Electronic apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus preventing a predetermined operation from not being performed due to current inhibitory factors formed at a contact point of a mechanical switch.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes: a computer; a drive part drive-controlled by the computer; and at least one or more mechanical switches. The mechanical switch is serially connected to the drive part. The computer drives the drive part to execute a predetermined operation when detecting conduction of the mechanical switch by a first current, and flows a second current having a current value larger than that of the first current and eliminating current inhibitory factors formed at a contact point of the mechanical switch or preventing formation of the current inhibitory factors, to the mechanical switch at prescribed timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a coffee maker that, when a powder storage section that stores coffee powder is set in a predetermined position and a lid body attached to a bean storage section that stores coffee beans is closed, rotates a mill blade to grind the coffee beans stored in the bean storage section to produce coffee powder. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-023608 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an electronic device that can prevent a predetermined operation from being prevented by a current obstruction factor formed at the contact of a mechanical switch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The electronic device disclosed herein comprises a computer, a drive unit controlled by the computer, and at least one mechanical switch, the mechanical switch being connected in series with the drive unit, and when the computer detects conduction of the mechanical switch by a first current, the computer is capable of driving the drive unit to perform a predetermined operation, and at a predetermined timing, passes a second current through the mechanical switch, the second current having a current value greater than the first current and removing current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch or preventing the formation of the current obstruction factors. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The electronic device disclosed herein can remove current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch or prevent current obstruction factors from being formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch by passing a second current through the mechanical switch, thereby preventing a situation in which the computer cannot detect the continuity of the mechanical switch. Thus, it is possible to prevent a predetermined operation from being prevented by current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coffee maker according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the coffee maker according to the first embodiment [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration related to a control system of a coffee maker according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a second current in the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration related to a control system of a coffee maker according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a second current in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors arrived at the idea of ​​the present disclosure, there was a coffee maker that, when a powder container that contains coffee powder is set in a predetermined position and a lid of a bean container that contains coffee beans is closed, rotates a mill blade to grind the coffee beans to produce coffee powder. In this coffee maker, a computer detects that the powder container is set in a predetermined position and that the lid is closed by the conduction of a mechanical switch.

[0009] The configuration that enables a predetermined operation when continuity of a mechanical switch is detected has been adopted in electronic devices other than coffee makers. However, the inventors discovered a problem in that if a current obstruction factor is formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch due to a long period of non-use of the electronic device, the computer may not be able to detect continuity of the mechanical switch, and the electronic device may not be able to perform the predetermined operation. In order to solve this problem, the inventors have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an electronic device that can prevent a predetermined operation from being unable to be performed due to a current obstruction factor formed at the contact of a mechanical switch.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Coffee maker configuration] First, the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the coffee maker 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the coffee maker 1. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, arrows indicate the directions in which the coffee maker 1 is installed. The symbol UP indicates the upward direction, the symbol R indicates the rightward direction, and the symbol FR indicates the forward direction. The coffee maker 1 is an example of an "electronic device" and a "cooking appliance."

[0012] The coffee maker 1 of this embodiment is a coffee brewing device that can automatically brew coffee from coffee beans. The coffee maker 1 has a main body 2, a water container 3, and a coffee container 4.

[0013] The water container 3 is a container that contains water for brewing coffee. The water container 3 is removably attached along the rear of the main body 2. A lid 31 is attached to the top of the water container 3 in an openable and closable manner, and a filter unit 32 that filters water is provided below the lid 31. As a result, the water container 3 contains water that has been filtered by the filter unit 32.

[0014] The coffee container 4 is a container for storing extracted coffee. The coffee container 4 is placed on a heat retention plate 5 provided below the main body 2. As a result, the coffee in the coffee container 4 is kept warm by heat conduction from the heat retention plate 5. The coffee container 4 is provided with a detachable lid 41. The lid 41 is formed with an inlet 42 through which coffee poured from above flows into the coffee container 4.

[0015] The main body 2 includes a bean storage section 21, a grinding section 22, a powder storage section 23, a water supply section 24, a heating section 25, and an operation section 26. The crushing unit 22 is an example of a "driving unit."

[0016] The bean storage section 21 is provided at the top of the main body 2 and stores coffee beans. A lid 211 is provided at the top opening of the bean storage section 21 so that it can be opened and closed. In the coffee maker 1, when the lid 211 is in the open position, coffee beans can be put into the bean storage section 21. When the lid 211 is in the open position, a mill blade 221, which will be described later, is exposed. Therefore, by setting the lid 211 to a position in which it is in the closed position, it is possible to prevent the mill blade 221 from coming into contact with the user. The lid 211 is an example of a "cover." Furthermore, the "closed position" is an example of a "predetermined position."

