JP2008109760A - Signal output device and washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an increase in cost expended to a production facility and the deterioration of production efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: A microcomputer 42 includes an I/O 510, an oscillation circuit 508 and a CPU 500. The I/O 510 inputs or outputs a signal. The oscillation circuit 508 generates a first signal at a constant frequency. The CPU 500 controls the I/O 510. A signal input to the I/O 510 includes a signal which corresponds to a first physical amount. The CPU 500 calculates an interval time on the basis of the number of clock signals generated by the oscillation circuit 508. The CPU 500 calculates a correction value of the interval time on the basis of a second physical amount. The CPU 500 control the I/O 510 so as to output a signal which corresponds to the corrected value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal output device and a washing machine, and more particularly to a signal output device and a washing machine that perform monitoring based on a low-accuracy frequency.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a control device including a microcomputer. The microcomputer detects an error in the frequency of the clock signal for driving the microcomputer based on the reference clock signal given from the outside and the frequency information of the clock signal stored in advance, and stores the detected error. The data generated based on the microcomputer driving clock signal is corrected based on the error detection result.

According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the distinction between products for overseas and domestic products is eliminated, and the manufacturing cost is reduced by performing water level detection and time counting using a microcomputer driving clock with low frequency accuracy. In addition, the water level error and the time error can be reduced.
JP 2000-284803 A

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the cost spent on the production facility increases or the production efficiency decreases. This is because an error adjustment operation of inputting a reference clock signal is required in the production process of mounting the control device on the product.

  This problem will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a general washing machine. As shown in FIG. 11, a general washing machine requires an oscillator that generates a clock signal outside the microcomputer 60. A ceramic oscillator 62 is generally used as the oscillator. The method of correcting the error of the ceramic oscillator 62 is to input a reference clock signal from the input unit 64 and to determine the difference between the clock signal oscillated by the ceramic oscillator 62 and the reference clock signal from an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). 66, which is stored in a non-volatile memory such as 66. When this method is adopted, the manufacturer of the washing machine needs an oscillator for supplying a reference clock signal for the production of the washing machine. The washing machine also requires a non-volatile memory for storing errors. These all increase the cost of production.

  There is also a washing machine that obtains a driving clock signal by an oscillation circuit built in the microcomputer 60 instead of the ceramic oscillator 62. In this case, since the input of the reference clock signal is unnecessary, the above-described increase in cost can be avoided. However, when a clock signal generated by such a circuit is used, the accuracy of data generated based on the clock signal is not high. For example, when the oscillation circuit built in the microcomputer 60 generates a clock signal, the accuracy of the time measured by the microcomputer 60 is not high. Even with an inexpensive ceramic oscillator, the initial value of the frequency accuracy in the clock signal is ± 0.5%, whereas the initial value of the frequency accuracy in the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit built in the microcomputer is This is because the center value is ± 3% to ± 10%.

  Usually, when the microcomputer 60 detects the frequency (about 20 to 27 kHz) of the signal output from the water level sensor 17, while measuring the time based on the clock signal, the water level sensor 17 outputs within that time. By measuring the number of pulses of the signal to be detected, the frequency of the signal output from the water level sensor 17 and thus the water level is detected. Here, if the accuracy of the frequency of the clock signal is low, a water level detection error occurs according to the accuracy. When the transmission circuit built in the microcomputer 60 generates a clock signal, the water level error may reach ± 60 mm or more. Not only the water level but also data based on the measured time includes the same error. For example, a similar error is included in the interval of signals output from the rotation sensor 25 after the motor 7 is turned off, which is measured to measure the amount of cloth. This is because when the clock signal generated by the ceramic oscillator 62 is used, the error in the cloth amount is about ± 0.5%, whereas when the clock signal generated by the transmission circuit built in the microcomputer 60 is used. It means that the error of the amount of cloth becomes ± 3% or more. Since the water level at the time of washing is determined based on the amount of cloth, an increase in the amount of cloth affects the performance of the washing machine.

  Similar problems exist not only in washing machines but also in air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, microwave ovens, and other devices that perform control based on measured time and the production of such devices.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a signal output device and a washing machine that can prevent an increase in cost spent on production facilities and a decrease in production efficiency. .

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a signal output device includes input / output means, generation means, and control means. The input / output means inputs and outputs signals. The generating means generates the first signal at a constant frequency. The control means controls the input / output means. The signal input to the input / output means includes a second signal whose frequency corresponds to the first physical quantity. The control means includes first calculation means, determination means, second calculation means, and means for controlling the input / output means. Based on the number of first signals generated by the generating means, the first calculating means is a time from when the second signal is input to the input / output means to when the second signal is input next. Is calculated as the interval time. The determining means determines a first value that is a value for correction based on the second physical quantity. The second calculation means calculates the interval time correction value by calculating the interval time using the first value. The means for controlling the input / output means controls the input / output means so as to output a signal representing information corresponding to the correction value.

  The signal input to the input / output means described above preferably includes a second signal in addition to the third signal that is a signal representing the range of the AC power voltage. In addition, it is desirable that the first calculation means includes a first counting means and a time calculation means. The first counting unit counts the number of first signals generated by the generating unit from when the second signal is input to the input / output unit to when the second signal is input next. The time calculating means calculates the interval time based on the number of first signals counted by the first counting means. In addition, it is desirable that the determining means includes a second counting means, a third calculating means, and a first storage means. The second counting unit counts the number of first signals generated by the generating unit during the reference period by using the third signal as a trigger. The reference period is a period that is an integral multiple of one half of the period of the voltage of the AC power. The third calculating means calculates the first value by subtracting a constant from the number of the first signals counted by the second counting means. The first storage means stores the first value. In addition, it is desirable that the second calculation means includes means for calculating a correction value using a value obtained by subtracting the first value from the constant and dividing the constant by the interval time.

