JP2009236342A - Centralized control device for showcase - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a centralized control device capable of controlling a proper operating condition of a group of showcases used in a connected state. <P>SOLUTION: This centralized control device includes a centralized management controller 2, and terminal-side control devices 3 respectively disposed on each of the showcases S and provided with discrimination information, and the centralized management controller and the terminal-side control devices transmit and receive discrimination information and data relating to operating conditions of the showcase, thus the showcases are controlled centrally, and the terminal-side control devices of the showcases used in a connected state, are registered as a group with an layout state of the showcases, so that the showcases in the registered group are controlled in relation to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a showcase centralized management apparatus for centrally managing the operating states of a plurality of showcases collectively.

  Stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores have multiple showcases, refrigerators, refrigerators, etc., but each showcase has been individually controlled by a control device consisting of a temperature controller and a defrosting timer. The current situation is that it is controlled. Therefore, various setting operations relating to the temperature of the showcase and the like and the defrost control must be performed here at the place where the showcase and the like are installed. Therefore, when changing the setting according to the season or weather, the work becomes extremely complicated.

  In addition, in order to grasp the operating conditions such as various set values and the temperature of the showcase, it is not only necessary to go to the place where the showcase is installed and examine it individually, but also to easily grasp the data related to the operating condition of the showcase. There was a problem that could not be done.

Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of (for example, 50) terminal-side control devices of showcases are sequentially connected to a centralized management device installed in a management office of a store by a signal line. By performing data communication with the terminal-side control device, various settings for data related to operation control of each showcase are performed by the centralized management device, and each showcase is controlled from the centralized management device based on the data. A system is shown in which a control signal is transmitted to the apparatus and data relating to the operating state of each showcase is collected in a central management apparatus and managed collectively. According to such a system, operation control of a plurality of showcases and the like can be performed collectively, so that setting and management operations are significantly simplified.
JP 2002-303478 A

  Even when connected to form a group, refrigerant piping work for attaching a solenoid valve to each showcase has been performed at the installation site.

  Therefore, it has been desired to develop a centralized management system such as a showcase that can simplify the installation work for a plurality of showcases constituting one continuous display room.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional technical problems, and enables appropriate management of the operating state by using each showcase connected as a group as a showcase. To provide a centralized management device capable of simplifying installation work.

  The central control device for a showcase of the present invention collectively manages the operating states of a plurality of showcases, and the central control device is provided in each of the host control device and each showcase, and is individually specified. The host-side control device to which the identification information is assigned, and the host control device transmits the identification information and data relating to the operating conditions of the showcase to the terminal-side control device, from the terminal-side control device. By receiving identification information and data on the operating state of the showcase, each showcase is centrally supervised, and has means for registering the terminal-side control devices of the showcase used in connection with each other. It is characterized by controlling the group as a showcase.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the host control device has means for selecting a terminal side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal side control device is The cooling control of all the showcases in the group based on the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor of the showcase provided with the terminal-side control device and the data on the operating conditions of the showcase transmitted from the host control device It is characterized by performing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the host control device has means for selecting a terminal side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal side control device is Execute cooling control for all showcases in the group based on the average value of the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor of each showcase in the group and data on the showcase operating conditions sent from the host controller It is characterized by doing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the host control device has means for selecting a terminal-side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal-side control device is Of the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor of each showcase in the group, the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor detecting a temperature that is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value and the temperature of the showcase transmitted from the host controller. It is characterized in that the cooling control of all the showcases in the group is executed based on the data relating to the operating conditions.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the host control device has means for selecting a terminal side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal side control device is When any of the inside temperature detected by the temperature sensor of each showcase in the group reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature, cooling of all the showcases in the group is started, and each showcase in the group is started. When all of the interior temperatures detected by the temperature sensors reach a predetermined lower limit temperature, cooling of all the showcases in the group is stopped.

  According to the present invention, in a centralized management device for a showcase that collectively manages the operating states of a plurality of showcases, the centralized management device is provided in each of the upper control device and each showcase, and each has a predetermined identification. The host-side control device to which the information is assigned, and the host control device transmits the identification information and data regarding the operating conditions of the showcase to the terminal-side control device, and the terminal-side control device receives the identification information. In addition to centrally supervising each showcase by receiving data relating to the operating state of the showcase, and having means for grouping and registering the terminal-side control devices of the showcase to be used in conjunction with each other, registered Since the group is controlled as a single showcase, for example, as in the second aspect of the invention, the higher-level control device can control any of the registered groups. Means for selecting the terminal-side control device of the showcase, and the terminal-side control device is transmitted from the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor of the showcase provided with the terminal-side control device and the host control device. It is possible to execute the cooling control for all the showcases in the group based on the data regarding the operating conditions of the showcases.

