JP2001275282A - Noncontact power and signal transmitter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of a conventional power transmitter where power supply to a terminal is interrupted when a decision is made that the primary current on the body side is an over current in order to secure safety and since a user has no means for confirming the primary current directly, a long time passes before abnormality of primary current is noticed and recovery work can not be started quickly. SOLUTION: The power and signal transmitter controlling power supply to the terminal 2 depending on the primary current on the body 1 and communicating a signal between the body 1 and the terminal 2 is provided with a display 9 on which a user can confirm the magnitude of the primary current.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power and signal transmission device for supplying power from one side to another and transmitting signals between them without contact.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A main body receiving power supply from a commercial power supply,
In the power and signal transmission device, which receives power supply from the main body and transmits and receives signals to and from the main body, power supply from the main body to the terminal,
A technique for realizing signal transmission between mutual devices without contact is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-60-211811. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a conventional contactless power and signal transmission system.

As shown in FIG. 1, an AC power supply 101 and an AC power supply 101
And an oscillation coil 102 connected to the oscillating coil 102. On the other hand, the second device 200 on the power receiving side is provided with a power receiving coil 201 at a position facing the oscillation coil 102. Here, when the first device 100 and the second device 200 are adjacent to each other, electromagnetic induction coupling occurs between the oscillation coil 102 and the power receiving coil 201. The alternating current induced in the power receiving coil 201 due to this phenomenon is rectified by the rectifier circuit 202 provided in the second device 200, so that the second device 20
0 power supply.

Further, the first device 100 to the second device 2
Signal transmission to 00 is performed by a photodiode 103 provided in the first device 100 and a phototransistor 203 provided in the second device 200. That is, the light energy emitted from the photodiode 103 provided in the first device 100 is detected by the phototransistor 203 provided in the second device 200, and the presence / absence of the light energy detection is defined as an H / L signal. By identifying, the first
The signal transmission from the device 100 to the second device 200 can be performed in a non-contact manner. Similarly, since the photodiode 204 is provided in the second device 200 and the phototransistor 104 is provided in the first device 100, signal transmission from the second device 200 to the first device 100 is performed in a non-contact manner. Can be.

As described above, the non-contact power and signal transmission system does not require members that are exposed to the outside, such as contact-type power supply terminals and communication terminals. Therefore, there is no possibility of contact failure due to oxidation or corrosion of the terminal surface, and it is also effective in terms of waterproofing and contamination prevention.

[0006]

However, in such a conventional non-contact power and signal transmission system, even when a metallic foreign substance such as a coin is trapped between the oscillating coil 102 and the receiving coil 201, The oscillation coil 102 continues to output the electromagnetic energy. As a result, magnetic flux passes through the metallic foreign matter to cause a short-circuit current (eddy current) to flow.
If the output of No. 2 is continued, there is a problem that the metallic foreign matter generates heat and becomes high temperature, so that the safety of the product cannot be ensured.

Here, as a technique for solving the above-mentioned problem, the present applicant has disclosed, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 11-282440, which comprises a main body and a separate body detachable from the main body, The electromagnetic coupling between the primary side coupling circuit (oscillation coil) provided in the main body and the secondary side coupling circuit (power receiving coil) provided in the separate body on the power receiving side is used to separate the main body from the main body. In an electric device for supplying power to a body, an electric device characterized in that an overcurrent detecting means for detecting whether or not a primary current value flowing in the primary side coupling circuit is an overcurrent is provided in the main body. is suggesting.

[0008] In the above-described conventional electric equipment, when the power to the main body is turned on, the load on the separate body is minimized (for example,
Saving mode), and in this state, it is determined whether or not the primary current value flowing through the primary side coupling circuit is an overcurrent, and the power supply operation to the separate body is controlled. Note that the load on the separate side is minimized because the primary current value when the power supply operation from the main body to the separate body is normal is the smallest, so that the primary side coupling circuit and the secondary side This is because it is possible to detect a relatively large increase in the primary current value that occurs when a metallic foreign matter is caught between the coupling circuit and the coupling circuit.