  Alternatively, the signal input to the input / output means described above preferably includes the second signal in addition to the third signal representing the voltage range of the AC power having a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

  Alternatively, the control unit described above preferably further includes a first selection unit for selecting one of a plurality of values as a constant according to the number counted by the second counting unit.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the signal output device described above further includes a detection unit and a second storage unit. The detection means detects the temperature. The second storage means stores a plurality of values in association with the temperature. At the same time, when the first value is outside the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, the control means sets the temperature detected by the detection means among the plurality of values stored by the second storage means. It is desirable to further include a second selection means for selecting a corresponding value. At the same time, when the first value is outside the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, the second calculation means replaces the first value with the value selected by the second selection means. It is desirable to include a means for calculating a correction value using.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the frequency of the second signal described above corresponds to the pressure. In addition, the signal input to the input / output means preferably further includes a signal representing information corresponding to the target value of pressure. In addition, it is desirable that the control means further includes third selection means and fourth selection means. The third selection means, when there is a first value in the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, is the most preferable target value among the plurality of second values corresponding to the respective pressures. A value corresponding to the close pressure is selected as a third threshold value which is a threshold value of the interval time. The fourth selection unit is configured to select a value corresponding to the second or lower pressure among the plurality of second values when the first value is outside the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value. Then, a value corresponding to the pressure closest to the target value is selected as the third threshold value. At the same time, the means for controlling the input / output means includes means for controlling the input / output means to output a signal representing information corresponding to the correction value when the correction value reaches the third threshold value. It is desirable to include.

  Alternatively, the signal output device described above preferably further includes third storage means. The third storage means stores data representing the correspondence relationship between the weight and the second value. In addition, it is desirable that the frequency of the second signal corresponds to the weight. In addition, it is desirable that the control means further includes a fifth selection means and a sixth selection means. The fifth selection means has a second value corresponding to the weight closest to the weight represented by the second signal when the first value is in the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value. Is selected as the third threshold value. The sixth selection means, when the first value is outside the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, of the values corresponding to the second or less weight among the plurality of second values. Then, a value corresponding to the weight closest to the weight represented by the second signal is selected as the third threshold value. At the same time, the means for controlling the input / output means includes means for controlling the input / output means to output a signal representing information corresponding to the correction value when the correction value reaches the third threshold value. It is desirable to include.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the signal output device described above further includes a detection unit for detecting temperature. Preferably, the determining means includes means for storing and means for selecting a value as the first value. The means for storing stores a plurality of values in association with the temperature. The means for selecting a value as the first value selects, as the first value, a value corresponding to the temperature detected by the detecting means from among a plurality of values.

  Alternatively, the control means described above preferably further includes means for controlling the input / output means so as to output a signal when the temperature detected by the detection means satisfies the requirements.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes the signal output device described above.

  The signal output device and the washing machine according to the present invention can prevent an increase in cost spent on production facilities and a decrease in production efficiency.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
The washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a washing machine 30 according to the present embodiment. The washing machine 30 is covered with an outer box 1 that is a casing, and a water tank 2 is supported by being suspended by an anti-vibration mechanism 3 inside the outer box 1, and a dewatering tank 4 is provided inside the water tank 2. Yes. The dewatering tub 4 also serves as a washing tub for storing clothes inside. A motor 7 is provided in the lower part of the water tank 2, and a rotation sensor 25 that detects the number of rotations of the motor 7 is incorporated inside the housing of the motor 7. The rotation sensor 25 outputs a signal indicating whether or not the motor 7 is rotating to the microcomputer 42 described later. The rotation of the motor 7 is transmitted to the center pulley 11 through the motor pulley 9 and the V belt 10. The tip of the speed reduction mechanism 8 connected to the center pulley 11 protrudes into the water tank 2, and the dewatering tank 4 and the stirring blade 5 are attached thereto. With this mechanism, the dehydration tank 4 is provided so as to be able to rotate in the water tank 2. With this mechanism, the motor 7 operates as a device for rotating the dewatering tank 4. By turning on the drainage motor 27 during the dehydration process, the dewatering tank 4 and the stirring blade 5 are rotated by the clutch mechanism 12, and by turning off the drainage motor 27 during the washing process or the rinsing process, the clutch mechanism 12 and the speed reduction mechanism 8 Only the stirring blade 5 rotates. As is clear from these descriptions, the clutch mechanism 12 operates as a mechanism for intermittently transmitting the rotation between the dewatering tank 4 and the motor 7. The speed reduction mechanism 8 includes a brake mechanism 24 that brakes the rotation of the dewatering tank 4. A drain port 202 is provided at the lower end of the water tank 2, and a drain valve 13 and a drain hose 14 are attached. The case of the speed reduction mechanism 8 has a double structure. Of these cases, the inner case is rotated by the power supplied by the motor 7. A brake band of the brake mechanism 24 is wound around the outer periphery of the inner case. Since the brake band is wound, the inner case functions as a brake drum. These structures operate the brake mechanism 24 as a brake for braking the rotation of the dewatering tank 4. The brake band of the brake mechanism 24 is connected to the brake lever. This brake lever is connected to the drain motor 27. A drain valve 13 is connected to the drain motor 27. Thus, the drain motor 27 functions as a device that drives the brake mechanism 24 and the drain valve 13 simultaneously. When the drain motor 27 is turned on, the brake mechanism 24 is opened, and when the drain motor 27 is turned off, the brake mechanism 24 is activated. The upper part of the outer box 1 is covered with an upper surface plate 19. A water level sensor 17 that is connected to the water tank 2 and detects the water level of the water tank 2 and thus the dehydration tank 4 is provided behind the upper surface plate 19. The water level sensor 17 outputs a signal to the microcomputer 42 described later. The frequency of this signal corresponds to the pressure received by the water level sensor 17. The microcomputer 42 can calculate the pressure received by the water level sensor 17 and the water level of the water tank 2 based on the frequency of the signal. Behind the upper surface plate 19 are provided a pipe for supplying water to the water tank 2 and thus the dehydration tank 4, and a water supply valve 18 for opening and closing the water flow path to the water tank 2 and thus the dehydration tank 4. The water supply valve 18 may be provided at one end of the pipe. However, in the case of the present embodiment, the water supply valve 18 is provided in the middle of the pipe. A lid 16 is provided at the center of the top plate 19. Since it is provided at the center of the upper surface plate 19, the lid 16 closes the mouth of the dehydration tank 4. A user interface unit 20 is provided in front of the top plate 19. An operating device 21 and a lid locking mechanism 22 are attached to the back surface of the user interface unit 20. The operating device 21 controls the water supply valve 18 and other devices constituting the washing machine 30. The lid lock mechanism 22 is a mechanism for locking the lid 16. The lid lock mechanism 22 includes a lid lock solenoid and a lid switch (not shown). The lid switch is a type of sensor that outputs a signal indicating whether the lid 16 is open or closed to a microcomputer 42 described later. The lid lock mechanism 22 has a latch structure that switches between locking and unlocking each time the lid lock solenoid is turned on.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the washing machine 30 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, washing machine 30 includes a buzzer 15, an input unit 23, and a thermistor 28 in addition to the mechanism described with reference to FIG. 1. The buzzer 15 rings to notify the end or notify the abnormality under the control of the microcomputer 42 described later. The input unit 23 receives an input of a signal output from the lid switch. The thermistor 28 detects the temperature. The thermistor 28 outputs a signal representing the temperature to the microcomputer 42 described later.