  Thereby, the cooling control of all the showcases in the group can be performed by detecting the internal temperature by the single temperature sensor, the number of mounting sensors can be reduced, and the setting and management work can be greatly simplified.

  In particular, in this case, the operation of all showcases in the group can be controlled by a single solenoid valve. Therefore, the work can be simplified at the installation site as compared with the case where the solenoid valve is attached to each showcase. Further, the control can be simplified as compared with the case where the operation of each showcase is controlled using a plurality of solenoid valves.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the host control device includes means for selecting a terminal-side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the selected terminal-side control device is a group Because the cooling control of all showcases in the group is executed based on the average value of the inside temperature detected by the temperature sensor of each showcase and the data on the operating conditions of the showcase transmitted from the host controller. It becomes possible to control the temperature of each showcase constituting the group in a balanced manner.

  Further, as in the invention of claim 4, the host control device has means for selecting a terminal-side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal-side control device Of the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor of the showcase, the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor detecting a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value, and the data on the operating conditions of the showcase transmitted from the host controller Therefore, the cooling control of all the showcases in the group is executed, so that all the shows in the group are based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor provided in the showcases that are prone to cooling failure. It becomes possible to perform cooling control of the case.

  As a result, it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that a cooling failure occurs in the entire group.

  Further, as in the invention of claim 5, the host control device has means for selecting a terminal side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal side control device When any of the inside temperature detected by the temperature sensor of the showcase reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature, cooling of all the showcases in the group is started, and the temperature sensor of each showcase in the group detects When all of the internal temperature reaches the predetermined lower limit temperature, the cooling of all the showcases in the group is stopped, so each time based on the detection of the temperature sensor provided at the location where the cooling tendency tends to be insufficient It becomes possible to control the cooling of all the showcases in the group.

  As a result, it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that a cooling failure occurs in the entire group.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in Example 1 and Example 2 with reference to the drawings.

  First, a centralized management system 1 for a showcase as Example 1 will be described with reference to the configuration diagram of FIG. A centralized management system 1 according to the present invention includes a centralized management controller 2 as a higher-level control device that is a control master machine composed of a microcomputer, and a plurality of showcases S ( A prefabricated refrigerator P, a control slave connected to the central control controller 2 by signal lines 14, 15, 16 and the like, respectively provided in a refrigerator R and a switchboard E for supplying refrigerant to them It is constructed from a plurality of terminal side control devices 3.

  The central management controller 2 is provided in, for example, an office of a store. As shown in FIG. 2, the microcomputer 4 as the upper control means, the ROM 6, the RAM 7, the EEPROM 8 connected to the microcomputer 4, and the upper transmission / reception means. Transmission / reception means 9, 10, 11, output control means 12 and input control means 13. The transmission / reception means 9, 10, 11 are constituted by a serial interface, the signal line 14 is connected to the transmission / reception means 9, the signal line 15 is connected to the transmission / reception means 10, and the signal line is connected to the transmission / reception means 11. 16 is connected.

  The ROM 6 stores a communication protocol and a control program of the centralized management controller 2 itself, and the RAM 7 stores various data sent from each terminal-side control device 3 and various operation control data sent to each terminal-side control device 3, The control data of the centralized management controller 2 itself is stored, and the EEPROM 8 stores data on various settings and installation states of each showcase S, prefabricated refrigerator P, refrigerator R, etc., and is retained even when the power is turned off. The A display unit (display) 17 as display means is connected to the output control means 12, and a switch 18 as high-order input means is connected to the input control means 13. The switch 18 sets data related to operation control such as temperature control and defrost control of each showcase S, prefabricated refrigerator P, or the like, or instructs the display unit 17 to display data.

