JP2007336625A - Electrical apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrical apparatus capable of reducing power consumption of the apparatus on standby as a whole, by suppressing wasteful power consumption of a power circuit at standby. <P>SOLUTION: The power circuit 100 having a switching regulator 10, a transformer 20 and output portions 30, 31, 32 supplies an output voltage to a liquid crystal display portion, a louver and a fan. A microcomputer 2, when acquiring a signal indicating that the liquid crystal display portion, the louver and the fan are at stop, turns off a switch 40 on the input side of the switching regulator 10. This can cut off the voltage supplied to the switching regulator 10 and reduces the power consumed in the switching regulator 10 and subsequent circuits downward of the switching regulator 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric device including a plurality of power supply circuits, and more particularly to an electric device that can reduce power consumption during standby.

  Electric devices such as air conditioners (air conditioners), refrigerators, washing machines, etc. contain various functional parts, and output a plurality of different voltage values in order to supply a required voltage for each functional part. It has a built-in power supply circuit.

  Such a power supply circuit rectifies a 50/60 Hz AC voltage with a rectifier, and then converts the rectified voltage into a high-frequency (for example, several kHz to several tens kHz) AC voltage with a switching regulator IC. The AC voltage is transformed (step-up or step-down) to a predetermined voltage by a transformer (switching transformer), then rectified again to be converted to a predetermined voltage value and supplied to various functional components.

  When the power consumed by each functional component, which is the load of the power supply circuit, is large, it is necessary to increase the power supply capacity of the power supply circuit, thereby increasing the size of the transformer. However, as the size of the transformer increases, there is a problem in that losses in the transformer such as iron loss and copper loss increase, resulting in an increase in power consumption.

  Therefore, conventionally, in order to prevent an increase in power consumption of an electric device due to an increase in size of a transformer, a plurality of power supply circuits including a switching regulator and a transformer are provided to reduce the power supply capacity of one power supply circuit. A method of reducing the size of the transformer has been put into practical use.

In an air conditioner equipped with a converter, inverter, fan motor drive circuit, etc., power consumption during standby can be reduced by stopping the supply of control power to the converter, inverter, fan motor drive circuit during standby. A possible air conditioner has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-81712 A

  However, in the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, the supply of control power to the converter, inverter, and fan motor drive circuit is stopped during standby, but the inverter and fan motor drive circuit through the converter (rectifier circuit) Since the main power supply is connected, power is consumed even during standby (no load state). For this reason, it has been desired to further reduce power consumption.

  In addition, in the conventional example, even when the functional component that is the load is not used and stopped, the input voltage is always supplied to each power supply circuit, so that it is in a standby state (no load state). However, power consumption has occurred, and it has been desired to further reduce power consumption.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is based on an acquisition unit that acquires a signal related to an operating state of an operating unit that operates at an output voltage of a first power supply circuit, and a signal acquired by the acquisition unit. A switching unit that switches on / off of the first power supply circuit, and the acquisition means is configured to operate with the output voltage of the second power supply circuit, so that the power supply circuit that is unnecessary during standby is provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric device that can reduce the power consumption of the entire device during standby while suppressing the power consumption.

  Another object of the present invention is that the acquisition unit is configured to acquire a signal related to an operating state of an operating unit that operates at an output voltage of a third power supply circuit, and the signal acquired by the acquisition unit. And switching means for switching on / off of the third power supply circuit, and control means for controlling switching of each switching part based on the signal acquired by the acquisition means. It is another object of the present invention to provide an electric device that can suppress power consumption of an unnecessary power supply circuit and further reduce power consumption of the entire device during standby.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a switching unit on the input side of the conversion circuit of the first or third power supply circuit, thereby reducing loss in the conversion circuit and a circuit subsequent to the conversion circuit. It is to provide an electric device that can be used.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a switching unit on the output side of the conversion circuit of the first or third power supply circuit and on the input side of the transformer circuit, so that the conversion circuit needs to be operated. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical device that can reduce loss in a transformer circuit.

  An electrical device according to the present invention relates to an operating state of an operating unit that operates at an output voltage of a first power supply circuit in an electrical device including a plurality of power supply circuits and an operating unit that operates at an output voltage of each of the power supply circuits. An acquisition unit configured to acquire a signal; and a switching unit configured to switch on / off the first power supply circuit based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the acquisition unit includes an output voltage of the second power supply circuit. It is comprised so that it may operate | move.