  2, the operating device 21 includes a first drive circuit 32, a second drive circuit 34, a forming circuit 36, a reset circuit 38, an AC (Alternating Current) circuit 40, and a microcomputer 42. Including. The first drive circuit 32 controls the clutch mechanism 12, the water supply valve 18, and the drain valve 13 in accordance with the signal output from the microcomputer 42. The second drive circuit 34 controls the motor 7 according to the signal output from the microcomputer 42. The forming circuit 36 generates a DC power source for the circuit from the AC power source supplied from the commercial AC power source 6. The microcomputer 42 obtains drive power from the forming circuit 36. The reset circuit 38 outputs a reset signal to the microcomputer 42 when power is turned on (a power switch 204 described later is turned on). The AC circuit 40 generates a signal. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the voltage of the power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 6 and the rectangular wave of the signal generated by the AC circuit 40. As apparent from FIG. 3, the signal generated by the AC circuit 40 represents the voltage range of the AC power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 6. The AC circuit 40 outputs the generated signal to the microcomputer 42. In the following description, a signal generated by the AC circuit 40 is referred to as an “AC clock signal”. The microcomputer 42 is a signal output device that outputs a signal for controlling the operation of the washing machine 30. In order to output such a signal, the microcomputer 42 includes a storage unit that stores values and information, a first calculation unit that calculates an interval time, which will be described later, a determination unit that determines a value for correction, and correction of the interval time. It operates as a second calculation unit that calculates a value and an output control unit that controls the output of a signal. Further, the microcomputer 42 is a device that receives various switch signals input from the user interface unit 20 and controls the user interface unit 20. Further, the microcomputer 42 is also a generation unit that generates a clock signal described later at a constant frequency.

  FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the microcomputer 42. Referring to FIG. 4, computer hardware for realizing microcomputer 42 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 500, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 504, and a memory driving device 506. , An oscillation circuit 508, an input / output (I / O) 510, and a bus 512. The CPU 500 obtains a program describing each processing procedure from the ROM 502. CPU 500 executes the program. In addition, the CPU 500 exchanges data with the ROM 502, the RAM 504, the memory driving device 506, and the I / O 510. The ROM 502 stores information essential for the computer of FIG. 4 to perform information processing. The information includes information on a plurality of values corresponding to the water level of the water tank 2 and representing the frequency of the signal output from the water level sensor 17, and the correspondence relationship between the plurality of values and the amount of clothing in the water tank 2. And a plurality of values as error candidates associated with the temperature in the vicinity of the CPU 500. In the case of the present embodiment, this “data representing the correspondence” is a collection of a plurality of data each representing the amount of clothing. In the case of the present embodiment, the interval between a plurality of data addresses representing the amount of clothing and the addresses at which a plurality of values representing the frequency of the signal output from the water level sensor 17 are stored is a constant value. Therefore, the CPU 500 can use an aggregate of a plurality of data representing the amount of clothing as the “data representing the correspondence” described above. In the ROM 502, a control program for the microcomputer 42 to control washing is also stored as essential information. The RAM 504 is a device that stores data necessary for executing a program. The memory driving device 506 reads a program from a recording medium that can be attached and detached, such as a PC (Personal Computer) card 600. The oscillation circuit 508 generates a clock signal at a constant frequency. The I / O 510 receives a signal input from the outside of the microcomputer 42. In the present embodiment, one type of input signal is the above-described AC clock signal. The AC clock signal received by the I / O 510 may be a signal representing a range of AC power voltage having a frequency of 50 Hertz or a signal representing a voltage range of AC power having a frequency of 60 Hertz. Depending on the difference in data stored in the ROM 502, the former signal may be accepted in some cases and the latter signal may be accepted in other cases. The I / O 510 is also a device that outputs a signal to the outside of the microcomputer 42. The bus 512 connects devices constituting the computer to each other.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of the user interface unit 20. The user interface unit 20 includes a plurality of operation switches and various types of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The switches included in the user interface unit 20 include a power switch 204, a start switch 206, a course switch 208, and a manual switch 210. The power switch 204 is a switch for turning on or off the power of the washing machine 30. The start switch 206 is a switch for the user to instruct start or stop of operation. The course switch 208 is a switch for the user to select a laundry course. The manual switch 210 is a switch for setting washing conditions for each process. The LED of the user interface unit 20 displays the selected washing course, driving state, driving time, and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the program executed by microcomputer 42 executes the following control regarding water supply.

  In step S100, the oscillation circuit 508 generates a clock signal at a constant frequency. The CPU 500 counts the number of clock signals output from the oscillation circuit 508 during the time after the AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal until the AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal. In order to count the number of clock signals, the CPU 500 repeats a first procedure and a second procedure described below. The first procedure is a procedure in which the CPU 500 periodically determines whether or not the voltage of the commercial AC power supply 6 is “0” volts. For this determination, the I / O 510 receives an input of an AC clock signal that is a signal representing the voltage range of the commercial AC power supply 6 from the AC circuit 40. The second procedure is performed each time the oscillation circuit 508 outputs a clock signal between the time when the voltage becomes “0” volts for the first time and the time when the voltage becomes “0” volts for the third time. This is a procedure in which the CPU 500 increases the value of the counter by “1”. Originally, it may be the fourth time, the fifth time, or more, but in this embodiment, the oscillation circuit 508 keeps the clock until the voltage of the commercial AC power supply 6 becomes “0” volts for the third time. Each time a signal is output, the CPU 500 increments the counter value by “1”. In this embodiment, the “counter” is a kind of storage device built in the CPU 500. Thus, the CPU 500 uses the AC clock signal as a trigger to count the number of clock signals generated by the oscillation circuit 508 during a period obtained by multiplying a half of the AC power voltage cycle by an integer. Become. In the following description, this period is referred to as a “reference period”. When the number of clock signals is counted, the CPU 500 calculates a value obtained by subtracting the reference count number “10000” from the number of clock signals counted by itself as an error. When the error is calculated, the RAM 504 stores the error. In the present embodiment, the “reference count number” represents the number of clock signals output from the oscillation circuit 508 during the reference period. In the present embodiment, the reference period is 20 milliseconds. In the present embodiment, the value of the reference count number is “10000”. Thus, the reference count “10000” is a constant corresponding to the product of the frequency of the clock signal and the reference period.

