JP2007144208A - Domestic electric appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a domestic electric appliance or a washing machine which generates various types of calling sounds at a low cost and is easily used especially by a visually handicapped person. <P>SOLUTION: This domestic electric appliance comprises an operation button 1, a controller 2 which reads a signal from the operation button 1 and controls the domestic electric appliance based on it, and a sound-generating means 4 making a sound based on the output signal from the controller 2. The controller 2 calculates, makes and outputs a sound signal according to the signal from the button 1 and the process and proceeding status of the control. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to sound generation control of home appliances including a washing machine equipped with sound generation means.

  Conventionally, home appliances equipped with sound generating means have been known, but mainly due to buzzers. As home appliances equipped with such a conventional ringing alarm device, there are washing machines described in JP-A-4-197390, JP-A-3-188987, and JP-A-63-214282. These are provided with a ringing alarm such as a buzzer in a washing machine, and are sounded when the washing machine ends or when an abnormality occurs. There is an example in which the volume is initially small and gradually increases with time. In the latter two cases, a melody generating means is provided to generate a notification melody at the start and end of washing.

JP-A-4-1973390 JP-A-3-188987 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-214282

  The conventional example described in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-197390 notifies the user of the end of operation of the washing machine or the occurrence of an abnormality by the sound of a ringing alarm. Therefore, the setting of the washing operation by pressing the operation button of the washing machine and the point of notifying the progress of washing by sound are not considered. For this reason, it is impossible for visually impaired persons who have difficulty in visually recognizing the display device to confirm the correct setting of the washing operation and the progress of the washing with sound.

  Even if the ringing time and volume of the ringing alarm are controlled, the pitch of the sound is constant, so that the tone is monotonous, and the tone is not necessarily good for the user. Since the types of timbres are limited, it is difficult to express each operation button by pressing each operation button and each washing process with different timbres.

  Furthermore, since the volume is controlled by controlling the amplitude of the voltage applied to the ringing alarm, a means for generating a variable voltage such as a D / A converter is required.

  The conventional examples described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-188987 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-214282 are intended to notify the user of the end of the operation of the washing machine or the occurrence of an abnormality by a melody sound. In the former, the user can select a favorite melody, and in the latter, the user can register and use a self-made melody. However, when the operation button switch (hereinafter referred to as the operation button) is pressed, there is a lack of ingenuity to inform the user about and confirm the setting value of the operation button and the washing operation. For a visually handicapped person who cannot obtain a sense of security that the operation has been correctly received and is particularly difficult to visually recognize the display device, it is difficult to perform a setting operation for correctly performing the washing operation. In the latter case, when the user operates the operation button to input a self-made melody, there is an inconvenience that it cannot be confirmed on the spot whether or not the intended melody is correctly input. Further, since a special melody generating means such as a melody IC is required, the cost is increased.

  Furthermore, the conventional apparatus does not consider the point that the notification sound is increased or decreased according to the user's preference, and special volume increasing / decreasing means such as a conventional volume adjusting dial for increasing or decreasing the volume is used. In this case, the cost is further increased.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a home electric appliance that generates various kinds of notification sounds at low cost and that is particularly easy to use for visually impaired persons.

  It is still another object of the present invention to provide a washing machine that generates various tone colors and volume notification sounds at low cost and is easy to use especially for visually impaired persons.

  The home appliance according to the present invention includes an operation button for a user to set operation of the home appliance, a control unit that reads a signal from the operation button and controls operation of the home appliance based on the operation button, Sound generating means comprising a piezoelectric buzzer for generating sound in response to a signal output from the control unit, and generating a sound of a different scale according to a set value set by the operation button when the operation button is depressed In the apparatus, the control unit changes the period of a square wave consisting of high and low binary values for each musical scale, changes the time ratio of the binary values in one period of the square wave according to the musical scale, and the time ratio. When a square wave voltage with a fixed amplitude is applied to the piezoelectric buzzer while changing the frequency, the time ratio of the high value is low in the frequency band where the volume is higher than the previous and subsequent frequencies. And the time ratio τ / T of the high time τ with respect to the period T of the square wave is changed so as to have a frequency characteristic opposite to the frequency characteristic of the volume of the piezoelectric buzzer. It is characterized by making it.