When it is determined that the primary current value is not an overcurrent, a difference value between the primary current value and a predetermined reference value set in advance is obtained, and the difference value is determined based on the difference value. In this configuration, the magnitude of an overcurrent determination value used as a threshold when determining whether or not the primary current value is an overcurrent is corrected, and feedback is performed to a subsequent overcurrent determination operation.
With such a configuration, it is possible to absorb a part variation and an environmental variation to some extent, so that a highly accurate overcurrent determination can be performed.

In the case of an electric device having the above configuration, even if a metallic foreign substance is caught between the primary side coupling circuit and the secondary side coupling circuit, the value of the primary current flowing through the primary side coupling circuit can be reduced. By detecting a small increase, the power supply to the separate body can be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the metallic foreign matter generates heat abnormally, thereby ensuring product safety.

However, in the electric device having the above-described structure, it is necessary to completely eliminate the error of the primary current value caused by the variation of components such as the oscillation coil and the variation of the structural electromagnetic coupling environment such as the distance between the oscillation coil and the receiving coil. At present, the magnitude of the overcurrent determination value must be set in consideration of various variation factors. As described above, it is difficult to perform an accurate overcurrent determination by eliminating all various variation elements in the conventional electric device, and the metal trapped between the primary-side coupling circuit and the secondary-side coupling circuit is difficult. There is a possibility that heat generation of the sexual foreign substance may occur to a considerable extent.

Further, the conventional electric equipment is not provided with any means for a user of the product or a serviceman performing repair to check the magnitude of the primary current value. Therefore, there is a problem that an abnormality in the primary current value, which is not determined to be an overcurrent, cannot be noticed, and a quick recovery operation cannot be performed. In addition, since it is not possible to confirm an error in the primary current value due to a component variation or the like, it is impossible to optimize the overcurrent determination value by oneself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a power and signal transmission device for supplying power from a main body to a terminal and transmitting signals between the terminals in a non-contact manner. Provided is a power and signal transmission device capable of confirming a magnitude of a primary current supplied to a power supply oscillation unit provided on a main body side and performing accurate overcurrent determination by eliminating various variation factors. With the goal.

[0014]

A power supply oscillating section for receiving power supply from a commercial power supply, and a first power supply oscillating section connected to the power supply oscillating section.
A terminal having a main body having a coil, a second coil electromagnetically inductively coupled to the first coil, and a constant voltage unit for rectifying induced alternating current generated in the second coil; By providing a primary current detection unit for detecting a primary current value supplied to the power supply oscillation unit in the main body, while controlling power supply to the terminal according to the primary current value, the main body and Through the signal transmission means provided in each of the terminals, in the power and signal transmission device for transmitting and receiving signals between the main body and the terminal, as a configuration provided with means for displaying the primary current value I have.

Further, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration, it is preferable to provide a means for changing an overcurrent determination value serving as a threshold when determining whether the primary current value is an overcurrent. Further, in the power and signal transmission device provided with means for displaying information obtained from the main body in the terminal, by transmitting the information obtained in the primary current detection unit from the main body to the terminal, the The terminal may be configured to display the primary current value.

It is preferable that the primary current value is set to display / non-display by a predetermined operation. further,
Even if it is determined that the primary current value is an overcurrent by a predetermined operation, it may be configured to be in an operation state in which power supply to the terminal is continued.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An example in which the power and signal transmission device according to the present invention is applied to a refrigerator-freezer will be described.
First, FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an upper part of a refrigerator having a power and signal transmission device according to the present invention, as viewed from obliquely forward. The main body 1 is divided into compartments such as a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment, and a front door of each compartment is provided with a door 2 that can be opened and closed. Here, (a) in the figure shows a state where the door 2 is closed, and (b) shows a state where the door 2 is opened.

The main body 1 is provided with a control unit 3 for controlling the operation of the refrigerator. The control unit 3 controls the operation of a compressor, a fan motor in a refrigerator, and the like (neither is shown) to control the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. In addition, although details will be described later, the power supply operation to the door 2 and the control regarding signal transmission with the door 2 are also performed.

On the other hand, an information display / input device 4 is provided on the front surface of the door 2 at a height at which the user can easily operate. The information display / input device 4 includes an information display unit 4a and an information input unit 4b. Information obtained from the main body 1 is displayed on the information display section 4a.
For example, it is possible to display the temperature and humidity in the refrigerator, the amount of water remaining in the water cooler provided in the main body 1, the amount of ice in the automatic ice maker, the type of food in the refrigerator, and the storage period. On the other hand, by operating the information input section 4b, the user can control the main body 1 side, such as setting the target value of the internal temperature and setting the absence mode, without opening the door 2.

