JPH0292799A - Voice alarm output switching device for outboard engine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve responsibility in case of outputting by a voice an abnormal condition, when cooling water abnormality or the like is detected in operation of an FM radio or the like, by actuating a voice output switching means so as to connect a speaker to be switched temporarily from a sound reproducing means side to a voice output circuit side in the time of abnormality. CONSTITUTION:An outboard engine has an engine drive control circuit 50. Here a sensor switch part 100 provided with two or more sensors detecting cooling water abnormality or the like, voice output circuit 200 deciding whether or not abnormality is present and the necessity or the like of an alarm and synthetically outputting a voice being based on an output signal of the sensor switch part 100 and a speaker 300 converting an output from this voice output circuit 200 into a voice are provided. While an FM radio 1, serving as the sound reproducing means concurrently using the speaker 300, is concurrently provided for the sound output circuit 200, and a voice output switching means 2 is provided interposing between the voice output circuit 200 and the FM radio 1. The switching means 2 is constituted so as to temporarily switch the speaker 300 from a side of the radio 1 to a side of the voice output circuit 200 in accordance with an action signal output from the voice output circuit 200.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an audio alarm output switching device for an outboard motor.
In particular, the present invention relates to an audio alarm output switching device for an outboard motor that outputs audible notification of abnormality when a cooling water abnormality is detected during operation of a radio or the like.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, many audio alarm output switching devices for automobiles have been researched and developed, and a relatively large number have been put into practical use, but no one for outboard motors has been found.

An example of an audio alarm output switching device for automobiles is the invention described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-55240. This invention is a radio installed inside a car.

This system automatically operates the stereo, radio, etc. using the driver's voice rather than manually, and also confirms the driver's instructions using synthesized voice.If an abnormality occurs in any part of the car, the system automatically uses the voice of the driver to confirm the instructions. It is also equipped with an audible warning system, and in the event of an abnormal condition, an audible warning will be output prior to the computer calculations that automatically operate each device in the car.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the conventional invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 57-55240, switching between the audio warning output and, for example, radio output is operated by the microcomputer itself (i.e.,
Because this is done using microcomputer software, the overall configuration is complicated and expensive, as it is necessary to install a controller between the microcomputer and the radio.

Further, since the switching is performed by software, there is a disadvantage that the response is not very good.

[Purpose of the invention]

The present invention improves the disadvantages of the conventional example, and particularly provides an audio alarm for outboard motors that has a simple configuration, can be provided at low cost, and has good responsiveness when switching from the output of a radio or the like to the audio warning output. An object of the present invention is to provide an output switching device.

[Means to solve the problem]

In the present invention, a plurality of sensors detecting cooling water abnormality, etc.
An audio output circuit is provided that receives the output signals from the plurality of sensors and outputs the abnormal state in the form of audio. The audio output circuit is provided with a sound reproduction means such as a radio that also uses a speaker for audio output of the audio output circuit, and an operating signal is output from the audio output circuit while the audio output circuit is outputting audio. A configuration is adopted in which an audio output switching means is interposed between the audio output circuit and the audio reproducing means to temporarily switch and connect the speaker from the audio reproducing means side to the audio output circuit side depending on the situation. This aims to achieve the above-mentioned purpose.

[Embodiments of the invention]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

In this embodiment, an engine drive control circuit 50 shown in FIG.
, a sensor switch unit 100 equipped with a plurality of sensors for detecting cooling water abnormalities, etc., and a sensor switch unit 100 that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality, the necessity of an alarm, etc. based on the signals from each sensor, or performs a predetermined alarm. An audio output circuit 200 that determines the priorities of input signals according to priorities determined by a program and synthesizes and outputs audio, and a speaker 300 that converts the output from this audio output circuit 200 into audio.
, a first FM radio as a sound reproduction means shown in FIG.
and audio output switching means 2 interposed between. The audio output circuit 200 also includes an audio output circuit 200.
An audio level variable setting circuit 290 is provided which automatically increases the output level of the engine in stages as the engine speed increases.

Between the audio output circuit 200 and the speaker 300, a contact portion 10a of a relay RY, 10 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the speaker 300 is set to be connected to the audio output circuit 200 side.

Next, the configuration and operation of the audio output circuit 200 will be explained.

This audio output circuit 200 has an interface (1/F
)220. It is composed of a central processing unit (CPU) 230, a speech synthesis processing circuit 240, an amplifier (AMP) 250, and the like. Reference numeral 110 indicates a power supply circuit.