  The electrical device according to the present invention is configured such that the acquisition unit acquires a signal related to an operating state of an operating unit that operates at an output voltage of a third power supply circuit, and is based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit. A switching unit for switching on / off of the third power supply circuit, and a switching unit configured to operate with an output voltage of the second power supply circuit, and based on a signal acquired by the acquisition unit. And a control means for controlling the switching between the two.

  In the electric device according to the present invention, the first or third power supply circuit includes a conversion circuit that converts an input voltage into an AC voltage, and the switching unit is provided on an input side of the conversion circuit. Features.

  In the electrical device according to the present invention, the first or third power supply circuit includes a conversion circuit that converts an input voltage into an AC voltage, and a transformer circuit that transforms the AC voltage converted by the conversion circuit, The switching unit is provided on the output side of the conversion circuit and on the input side of the transformer circuit.

  In the present invention, the first power supply circuit supplies a voltage to the operating unit, and the second power supply circuit supplies a voltage to the acquisition means. The acquisition unit acquires a signal related to the operating state of the operating unit that operates at the output voltage of the first power supply circuit, and turns on / off the first power supply circuit by the switching unit based on the acquired signal. For example, when the operating unit that operates with the output voltage of the first power supply circuit does not operate (standby) when the device is on standby, it is consumed by the first power supply circuit by turning off the first power supply circuit. Reduce power.

  In addition to the first power supply circuit, the present invention further includes a third power supply circuit and a switching unit for switching on / off of the third power supply circuit. The third power supply circuit supplies a voltage to the operating unit, and the acquisition means acquires a signal related to the operating state of the operating unit that operates at the output voltage of the third power supply circuit. The control means acquires a signal related to the operating state of the operating part that operates at the output voltage of the first power supply circuit or the third power supply circuit by the acquiring means, and switches each switching part based on the acquired signal. Control. For example, when the operating unit that operates with the output voltage of the first and third power supply circuits does not operate during standby, only the operating unit that operates with the output voltage of the first power supply circuit operates. First, the first and third power supply circuits are turned off, and then the first power supply circuit is turned on, and the third power supply circuit is kept off, so that the third power supply circuit is consumed. Reduce power consumption. This reduces power consumption compared to the case where the first and third power supply circuits are switched on simultaneously.

  In the present invention, the first or third power supply circuit includes a conversion circuit, and a switching unit is provided on the input side of the conversion circuit that converts an input voltage into an AC voltage. As a result, the power consumed in the subsequent stage of the conversion circuit and the conversion circuit is reduced.

  In the present invention, the first or third power supply circuit includes a conversion circuit and a transformer circuit, and is an output side of the conversion circuit that converts an input voltage into an AC voltage, and is converted by the conversion circuit. A switching unit is provided on the input side of the transformer circuit that transforms the AC voltage. As a result, the power consumed in the subsequent stage of the transformer circuit and the transformer circuit is reduced.

  In the present invention, an acquisition unit that acquires a signal relating to an operating state of the operating unit that operates at the output voltage of the first power supply circuit, and the first power supply circuit based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit. A switching unit that switches on / off, and the acquisition unit is configured to operate with the output voltage of the second power supply circuit, thereby suppressing power consumption of the power supply circuit that is unnecessary during standby, The power consumption of the entire device at the time can be reduced.

  In the present invention, the acquisition unit is configured to acquire a signal related to an operating state of the operating unit that operates at the output voltage of the third power supply circuit, and the signal acquired by the acquisition unit A switching unit that switches on / off of the third power supply circuit, and a control unit that controls switching of each switching unit based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit, so as to match the standby state. Thus, unnecessary power consumption of the power supply circuit can be suppressed, and power consumption of the entire device during standby can be further reduced.

  Further, in the present invention, by providing the switching unit on the input side of the conversion circuit of the first or third power supply circuit, it is possible to reduce the loss in the conversion circuit and the circuit subsequent to the conversion circuit.

  In the present invention, when the switching unit is provided on the output side of the conversion circuit of the first or third power supply circuit and provided on the input side of the transformer circuit, it is necessary to operate the conversion circuit. The loss in the transformer circuit can be reduced.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, an electric device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply circuit 100 for an electric apparatus according to the present invention. As an electrical device, for example, an air conditioner includes a plurality of operating parts (functional parts) that are operated by a voltage supplied by the power supply circuit 100. The air conditioner is separated into an indoor part and an outdoor part. In the indoor part, an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, a louver for adjusting the air direction, the operating condition of the air conditioner (for example, set temperature, cooling) Or a liquid crystal display unit for displaying (heating, air volume, etc.).

