Electrical wires and plugs

Abstract

To more easily and more surely bring the ground potential closer to the potential of the earth.SOLUTION: An electric wire according to the present invention for transmitting the single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to an electrical instrument that reproduces or records a voice, or reproduces or records an image, comprises: a first insulated electric wire whose one end is connected to a voltage line of the commercial power source and other end is connected to the electrical instrument; a second insulated electric wire whose one end is connected to a neutral line of the commercial power source and other end is connected to the electrical instrument; a third insulated electric wire whose one end is connected to a ground line of the commercial power source and other end is connected to the electrical instrument; a fourth insulated electric wire whose one end is connected to the one end of the first insulated electric wire and other end is connected to the other end of the first insulated electric wire; and a resistor which is connected in series to the fourth insulated electric wire on the one end side of the fourth insulated electric wire.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical wire and an attachment plug. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrical equipment has been grounded to prevent electric shock. In this case, a ground rod is buried in the ground to allow leakage current to escape into the ground even when a current leaks into the housing of the electrical equipment, thereby maintaining the housing of the electrical equipment at the same potential as the earth and preventing electric shock. Such dedicated grounding is provided as a circuit that carries direct current.

[0003] It is well known that grounding is important for audio equipment that reproduces sound and video equipment that reproduces and displays images.

[0004] Conventionally, there has been proposed an electromagnetic interference suppression device that suppresses unwanted electromagnetic waves generated by electronic devices that are connected to a general commercial power source and operate in offices, homes, etc., and that has a polarity discrimination means that automatically distinguishes between the neutral side (neutral wire) of the ground potential in a single-phase power supply of the commercial power source and the hot side (active wire) of a live part, and a ground point connection means that connects the neutral side of the single-phase power supply identified by the polarity discrimination means to a conductive part or conductive housing on the ground side of the electronic device that is connected to the single-phase power source and operates using a capacitor and a resistor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] In addition, in a grounding circuit that connects a commercial power source to an apparatus and provides grounding using a first wiring having one end connected to an AC commercial power line and the other end connected to the power supply of the apparatus, a second wiring having one end connected to the neutral of the commercial power source and the other end connected to the power supply of the apparatus, and a third wiring having one end open and the other end connected to the earth of the apparatus, there is provided a first capacitor having one terminal connected to the second wiring, a second capacitor having one terminal connected to one end of the third wiring, and a third capacitor having one terminal connected to the other end of the third wiring, and the other terminal of the first capacitor, the other terminal of the second capacitor, and the other terminal of the third capacitor are connected together (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-262455 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-27754 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Originally, electrical devices that play or record sound or play or record images were designed and developed assuming that the ground potential was the potential of the earth, which is 0V.

[0008] However, actual measurements reveal that each electrical device that plays or records audio or plays or records images has its own unique ground potential. The ground potential of electrical devices that play or record audio or play or record images does not equal the 0V earth potential that is the basis for the device's design (operation).

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to make it possible to bring the ground potential closer to the potential of the earth more easily and reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention provides an electric wire for transmitting single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to an electric device that plays or records audio or images, and includes: a first insulated wire having one end connected to a voltage conductor of the commercial power source and the other end connected to the electric device; a second insulated wire having one end connected to a neutral conductor of the commercial power source and the other end connected to the electric device; a third insulated wire having one end connected to a ground conductor of the commercial power source and the other end connected to the electric device; a fourth insulated wire having one end connected to one end of the first insulated wire and the other end connected to the other end of the first insulated wire; and a first resistor connected in series to one end of the fourth insulated wire.

[0011] A first capacitor may be further provided connected in series to the first resistor and the fourth insulated wire on one end side of the fourth insulated wire.

[0012] A first inductor may further be provided connected in series to the first resistor, the first capacitor, and the fourth insulated wire on one end side of the fourth insulated wire.

[0013] An attachment plug may further be provided to which one end of the first insulated wire, one end of the second insulated wire, one end of the third insulated wire, and one end of the fourth insulated wire are connected.

[0014] The fifth insulated wire may further include a fifth insulated wire having one end connected to one end of the second insulated wire and the other end connected to the other end of the second insulated wire, and a second resistor connected in series to the fifth insulated wire on the side of the one end of the fifth insulated wire.

[0015] A second capacitor may be further provided connected in series with the second resistor and the fifth insulated wire on one end side of the fifth insulated wire.

[0016] A second inductor may be further provided connected in series to the second resistor, the second capacitor, and the fifth insulated wire on one end side of the fifth insulated wire.

[0017] Electrical wires can be connected to electrical equipment.

[0018] The attachment plug according to a second aspect of the present invention is an attachment plug to be inserted into a plug receptacle that supplies single-phase AC power from a commercial power source, and includes: a first blade that connects to the voltage line of the commercial power source when inserted into the receptacle; a second blade that connects to the neutral line of the commercial power source when inserted into the receptacle; a grounding electrode that connects to the grounding line of the commercial power source when inserted into the receptacle; a first terminal for connecting a first electric wire, the first terminal connected to the first blade; a second terminal for connecting a second electric wire, the second terminal connected to the second blade; a third terminal for connecting a third electric wire, the third terminal connected to the grounding electrode; a first resistor having one terminal connected to the first terminal; and a fourth terminal for connecting a fourth electric wire, the fourth terminal connected to the other terminal of the first resistor.

[0019] A first capacitor may further be provided between the first terminal and the fourth terminal, the first capacitor being connected in series with the first resistor.

[0020] There may further be provided a second resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal, and a fifth terminal for connecting a fifth wire, the fifth terminal being connected to the other terminal of the second resistor.