  In step S102, CPU 500 determines whether or not the error calculated by itself in step S100 is included in a predetermined range. In step S102, the “predetermined range” means “−300” to “300”. If it is determined that it falls within the predetermined range (YES in step S102), the process proceeds to step S104. If not (NO in step S102), the process proceeds to step S118.

  In step S <b> 104, rotation sensor 25 outputs a signal to microcomputer 42. The I / O 510 receives an input of a signal output from the rotation sensor 25. The interval at which this signal is output corresponds to the amount of clothing inside the dewatering tank 4. In the following description, the time from when the signal from the rotation sensor 25 arrives until the next signal arrives from the rotation sensor 25 is referred to as “interval time”. The CPU 500 counts the number of clock signals generated by the oscillation circuit 508 at the interval time. When the number of clock signals is counted, the CPU 500 calculates the above-described interval time based on the number of clock signals counted by itself.

  The interval time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows the correspondence between two types of pulse signals. In FIG. 7, the upper solid line indicates the output of the rotation sensor 25 in time series. The lower solid line shows the output of the oscillation circuit 508 in time series. The interval time described above is the time indicated by the arrows in FIG.

  In step S106, CPU 500 corrects the interval time calculated in step S104. This correction is performed based on the error calculated in step S100. The CPU 500 calculates a correction value for the interval time through a procedure from a first procedure to a third procedure described below. The first procedure is a procedure for subtracting the error from the reference count number “10000”. The second procedure is a procedure for dividing the reference count “10000” by the value calculated in the first procedure. The third procedure is a procedure for dividing the interval time calculated by the CPU 500 in step S104 by the value calculated in the second procedure. When the correction is performed, the CPU 500 determines the amount of clothing, that is, the weight of the clothing based on the corrected interval time. Since the amount of clothing in the aquarium 2 corresponds to the interval time, the CPU 500 can determine the amount of clothing based on the corrected interval time by multiplying a predetermined coefficient or referring to the database. Thereby, the rotation sensor 25 and CPU500 comprise the apparatus which detects the quantity of the clothing inside the water tank 2. FIG.

  When the amount of clothing is determined, CPU 500 selects a threshold value from a plurality of values stored in ROM 502. The selected threshold value is a threshold value of the frequency counted by the CPU 500 in step S110 described later. In the case of the present embodiment, whether or not the correction is necessary can be determined by whether or not the number of signals generated by the oscillation circuit 508 is equal to the reference count number “10000”. Since the accuracy is low, the number of signals generated by the oscillation circuit 508 in the reference period is not equal to the reference count in principle. Thereby, the threshold value selected in this step is not appropriate as the threshold value. However, when the frequency of the signal output from the rotation sensor 25 is corrected, the threshold value selected in this step becomes an appropriate value as the threshold value. The plurality of values described above correspond to the water level of the water tank 2, respectively. The threshold is selected according to whether or not the following requirements are satisfied. The requirement is a requirement as to whether or not a value obtained by subtracting the reference count number “10000” from the number counted in step S100 by the CPU 500 is in a range from “−300” to “300”. If this requirement is met, the threshold is selected from all of the multiple values described above. When this requirement is not satisfied, one of the values corresponding to the second and lower water levels among the plurality of values described above is selected as the threshold value.

  When the start of washing, since the target value of the water level is not input to the user interface unit 20 and the signal indicating the target value is not input to the I / O 510, the CPU 500 displays the clothing in the water tank 2. A threshold is selected to correspond to the quantity. However, when the requirement whether or not it is within the range of “−300” to “300” is not satisfied, the selected threshold value is the value closest to the amount of clothing inside the aquarium 2.

  When the target value of the water level is input to the user interface unit 20 at the start of washing, the selected threshold value is a value corresponding to the target value input to the user interface unit 20. However, when the requirement of whether or not it is within the range of “−300” to “300” is not satisfied, the selected threshold value is the water level closest to the target value input to the user interface unit 20. Corresponding value.

  In step S <b> 108, CPU 500 outputs a signal for opening water supply valve 18 to first drive circuit 32. The first drive circuit 32 opens the water supply valve 18. Thereby, the inside of the water tank 2 is filled with water.

  In step S <b> 110, the water level sensor 17 outputs a signal to the microcomputer 42. The I / O 510 receives an input of a signal output from the water level sensor 17. As described above, the frequency of the signal output from the water level sensor 17 corresponds to the water pressure and the water level received by the water level sensor 17. In the following description, a signal output from the water level sensor 17 is referred to as a “water level signal”. The CPU 500 counts the number of signals that the water level sensor 17 outputs during 100 milliseconds. The elapse of 100 milliseconds is detected by the CPU 500 based on how many clock signals the oscillation circuit 508 has generated. When the number of signals is counted, the CPU 500 calculates the frequency of the water level signal. The CPU 500 divides the number of water level signals counted in this step by “0.1” seconds to obtain the number of pulses per second. That is, the frequency. For example, if the signal counting period in this step is 200 milliseconds, the CPU 500 divides the number of signals counted in this step by “0.2” in order to calculate the frequency of the water level signal. Become. Since the time of 100 milliseconds has elapsed, it is detected based on the number of clock signals, and the frequency of the water level signal is calculated by dividing the number of water level signals counted in this step by a predetermined time. The CPU 500 calculates the frequency of the water level signal based on the number of clock signals and the number of water level signals.

  In step S112, CPU 500 corrects the frequency measured in step S110 based on the error calculated in step S100. For this correction, the CPU 500 calculates a frequency correction value through a procedure from a first procedure to a third procedure described below. The first procedure is a procedure for subtracting the error from the reference count number “10000”. The second procedure is a procedure for dividing the reference count “10000” by the value calculated in the first procedure. The third procedure is a procedure for dividing the frequency calculated by the CPU 500 in step S110 by the value calculated in the second procedure. When the frequency is corrected, the CPU 500 calculates the water level of the aquarium 2 based on the corrected frequency.

