Control circuit

Abstract

The control circuit comprises a mains supply module, a switching power supply module, a relay and a main control module, the switching power supply module comprises a first output end and a second output end, and voltages of electric signals output by the first output end and the second output end are different; the relay comprises a switch and an electromagnetic structure, the first end of the switch is connected with a live wire of the mains supply module, the first end of the electromagnetic structure is connected with the first output end, the second end of the switch and the second end of the electromagnetic structure are connected with the main control module, and the second output end is connected with the first end and the ground end of the switch through an impedance unit; a null line of the commercial power module is connected with the ground end. According to the technical scheme, the connection of the switching power supply and the commercial power module is not influenced by the relay, and various safety standard requirements are met on the basis of not adding other protection circuits and ensuring that the cost of the control circuit is not increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of safety protection against discharge from washing machine plugs, specifically to, but not limited to, a control circuit. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the improvement of living standards, washing machines have become an indispensable household appliance in modern families. However, some washing machine brands on the market have certain deficiencies in terms of safety standards. That is, some products fail to fully meet the safety requirements for plug discharge, while others cannot pass safety tests under abnormal experimental conditions, which may pose safety hazards.

[0003] In the existing technology, some washing machine products meet the dual safety requirements of plug discharge and abnormal experimental conditions by adding extra protection circuits. However, this design often leads to an increase in the cost of the washing machine controller, which in turn weakens the overall market competitiveness of the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application discloses a control circuit that ensures the connection between the switching power supply and the mains power module is not affected by relays, and meets various safety standards without adding other protection circuits or increasing the cost of the control circuit.

[0005] The first aspect of this application discloses a control circuit, including a mains power module, a switching power supply module, a relay, and a main control module, wherein:

[0006] The switching power supply module includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal, and the voltages of the electrical signals output by the first output terminal and the second output terminal are different.

[0007] The relay includes a switch and an electromagnetic structure. The first end of the switch is connected to the live wire of the mains power module, the first end of the electromagnetic structure is connected to the first output terminal, and the second end of both the switch and the second end of the electromagnetic structure are connected to the main control module. The second output terminal is connected to the first end of the switch and the ground terminal through an impedance unit.

[0008] The neutral wire of the mains power module is connected to the ground terminal, wherein,

[0009] The mains power module is configured to output the mains power signal to the relay when receiving an AC mains power signal, and to convert the mains power signal into a DC first electrical signal and output the first electrical signal to the switching power supply module.

[0010] The switching power supply module is used to convert the first electrical signal into a second electrical signal and a third electrical signal, and output the second electrical signal through the second output terminal and output the third electrical signal through the first output terminal, wherein the voltage of the second electrical signal is less than the voltage of the third electrical signal;

[0011] The main control module is used to generate a corresponding first control signal under the action of the third electrical signal, and the first control signal is used to control the on / off state of the switch.

[0012] The relay is used to control the switch to be in an on or off state according to the received first control electrical signal;

[0013] When the switch is in the ON or OFF state, the first capacitor located between the live wire and the neutral wire in the mains power module releases the stored charge through a discharge circuit, which includes the impedance unit.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the switching power supply module is designed with a first output terminal and a second output terminal, which output electrical signals of different voltages respectively. This provides flexible operating voltages for the main control module and the relay, ensuring that the main control module can stably generate control signals and that the relay can reliably perform switching operations. Furthermore, the first terminal of the relay switch is connected to the live wire of the mains module, and the first terminal of the switch is also connected to the second output terminal through an impedance unit. Additionally, the first terminal of the relay's electromagnetic structure is connected to the first output terminal, and the second terminal of both the switch and the second terminal of the electromagnetic structure are connected to the main control module. It can be seen that regardless of whether the electromagnetic structure's switch is in an on / off state or a closed state, the first capacitor between the live and neutral wires of the mains module can release the stored charge through a discharge circuit including the impedance unit. Without adding other protection circuits, this avoids the shortcomings of traditional solutions in plug discharge and short-circuit testing, achieving a balance between functionality and cost.

[0015] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of this embodiment, the control circuit further includes a detection module, wherein the neutral wire of the mains power module is connected to the ground terminal through the detection module, wherein...

[0016] The detection module is used to form a discharge circuit with the first capacitor and the impedance unit to release the charge stored in the first capacitor when the switch is in the on state or the off state, and to detect the current of the mains signal and adjust the on / off state of the switch when the conditions are met.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the neutral wire of the mains power module is connected to the ground through the detection module. This allows the detection module, the first capacitor, and the impedance unit to form a discharge circuit when the relay switch is on or off, ensuring the safe release of the charge stored in the first capacitor. This design avoids potential hazards to users or equipment caused by residual charge in the capacitor, further meeting the safety standards for plug discharge. Furthermore, the detection circuit can detect the mains current and, under certain conditions, control the on / off state of the switch. This not only helps to detect potential circuit faults in advance but also ensures that the circuit meets safety standards under various operating conditions.

[0018] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of this embodiment, the detection module includes a zero-crossing detection circuit, which is further connected to the second output terminal, wherein...