  According to the present invention, the control unit changes the period of a square wave consisting of high and low binary values for each musical scale, and outputs the binary time ratio within one period of the square wave according to the musical scale. In addition, when a square wave voltage with a constant amplitude with a fixed time ratio is applied to the piezoelectric buzzer by changing the frequency, the time ratio of the high value is low in the frequency band where the volume is higher than the previous and subsequent frequencies. And the time ratio τ / T of the high time τ with respect to the period T of the square wave is changed so that the frequency characteristic is opposite to the frequency characteristic of the volume of the piezoelectric buzzer. Without changing the voltage amplitude of the square wave input to the piezoelectric buzzer, it is possible to correct the fluctuation of the volume due to the frequency according to the scale, and to generate a natural melody sound.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are listed below.
(1) An operation button for a user to operate a home appliance, a control unit that reads a signal from the operation button and controls operation of the home appliance based on the operation button, and the control unit outputs A display unit that displays a set value of the operation of the home appliance by the operation button, a progress status of the operation of the home appliance, and the like, and a sound generation unit that generates a sound by a signal output from the control unit A household electric appliance comprising: a sound is generated from the sound generating means when the operation button is pressed, and at least one element of volume, tone, frequency, and duration is different depending on each operation button .
(2) An operation button for a user to operate the home appliance, a control unit that reads a signal from the operation button and controls operation of the home appliance based on the operation button, and the control unit outputs A display unit that displays a set value of the operation of the home appliance by the operation button, a progress status of the operation of the home appliance, and the like, and a sound generation unit that generates a sound by a signal output from the control unit. And an alarm sound is generated from the sound generating means when the operation of the home appliance is started or turned on, at the end of each step of the operation of the home appliance and when an abnormality occurs during the operation of the home appliance. The household electrical appliance characterized in that at least one element of the volume, tone color, frequency, and duration of the notification sound varies depending on the process and the type of abnormality.
(3) In the above (1) or (2), the signal output from the control unit to the sound generating means is a high / low binary signal, and the sound generating means is controlled by controlling the binary time ratio. Household appliances that control the volume of sound.
(4) In the above (1) or (2), by operating the operation button, generation of a part or all of the sound generated when the operation button is pressed or the notification sound is stopped or the volume is reduced. Home appliances.
(5) The operation button for the user to operate the washing machine, the signal from the operation button is read, the control unit for controlling the operation of the washing machine based on this, and the signal output by the control unit, A display unit for displaying a setting value of a washing operation by the operation button, a progress state of washing, and the like, and a sound generating means for generating a sound by a signal output from the control unit, and when the operation button is pressed A washing machine that generates sound from the sound generating means, and at least one element of volume, tone color, frequency, and duration varies depending on each operation button.
(6) In the above (5), when the set value of the washing operation such as the number of rinsings is sequentially changed every time the same operation button is pressed, the volume, tone color, frequency, and duration of the sound are changed. At least one element is a different washing machine for each set value.
(7) An operation button for a user to operate the washing machine, a control unit that reads a signal from the operation button and controls the operation of the washing machine based on the operation button, and a signal output by the control unit A display unit for displaying a set value of a washing operation by the operation button, a progress of washing, and a sound generating unit for generating a sound by a signal output from the control unit, and starting the operation of the washing machine. At the time of turning on or turning on the power, at the end of each step of washing and at the occurrence of an abnormality during washing, a sound is generated from the sound generating means, and at least one element of volume, tone color, frequency, and duration of the sound is The washing machine is characterized in that it differs depending on the type of process and abnormality.
(8) In the above (7), the notification sound generated when the operation is started or when the power is turned on is a washing machine that continuously generates a sound generated when a washing operation is set by the operation button in the order of the washing process.
(9) In the above (5), a washing machine that generates a notification sound that represents a washing process in progress by pressing a specific operation button while the washing machine is in operation.
(10) In the above (5) or (6), when pressing of the operation button is invalid, the washing machine generates a sound indicating invalidity when the operation button is pressed.
(11) In the above (7), when it is determined that the amount of detergent is insufficient, a washing machine that generates a notification sound indicating this and stops the operation for a certain period of time.
(12) In the above (7), when it is determined that there is an excess or deficiency in the set value of the washing operation, a washing machine that generates a notification sound indicating this and stops the operation for a certain period of time.
(13) In the above (12), when the setting value of the washing operation is not changed by the operation button within a predetermined time, the setting value of the washing operation is automatically changed according to the user's previous setting. Choose whether or not to resume operation.
(14) In the above (7), after generating a notification sound when an abnormality occurs, the notification sound is generated at regular time intervals until the abnormality is resolved, and the volume, duration, etc. of the notification sound are set as the number of times the notification sound is generated Washing machines that increase with.
(15) In the above (14), the washing machine automatically turns off the power of the washing machine when the number of occurrences of the notification sound reaches a certain number.
(16) In any one of the above (5), (6), or (7), the signal output from the control unit to the sound generating means is a high-low binary signal, and controls the binary time ratio. A washing machine for controlling the volume of the sound generating means.
(17) The washing machine according to (16), wherein the variation of the sound volume of the sound generating means due to the frequency is corrected by the sound volume control method.
(18) In any one of the above (5), (6), or (7), by operating the operation button, generation of a part or all of the sound generated when the button is pressed or the notification sound is stopped. Or a washing machine that reduces the volume.
(19) An operation button for performing a washing operation, control means for reading a signal from the operation button and controlling a washing operation based on the signal, a setting value of the washing operation by the operation button, and a progress of the washing operation In a washing machine comprising a display means for displaying the status and the like and a sound generating means for generating a sound in response to a signal output from the control means, the control means performs washing each time the same operation button is pressed once. A washing machine characterized by sequentially updating set values of operation and controlling the sound generating means to emit sounds according to each set value.
(20) The washing machine as set forth in (19), wherein the control means performs control for increasing or decreasing the frequency of the generated sound every time the set value is updated.
(21) In the above (19) or (20), the control means performs control to change the number of generated sounds or the generation time length when the set value reaches a reference value. And a washing machine.
(22) An operation button for performing a washing operation, a control unit for reading a signal from the operation button and controlling a washing operation based on the signal, a set value of the washing operation by the operation button, and a progress of the washing operation In a washing machine comprising a display means for displaying the status and the like, and a sound generating means for sounding in response to a signal output from the control means, the control means sounds the sound generating means when the operation button is depressed, A washing machine characterized by performing control to generate a sound corresponding to a lowered operation button.
(23) The washing machine according to (22), wherein the control unit performs control to increase or decrease the frequency of the generated sound in accordance with the order of the operation buttons.
(24) In any one of the above (20), (22) or (23), the control means sets the range of increase or decrease in the frequency to 0.5 to 2 times the nominal frequency of the sound generation means. A washing machine characterized by being changed in the frequency range.
(25) In any one of the above (20), (22), or (23), the control means sets a change width of one increase or decrease in the frequency as a semitone of a scale, a single sound, or a predetermined frequency. A washing machine characterized by that.
(26) In any one of the above (19) to (22), the control means sets a sound generated when the operation button is pressed based on a specific operation of the operation button by the same operation button. The washing machine is characterized in that it switches between changing each set value of the washing operation or changing according to each operation button.
(27) An operation button for performing a washing operation, a control unit for reading a signal from the operation button and controlling a washing operation based on the signal, a set value of the washing operation by the operation button, and a progress of the washing operation In a washing machine comprising a display means for displaying the status and the like and a sound generating means that sounds in response to a signal output from the control means, the control means is configured to start each washing operation control or turn on the power, and each step of the washing operation. A washing machine characterized in that a notification sound is generated by the sound generating means at the time of termination and occurrence of an abnormality during a washing operation, and control is performed to change the notification sound according to the process and the type of abnormality.
(28) In any one of the above (19) to (27), the control means may generate a sound generated when the operation button is pressed based on a specific operation of the operation button and a part or all of the notification sound. The washing machine is characterized in that control for stopping and resuming the occurrence of water is performed.
(29) In the above (28), when the control means stops generating the sound by the specific operation, the control means generates a notification sound in which the volume continuously decreases and disappears, and when restarting the sound generation Is a washing machine characterized by performing control to generate a notification sound in which the volume continuously increases from a silent state.
(30) In any one of the above (19) to (29), the control means increases or decreases the volume of the sound generated when the operation button is pressed and the sound of the notification sound by a specific operation of the operation button. A washing machine featuring.
(31) In the above (30), the control means increases or decreases the volume of the sound generating means by increasing or decreasing the time width ratio of the binary signal.
(32) In the above (30), in the increase / decrease control of the volume, the control means performs control to generate a notification sound in which the volume continuously changes from the volume before the change to the volume after the change. Washing machine.
(33) In the above (27), the control means controls the notification sound generated from the start to the end of the washing operation so as to constitute a continuous music piece.
(34) The washing machine as set forth in (27), wherein the control means performs control to change the notification sound generated at the start of the washing operation in accordance with the type of the washing operation.
(35) In any one of the above (19) to (34), the control means generates a sound generated when the operation button is pressed or the notification sound among a plurality of candidates by a specific operation of the operation button. A washing machine characterized by being able to select from.
(36) In any one of the above items (19) to (35), the control means includes a recording means for recording a time lapse of a pressing state of the operation button, and the specific operation of the operation button A washing machine characterized in that the elapsed time of the depression state is recorded in the recording means as music performance information, and a performance sound signal of the music is output based on the recording during pronunciation.
(37) The washing machine according to any one of (5) to (36), wherein the notification sound flows as a melody.

In short, the most desirable aspect of the washing machine according to the present invention is that 1) a scale sound corresponding to a button or a set value is generated when the operation button is pressed, and 2) a type of washing (policy: water, for example) The sound corresponding to the hot water removal start operation selection) is generated as a different melody when the washing operation start button is pressed, and 3) The sound corresponding to the process (for example, water supply, washing, rinsing) at the end of each process during washing, for example 4) Toggle selection buttons that are generated as melody, if (for example, selected course) reference (standard) value is selected, the two hit sounds will be generated (in order from these two hit sounds, “Le”, “Mi”, “Fa "It becomes a musical scale").

  Here, in this specification, “sound” means a sound in an audible frequency band, and “volume” means a sound pressure level at a certain distance.

  The operation will be described below.

  When the control means reads the signal generated by pressing the operation button, it immediately creates and outputs a sound signal. Thereby, a sound can be generated from the sound generating means simultaneously with the pressing of the operation button. By making the volume, tone color, frequency, and duration of the sound signal different for each operation button, it is possible to generate a sound of a different tone color for each operation button. In the case of setting by a so-called toggle operation in which the set value of the device operation changes sequentially each time the same button is pressed once, different timbre sounds can be generated according to each set value.

  In addition, since the control means controls the operation of the equipment and calculates and outputs sound signals, the sound signals are immediately calculated and generated at the end of each process of the equipment operation or when an abnormality occurs. The end of the process and the occurrence of an abnormality can be notified to the user with a sound of a different tone depending on each process and the type of abnormality.

  Furthermore, if the sound signal is a square wave with a constant voltage amplitude and the time ratio of the presence or absence of voltage within one period is controlled, the volume can be controlled without the need for a variable voltage generation circuit.

  In addition, if a specific button is provided on the operation button and it is possible to set the stop of all or part of the above sounds or the volume reduction in advance, the user can be bothered by the generation of unnecessary sounds. , Don't bother people around you.

  When the control means reads a signal generated by depressing the operation button, the sound generation means generates at least one element of volume, tone, frequency, and duration according to the type of operation setting value or the operation button. Further, the sound generating means is sounded so as to generate a sound corresponding to each process and the type of abnormality at the start and end of each process in the washing operation or when an abnormality occurs, and the generated sound volume is controlled.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a washing machine which is one of typical home appliances will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention. The operation buttons 1 are a group of buttons for the user to set the washing operation such as the operation and stop of the washing machine, the washing time, and the number of times of rinsing. The control unit 2 is a calculation controller that reads a signal from the operation button 1 and controls the operation of the washing machine based on the signal, and is a commercially available microprocessor or the like. The display panel 3 is a display device that displays a set value of the washing operation by the operation button 1, the progress of washing such as washing and rinsing, and the occurrence of abnormality such as impossibility of dehydration, and is a fluorescent display board or the like. A display content signal is output from the control unit 2. The sound generating means 4 (for example, a ringing alarm, hereinafter the same) is a sounding body such as a piezoelectric buzzer that generates sound by applying an electric signal, and the electric signal is output from the control unit 2. The washing machine mechanism 6 is a drive part that performs a washing operation, such as a motor, a clutch, and a solenoid valve. The washing machine drive circuit 5 generates drive power for the washing machine mechanism 6 based on a control signal output from the controller 2. The sensor 8 is a series of sensors for measuring information necessary for controlling the washing machine, such as the weight of the laundry, the water level of the washing tub, the turbidity of the washing water, the concentration of the detergent, and the control unit 2 receives the signal from the sensor 8. And read via the interface circuit 7.