In the power supply circuit 110, battery power is input, and the CPU 2
I/F220. CPU 230° speech synthesis processing circuit 24
Output to 0 etc. The 1/F 220 converts signals input from each sensor, each switch, etc. into a signal that can be accepted by the CPU 230, and outputs the signal to the CPU 230 at the next stage.

Based on the signal from the I/F 220, the CPU 230 determines whether the signal is abnormal or normal, calculates the priority order, etc. according to a predetermined program, and specifies the I/F 220.
/F220 and the speech synthesis processing circuit 240. The speech synthesis processing circuit 240 inputs basic words of the speech signal in advance (INP) based on the signal from the I/F 220.
UT) from a memory (not shown) to form the required audio signal and pass it to the next filter 260 and the AMP
250.

The speech synthesis processing circuit 240 is connected to a filter 260 via resistors 205, 206 and a capacitor 211, and the output of the filter 260 is connected to the AMP 250 via a capacitor 213 and a resistor 210. The output side of the AMP 250 is connected to the speaker 300 via the capacitor 214 and the variable resistor 219, and the output side of the AMP 250 is connected to the speaker 300 through the capacitor 214 and the variable resistor 219.
250. Capacitor 211, 212, 2
13°214.215.216 are provided for the purpose of noise and DC component absorption and improvement of the S/N ratio. here,
Abnormal conditions and their detection in the engine system, cooling water system, etc. of an outboard motor will be explained. It is dangerous if the engine operates when the gear is not in neutral (forward or reverse), so set neutral switch 1 so that the starter motor will not operate unless the gear is in neutral.
31 are provided. Therefore, when the position is other than neutral, the ignition switch 128 should be set to "start" (ST).
Even if it is set to ART) J, the neutral switch 131 is set to OFF (OFF) and the starter motor relay R is
Since no current flows through Y and 132 and the circuit is not connected,
The starter motor is not activated. However, drivers often do not notice this and are confused.

In this embodiment, both ends of the neutral switch 131 are connected to the I/F 220 of the audio output circuit 200, which will be described later, and the start terminal of the ignition switch 128 is connected to the I/F 220.

Therefore, the audio output circuit 200 detects the potential difference between both ends of the neutral switch 131, and if there is a potential difference, the CPU 230 detects that the ignition switch 128 is
It is determined that the gear is in a position other than neutral at ``Start'', and a voice instructing the user to ``return the shift lever to neutral'' is finally output from the speaker 300.

On the other hand, an emergency engine switch (E/5W) 134 is installed to immediately stop the boat if the driver falls overboard for some reason while sailing. This E/S
The structure of the WI 34 is that a cap with a rope is attached to the switch body, and this cap pushes the shaft of the switch to "turn off" the contacts. Also, when the cap comes off, the shaft returns and turns the contact ON.If the driver ties the rope attached to this cap to his body while driving and falls into water, the cap will naturally come off from the switch body. On the other hand, this switch is connected in parallel with the stop circuit (not shown) of the ignition switch 128, so when the cap is removed, the stop circuit is activated and the engine is stopped.

Furthermore, although the E/SWI 34 cap is attached, the stop circuit may be short-circuited midway.

In this embodiment, the magneto capacitor charging coil 133
The stop circuit of the ignition switch 128 and the emergency switch 134 are connected to the positive side of the ignition switch 128 via the diode 101, and this connection and the audio output circuit 2
00 I/F 220 is connected. On the other hand, a rectifier 130 is connected to both ends of the battery charging coil 1290 of the magneto.
6 is now being charged. One side of the connection between the rectifier 130 and the battery charging coil 129 is connected to the I/F 220 of the audio output circuit 200.

Therefore, when the ignition switch 128 is turned to start, the starter motor operates and the rotor of the magneto rotates, so an output is generated in the battery charging coil 129, and the engine rotation signal 135 is sent to the I/F of the audio output circuit 200.
220, and the CPU 230 determines that the engine is rotating.

At this time, if the cap of E/SWI 34 is removed or the middle of the stop circuit is grounded, there will be no spark and the output of this part of I/F 220 will be "low (L)".
)” level, and the CPU 230 determines that it is in an abnormal state.
Outputs a "stop circuit abnormality" sound. Also E/SWI
If the cap No. 34 is properly installed and the stop circuit in the middle is also normal, the output of this part of I/F 220 will be "high (H)" level and CPL 1230
is determined to be normal and nothing is output.

The oil level switch 136 is activated when engine oil is supplied into the oil tank and the oil level drops below a certain level.
This is set to "on" to notify the driver that it is time to refuel.