In the refrigerator-freezer according to the present embodiment, a power supply unit 10 and a power reception unit 20 are provided as means for realizing power supply from the main body 1 to the door 2 and signal transmission between the main body 1 and the door 2 in a non-contact manner. have. The power supply unit 10 is the main body 1
Is disposed on the lower surface of the protruding member 5 provided in the
Are disposed on the upper surface of the door 2 so as to face the power supply unit 10. Here, the lower surface of the protruding portion 5 has a structure facing the upper surface of the door 2 with a slight gap therebetween. As a result, a slight gap is maintained between the power supply unit 10 and the power reception unit 20. Note that the arrangement of the power supply unit 10 and the power reception unit 20 is not limited to the position illustrated in the drawing, and any position may be used as long as the power supply unit 10 and the power reception unit 20 face each other when the door 2 is closed. It is possible to attach it to a location.

The power supply unit 10 is connected to the control unit 3 by a lead wire 6.
The transmission of power and signals between the power supply unit 10 and the control unit 3 is performed by wire. On the other hand, the power receiving unit 20 is connected to the information display / input device 4 by the lead wire 7, and the transmission of power and signals between the power receiving unit 20 and the information display / input device 4 is also performed by wire. The door switch 8 shown in FIG. 2B detects the open / closed state of the door 2.

Next, the internal configuration and operation of the power supply unit 10 and the power reception unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of the power and signal transmission device according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which optical communication is adopted as a signal transmission means between the main body 1 and the door 2 is shown. The power supply unit 10 provided in the main body 1 on the power supply side includes a power supply oscillation unit 1.
1, a first coil 12, a first light emitting unit 13, and a first light receiving unit 14.

The control unit 3 is connected to the power supply unit 10,
The power from the commercial power supply is rectified to supply power to the power supply oscillating unit 11, and the oscillation operation of the power supply oscillating unit 11 is controlled to supply power to the door 2 on the power receiving side. The control unit 3 controls the first light emitting unit 13 and the first light receiving unit 14 to control the door 2
An optical signal is transmitted / received to / from the terminal. Further, the control section 3 is provided with a primary current detection section 31 for detecting a primary current value supplied to the power supply oscillation section. The control unit 3 includes a power supply unit 1
In addition to 0, the door switch 8, the display device 9, the jumper lead 32, and the jumper lead 33 (hereinafter, JP32,
JP33) is connected. These operations will be described later.

On the other hand, the power receiving unit 2 provided on the door 2 on the power receiving side
0 is the second coil 21, the constant voltage unit 22, the second light receiving unit 2
3 and a second light emitting unit 24. The information display / input device 4 is connected to the power receiving unit 20, and is driven by an output from the constant voltage unit 22 to perform operations such as information display and controls the second light receiving unit 23 and the second light emitting unit 24. To transmit and receive optical signals to and from the main body 1. In addition, the second coil 21, the second light receiving unit 23, and the second light emitting unit 24 are located at positions respectively opposed to the first coil 12, the first light emitting unit 13, and the first light receiving unit 14 provided in the power supply unit 10. Is provided.

Here, the power supply from the main body 1 to the door 2 will be described. First, when DC power is supplied from the control unit 3 to the power supply oscillating unit 11 in a state where the door 2 is closed, the power supply oscillating unit 11 performs an oscillating operation at a predetermined frequency. The first coil 12 emits an AC magnetic flux to the outside of the main body 1 by receiving the oscillated high frequency here. At this time, the first coil 12
Electromagnetic induction coupling occurs between the first coil 21 and the second coil 21. The alternating voltage induced in the second coil 21 by this phenomenon is rectified by the constant voltage unit 22 to obtain a constant voltage, so that the door 2 can be used as a power source. When detecting that the constant voltage is supplied, the information display / input device 4 controls the normal operation of the information display / input device 4 such as information display and various operations.