[0019] The zero-crossing detection circuit is configured to form a discharge circuit with the first capacitor and the impedance unit to release the charge stored in the first capacitor when the switch is in the on state or the off state, and to control the on / off state of the switch to switch from a first state to a second state when the current of the mains signal is detected to be zero under the action of the second electrical signal, wherein the first state is one of the on state and the off state, and the second state is the other of the on state and the off state.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the zero-crossing detection circuit can control the switching state of the switch when the current of the mains signal is zero. This design avoids the arcing or voltage surge that may occur when the switch switches at a non-zero current point, thereby extending the service life of the relay and reducing the risk of circuit failure. Furthermore, switching the switch state at the zero-crossing current point can effectively reduce electromagnetic interference, improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the circuit, and ensure more stable operation of the entire device. In addition, the zero-crossing detection circuit, together with the first capacitor and the impedance unit, forms a discharge circuit, ensuring that the charge stored in the first capacitor can be safely and efficiently released when the switch is in the on or off state. This design further enhances the safety of plug discharge. Moreover, because the zero-crossing detection circuit can dynamically adjust the working state of the discharge circuit according to the phase of the mains signal, it also ensures the efficiency and safety of charge release.

[0021] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of this embodiment, the control circuit further includes a drive module, and the main control module is connected to the second terminal of the switch through the drive module, wherein...

[0022] The main control module is also used to generate a corresponding second control signal under the action of the third electrical signal. The second control signal is used to control the drive module to be in a drive state or a non-drive state.

[0023] The drive module is used to control the load connected to the drive module to be in a working state or a non-working state according to the second control signal under the action of the mains power signal.

[0024] In the above technical solution, the main control module is connected to the relay through the drive module. The signal isolation function of the drive module can reduce electromagnetic interference between the main control module and the relay, improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the circuit, and ensure more stable operation of the whole machine. The control circuit also includes the drive module. In addition, the drive module can be connected to various load drives and can quickly switch the working state according to the second control electrical signal of the main control module, thereby controlling the corresponding motor load of the whole machine to work.

[0025] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of this embodiment, the driving module includes a plurality of thyristors, each of the thyristors being connected to the main control module and the second terminal of the switch, wherein,

[0026] Each of the thyristors is configured to, under the action of the mains power signal, be in an on / off state according to the second control signal; when the thyristor is in the on state, drive the load connected to the thyristor to the working state; and when the thyristor is in the off state, control the load connected to the thyristor to the non-working state.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the thyristor can precisely control its on / off state according to the second control electrical signal of the main control module, thereby achieving efficient load management. This design ensures that the load can be quickly started or stopped when needed, improving the overall response speed and control accuracy. Furthermore, each thyristor is connected to one load, allowing multiple loads to be controlled independently, which enhances the flexibility of the circuit.

[0028] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of this embodiment, each of the thyristors includes a gate, an anode, and a cathode; the gate is connected to the main control module; the anode is connected to the second terminal of the switch; and the cathode is connected to the load; wherein,

[0029] The thyristor is used so that, under the action of the mains power signal, the anode and the cathode are in a closed state or a non-closed state according to the second control signal received by the gate, wherein, when the anode and the cathode are in the closed state, the thyristor is in the conducting state; when the anode and the cathode are in the non-closed state, the thyristor is in the disconnected state.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the gate of the thyristor is connected to the main control module. Under the action of the mains power signal, when the gate receives the second control signal, it can achieve efficient circuit switching and provide precise control. This characteristic makes the circuit control more stable and avoids the wear or failure of traditional mechanical switches.

[0031] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of this embodiment, the control circuit further includes a button module connected to the main control module. The button module includes a first button and a second button.

[0032] In response to the pressing of the first button, the main control module generates the first control electrical signal; and in response to the pressing of the second button, the main control module generates the second control electrical signal.

[0033] In the above technical solution, the button module provides a simple and intuitive operation method. Users only need to press the first button or the second button to generate the corresponding control electrical signal. This operation method eliminates the need for complex external control devices or user interfaces, making it convenient for users to control the system and improving its ease of use and interactive experience.

[0034] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of this embodiment, the mains power module includes a rectifier circuit, which is connected to the live wire and neutral wire of the mains power module, and also connected to the switching power supply.

[0035] The rectifier circuit is used to convert the AC mains signal into the DC first electrical signal.

[0036] In the above technical solution, the main function of the rectifier circuit is to convert the alternating current (AC) signal from the mains power supply into a stable direct current (DC) signal. AC power exhibits frequency and amplitude fluctuations during transmission, while DC power is more suitable for most electronic devices and circuits. Rectification eliminates these AC fluctuations, ensuring stable power output and preventing interference with equipment performance.

[0037] As an optional implementation, in the first aspect of this embodiment, the impedance unit includes a second capacitor, an inductor, and a whole-machine alarm. The second output terminal is connected to the ground terminal through the second capacitor. The second output terminal is also connected to the first terminal of the switch through the inductor. One end of the whole-machine alarm is connected to the inductor and the first terminal of the switch, and the other end of the whole-machine alarm is connected to the ground terminal.

[0038] The impedance unit is used to release the charge stored in the first capacitor through the discharge circuit when the switch is in the on state or the off state. The discharge circuit includes the second capacitor, the inductor, the whole machine alarm, and the ground terminal.

[0039] In the above technical solution, the charge release mechanism in the first capacitor ensures circuit stability through the coordinated operation of the second capacitor, inductor, and overall alarm. Regardless of whether the switch is on or off, the discharge circuit smoothly releases the stored charge, preventing voltage fluctuations from affecting other parts of the circuit and reducing the possibility of system instability. Furthermore, the overall alarm can promptly issue an alert in case of abnormal conditions, reminding the user to check or handle the issue. This device increases the maintainability and emergency response capability of the circuit, helps to detect potential faults early, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0040] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of this embodiment, the relay includes a diode connected to a first terminal and a second terminal of the electromagnetic structure, wherein...