  On the other hand, the outdoor side includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, a compressor, and the like (all not shown). Thus, for example, during cooling operation, the refrigerant from the compressor is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger to dissipate the heat to the outside, and the refrigerant is passed through the decompression means such as a capillary tube to the indoor heat exchanger. After the air taken in through the suction port is cooled, the cooled air is discharged from the discharge port, and the refrigerant is returned to the compressor again via the switching valve.

  Even when the air conditioner is in operation, the air conditioner is activated depending on the operating state, for example, when the operation of the louver stops, when the fan stops, or when the display of the liquid crystal display is turned off. The operating state of the parts is different.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply circuit 100 includes a first power supply circuit including a switching regulator 10, a transformer 20, output units 30, 31, 32, and the like, and a first power supply circuit including a switching regulator 11, a transformer 21, an output unit 33, and the like. 2 power supply circuits.

  In the figure, 1 is a rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit 1 is configured by a diode bridge, rectifies an input voltage (AC voltage), and outputs the rectified voltage to the switching regulators 10 and 11. A switch 40 is provided on the input side of the switching regulator 10, and the voltage input to the switching regulator 10 is turned on or off by turning on / off the switch 40. By turning off the switch 40, the power consumed by the switching regulator 10 and a circuit subsequent to the switching regulator 10 can be reduced. The switch 40 may be any one of a contact switch such as a relay and a non-contact switch such as a semiconductor element.

  The switching regulator 10 is composed of, for example, a switching regulator IC, and converts an input voltage into an AC voltage by switching at a predetermined frequency (for example, several kHz to several tens of kHz), and converts the converted AC voltage into a transformer. 20 output.

  The transformer 20 has a primary winding and three types of secondary windings wound around a bobbin provided in a ferrite core. The transformer 20 transforms (for example, steps down) an AC voltage input from the switching regulator 10 and outputs it. The AC voltage after transformation is output to the units 30, 31, and 32.

  The output units 30, 31, and 32 are configured by diodes, smoothing capacitors, and the like, rectify and smooth the output voltages of the transformer 20, and output predetermined output voltages V1, V2, and V3, respectively. For example, the output voltage V1 is supplied to the liquid crystal display unit, the output voltage V2 is supplied to the louver, and the output voltage V3 is supplied to the fan (fan motor).

  The switching regulator 11 also has the same configuration as the switching regulator 10 and converts the input voltage to an alternating voltage by switching at a predetermined frequency (for example, several kHz to several tens of kHz). Output to the transformer 21.

  The transformer 21 has a primary winding and a secondary winding wound around a bobbin provided in a ferrite core. The transformer 21 transforms (for example, steps down) the AC voltage input from the switching regulator 11 to the output unit 33. Outputs AC voltage after transformation.

  The output unit 33 includes a diode and a smoothing capacitor, and rectifies and smoothes the output voltage of the transformer 21 to output a predetermined output voltage V4. For example, the output voltage V4 is supplied to the microcomputer 2 that controls the operation of the power supply circuit 100.

  The microcomputer 2 acquires a signal related to the operating state of each operating unit of the air conditioner. For example, the microcomputer 2 acquires a signal indicating the operating state (operating state) of the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan. When the air conditioner is in a standby state (standby mode), the microcomputer 2 acquires a signal indicating that the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan are stopped. In addition, when the air conditioner shifts from the standby mode (standby mode) to the normal operation mode, the microcomputer 2 acquires a signal indicating that the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan start to operate.

  When the microcomputer 2 acquires a signal indicating that the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan are stopped, the microcomputer 2 turns off the switch 40. Thereby, when the air conditioner is in operation and in the standby mode, the voltage supplied to the switching regulator 10 is cut off, and the power consumed by the switching regulator 10 and the subsequent circuit after the switching regulator 10. Can be reduced, and power consumption during standby of the entire air conditioner can be reduced.

  When the microcomputer 2 acquires a signal indicating that the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan start to operate, the microcomputer 2 turns on the switch 40.

  In the above configuration, the microcomputer 2 is always supplied with electric power. The power supplied by the switching regulator 11, the transformer 21, and the output unit 33 can be limited to the power sufficient to operate the microcomputer 2, and the switching regulator 11, the transformer 21, the output unit 33, etc. can be downsized to constantly Power consumption can be reduced. On the other hand, even when the switching regulator 10, the transformer 20, the output units 30, 31, 32, etc. have a relatively large power consumption during normal times, the switching regulator 10, the transformer 20, the output units 30, 31, It is possible to reduce power consumed by 32 (power at no load, circuit loss, etc.).