One side of this oil level switch 136 is connected to the I/F 220 of the audio output circuit 200, and when the oil level switch 136 is turned on, the output level of this part of the I/F 220 changes from "H" to "L". ” and the CPU
230 determines that the oil level has reached the warning level,
Outputs a sound indicating that the oil level is at the warning level. When the driver refills the oil, the oil level switch 1
36 is "off" and the output level of 1/F220 is "H"
The audio output will then stop.

The water sensor 137 is attached to the engine's cylinder head, etc., and detects whether the cooling water has started circulating inside the jacket normally after the engine has started, or detects an abnormality if the cooling water is cut off due to some abnormality during cruising. In this embodiment, the water sensor 137 is turned on when an abnormality occurs. One side of this sensor 137 is also connected to the I/F 220 of the audio output circuit 200, and when the water sensor 137 is turned on, the output level of the I/F 220 changes from rl (J to L), and the CPU 230 detects a cooling water abnormality. It makes a judgment and outputs the sound "Cooling water abnormality j. If the abnormal state is canceled and the water sensor 137 is turned off, the sound output will naturally stop.

Apart from warning about the oil level in the oil tank, if the oil filter gets clogged during the flow of oil from the oil tank to the engine, the oil will stop flowing and the engine will seize up, but the oil flow sensor 139 detects whether the oil flow is correct or not. Detect with. When the oil flow becomes abnormal, the oil flow sensor 139 is turned on. One side of the oil flow sensor 139 is connected to the audio output circuit 200.
Oil flow sensor 1 is connected to I/F220 of
39 is turned on, I/F2 of the audio output circuit 200
The output level of 20 becomes "L" from rH, and the CPU 23
0, it is determined that the oil flow is abnormal, and a sound saying "Oil flow abnormality" is output.

Of course, this state is released and the oil flow sensor 139
If it is turned off, audio output will stop.

Generally speaking, if the engine speed becomes higher than necessary, the engine will be damaged or its durability will deteriorate, so if the engine speed exceeds a preset predetermined speed (overspeed prevention setting speed), the engine drive control circuit 50 It has a function (rev limiter) that cuts the ignition spark. In addition, the ignition will also occur if the rotation speed exceeds a preset rotation speed (abnormality setting rotation speed), such as when cooling water stops circulating inside the cylinder jacket or when the oil level reaches a warning level. It cuts the spark and lowers the engine speed to the set speed.

Output signal line 138 from this rev limiter (not shown)
is connected to the I/F 220 of the audio output circuit 200. When the rev limit signal is input from the output signal line 138 to the I/F 220, the CPU 230 determines that the rev limiter is operating, and finally the speaker 300 outputs a voice saying "rotation speed down instruction".

Next, the volume switching operation of the audio output circuit 200 will be explained.

Here, the series circuit of one diode 302 and resistor 207 and the other series circuit of diode 303 and resistor 208 form a set of audio level variable setting circuit 290, with the negative end connected to a resistor 209;
I/F2 with the other end divided into A part and 1B part.
20. Each of these points A and B is determined by the CPU 230 described above if the potentials thereof are both "high level" or "low level", or if B is "low level" and A is "low level".
is controlled when it is at a "high level".

The audio output signal from the audio synthesis processing circuit 240 is connected to the resistor 20.
5. Filter 260 through 206 and capacitor 211
input and high frequency components are cut.

The sound then passes through the capacitor 213, is amplified by the AMP 250, passes through the variable resistor 219, and is output from the speaker 300.

At this time, when the engine speed is below R1 shown in Fig. 3,
A in FIG. 2 of the I/F 220 under the control of the CPU 230,
Since both parts B are at low level (L)J, a part of the audio output from the audio synthesis processing circuit 240, that is, a current determined by the combined resistance value of the resistors 207 and 208 passes through the resistors 205 and 209. It flows into the A and B sections of the I/F 220. In this way, the output from the speech synthesis processing circuit 240 is considerably reduced and flows to the circuit after the filter 260. Then, by adjusting the variable resistor 219, the output from the AMP2
The volume amplified by 50 and finally output from the speaker 300 is X+9 in Figure 3! The area will change from a solid line to a dotted line.

Open the throttle and increase the engine speed to exceed the speed R+ (1000-1500 RPM) shown in Figure 3.
The A section of the I/F 220 becomes "H" level, and part of the audio output from the speech synthesis processing circuit 240 flows into the B section of the I/F 220 as a current determined by the value of the resistor 208. This resistor 20B is the A section.