[0021] A second capacitor may further be provided between the second terminal and the fifth terminal, the second capacitor being connected in series with the second resistor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, the ground potential can be made closer to the potential of the earth more simply and reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an audio reproduction system including an electric wire according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power cord 11. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the results of measuring the ground potential of an electrical device using the power cord 11. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power cord 101. FIG. [Figure 5] This figure shows the waveform of the voltage applied from a commercial power source when power cord 101 is used, the waveform of the voltage applied to resistor 71, and the waveform of the voltage applied to resistor 71 and capacitor 121. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the results of measuring the distortion factor of a main amplifier using a power cord 11. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power cord 201. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the attachment plug 301. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. The correspondence between the constituent features of the present invention and the embodiments described in the Detailed Description of the Invention is exemplified as follows: This description is intended to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the Detailed Description of the Invention. Therefore, even if there is an embodiment described in the Detailed Description of the Invention that corresponds to a constituent feature of the present invention but is not described here, this does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to that constituent feature. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a constituent feature, this does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to constituent features other than the constituent feature.

[0025] An electric wire according to a first aspect of the present invention is an electric wire for transmitting single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to an electric device that plays or records audio or plays or records images, the electric wire comprising: a first insulated electric wire (e.g., electric wire 61 in FIG. 2 ) having one end connected to a voltage line of the commercial power source and the other end connected to the electric device; and a second insulated electric wire (e.g., electric wire 62 in FIG. 2 ) having one end connected to a neutral line of the commercial power source and the other end connected to the electric device; The insulated electric wire includes a third insulated electric wire (e.g., electric wire 63 in FIG. 2) having one end connected to the ground wire of the commercial power supply and the other end connected to the electric device, a fourth insulated electric wire (e.g., electric wire 64 in FIG. 2) having one end connected to one end of the first insulated electric wire and the other end connected to the other end of the first insulated electric wire, and a first resistor (e.g., resistor 71 in FIG. 2) connected in series to the fourth insulated electric wire on the side of one end of the fourth insulated electric wire.

[0026] An attachment plug according to a second aspect of the present invention is an attachment plug to be inserted into a plug receptacle that supplies single-phase AC power from a commercial power source, and includes a first blade (e.g., flat blade 311 in FIG. 8) that is connected to a voltage line of the commercial power source when inserted into the plug receptacle, a second blade (e.g., flat blade 312 in FIG. 8) that is connected to a neutral line of the commercial power source when inserted into the plug receptacle, a grounding electrode (e.g., grounding electrode 313 in FIG. 8) that is connected to a grounding line of the commercial power source when inserted into the plug receptacle, and a first terminal for connecting a first electric wire, which is connected to the first blade. a second terminal for connecting a second electric wire, the second terminal being connected to the second blade (e.g., terminal 322 in FIG. 8); a third terminal for connecting a third electric wire, the third terminal being connected to the ground electrode (e.g., terminal 323 in FIG. 8); a first resistor (e.g., resistor 331 in FIG. 8) having one terminal connected to the first terminal; and a fourth terminal for connecting a fourth electric wire, the fourth terminal being connected to the other terminal of the first resistor (e.g., terminal 324 in FIG. 8).

[0027] Hereinafter, an electric wire and an attachment plug according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an audio reproduction system including an electric wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. The audio reproduction system shown in Fig. 1 comprises a power strip 13, a reproduction device 21, an amplifier device 22, and loudspeakers 23-1 and 23-2. The power strip 13 is a portable outlet, also known as a multi-tap or power strip, and is used to branch and connect commercial AC power. Power cords 11-1 to 11-3 are connected to the power strip 13, the reproduction device 21, and the amplifier device 22, respectively, and commercial AC power is supplied from an outlet (not shown) via the power cords 11-1 to 11-3.

[0029] One end of the power cord 11-3 is connected to a power strip 13. The other end of the power cord 11-3 is connected to an attachment plug 12-3. When the attachment plug 12-3 is inserted into a receptacle of an outlet (not shown), the power strip 13 supplies AC commercial power to the receptacle of the power strip 13.

[0030] One end of the power cord 11-1 has an attachment plug 12-1 that is inserted into a receptacle of the power strip 13, and the other end is connected to the playback device 21, thereby supplying AC commercial power to the playback device 21 via the power strip 13. One end of the power cord 11-2 has an attachment plug 12-2 that is inserted into a receptacle of the power strip 13, and the other end is connected to the amplifier 22, thereby supplying AC commercial power to the amplifier 22 via the power strip 13. The other end of the power cord 11-1 or 11-2 may be connected to the playback device 21 or amplifier 22 directly, or may be connected via a connector and an AC (alternating current) inlet socket. Alternatively, the power cord 11-1 or 11-2 may be built into the playback device 21 or amplifier 22. For example, the power cord 11-1 or the power cord 11-2 may be configured to connect from an AC inlet socket to the power supply or AC outlet of the device in the playback device 21 or the amplifier device 22.

[0031] The playback device 21 plays back audio and outputs an audio signal to the amplification device 22. For example, the playback device 21 is a compact disc player. The amplification device 22 amplifies the signal level and power of the audio signal from the playback device 21. For example, the amplification device 22 is a so-called pre-main amplifier, which is an audio device. The amplification device 22 drives the loudspeakers 23-1 and 23-2 to emit audio corresponding to the audio signal supplied from the playback device 21 via a signal cable (not shown).

[0032] In this way, power cords 11-1 to 11-3 transmit single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to electrical equipment that reproduces audio. Power cords 11-1 to 11-3 can also transmit single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to electrical equipment that records audio, such as an audio recorder. Similarly, power cords 11-1 to 11-3 can also transmit single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to electrical equipment that reproduces or records images, such as a television receiver, television monitor, video disc player, or video recorder.