[0017] The grinding unit 22 is provided on the upper part of the main body 2, and grinds the coffee beans contained in the bean containing unit 21 to produce coffee powder. The grinding unit 22 includes a mill blade 221 and a mill motor 222 that rotates the mill blade 221. The mill motor 222 is an example of a "motor."

[0018] The mill blade 221 is provided inside the bean accommodating section 21. The mill blade 221 is connected to a rotation shaft 223 of a mill motor 222. As a result, when the mill motor 222 is driven, the mill blade 221 rotates around the rotation shaft 223 and grinds the coffee beans accommodated in the bean accommodating section 21. The coffee powder produced by the mill blade 221 falls into the powder accommodating section 23 provided below the bean accommodating section 21. A mesh filter (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the bean accommodating section 21 to prevent coffee powder of a predetermined size or larger from falling into the powder accommodating section 23.

[0019] The powder storage section 23 stores the coffee powder produced by the mill blade 221. The powder storage section 23 is tapered so that its diameter decreases toward the bottom. The powder storage section 23 can be moved to the side (to the right in this embodiment) away from the bottom of the bean storage section 21. This allows the user of the coffee maker 1 to place a coffee filter along the inner surface of the powder storage section 23 and to directly add coffee powder into the powder storage section 23. A valve body 231 is provided at the bottom end of the powder storage section 23. When the coffee container 4 is placed on the warming plate 5, the valve body 231 comes into contact with the lid body 41 and is in an open state. This allows the coffee extracted through the powder storage section 23 to flow into the inlet 42, and the coffee extracted from the powder storage section 23 is stored in the coffee container 4. On the other hand, when the coffee container 4 is not placed on the warming plate 5, the valve body 231 is in a closed state. This prevents coffee from flowing out below the powder storage section 23.

[0020] The water supply unit 24 is provided below the water container 3 in the main body 2 and is connected to the lower end of the water container 3. The water supply unit 24 is equipped with a pump that pumps water in the water container 3 toward the bean accommodating section 21. The water supply unit 24 discharges water in the water container 3 through a water outlet 241 that opens toward the inner surface of the lid body 211. The lid body 211 is equipped with a shower dome 212 that discharges water in a hemispherical shape upward. The water discharged from the water outlet 241 bounces off the inner surface of the shower dome 212 and falls in a shower-like manner toward the powder accommodating section 23 via the bean accommodating section 21. This allows water to be supplied evenly to the coffee powder in the powder accommodating section 23.

[0021] The heating unit 25 is provided below the heat insulating plate 5. The heating unit 25 is configured by, for example, a sheath heater, and heats the water supplied by the water supply unit 24 and also heats the heat insulating plate 5.

[0022] The operation unit 26 has a plurality of buttons that accept operations by the user. The operation unit 26 has, for example, a course selection button, a first coffee extraction start button, a second coffee extraction start button, and a keep-warm start cancel button. The course selection button is a button that accepts an operation for selecting a coffee brewing course. The first coffee extraction start button is a button that accepts an operation to start a first coffee extraction operation, which is a coffee extraction operation that includes grinding coffee beans. The second coffee brewing button is a button that accepts an operation to start a second coffee brewing operation, which is a coffee brewing operation that does not include grinding coffee beans. The keep-warm start cancel button is a button that accepts an operation to start keeping the extracted coffee warm and an operation to cancel the keeping-warm operation.

[0023] Here, the conditions under which the coffee maker 1 can perform the coffee brewing operation will be described. The coffee maker 1 can extract coffee when it is in a safe state that ensures the safety of the user. The safe state is when the cover 211 is closed and the powder container 23 is in a position that opens the valve 231. The operation of brewing coffee is an example of a "predetermined operation."

[0024] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control system of the coffee maker 1 has the configuration shown in FIG. 3, so that the coffee maker 1 can execute the coffee extraction operation when it is in a safe state.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration related to the control system of the coffee maker 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, coffee maker 1 includes a microcomputer 6, an AC / DC circuit 7, a motor control circuit 8, a motor drive circuit 9, a first microswitch 10, a second microswitch 11, a switch detection circuit 12, and a contact circuit 13. The microcomputer 6 is an example of a "computer." The contact circuit 13 is an example of a "circuit."

[0026] Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11, the reference numeral "14" is added and they are referred to as "microswitches 14." The microswitch 14 is an example of a "mechanical switch."

[0027] Microcomputer 6 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. Microcomputer 6 controls each part of coffee maker 1 by having the processor read and execute a control program stored in the memory. Microcomputer 6 is connected to an AC / DC circuit 7, a motor control circuit 8, a switch detection circuit 12, and a contact circuit 13.