Next, transmission of an optical signal from the main body 1 to the door 2 will be described. The transmission of the optical signal from the main body 1 to the door 2 is performed by the first light emitting unit 13 provided in the power supply unit 10 and the second light receiving unit 23 provided in the power receiving unit 20. That is, the first light emitting unit 1
The light energy emitted from the main body 1 is detected by the second light receiving unit 23, and the presence / absence of the light energy detection is distinguished from the H / L signal. It can be carried out. Similarly, since the power receiving unit 20 is provided with the second light emitting unit 24 and the power supply unit 10 is provided with the first light receiving unit 14, the optical signal transmission from the door 2 to the main body 1 can be performed in a non-contact manner.

As described above, the power supply from the main body 1 to the door 2 and the transmission of the optical signal between the main body 1 and the door 2 are performed in a non-contact manner. Since it is not necessary to directly connect the main body 1 and the door 2 through the refrigeration system, the invention can be applied to a refrigerator having a structure in which the door 2 can be opened and closed from either the left or right side. further,
Since there is no need for a member exposed to the outside such as a contact type power supply terminal or communication terminal, there is no danger of contact failure due to oxidation or corrosion of the terminal surface, and it is also effective in terms of waterproofing and contamination prevention.

Next, a first embodiment of the power supply control in the power and signal transmission device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the power and signal transmission device according to the present invention. Here, the description starts from the flow on the main body 1 side. First, before starting the power supply to the door 2, it is determined in # 100 whether or not the door 2 is closed. The open / closed state of the door 2 can be detected by the door switch 8. Here, if the control unit 3 connected to the door switch 8 determines that the door 2 is closed, the process proceeds to # 105, and if it determines that it is not closed, the control unit 3 waits until the door 2 is closed.

With such a configuration, the state where the door 2 is open, that is, the first coil 12 and the second coil 21
In the state where no electromagnetic induction coupling is obtained between the first coil 12 and the first coil 12, the high frequency oscillation to the first coil 12 is not started, so that wasteful power is not consumed, which is very economical. Also,
Even if a metallic foreign object approaches the first coil 12 with the door 2 opened, it is safe because no short-circuit current flows through the metallic foreign object.

The control unit 3 starts power supply to the power supply oscillating unit 11 at # 105. As a result, an AC magnetic flux is emitted from the first coil 12 provided in the power supply unit 10, and the power supply operation to the door 2 is started. Simultaneously with the start of the power supply operation, in # 110, the count t of a timer (not shown) provided in the control unit 3 is reset (t = 0) and the count of the timer is started. When the count t of the timer is a waiting state until a predetermined time t ₁ in # 115.

The count t of the timer at # 115 proceeds to the # 120 reaches a predetermined time t _1, JP32 or JP33 cutting (hereinafter, referred to as open) of whether or not it is a check is made. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined time t
₁ is a value assuming the time required from the start of the power supply operation to the time when the information display / input device 4 provided on the door 2 stably starts the operation.

Here, the flow on the door 2 side will be described once. In # 200, the second coil 21 receives the AC magnetic flux from the first coil 12, and the power receiving operation starts. In # 210, the alternating voltage induced in the second coil 21 is rectified by the constant voltage unit 22, and the output voltage value is checked. If the output voltage value is normal, the power receiving operation is determined to be normal in # 220 and the process proceeds to # 230. If the output voltage value is abnormal, the process returns to # 210 and the voltage check is continued.

Thereafter, the information display / input device 4 is set to # 230
The device performs normal operations as the information display / input device 4 such as various display operations based on information from the main body 1 and a transmission operation of transmitting user input data to the control unit 3 provided in the main body 1. Also, during a predetermined period, when the information is received from the main body 1 or the operation input of the user is performed, # 210 to # 210 are performed.
Step # 230 is repeated to continue checking whether the power receiving operation at that time is normal.

The flow is returned to the main body 1 again. # 12
In the case of 0, the open state of JP32 and JP33 is checked, and if it is detected that JP32 or JP33 is open, the process proceeds to # 125, and
The overcurrent determination value is changed according to the open state of P32 and JP33. The overcurrent determination value is a threshold value used to determine whether the primary current value to the power supply oscillation unit 11 detected by the primary current detection unit 31 is an overcurrent,
If the primary current value is larger than the overcurrent determination value, it is determined that an overcurrent has occurred.