Since it is naturally larger than the combined resistance of the resistors 207 and 208 when the B section is "L", the current is smaller than at this time. Therefore, the current flowing after the filter 260 increases, and the volume finally output from the speaker 300 increases as the rotation speed R,
It will be larger than when: This results in the volume of the range indicated by the solid line and dotted line in the range of X2 in FIG. If the initial adjusted volume is below R+, it will be the value shown in the solid line in the range of X2, and if it is the value shown in the dotted line, it will be the value shown in the dotted line.

Furthermore, when the throttle is opened and the engine speed is increased to exceed the rotation speed Rz (2500 to 3000 RPM) shown in FIG. Audio output is all <A
, without inputting it to part B, and outputting it as it is to the filter 260.
Since the sound is inputted thereafter, the audio output from the speaker 300 will eventually increase in volume even more than the volume in the range of X2 in FIG. This is the range of X, which is similarly indicated by the solid line and the dotted line.

In this case, the volume is increased stepwise in accordance with the initial setting value, so that even in the final range of X3, there is a difference in volume depending on the initial setting value.

In addition, the difference between the large and small volume can be determined by appropriately selecting the resistance value of the variable resistor (also, the volume increase amount of X+Xi, Xi can be determined by appropriately selecting the value of resistors 207 and 208. All you have to do is decide.Also, you don't have to increase it to the same level as X, ,

Next, the F as shown in FIG.
The configuration of the first M radio and the audio output switching means 2 interposed between the two will be explained.

Among these, the FM radio No. 1 includes a reception antenna 3, an FM tuner unit 4 that tunes the radio waves received by the antenna 3 and converts the radio signal into an audio signal, and an FM radio.
It is comprised of a power amplifier 5 and the like that amplify the audio signal from the tuner unit 4. FM tuner unit 4
The input side of the FM tuner unit 4 is connected to the radio power switch 8, and a tuning variable resistor 6 is provided on the input side of the FM tuner unit 4. are connected. On the other hand, an FM volume adjustment variable resistor 7 is provided on the output side of the FM chainer unit 4, and a movable contact portion of the FM volume adjustment variable resistor 7 and the power amplifier 5 are connected to a capacitor 12. It is connected via a resistor 22. One end of the tuning variable resistor 6 is connected to a radio power switch 8.

The other end is grounded via a resistor 21. Further, a capacitor 11 is connected in parallel to the tuning variable resistor 6. Power switch 8 connects fuse 1 to battery 126.
It is connected to an ignition switch 128 connected via 27. Capacitors 11, 12, 13, 14.
15 and 16 are provided for the purpose of noise absorption and improvement of the S/N ratio.

The audio output switching means 2 connects the positive side 270a of the audio output signal line from the AMP 250 of the audio output circuit 200 described above.
capacitor 31. A transistor 9 whose emitter side is connected via a diode 41, and one end connected to the AM
A relay RY, 1 is connected to the positive side 270a of the audio output signal line from P 250 via a diode 46, and the other end is connected to the negative side 270b of the audio output signal line.
It is composed of 0, etc.

To explain this in more detail, the collector side of the transistor 9 is connected to the ignition switch 128.

On the base side, a busy signal is output from the I/F 220 of the audio output circuit 200 as an operation signal when the audio output circuit 200 is outputting audio.
It is connected to the signal line 280. Further, the positive side 270a of the audio output signal line from the AMP 250 connected to the emitter side of the transistor 9 is connected to the capacitor 31.
32. and relay RY+10 via variable resistor 219
The negative side 270b of the audio output signal line is also connected to the normally open contact of the relay RY,10. The capacitors 31 and 32 are for absorbing the DC component and passing only the AC component to the speaker 300.

A diode 42 and a capacitor 43 are connected in parallel to both ends of the relay RY, 10 (coil portion). Of these, the capacitor 43 is for absorbing the surge output that occurs the moment current flows into the coils of relays RY and 10, and the diode 42 absorbs the back electromotive force that occurs the moment the current is cut off. It has the role of protecting the transistor 9 and the like.

On the other hand, the normally closed side of the contact part 10a of relay RY+10 is F
The power amplifier output terminal of M Radio 1 is connected.

Next, the overall operation of the above embodiment will be explained.

When the FM radio power switch 8 is turned on with the ignition switch 128 in the on state, relay RY+1
0 contact part 10a is always connected to the power amplifier 5 of the FM radio.
Since the speaker 300 is connected to the speaker 300, the audio of the FM radio 1 is output from the speaker 300.