[0033] Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the power cords 11-1 to 11-3, they will simply be referred to as power cords 11. Also, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the attachment plugs 12-1 to 12-3, they will simply be referred to as attachment plugs 12.

[0034] Hereinafter, electrical equipment that reproduces or records sound will be referred to as audio equipment, and electrical equipment that reproduces or records images will be referred to as video equipment.

[0035] 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power cord 11, which is an example of an electric wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power cord 11 is an electric wire used for the purpose of supplying electric power. The power cord 11 transmits single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to audio or video equipment.

[0036] For example, the power cord 11 may be a cable made up of insulated wires further covered with a protective coating.

[0037] The power cord 11 includes an attachment plug 12, a connector 41, an insulated wire 61, an insulated wire 62, an insulated wire 63, an insulated wire 64, an insulated wire 65, a resistor 71, and a resistor 72. One end of each of the insulated wires 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 is connected to the attachment plug 12. The attachment plug 12 is provided with terminals 81, 82, and 83 for connecting to the wires. When the attachment plug 12 is inserted into a receptacle, the terminal 81 is connected to a blade that is connected to a voltage line of the commercial power supply. When the attachment plug 12 is inserted into a receptacle, the terminal 82 is connected to a blade that is connected to a neutral line of the commercial power supply. When the attachment plug 12 is inserted into a receptacle, the terminal 83 is connected to a blade that is connected to a ground line of the commercial power supply.

[0038] The voltage line of a commercial power supply is the line to which voltage is applied, a so-called non-grounded line, also called a line or live line. The neutral line of a commercial power supply is the electric wire that serves as the reference potential, also called a neutral. The grounding line of a commercial power supply is the line that runs from the earth terminal on the distribution board to the grounding rod for the grounding electrode buried in the ground, also called an earth.

[0039] Connector 41 is a plug-shaped power connector that is inserted into an AC inlet socket provided on audio equipment such as playback device 21 or amplifier 22. The AC inlet socket is a receptacle-shaped joint that supplies commercial power to electrical equipment such as audio equipment or video equipment. When connector 41 is inserted into the AC inlet socket, each of the AC inlet socket's blades is inserted into each of the blade receptacles of connector 41 and connected.

[0040] Connector 41 is provided with terminals 91, 92, and 93 for connection to electric wires. Terminal 91 is connected to one of the pin bearings of connector 41 that is connected to the voltage line of the commercial power supply. Terminal 92 is connected to one of the pin bearings of connector 41 that is connected to the neutral line of the commercial power supply. Terminal 93 is connected to one of the pin bearings of connector 41 that is connected to the ground line of the commercial power supply.

[0041] Insulated wire 61, insulated wire 62, insulated wire 63, insulated wire 64, and insulated wire 65 are each an electric wire in which a conductor core such as annealed copper is covered with an insulator such as vinyl or polyvinyl chloride. Insulated wire 61, insulated wire 62, insulated wire 63, insulated wire 64, and insulated wire 65 are the same length. For example, if power cord 11 is a cable, insulated wire 61, insulated wire 62, insulated wire 63, insulated wire 64, and insulated wire 65 can each be an insulated wire covered by the sheath of power cord 11.

[0042] One end of the insulated wire 61 is connected to a terminal 81 of the attachment plug 12. One end of the insulated wire 62 is connected to a terminal 82 of the attachment plug 12. One end of the insulated wire 63 is connected to a terminal 83 of the attachment plug 12.

[0043] The other end of insulated wire 61 is connected to terminal 91 of connector 41. The other end of insulated wire 62 is connected to terminal 92 of connector 41. The other end of insulated wire 63 is connected to terminal 93 of connector 41.

[0044] One end of the insulated wire 64 is connected to one end of the insulated wire 61. The other end of the insulated wire 64 is connected to the other end of the insulated wire 61. That is, the insulated wire 64 is connected in parallel with the insulated wire 61.

[0045] The resistor 71 is a so-called electrical resistance element that has electrical resistance. The resistance value of the resistor 71 is 1 Ω to 10 KΩ. The resistor 71 is connected in series to the insulated wire 64 at a location along the insulated wire 64. That is, one terminal of the resistor 71 is connected to a portion of the insulated wire 64 that is on the attachment plug 12 side, and the other terminal of the resistor 71 is connected to a portion of the insulated wire 64 that is on the connector 41 side. The resistor 71 is also connected in series to the insulated wire 64 at one end of the insulated wire 64. In other words, the resistor 71 is connected in series to the insulated wire 64 at a portion that is closer to the attachment plug 12 than the center of the insulated wire 64. It can also be said that the resistor 71 is connected in series to the insulated wire 64 at the side that is closer to the attachment plug 12.

