WO2008065923A1

WO2008065923A1 - Apparatus replacing method

Info

Publication number: WO2008065923A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/072385
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shunichi Uenaka; Kiyoshi Shima; Ikuo Takahashi; Hisaaki Takaoka; Susumu Matsui
Original assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-11-30
Filing date: 2007-11-19
Publication date: 2008-06-05
Also published as: JP2008138897A

Abstract

Provided is an apparatus replacing method by which function setting relating to an apparatus can be easily performed. Setting information relating to the functions of an indoor unit (2) stored in an EEPROM (22) is transmitted to a remote controller (1). The remote controller (1) which received the information stores the setting information in a nonvolatile memory (12). Then, an operator replaces the apparatus by interrupting power supply to the indoor unit (2). When the power is supplied to the indoor unit (2) after replacement, the indoor unit (2) judges whether the setting information of itself is registered in the EEPROM (22), and when the information is not registered, the indoor unit acquires the setting information of the indoor unit (2) stored in the nonvolatile memory (12) and registers the setting information in the EEPROM (22).

Description

Specification

How to replace the device

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a method for replacing a device, and more particularly to a technique for easily performing function setting relating to a function of a device.

Background art

[0002] When replacing an indoor unit constituting an air conditioner or a control board provided in the indoor unit, the operator confirms the settings related to the function of the indoor unit before replacement. The setting contents were input to the later indoor unit. For this reason, the greater the number of setting items, the greater the burden on the worker, and there is a possibility that problems due to work mistakes may occur.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe techniques for solving such problems. The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 includes an indoor unit and a remote controller that can communicate with the indoor unit. The indoor unit records the function information (setting information) received from the remote controller, and transmits the function information to the remote controller at a predetermined timing. The remote control then reflects the received function information on itself!

[0004] In the technique described in Patent Document 2, the setting information is recorded in each recording unit provided in each of the remote controller, the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit. This facilitates function resetting when replacing remote controllers, indoor units, and outdoor units.

[0005] Further, as a similar technique, when a controller provided in a container refrigeration apparatus is replaced, the nonvolatile recording medium storing the initial settings of the controller is removed, and the nonvolatile recording medium is removed from the replaced controller. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for attaching the.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002_130782

Patent Document 2: JP-A-3-255846

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-240402

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention [0007] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when the remote controller is replaced, the function board of the remote controller can be easily set, but the control board provided inside the indoor unit or the outdoor unit is replaced. When doing so, workers had to enter the settings one by one.

[0008] Also, the normal remote controller is provided with a volatile memory. Even if the indoor unit setting information is stored in the volatile memory, the setting information will be lost if the power supply to the remote control is interrupted.

Eventually, the workers had to enter the settings.

[0009] The technology described in Patent Document 2 does not mention a specific operation when replacing a remote controller, an indoor unit, or an outdoor unit, and there is still room for improvement.

[0010] With the technique described in Patent Document 3, the worker does not need to input setting information after replacing the controller. However, setting information may be lost due to electrostatic breakdown when a non-volatile recording medium is attached or detached.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a device replacement method capable of easily performing function setting when a device is replaced.

Means for solving the problem

[0012] A first aspect of a device replacement method according to the present invention is a system having a first device (1, 42) and a second device (2, 41) capable of communicating with the first device. (A) a step (S 1) in which the second device transmits setting information related to its function to the first device; and (b) after executing step (a). The first device that has received the setting information records the setting information on the first non-volatile recording medium (12, 422) that the first device has (S2), and (c) after executing step (b) After performing the step (S3) of replacing the second device with a new second device and (d) the step (c), the new second device after the replacement has its own setting information. A step (S4) for determining whether or not it is registered; and (e) when it is determined that the device is not registered in the step (d), the second device Performs the steps (S5, S6) of acquiring the first nonvolatile recording medium power and registering it in the second non-volatile recording medium (22, 412) possessed by itself.