  FIG. 2 is an example of the operation button 1 and the display panel 3. The user sets the washing operation with the buttons below the display panel 3, and starts the operation of the washing machine by pressing the start / pause button. When the button is pressed while the washing machine is in operation, the operation of the washing machine is temporarily stopped, and when the button is pressed again, the operation is resumed. The course button is a button for the user to select a laundry course according to the type and amount of the laundry, and is selected from seven courses marked on the display panel above the button.

  In the “handmade” course, the user sets the washing operation such as the washing time and the number of times of rinsing with each button. In the “standard” course, the control unit 2 automatically sets the washing operation based on the measurement value such as the weight of the laundry by the sensor 8. Each button of course, amount of water, washing, rinsing, and dehydrating is for selecting a plurality of setting values with one button. The setting value changes sequentially each time it is pressed, and all setting values are made. Return to the initial setting. The set value is displayed on the display panel 3. Each time the hour and minute buttons are pressed once, the display value of the minute on the display panel 3 increases by one.

  The buzzer button is a button for the user to set the sound generation means 4 to stop sounding, reduce the volume, etc. as necessary, and the setting status is displayed as a symbol in the upper right of the hour and minute display on the display panel 3. Is done.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of how the set value changes due to pressing down of the water amount, washing, rinsing, and dehydration buttons. The water amount button sets the water supply amount, the washing button sets the washing time, the rinsing button sets the number of times of rinsing, and the dehydrating button sets the dehydrating time. If each is set to “no setting”, the control unit 2 automatically sets each setting value based on the measured value by the sensor 8.

  As soon as the user presses the operation button 1, the sound generating means 4 generates a short sound corresponding to each button and each set value. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 2 in the generation of sound due to the pressing of the operation button 1. When the user presses the power button to turn on the washing machine, the control unit 2 displays the initial setting value of each washing operation on the display panel 3, and sets the counter of the setting value for each button to 0 (s-1). ). When the user presses any button of the operation buttons 1, the control unit 2 reads a signal generated by pressing the button (s-2), and first determines which button it is (s-3). If the pressing of the button at that time is valid (s-4), the button setting value counter is incremented by one. However, when the number of setting values that can be set with the button is reached, it is reset to zero. For example, in the case of the water amount button, there are six setting values shown in FIG. 3, so the counter is incremented by 1 and reset to 0 when it reaches 6 (s-5). At the same time, the setting value of the washing operation by the button and the display of the setting value on the display panel 3 are changed. In the case of the water amount button, the initial setting value is “automatic (no setting)”, so the next setting value is changed to “high” (s-6). If the setting value is valid at that time (s-7), the control unit 2 calculates and generates a sound signal corresponding to the set value and outputs the sound signal to the sound generating means 4 (s-8). Then, the control unit 2 waits for the operation button 1 to be pressed again.

  If the button pressing is invalid (s-4), the control unit 2 calculates and creates a sound signal indicating invalidity and outputs it to the sound generating means 4 (s-9). For example, when the washing course is set to “standard”, the washing time and the like are automatically set, so that the depression of the washing button is invalid. If the setting of the button is invalid but the setting value to be set by the button is invalid (s-7), the control unit 2 calculates and generates a sound signal indicating invalidity and outputs it to the sound generating means 4 (S-9). For example, when reserving the laundry end time, the user repeatedly presses the hour and minute buttons until the target reservation time is displayed. If the difference between the current time and the displayed reservation time is small and it is impossible to finish washing at the reservation time, the reservation time is invalidated and a sound indicating invalidity is generated when the hour and minute buttons are pressed. To do. Note that if some of the setting values that can be set by pressing one button are invalid, the invalid setting value itself may be removed from the setting target.

  The buzzer button can be set to stop sound generation or reduce the volume.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a sound generated by pressing each button. These are timbres that differ depending on the setting values of each button and one button. These are all square waves with constant amplitude. The water volume button continuously increases the frequency of the sound to express the feeling that the water level rises due to water supply. The greater the water volume, the longer the sound generation time and the greater the frequency increase. In addition, the sound volume is attenuated with the time in order to obtain a sound with good ear hits. The wash button is a melody with two or three sounds like “Mi Fa So”, and the volume of each melody sound is attenuated with time.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a waveform of a sound signal generated by pressing the button. This is a sound generated when the washing course is set to “futon” by the course button, and is recorded in the bottom column of FIG. This is a two-tone melody with a feeling of “Fa Seo”, and each sound is 50 ms, for a total of 100 ms. The voltage amplitude of the square wave is constant at 5V. In each sound, the period of the square wave is constant at T1 = 0.38 ms (frequency 2.6 kHz) and T2 = 0.34 ms (frequency 2.9 kHz), with voltage within one period (5 V), no ( The volume is controlled by changing the time ratio of 0V. In order to attenuate the sound volume with time t for each sound, the time τ1, τ2 with voltage is first set to T1 / 2, T2 / 2 and decreased with time t. At the intermediate time t = 25 ms of the first sound, τ1 = T1 / 4, and approximately 0 at the end of the first sound t = 50 ms. The control unit 2 creates and outputs sound signal data by digital calculation at a constant sampling period, for example, TS = 10 μs (frequency fS = 100 kHz). Since the sound signal is a square wave with a constant amplitude, voltage presence (5V) is expressed as 1 and absence (0V) as 0. For example, in the first cycle of the first sound, 19 1s and 19 0s are output continuously.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the time variation of the presence / absence of voltage and the sound volume in one cycle of the square wave in the waveform of FIG. A square wave having a waveform value 1 or 0 and a period T, and the time of the waveform value 1 within one period is τ (0 ≦ τ / T ≦ 1). If this square wave is expanded in the Fourier series, the amplitude an of the n-th harmonic becomes an = (2 / nπ) · sin (nπ · τ / T). n = 0 is a direct current component, and n = 1 is a fundamental wave component. The amplitude an of the AC component contributing as sound decreases with the harmonic order n, and the amplitude a1 of the fundamental wave component is maximum. The sound generating means 4 such as a piezoelectric buzzer has a narrow reproduction frequency band. If the square wave frequency (reciprocal of the period T) is within the reproduction frequency band, only the fundamental wave component contributes to the sound. Therefore, the relationship between the time ratio τ / T of the waveform value 1 within one period of the square wave and the volume v of the sound generated by the sound generating means 4 is approximately v = b · sin (nπ · τ / T). (B is a constant coefficient). Therefore, even if the amplitude of the square wave is constant, the volume can be controlled by controlling the time ratio between having and without voltage within one cycle.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. 5 again. Information required for the controller 2 to calculate and output a sound signal when the operation button 1 is depressed includes, as shown in the figure, the number of sounds and each sound in the case of a melody sound such as a wash button. In the case of continuous increase or decrease in frequency such as the frequency or cycle, generation time, and water volume button, the frequency and generation time at both ends may be recorded for each button and each set value. Sound signals can be calculated and created in real time with simpler algorithms than these information. A sense of volume attenuation can be obtained by decreasing the voltage period τ within one period of the square wave at a constant rate. A continuous increase or decrease in frequency increases or decreases the period of the square wave at a constant rate. You can get it.

  The washing machine has been described above as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to home appliances having a large number of operation buttons such as a microwave oven and a large number of setting menus using the same button.

  According to the present embodiment, only simple information such as sound frequency and generation time is recorded for each button and each set value, and a sound signal is calculated and generated in real time from these. When the button is pressed, a different tone color can be generated according to each button and each set value. Since the sound signal is a square wave with a constant amplitude, the sound signal can be output from one digital output terminal. Furthermore, since the volume is controlled by controlling the time ratio between voltage and non-voltage within one square wave cycle, various tone expressions due to temporal changes in volume and generation of volume-attenuating sound with good ear contact Is possible. Therefore, even when a visually handicapped person who is difficult to visually recognize the display is used, the setting of the washing operation by the operation button can be performed while confirming with sound, and the operation button is not erroneously pressed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the order of the washing process of the washing machine of this embodiment by the operation of the control unit 2. At the start of operation of the washing machine, at the end of each washing process such as washing and rinsing, and at the end of washing, the control unit 2 generates a notification sound indicating this. Examples of each notification sound will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

  When the user turns on the washing machine and sets the washing operation with the operation button 1, the control unit 2 generates a sound corresponding to each button and each set value every time the button is pressed ( t-1). When the user presses the start button, the control unit 2 generates a notification sound for starting washing and starts the operation of the washing machine (t-2). The controller 2 supplies water as the first washing step (t-3), stops the water supply when the water level of the washing tub reaches a predetermined value, and generates a notification sound of the end of water supply (t-4). Then, the control unit 2 performs washing as the next washing process (t-5), and generates a notification sound indicating this at the end of washing (t-6). And the control part 2 performs a rinse as a next washing process (t-7), and produces | generates the notification sound which shows this at the time of completion | finish of a rinse (t-8). And the control part 2 performs dehydration as the last washing process (t-9), and produces | generates the notification sound which shows the completion of washing at the time of completion | finish of dehydration (t-10).