  Note that the microcomputer 2 is not limited to the configuration that acquires the signals indicating the operating states of the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan, and the microcomputer 2 is configured to control the operating states of the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan. May be.

Embodiment 2
In the first embodiment, the switch 40 is provided on the input side of the switching regulator 10. However, the connection point of the switch 40 is not limited to this, and the switch 40 is on the output side of the switching regulator 10. It can also be provided on the 20 input side.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the power supply circuit 200 according to the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that a switch 50 is provided on the output side of the switching regulator 10 and on the input side of the transformer 20 instead of the switch 40. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the location similar to Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The switch 50 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor switching element that can turn on / off a high-frequency voltage, but a relay or the like can also be used.

  Also in this case, as in the first embodiment, when the microcomputer 2 acquires a signal indicating that the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan are stopped, the microcomputer 50 turns off the switch 50. Thereby, when the air conditioner is in operation and in the standby mode, the voltage output from the switching regulator 10 is cut off, and the power consumed by the transformer 20 and the subsequent circuit after the transformer 20 is reduced. Therefore, the power consumption during standby of the entire air conditioner can be reduced. In this case, even if the air conditioner is in the standby mode, it is useful when there is a situation where it is not desired to stop the operation of the switching regulator 10.

Embodiment 3
In the first and second embodiments described above, the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit are provided and the microcomputer 2 is operated by the second power supply circuit. However, the number of power supply circuits is two. It is not limited and there may be three or more.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the power supply circuit 300 according to the third embodiment. The power supply circuit 300 includes a first power supply circuit including a switching regulator 12, a transformer 22, and output units 30 and 31, a third power supply circuit including a switching regulator 13, a transformer 23, and an output unit 32, and the switching regulator 11. And a second power supply circuit including a transformer 21, an output unit 33, and the like.

  The rectifier circuit 1 is configured by a diode bridge, rectifies an input voltage (AC voltage), and outputs the rectified voltage to the switching regulators 12, 13, and 11. Switches 40 and 41 are provided on the input sides of the switching regulators 12 and 13, respectively. By turning the switches 40 and 41 on and off, the voltage input to the switching regulators 12 and 13 is supplied or cut off. By switching off the switch 40, the power consumed by the switching regulator 12 and the circuit subsequent to the switching regulator 12 can be reduced. By switching off the switch 41, the power consumed by the switching regulator 13 and the circuit subsequent to the switching regulator 13 can be reduced. Power to be reduced. Note that the switch 41 having the same configuration as the switch 40 can be used.

  The switching regulator 12 is composed of, for example, a switching regulator IC, and converts an input voltage into an AC voltage by switching at a predetermined frequency (for example, several kHz to several tens of kHz), and converts the converted AC voltage into a transformer. 22 to output.

  The transformer 22 has a primary winding and two types of secondary windings wound around a bobbin provided in a ferrite core. The transformer 22 transforms (for example, steps down) an AC voltage input from the switching regulator 12 and outputs it. The transformed AC voltage is output to the units 30 and 31.

  The output units 30 and 31 include diodes and smoothing capacitors, and rectify and smooth the output voltages of the transformer 22 to output predetermined output voltages V1 and V2, respectively. For example, the output voltage V1 is supplied to the liquid crystal display unit, and the output voltage V2 is supplied to the louver.

  The switching regulator 13 is composed of, for example, a switching regulator IC, and converts an input voltage into an AC voltage by switching at a predetermined frequency (for example, several kHz to several tens kHz), and converts the converted AC voltage into a transformer. To 23.

  The transformer 23 has a primary winding and a secondary winding wound around a bobbin provided in a ferrite core. The transformer 23 transforms (for example, steps down) the AC voltage input from the switching regulator 13 to the output unit 32. Outputs AC voltage after transformation.

  The output unit 32 includes a diode and a smoothing capacitor, and rectifies and smoothes the output voltage of the transformer 23 to output a predetermined output voltage V3. For example, the output voltage V3 is supplied to the fan.

  Since the switching regulator 11, the transformer 21, the output unit 33, and the microcomputer 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the air conditioner is in the standby mode, the microcomputer 2 turns off the switch 40 when acquiring a signal indicating that the liquid crystal display unit and the louver are stopped. Further, the microcomputer 2 turns on the switch 41 when acquiring a signal indicating that the fan is operating, and turns off the switch 41 when acquiring a signal indicating that the fan is stopped. Thus, when the air conditioner is in the standby mode, the power supply circuit for stopping the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan can be stopped and when the liquid crystal display unit and the louver can be stopped only finely. By controlling, it is possible to further reduce power consumption during standby of the entire air conditioner.