[0041] The diode is used to discharge the reverse current generated by the electromagnetic structure when the electromagnetic structure is energized or de-energized, so as to protect the electromagnetic structure.

[0042] In the above technical solution, the diode's function is to prevent reverse current surges when the electromagnetic structure is energized or de-energized. Especially when the relay switch is open, the electromagnetic structure may generate reverse current. If this reverse current is not suppressed, it may damage the electromagnetic structure or the relay itself. The diode provides a discharge path for the reverse current, thereby protecting the electromagnetic structure from damage. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1This is a structural schematic diagram of a control circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of another control circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of another control circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of another control circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of another control circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] It should be noted that the terms "first, second, third" used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar or different objects and do not represent a specific order of objects. It can be understood that "first, second, third" can be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted, so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0052] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0053] With the improvement of living standards, washing machines have gradually become an indispensable household appliance in modern families. They provide convenient washing services and greatly reduce the burden of housework. However, as the popularity of washing machines continues to increase, some products of varying quality have appeared on the market. Some brands have not fully considered safety standards during the design and manufacturing process, especially in terms of plug discharge safety and safety under abnormal experimental conditions, exhibiting certain deficiencies. If these safety issues are not addressed in a timely manner, they may pose a potential threat to the life and property safety of users.

[0054] Specifically, some washing machine products do not fully meet the safety requirements for plug discharge. Plug discharge refers to the possibility that poor contact or design flaws during plugging and unplugging may cause electrical components to arc or short-circuit, leading to electrical fires or electric shocks. Furthermore, some washing machines fail relevant safety tests under abnormal experimental conditions, such as overload, overvoltage, or abnormal operation. This may result in a higher risk of failure during actual use, thus increasing safety hazards.

[0055] To address these issues, some washing machine manufacturers have implemented additional protection circuitry. By incorporating overvoltage protection, leakage protection, and temperature control protection, electrical faults can be effectively prevented, ensuring user safety. However, the addition of these protective measures typically increases the complexity of the controller design and raises costs. Increased costs undoubtedly impact the washing machine's market competitiveness. Therefore, how to reduce costs through optimized design while ensuring safety has become a major challenge for manufacturers.

[0056] Based on the above problems, this application discloses a control circuit that ensures the connection between the switching power supply and the mains power module 11 is not affected by the relay 31, and meets various safety standards without adding other protection circuits and ensuring that the cost of the control circuit does not increase.

[0057] To make the purpose and technical solution of this application clearer and more intuitive, the control circuit disclosed in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a control circuit disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 The control circuit shown includes an AC power module 11, a switching power supply module 21, a relay 31, and a main control module 41. The switching power supply module 21 includes a first output terminal 22 and a second output terminal 23, and the voltages of the electrical signals output by the first output terminal 22 and the second output terminal 23 are different.

[0059] The relay 31 includes a switch 32 and an electromagnetic structure 33. The first end of the switch 32 is connected to the live wire of the mains module 11, and the first end of the electromagnetic structure 33 is connected to the first output terminal 22. The second ends of both the switch 32 and the electromagnetic structure 33 are connected to the main control module 41. The second output terminal 23 is connected to the first end of the switch 32 and the ground terminal through the impedance unit 51. The neutral wire of the mains module 11 is connected to the ground terminal. The functions of each part of this control circuit are described in detail below.

[0060] The mains power module 11 is mainly used to output a mains power signal to the relay 31 when receiving an AC mains power signal, and to convert the mains power signal into a DC first electrical signal and output the first electrical signal to the switching power supply module 21.

[0061] In this embodiment, the mains module 11 may include an input port, which may include a terminal block for directly connecting the mains line of an external power grid to the mains module 11, allowing the mains module 11 to receive an external AC mains signal. This AC mains signal typically has a voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz; in some regions, the voltage is 110V and the frequency is 60Hz. The received AC mains signal can provide operating voltage for the relay 31.

[0062] In some embodiments, the mains power module 11 may include a rectifier circuit 12, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 , Figure 2 The present application provides another control circuit schematic diagram, which includes a rectifier circuit 12. The rectifier circuit 12 is connected to the live wire and the neutral wire of the mains module 11, and is also connected to a switching power supply, for converting the AC mains signal into the DC first electrical signal.

[0063] Optionally, the rectifier circuit 12 can be a half-wave rectifier circuit 12, a full-wave rectifier circuit 12, or a bridge rectifier circuit 12, etc. There are no specific restrictions here, and it can be selected according to actual needs.

[0064] Regardless of the type of rectifier circuit 12, its rectification essentially utilizes the unidirectional conductivity characteristic of diodes. Diodes only allow current to flow in one direction. When the voltage direction of the alternating current is the same as the conduction direction of the diode, the diode conducts; when the voltage direction is opposite to the conduction direction of the diode, the diode is cut off, thus effectively "discarding" half of the alternating current cycle and achieving direct current output.

[0065] In this embodiment, the mains power module 11 may also include an input filter, which may be composed of a capacitor, an inductor 53 or a resistor, to suppress noise and spurious signals from the external power grid, effectively reduce these interferences and ensure the stable operation of subsequent circuits.

[0066] In this embodiment, the mains power module 11 may also include a fuse or overload protection circuit to prevent damage to the circuit caused by excessive input voltage or current. Once the current exceeds the safe value, the fuse will disconnect the power supply to protect the module and the equipment.