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show examples of notification sounds for the start of washing and the end of water supply. Each notification sound is generated longer than the sound generated when the button is pressed so that the user will not miss it even if the user is away from the washing machine. The notification sound at the start of washing is a sound that simply represents a course or process of washing to be performed. For example, when setting the washing course, the melody sound generated by pressing the course button is extended to a melody sound, or when setting each washing operation such as washing, the sound generated by pressing each button is The sounds are continuous in the order of the washing process. For example, as shown in (a), when the washing course is set to “handmade”, a 100-ms two-tone melody “de-re” generated by pressing a button is converted into a 300-ms five-tone melody “ "De les de les dos". Or, as shown in (c), when the water level is set to “High” and the washing time is set to “12 minutes” in the “Handmade” course, the sound generated by pressing each button is changed to the water level, washing and rinsing. , Occurs continuously in the order of the dehydration process. When the washing course is “standard” and the control unit 2 automatically sets the water amount or the like, a sound generated when the automatically set water amount or the like is manually set by pressing a button is used.

  Similarly, the notification sound at the end of each washing process is also a sound obtained by extending the sound generated by pressing the button when setting the operation of each washing process. For example, when the amount of water is set to “high”, the sound generated when the button is pressed is continuously increased from a generation time of 500 ms and a frequency of 2.2 kHz to 5.7 kHz as shown in FIG. Then, the notification sound at the end of the water supply is a sound obtained by extending this to 1000 ms as shown in FIG.

  The washing machine according to the present embodiment generates an error notification sound for notifying the user when an abnormality requiring treatment by the user, such as the inability to dewater, occurs during operation. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 2 when dehydration is impossible.

  When the controller 2 tries to start dehydration (t-9), when the signal from the sensor 8 detects the opening of the lid of the washing tub and the impossibility of dehydration due to the deviation of the laundry in the tub (u-1) ), An error notification sound for informing this is generated, and the operation of the washing machine is temporarily stopped. The notification sound is assumed to extend the generation time together with the number of generations, and is initially set to 1 second (u-2). For example, when the user's treatment is performed within a fixed time of about 1 minute and the abnormality is resolved (u-3), the control unit 2 resumes dehydration (t-9). If the abnormality is not resolved within a certain time (u-3), the control unit 2 generates an error notification sound again. The generation time is extended from the previous time, for example, 2 seconds (u-4). As in the previous case, when the abnormality is resolved within a predetermined time (u-5), the control unit 2 resumes dehydration (t-9), and when it is not resolved (u-5), the time is further increased. An extended error notification sound, for example, for 3 seconds is generated (u-6). When the abnormality is resolved within a certain time (u-7), the control unit 2 resumes dehydration (t-9), and when the abnormality is not resolved (u-7), the power of the washing machine is turned off. According to this embodiment, while an abnormality has occurred and this has not been resolved, an error notification sound is repeatedly generated at regular intervals, and the generation time of the notification sound is extended for each occurrence. Even if it is missed, an error notification sound that is more difficult to hear is repeatedly generated, and it is difficult for the user to miss the error notification sound. And since the number of occurrences of error notification sound is limited and the power of the washing machine is turned off when the limit number is reached, even if no treatment is performed due to absence of the user, etc. Can reduce the inconvenience and waste of electricity.

  When the washing machine according to the present embodiment determines that the detergent is insufficient, or when it is determined that the setting value of the washing operation such as the washing time set by the user is excessive or insufficient, a notification sound indicating this is generated, Request user action. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of the control unit 2 when it is determined that the detergent is insufficient at the start of washing as an example.

  The control part 2 complete | finishes water supply and generates the alerting sound which shows this (t-4). If the concentration of the detergent is determined to be insufficient from the electrical conductivity of the washing water measured by the sensor 8, the light transmittance, etc. (v-1), the control unit 2 generates a notification sound indicating this, The operation of the machine is temporarily stopped (v-2). When the user adds a detergent and the detergent concentration reaches a predetermined value (v-3), the control unit 2 immediately starts washing (t-5). When the concentration of the detergent does not reach the predetermined value (v-3), the control unit 2 starts washing after the lapse of a certain time (v-4) (t-5). According to the present embodiment, before washing, the user is informed of the lack of detergent, and a determination is requested. Therefore, if the user forgets to put in the detergent, prevents the shortage of the detergent, and wants to wash with water, leave it as it is. Then you can do the desired laundry.

  FIG. 13 shows another example of the operation of the control unit 2 when the number of times of rinsing set by the user is finished, the remaining concentration of the detergent is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and another rinsing is notified to the user. It is a flowchart which shows.

  The user sets the number of times of rinsing to 2 times, the control unit 2 ends this (t-7), the detergent concentration of the washing water at this time is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, and another rinsing is necessary. When it determines (w-1), the control part 2 generate | occur | produces the alerting | reporting sound which announces a rinse once addition (w-2). If the rinsing button is operated within a certain time (w-3), the control unit 2 immediately starts rinsing (w-5). When the operation of the rinse button is not performed within a certain time (w-3), the control unit 2 follows the user's preset setting whether or not to follow the notification (w-4). If it follows, one rinse is automatically added (w-5), and if it does not follow, it is immediately terminated and a notification sound indicating this is generated (t-8). According to this embodiment, when it is determined that there is insufficient rinsing, the user's treatment is announced by the notification sound, and if the user's treatment is not performed within a certain time, the rinsing is performed according to the user's preset setting. Since whether to add automatically or not is selected, if the user does not take action, according to the user's prior intention, the optimum washing operation is performed even if the washing time is extended, or the washing time It is possible to select whether to finish washing at the time scheduled by the user without extending the time.

  Depending on the setting of the buzzer button, the generation of the notification sound may be completely stopped, it may be limited to the minimum required notification sound at the end of washing, when an abnormality occurs, or the volume of the notification sound may be reduced. it can.

  FIG. 14 shows the operation of the control unit 2 when a user performs a specific button operation at any time during the operation of the washing machine to generate a notification sound representing the washing process in progress at that time. It is a flowchart which shows.

  When the user performs a specific button operation (y-1) such as pressing down the course button at any time during the operation of the washing machine (y-1), the control unit 2 performs the washing process currently in progress and within the process. Determine the remaining time. For example, if the washing time is set to 12 minutes and 8 minutes have passed since the start of washing, it is determined that the remaining washing time is 4 minutes (y-2). And the control part 2 is the operation closest to the remaining time among the sounds generated when the button for setting the washing operation in the washing process is pressed as a sound expressing the currently running washing process and the remaining time in the process. Select the sound that occurs when setting the time and generate this. For example, if the remaining washing time is 4 minutes, as shown in Fig. 3, the nearest setting value of the washing time is 5 minutes, so a sound is generated when the button is pressed when the washing time is set to 5 minutes. To do. Similarly, if the number of times of rinsing is set to 2 and the first time is finished and the second time is in progress, a sound is generated when the button is pressed when the number of times of rinsing is set to 1 (y-3).

  According to the present embodiment, even visually handicapped persons who are difficult to visually recognize the display can know the washing process currently in progress, including the estimated remaining time, by sound.

  The example of notification of the start and end of the process and the error state has been described taking the washing machine as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a home appliance such as a microwave oven may be used.

  Here, with respect to a method of correcting the fluctuation of the volume due to the frequency of the sound generating means 4 using a method of controlling the volume by controlling the time ratio between having and without a voltage within one cycle of the square wave, FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. The dotted line in the figure shows a square wave voltage with a constant amplitude in which a time ratio between having and without a voltage within one period is fixed to a piezoelectric buzzer widely used as the sound generating means 4 and changing the frequency. It is an example which shows the relationship between the frequency at the time of applying, and the volume of a piezoelectric buzzer. This has the characteristic that the volume increases in a narrow frequency band around 2.3 kHz, so even if a melody sound is generated in the scale from do to so, the volume varies greatly with the pitch and is somewhat unnatural. It becomes. Therefore, the change in volume due to the frequency can be corrected by changing the time ratio between presence and absence of voltage within one cycle of the square wave according to the frequency. In the example of the figure, if the frequency ratio is opposite to the volume of the piezoelectric buzzer, as shown by the one-dot chain line, the time ratio τ / T with and without voltage in the scale from do to so, the piezoelectric buzzer is within this scale. The volume of is substantially constant as shown by the solid line in the figure, and the fluctuation in volume due to the pitch can be eliminated.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the washing machine according to the present invention. The block diagram is the same as FIG. That is, the operation button 1 is a button switch group for the user to set the washing operation such as operation of the washing machine, stop and washing time, and the number of times of rinsing. The control unit 2 is an arithmetic controller that reads a signal from the operation button 1 and controls the operation of the washing machine based on the signal, and is configured using a commercially available microprocessor or the like. The display panel 3 is a display device for displaying the set value of the washing operation by the operation button 1, the progress of washing such as washing and rinsing, and the occurrence of abnormality such as inability to dehydrate, and is configured using a fluorescent display board or the like. Is done. The display content is controlled by a signal output from the control unit 2. The sound generating means 4 is a sounding body such as a piezoelectric buzzer that sounds when an electric signal is applied, and the electric signal is generated by the control unit 2.