[0046] The resistor 72 is a so-called electrical resistance element that has electrical resistance. The resistance value of the resistor 72 is 1 Ω to 10 kΩ. The resistance value of the resistor 72 may be the same as or different from the resistance value of the resistor 71. The resistor 72 is connected in series to the insulated electric wire 65 at a midpoint of the insulated electric wire 65. That is, one terminal of the resistor 72 is connected to a portion of the insulated electric wire 65 that is on the attachment plug 12 side, and the other terminal of the resistor 72 is connected to a portion of the insulated electric wire 65 that is on the connector 41 side. The resistor 72 is also connected in series to the insulated electric wire 64 at one end of the insulated electric wire 64. In other words, the resistor 72 is connected in series to the insulated electric wire 65 at a portion of the insulated electric wire 65 that is closer to the attachment plug 12 than the center of the insulated electric wire 65. It can also be said that the resistor 72 is connected in series to the insulated electric wire 64 at the side closer to the attachment plug 12.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows an example of the results of measuring the ground potential of audio equipment using a power cord 11. The equipment being measured for ground potential is not connected to earth. The audio equipment's ground potential was measured using a measuring instrument set to an AC range, with the independently grounded earth as the reference. The three voltage values ​​shown in FIG. 3 were measured one hour apart. Note that the ground potential of audio or video equipment relative to earth varies depending on the type of audio or video equipment connected, the state of the commercial power supply (such as the load of other electrical equipment connected to the commercial power supply), weather, humidity, etc.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3(A), when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, which was a compact disc (CD) player A, relative to the earth were 26.2 V, 27.1 V, and 27.2 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 26.8 V.

[0049] In contrast, as shown in Figure 3(A), when commercial power was supplied using power cord 11, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, compact disc player A, relative to the earth were 24.8V, 24.1V, and 23.9V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 24.3V.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3(A), when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, which is preamplifier A, relative to the earth were 31.3 V, 31.9 V, and 31.1 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 31.4 V.

[0051] In contrast, as shown in Figure 3(A), when commercial power was supplied using power cord 11, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, which is preamplifier A, relative to the earth were 24.6 V, 24.4 V, and 25.1 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 24.7 V.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3(A), when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, which is main amplifier A, relative to the earth were 57.8 V, 60.3 V, and 58.2 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 58.8 V.

[0053] In contrast, as shown in Figure 3(A), when commercial power was supplied using power cord 11, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, which is main amplifier A, relative to the earth were 39.3V, 38.8V, and 37.9V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 38.7V.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3(A), when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, compact disc player A, preamplifier A, and main amplifier A were connected with signal cables, and sound was emitted from a loudspeaker, the measured ground potentials of compact disc player A, preamplifier A, and main amplifier A relative to the earth were 32.1 V, 33.4 V, and 32.9 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 32.8 V.

[0055] In contrast, as shown in Figure 3(A), when commercial power is supplied using power cord 11, compact disc player A, preamplifier A, and main amplifier A are connected with signal cables, and sound is emitted from a loudspeaker, the measured ground potentials of compact disc player A, preamplifier A, and main amplifier A relative to the earth were 24.9V, 25.6V, and 24.8V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 25.1V.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3(B), when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, compact disc player A, relative to the earth were 27.8 V, 27.1 V, and 26.8 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 27.2 V.

[0057] In contrast, as shown in Figure 3(B), when commercial power was supplied using power cord 11, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, compact disc player A, relative to the earth were 25.1 V, 25.3 V, and 24.4 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 24.9 V.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3(B), when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, which is preamplifier B, relative to the earth were 38.2 V, 38.9 V, and 39.5 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 38.9 V.

[0059] In contrast, as shown in Figure 3(B), when commercial power was supplied using power cord 11, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, which is preamplifier B, relative to the earth were 32.7V, 31.7V, and 32.1V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 32.2V.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3(B), when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, which is main amplifier B, relative to the earth were 29.9 V, 30.7 V, and 31.2 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 30.6 V.

[0061] In contrast, as shown in Figure 3(B), when commercial power was supplied using power cord 11, the measured ground potentials of the audio equipment, which is main amplifier B, relative to the earth were 26.3V, 27.2V, and 26.6V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 26.7V.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3(B), when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, compact disc player A, preamplifier B, and main amplifier B were connected with a signal cable, and sound was emitted from a loudspeaker, the measured ground potentials of compact disc player A, preamplifier A, and main amplifier A relative to the earth were 33.5 V, 33.9 V, and 34.2 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 33.9 V.

[0063] In contrast, as shown in Figure 3(B), when commercial power is supplied using power cord 11, compact disc player A, preamplifier B, and main amplifier B are connected with signal cables, and sound is emitted from a loudspeaker, the measured ground potentials of compact disc player A, preamplifier A, and main amplifier A relative to the earth were 27.0 V, 26.8 V, and 26.5 V, respectively, and the average measured ground potential was 26.8 V.

[0064] In this way, whether the audio equipment is used alone or connected with a signal cable, the ground potential of the audio equipment using the power cord 11 is lower and closer to the potential of the earth than in the case of a conventional cord.

[0065] Figure 3 shows the results of measuring the ground potential for audio equipment that reproduces sound, but similar results were obtained for audio equipment that records sound, such as audio recorders, and video equipment that reproduces or records images, such as television sets, video disc players, or video recorders.

[0066] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power cord 101, which is another example of an electric wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. Parts that are the same as those shown in Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Power cord 101 is an electric wire used for the purpose of supplying electric power. Power cord 101 transmits single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to audio or video equipment.

[0067] For example, the power cord 101 may be a cable made of insulated wires further covered with a protective sheath.

[0068] The power cord 101 includes an attachment plug 12, a connector 41, an insulated wire 61, an insulated wire 62, an insulated wire 63, an insulated wire 64, an insulated wire 65, a resistor 71, a resistor 72, a capacitor 121, and a capacitor 122.