[0013] A second aspect of the apparatus replacement method according to the present invention is an apparatus replacement method according to the first aspect, in which the system communicates with the first apparatus and the second apparatus. 3 device (3), and in step (a), the second device sends the setting information to the first device. The first device and the third device that have transmitted to the first device and the third device and received the setting information in the step (b), respectively, the first nonvolatile recording medium and the third device respectively possessed by the first device and the third device. When the setting information is recorded on a non-volatile recording medium (34) and it is determined in step (e) that the setting information is not registered in step (d), the second device is configured to store the first non-volatile property. The setting information recorded on the recording medium or the third non-volatile recording medium is acquired and registered in the second non-volatile recording medium of the recording medium.

[0014] A third aspect of the apparatus replacement method according to the present invention is an apparatus replacement method according to the first or second aspect, wherein in the step (a), the second apparatus When the information is changed, the setting information is transmitted.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the apparatus replacement method according to the present invention is an apparatus replacement method according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein (f) instead of step (d), A step in which an operator gives a trigger for acquiring setting information to the second device; and (g) instead of the step (e), the second device to which the trigger is inputted is the first nonvolatile recording. Acquiring the setting information recorded on the medium or the third non-volatile recording medium and registering the setting information on the second non-volatile recording medium included in the medium.

The invention's effect

[0016] According to the first aspect of the apparatus replacement method of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator when replacing the second apparatus, and to eliminate problems caused by work mistakes.

[0017] According to the second aspect of the apparatus replacement method of the present invention, the setting information of the second apparatus can be saved in the first apparatus and the third apparatus. Therefore, maintainability of setting information can be improved.

[0018] According to the third aspect of the apparatus replacement method of the present invention, at least when the second apparatus is replaced, even if there is a malfunction in the setting information transmission function, Since the setting information is recorded, the operator does not need to input the setting information.

According to the fourth aspect of the apparatus replacement method of the present invention, when replacing the second apparatus, it is possible to reduce the burden on the worker and reduce work errors.

[0020] Objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioner.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an apparatus replacement method according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioner.

FIG. 4 is a schematic functional block diagram showing an example of a refrigeration apparatus.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] (First embodiment)

An apparatus replacement method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As an example, an air conditioner will be described as an example. Fig. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioner.

[0023] This air conditioner includes a remote controller 1 (corresponding to the first device), an indoor unit 2 (corresponding to the second device), and an outdoor unit (not shown). Remote control 1 and indoor unit 2 can communicate in both directions by wire or wireless. The remote controller 1 uses the force S to change the operating state of the indoor unit 2 by transmitting the operating conditions (cooling, heating operation, etc.) input by the user during normal operation to the indoor unit 2.

The remote controller 1 includes a communication unit 11, a nonvolatile memory 12, a CPU 13, and an input unit 14. The communication unit 11 can send and receive signals to and from the indoor unit 2 by wire or wireless.

[0025] The nonvolatile memory 12 is connected to the CPU 13 so as to be able to transmit and receive data, and records setting information regarding the function of the indoor unit 2 received from the indoor unit 2. The setting information will be described later.

The CPU 13 includes a setting storage unit 13a and a setting transmission unit 13b. The setting storage unit 13 a stores the setting information of the indoor unit 2 received via the communication unit 11 in the nonvolatile memory 12.

[0027] The setting transmission unit 13b transmits a request for setting information of the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 11, and transmits the setting information of the indoor unit 2 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12 via the communication unit 11. To indoor unit 2.

The input unit 14 can be operated by the user, and the remote controller 1 is assigned a request button for requesting the setting information of the indoor unit 2 to the indoor unit 2! / [0029] The indoor unit 2 includes a communication unit 21, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 22, and a CPU 23. The indoor unit 2 is provided with other mechanisms for cooling and heating operations (fan, expansion valve, etc.), but this is not the essence of the present invention. Omit! /

[0030] The communication unit 21 can transmit and receive signals to and from the remote controller 1 by wire or wirelessly.

In the EEPROM 22, setting information related to the function of the indoor unit 2 is registered. Indoor unit

The setting information related to function 2 includes ON / OFF setting of functions unique to indoor unit 2 and range setting related to the function.

[0032] For example, the indoor unit 2 may have a function of displaying a filter sign indicating a replacement time of a filter provided at an inlet for sucking indoor air. In such an indoor unit 2, the display interval time for displaying the filter sign is set according to the type of filter and the usage environment. The ON / OFF setting whether to operate the filter sign display function and the display interval time are stored in the EEPROM 22 as setting information. Such setting information is set on site by workers during installation.