[0028] The AC / DC circuit 7 is connected to an AC power supply 15 , converts AC power supplied from the AC power supply 15 into DC power, and supplies the converted DC power to the microcomputer 6 .

[0029] The motor control circuit 8 is a circuit that controls the motor drive circuit 9. The motor control circuit 8 receives a signal from the microcomputer 6 and controls the motor drive circuit 9 in accordance with the signal input from the microcomputer 6.

[0030] The motor drive circuit 9 is a circuit that drives the mill motor 222. The motor drive circuit 9 is connected in series with the mill motor 222 between the mill motor 222 and the AC power supply 15. The motor drive circuit 9 is composed of a switch such as a triac, resistors, and the like. When a signal to drive the mill motor 222 is input from the motor control circuit 8, the motor drive circuit 9 brings the AC power supply 15 and the mill motor 222 into conduction, causing a third current to flow through the mill motor 222, thereby driving the mill motor 222. The third current has a current value greater than the first and second currents described below. The current value of the third current is, for example, a value in the range of 0.5 A to 3 A, and is determined by the duty ratio of the motor drive circuit 9 and the load state of the mill motor 222. On the other hand, when a signal to stop the mill motor 222 is input from the motor control circuit 8, the motor drive circuit 9 cuts off the electrical connection between the AC power supply 15 and the mill motor 222, stops the flow of electricity to the mill motor 222, and stops the operation of the mill motor 222.

[0031] The first microswitch 10 is a microswitch that is turned on when the powder containing section 23 is located at a position that opens the valve body 231. The first microswitch 10 is connected in series with the mill motor 222 between the mill motor 222 and the AC power supply 15. More specifically, the first microswitch 10 is connected at one end to the mill motor 222 and at the other end to the second microswitch 11 between the mill motor 222 and the AC power supply 15.

[0032] The second microswitch 11 is a microswitch that is conductive when the cover 211 is in a closed state. The second microswitch 11 is directly connected to the mill motor 222 and the first microswitch 10 between the mill motor 222 and the AC power supply 15. More specifically, the second microswitch 11 is connected between the mill motor 222 and the AC power supply 15 with one end connected to the mill motor 222 and the other end connected to the AC power supply 15.

[0033] Connecting the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 in series with the mill motor 222 has the following effect. If the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 were not connected to the mill motor 222, the mill motor 222 could be driven by a malfunction of the microcomputer 6 or a continuity failure in the motor drive circuit 9, regardless of whether the coffee maker 1 was in a safe state. However, by connecting the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 in series with the mill motor 222, even if a malfunction of the microcomputer 6 or a continuity failure in the motor drive circuit 9 occurs, the mill motor 222 will not be driven unless the coffee maker 1 is in a safe state. Therefore, connecting the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 in series with the mill motor 222 enhances safety for the user.

[0034] Returning to the explanation of the circuit configuration, the switch detection circuit 12 is a circuit that detects the conduction of the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11. The switch detection circuit 12 is connected to an AC power supply 15 and is also connected between the mill motor 222 and the first microswitch 10. The switch detection circuit 12 passes a first current through the two microswitches 14 when the two microswitches 14 are conductive. The first current has a smaller current value than the third current and a second current (described later), and is, for example, a current in the range of 1.0 mA to 5.0 mA. The switch detection circuit 12 has a resistor, and the current value of the first current is set by the resistance of the switch detection circuit 12. If the switch detection circuit 12 can pass the first current through the two microswitches 14, it outputs a signal to the microcomputer 6. On the other hand, if the switch detection circuit 12 cannot pass the first current through the two microswitches 14, it does not output a signal to the microcomputer 6. The microcomputer 6 determines that the coffee maker 1 is in a safe state when the switch detection circuit 12 outputs a signal, and determines that the coffee maker 1 is not in a safe state when the switch detection circuit 12 does not output a signal.

[0035] In this embodiment, the contact material of the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 is a material containing silver. In other words, the contacts of the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 are silver contacts.

[0036] This is for the following reasons. Some mechanical switches, such as microswitch 14, use gold-containing materials for their contacts. Contacts made of gold-containing materials typically have a gold-plated outermost layer to allow for the passage of minute currents, such as the first current. When a large current, such as the third current, flows through such gold-plated or gold-clad contacts, the gold on the outermost layer gradually peels off as the mechanical switch is turned on and off more frequently. Therefore, if a gold-containing material is used for the contact material of microswitch 14, the first current may become less likely to flow through microswitch 14 over the course of use, potentially preventing switch detection circuit 12 from detecting whether the two microswitches 14 are conductive. Therefore, the contact material of first microswitch 10 and second microswitch 11 is a silver-containing material that can withstand large currents, such as the third current.