[0067] In some embodiments, to protect the controller from interference from factors such as surge voltage, high-frequency noise, and transient voltage fluctuations, a varistor RV1 can be added between the neutral and live wires of the mains module. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 The varistor RV1 can ensure the normal operation of the controller and extend its service life by absorbing overvoltage, stabilizing voltage, and reducing high-frequency interference.

[0068] The switching power supply module 21 is used to convert the first electrical signal into a second electrical signal and a third electrical signal, and output the second electrical signal through the second output terminal 23 and output the third electrical signal through the first output terminal 22, wherein the voltage of the second electrical signal is less than the voltage of the third electrical signal;

[0069] Optionally, the switching power supply module 21 can be a buck, buck-boost, or isolated switching power supply. No specific restrictions are imposed here, and the appropriate type can be selected according to actual needs.

[0070] Switching power supplies control the on / off state of current through high-frequency switching, and use components such as inductors, capacitors and transformers to store energy and regulate output voltage and current. The process can involve several steps, including input signal processing, switching regulation, voltage conversion, filtering and stabilization, and feedback regulation.

[0071] The input signal processing refers to the following steps: the switching power supply module 21 receives the input electrical signal from the mains power module 11. This input electrical signal is first smoothed by a filter to eliminate high-frequency noise. Switching regulation refers to the switching of the input electrical signal through switching elements, generating high-frequency pulses. These pulse signals are then converted into different output signals after passing through components such as inductors and transformers. Voltage conversion refers to the ability of the input electrical signal voltage to be increased or decreased with the help of transformers or inductors. Filtering and stabilization refers to the fact that after voltage conversion, there is usually some pulsation, so a filter is needed to smooth the output voltage to obtain a stable DC power supply. Feedback regulation refers to the use of a feedback control system in switching power supplies to ensure stable output voltage. The feedback system monitors the output voltage and adjusts the operating state of the switching elements according to the feedback signal to ensure that the output voltage is within the set range.

[0072] In this embodiment, the switching power supply module 21 is designed with a first output terminal 22 and a second output terminal 23, which output electrical signals of different voltages respectively, providing flexible operating voltages for the main control module 41 and the relay 31. This not only ensures that the main control module 41 can stably generate control signals, but also enables the relay 31 to reliably perform the switch 32 operation.

[0073] Optionally, the first output terminal 22 and the second output terminal 23 can be implemented by two different types of switching power supplies.

[0074] The main control module 41 is used to generate a corresponding first control signal under the action of the third electrical signal. The first control signal is used to control the on / off state of the switch 32.

[0075] Optionally, the main control module 41 can be a digital main control module, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU) main control module, an embedded controller (EC) main control module, or a programmable logic controller (PLC) main control module, etc. There are no specific restrictions here, and it can be selected according to actual needs.

[0076] Preferably, the main control module 41 is an MCU main control module. The core of the MCU main control module is the MCU, which typically integrates a central processing unit (CPU), memory, peripheral interfaces, a clock system, power management, and communication interfaces. The CPU is responsible for instruction execution, computation, decision-making, and other control functions. Memory includes read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), used to store program code, data, and temporary variables. Peripheral interfaces include digital input / output ports, analog input ports, timers, PWM output, and serial communication. The clock system provides the clock signal to the MCU, controlling the synchronization of its various components. Power management provides the necessary voltage and current to the MCU, and sometimes includes a low-power mode to extend battery life. The communication interface allows data exchange with other devices or the main control system.

[0077] MCUs have advantages such as low power consumption, high integration, low cost, easy programming, and high flexibility. Using MCUs in this control circuit can realize an efficient and easy-to-develop control circuit without increasing costs.

[0078] Alternatively, there are many types of MCUs available, such as the STMicroelectronics STM32 series, Microchip PIC series, NXP LPC series, Atmel AVR series, and Texas Instruments MSP430 series, which can be selected according to actual needs.

[0079] Relay 31 is used to control the switch 32 to be in an on or off state according to the received first control electrical signal;

[0080] Alternatively, there are many types of relays 31, such as electromagnetic relays 31, solid-state relays 31, thermal relays 31, and bistable relays 31, which can be selected according to actual needs.

[0081] The relay 31 operates based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. When an external control current passes through the coil of the relay 31, a magnetic field is generated. The iron core under the influence of the magnetic field is attracted, causing the contacts of the relay 31 to change, for example, from normally open to closed or from normally closed to open. This change in contacts realizes the switching of the control circuit 32, thereby controlling the conduction and disconnection of the load circuit.

[0082] Relay 31 can be composed of a coil, iron core, contacts, spring, and housing. The coil of relay 31 is an electromagnetic element, typically made of thin copper wire. When an input control signal flows through the coil, it generates a magnetic field. The iron core is the magnetic material part of relay 31, usually iron or other materials with good magnetic permeability. The function of the iron core is to enhance the electromagnetic effect and help attract or release the contacts. The contacts are the switching elements of relay 31, used to control the opening and closing of the circuit. Contacts are typically of two types: normally open contacts and normally closed contacts. Normally open contacts are open when relay 31 is not operating; when the relay coil is energized, the contacts close, and the circuit is completed.

[0083] The normally closed contact is closed when relay 31 is not working; when the coil of relay 31 is energized, the contact opens and the circuit is broken.

[0084] The spring is used to return the contacts to their initial position, i.e., normally open or normally closed, when no current is applied. The housing of relay 31 serves a protective function, preventing interference from the external environment and preventing personnel from contacting the electrical parts of relay 31.

[0085] In the embodiments of this application, the electromagnetic structure 33 of the relay 31 includes an iron core and a coil, and the switch 32 of the relay 31 includes contacts.