  Next, the terminal side control device 3 is provided in each showcase S or the like as described above, and the terminal side control device 3 of the showcase S or the prefabricated refrigerator P is a terminal side control means as shown in FIG. A microcomputer 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, and an EEPROM 24 connected to the microcomputer 21, a transmission / reception means 26 as a terminal side transmission / reception means, an output control means 28, and an input control means 29. The transmission / reception means 26 is constituted by a serial interface, and is connected to the signal line 14 (the signal line 15 in the prefabricated refrigerator P, the signal line 16 in the refrigerator R or the like).

  The ROM 22 stores a communication protocol and a control program for the terminal-side control device 3 itself, and the RAM 23 stores data (reception data) related to operation control such as the showcase S sent from the centralized management controller 2. . The EEPROM 24 stores data (internal holding data) relating to various operation controls such as the showcase S set in the terminal-side control device 3 by the setting switch 33, and is held even when the power is turned off.

  A display unit 31 and an actuator 32 are connected to the output control means 28. The actuator 32 means, for example, a compressor, an expansion valve (in the case of a built-in type) of the showcase S, a heater for defrosting a solenoid valve or a cooler, illumination, or the like. The input control means 29 includes a setting switch 33, a sensor 34 for detecting the inside temperature (storage room temperature) of the showcase S, the cooler temperature, and the like, and a changeover switch as an operation mode switching means for switching the operation mode. 36 is connected, and the data detected by the sensor 34 is also stored in the RAM 23.

  The setting switch 33 inputs data related to individual operation control such as temperature control and defrosting control (defrosting start time and defrosting cycle) of the showcase S provided with the terminal side control device 3 or the centralized management. An ID (A01 to A50 shown in FIG. 4) for identifying the terminal-side control device 3 with respect to the controller 2 is set. The changeover switch 36 is a switch for switching whether the operation mode of the showcase S or the like is the refrigeration mode or the refrigeration mode.

(1) Basic centralized management With the above configuration, the operation will be described next. First, the centralized management controller 2 will be described. For each ID assigned to each terminal-side control device 3 from the switch 18, various set values (defrosting start time and defrosting cycle) related to the internal temperature (storage room) set temperature, various alarms, and the defrosting control of the cooler, etc. Data related to operation control such as showcase S is input. Data relating to operation control of each showcase S and the like input and set by the switch 18 is stored in the RAM 7 and the EEPROM 8 by the microcomputer 4.

  Further, the microcomputer 4 sends a control signal (including a defrosting cycle and a defrosting start signal described later) from the transmission / reception means 9 to each showcase S via the signal lines 14, 15, 16 based on the data input from the switch 18. To the terminal side control device 3.

  Next, the terminal side control device 3 will be described. First, when the microcomputer 21 of the terminal side control device 3 receives data (control signal from the centralized management controller 2) by the transmission / reception means 26, the microcomputer 21 holds the received data as control data. That is, in the terminal-side control device 3, when the transmission / reception means 26 receives a control signal addressed to its own ID from the signal line 14 or the like, the microcomputer 21 stores the set data (received data) such as the set temperature in the cabinet in the RAM 23 as control data. Save as.

  Next, the microcomputer 21 executes temperature control and defrost control of the showcase S and the like based on the stored control data (received data). That is, the microcomputer 21 compares the output related to the internal temperature of the showcase S or the like from the sensor 34 with the internal set temperature in the set data transmitted from the central control controller 2, and the expansion valve as the actuator 32. The solenoid valve and the compressor motor are controlled to control the internal temperature to the internal set temperature. In this case, when the refrigeration mode is set, the refrigeration temperature setting in the setting data is compared with the output related to the internal temperature, the internal temperature is maintained at the freezing temperature, and the refrigeration mode is set. In this case, the internal temperature is maintained at the refrigeration temperature as compared with the refrigeration temperature setting in the setting data.

  Further, regarding the start of defrosting of the cooler, the microcomputer 21 starts defrosting based on the defrosting start signal transmitted from the central control controller 2 or executes defrosting based on the transmitted defrosting cycle. This defrosting is executed by controlling energization of a defrosting heater as the actuator 32 and defrosting a cooler (not shown) such as a showcase S, and is terminated when the temperature of the cooler rises to a predetermined end temperature. .

  Thus, when the microcomputer 21 receives a control signal from the centralized management controller 2, the microcomputer 21 controls the actuator 32 (device) based on the received control signal (received data). Centralized management of a plurality of showcases S and the like based on the control signal can be realized.