[0037] However, because silver oxidizes, sulfides, and chlorides, if the contact material of the microswitch 14 contains silver, there is a possibility that current obstruction factors will be formed on the contacts of the microswitch 14. Current obstruction factors include insulating coatings such as oxide films, sulfide films, and chloride films. Therefore, if a material containing silver is used as the contact material of the microswitch 14, the current obstruction factors will make it difficult for the first current to flow through the microswitch 14, and there is a risk that the switch detection circuit 12 will not be able to detect whether the microswitch 14 is conductive.

[0038] Therefore, as described above, the coffee maker 1 includes the contact circuit 13.

[0039] The contact circuit 13 is a circuit that removes current obstruction factors that are formed at the contacts of the microswitch 14 or prevents the formation of current obstruction factors at the contacts. The contact circuit 13 includes resistors 131 , 132 , 134 , 137 , a transistor 133 , a capacitor 135 , a triac 136 , and a diode 138 . The transistor 133 and the triac 136 are examples of a "switch made of a semiconductor element."

[0040] The base of the transistor 133 is connected to one end of a voltage-dividing resistor R131 and one end of a resistor 132. The other end of the resistor R131 is connected to the microcomputer 6, and the other end of the resistor 132 is grounded. The emitter of the transistor 133 is grounded. The collector of the transistor 133 is connected to one end of a resistor 134, the other end of which is connected to the gate of a triac 136. The resistor 134 functions as a resistor that adjusts the gate current of the triac 136.

[0041] The gate of the triac 136 is connected to one end of a resistor 134 and one end of a capacitor 135. The capacitor 135 stabilizes the gate voltage of the triac 136 and prevents malfunction due to external noise. The other end of the capacitor 135 is connected to the AC power supply 15. The AC power supply 15 is connected to one main terminal of the triac 136, and one end of a resistor 137 is connected to the other main terminal of the triac 136. The other end of the resistor 137 is connected to the anode of a diode 138. The cathode of the diode 138 is connected between the mill motor 222 and the first microswitch 10.

[0042] The microcomputer 6 applies a voltage to the resistor 131 at a predetermined timing. When the microcomputer 6 applies a voltage to the resistor 131, the transistor 133 changes from off to on. As the transistor 133 turns on, a voltage is applied to the gate of the triac 136. When a voltage is applied to the gate of the triac 136, the triac 136 changes from off to on, and as the triac 136 turns on, the contact circuit 13 causes a second current to flow through the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11.

[0043] The second current has a current value greater than the first current and less than the third current. The second current is a current greater than the minimum applicable current value of the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 (for example, a current greater than or equal to 100 mA in effective value). The minimum applicable current value is the lower limit of the current at which no current obstruction factor is formed at the contacts, and is determined by the manufacturer of the microswitch 14. The current value of the second current is set by resistor R137. In other words, the resistance value of resistor 137 is set to a value that allows the current value of the current flowing from the AC power supply 15 to be set to the current value of the second current.

[0044] In this embodiment, the waveform of the second current is as shown in FIG. 4 is a diagram CH1 showing an example of the waveform of the second current, in which the vertical axis represents current and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, when coffee maker 1 is in a safe state, microcomputer 6 causes contact circuit 13 to pass the second current through first microswitch 10 and second microswitch 11 once per minute for 100 msec. The waveform of the second current shown in Figure 4 is the waveform when coffee maker 1 is connected to a 50 Hz commercial AC power supply. Therefore, Figure 4 shows a case where the second current flows five half-cycles every 100 msec. Note that when coffee maker 1 is connected to a 60 Hz commercial AC power supply, the second current flows six half-cycles every 100 msec.

[0046] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the coffee maker 1 according to this embodiment will be described. When the coffee maker 1 is powered via a household outlet or the like and enters standby mode, the microcomputer 6 controls the contact circuit 13 to attempt to pass a second current through the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11. Thereafter, by attempting to pass the second current through the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 at predetermined timings, the microcomputer 6 attempts to preemptively eliminate and prevent current obstruction factors. Furthermore, when the first coffee brewing start button or the second coffee brewing button is pressed, the microcomputer 6 controls the contact circuit 13 to attempt to pass a second current through the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11. This causes the microcomputer 6 to once again attempt to eliminate and prevent current obstruction factors. This allows the microcomputer 6 to correctly determine whether the coffee maker 1 is in a safe state based on the first current detected by the switch detection circuit 12. In this embodiment, this predetermined timing is the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second current was last passed, and in this embodiment, this predetermined time is 59.9 seconds.

