal to a predetermined input port. 7. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the controller identifies the electric leakage based on a voltage level of an input signal to a predetermined input port. 8. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein a noise prevention circuit is interposed between the relay contact of the power switch and the power supply circuit in both power supply paths to the power supply circuit. Washing machine.