[0069] The capacitor 121 is a passive electrical element that stores and releases electric charge. The capacitor 121 is also referred to as a capacitor. The capacitor 121 has a predetermined capacitance. For example, the capacitance of the capacitor 121 is 0.01 μF to 1 μF. The capacitor 121 is connected in series to the resistor 71 and the insulated wire 64 at a location along the insulated wire 64. That is, one terminal of the capacitor 121 is connected to the other terminal of the resistor 71, and the other terminal of the capacitor 121 is connected to a portion of the insulated wire 64 that is on the connector 41 side. The capacitor 121 is also connected in series to the resistor 71 and the insulated wire 64 at one end of the insulated wire 64. In other words, the capacitor 121 is connected in series to the resistor 71 and the insulated wire 64 at a portion of the insulated wire 64 that is closer to the attachment plug 12 than the center of the insulated wire 64. It can also be said that the capacitor 121 is connected in series with the resistor 71 and the insulated wire 64 on the side closer to the attachment plug 12 .

[0070] The capacitor 122 is a passive electrical element that stores and releases electric charge. The capacitor 122 is also referred to as a capacitor. The capacitor 122 has a predetermined capacitance. For example, the capacitance of the capacitor 122 is 0.01 μF to 1 μF. The capacitance of the capacitor 122 may be the same as or different from the capacitance of the capacitor 121. The capacitor 122 is connected in series with the resistor 72 and the insulated wire 65 midway along the insulated wire 65. That is, one terminal of the capacitor 122 is connected to the other terminal of the resistor 72, and the other terminal of the capacitor 122 is connected to a portion of the insulated wire 65 on the connector 41 side. The capacitor 122 is also connected in series with the resistor 72 and the insulated wire 65 at one end of the insulated wire 65. In other words, capacitor 122 is connected in series with resistor 72 and insulated wire 65 at a portion closer to attachment plug 12 than the center of insulated wire 65. It can also be said that capacitor 122 is connected in series with resistor 72 and insulated wire 65 on the side closer to attachment plug 12.

[0071] As one example, when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, the measured ground potential of the solid-state preamplifier was 27.3 V, whereas when commercial power was supplied using power cord 101, the measured ground potential of the solid-state preamplifier was 19.1 V. In another example, when commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, the measured ground potential of the solid-state preamplifier was 39.6 V, whereas when commercial power was supplied using power cord 101, the measured ground potential of the solid-state preamplifier was 33.2 V.

[0072] FIG. 5 shows the waveform of the voltage applied from the commercial power supply when power cord 101 is used, the waveform of the voltage applied to resistor 71, and the waveform of the voltage applied to resistor 71 and capacitor 121.

[0073] 5A, graph A shows the waveform of the voltage applied from the commercial power supply, and graph B shows the waveform of the voltage applied to resistor 71. Note that the scale of the vertical axis of graph A is different from the scale of the vertical axis of graph B.

[0074] 5(B), graph A shows the waveform of the voltage applied from the commercial power supply, and graph C shows the waveform of the voltage applied to resistor 71 and capacitor 121 connected in series, i.e., the voltage waveform between the terminal of resistor 71 on the attachment plug 12 side and the terminal of capacitor 121 on the connector 41 side. Note that the scale of the vertical axis of graph B is the same as the scale of the vertical axis of graph C.

[0075] As shown in graph B, a charge that generates a voltage of 6 to 8 mV flows into the insulated wire 64. In other words, a minute current flows into the insulated wire 64.

[0076] In other words, normally, current flows from the commercial power source to the audio or video equipment through a power cord that transmits power from the commercial power source to the audio or video equipment, but unwanted current generated by the audio or video equipment also flows through the power cord, which is thought to raise the ground potential of the audio or video equipment.

[0077] From graphs B and C, it can be seen that capacitor 121 absorbs the charge that has flowed into insulated wire 64, attenuating the voltage caused by the charge in insulated wire 64 to 0.15 mV to 0.2 mV (1 / 30 to 1 / 50), and resistor 71 acts as a load to absorb the energy caused by the charge.

[0078] The charge or minute current flowing into the insulated wire 64 is considered to be rectified noise from the power supply of the audio or video equipment.

[0079] Since attachment plug 12 is connected to a commercial power source, it is electrically connected to a pole transformer, and since connector 41 is connected to audio or video equipment, it is usually thought to be electrically connected to the transformer in the power supply section of the audio or video equipment. In this case, power cord 11 or power cord 101 is connected to the pole transformer and the transformer in the power supply section.

[0080] On the secondary side of the transformer in the power supply of audio or video equipment, a sine wave voltage is turned on and off at a predetermined timing depending on the load of the audio or video equipment. Furthermore, if the audio or video equipment generates a time-varying signal or drives a time-varying load, the load on the power supply of the audio or video equipment will fluctuate over time. If high-frequency components are generated in the current on the secondary side of the transformer in the power supply of the audio or video equipment, a current containing high-frequency components will flow from the audio or video equipment side to the commercial power supply side on the primary side of the transformer in the power supply of the electrical equipment. For example, a current containing such high-frequency components can become rectified noise.

[0081] In this way, it is believed that an unnecessary minute current is generated in the power supply section of audio or video equipment inside the equipment.

[0082] When commercial power is supplied to audio or video equipment using a conventional cord, the resistance of the cord is approximately 10 mΩ to 20 mΩ, and the conductor in the core wire of the cord simply connects the pole-mounted transformer to the transformer in the power supply section of the audio or video equipment, so it is not possible to attenuate or absorb rectification noise.

[0083] On the other hand, when commercial power is supplied to audio or video equipment via power cord 11 or power cord 101, resistor 71 or resistor 71 and capacitor 121 or resistor 72 or resistor 72 and capacitor 122 attenuate and absorb rectification noise from the power supply of the audio or video equipment, thereby reducing the rectification noise that is generated in the power supply of the audio or video equipment and returned to the power supply of the audio or video equipment, which is thought to lower the ground potential of the audio or video equipment.