[0086] In the structure of this control circuit, since the first end of the switch 32 of the relay 31 is connected to the live wire of the mains module 11, and the first end of the switch 32 is also connected through the impedance unit 51 and the second output terminal 23, and the first end of the electromagnetic structure 33 of the relay 31 is connected to the first output terminal 22, and the second end of the switch 32 and the second end of the electromagnetic structure 33 are both connected to the main control module 41, in this case, regardless of whether the switch 32 of the electromagnetic structure 33 is in the on / off state or the closed state, the first capacitor between the live wire and the neutral wire of the mains module 11 can release the charge stored in the first capacitor through the discharge circuit including the impedance unit 51. Without adding other protection circuits, this avoids the shortcomings of traditional solutions in plug discharge and short circuit testing, and achieves a balance between function and cost.

[0087] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes a detection module 61, such as Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The control circuit includes a detection module 61. The neutral wire of the mains power module 11 is connected to the ground terminal through the detection module 61.

[0088] The detection module 61 is used to form a discharge circuit with the first capacitor and the impedance unit 51 to release the charge stored in the first capacitor when the switch 32 is in the on state or the off state, and to detect the current of the mains signal and adjust the on / off state of the switch 32 when the conditions are met.

[0089] In this embodiment, the neutral wire of the mains power module 11 is connected to the ground through the detection module 61. This allows the detection module 61 to form a discharge circuit with the first capacitor and the impedance unit 51, whether the switch 32 of the relay 31 is on or off. This allows the charge stored in the first capacitor to be safely released through the discharge circuit. This design avoids the potential danger to users or equipment caused by residual charge in the capacitor and further meets the safety standards for plug discharge.

[0090] In addition, the detection circuit can detect the mains current and, under certain conditions, control the on / off state of switch 32. This not only helps to detect potential circuit faults in advance, but also ensures that the circuit meets safety standards under various operating conditions.

[0091] Optionally, the detection module 61 may include a zero-crossing detection circuit, a fuzzy detection circuit, a door lock detection circuit, etc., without specific limitations.

[0092] Zero-crossing detection circuits are used to detect when an AC signal crosses the zero level. A zero-crossing point is the inflection point between the positive and negative half-cycles of an AC signal. Zero-crossing detection circuits often use operational amplifiers or comparators to detect the zero-crossing point. When the AC signal crosses the zero level, the circuit outputs a pulse signal indicating that the signal has passed the zero point. This zero-crossing detection circuit can be added to other circuits for synchronization, phase control, or frequency control.

[0093] The fuzzy detection circuit uses fuzzy logic to process the input signal, transforming continuous input into fuzzy categories, and then derives the control signal through an inference process. This enables intelligent adjustment, adaptive control, or fault-tolerant control of other circuits.

[0094] The door lock detection circuit detects the door lock status through sensors and feeds it back to the control system. This enables door lock status monitoring, or remote opening and closing of the door lock via smart devices 32, and triggering of an alarm system when the door lock is illegally opened or damaged. The sensors used are magnetic switches 32 or Hall effect sensors, etc., without specific limitations.

[0095] Preferably, when the detection circuit includes a zero-crossing detection circuit, the zero-crossing detection circuit can control the on / off state switching of switch 32 at the moment when the current of the mains signal is zero. See also... Figure 3 , Figure 3 The schematic diagram of another control circuit provided in this application embodiment includes a zero-crossing detection circuit 62, which is also connected to the second output terminal 23 of the switching power supply module 21. This design avoids arcing or voltage surges that may occur when the switch 32 switches at a non-zero current point, thereby extending the service life of the relay 31 and reducing the risk of circuit failure. In addition, switching the state of the switch 32 at the zero current point can effectively reduce electromagnetic interference, improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the circuit, and ensure more stable operation of the entire machine.

[0096] Furthermore, the zero-crossing detection circuit 62 is also used to form a discharge circuit with the first capacitor and the impedance unit 51 when the switch 32 of the relay 31 is in the on or off state, so as to release the charge stored in the first capacitor, thereby ensuring that the charge stored in the first capacitor can be released safely and efficiently when the switch 32 is in the on or off state. This further improves the safety of plug discharge. In addition, since the zero-crossing detection circuit 62 is connected to the mains power module 11, the zero-crossing detection circuit 62 can dynamically adjust the working state of the discharge circuit according to the phase of the mains power signal, which also ensures the efficiency and safety of charge release.

[0097] In addition, the zero-crossing detection circuit 62 is also used to control the on / off state of switch 32 from a first state to a second state when the mains current is detected to be zero under the action of the second electrical signal. The first state is one of the on and off states, and the second state is the other of the on and off states. This avoids the arcing or voltage surge that may occur when switch 32 switches at a non-zero current point, thereby extending the service life of relay 31 and reducing the risk of circuit failure. Furthermore, switching the state of switch 32 at the zero current point can effectively reduce electromagnetic interference, improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the circuit, and ensure more stable operation of the entire device.