[0047] If the coffee maker 1 is in a safe state, the microcomputer 6 starts the coffee brewing operation and enters the cooking state. If the coffee maker 1 is not in a safe state, the microcomputer 6 does not start the coffee brewing operation and continues in a standby state. Thereafter, the microcomputer 6 attempts to remove and prevent current obstruction factors by passing the second current to the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 at predetermined timings. The operation of passing the second current can continue not only during cooking, but also while cooking and the mill motor 222 is running. Note that whether or not the second current is passed during cooking and whether or not the second current is passed while the mill motor 222 is running are individual implementation matters. If the microcomputer 6 determines via the switch detection circuit 12 that the coffee maker 1 is not in a safe state during cooking, it immediately interrupts the coffee brewing operation.

[0048] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, coffee maker 1 includes microcomputer 6, mill motor 222 driven and controlled by microcomputer 6, and two microswitches 14. Microswitch 14 is connected in series with mill motor 222. When microcomputer 6 detects conduction of two microswitches 14 by the first current, it is able to execute the coffee extraction operation. At a predetermined timing, microcomputer 6 passes a second current through microswitch 14. The second current has a current value greater than the first current and removes or prevents the formation of a current obstruction factor at the contact point of microswitch 14.

[0049] According to this, by passing the second current through the microswitch 14, it is possible to remove current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the microswitch 14 or prevent current obstruction factors from being formed at the contacts of the microswitch 14, thereby reducing the occurrence of a situation in which the microcomputer 6 is unable to detect the conduction of the microswitch 14. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the coffee extraction operation will be hindered by current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the microswitch 14.

[0050] The predetermined timing for passing the second current is the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second current was previously passed.

[0051] According to this, because the second current flows periodically, it is possible to more frequently remove current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the microswitch 14 or prevent the formation of current obstruction factors at the contacts of the microswitch 14. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the coffee extraction operation from being hindered by current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the microswitch 14.

[0052] The second current is a current equal to or greater than the minimum applicable current value of the microswitch 14 .

[0053] According to this, the current value of the second current is a current value that can remove current obstruction factors or prevent the formation of current obstruction factors, so it is possible to more reliably remove current obstruction factors that form at the contacts of the microswitch 14 or prevent the formation of current obstruction factors at the contacts of the microswitch 14. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the coffee extraction operation from being hindered by current obstruction factors that form at the contacts of the microswitch 14.

[0054] The second current is a current equal to or greater than 100 mA.

[0055] Generally, the minimum applicable current value of a general-purpose mechanical switch is 100 mA or more. Therefore, by setting the second current to 100 mA or more, even when microswitch 14 is configured using a general-purpose mechanical switch, it is possible to further prevent the coffee extraction operation from being hindered by current obstructions formed at the contacts of microswitch 14.

[0056] The contact material of the microswitch 14 is a material containing silver.

[0057] This makes it possible to remove or prevent current impediments from forming at the contacts of the microswitch 14, even if a material that is prone to forming current impediments is used as the contact material of the microswitch 14. Therefore, even if a material that is prone to forming current impediments is used as the contact material of the microswitch 14, it is possible to prevent current impediments from forming at the contacts of the microswitch 14 from preventing the coffee extraction operation from being performed.

[0058] The second microswitch 11 of the microswitches 14 is turned on when the cover 211, which prevents contact between the user and the mill blade 221, is set to a position where it is in a closed state.

[0059] This can prevent the occurrence of a situation in which coffee cannot be extracted even though the lid 211, which prevents contact between the user and the mill blade 221, is set to a position in which it is in the closed state.

[0060] The microcomputer 6 drives the mill motor 222 with a third current greater than the second current.

[0061] This allows current obstruction factors to be removed or the formation of current obstruction factors to be prevented by using a current smaller than the current that drives the mill motor 222, thereby preventing an increase in power consumption of the coffee maker 1 and preventing the coffee extraction operation from being prevented by current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the microswitch 14.

[0062] The coffee maker 1 includes a contact circuit 13 that passes a second current. The contact circuit 13 includes a transistor 133 and a triac 136. The microcomputer 6 causes the contact circuit 13 to pass the second current to the microswitch 14.

[0063] This allows the second current to flow through the microswitch 14 through simple control of the transistor 133 and the triac 136. This prevents an increase in the control load on the microcomputer 6, while also preventing the coffee extraction operation from being hindered by a current obstruction factor formed at the contact point of the microswitch 14.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration of each part of the coffee maker 1 in the second embodiment, detailed description of the configuration similar to the configuration of each part of the coffee maker 1 in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0065] [2-1.Configuration] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the switch detection circuit 12 and the contact circuit 13. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration related to a control system of the coffee maker 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0066] The switch detection circuit 12 of the second embodiment includes a transistor 121 , resistors 122 , 123 , 124 , and 125 , and a diode 126 .