  The washing machine mechanism unit 6 is a driving part such as a motor, a clutch, and a solenoid valve necessary for executing a washing operation. The washing machine drive circuit 5 generates drive power for the washing machine mechanism 6 based on a control signal output from the controller 2.

  The sensor 8 is a series of sensors for measuring information necessary for controlling the washing machine, such as the weight of the laundry, the water level of the washing tub, the turbidity of the washing water, and the concentration of the detergent. Is read via the interface circuit 7.

  FIG. 31 shows an external perspective view of a washing machine employing the present invention. That is, this washing machine has a top cover 21 on the outer frame box 20, a lid 22 is further arranged, and an operation button and a display panel are displayed on the display operation unit 23 arranged at the front center of the top cover 21. 16 is integrally configured and arranged. In the display operation unit 23, operation buttons and a display panel are integrally configured and arranged as shown in FIG. In the top cover 21 on the back surface of the display operation unit 23, the control unit 2, the washing machine driving circuit 5, the interface circuit 7, and the sound generating means 4 are configured and arranged on the same substrate. Note that a washing tub, a washing machine mechanism 6 and a sensor 8 (not shown) are accommodated in the outer frame box.

  An example of the display operation unit 23 is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of the operation button 1 and the display panel 3. Around the display panel 3, the course setting button 1a for setting the washing operation and the operation of the washing machine are started by pressing down, the operation is temporarily stopped by pressing during the operation, and the operation is restarted by pressing again. A start / pause button 1b and a power button 1c are installed.

  The course setting button 1a is an operation button for the user to select a washing course according to the type and amount of laundry, and one of the seven courses displayed (formatted) on the display panel 3 above the button is selected. Used to select and set. The “handmade” course is a course in which a user sets a washing operation such as a washing time and the number of times of rinsing with each button. The “standard” course is a course in which the control unit 2 automatically sets a washing operation based on a measurement value such as a weight of the laundry by the sensor 8. And each button of course, water amount, washing, rinsing and dehydration is to select a plurality of setting values with one button. If it runs out, it is used to return to the initial set value. The set value is displayed on the display panel 3. In addition, the hour and minute buttons are used so that the displayed value of the minute on the display panel 3 is incremented by “1” each time the button is pressed once.

In addition, if this display and operation part is explained in full detail, 10 is a course display part, and every time the course button 18 is pushed according to the laundry, the washing policy such as standard, futon, putting on, strong, saving etc. Is displayed (for example, the corresponding character is enclosed in a frame). The time display unit 12 displays the current time, the reservation time, and the remaining time. The washing content display unit 13 displays the contents and progress of washing, rinsing, and dehydration. For example, a process in progress blinks during driving. Reference numeral 14 denotes a detergent amount / water amount display portion, which displays a guideline of the detergent amount with a detergent cup mark, and also displays a guideline of the water amount.
15 is a level and contributes to the installation of the main body. In other words, 16 is an entity of 1a, which is a water amount / wash / rinse / dehydration button. Reference numeral 17 is a reservation / time adjustment button, and 18 is a course button. In this example, the pitch of each button changes like Doremifasolaside, but different melody sounds at the start and end of each process.

  The start / pause button 1b is composed of two buttons, “water” and “hot water”, and the “water” button performs washing with tap water from the beginning, and “hot water” is added to the washing machine. It is used to set the washing that takes in the remaining hot water of the bath with the built-in pump. However, when the final rinse or the remaining hot water in the bath runs out, it automatically switches to taking tap water.

  FIG. 32 illustrates a circuit system of the control unit 2 and the sound generation unit 4. The control unit 2 is configured by an 8-bit microcomputer 24, for example. An operation button, a display panel LED or a fluorescent display tube terminal, a washing machine driving circuit, and an interface circuit are connected to input / output terminals of the microcomputer 24 (not shown). The sound generating means 4 includes a transistor 27 and a piezoelectric buzzer 25. In a ROM built in the microcomputer 24, software for creating a signal for driving the piezoelectric buzzer 25 is stored in advance.

  When the sound generation process is executed, a square wave having a voltage value of 5 V as shown in FIG. 11 is output to the output terminal 26 of the microcomputer 24. With this square wave output, the transistor 27 becomes conductive (ON) and non-conductive (OFF). As a result, a square wave signal having a voltage value of 7 V is applied between both electrodes of the piezoelectric buzzer 25. As a result, the piezoelectric element in the piezoelectric buzzer 25 vibrates due to the electrostrictive effect, and this vibration is radiated into the atmosphere as a sound wave. If the square wave signal has a period of 1 ms, a sound wave having a frequency of 1 kHz is emitted. The volume can be changed by changing the duty ratio of the square wave signal.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of changes in the set values caused by pressing down the water amount, washing, rinsing and dehydration buttons. The water amount button is used for setting the amount of water supply, the washing button is used for setting the washing time, the rinsing button is used for setting the number of times of rinsing, and the dehydrating button is used for setting the dehydrating time. “No setting” means that the control unit 2 automatically sets the water supply amount based on the measurement value by the sensor 8 for the water amount, and omits the step for washing, rinsing and dehydration.

  The control unit 2 performs control such that the sound generator 4 generates a short sound corresponding to each button or set value at the same time when the user presses the operation button 1.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 2 for sounding the sound generating means 4 in response to the depression of the operation button 1. When the user presses the power button 1c to turn on the washing machine, the control unit 2 displays the initial setting value of each washing operation on the display panel 3, and sets the counter of the setting value for each button to “0” (x -1). When the user presses any button of the operation button 1, the control unit 2 reads a signal generated by pressing the button (x-2), and first determines which button it is (x-3). . If the depression of the button at that time is valid (x-4), the setting value counter of the button is incremented by “1”. However, when the number of setting values that can be set with the button is reached, it is reset to “0”. For example, in the case of the water amount button, there are six setting values, so when the counter is incremented by “1” and becomes “6”, it is reset to “0” (x−5). Next, the setting value of the washing operation by the button and the display of the setting value on the display panel 3 are changed. In the case of the water amount button, since the initial setting value is “no setting (automatic)”, the next setting value is changed to “high” (x-6). If the setting value is valid at that time (x-7), the control unit 2 calculates and creates a sound signal corresponding to the set value, and outputs the sound signal to the sound generating means 4 to make it sound ( x-8). Then, the control unit 2 again stands by for reading a signal by depressing the operation button 1.