  In step S114, CPU 500 determines whether the water level of water tank 2 calculated by itself is a water level set by the user or a water level described below. The water level is a water level set by the CPU 500 based on the amount of clothing. CPU 500 calculates the amount of clothing based on the signal from rotation sensor 25. When the water level is not set by the user, the CPU 500 determines whether or not the water level in the water tank 2 is set based on the amount of clothing. If it is determined that the water level is set based on the water level set by the user or the amount of clothes (YES in step S114), the process proceeds to step S116. If not (NO in step S114), the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S116, CPU 500 proceeds to the next process for washing. For this purpose, the CPU 500 first outputs a signal for closing the water supply valve 18. As described above, the amount of clothing in the water tank 2 corresponds to the interval time corrected in step S106. When the signal is output, the first drive circuit 32 closes the water supply valve 18. When the water supply valve 18 is closed, the water supply is stopped.

  In step S118, CPU 500 performs processing in a case where the error calculated by itself is not included in the “predetermined range” in step S102. The fact that the error calculated by CPU 500 is not included in the “predetermined range” in step S102 indicates that some abnormality may have occurred. Examples of some abnormality include that the frequency of power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 6 is deviated from 50 Hz or 60 Hz, or that the oscillation circuit 508 is broken. Since it is considered that such an abnormality has occurred, the error calculated by the CPU 500 in step S100 is not an appropriate value as a value used for data correction. Since it is not an appropriate value, the CPU 500 calculates an appropriate error based on the value stored in advance in the ROM 502 and the temperature near the CPU 500 detected by the thermistor 28. However, if the temperature in the vicinity of the CPU 500 detected by the thermistor 28 is outside the preset temperature range, the CPU 500 ignores the temperature in the vicinity of the CPU 500 detected by the thermistor 28, and uses only the value stored in the ROM 502 in advance. Based on this, an appropriate error is calculated. Examples of the “set temperature range” include a range from 263K to 353K.

  The operation of the washing machine 30 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described. In the case of the present embodiment, the frequency of the power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 6 is 50 Hz.

[If there is no error in the error]
Immediately after the operation is started, the CPU 500 outputs the clock output from the oscillation circuit 508 during the time until the AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal after the AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal. Count the number of signals. When the frequency of the power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 6 is 50 Hz, the time for the AC circuit 40 to generate one AC clock signal is 0.02 seconds. The reference period is 0.02 seconds, that is, 20 milliseconds. When the frequency of the clock signal output from the oscillation circuit 508 is 4 MHz, a time of 2 microseconds can be obtained by dividing the clock signal. With this and the above-described reference period, the value of the reference count is “10000”. When the number of clock signals is counted, CPU 500 calculates a difference between the number and the reference count number “10000” as an error (step S100).

  When the error is calculated, the CPU 500 determines whether or not the error is included in a range from “−300” to “300” (step S102). If the frequency of the clock signal output from the oscillation circuit 508 is equal to the center value, the number counted by the processing in step S100 is “10000” as shown in the following equation. In this case, the upper limit value of the number of clock signals counted by the CPU 500 is about 10300. The lower limit is about 9700. These values indicate that the allowable value of the error of the clock signal is within ± 3% from the center value. In this case, the center value is 4 MHz ± 0.0%.

0.02 seconds / 2 microseconds = 0.02 seconds / 0.000002 seconds = 10000
In this case, if the error is included in the range from “−300” to “300” (YES in step S102), CPU 500 calculates the interval time (step S104). When the interval time is calculated, CPU 500 corrects the interval time calculated in step S104 by performing an operation using the error calculated in step S100. When the correction is performed, the CPU 500 determines the amount of clothing based on the corrected interval time (step S106).

  The procedure for determining the amount or weight of clothing is as follows. First, the second drive circuit 34 reverses the motor 7 left and right after starting operation and before putting water into the water tank 2. When the motor 7 is reversed left and right, the CPU 500 calculates the above-described interval time. When the interval is calculated, the CPU 500 calculates the amount of clothing by multiplying the interval by a coefficient. The more clothing, the smaller the interval time. The less the clothing, the greater the interval time.

  When the amount of clothing is determined, the first drive circuit 32 opens the water supply valve 18. Thereby, the inside of the water tank 2 is filled with water (step S108). When the water supply valve 18 is opened, the water level sensor 17 outputs a signal to the microcomputer 42. CPU500 calculates the frequency of the signal which water level sensor 17 outputs within 100 milliseconds (Step S110).

  In the case of the present embodiment, the CPU 500 counts the number of signals input to the CPU 500 at a preset time, and divides the number by “0.1” seconds so that the water level sensor 17 is 100 milliseconds. The frequency of the signal output in between is calculated. The “preset time” is a time set based on the generation interval of the clock signal. In the present embodiment, a specific value of “preset time” is 100 milliseconds. Thus, if the number of signals input to the CPU 500 is “2500”, the frequency of the signal output by the water level sensor 17 during 100 milliseconds is 25 kHz.

  When the frequency of the signal output by the water level sensor 17 for 100 milliseconds is calculated, the CPU 500 corrects the number based on the error calculated in step S100. This is because when the number includes an error, the water level of the water tank 2 is not correctly detected. For example, when the error of the clock signal is shifted by −3% with respect to the center value, the frequency of the signal output by the water level sensor 17 during 100 milliseconds is about 2575 Hz. The error calculated in step S100 is “about −300”. Thereby, the CPU 500 can calculate the corrected frequency by the following equation.

Frequency after correction = frequency before correction / (1−error / 10000)
The “error” in this equation means the error of the clock signal calculated in step S100. When the error of the clock signal is shifted by -3% with respect to the center value, the corrected frequency is 2500 Hz.

  When the frequency is corrected, the CPU 500 calculates the water level of the water tank 2 based on the corrected frequency (step S112). The water level of the water tank 2 is proportional to the frequency of the water level signal output from the water level sensor 17. Thereby, CPU500 can calculate the water level of the water tank 2 by the method of multiplying the frequency after correction | amendment by the coefficient specified beforehand by experiment and other methods.

  When the water level of the water tank 2 is calculated, the CPU 500 determines whether or not the water level of the water tank 2 calculated by the CPU 500 is the water level set by the user or the amount of clothes (step S114). Since the water level immediately after the water supply is started is not such a water level (NO in step S114), the processing from step S110 to step S114 is repeated. Thereafter, when the water level in water tank 2 reaches the water level set by the user or the water level set based on the amount of clothing (YES in step S114), CPU 500 proceeds to the next process for washing (step S116). ).