[0067] The collector of the transistor 121 is connected to one end of a resistor 122 and to the microcomputer 6. The other end of the resistor 122 is grounded. The emitter of the transistor 121 is connected to one end of a resistor 123, the cathode of a diode 126, and the AC power supply 15. The base of the transistor 121 is connected to one end of the resistor 123, one end of a resistor 124, and the anode of the diode 126. The other end of the resistor 124 is connected to one end of a resistor 125. The other end of the resistor 125 is connected between the mill motor 222 and the first microswitch 10.

[0068] The contact circuit 13 of the second embodiment includes a switch 139. The switch 139 is configured by a semiconductor element such as a transistor or a photoMOS relay. One end of the switch 139 is connected between the resistors 124 and 125, and the other end is connected between the resistor 125 and the first microswitch 10. The on / off of the switch 139 is controlled by the microcomputer 6.

[0069] When switch 139 is off and first microswitch 10 and second microswitch 11 are conductive, a first current flows from switch detection circuit 12 to microswitch 14. The current value of the first current is set by the resistance values ​​of resistors 123, 124, and 125. When the first current flows through microswitch 14, a negative voltage is applied to the base of transistor 121. With this negative voltage applied, transistor 121 changes from off to on, and switch detection circuit 12 outputs a signal to microcomputer 6. This enables microcomputer 6 to determine that coffee maker 1 is in a safe state.

[0070] When the microcomputer 6 turns on the switch 139 while the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11 are conductive, the current from the resistor 124 flows to the switch 139 without flowing to the resistor 125. As a result, a second current flows from the switch detection circuit 12 to the first microswitch 10 and the second microswitch 11. Because the second current does not pass through the resistor 125, its current value is higher than the first current. The current value of the second current is set by the resistance values ​​of the resistors 123 and 124.

[0071] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the coffee maker 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation of the coffee maker 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the operation of the coffee maker 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] [2-3. Effects, etc.] According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0073] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first and second embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0074] In the first embodiment described above, the contact circuit 13 includes the diode 138. In other embodiments related to the first embodiment, the contact circuit 13 does not need to include the diode 138. In this case, the waveform of the second current is a waveform such as that shown in FIG. 6 is a diagram CH2 showing an example of the waveform of the second current. In the diagram CH2 shown in FIG. 6, the vertical axis is set to current and the horizontal axis is set to time. As shown in FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, when coffee maker 1 is in a safe state, microcomputer 6 causes contact circuit 13 to pass the second current through first microswitch 10 and second microswitch 11 once per minute for 100 msec. The waveform of the second current shown in FIG. 6 is the waveform when coffee maker 1 is connected to a 50 Hz commercial AC power supply. In this other embodiment, contact circuit 13 does not include diode 138. Therefore, FIG. 6 illustrates a case where one cycle of the second current flows five times in 100 msec. When coffee maker 1 is connected to a 60 Hz commercial AC power supply, one cycle of the second current flows six times in 100 msec.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, a material containing silver is used as the contact material of the microswitch 14. In other embodiments, a material not containing gold may be used as the contact material of the microswitch 14. The non-gold material is a material that is more likely to form current obstructions than gold and can withstand large currents such as the third current. For example, the applicable current range of the microswitch 14, as determined by the manufacturer, may include a range of 0.5 A to 3 A. Specific examples of non-gold materials include Ag (silver), AgNi (silver-nickel) alloy, AgInSn (silver-indium) alloy, AgSnO2 (silver-silver oxide) alloy, and AgW (silver-tungsten) alloy.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, when the coffee extraction operation to be performed is the first coffee extraction operation, the second current does not flow to the mill motor 222. In other embodiments, even when the coffee extraction operation to be performed is the first coffee extraction operation, the second current may flow to the microswitch 14. In this case, too, the second current may be flowed at a different timing from the third current that drives the mill motor 222, and the second current may not flow to the mill motor 222.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the coffee maker 1 is exemplified as the "electronic device." In other embodiments, the "electronic device" may be other cooking appliances such as a mixer or a juicer. For example, if the "electronic device" is a mixer, the "drive unit" is the mixer cutter and the drive motor that rotates the mixer cutter. If the "electronic device" is a mixer, the drive motor that rotates the mixer cutter corresponds to the "motor." If the "electronic device" is a mixer, the "mechanical switch" is a switch that is energized when the mixer container that contains food is attached to the main body, or a switch that is energized when the lid that opens and closes the food inlet of the mixer container is closed. In this case, the lid that opens and closes the food inlet of the mixer container corresponds to the "cover."