  If the depression of the button is invalid (x-4), the control unit 2 calculates and creates a sound signal indicating invalidity, and outputs it to the sound generating means 4 to make it sound (x-9). For example, when the washing course is set to “standard”, the washing time and the like are automatically set, and thus the depression of the washing button is invalid. If the setting of the button to be set by the button is invalid (x-7), the control unit 2 calculates and creates a sound signal indicating invalidity, and the sound is generated. It outputs to the means 4 and sounds this (x-9). For example, when reserving the laundry end time, the user repeatedly presses the hour and minute buttons until the target reservation time is displayed. In this setting, if the difference between the current time and the displayed reservation time is small and washing cannot be completed before the reservation time, the reservation time is invalidated and invalidated when the hour or minute button is pressed. The sound generating means 4 is caused to sound so as to generate a sound indicating Note that when some of the setting values that can be set by pressing one button are invalid, the invalid setting value itself may be removed from the setting target.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a sound generated in response to pressing of each button. (Example 1) in the figure is an example in which different sounds are set for each set value by one button, and the scales are set to “d”, “re”, “mi”, etc. in the order of the set values. However, the initial set value is assumed to be a reference, and two sounds of “do do” are used. (Example 2) in the figure is an example in which the sound is different for each button, and the scales are arranged in the order in which the operation buttons 1 are arranged. The sound of (Example 1) is indicated by () in FIG. 17, and the sound of (Example 2) is indicated by [] in FIG. However, since the generated frequency band of a piezoelectric buzzer or the like generally used as the sound generating means 4 is narrow, the range of the scale is set to a frequency range in which the volume reduction from the maximum volume falls within a predetermined value within −10 dB, for example, Within one octave. For example, since the minute button in FIG. 16 has 60 setting values from one minute to 59 minutes, the sound generated when the button is pressed is not different for all the setting values, for example, 0 The minute is “do de”, the unit of 10 minutes other than 0 minutes is “mi”, and the rest is “re”.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a waveform of a sound signal generated when the button is pressed. This example is a sound generated when the washing course is set to “standard” by the course button. This is three sounds of “do de” sandwiching short silence, and is a notification sound having a total length of 210 mS, each of 100 mS of sound and 10 mS of silence. The sound signal is a square wave with a constant amplitude, amplitude 5V, period T = 0.48.
mS (frequency 2093 Hz). The time ratio of voltage high (5V) and low (0V) within one cycle is 1: 1. The control unit 2 calculates a certain sampling period, for example, Ts =
Sound signal data is created and output at 10 μS (sampling frequency fs = 100 kHz). The sound signal expresses a voltage high (5V) as “1” and a low (0V) as “0”. Therefore, the control unit 2 alternately outputs 24 “1” and the same number of “0” for 100 mS of the first sound, and continuously outputs “0” as silence for 10 mS of the second sound, The same data as the beginning is output for 100 mS of the third sound.

  Returning again to the description with reference to FIG. The control unit 2 calculates and creates a sound signal when the operation button 1 is depressed, and information necessary for outputting the sound signal includes the number of sounds, the frequency and period of each sound, and the generation time, as shown in FIG. Should be recorded and retained. The control unit 2 can calculate and generate a sound signal in real time based on these pieces of information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the sound corresponding to each button and the set value can be generated when the operation button 1 is pressed, the setting of the washing operation is surely accepted by the user. Gives a sense of security. Especially for visually handicapped persons who are difficult to visually recognize the display, the setting of the washing operation can be performed without fail while confirming with sound. If only basic data such as sound frequency and generation time is recorded and held for each generated sound, the control unit 2 can create and output a sound signal in real time based on the basic data. Therefore, it is possible to generate various sounds corresponding to the buttons and setting values with a small amount of recording data. Instead of the control unit 2 calculating and creating the sound signal in real time during sound generation, the sound signal waveform data itself is recorded, and during sound generation, the control unit 2 may sequentially read and output the waveform data. Good.

  Next, an operation for generating a notification sound when the washing machine is finished washing or when an abnormality occurs will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the control unit 2 in accordance with the progress of the washing process of the washing machine. The control unit 2 performs control to sound the sound generating means 4 so as to generate a notification sound indicating this at the start of operation, at the end of each washing process such as washing and rinsing, and at the end of washing. Examples of each notification sound are shown in FIGS.

When the user turns on the power button 1c of the washing machine and sets the washing operation by the operation button 1a, the control unit 2 generates a sound corresponding to each button and the set value every time the button is pressed. Thus, the sound generating means 4 is controlled (z-1). When the user presses the start button 1b, the control unit 2 controls the sound generating means 4 so as to generate a washing start notification sound, and starts the operation of the washing machine (z-2). The notification sound is set to be different depending on whether “water” is pressed on the start button 1b or “hot water” is pressed. The control unit 2 supplies water as the first washing step (z-3), stops the water supply when the water level of the washing tub reaches a predetermined value, and controls the sound generating means 4 to generate a notification sound of the end of the water supply. (Z-4). Then, washing is performed as the next washing step (z-5), and the sound generating means 4 is controlled so as to generate a notification sound indicating this at the end of washing (z-6). Then, rinsing is performed as the next washing step (z-7), and the sound generating means 4 is controlled to generate a notification sound indicating this at the end of rinsing (z-8). Then, dehydration is performed as the last washing step (z-9), and the sound generating means 4 is controlled so as to generate a notification sound indicating the end of washing at the end of dehydration (z-10). When the start button 1b is pressed during the washing operation, the control unit 2 controls the sound generation means 4 so as to generate a short-time sound, temporarily stops the operation of the washing machine, and again starts the start button. When 1b is pressed, the operation is resumed by controlling the sound generating means 4 so as to generate a notification sound for restarting washing. The short-time sound is a two-point sound in which 10 mS of silence is sandwiched between two sounds of 100 mS, for example, “So So.” In addition, the notification sound for restarting washing may be the same as or different from the notification sound for starting washing.

  As with the sound generated when the button is pressed, only the basic data such as the frequency and duration of the sound is recorded and held for the notification sound. When the notification sound is generated, the basic data is recorded by the control unit 2. More sound signals are created and output in real time. Further, the waveform data of the notification sound may be recorded, and the waveform data may be sequentially read and output when the notification sound is generated.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of a notification sound generated from the start of washing to the end of washing. Each notification sound has a generation time longer than that generated when the user presses the button so that the user does not miss it even when the user is away from the washing machine. And in order to express the progress of washing, if each notification sound is connected in the order of the washing process, a friendly music is constructed. The example of FIG. 22 is a transposition of “song of delight” in Beethoven's ninth symphony. As notification sound, the first two measures are generated at the start and restart of washing, the third and fourth measures are generated at the end of water supply, the fifth and sixth measures are generated at the end of washing, and the seventh and eighth measures are generated every 4 seconds at the end of rinsing. I have to. At the end of washing, the generation time is lengthened so as not to be missed, and the ninth bar to the end are generated in 16 seconds. In addition, when two sounds of the same pitch continue like the beginning part, in order not to hear one long sound continuously, the silence of about 10 mS is inserted between them.

  FIG. 23 shows another example of the notification sound. This is a transposition of the two French folk songs “On the Bridge of Avignon” and “The Sound of the Bell”. When the “water” of the start button 1b is pressed, the former is generated as a notification sound, and when the “hot water removal” is pressed, the latter is generated as a notification sound. In this example, the notification sound is generated at the start, restart, and end of washing, and no notification sound is generated at the end of the intermediate process. The first two measures are generated at the start of washing, the third and fourth measures are generated in 4 seconds at the time of resumption, and the fifth and subsequent measures are generated in 8 seconds at the end of the washing.

  According to this embodiment, at the start of washing, since a notification sound corresponding to the washing operation to be performed like water and hot water is generated, the user can confirm by sound that the intended washing operation is performed. Even visually impaired people can definitely do laundry. In addition, users can know the progress of washing even when they are away from the washing machine by generating familiar sounds in order from the beginning in order of the progress of washing. it can. In this embodiment, the notification sound is generated at the end of each step of the washing operation. However, the generation of the notification sound during washing is omitted, and the notification sound is generated only at the start and end of washing, or only at the end of washing. May be generated.

The washing machine according to the present embodiment generates an error notification sound to notify the user when an abnormality that requires intervention by the user such as impossibility of dehydration occurs during operation. To do. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 2 when a dehydration-disabled state occurs.

When the control unit 2 tries to start the dehydration process (z-9 in FIG. 21), the signal from the sensor 8 indicates that the dehydration is not possible due to the opening of the lid of the washing tub or the deviation of the laundry in the tub. When detected (d-1), the sound generating means 4 is controlled so as to generate an error notification sound for notifying this, and the operation of the washing machine is temporarily stopped. The notification sound is a sound with a sense of urgency indicating an abnormality, and for example, two sounds of about 100 mS are continuously generated, such as “mididomidido”. This notification sound is assumed to extend the generation time together with the number of generations, and is initially set to 1 second (d-2). For example, when the user's treatment is performed within a certain time (1 minute) and the abnormality is resolved (d-3), the control unit 2 resumes dehydration (z-9). When the abnormality is not resolved within the predetermined time (d-3), the control unit 2 controls the sound generating means 4 so as to generate the error notification sound again. In this case, the generation time is extended from the previous time, for example, 2 seconds (d-4). As in the previous case, when the abnormality is resolved within the predetermined time (d-5), dehydration is resumed (d-9), and when it is not resolved (d-5), the time is further extended. For example, the sound generating means 4 is controlled so as to generate an error notification sound for 3 seconds (d-6). When the abnormality is resolved within the predetermined time (d-7), dehydration is resumed (z-9), and when the abnormality is not resolved (d-7), the power of the washing machine is turned off ( d-8).

  According to this embodiment, an error notification sound is repeatedly generated at regular intervals while an abnormal state occurs and is not resolved, and the generation time of the notification sound is extended for each occurrence. Even when a sound is missed, it is possible to repeatedly generate an error notification sound that is less likely to be missed, so that an error notification sound is less likely to be missed. Then, a limit is set on the number of times the error notification sound is generated, and when the limit number is reached, the power of the washing machine is turned off, so even if no action is taken due to the absence of the user, etc. Can reduce inconvenience and waste of power.