For example, as an operation of changing the overcurrent determination value in # 125, when the JP32 is detected to be open, the overcurrent determination value is changed by 20 m from the present.
A may be changed to a large value, and if it is detected that the JP 33 is open, control may be performed to change the overcurrent determination value to 20 mA smaller than the current value. Thus, J
The overcurrent determination value can be changed depending on whether or not P32 and JP33 are opened.

When the overcurrent determination value is changed in # 125, or when JP32 and J
When it is detected that none of P33 is open, the process proceeds to # 130, where an overcurrent determination is performed.

In step # 130, it is determined whether or not the primary current value is an overcurrent, based on the magnitude relationship between the primary current value supplied to the power supply oscillation unit 11 and the overcurrent determination value. here,
If it is determined that the primary current value is an overcurrent, # 13
The operation proceeds to 5 and the power supply operation to the door 2 is stopped. Thereby, even if a metallic foreign object is caught between the first coil 12 and the second coil 21, the power supply operation to the door 2 can be stopped before the metallic foreign object abnormally generates heat, so that the safety of the product is improved. Can be secured.

After stopping the power supply operation to the door 2 at # 135, the control unit 3 monitors the state of the door switch 8 at # 140, and when it is confirmed that the door 2 is opened, returns to # 100 again. Return and wait for power supply to door 2 until door 2 is closed.

With this configuration, even if it is determined in step # 130 that the primary current value is an overcurrent and the power supply operation to the door 2 is stopped, the user can recover from the abnormality. When the door 2 is opened and closed at the same time, the power supply operation for the door 2 is automatically restarted. Therefore, there is no need for the user to restart the power supply operation by himself after the recovery from the abnormality, which is very convenient.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step # 130 that the primary current value is not an overcurrent, the process proceeds to step # 145, where normal operation as the main body 1, that is, power supply to the door 2 and signal transmission with the door 2 are performed. . Further, the control unit 3 continues normal operation as the main body 1, and monitors whether or not a display operation for displaying the magnitude of the primary current value on the display device 9 has been performed in # 150. When it is detected in # 150 that the display operation has been performed, the process proceeds to # 155, and the magnitude of the primary current value is displayed on the display device 9. On the other hand, if it is not detected that the display operation has been performed, the process jumps to step # 160.

As a specific method of the display operation, an input operation (display instruction) may be performed by the information display / input device 4 provided on the door 2 and the information may be transmitted to the main body 1 as an optical signal. Alternatively, a separately provided display operation switch (not shown) may be directly connected to the control unit 3. By providing a means for setting display / non-display of the primary current value, the primary current value can be seen by the user unless a user or service person intentionally performs the display operation. There is no. Therefore, a user who does not intend to check the primary current value does not misunderstand that the product is out of order by looking at the display of the primary current value.

Thereafter, the control section 3 continues the normal operation as the main body 1, while monitoring the state of the door switch 8 in # 160, returning to # 120 until the door 2 is opened, and opening JP32 and JP33. Check status and # 13
A series of flows such as overcurrent determination at 0 is repeated. When it is confirmed that the door 2 is opened in # 160,
The process proceeds to 165, and the power supply operation to the door 2 is stopped. Thereafter, the process returns to step # 100 and waits for power to be supplied to the door 2 until the door 2 is closed.

As described above, by providing the display device 9 for displaying the primary current value, the user of the device or a service person performing repair can normally continue the power supply operation from the main body 1 to the door 2. It is possible to directly confirm the magnitude of the primary current value detected in the state of being turned on.

With such a configuration, an abnormality in the primary current value, which is not determined to be an overcurrent, such as a failure in the power supply oscillating unit 11 or a variation in the electromagnetic coupling state between the first coil 12 and the second coil 21 ( If an abnormality occurs due to relative displacement between the two coils) or the like, the user himself / herself can immediately notice the abnormality by checking the primary current value. Therefore, it is possible to promptly confirm whether or not a metallic foreign object has been inserted between the first coil 12 and the second coil, and perform a recovery operation such as a request for repair to a service person.

Further, the power and signal transmission device according to the present embodiment is provided with means for changing the overcurrent determination value depending on whether JP32 or JP33 is opened. With such a configuration, the primary current value is initialized even though there is no metallic foreign matter between the first coil 12 and the second coil 21 and the power supply oscillating unit 11 has not failed. If it is confirmed that the value has changed from the setting, the overcurrent determination value is set to an optimum value for the primary current value flowing when a metallic foreign matter is caught between the first coil 12 and the second coil 21. Since the size can be changed, quick recovery work is possible on the spot.