  Data relating to the operating state such as the internal temperature in the showcase S or the like is sequentially stored in the RAM 23 by the microcomputer 21 and updated. The microcomputer 4 of the central management controller 2 polls the microcomputer 21 of the terminal side control device 3 of each showcase S connected to itself once, for example, once per minute. When the microcomputer 21 of each terminal-side control device 3 is polled from the centralized management controller 2, the centralized management controller 2 sends data related to the operating state of the showcase S and the like stored in the RAM 23 together with its own ID from the transmission / reception means 26. Send to.

  The centralized management controller 2 receives and collects data relating to the operating state by means of the transmission / reception means 9 and the like, and stores the data relating to the operating state for each terminal side control device 3, that is, for each ID, in the RAM 7. The data relating to the operation state in the RAM 7 is updated when data is transmitted from the terminal side control device 3 at the next polling.

  The centralized management controller 2 collects data relating to the operation state of each showcase S and the like from each terminal-side control device 3 in such a procedure. The microcomputer 4 reads the internal temperature and the internal set temperature stored in the EEPROM 8 from the data collected in the RAM 7 by operating the switch 18 and displays them on the display unit 17 for each ID. Thus, the operation of a plurality of showcases S connected to the central control controller 2 is centrally managed.

(2) Group Registration of Showcase S Here, the central management controller 2 is configured to be able to perform group registration of the terminal side control device 3 of each showcase S. That is, in a store such as a supermarket, a plurality of showcases S are arranged side by side, and in order to give a sense of unity to the display of products in the display room of each showcase S, the side plates are not provided at adjacent end portions. Directly at the installation site, the end portions of the adjacent showcases S are brought into contact with each other so that the display chambers provided in these showcases S are in communication with each other, thereby constituting one continuous display chamber.

  For this reason, the centralized management controller 2 manages the terminal side control devices 3 such as all showcases S based on the IDs held by each individual, but a plurality of showcases S as shown in the in-store layout of FIG. Are arranged side by side, the display case S is registered as one group. That is, in FIG. 4, the showcase S... In which each terminal-side control device 3 is provided has a group in which IDs are arranged in parallel with A10, A50, A25, and A01 in order from the left.

  Therefore, the switch 18 of the centralized controller 2 is operated to display the group registration setting screen shown in FIG. 5 for registering as the group 1 on the display unit 17. On this screen, all IDs collected by polling the terminal-side control devices 3... Of each showcase S... By the microcomputer 4 of the centralized controller 2 are displayed in numerical order between A1 and A50.

  Next, when the squares of the respective IDs are selected in the order in which the terminal-side control devices 3 of the showcase S constituting the group using the switch 18 are actually installed, the microcomputer 4 is as shown in FIG. The IDs are arranged on the display unit 17 in the order of actual installation, and are registered in the RAM 7 or the EEPROM 8 as the group 1 constituting one group in the arrangement order of the displayed IDs.

  Thereafter, the microcomputer 4 of the centralized management controller 2 controls each showcase S in the registered group in association with the arrangement state.

  As described above, when the microcomputer 4 inputs data related to the operation control of the showcase S such as the set temperature in the cabinet for each ID assigned to each terminal-side control device 3 by the switch 18, each showcase concerned Data relating to operation control such as S is stored in the RAM 7 and the EEPROM 8 by the microcomputer 4.

(3) Temperature control of each showcase registered in the group When the above-mentioned group registration of the showcase S is performed, when data related to operation control is input for any of the showcases S registered in the group The data related to the operation control for the other showcase S, particularly the data related to the set temperature, is changed by correlating the data with the data related to the arrangement state of the other showcase S registered in the group.

  One of the group-registered showcases S, for example, the central showcase S in which other showcases S are installed on both sides (for example, the terminal-side control device 3 whose ID is A50) When the internal set temperature of the setting data is input, among the other showcases S constituting the group, the showcase S in the central portion in which other showcases S are similarly installed on both sides ( In this case, the terminal-side control device 3) whose ID is A25 is changed to the same internal set temperature and registered. On the other hand, among the other showcases S constituting the group, the showcase S (in this case, the terminal side control device 3 with IDs A10 and A01) positioned at the end of the line is more than the set temperature in the warehouse. A predetermined temperature (for example, 2 ° C.) is lowered and registered.