Next, a method for increasing / decreasing the volume with a square wave having a constant amplitude will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the relationship between the waveform value height, the low time ratio, and the volume within one cycle of the square wave. In a square wave having an amplitude of 1 and a period T, τ is a time during which the waveform value is high within one period (0 ≦ τ / T ≦ 1). When this square wave is expanded in the Fourier series, the amplitude an of the nth harmonic is
an = (2 / nπ) · sin (nπ · τ / T)
It becomes. n = 0 is a direct current component, and n = 1 is a fundamental wave component. The amplitude an of the AC component contributing as sound decreases with the harmonic order n, and the amplitude a1 of the fundamental wave component is maximum. A general piezoelectric buzzer or the like widely used as the sound generating means 4 has a narrow reproduction frequency band. Therefore, if a fundamental wave component is included in the reproduction frequency band, harmonic components of n = 2 or more are outside the frequency band. Only the fundamental wave component contributes to the generated sound. Therefore, the relationship between the time ratio τ / T of the waveform value height within one cycle of the square wave and the generated sound pressure level v of the sound generating means 4 is approximately v = b ·
sin (nπ · τ / T) (b is a constant coefficient), and even if the amplitude of the square wave is constant, the volume can be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the time ratio between the waveform value high and low within one period. .

  Since the sound signal is a binary square wave having a high waveform value and a low waveform value, and the volume ratio is increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the time ratio between the waveform value high and low within one cycle of the square wave, the control unit 2 The sound signal can be output from one digital output terminal, and no analog variable voltage generating means is required.

Next, the operation of the control unit 2 for stopping or restarting the generation of the button operation sound or the notification sound or changing the volume by the above-described method by the specific operation of the operation button 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, when operation buttons other than the power button 1c among the operation buttons 1 are continuously pressed down for a predetermined time or longer, the generation of sound is stopped, resumed, and the volume is changed.

In the case of the course setting button 1a, the button operation sound is targeted, and in the case of the start / pause button 1b, the notification sound is targeted. The volume of the generated sound is three levels: large, small, and generation stop, and the large and small volumes each have a time ratio τ / T of the waveform value height in one cycle of the square wave of 0.5 and 0.25. . Accordingly, there are four patterns for changing the volume as shown in the lower part of FIG.

When the user turns on the power button 1c of the washing machine, the control unit 2 performs the initial setting described with reference to FIG. At this time, each volume change counter for the button operation sound and the notification sound is set to a previously set value. If the previous set value has not been retained due to power failure or plugging / unplugging, it is reset to “0” (x−1 in FIG. 18). When the user depresses the operation button 1, the control unit 2 reads a signal by depressing the button (x-2 in FIG. 18), and determines the pressed button (x-3 in FIG. 18). The sound generating means 4 is controlled so as to generate a sound corresponding to the button and the set value (from x-4 to x-8 or x-9 in FIG. 18). Therefore, if the pressing of the operation button 1 does not continue for a certain period of time, for example, about 2 seconds, the control unit 2 returns to waiting for a button pressing signal. If it continues for a certain time (a-1), the control unit 2 generates a volume change expression sound as shown in FIG. 27 according to the volume change pattern, and increases the value of the volume change counter by “1”. To do. However, if the original value is “3”, it is reset to “0”. Then, the volume is changed or the sound generation is stopped. The volume is changed by changing the time ratio τ / T of the waveform value height within one period of the square wave as shown in the lower part of FIG. For example, when changing from large to small, the ratio is changed from 0.5 to 0.25. When the generation of the sound is stopped, the output of the sound signal itself is stopped (a-2). If the user keeps pressing the same button even after generating the volume change expression sound, it is assumed that the user is instructing to change the volume from high → stop or stop → high. Only when the value of the change counter is “1” or “3” (a-3), an expression sound for changing the volume is generated, and the value of the volume change counter is increased by “1” or reset to “0”. Then, as described above, the volume is changed or the generation of the sound is stopped (a-4). Then, it waits for the operation button 1 to be pressed again.

  FIG. 27 shows an example of an expression sound for changing the volume. The frequency is 2 kHz, the generation time is 1 second, and the volume is increased or decreased according to the volume change pattern. For example, if the volume change pattern is high → low, the first 0.2 seconds of the 1 second will be loud, the final 0.2 seconds will be low, and the volume will increase from 0.6 seconds in between. Decreases continuously to small. The waveform of the sound signal in this case is shown in the lower part of the figure. If the sampling period is 10 μS, one period consists of 50 data at 2 kHz. The ratio of “1” data and “0” data in one cycle is 25:25 for the first 0.2 seconds, 12:38 for the last 0.2 seconds, and “1” data for the middle 0.6 seconds. Is continuously reduced from 25 to 12. Therefore, at the time of 0.5 seconds, the ratio of “1” data to “0” data is 19:31.

  In this embodiment, the generation of the button operation sound and the notification sound can be stopped, restarted, and the volume can be changed by a specific operation of the operation button 1, so that it is necessary to add a new operation means for this purpose. And not. In addition, when the volume is changed, a sound that continuously increases or decreases from the volume before the change to the volume after the change is generated as an expression sound for the volume change, so that the user can feel the actual volume change. Is obtained.

  Next, the operation of the control unit 2 in the case of switching the sound generation generated when a button is operated by a specific operation of the operation button 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19 (Example 1), whether the scale is an ascending scale in the order of setting values by one button, or as shown in FIG. Shall be switched.

  When the user simultaneously presses the two buttons of the operation button 1 continuously for a certain time or longer, the control unit 2 performs the switching process. When the user depresses the operation button 1, the control unit 2 controls the sound generating means 4 to generate a sound corresponding to the button and the set value (from x-1 to x-8 or x-8 in FIG. 18). -9). If the button press does not continue for a certain period of time, for example, about 2 seconds (a-1 in FIG. 26), the control unit 2 returns to the button press standby again. When it continues for a certain time (a-1 in FIG. 26), the operation of changing the volume shown in FIG. 26 is performed when there is one button, and when two buttons are simultaneously used (b-1), the switching is performed. (B-2). And it waits so that the operation button 1 may be pushed down again.

  Next, the operation of the control unit 2 in the case where the notification sound used by the user is selected from a plurality of melodies, and the self-made melody is registered and added to the options will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. To do. In this embodiment, the notification sound melody is selected and registered by simultaneously depressing three or more buttons other than the power button 1c of the operation button 1 continuously for a certain time. The notification sound for the end of washing will be described as an example.

  When the user turns on the washing machine, the control unit 2 performs the initial setting described with reference to FIG. At this time, the button operation sound and the melody are set to the previous set values. If the previous set value is not held due to a power failure or the like, it is reset to “0” (x−1 in FIG. 18). Then, if the operation button 1 is pressed, the control unit 2 controls the sound generating means 4 to generate a sound corresponding to the button and the set value (from x-2 to x-8 or x-- in FIG. 18). Up to 9). If the pressing of the operation button 1 does not continue for a certain period of time, for example, about 2 seconds, the control unit 2 returns to standby for pressing the button. If the pressing continues for a certain time (a-1 in FIG. 26), the number of simultaneous button pressings is determined (c-1). In the case of one, processing for changing the volume of the button operation sound and the notification sound is performed. In the case of simultaneous two, the button operation sound is switched. In the case of 3 or more simultaneously, the melody number is increased by “1”. However, if it is the final value, it is reset to “0”. And the melody sound of the number is generated and the melody sound is selected as the notification sound. Here, the final melody is the melody registered by the user. Therefore, when not registered, control is performed to generate a short sound such as “beep” indicating unregistered instead of the melody sound (c-2). If the new melody number is not the final value, the control unit 2 waits to wait for the operation button 1 to be pressed again.