[0084] Furthermore, it has been experimentally confirmed that when resistor 71 or resistor 71 and capacitor 121 or resistor 72 or resistor 72 and capacitor 122 are connected in series to the portion of insulated wire 64 or insulated wire 65 that is closer to attachment plug 12, the ground potential of the audio or video equipment is lowered more than when resistor 71 or resistor 71 and capacitor 121 or resistor 72 or resistor 72 and capacitor 122 are connected in series to the portion of insulated wire 64 or insulated wire 65 that is closer to connector 41 or when connected in series to the center of insulated wire 64 or insulated wire 65.

[0085] It is believed that the portion of the insulated wire 64 or the insulated wire 65 from the connector 41 to the resistor 71 or the resistor 71 and the capacitor 121 or the resistor 72 or the resistor 72 and the capacitor 122 accumulates electric charge due to rectification noise, and that the noise due to this electric charge is more efficiently attenuated or absorbed by the resistor 71 or the resistor 71 and the capacitor 121 or the resistor 72 or the resistor 72 and the capacitor 122.

[0086] In this way, the electric wire of the present invention has the function of absorbing unnecessary current generated in audio or video equipment, thereby bringing the ground potential of the audio or video equipment closer to the potential of the earth.

[0087] Figure 6 shows an example of the results of measuring the distortion factor of a main amplifier using power cord 11. Figure 6(A) shows the results of FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis of the output waveform when commercial power is supplied to the main amplifier using a conventional cord and a sine wave with an amplitude of 1V and a frequency of 1KHz is input. Figure 6(B) shows the results of FFT analysis of the output waveform when commercial power is supplied to the main amplifier using power cord 101 and a sine wave with an amplitude of 1V and a frequency of 1KHz is input.

[0088] When commercial power was supplied using a conventional cord, the total harmonic distortion was 1.00%, whereas when commercial power was supplied using power cord 101, the total harmonic distortion was 0.98%. It was also confirmed that when commercial power was supplied using power cord 101, second harmonic distortion was also reduced.

[0089] As shown in the dotted circle in FIG. 6(A), it can be seen that more distortion components appear at the rising and falling edges.

[0090] The reason why the total harmonic distortion rate decreased when power cord 101 was used is thought to be due to the decrease in the ground potential.

[0091] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power cord 201, which is yet another example of an electric wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those shown in Figure 4 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The power cord 201 is an electric wire used for the purpose of supplying electric power. The power cord 201 transmits single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to audio or video equipment.

[0092] For example, the power cord 201 may be a cable made of insulated wires further covered with a protective sheath.

[0093] The power cord 201 is composed of an attachment plug 12, a connector 41, an insulated wire 61, an insulated wire 62, an insulated wire 63, an insulated wire 64, an insulated wire 65, a resistor 71, a resistor 72, a capacitor 121, a capacitor 122, an inductor 221, and an inductor 222.

[0094] The inductor 221 is a passive electrical element that stores energy in a magnetic field formed by a flowing current. The inductor 221 has a predetermined inductance. For example, the inductance of the inductor 221 is set to 0.01H to 1H. The inductor 221 is connected in series with the resistor 71, the capacitor 121, and the insulated wire 64 at a location along the insulated wire 64. That is, one terminal of the inductor 221 is connected to a portion of the insulated wire 64 that is closer to the attachment plug 12, and the other terminal of the inductor 221 is connected to one terminal of the resistor 71. The inductor 221 is also connected in series with the resistor 71, the capacitor 121, and the insulated wire 64 at one end of the insulated wire 64. In other words, the inductor 221 is connected in series with the resistor 71, the capacitor 121, and the insulated wire 64 at a portion of the insulated wire 64 that is closer to the attachment plug 12 than the center of the insulated wire 64. It can also be said that the inductor 221 is connected in series with the resistor 71 , the capacitor 121 and the insulated wire 64 on the side closer to the attachment plug 12 .

[0095] The inductor 222 is a passive electrical element that stores energy in a magnetic field formed by a flowing current. The inductor 222 has a predetermined inductance. For example, the inductance of the inductor 222 is 0.01H to 1H. The inductance of the inductor 222 may be the same as or different from the inductance of the inductor 221. The inductor 222 is connected in series with the resistor 72, the capacitor 122, and the insulated wire 65 at a location along the insulated wire 65. That is, one terminal of the inductor 222 is connected to a portion of the insulated wire 65 that is on the attachment plug 12 side, and the other terminal of the inductor 222 is connected to one terminal of the resistor 72. The inductor 222 is also connected in series with the resistor 72, the capacitor 122, and the insulated wire 65 at one end of the insulated wire 65. In other words, inductor 222 is connected in series with resistor 72, capacitor 122, and insulated wire 65 at a portion closer to attachment plug 12 than the center of insulated wire 65. It can also be said that inductor 222 is connected in series with resistor 72, capacitor 122, and insulated wire 65 on the side closer to attachment plug 12.

[0096] In this way, power cord 11, power cord 101, or power cord 201 makes it possible to more easily and reliably bring the ground potential of electrical equipment that plays or records audio or plays or records images closer to the potential of the earth.

[0097] So-called power cords for audio or audiovisual use use expensive precious metals for contacts and wires, but the power cord 11, power cord 101 or power cord 201 does not require expensive materials and can be produced more simply and inexpensively.

[0098] Furthermore, compared to general audio or audiovisual power cords, the same or better functionality and performance can be achieved with thinner wire, resulting in a cord with excellent flexibility and ease of use. The break-in time required for new products can also be completed in a shorter time.