As described above, the magnitude of the overcurrent determination value can be optimized with respect to the primary current value flowing when a metallic foreign object is caught between the first coil 12 and the second coil 21. If possible, errors in the primary current value caused by variations in components such as the first coil 12 and the second coil 21 and variations in a structural electromagnetic coupling environment such as a distance between the first coil 12 and the second coil 21. Can be absorbed by a change in the overcurrent determination value. Therefore,
Accurate overcurrent determination can be performed, and product safety can be improved.

In this embodiment, the method for detecting the open state of the jumper lead has been described as an example of the means for changing the overcurrent determination value. However, the method for changing the overcurrent determination value is based on this method. It is not limited. For example, if a method is used in which a reference voltage is divided by a resistor and the overcurrent determination value is automatically changed by detecting the divided voltage value, a user or a service person can change the resistance value of the resistor. By changing the value, the overcurrent determination value can be changed.

In addition, a rewritable memory (such as an E ² PROM) and a communication terminal are provided in the control unit 3, and the overcurrent determination value is directly rewritten using an external writer connectable to the communication terminal. A method can be considered.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the display device 9 for displaying the primary current value is provided on the main body 1 side. The primary current value detected by the detection unit 31 may be transmitted from the main body 1 to the door 2, and the information display / input device 4 may display the primary current value. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to separately provide the display device 9, so that a power and signal transmission device capable of checking the primary current value with a cheaper configuration can be realized.

In the above configuration, it is desirable to provide a means for setting display / non-display of the primary current value. With such a configuration, a limited information display area of the information display / input device 4 can be effectively used.

Next, a second embodiment of the power supply control in the power and signal transmission device according to the present invention will be described. The basic configuration of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and includes the configuration shown in FIGS.

In the refrigerator equipped with the power and signal transmission device of the present embodiment, the main body 1 moves to the door 2 even though no metallic foreign matter is caught between the first coil 12 and the second coil 21. When the power supply operation is started and the power supply operation is immediately stopped assuming that the primary current value is an overcurrent, a serviceman performing product repair performs a special setting operation to put the main body 1 into the test mode. .

The test mode is a mode provided for a serviceman to measure the value of current flowing through each part of the product when the product is restored, and it is assumed that the primary current value is an overcurrent. This is a special operation state in which power is continuously supplied to the terminal even when it is determined. In addition, as a special setting operation to be performed to shift to the test mode, an operation that is not normally performed by a user, such as opening and closing the door 2 five times continuously within three seconds after turning on the power to the main body 1. do it.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the power and signal transmission device according to the present invention. This flowchart shows the control on the main body 1 side. # 17
When the main unit 1 detects that a special setting operation for shifting to the test mode has been performed at 0, the main unit 1 proceeds to # 175 as a test mode different from a normal power supply operation,
The control unit 3 starts supplying power to the power supply oscillation unit 11. As a result, the AC magnetic flux is emitted from the first coil 12 provided in the power supply unit 10, and the power supply operation to the door 2 is started.

At the same time as the start of the power supply operation in # 175, the magnitude of the primary current supplied to the power supply oscillating unit 11 is detected by the primary current detector 31 in # 180. Then, the magnitude of the primary current value obtained in # 180 is changed to # 18.
At 5, it is displayed on the display device 9. During this time, even if it is determined that the primary current value is an overcurrent, the power supply operation to the door 2 is continued during the test mode.

With this configuration, the serviceman can confirm the magnitude of the primary current value accurately even when the power supply operation is abnormal. Therefore, the recovery work is very easy and the repair of the product can be completed quickly.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the optical communication is adopted as the signal transmission means between the main body 1 and the door 2 is exemplified. However, the signal transmission means is not limited to this. Or other non-contact communication means such as electromagnetic waves. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the description has been made by giving an example in which the power and signal transmission device according to the present invention is applied to a refrigerator. However, the present invention is not limited to application to a refrigerator. Application to other forms such as a main body and a terminal detachable therefrom is also possible.