  If it is the final value (c-3), the user can register his own melody. In this state, the user performs a performance input of a self-made melody using the operation button 1 and registers it. First, the assignment of sound generated when the operation button 1 is pressed is switched so as to be in the ascending scale in the order in which the buttons are arranged, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 19 (example 2). As a result, the user can input a melody performance using the operation button 1 as a keyboard (c-4). However, for example, if the button is not pressed at all within a certain time of about 3 seconds (c-5), the melody registration is canceled and the sound generation at the time of pressing the button is returned to the original state. . In this case, the previously registered melody or silence if not registered is selected as the notification sound (c-6). If the simultaneous depressing of three or more buttons continues for a certain period of time of about 2 seconds (c-7), the melody is not registered and the melody moves to the next number. Therefore, the melody number returns to “0”. When the pressing is within a certain time, the performance time measurement is started with the time when the button is first pressed as the performance start time (c-8). Then, each time a button pressing signal is read, the sound generating means 4 is controlled so as to generate a sound having a pitch assigned to the button. As a result, the user can input a melody as if playing a keyboard instrument (c-9). At the same time, the control unit 2 encodes and records the pitch assigned to the pressed button and the pressing time. The time when the button is not pressed is rested, and a code and time indicating silence are recorded (c-10). When the performance time reaches a certain threshold value of, for example, about 10 seconds, or when the button is not pressed for a certain time period of, for example, about 3 seconds (c-11), the encoding is performed as the end of the performance. Play the recorded melody. Here, the user confirms whether or not the intended melody has been registered (c-12). If the user wants to perform the performance input again due to a performance failure or the like, the replay is started within a certain time, for example, about 3 seconds, and the controller 2 presses the button within the certain time. (C-13), melody recording is performed again. If the button is not pressed for a certain period of time (c-13), the assignment of the sound generated when the button is pressed is returned to the original state as the end of melody registration (c-14), and the button is pressed again. Wait to wait.

  In this embodiment, the notification sound for the end of washing is selected and registered, but the selection and registration of other notification sounds can be performed by the same operation. In addition, although the number of melody registrations by the user is one, a plurality of melody may be registered as necessary.

  According to this embodiment, since the notification sound can be selected and registered by a specific operation of the operation button 1, it is not necessary to add a new operation means for performing this. In addition, the sound generated when the operation button is pressed is assigned so as to be in the ascending scale in the order in which the buttons are arranged, and the information on pressing the button is sounded and recorded as melody information, so the user plays the keyboard instrument. You can register while confirming your own notification sound with your senses.

  According to the above-described embodiment, when the operation button of the home appliance is pressed, a different sound is generated according to each button and each set value. You can definitely do this while checking the settings with sound. In addition to the end of device operation or the occurrence of an abnormality, a sound is generated at the end of each step of the device, so even the visually impaired and users away from the device Can be known by sound. In addition, when the setting value set by the user, such as lack of detergent or the number of times of rinsing, causes excessive or deficiency in the operation of the device, this is notified to the user by sound and the user's operation is temporarily waited. The failure of device operation due to forgetting or inappropriate settings can be resolved.

  In addition, sound generation can be stopped by the user's settings, limited to the minimum necessary sounds such as end and abnormal notification sounds, and the volume can be reduced. It doesn't bother users and disturb others.

  As data for generating sound, only basic data such as sound frequency and generation time are recorded, and sound signals are calculated and created in real time from these, so that various sounds can be generated with a small amount of data. Since the sound signal is a square wave with a constant amplitude and the volume is controlled by the time ratio of the waveform value within one period, a variety of sounds with varying volume can be generated with one digital output terminal.

  Further, since different sounds are generated according to the buttons and the set values when the buttons of the washing machine are operated, it is possible to give the user a sense of security that the setting of the washing operation by the button operations is correctly received. Even a visually handicapped person who is particularly difficult to visually recognize the display can definitely operate the washing machine.

  In addition, when the washing operation ends or when an abnormality occurs, a notification sound such as a melody can be generated at the end of each process, if necessary, so that the washing operation can be performed even when the user is away from the washing machine. You can know the progress of the sound. Further, if the notification sound is a characteristic sound for a washing machine, the user will not be confused with the notification sound of other devices.

  Further, the sound signal of the generated sound is a square wave with a constant amplitude, and the volume is increased / decreased by increasing / decreasing the time ratio between the high and low waveform values. Therefore, one digital output terminal is used without using the voltage variable means. The volume can be increased or decreased with only the output signal. Furthermore, since the increase / decrease setting of the volume and the stop and restart of the sound generation can be performed by a specific operation of the existing operation button, it is not necessary to provide new operation means for increasing / decreasing the volume.

  In addition, as the generated sound at the time of the button operation, ascending scales such as “do”, “re”, “mi”, “fa”, and “so” are assigned in order of the operation buttons, and the information of each button press is read and recorded in the assigned pitch. The user can register a melody of his own notification sound as if playing a keyboard instrument.

  And, as the data for generating the sound, basic data such as sound frequency and generation time are encoded and recorded, and the sound signal is calculated and created in real time. Sound can be generated.

The block diagram which shows one Example of the washing machine by this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of an operation button and a display panel. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting value by an operation button. The flowchart which shows the operation example of the control part 2 at the time of pressing down of an operation button. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the timbre which generate | occur | produces when the operation button is pressed. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the waveform of the sound signal generate | occur | produced when the operation button is pressed. Explanatory drawing of the volume control system of a square wave. The flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the operation example of a control part from the start to the end of washing. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the sound which generate | occur | produces at the time of the start of washing, and the end of a washing process. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the sound which generate | occur | produces at the time of the start of washing, and the end of a washing process. The flowchart which shows the operation example of the control part at the time of abnormality occurrence. The flowchart which shows the operation example of the control part in the case of lack of detergent. The flowchart which shows the operation example of the control part in the case of insufficient rinsing. The flowchart which shows the operation example of a control part at the time of generating the expression sound of the washing process in progress now. Explanatory drawing of the correction method of the volume fluctuation | variation by a frequency of a sound generation means. The top view which shows an example of the operation button and the display panel 3 in the washing machine which becomes this invention. The figure which shows an example of the setting value by the operation button in the washing machine which becomes this invention. The flowchart which shows the process operation example which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention performs at the time of pressing down of an operation button. The figure which shows an example of the generated sound which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention controls when an operation button is pushed down. The figure which shows an example of the waveform of the sound signal which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention generate | occur | produces when pressing down an operation button. The flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the control processing operation example from the start to the end of the washing which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention performs. The figure which shows an example of the alerting sound which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention generates from the start to the end of washing. The figure which shows another example of the alerting sound which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention generates from the start to the end of washing. The flowchart which shows the example of control processing operation which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention performs at the time of abnormality occurrence. The figure which shows the relationship between the waveform value high and low time ratio of the square wave signal for sound generation in the washing machine which becomes this invention, and the volume. The flowchart which shows the control processing operation example at the time of the volume setting change of the button sound and alerting sound which the control part performs in the washing machine which becomes this invention. The figure which shows an example of the sound signal which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention generate | occur | produces at the time of a volume setting change. The flowchart which shows the control processing operation example which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention performs at the time of switching of a button sound. The flowchart which shows the example of control processing operation which the control part in the washing machine which becomes this invention performs at the time of selection of a notification sound, or the registration of a self-made notification sound. 30 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 29. The external view of an example of the washing machine which becomes this invention. The circuit diagram which shows the structural example of the control part 2 and the sound generation means 4 in the washing machine which becomes this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation button, 2 ... Control part, 3 ... Display panel, 4 ... Sound generation means, 5 ... Washing machine drive circuit, 6 ... Washing machine mechanism part, 7 ... Interface circuit, 8 ... Sensor, 10 ... Course display part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Time display part, 13 ... Washing content display part, 14 ... Detergent amount / water quantity display part, 15 ... Level, 16 ... Water quantity / washing / rinsing / dehydration button, 17 ... Reservation / time adjustment button, 18 ... Course button , 20 ... outer frame box, 21 ... top cover, 22 ... lid, 23 ... display operation unit, 24 ... microcomputer, 25 ... piezoelectric buzzer, 26 ... output terminal, 27 ... transistor.

Claims (3)

The operation button for the user to set the operation of the home appliance, the control unit for reading the signal from the operation button and controlling the operation of the home appliance based on the operation button, and the signal output by the control unit A household electrical appliance that generates a sound of a different scale according to a set value set by the operation button when the operation button is pressed down.
The control unit changes the period of a square wave consisting of high and low binary values for each scale, changes the time ratio of the binary values within one period of the square wave according to the scale, and fixes the time ratio. When a square wave voltage with a constant amplitude is applied to the piezoelectric buzzer while changing the frequency, the time ratio of the high value is smaller than the time ratio of the low value in the frequency band where the volume is higher than the preceding and following frequencies. And changing the time ratio τ / T of the high time τ with respect to the period T of the square wave so that the frequency characteristic is opposite to the frequency characteristic of the volume of the piezoelectric buzzer. machine.   2. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein a part or all of the sound generated when the operation button is pressed or the notification sound is stopped or the volume is reduced by operating the operation button. .   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein when a set value of a washing operation such as the number of times of rinsing is sequentially changed every time the same operation button is pressed, a tone color varies depending on each set value. .

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