Next, while the engine is running and the FM radio is operating, some abnormality occurs on the engine side and a warning audio signal is sent to the audio output circuit 200.
When output from the I/F 220 of the audio output circuit 200
A busy signal indicating that the audio output circuit 200 is outputting audio is input to the base of the transistor 9. As a result, the current flows from the base of transistor 9 to the emitter diode 41 of transistor 9 → diode 4
6→Relay RY, flows with the coil resistance of 10, transistor 9 is turned on, therefore, battery 12
The current from 6 flows through transistor 9 -> diode 41 -> diode 46 -> relay RY110's coil anti-ground, and by the action (attractive force) of relay RY and 10, it was connected to the power amplifier side of FM radio 1 until then. The contact is switched and connected to the audio output circuit side.

That is, the speaker 300 is temporarily switched and connected from the FM radio first side to the audio output circuit 200 side, and the FM radio 1
The audio output is cut off and a warning audio is output from the audio output circuit 200.

When the output of the warning voice ends, the output of the busy signal from the interface I/F 220 also stops.
Current no longer flows to the base of transistor 9. Therefore, transistor 9 is in the "off" state and relay RY,
The coil 10 also loses its attractive force, and the contacts of relay RY+10 return to their original positions. Therefore, - FM was temporarily blocked.
The radio audio will be output again.

In this embodiment, since the audio output switching means 2 can be made compact as a whole, it can actually be easily housed within a speaker.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, the FM radio 1
When a warning sound is output from the sound output circuit 200 during operation, the speaker 300 is connected from the first side of the FM radio to the side of the sound output circuit 200 using the bus y signal output from the sound output circuit 200 as a signal source. Since the relay is temporarily switched and connected, all processing can be done within the speaker case, and since the relay is operated by battery power using a very simple circuit, malfunctions caused by noise etc. are effectively prevented. It has the advantage of being simple and inexpensive. In addition, as the engine speed increases, the level of the output signal from the audio output circuit 200 is automatically raised in stages, and the output of the FM radio 1 is cut off when the warning audio is output, so the driver can hear the signal even when driving at high speed. The advantage is that the warning sound can be easily detected, and there is no need to perform operations such as lowering the volume of the radio.

In the above embodiment, six types of abnormality detection have been described, but if there are other detection items, they may be added arbitrarily.

In addition, it was explained that the oil level switch, water sensor, and oil flow sensor are always "off" and "on" when an abnormality occurs, and each output section of the I/F 220 of the audio output circuit outputs audio at "H-+L". ,This is not limited to this method, and conversely, the sensor is always "on", when an abnormality occurs, it is "off", and each output part of the I/F 220 of the audio output circuit is made to output the volume at "L-+H". There is no problem.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the present invention is configured and functions as described above, according to this, the speaker is temporarily switched and connected from the sound reproduction means side to the audio output circuit side in the event of an abnormality by the action of the audio output switching means. This audio output switching means can be composed of a transistor and a relay, for example, as in the above embodiment, and in this case, there is no need to provide any switching circuit on the audio circuit side, and it is small and can be installed inside the speaker. can be easily incorporated into. Therefore, it can be supplied at a relatively low cost and has improved responsiveness compared to switching using microcomputer software. Since the output is switched, it is possible to provide an unprecedented and excellent audio alarm output switching device for an outboard motor, which can almost completely prevent malfunctions caused by noise or the like.

Incidentally, in the above embodiment, the case where an FM radio is used is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to use an audio reproduction means such as an AM radio, an AM-FM two-band radio, or a stereo. You can also do it.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main parts of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing other parts of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing gradual changes in the audio output level of the audio output circuit. 1...FM radio as a means of sound reproduction, 2.
...Audio output switching means, 135...Engine rotation signal L136...Oil level switch, 137...Water sensor, 139...
...Oil flow sensor, 200...Audio output circuit, 300...Speaker.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A plurality of sensors for detecting a cooling water abnormality, etc., and an audio output circuit that receives output signals from the plurality of sensors and outputs the abnormal state as audio, are provided, and the audio output circuit is configured to A sound reproducing means such as a radio is installed in conjunction with a speaker for sound output of the sound output circuit, and the speaker is set to play the sound according to an operation signal output from the sound output circuit while the sound output circuit is outputting sound. An audio alarm output switching device for an outboard motor, characterized in that audio output switching means for temporarily switching connection from the reproduction means side to the audio output circuit side is interposed between the audio output circuit and the sound reproduction means. .