[If there is an error in the error]
When the error is calculated through the process of step S100, the CPU 500 determines whether or not the error is included in the range from “−300” to “300” (step S102). In this case, if the error is not included in the range from “−300” to “300” (NO in step S102), CPU 500 detects thermistor 28 from values stored in advance in ROM 502. A value corresponding to the temperature near the CPU 500 is selected as an error value. However, when the temperature in the vicinity of the CPU 500 detected by the thermistor 28 is outside the preset temperature range, the CPU 500 ignores the temperature in the vicinity of the CPU 500 detected by the thermistor 28, and uses only the value stored in the ROM 502 in advance. Based on this, an appropriate error is calculated (step S118). In this case, the CPU 500 does not accept an input for setting the highest water level among the inputs to the user interface unit 20. This is to prevent water from overflowing from the water tank 2.

  When the error is calculated, through the process of step S104, the CPU 500 determines the amount of clothing based on the corrected interval time (step S106). In this case, the amount of clothing is determined to be the amount corresponding to the second or lower predetermined water level counted from the highest water level. This is to prevent water from overflowing from the water tank 2.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present embodiment can easily correct the clock signal for operation. Since the clock is easily corrected, there is no need to input a reference clock from the outside. Thereby, installation of production equipment can be controlled. A reduction in production efficiency due to inputting the reference clock is also prevented. Since a computer with a built-in clock oscillator can be used, the production cost is also reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can prevent an increase in cost spent on production facilities and a decrease in production efficiency and can suppress production costs.

  Further, the washing machine according to the present embodiment can easily correct the clock signal for operation based on the voltage range of the AC power. The voltage of the AC power is a convenient physical quantity for detecting the reference time. Since the physical quantity is convenient for detecting the reference time, there are not so many circuits required for generating the clock signal. As a result, a washing machine that can effectively suppress production costs can be provided.

  In addition, the washing machine according to the present embodiment performs control based on a value stored in advance or a detected temperature when the calculated error is not appropriate. If the detected temperature is not appropriate, the temperature detected by the thermistor is ignored and control is performed based on a value stored in advance. Thereby, it is possible to carry out washing even when an appropriate error cannot be calculated.

  Moreover, the washing machine concerning this Embodiment restrict | limits the water level of a water tank, when the calculated error is not appropriate. Thereby, it can prevent that water overflows from a water tank.

  In the first modification of the present embodiment, the CPU 500 may correct the error every time the clock signal is used, not only immediately after starting the operation. This is because in recent years, the temperature around the microcomputer may change during operation due to the drying function and the longer operation time.

  In the second modification of the present embodiment, the CPU 500 may sound the buzzer 15 or turn on the LED of the user interface unit 20 as the process of step S118. In this case, the I / O 510 operates to output information via the buzzer 15 or the LED. Thereby, when the calculated error is not appropriate, the washing machine can notify the user of that fact.

  In the third modification of the present embodiment, the microcomputer 42 may be a microcomputer mounted on an apparatus other than the washing machine. Examples of “an apparatus other than a washing machine” include an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, and a microwave oven.

  Further, in the fourth modification of the present embodiment, the CPU 500 performs the processing of step S100 by using the clock output from the oscillation circuit 508 during the time when the AC circuit 40 converts the AC clock signal by a half cycle. You may count. In this case, the CPU 500 counts the number of signals generated by the oscillation circuit 508 in a period of one half of the AC power voltage cycle.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The hardware configuration of the washing machine 30 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the program executed by microcomputer 42 executes the following control regarding water supply.

  In step S130, the CPU 500 generates the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit 508 during the time until the AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal after the AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal. Count the number. When the number is counted, CPU 500 causes RAM 504 to store data representing the number.

  In step S132, CPU 500 determines whether or not the number of clock signals counted by itself in step S130 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In step S132 of the present embodiment, the threshold value is “8900”. This value is “10000” when the frequency of the AC power supply supplied by the commercial AC power supply 6 is 50 Hz, and when the frequency of the AC power supply supplied by the commercial AC power supply 6 is 60 Hz, the reference count number is Based on becoming “8333”. If it is determined in step S130 that the number of clock signals counted by itself is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in step S132), the process proceeds to step S134. If not (NO in step S132), the process proceeds to step S136.

  In step S134, CPU 500 stores a value of “0” in an area in which the flag value is stored in the register incorporated therein. This indicates that the frequency of the AC power supply supplied by the commercial AC power supply 6 is 50 Hz. In step S136, CPU 500 stores a value of “1” in an area for storing a flag value in a register included in the CPU 500 itself. This represents that the frequency of the AC power supply supplied by the commercial AC power supply 6 is 60 Hz. By the processing from step S130 to step S134 or the processing from step S130 to step S136, the CPU 500 selects one of a plurality of values according to the number of signals counted by the CPU 500 in the reference period.

  In step S138, CPU 500 stores a value in an area representing the reference count number in RAM 504. The stored value corresponds to the flag value stored by the process of step S134 or step S136. When the value of the flag is “0”, the value stored in the area representing the reference count number is “10000”. When the value of the flag is “1”, the value stored in the area representing the reference count number is “8333”.

  In step S139, the CPU 500 and the like perform a process for driving the washing machine 30. This process corresponds to the process from step S100 to step S116 in the first embodiment.

  The operation of the washing machine 30 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

  The CPU 500 counts the number of clock signals generated by the oscillation circuit 508 after the AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal until the next AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal. When the number is counted, CPU 500 stores data representing the number in RAM 504 (step S130). When the data is stored, CPU 500 determines whether or not the number of clock signals counted by itself in step S130 is “8900” or more (step S132). In this case, if the number of clock signals is greater than or equal to “8900” (YES in step S132), CPU 500 stores a value “0” in an area for storing a flag value in a register built in itself (step S132). S134). When the value “0” is stored, CPU 500 stores the value “10000” in the area representing the reference count number in RAM 504 (step S138).

  When the value “10000” is stored in the area representing the reference count number, CPU 500 generates one AC clock signal after AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal, and then AC circuit 40 generates one AC clock signal. The number of clock signals output from the oscillation circuit 508 during the period of time is counted. When the number of clock signals is counted, CPU 500 calculates the difference between the number and the reference count as an error (step S100). As a result, the CPU 500 calculates an error value by subtracting the value of the reference count number selected by the CPU 500 itself from the number of clock signals counted by the CPU 500 itself.

  When the error is calculated, the CPU 500 determines whether or not the error is included in a range of ± 3% from the center value (step S102). If the clock signal output from the oscillation circuit 508 is equal to the center value, the number counted by the process in step S100 becomes equal to the reference count number stored in step S138.