[0078] In other embodiments, the "electronic device" may be a device other than a cooking appliance, such as a home appliance or a tool, as long as it is equipped with a "computer," a "drive unit," and at least one or more "mechanical switches" and is capable of performing a predetermined operation when the "mechanical switches" are turned on. Note that the "electronic device" may be equipped with a "heat generating unit" including a heater, etc., instead of the "drive unit." Furthermore, when the "electronic device" is a cooking appliance or other appliance, the "drive unit" may be an element that converts electricity into mechanical power, such as a motor or solenoid.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the "predetermined timing" refers to the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the second current was passed. For example, the second current may be passed at a predetermined time interval, such as every one minute or every five minutes. Alternatively, the second current may be set to pass at a predetermined time. In other embodiments, the "predetermined timing" may be, in addition to or instead of the timing described in the above-described embodiment, the timing when the user performs a predetermined operation on the coffee maker 1. Examples of the predetermined operation include starting coffee extraction, or supplying power to the microcomputer 6, such as plugging the coffee maker into an outlet or turning on the power.

[0080] The circuit configuration of the contact circuit 13 is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment, as long as it is a circuit that can cause the second current to flow through the microswitch 14. For example, the contact circuit 13 of the first embodiment may employ a transistor, a MOSFET, or the like, instead of the triac 136.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the microcomputer 6 is exemplified as the "computer." However, the "computer" is not limited to the microcomputer 6, and may be a computer equipped with a processor other than a microprocessor.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the microswitch 14 is exemplified as a "mechanical switch." In other embodiments, the "mechanical switch" is not limited to a switch with a small contact gap, as long as it is a switch that mechanically switches an electrical signal.

[0083] The processor of the "computer" may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The processor of the "computer" may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional unit. In other words, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0084] The configuration of the coffee maker 1 shown in Figure 3 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure the configuration so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented by hardware, and vice versa.

[0085] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0086] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0087] (Technology 1) A device comprising a computer, a drive unit controlled by the computer, and at least one mechanical switch, the mechanical switch being connected in series with the drive unit, the computer being capable of executing a predetermined operation when it detects conduction of the mechanical switch by a first current, and at a predetermined timing passing a second current to the mechanical switch, the second current having a current value greater than the first current and removing a current obstruction factor formed at the contact of the mechanical switch or preventing the formation of the current obstruction factor. According to this, by passing the second current through the mechanical switch, it is possible to remove current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch or prevent current obstruction factors from being formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a situation in which the computer is unable to detect the conduction of the mechanical switch, and thus suppressing the inability to perform a predetermined operation due to current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch.

[0088] (Technology 2) The electronic device according to Technology 1, wherein the current obstruction factor is an insulating coating. This can prevent the predetermined operation from being prevented by the insulating film formed on the contact of the mechanical switch.

[0089] (Technology 3) The electronic device according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the predetermined timing is a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second current was last passed. According to this, since the second current flows periodically, current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch can be removed or current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch can be prevented more frequently, thereby making it possible to more effectively prevent a predetermined operation from being prevented by current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch.

[0090] (Technology 4) The electronic device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the second current is a current equal to or greater than a minimum applicable current value of the mechanical switch. According to this, since the current value of the second current is a current value that can remove or prevent the formation of current impediments, it is possible to more reliably remove or prevent the formation of current impediments at the contacts of the mechanical switch, and therefore it is possible to more reliably prevent the current impediments at the contacts of the mechanical switch from preventing the predetermined operation from being performed due to the current impediments at the contacts of the mechanical switch.

[0091] (Technology 5) The electronic device according to Technology 4, wherein the second current is a current of 100 mA or more. Generally, the minimum applicable current value of a general-purpose mechanical switch is 100 mA or more. Therefore, by setting the second current to 100 mA or more, it is possible to further prevent the specified operation from being hindered by current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch, even when the mechanical switch is configured by a general-purpose mechanical switch.

[0092] (Technology 6) The electronic device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein the contact material of the mechanical switch is a material that contains silver or does not contain gold. This makes it possible to remove current impediments formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch or to prevent the formation of current impediments at the contacts of the mechanical switch, even if a material that is prone to form current impediments is used as the contact material of the mechanical switch. Therefore, even if a material that is prone to form current impediments is used as the contact material of the mechanical switch, it is possible to prevent the current impediments formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch from preventing the specified operation.

[0093] (Technology 7) An electronic device described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6, wherein the mechanical switch is a switch that becomes conductive when a cover that prevents contact between a user of the electronic device and the drive unit is set in a predetermined position. This can prevent a situation in which a predetermined operation cannot be performed even though the cover that prevents contact between the user and the drive unit is set in a predetermined position.

[0094] (Technology 8) The electronic device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 7, wherein the computer drives the drive unit with a third current greater than the second current. This allows current obstruction factors to be removed or the formation of current obstruction factors to be prevented by using a current smaller than the current that drives the drive unit, thereby preventing an increase in power consumption of the electronic device while also preventing the inability to perform specified operations due to current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch.