[0058]

In the power and signal transmission device according to the present invention, the power supply to the terminal is controlled in accordance with the primary current value of the main body, and the transmission and reception of signals between the main body and the terminal are performed. In the power and signal transmission device to be performed, a means for displaying the primary current value is provided.

With this configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the primary current value that is not determined to be an overcurrent,
The user can immediately notice the abnormality by checking the primary current value. Therefore, it is possible to promptly perform a recovery operation such as checking whether a metallic foreign object has been inserted between the first coil provided on the main body and the second coil provided on the terminal, and requesting repair to a service person.

Further, in addition to the above configuration, it is preferable to provide a means for changing an overcurrent determination value serving as a threshold value for determining whether the primary current value is an overcurrent. With such a configuration, when it is confirmed that the primary current value has changed from the initial setting even though the device itself is in a normal state, the overcurrent determination value is determined by the first coil and the first coil. Since the size can be changed to the optimum value for the primary current flowing when the metallic foreign matter is caught between the two coils, a quick recovery operation can be performed on the spot.

As described above, it is possible to optimize the magnitude of the overcurrent determination value with respect to the primary current value flowing when a metallic foreign matter is caught between the first coil and the second coil. If so, errors in the primary current value caused by variations in components such as the first coil and the second coil and variations in a structural electromagnetic coupling environment such as a distance between the first coil and the second coil are determined by the overcurrent determination value. Can be absorbed. Therefore, accurate overcurrent determination can be performed, and the safety of the product can be improved.

Further, in the power and signal transmission device provided with means for displaying information obtained from the main body on the terminal, the information obtained by the primary current detecting section is transmitted from the main body to the terminal. It is preferable that the primary current value is displayed on the terminal side. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to separately provide a unit for displaying the primary current value, so that a power and signal transmission device capable of confirming the primary current value with a cheaper configuration is realized. be able to.

It is preferable that the primary current value is set to display / non-display by a predetermined operation. With this configuration, the primary current value will not be seen by the user unless the user or service person intentionally performs the display operation of the primary current value. Therefore, a user who does not intend to check the primary current value does not misunderstand that the product is out of order by looking at the display of the primary current value. Particularly, when the primary current value is displayed on the terminal side, the limited information display area on the terminal side can be effectively used.

Further, it is preferable that the terminal is operated so as to continue the power supply to the terminal even when it is determined that the primary current value is an overcurrent by a predetermined operation. With such a configuration, a serviceman who repairs a product can confirm the magnitude of the primary current value at the time of abnormal power supply operation. Therefore, the recovery work is very easy and the repair of the product can be completed quickly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an upper portion of a refrigerator having a power and signal transmission device according to the present invention, which is obliquely viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a power and signal transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a power and signal transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the power and signal transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a conventional contactless power and signal transmission system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Door 3 Control part 4 Information display / input device 8 Door switch 9 Display device 10 Power supply part 11 Power supply oscillation part 12 First coil 20 Power receiving part 21 Second coil 22 Constant voltage part 31 Primary current detection part 32 Jumper lead 33 Jumper lead

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A main body having a power supply oscillating section for receiving power supply from a commercial power supply, a first coil connected to the power supply oscillating section, a second coil electromagnetically coupled to the first coil, and a second coil. A constant voltage section for rectifying induced AC generated in the main body, and a terminal receiving power supply from the main body in a non-contact manner, wherein the main body detects a primary current value supplied to the power supply oscillation section. By providing a unit, while controlling the power supply to the terminal according to the primary current value, through the signal transmission means provided in the main body and the terminal, between the main body and the terminal A power and signal transmission device for transmitting and receiving signals, wherein a device for displaying the primary current value is provided. 2. The power supply according to claim 1, further comprising means for changing an overcurrent determination value serving as a threshold value for determining whether said primary current value is an overcurrent. Signal transmission device. 3. A power and signal transmitting device provided with means for displaying information obtained from the main body on the terminal, wherein the information obtained by the primary current detecting section is transmitted from the main body to the terminal. The power and signal transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the primary current value is displayed on the terminal side. 4. The power and signal transmission device according to claim 1, wherein display / non-display of said primary current value is set by a predetermined operation. 5. An operation state in which power is continuously supplied to the terminal even when it is determined that the primary current value is an overcurrent by a predetermined operation.
The power and signal transmission device according to claim 4.