[0099] Next, the attachment plug 301 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the attachment plug 301. Fig. 8(A) is a plan sectional view showing the configuration of a horizontal cross section of the attachment plug 301. Fig. 8(B) is a side sectional view showing the configuration of a vertical cross section of the attachment plug 301. Fig. 8(C) is a rear sectional view showing the configuration of the cross section indicated by line AA' in Fig. 8(B).

[0100] In each of Figures 8(A) to 8(C), the direction in which the attachment plug 301 is inserted into the plug receptacle is shown as the front-to-back direction, the Z axis is shown as the up-down direction, and the Y axis is shown as the left-to-right direction.

[0101] A power cord with the same configuration as power cord 101 can be obtained by connecting a predetermined number of insulated wires to attachment plug 301. Attachment plug 301 is used by being inserted into and removed from a receptacle that supplies single-phase AC power from a commercial power source.

[0102] The attachment plug 301 includes a body 305, flat blades 311, 312, a ground electrode 313, terminals 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, resistors 331, 332, capacitors 341, and 342. The body 305 is a housing that supports the flat blades 311, 312, the ground electrode 313, terminals 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, resistors 331, 332, capacitors 341, and 342.

[0103] When the attachment plug 301 is inserted into a receptacle that supplies single-phase AC power from the commercial power supply, the flat blade 311 is connected to the voltage line of the commercial power supply. When the attachment plug 301 is inserted into a receptacle that supplies single-phase AC power from the commercial power supply, the flat blade 312 is connected to the neutral line of the commercial power supply. When the attachment plug 301 is inserted into a receptacle that supplies single-phase AC power from the commercial power supply, the grounding electrode 313 is connected to the grounding line of the commercial power supply.

[0104] Terminals 321, 322, 323, 324, and 325 are terminals for electrically and mechanically connecting electric wires. For example, terminals 321, 322, 323, 324, and 325 may each be a screw terminal, a screwless terminal that is automatically connected when the core wire (conductor) of the electric wire is inserted, or a blade terminal.

[0105] Terminal 321 is connected to flat blade 311. Terminal 321 is a terminal for connecting electric wire 351 that is connected to the voltage line of the commercial power supply. Terminal 322 is connected to flat blade 312. Terminal 322 is a terminal for connecting electric wire 352 that is connected to the neutral line of the commercial power supply. Terminal 323 is connected to ground electrode 313. Terminal 323 is a terminal for connecting electric wire 353 that is connected to the ground line of the commercial power supply.

[0106] Terminal 324 is a terminal for connecting electric wire 354 to a voltage line of a commercial power supply. The end of electric wire 354 that is not connected to terminal 324 is connected to the end of electric wire 351 that is not connected to terminal 321.

[0107] Terminal 325 is a terminal for connecting electric wire 355, which is connected to the neutral wire of the commercial power supply. The end of electric wire 355 that is not connected to terminal 325 is connected to the end of electric wire 352 that is not connected to terminal 322.

[0108] The resistors 331 and 332 are so-called electrical resistance elements that have electrical resistance. The resistance values ​​of the resistors 331 and 332 are each 1 Ω to 10 KΩ. The resistance value of the resistor 332 may be the same as or different from the resistance value of the resistor 331.

[0109] Capacitor 341 and capacitor 342 are each a passive electrical element that stores and releases electric charge. Capacitor 341 and capacitor 342 are also referred to as capacitors. The capacitance of capacitor 341 and capacitor 342 is set to 0.01 μF to 1 μF. The capacitance of capacitor 342 may be the same as or different from the capacitance of capacitor 341.

[0110] One terminal of resistor 331 is connected to terminal 321. The other terminal of resistor 331 is connected to one terminal of capacitor 341. The other terminal of capacitor 341 is connected to terminal 324. That is, resistor 331 and capacitor 341 are connected in series between terminal 321 and terminal 324. One terminal of resistor 332 is connected to terminal 322. The other terminal of resistor 332 is connected to one terminal of capacitor 342. The other terminal of capacitor 342 is connected to terminal 325. That is, resistor 332 and capacitor 342 are connected in series between terminal 322 and terminal 325.

[0111] It is also possible to omit capacitor 341 and connect the other terminal of resistor 331 to terminal 324. It is also possible to omit capacitor 342 and connect the other terminal of resistor 332 to terminal 325.

[0112] The attachment plug 301 may also be of other types such as a hook type or a locking type.

[0113] Furthermore, in addition to the resistor 331 and the capacitor 341, an inductor may be connected in series with the resistor 331 and the capacitor 341 between the terminal 321 and the terminal 324. Furthermore, in addition to the resistor 332 and the capacitor 342, an inductor may be connected in series with the resistor 332 and the capacitor 342 between the terminal 322 and the terminal 325.

[0114] In this manner, power cord 11 transmits single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to an electrical device that plays or records audio or images. One end of insulated wire 61 is connected to a voltage line of the commercial power source, and the other end of insulated wire 61 is connected to the electrical device. One end of insulated wire 62 is connected to a neutral line of the commercial power source, and the other end of insulated wire 62 is connected to the electrical device. One end of insulated wire 63 is connected to a ground line of the commercial power source, and the other end of insulated wire 63 is connected to the electrical device. One end of insulated wire 64 is connected to one end of insulated wire 61, and the other end of insulated wire 64 is connected to the other end of insulated wire 61. Resistor 71 is connected in series with insulated wire 64 on the side of one end of insulated wire 64.

[0115] The capacitor 121 is connected in series to the resistor 71 and the insulated wire 64 on one end side of the insulated wire 64 .

[0116] The inductor 221 is connected in series to the resistor 71 , the capacitor 121 and the insulated wire 64 on one end side of the insulated wire 64 .