  In this case, if the error is included in a range of ± 3% from the center value (YES in step S102), CPU 500 calculates an interval time (step S104). When the interval time is calculated, CPU 500 corrects the interval time calculated in step S104 by performing an operation using the error calculated in step S100. When the correction is performed, the CPU 500 determines the amount of clothing based on the corrected interval time (step S106). The procedure for determining the amount of clothing is the same as in the first embodiment.

  When the amount of clothing is determined, the CPU 500 causes the first drive circuit 32 to open the water supply valve 18. Thereby, the inside of the water tank 2 is filled with water (step S108). When the water supply valve 18 is opened, the water level sensor 17 outputs a signal to the microcomputer 42. The CPU 500 calculates the frequency of the water level signal output by the water level sensor 17 during 100 milliseconds (step S110).

  When the frequency of the water level signal output by the water level sensor 17 for 100 milliseconds is calculated, the CPU 500 corrects the frequency based on the error calculated in step S100. When the frequency is corrected, the CPU 500 calculates the water level of the water tank 2 based on the corrected frequency (step S112).

  CPU 500 corrects the frequency calculated in step S110 based on the error calculated in step S100. For this correction, the CPU 500 calculates a frequency correction value through a procedure from a first procedure to a third procedure described below. The first procedure is a procedure for subtracting the error from the reference count number stored in step S138. The second procedure is a procedure of dividing the reference count number stored in step S138 by the value calculated in the first procedure. The third procedure is a procedure for dividing the frequency calculated by the CPU 500 in step S110 by the value calculated in the second procedure. When the frequency is corrected, the CPU 500 calculates the water level of the aquarium 2 based on the corrected frequency.

  When the water level of the water tank 2 is calculated, the CPU 500 determines whether or not the water level of the water tank 2 calculated by itself is a set water level (step S114). Since the water level immediately after the water supply is started is not such a water level (NO in step S114), the processing from step S110 to step S114 is repeated. Thereafter, when the water level of water tank 2 reaches the set water level (YES in step S114), CPU 500 proceeds to the next process for washing (step S116).

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present embodiment can correct the water level and the amount of clothes according to the frequency of the AC power supplied by the commercial AC power. As a result, the accuracy of the corrected clock is improved as compared with the case where the correction according to the frequency of the AC power supply is not performed. Further, since the clock is easily corrected, there is no need to input a reference clock from the outside. Since it is not necessary to input a reference clock, installation of production equipment can be suppressed. A reduction in production efficiency due to inputting the reference clock is also prevented. Since a computer incorporating an oscillation circuit can be used, the production cost is also reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can increase the accuracy of the clock to some extent, prevent an increase in cost spent on the production facility and decrease in production efficiency, and can suppress the production cost.

  In the first modification of the present embodiment, the CPU 500 may repeatedly determine the frequency and set the reference count number not only immediately after starting the operation. The period for implementing them may be a constant period or irregular.

  In the second modification of the present embodiment, the microcomputer 42 may be a microcomputer mounted on an apparatus other than the washing machine. Examples of “an apparatus other than a washing machine” include an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, and a microwave oven.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The ROM 502 of the washing machine 30 according to the present embodiment stores a database representing the correction value of the microcomputer driving clock in addition to the data described in the description of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing this database. Referring to FIG. 9, the data constituting this database is associated with the temperature detected by the thermistor 28. In the case of the present embodiment, this database sets the correction value for the reference temperature of 298K to “1.00” and includes correction values every 5K. Other hardware configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the program executed by microcomputer 42 executes the following control regarding water supply. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the same step numbers are assigned to the processes shown in FIG. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In step S140, the thermistor 28 detects the temperature. The thermistor 28 outputs a signal representing the temperature to the microcomputer 42.

  In step S142, CPU 500 determines whether or not the temperature detected by thermistor 28 in step S140 is within a predetermined range. In step S142, “predetermined range” means “263K” to “353K”. If it is determined that it is included in the predetermined range (YES in step S142), the process proceeds to step S104. If not (NO in step S142), the process proceeds to step S158.

  In step S146, CPU 500 copies data corresponding to the temperature detected by the thermistor 28 in step S140, of the database stored in ROM 502, to RAM 504. As a result, the CPU 500 selects, as a coefficient, a value corresponding to the temperature detected by the thermistor 28 from among a plurality of values stored in the ROM 502 as a database. When the data is copied, CPU 500 divides the interval time calculated by itself in step S104 by the value represented by the data copied in RAM 504, that is, the coefficient. As a result, the CPU 500 calculates a correction value for the interval time calculated in step S104. When the interval time is corrected, the CPU 500 determines the amount of clothing based on the corrected interval time.

  In step S <b> 148, CPU 500 outputs a signal for opening water supply valve 18 to first drive circuit 32. The first drive circuit 32 opens the water supply valve 18. Thereby, the inside of the water tank 2 is filled with water.

  In step S152, CPU 500 multiplies the frequency calculated in step S110 by the value represented by the data copied in step S146. When the value is multiplied, the CPU 500 calculates the water level of the aquarium 2 based on the corrected frequency.

  In step S158, CPU 500 performs processing in a case where the temperature detected by thermistor 28 in step S140 is not included in the “predetermined range” in step S142. In the case of the present embodiment, the process is a process of sounding the buzzer 15 or displaying that an abnormality has occurred in the LED of the user interface unit 20. In this case, the I / O 510 of the microcomputer 42 operates to output information via the buzzer 15 or the LED of the user interface unit 20.

  The operation of the washing machine 30 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

  The thermistor 28 detects the temperature. In this case, it is assumed that the detected temperature is 313K. The thermistor 28 outputs a signal representing the temperature to the microcomputer 42 (step S140). When the signal is output, CPU 500 determines whether or not the temperature detected by thermistor 28 in step S140 is within a predetermined range (step S142). In this case, if it is determined that it is included in the predetermined range (YES in step S142), through the process of step S104, CPU 500 corrects the interval time calculated in step S104 (step S146). The data associated with 313K in the database stored in the ROM 502 indicates that the frequency is 2% higher than the frequency associated with the reference temperature. Based on this data, the CPU 500 divides the interval time calculated in step S104 by “1.02”. The value obtained as a result of the division represents the corrected interval time. When the interval time is corrected, the CPU 500 determines the amount of clothing based on the corrected interval time.