  For any of the showcases S registered in the group, for example, the showcase S located at the end of the line (for example, the terminal-side control device 3 whose ID is A10), When the internal set temperature is input, among the other showcases S constituting the group, the showcase S (in this case, the terminal-side control device 3 whose ID is A01) located at the end of the line in the same manner Change to the same internal set temperature and register. On the other hand, among the other showcases S constituting the group, the central showcase S in which other showcases S are installed on both sides (in this case, the terminal side control device 3 with IDs A50 and A25) Then, the temperature is registered at a predetermined temperature (for example, 2 ° C.) higher than the set temperature in the cabinet.

  Similarly to the above, the microcomputer 4 sends a control signal from the transmission / reception means 9 to each showcase S via the signal line 14 based on the input internal set temperature and the internal set temperature changed by the microcomputer 4. To the terminal-side control device 3. And the microcomputer 21 of each terminal side control apparatus 3 performs temperature control, such as showcase S, by the hold | maintained control data (reception data).

  In other words, the showcases S that are connected and used as described above are displayed in the same group for the showcases S (IDs A10 and A01 in this case) located at the end of the line. The set temperature in the cabinet that is lower than the showcase S is transmitted to the terminal-side control device 3 of the showcase S, and the showcase S (ID is A50, A25 in this case) located in the center of the line, The internal set temperature that has risen from the other showcase S registered as the same group is transmitted to the terminal side control device 3 of the showcase S.

  The microcomputer 21 of each terminal-side controller 3 based on the set temperature in each cabinet outputs the output related to the cabinet temperature such as the showcase S from the sensor 34 and the setting data transmitted from the centralized controller 2. The expansion temperature, the electromagnetic valve, and the compressor motor as the actuator 32 are controlled by comparing with the internal set temperature, and the internal temperature is controlled to the respective internal set temperature.

  Here, the plurality of showcases S that are connected and arranged in parallel have the same influences from the ambient temperature, the refrigerator R, and the outside. Therefore, the showcases located at the end due to the continuous display rooms tend to rise in temperature in the display room due to the traffic of customers and the surrounding environment at the installation location. In the showcase S, the display room temperature tends to decrease due to the leakage of cold air from the adjacent showcase S.

  According to the present invention, the terminal-side control devices 3 of the showcases S that are connected and used in the centralized management controller 2 are registered together as a group together with the arrangement state of the showcases S, When the set temperature in the store is input for one showcase S constituting the group in association with the arrangement state, the set temperature in the store corresponding to the arrangement state is also described for the other showcases S constituting the group as described above. Is set.

  As a result, the showcase S located at the end of the line in the group in which the temperature of the showcase used for cooling tends to rise depending on the traffic of the customer and the surrounding environment at the installation location is lower than the other showcases S. It is possible to set, and it becomes possible to improve the cooling failure of the showcase S at the end portions.

  In addition, it is possible to set a set temperature higher than the other showcases S for the showcases S located in the center of the line where the inside temperature tends to decrease due to the influence of the adjacent showcases S. It becomes possible to improve the excessive cooling of the showcase S.

  As a result, the temperature distribution in the entire plurality of showcases S... That are connected and constitute a group can be made uniform, and an appropriate cooling operation can be realized.

  In addition, by controlling the showcases S in the registered group in association with each other, it is possible to realize significant simplification of setting and management work.

(4) Control at the time of occurrence of abnormality of showcases in group Here, each showcase S registered in the group is maintained at the set temperature in the cabinet by the above control. As described above, the centralized management controller 2 receives and collects data related to the operation state of each showcase S by the transmission / reception means 9 and the like, and stores the data related to the operation state for each terminal side control device 3, that is, for each ID. It is stored in and updated sequentially.

  At this time, the microcomputer 4 of the centralized management controller 2 compares the internal temperature of each showcase S registered as the same group. If the temperature in one of the showcases S differs from the temperature in the other showcases S in the group by a predetermined value, for example, 5 ° C. or more, the microcomputer 4 differs from the other showcases S by a predetermined value or more. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the showcase S, and a display for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality that identifies the showcase S by ID is performed on the display unit 17.

  As a result, an abnormality has occurred in a part of each showcase S constituting a continuous storage room, and an abnormality has occurred in a specific showcase S at an early stage before the temperature of the entire storage room becomes an abnormal temperature. Can be notified, and the influence on the goods displayed inside can be minimized.