[0117] To the attachment plug 12, one end of an insulated electric wire 61, one end of an insulated electric wire 62, one end of an insulated electric wire 63, and one end of an insulated electric wire 64 are connected.

[0118] One end of insulated wire 65 is connected to one end of insulated wire 62, and the other end of insulated wire 65 is connected to the other end of insulated wire 62. Resistor 72 is connected in series to insulated wire 65 on the side of one end of insulated wire 65.

[0119] The capacitor 122 is connected in series with the resistor 72 and the insulated wire 65 on one end side of the insulated wire 65 .

[0120] The inductor 222 is connected in series to the resistor 72 , the capacitor 122 and the insulated wire 65 on one end side of the insulated wire 65 .

[0121] A power cord 11 can be connected to the electrical device.

[0122] The attachment plug 301 is an attachment plug that is inserted into a plug receptacle that supplies single-phase AC power from a commercial power source. When the attachment plug 301 is inserted into the receptacle, the flat blade 311 is connected to the voltage line of the commercial power source. When the attachment plug 301 is inserted into the receptacle, the flat blade 312 is connected to the neutral line of the commercial power source. When the attachment plug 301 is inserted into the receptacle, the grounding electrode 313 is connected to the grounding line of the commercial power source. The terminal 321 is a terminal for connecting an electric wire 351 and is connected to the flat blade 311. The terminal 322 is a terminal for connecting an electric wire 352 and is connected to the flat blade 312. The terminal 323 is a terminal for connecting an electric wire 353 and is connected to the grounding electrode 313. One terminal of the resistor 331 is connected to the terminal 321. The terminal 324 is a terminal for connecting an electric wire 354 and is connected to the other terminal of the resistor 331.

[0123] A capacitor 341 connected in series with the resistor 331 may further be provided between the terminal 321 and the terminal 324 .

[0124] One terminal of the resistor 332 is connected to the terminal 322. The terminal 325 is a terminal for connecting an electric wire 355, and is connected to the other terminal of the resistor 332.

[0125] A capacitor 342 connected in series with the resistor 332 may further be provided between the terminal 322 and the terminal 325 .

[0126] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 11, 11-1 to 11-3, 101 and 201 power cord, 12, 12-1 to 12-3 and 301 attachment plug, 41 connector, 61 to 65 edge wire, 71 and 72 resistor, 81 to 83 and 91 to 93 terminal, 121 and 122 capacitor, 221 and 222 inductor, 305 body, 311 and 312 flat blade, 313 earth electrode, 321 to 325 terminal, 331 and 332 resistor, 341 and 342 capacitor

Claims

1. In an electric wire that transmits single-phase AC power from a commercial power source to an electric device that reproduces or records sound or reproduces or records images, a first insulated wire having one end connected to a voltage line of the commercial power supply and the other end connected to the electrical device; a second insulated wire having one end connected to the neutral line of the commercial power supply and the other end connected to the electrical device; a third insulated wire having one end connected to the ground wire of the commercial power supply and the other end connected to the electrical device; a fourth insulated wire having one end connected to one end of the first insulated wire and the other end connected to the other end of the first insulated wire; a first resistor connected in series to the fourth insulated wire at one end of the fourth insulated wire; Including electric wires.

2. The electric wire according to claim 1, The electric wire further includes a first capacitor connected in series with the first resistor and the fourth insulated electric wire at one end of the fourth insulated electric wire.

3. The electric wire according to claim 2, The electric wire further includes a first inductor connected in series to the first resistor, the first capacitor, and the fourth insulated electric wire at one end of the fourth insulated electric wire.

4. The electric wire according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The electric wire further includes an attachment plug to which one end of the first insulated wire, one end of the second insulated wire, one end of the third insulated wire, and one end of the fourth insulated wire are connected.

5. The electric wire according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a fifth insulated wire having one end connected to one end of the second insulated wire and the other end connected to the other end of the second insulated wire; a second resistor connected in series to the fifth insulated wire at one end of the fifth insulated wire; The electric wire further comprises:

6. The electric wire according to claim 5, The electric wire further includes a second capacitor connected in series with the second resistor and the fifth insulated electric wire at one end of the fifth insulated electric wire.

7. The electric wire according to claim 6, The electric wire further includes a second inductor connected in series to the second resistor, the second capacitor, and the fifth insulated electric wire at one end of the fifth insulated electric wire.

8. An electric device to which the electric wire according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is connected.

9. In an attachment plug that is inserted into a plug socket that supplies single-phase AC power from a commercial power source, a first blade that is connected to a voltage line of the commercial power supply when inserted into the plug socket; a second blade that is connected to the neutral conductor of the commercial power supply when inserted into the plug receptacle; a grounding electrode that is connected to a grounding wire of the commercial power supply when the plug is inserted into the socket; a first terminal for connecting a first electric wire, the first terminal being connected to the first blade; a second terminal for connecting a second electric wire, the second terminal being connected to the second blade; a third terminal for connecting a third electric wire, the third terminal being connected to the ground electrode; a first resistor having one terminal connected to the first terminal; a fourth terminal for connecting a fourth wire, the fourth terminal being connected to the other terminal of the first resistor; Includes mating plug.

10. 10. The attachment plug according to claim 9, The attachment plug further includes a first capacitor connected in series with the first resistor between the first terminal and the fourth terminal.

11. 11. The attachment plug according to claim 9 or 10, a second resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal; a fifth terminal for connecting a fifth wire, the fifth terminal being connected to the other terminal of the second resistor; Further including an attachment plug.

12. 12. The attachment plug according to claim 11, The attachment plug further includes a second capacitor connected in series with the second resistor between the second terminal and the fifth terminal.

Images