  Also, by providing a plurality of power supply circuits, the capacity of one transformer can be reduced and the size can be reduced, the weight of the transformer increases, and the reliability on the mounting surface on the board or the like decreases (soldering) Problems such as insufficient strength can be solved.

Embodiment 4
In the first to third embodiments, one transformer is provided on the output side of the switching regulator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of transformers are provided on the output side of the switching regulator according to the output voltage. There may be a configuration in which the input side of each transformer is turned on / off.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the power supply circuit 400 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, transformers 24, 25, and 26 are connected to the output side of the switching regulator 14 via switches 51, 52, and 53, respectively.

  Each of the transformers 24, 25, and 26 has a primary winding and a secondary winding wound around a bobbin provided on a ferrite core, and transforms (eg, steps down) the AC voltage input from the switching regulator 14. The AC voltage after transformation is output to the output units 30, 31, 32.

  The output units 30, 31, and 32 are configured with diodes, smoothing capacitors, and the like, rectify and smooth the output voltages of the transformers 24, 25, and 26, and output predetermined output voltages V1, V2, and V3. The output voltage V1 is supplied to the liquid crystal display unit, the output voltage V2 is supplied to the louver, and the output voltage V3 is supplied to the fan.

  Since the switching regulator 11, the transformer 21, the output unit 33, and the microcomputer 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the air conditioner is in the standby mode, the microcomputer 2 turns off the switch 51 when acquiring a signal indicating that the liquid crystal display unit is stopped. In addition, when the microcomputer 2 acquires a signal indicating that the louver is stopped, the microcomputer 2 turns off the switch 52. Further, when the microcomputer 2 acquires a signal indicating that the fan is stopped, the microcomputer 2 turns off the switch 53. As a result, when the air conditioner is in the standby mode, unnecessary power supply circuits can be stopped according to the operating states of the liquid crystal display unit, the louver, and the fan, and the power consumption of the entire air conditioner during standby is reduced. Further reduction can be achieved. In particular, the loss in the transformers 24, 25, and 26 can be finely reduced according to the operating state of the load.

  As described above, according to the present invention, power consumption of the power supply circuit that is unnecessary during standby can be suppressed, and power consumption of the entire device during standby can be reduced. Also, unnecessary power consumption of the power supply circuit can be suppressed in accordance with the standby state, and the power consumption of the entire device during standby can be further reduced. Furthermore, loss in the switching regulator and transformer can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the power supply circuit that supplies a voltage to each of these operating units is stopped according to the operating state of the liquid crystal display unit, louver, fan, etc., but the operating unit is limited to this. Any other device may be used as long as it stops during standby.

  In the above-described embodiment, the air conditioner has been described as an example of the electric device. However, the electric device is not limited to the air conditioner, and any other device can be used as long as it includes a plurality of power supply circuits. The present invention can also be applied.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit of the electric equipment which concerns on this invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply circuit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply circuit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply circuit according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2 Microcomputer 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Switching regulator 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 25, 26 Transformer 30, 31, 32, 33 Output unit 40, 41 50, 51, 52, 53 Switch

Claims (4)

In an electrical device comprising a plurality of power supply circuits and an operating part that operates at the output voltage of each of the power supply circuits,
An acquisition means for acquiring a signal relating to an operating state of an operating section that operates at an output voltage of the first power supply circuit;
A switching unit for switching on / off of the first power supply circuit based on the signal acquired by the acquisition means,
The acquisition means includes
An electric device configured to operate with an output voltage of a second power supply circuit. The acquisition means includes
It is comprised so that the signal regarding the operating state of the action | operation part which operate | moves with the output voltage of a 3rd power supply circuit may be acquired,
A switching unit that switches on / off the third power supply circuit based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit;
A control means configured to operate at an output voltage of the second power supply circuit, and further comprising a control means for controlling switching of each switching section based on a signal obtained by the obtaining means. The electrical apparatus according to 1. The first or third power circuit is
It has a conversion circuit that converts input voltage into AC voltage,
The switching unit is
The electric device according to claim 1, wherein the electric device is provided on an input side of the conversion circuit. The first or third power circuit is
A conversion circuit for converting an input voltage into an AC voltage;
A transformer circuit for transforming the AC voltage converted by the converter circuit,
The switching unit is
The electrical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical apparatus is provided on an output side of the conversion circuit and on an input side of the transformer circuit.

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