  In the present embodiment, in the registered group, the notification operation is executed when the temperature in one of the showcases S differs from the temperature in the other showcase S in the group by a predetermined value or more. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inside temperature of the showcase S in the registered group is different from the inside temperature of the showcase S adjacent thereto by a predetermined value (for example, 5 ° C.) or more. The notification operation may be executed.

  As a result, the notification operation is executed based on the temperature difference with the adjacent showcase S, which is a more approximate internal temperature in normal operation, so that the abnormality of the showcase S can be reliably grasped and notified.

  Further, the notification operation is performed by the abnormality occurrence display specifying the showcase S on the display unit 17, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the occurrence of the abnormality may be notified by voice or a buzzer.

  Then, the microcomputer 4 of the centralized management controller 2 indicates that the inside temperature of the showcase S in the group is a predetermined value (for example, 5 ° C.) with the inside temperature of another showcase S or an adjacent showcase S. When it is higher than the above, it is determined that the showcase S has fallen into the in-chamber cooling state.

  In such a case, the microcomputer 4 of the centralized management controller 2 registers the set temperature in the showcase S adjacent to the poorly cooled showcase S by a predetermined temperature (for example, 5 ° C.). Similarly to the above, the microcomputer 4 transmits a control signal based on the changed internal set temperature from the transmission / reception means 9 to the terminal side control device 3 such as the showcase S via the signal line 14. And the microcomputer 21 of the said terminal side control apparatus 3 performs temperature control by lowering | hanging interior set temperature, such as showcase S, by the hold | maintained control data (reception data).

  Thereby, it becomes possible to cool the showcase S in which the cooling failure has occurred by the adjacent showcase S, so that the cooling failure of the showcase S can be improved. Therefore, the influence on the goods displayed inside can be minimized.

  Next, a showcase centralized management system 40 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic configuration diagram of FIG. The centralized management system 40 has substantially the same configuration as the centralized management system 1 of the above embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, when the showcase S provided with the terminal side control devices 3... Of A10, A50, A25, A01 is connected, the centralized management controller 2 The group ID is registered in accordance with the group registration of the above (2) showcase S.

  Next, one of the terminal side control devices 3 is selected by the centralized management controller 2. For example, the terminal-side control device 3 whose ID is A01 is selected. Thereafter, the centralized management controller 2 regards the group as one showcase, and transmits / receives data only to the terminal-side control device 3 whose ID is A01. Therefore, the terminal-side control devices 3 having other IDs A25, A50, and A10 registered as the same group do not receive the control signal from the centralized management controller 2, and each terminal-side control device 3 Data relating to the operating state of the showcase S or the like is not transmitted to the centralized management controller 2.

  In this embodiment, the coolers 41... Provided in each showcase S are connected to each other by pipes at the installation site, and a series of refrigerants together with a compressor, a condenser, and the like constituting the separate refrigerator R. A circuit 42 is configured. The refrigerant circuit 42 is provided with a single electromagnetic valve 43 that supplies the refrigerant to the cooler 41 of each showcase S. The electromagnetic valve 43 is also the terminal-side control device 3 with the selected ID of A01. The output means 28 is connected.

  In addition, all the sensors 34 connected to the terminal-side control devices 3 of the respective showcases S are connected to the terminal-side control device 3 whose ID is A01. Therefore, the compressor of the refrigerator R is connected to the terminal-side control device 3 having the ID of A01 and the expansion valve (built-in type) connected to each of the terminal-side control devices 3 of each showcase S. In the case), the heater 32 for defrosting the cooler, the actuator 32 for lighting, etc. is connected to the output means 28 of the terminal side control device 3 whose ID is A01.

  In the above configuration, when the central management controller 2 performs centralized management of each showcase S, first, the switch 18 forms a group registered as described above, and the ID selected therefrom is A01. The terminal-side control device 3 is input with data related to the operation control of the showcase S, such as the internal set temperature, various alarms, and various set values related to the defrosting control of the cooler. Data relating to the operation control of the showcase S input and set by the switch 18 is stored in the RAM 7 and the EEPROM 8 by the microcomputer 4 together with the ID of the terminal-side control device 3 registered and selected.

  Then, the microcomputer 4 sends a control signal (including a defrosting cycle and a defrosting start signal to be described later) from the transmission / reception means 9 via the signal line 14 based on the data input from the switch 18, in this case, the terminal ID whose ID is A01 It transmits to the control apparatus 3.