  When the amount of clothing is determined, the CPU 500 outputs a signal for opening the water supply valve 18 to the first drive circuit 32. The first drive circuit 32 opens the water supply valve 18 (step S148). Thereby, the inside of the water tank 2 is filled with water. When the water supply valve 18 is opened, the CPU 500 calculates the water level of the water tank 2 based on the corrected frequency (step S152).

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present embodiment corrects the frequency value according to the temperature. Since the value is corrected, there is no need to input a reference clock from the outside. Since it is not necessary to input a reference clock, installation of production equipment can be suppressed. A reduction in production efficiency due to inputting the reference clock is also prevented. Since a computer with a built-in clock oscillator can be used, the production cost is also reduced. In addition, the frequency can be corrected to correspond to the temperature change during use. As a result, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can prevent the occurrence of errors caused by the influence of temperature, can prevent an increase in cost spent on production facilities and a decrease in production efficiency, and can suppress production costs.

  Moreover, in the modification of this Embodiment, the microcomputer 42 may be a microcomputer mounted in apparatuses other than a washing machine. Examples of “an apparatus other than a washing machine” include an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, and a microwave oven.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is sectional drawing of the washing machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the washing machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the relationship between the voltage of the electric power which commercial AC power supply supplies, and the rectangular wave of the signal which the AC circuit produced | generated. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the microcomputer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the detail of the user interface part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the water supply process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the correspondence of two types of pulse signals which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the water supply process which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram showing the database preserve | saved at ROM which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the water supply process which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a general washing machine.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer box, 2 Water tank, 3 Anti-vibration mechanism, 4 Dehydration tank, 5 Stirring blade, 6 Commercial AC power supply, 7 Motor, 8 Reduction mechanism, 9 Motor pulley, 10 V belt, 11 Center pulley, 12 Clutch mechanism, 13 Drain valve, 14 drain hose, 15 buzzer, 16 lid, 17 water level sensor, 18 water supply valve, 19 top plate, 20 user interface unit, 21 operating device, 22 lid lock mechanism, 23, 64 input unit, 24 brake mechanism, 25 rotation sensor, 27 drain motor, 28 thermistor, 30 washing machine, 32 first drive circuit, 34 second drive circuit, 36 forming circuit, 38 reset circuit, 40 AC circuit, 42, 60 microcomputer, 62 ceramic oscillator, 66 EEPROM, 202 Drain port, 204 Power switch, 206 Start switch 208 courses switches, 210 manual switch, 500 CPU, 502 ROM, 504 RAM, 506 memory drive device, 508 oscillator, 510 I / O, 512 bus.

Claims (10)

Input / output means for inputting and outputting signals;
Generating means for generating a first signal at a constant frequency;
A signal output device including control means for controlling the input / output means,
The signal input to the input / output means includes a second signal whose frequency corresponds to the first physical quantity,
The control means includes
Based on the number of the first signals generated by the generating means, the time from when the second signal is input to the input / output means to the time when the second signal is input next, First calculating means for calculating as the interval time;
Determining means for determining a first value which is a value for correction based on the second physical quantity;
A second calculation means for calculating a correction value of the interval time by calculating the interval time using the first value;
Means for controlling the input / output means so as to output a signal representing information corresponding to the correction value. The signal input to the input / output means includes the second signal in addition to the third signal which is a signal representing a voltage range of AC power,
The first calculation means includes
A first count for counting the number of the first signals generated by the generating unit from the time when the second signal is input to the input / output unit to the time when the second signal is input next. Counting means,
A time calculating means for calculating the interval time based on the number of the first signals counted by the first counting means,
The determining means includes
By using the third signal as a trigger, the number of the first signals generated by the generating unit is counted in a reference period that is a period that is an integral multiple of one-half of the period of the voltage of the AC power. Second counting means for
Third calculating means for calculating the first value by subtracting a constant from the number of the first signals counted by the second counting means;
First storage means for storing the first value;
The second calculation means includes means for calculating the correction value using a value obtained by subtracting the first value from the constant and dividing the constant by the interval time. 2. The signal output device according to 1.   The signal input to the input / output means includes the second signal in addition to the third signal representing a voltage range of the AC power having a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Signal output device.   3. The signal output according to claim 2, wherein the control means further includes first selection means for selecting one of a plurality of values as the constant according to the number counted by the second counting means. apparatus. The signal output device is:
Detection means for detecting temperature;
A second storage means for storing a plurality of values in association with the temperature,
When the first value is outside the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, the control means detects the temperature detected by the detection means among a plurality of values stored by the second storage means. Further comprising second selection means for selecting a value corresponding to
When the first value is outside the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, the second calculation means is selected by the second selection means instead of the first value. The signal output device according to claim 2, further comprising means for calculating the correction value using a value. The second signal has a frequency corresponding to pressure,
The signal input to the input / output means further includes a signal representing information corresponding to the target value of the pressure,
The control means includes
When the first value is in the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, the pressure corresponding to the pressure closest to the target value is selected from among the plurality of second values corresponding to the pressure. Third selection means for selecting a value to be used as a third threshold that is a threshold of the interval time;
When the first value is outside the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, the target value is selected from among the values corresponding to the second or lower pressure among the plurality of second values. And a fourth selection means for selecting a value corresponding to the pressure closest to the value as the third threshold value,
The means for controlling the input / output means is for controlling the input / output means to output a signal indicating information corresponding to the correction value when the correction value reaches the third threshold value. The signal output device according to claim 2, comprising means. The signal output device further includes third storage means for storing data representing a correspondence relationship between weight and the second value,
In the second signal, the frequency corresponds to weight,
The control means includes
The second value corresponding to the weight closest to the weight represented by the second signal when the first value is in a range from a first threshold to a second threshold; Fifth selection means for selecting as a third threshold;
In the case where the first value is outside the range from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, the value corresponding to the second or less weight among the plurality of second values, And sixth selecting means for selecting, as the third threshold value, a value corresponding to the weight closest to the weight represented by the second signal,
The means for controlling the input / output means is for controlling the input / output means to output a signal representing information corresponding to the correction value when the correction value reaches the third threshold value. The signal output device according to claim 2, comprising means. The signal output device further includes detection means for detecting temperature,
The determining means includes
Means for storing a plurality of values in association with temperatures;
2. The signal output device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for selecting, as the first value, a value corresponding to the temperature detected by the detecting means among the plurality of values.   9. The signal output device according to claim 8, wherein the control means further includes means for controlling the input / output means so as to output a signal when the temperature detected by the detection means satisfies a requirement.   A washing machine comprising the signal output device according to claim 1.

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