[0095] (Technology 9) The electronic device according to Technology 8, wherein the drive unit includes a motor. This allows current obstruction factors to be removed or the formation of current obstruction factors to be prevented using a current smaller than the current that drives the motor, thereby preventing an increase in power consumption by the electronic device and preventing current obstruction factors from forming at the contacts of the mechanical switch from preventing specified operations from being performed.

[0096] (Technology 10) An electronic device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 9, comprising a circuit for passing the second current, the circuit including a switch made of a semiconductor element, and the computer passing the second current to the mechanical switch via the circuit. This allows the second current to flow through the mechanical switch through a simple control of the switch, thereby preventing an increase in the control load on the computer and preventing a predetermined operation from being hindered by a current obstruction factor formed at the contact of the mechanical switch.

[0097] (Technology 11) The electronic device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 10, wherein the predetermined timing is a timing when a predetermined operation is performed on the electronic device. According to this, since the second current flows every time a predetermined operation is performed, the frequency with which the second current flows can be increased. Therefore, current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch can be removed or the formation of current obstruction factors at the contacts of the mechanical switch can be prevented more frequently. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent a predetermined operation from being prevented by current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch.

[0098] (Technology 12) The electronic device according to Technology 11, wherein the electronic device is a cooking appliance, and the predetermined operation is an operation to start cooking. According to this, since the second current flows every time the cooker cooks, the frequency with which the second current flows can be increased. As a result, current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch can be removed or the formation of current obstruction factors at the contacts of the mechanical switch can be prevented more frequently. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent a predetermined operation from being prevented by current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch.

[0099] (Technology 13) The electronic device according to Technology 11, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation to start supplying power to the computer. According to this, since the second current flows every time power supply to the computer is started, the frequency with which the second current flows can be increased. As a result, current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch can be removed or the formation of current obstruction factors at the contacts of the mechanical switch can be prevented more frequently. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent a predetermined operation from being prevented by current obstruction factors formed at the contacts of the mechanical switch. [Industrial Applicability]

[0100] As described above, the electronic device according to the present invention can be applied to devices that can execute a predetermined operation when the electrical continuity of a mechanical switch is detected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Coffee maker (electronic device, cooking appliance) 2 Main unit 3 water container 4 coffee containers 5 Heat insulation board 6 Microcomputer (Computer) 7 AC / DC circuit 8 Motor control circuit 9 Motor drive circuit 10. First microswitch (mechanical switch) 11 Second microswitch (mechanical switch) 12 Switch detection circuit 13 Contact circuit (circuit) 14 Microswitch (mechanical switch) 15 AC power supply 21 Bean storage section 22 Mill blade 22 Crushing section (drive section) 23 Powder storage section 24 Water supply section 25 Heating section 26 Control section 31 Lid 32 Filter section 41 Lid 42 Inlet 121 Transistor 122, 123, 124, 125, 131, 132, 134, 137 Resistors 126, 138 Diodes 133 Transistor (a switch made of semiconductor elements) 135 capacitor 136 Triac (a switch made of semiconductor elements) 139 Switch 211 Lid (cover) 212 Shower Dome 221 Mill blade 222 Mill motor (motor) 223 Rotation Axis 231 Valve body 241 Outlet

Claims

1. A computer, a drive unit controlled by the computer; At least one mechanical switch; the mechanical switch is connected in series with the drive unit; The computer When the conduction of the mechanical switch is detected by the first current, a predetermined operation can be executed, At a predetermined timing, a second current having a current value greater than the first current and configured to remove a current obstruction factor formed at a contact of the mechanical switch or prevent the formation of the current obstruction factor is passed through the mechanical switch. electronic equipment.

2. The current obstruction factor is an insulating coating. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. The predetermined timing is a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second current was last flowed.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second current is equal to or greater than a minimum applicable current value of the mechanical switch.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The second current is a current of 100 mA or more.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The contact material of the mechanical switch is a material containing silver or not containing gold.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The mechanical switch is a switch that is turned on when a cover that prevents contact between a user of the electronic device and the drive unit is set in a predetermined position.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the computer drives the driving unit with a third current greater than the second current; 3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The drive unit includes a motor.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8.

10. a circuit for passing the second current; the circuit includes a switch configured with a semiconductor element; the computer causes the circuit to pass the second current through the mechanical switch; 3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the predetermined timing is a timing when a predetermined operation is performed on the electronic device; 3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the electronic device is a cooking appliance, The predetermined operation is an operation to start cooking. The electronic device according to claim 11.

13. the predetermined operation is an operation to start supplying power to the computer; The electronic device according to claim 11.

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