  When the microcomputer 21 of the terminal-side control device 3 having the selected ID A01 receives data (control signal from the centralized management controller 2) by the transmission / reception means 26, the microcomputer 21 holds the received data as control data. That is, in the terminal-side control device 3, when the transmission / reception means 26 receives a control signal addressed to its own ID from the signal line 14 or the like, the microcomputer 21 stores the set data (received data) such as the set temperature in the cabinet in the RAM 23 as control data. Save as.

  Next, the microcomputer 21 executes temperature control and defrost control of each showcase S of the registered group based on the stored control data (received data). That is, the microcomputer 21 outputs the output related to the internal temperature of the showcase S from the sensor 34 connected to the selected terminal-side control device 3 and the internal data in the setting data transmitted from the centralized controller 2. The expansion temperature as the actuator 32, the electromagnetic valve 43, and the compressor motor of the refrigerator R are controlled by comparing with the set temperature, and connected with the showcase S provided with the terminal side control device 3 having the ID of A01 and continuously connected. The inside temperature of all the showcases S in the group constituting the display room is controlled to the inside set temperature.

  As a result, it is possible to control the cooling of all the showcases S in the group by detecting the internal temperature by the single temperature sensor 34, to reduce the number of mounting sensors, and to realize remarkable simplification of setting and management work. it can.

  In particular, in this case, the operation of all the showcases in the group can be controlled by the single electromagnetic valve 43. Therefore, in the installation site, it is possible to realize the simplification of operations compared to the case where a solenoid valve is attached to each showcase S, and when the operation of each showcase is controlled using a plurality of solenoid valves. In comparison, control can be simplified.

  In addition to the above, all the sensors 34 connected to each of the terminal-side control devices 3 of each showcase S are all selected terminal-side control devices 3, in this case, the terminal side whose ID is A01 Connect to the control device 3. In addition, an expansion valve (in the case of a built-in type) connected to each of the terminal side control devices 3 of each showcase S registered as the same group, a heater for defrosting a cooler, an actuator 32 such as an illumination Is connected to the output means 28 of the terminal side control device 3 whose ID is A01.

  Thereby, the microcomputer 21 of the terminal side control device 3 whose ID is A01 which is the selected terminal side control device 3 is provided in each showcase S and connected to the terminal side control device 3. Based on the output related to the internal temperature from all the sensors 34 that detect the internal temperature, the average value of the internal temperatures of the showcases S registered as the same group is calculated.

  Then, the microcomputer 21 compares the average value of the internal temperature with the internal set temperature in the setting data transmitted from the central control controller 2 to compare the expansion valve and the refrigerator R as the actuator 32. The cooling control of all the showcases S in the group is executed by controlling the compressor motor and the solenoid valve 43 that controls the supply of the refrigerant to the cooler 41 of each showcase S.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to control the temperature of each showcase S constituting the group in a balanced manner.

  For example, the microcomputer 21 of the terminal-side control device 3 whose ID is A01 which is the selected terminal-side control device 3 is included in each showcase S connected to the terminal-side control device 3 of the A01. Of the outputs related to the internal temperature from all the sensors 34 provided, only those that have risen to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value are selected, and an average value thereof is calculated.

  Then, the microcomputer 21 compares the average value of the internal temperature from the sensor 34 that is equal to or higher than the reference value with the internal set temperature in the setting data transmitted from the central control controller 2 to determine the actuator. The solenoid valve 43 which controls supply of the refrigerant | coolant to the expansion valve as 32, the compressor motor of the refrigerator R, and the cooler 41 of each showcase S is controlled.

  That is, in the terminal side control device 3 with the ID of A01, the average value of the inside temperature is a predetermined upper limit temperature (for example, when the set temperature is + 5 ° C., it is slightly higher than the set temperature + 6 ° C.). Is reached, the electromagnetic valve 43 is opened to start cooling. When all the sensors 34 reach the predetermined lower limit temperature (in this case, + 3 ° C. as the OFF point temperature with respect to the set temperature + 5 ° C.), the internal temperature connected to the terminal-side control device 3 of A01 is concerned. Then, the solenoid valve 43 is closed to stop the flow of the refrigerant into all the coolers 41 of the showcase S registered as the group.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to control the cooling of all the showcases S in the group based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 provided in the showcase S that is prone to cooling failure among the showcases S constituting the group. As a result, it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that a cooling failure occurs in the entire group.