[0098] For example, please refer to further reading Figure 3 The zero-crossing detection circuit 62 includes five resistors: R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5. The circuit may also include capacitors C1 and C2, a comparator P1, and a diode D1. Resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series. One end of resistor R1 is connected to the neutral wire of the mains module 11, and the other end of resistor R1 is connected in series with R2. The second output terminal of the switching power supply module 21 is connected to the first terminal of the comparator to provide voltage to comparator P1. The first and second terminals of the comparator are connected in parallel with resistor R3, diode D1, and capacitor C1, respectively. The other end of resistor R2 is connected to the second terminal of the comparator. The third terminal of the comparator is connected to ground through resistor R5, and also through resistor R4 and capacitor C2. When the switch 32 of the relay 31 is in the on or off state, the electronic components of the zero-crossing detection circuit 62, together with the first capacitor and the impedance unit 51, form a discharge circuit to release the charge stored in the first capacitor. This ensures that the charge stored in the first capacitor can be released safely and efficiently when the switch 32 is in the on or off state, thus improving the safety of plug discharge.

[0099] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes a drive module 71, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The main control module 41 is connected to the second terminal of the switch 32 via the drive module 71, wherein,

[0100] The main control module 41 is also used to generate a corresponding second control signal under the action of the third electrical signal. The second control signal is used to control the drive module 71 to be in a drive state or a non-drive state.

[0101] The drive module 71 is used to control the load connected to the drive module 71 to be in an operating state or a non-operating state according to a second control electrical signal under the action of the mains power signal. It can be understood that when the second control electrical signal controls the drive module 71 to be in the driving state, the load connected to the drive module 71 is in the operating state, and when the second control electrical signal controls the drive module 71 to be in the non-driving state, the load connected to the drive module 71 is in the non-operating state.

[0102] The drive module 71 is a power and signal conditioning device used to control other electronic devices or systems. It typically acts as an intermediary between control signals and motors, actuators, or other loads, providing the necessary voltage, current, or control signals to enable the equipment to function properly.

[0103] The driving module 71 typically works by receiving a low-power signal from the control system, amplifying or converting it, and then outputting a high-power signal to drive the load. Optionally, the control system can be an MCU, a microcontroller, etc., without specific limitations.

[0104] Typically, the type of drive module 71 is selected based on the type of load. In the field of washing machine technology, the type of load can be a motor, a water inlet valve, or a traction motor, etc. Therefore, the selected drive module 71 can be a motor drive module 71 or a solenoid valve drive module 71.

[0105] The motor drive module 71 is specifically designed to drive various types of electric motors, such as DC motors, stepper motors, and brushless DC motors. No specific limitations are imposed, and the appropriate module can be selected based on actual needs. The solenoid valve drive module 71 can be a MOSFET drive module 71 or a relay module 31, etc., without specific limitations. These modules can activate the solenoid valve by applying voltage, controlling the opening and closing of the valve 32. The following describes the working principle of the drive module 71 using the motor drive module 71 as an example: the microcontroller sends pulse signals to the motor drive module 71. The drive module 71 drives each winding of the motor by controlling the direction and amplitude of the current. Under the influence of these signals, the motor rotates, moving at a predetermined angle and speed.

[0106] Optionally, the load included in the embodiments of this application can be a motor forward rotation drive, a motor reverse rotation drive, a traction machine drive, or a water inlet valve drive, etc., and no specific limitation is made here.

[0107] In this technical solution, the main control module 41 is connected to the relay 31 through the drive module 71. The signal isolation function of the drive module 71 can reduce electromagnetic interference between the main control module 41 and the relay 31, improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the circuit, and ensure more stable operation of the whole machine. The control circuit also includes the drive module 71. In addition, the drive module 71 can be connected to various load drives and can quickly switch the working state according to the second control electrical signal of the main control module 41, thereby controlling the corresponding motor load of the whole machine to work.

[0108] In this embodiment, to achieve precise control over various loads, the drive module 71 may include multiple thyristors 72. Please refer to further details. Figure 3 Each thyristor 72 is connected to the second terminal of the switch 32 of the main control module 41 and the relay 31, respectively.

[0109] Each thyristor 72 is configured to, under the action of the mains power signal, be in an on / off state according to a second control signal. When the thyristor 72 is in the on state, it drives the load connected to the thyristor 72 to be in the working state; when the thyristor 72 is in the off state, it controls the load connected to the thyristor 72 to be in the non-working state.

[0110] In the above technical solution, the thyristor 72 can precisely control its on / off state according to the second control electrical signal of the main control module 41, thereby achieving efficient management of the load. This design ensures that the load can start or stop quickly when needed, improving the overall response speed and control accuracy. Each thyristor 72 can be connected to a corresponding load, and multiple thyristors 72 can be connected to multiple loads, allowing multiple loads to be controlled independently and improving circuit flexibility.

[0111] Please refer to further details. Figure 3 Each of the thyristors 72 includes a gate, an anode, and a cathode. The gate is connected to the main control module 41; the anode is connected to the second terminal of the switch 32; and the cathode is connected to the load. Under the action of the mains power signal, the anode and cathode of the thyristor 72 are in a closed state or a non-closed state according to the second control signal received by the gate. When the anode and cathode are in a closed state, the thyristor 72 is in a conducting state, thereby making the load connected to the thyristor 72 work. When the anode and cathode are in a non-closed state, the thyristor 72 is in a disconnected state, thereby making the load connected to the corresponding thyristor 72 non-working.

[0112] Optionally, the load can be a motor driven in forward rotation, a motor driven in reverse rotation, a traction machine driven, or a water inlet valve driven, etc., without specific limitations.

[0113] In the above technical solution, the gate of the thyristor 72 is connected to the main control module 41. Under the action of the mains power signal, when the gate receives the second control signal, it can achieve efficient circuit switching and provide precise control. This characteristic makes the circuit control more stable and avoids the wear or failure of the traditional mechanical switch 32.