  As another control method, for example, the microcomputer 21 of the terminal-side control device 3 whose ID is A01 which is the selected terminal-side control device 3 is connected to each showcase connected to the terminal-side control device 3 of A01. Among the outputs related to the internal temperature from all the sensors 34 provided in S, any one of the sensors 34, for example, the upper limit temperature first (for example, when the set temperature is + 5 ° C., the ON point temperature is + 7 ° C.) The internal temperature of the sensor 34 that has reached the upper limit temperature is excluded, and then the solenoid valve 43 is opened and cooled based on the output of the internal temperature of the sensor 34 that has reached the upper limit temperature (but not limited to this). Start.

  When all the sensors 34 reach the predetermined lower limit temperature (in this case, + 3 ° C. as the OFF point temperature with respect to the set temperature + 5 ° C.), the internal temperature connected to the terminal-side control device 3 of A01 is concerned. Then, the solenoid valve 43 is closed to stop the flow of the refrigerant into all the coolers 41 of the showcase S registered as the group.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to perform cooling control of all the showcases S in the group based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 34 provided in the location where the cooling tendency tends to be poor each time. . As a result, it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that a cooling failure occurs in the entire group.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the internal temperature output that has reached the upper limit temperature first is excluded, and the electromagnetic valve 43 is opened according to the internal temperature output that has reached the upper limit temperature second, for example. Since the refrigerant flows into the cooler 41 of each showcase S to start cooling, it is possible to perform temperature control excluding cases where the internal temperature has temporarily reached the upper limit temperature due to disturbance or the like.

  This makes it possible to stably perform the cooling control for the entire group.

It is a block diagram of the centralized management system of the showcase of this invention. Example 1 It is a block diagram of the centralized management controller of the centralized management system of FIG. It is a block diagram of the terminal side control apparatus of the centralized management system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the installation condition of the grouped showcase. It is a figure which shows the display state of all the terminal side control apparatuses displayed on the display part of the centralized management controller of FIG. It is a figure which shows the display state of the group registration displayed on the display part of the centralized management controller of FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a showcase centralized management system 40. FIG. (Example 2)

Explanation of symbols

S Showcase P Prefabricated refrigerator R Refrigerator E Switchboard 1, 40 Centralized management system 2 Centralized management controller (high-level control device)
3 Terminal side control device 4 Microcomputer 14, 15, 16 Signal line 17, 31 Display unit 18 Switch 21 Microcomputer (terminal side control means)
34 Sensor 41 Cooler 42 Refrigerant circuit 43 Solenoid valve

Claims (5)

In a centralized management system for showcases that collectively manages the operating status of multiple showcases,
The centralized management device includes a host control device and a terminal-side control device that is provided in each showcase and individually given predetermined identification information,
The host control device transmits the identification information and data relating to the showcase driving conditions to the terminal side control device, and receives the identification information and data relating to the showcase driving state from the terminal side control device. By centrally managing each showcase,
A centralized management device for a showcase having means for grouping and registering the terminal-side control devices of the showcase used in connection with each other, and controlling the registered group as one showcase .   The host control device includes means for selecting a terminal-side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal-side control device is a showcase provided with the terminal-side control device. The cooling control of all the showcases in the group is executed based on the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the data on the operating conditions of the showcase transmitted from the host controller. Centralized management device for the showcase described.   The host control device has means for selecting a terminal-side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal-side control device detects a temperature sensor of each showcase in the group The cooling control of all the showcases in the group is executed based on the average value of the internal temperature and the data on the operating conditions of the showcase transmitted from the host controller. Centralized management device for showcases.   The host control device has means for selecting a terminal-side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal-side control device detects a temperature sensor of each showcase in the group Based on the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor that detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value among the internal temperatures and the data on the operating conditions of the showcase transmitted from the host controller, The central control device for a showcase according to claim 1, wherein cooling control for all showcases is executed.   The host control device has means for selecting a terminal-side control device of any showcase in the registered group, and the terminal-side control device detects a temperature sensor of each showcase in the group When any one of the chamber temperatures reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature, cooling of all the showcases in the group is started, and all the chamber temperatures detected by the temperature sensors of each showcase in the group are predetermined. The central control device for a showcase according to claim 1, wherein cooling of all the showcases in the group is stopped when the lower limit temperature is reached.