[0114] In some embodiments, the control circuit also includes a button module; see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The button module 81 is connected to the main control module 41. The button module 81 includes a first button and a second button (not shown in the figure).

[0115] In response to the pressing of the first button, the main control module 41 generates the first control electrical signal; and in response to the pressing of the second button, the main control module 41 generates the second control electrical signal.

[0116] In this technical solution, the button module 81 provides a simple and intuitive operation method. Users only need to press the first button or the second button to generate the corresponding control electrical signal. This operation method eliminates the need for complex external control devices or operating interfaces, making it convenient for users to control the system and improving its ease of use and interactive experience.

[0117] In some embodiments, the impedance unit 51 includes a second capacitor 52, an inductor 53, and a system alarm 54. Please refer to further details. Figure 3 The second output terminal 23 is connected to the ground terminal through the second capacitor 52. The second output terminal 23 is also connected to the first terminal of the switch 32 through the inductor 53. One end of the whole machine alarm 54 is connected to the inductor 53 and the first terminal of the switch 32 respectively, and the other end of the whole machine alarm 54 is connected to the ground terminal.

[0118] The impedance unit 51 is used to release the electrical charge stored in the first capacitor through a discharge circuit when the switch 32 is in the on or off state. The discharge circuit includes the second capacitor 52, the inductor 53, the whole machine alarm 54, and the ground terminal.

[0119] In the above technical solution, the charge release mechanism in the first capacitor ensures the stability of the circuit state through the coordinated operation of the second capacitor 52, inductor 53, and overall alarm 54. Regardless of whether switch 32 is on or off, the discharge circuit can smoothly release the stored charge, avoiding the impact of voltage fluctuations on other parts of the circuit and reducing the possibility of system instability. Furthermore, the overall alarm 54 can promptly issue an alarm in case of abnormal conditions, reminding the user to check or handle the situation, increasing the maintainability and emergency response capability of the circuit, helping to detect potential faults in advance, and reducing maintenance costs.

[0120] In some embodiments, relay 31 further includes diode 34. (Please refer to further details.) Figure 3 The diode 34 is connected to the first and second terminals of the electromagnetic structure 33. The diode 34 is used to discharge the reverse current generated by the electromagnetic structure 33 when it is energized or de-energized, thereby protecting the electromagnetic structure 33. In other words, the diode 34 prevents reverse current surges when the electromagnetic structure 33 is energized or de-energized. Especially when the relay 31 switch 32 is open, the electromagnetic structure 33 generates a reverse current. If this reverse current is not suppressed, it may damage the electromagnetic structure 33 or the relay 31 itself. The diode 34 provides a discharge path for this reverse current, thereby protecting the electromagnetic structure 33 from damage.

[0121] For example, taking a top-loading washing machine as an example, please refer to... Figure 5 The live wire of the mains module 11 is L, and the neutral wire is N. The output voltage of the first output terminal 22 of the switching power supply is 12V, and the output voltage of the second output terminal 23 of the switching power supply is 5V. The first capacitor is a safety capacitor CX1, and the main control module is an MCU main control module. The control principle of this control circuit is as follows: Since the second terminal of the switching power supply is connected to the live wire of the mains module 11 through the impedance module, it is equivalent to the DC power 5V output from the second output terminal 23 of the switching power supply being directly connected to the mains L. This ensures that the CX1 safety capacitor has a complete discharge circuit, including the impedance unit 51, in both standby and working states, i.e., when the relay 31 is on or off. This ensures that the CX1 safety capacitor has a complete discharge circuit, including the impedance unit 51. This verifies that the plug discharge of the entire machine meets the requirements of IEC60335-1 standard 22.5; at the same time, relay 31 is retained. When the entire machine is running, the main control module 41 generates a first control command, which controls the main relay 31 to conduct. The drive unit can obtain voltage L' through the mains power L, so the load connected to the drive module 71 can work normally. When an alarm occurs, the first control command controls the relay 31 to disconnect, and the load connected to the drive module 71 will not work. This ensures that the entire machine meets the requirements of IEC60335-2-7 20.105 when performing the short circuit test in IEC60335-1 19.11.2.

[0122] The following details how this control circuit meets the requirements of IEC 60335-2-7, section 20.105. First, a short-circuit test is performed on the TR3 thyristor 72 according to the requirements of IEC 60335-1, section 19.11.2. With the T1 and T2 terminals of the TR3 thyristor 72 closed, the washing machine is running the spin cycle. At this time, the washing machine door is opened, and alarm 54 is triggered. The first control command controls relay 31 to disconnect, stopping the motor, traction device, and other loads. After the traction device stops working, the machine's braking function is engaged, causing the drum to reduce its speed to 0 within a short time. This meets the requirement of IEC 60335-2-7, section 20.105, that the drum speed should drop to 60 rpm within 7 seconds, thus ensuring the safety of the entire machine.

[0123] In some embodiments, based on the control unit described above, this application also provides a schematic diagram of a washing machine. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 The washing machine 90 includes a housing 91 and any of the control circuits 10 described above.

[0124] Optionally, the washing machine can be either a top-loading washing machine or a front-loading washing machine; this application does not specifically limit either.

[0125] It should be understood that the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Those skilled in the art should also recognize that the embodiments described in the specification are optional embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0126] In the various embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not necessarily imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0127] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; they can be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0128] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0129] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three kinds of relationships. For example, object A and / or object B can represent three situations: object A exists alone, object A and object B exist simultaneously, and object B exists alone.

[0130] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0131] The methods disclosed in the several method embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method embodiments.

[0132] The features disclosed in the several product embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new product embodiments.

[0133] The features disclosed in the several method or device embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method or device embodiments.

[0134] The control circuits disclosed in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A control circuit, characterized by The power module, the switching power module, the relay and the main control module are included, wherein: The switching power module includes a first output end and a second output end, and the voltage of the electrical signals output by the first output end and the second output end is different; The relay includes a switch and an electromagnetic structure, the first end of the switch is connected with the live wire of the power module, the first end of the electromagnetic structure is connected with the first output end, the second end of the switch and the second end of the electromagnetic structure are both connected with the main control module, and the second output end is connected with the first end and the ground end of the switch through an impedance unit; The zero line of the power module is connected with the ground end, wherein The power module is configured to output the power signal to the relay in the case of receiving the power signal in the form of alternating current, convert the power signal into a first electrical signal in the form of direct current, and output the first electrical signal to the switching power module; The switching power module is configured to convert the first electrical signal into a second electrical signal and a third electrical signal, output the second electrical signal through the second output end, and output the third electrical signal through the first output end, and the voltage of the second electrical signal is less than the voltage of the third electrical signal; The main control module is configured to generate a corresponding first control electrical signal under the action of the third electrical signal, and the first control electrical signal is used to control the on-off state of the switch; The relay is configured to control the switch to be in the on state or the off state according to the received first control electrical signal; In the case that the switch is in the on state or the off state, a first capacitor in the power module between the live wire and the zero line releases the electric quantity stored in the first capacitor through a discharge loop, and the discharge loop includes the impedance unit.

2. The control circuit of claim 1, wherein, The control circuit further includes a detection module, and the zero line of the power module is connected with the ground end through the detection module, wherein The detection module is configured to form the discharge loop with the first capacitor and the impedance unit in the case that the switch is in the on state or the off state, to release the electric quantity stored in the first capacitor, and to detect the current of the power signal and adjust the on-off state of the switch in the case of meeting the conditions.

3. The control circuit of claim 2, wherein, The detection module includes a zero-crossing detection circuit, and the zero-crossing detection circuit is further connected with the second output end, wherein The zero-crossing detection circuit is configured to form the discharge loop with the first capacitor and the impedance unit in the case that the switch is in the on state or the off state, to release the electric quantity stored in the first capacitor, and to control the on-off state of the switch to be switched from a first state to a second state at the moment when the current of the power signal is detected to be zero under the action of the second electrical signal, the first state being one of the on state and the off state, and the second state being the other one of the on state and the off state.

4. The control circuit of claim 1, wherein, The control circuit further comprises a driving module, the main control module is connected with the second end of the switch through the driving module, wherein The main control module is further configured to generate a corresponding second control electrical signal under the action of the third electrical signal, and the second control electrical signal is used to control the driving module to be in a driving state or a non-driving state. The driving module is configured to control a load connected with the driving module to be in a working state or a non-working state according to the second control electrical signal under the action of the commercial power signal.

5. The control circuit of claim 4, wherein, The driving module comprises a plurality of silicon controlled rectifiers, each of which is connected with the main control module and the second end of the switch, wherein Each silicon controlled rectifier is configured to be in an on-off state according to the second control electrical signal under the action of the commercial power signal, and in the case that the silicon controlled rectifier is in the on state, the load connected with the silicon controlled rectifier is driven to be in the working state; in the case that the silicon controlled rectifier is in the off state, the load connected with the silicon controlled rectifier is controlled to be in the non-working state.

6. The control circuit of claim 5, wherein, Each silicon controlled rectifier comprises a gate, an anode and a cathode, the gate is connected with the main control module, the anode is connected with the second end of the switch, and the cathode is connected with the load, wherein The silicon controlled rectifier is configured to control the anode and the cathode to be in a closed state or a non-closed state according to the second control electrical signal received by the gate under the action of the commercial power signal, wherein in the case that the anode and the cathode are in the closed state, the silicon controlled rectifier is in the on state; in the case that the anode and the cathode are in the non-closed state, the silicon controlled rectifier is in the off state.

7. The control circuit of claim 6, wherein, The control circuit further comprises a key module, the key module is connected with the main control module, and the key module comprises a first key and a second key, wherein In response to a pressing operation of the first key, the main control module generates the first control electrical signal, and in response to a pressing operation of the second key, the main control module generates the second control electrical signal.

8. The control circuit of claim 1, wherein, The commercial power module comprises a rectifier circuit, the rectifier circuit is connected with the live wire and the neutral wire of the commercial power module respectively, and is also connected with the switching power supply, wherein The rectifier circuit is configured to convert the commercial power signal in alternating current form into the first electrical signal in direct current form.

9. The control circuit of claim 1, wherein, The impedance unit comprises a second capacitor, an inductor and a whole-machine alarm, the second output end is connected with the ground end through the second capacitor, the second output end is also connected with the first end of the switch through the inductor, one end of the whole-machine alarm is connected with the inductor and the first end of the switch respectively, and the other end of the whole-machine alarm is connected with the ground end; The impedance unit is configured to release the electric quantity stored in the first capacitor through the discharge loop in the case that the switch is in the on state or the off state, and the discharge loop comprises the second capacitor, the inductor, the whole-machine alarm and the ground end.

10. The control circuit of claim 1, wherein, The relay comprises a diode, the diode is connected with the first end and the second end of the electromagnetic structure, wherein The diode is used to discharge the reverse current generated by the electromagnetic structure at the moment when the electromagnetic structure is energized or de-energized, so as to protect the electromagnetic structure.

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