The CPU 23 controls a mechanism (fan, expansion valve, etc.) provided in the indoor unit 2 based on the setting information registered in the EEPROM 22. For example, if the filter sign display function is ON, the CPU 23 turns on a display lamp (not shown) when the accumulated operation time after filter replacement exceeds the display interval time.

In addition, the CPU 23 includes a setting transmission unit 23a and a setting registration unit 23b. Setting transmitter

When the request for setting information is received from the remote controller 1 via the communication unit 21, 23 a extracts the setting information registered in the EEPROM 22, and transmits the setting information to the remote control 1 via the communication unit 21.

The setting registration unit 23 b registers the setting information of the indoor unit 2 received from the remote controller 1 via the communication unit 21 in the EEPROM 22.

Note that the CPU 23 and the EEPROM 22 are provided on the same board (control board), and only the control board can be replaced.

[0037] Next, the operation of the air conditioner when the indoor unit 2 is replaced, for example, when a failure occurs in the indoor unit 2, will be described. The indoor unit must be replaced with at least the above-described configuration. If it is an indoor unit, it may be replaced with a higher model. Further, it is not necessary to replace the entire indoor unit 2 as long as the control board including at least the EEPROM 22 is replaced. However, in the following description, the indoor unit 2 is described as being replaced with the same type of indoor unit 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for replacing the indoor unit 2.

[0038] First, in step S1, the worker presses a request button for requesting setting information of the indoor unit 2 assigned to the input unit 14. When the request button is pressed, the setting transmission unit 13b transmits a request for setting information of the indoor unit 2 to the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 11. The setting transmission unit 23 a that has received the request via the communication unit 21 acquires the setting information registered in the EEPROM 22 and transmits it to the remote controller 1.

[0039] Next, in step S2, the setting storage unit 13a that has received the setting information via the communication unit 21 records the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 12.

[0040] Next, in step S3, the worker cuts off the power supply to the indoor unit 2 and replaces the indoor unit 2. Then, the power is turned on to the indoor unit 2 after replacement. At this time, for example, when the remote controller 1 is connected by a wired line and receives power supply from the indoor unit 2, the power supply to the remote control 1 is cut off. In addition, even if the remote control 1 is powered by a battery, the power supply may be cut off due to the battery running out. However, even when the power supply to the remote controller 1 is cut off, the setting information of the indoor unit 2 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12 is not erased.

[0041] Next, in step S4, when the indoor unit 2 is powered on, the indoor unit 2 determines whether or not the setting information is registered in itself. Specifically, the CPU 23 refers to the EEPROM 22 and confirms whether the setting information is registered.

[0042] Normally, since the setting information is registered in the new indoor unit 2 (EEPROM 22) after replacement! /, !!, it is determined that the CPU 23 is not registered, and Step S5 is executed. In step S5, the setting transmission unit 23a requests the remote controller 1 for setting information via the communication unit 21. The setting transmission unit 13b that has received the request via the communication unit 11 transmits the setting information of the indoor unit 2 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12 to the indoor unit 2. If setting information has already been registered in the new indoor unit 2 (EEPR OM22) after replacement, it is determined in step S4 that the setting information has been registered, and the operation is terminated. [0043] Next, in step S6, the setting registration unit 23b that has received the setting information of the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 21 registers the setting information in the EEPROM 22. In other words, in other words, the operations of steps S5 and S6, indoor unit 2 acquires its own setting information from nonvolatile memory 12 and registers it in EE PROM 22! /.

[0044] As described above, when replacing the indoor unit 2, it is possible to register the setting information in the indoor unit 2 with a simple operation. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the workers and reduce the troubles caused by work mistakes with the power S.

In the present embodiment, the setting information of the indoor unit 2 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 of the remote controller 1 by the operation of the worker in step S1. At this time, if the failure location of the indoor unit 2 is, for example, the setting transmission unit 23a, the setting information of the indoor unit 2 cannot be transmitted to the remote controller 1 in step S1. In order to solve such a problem, the setting transmission unit 23a may transmit the setting information to the remote controller 1 periodically or whenever the setting information of the indoor unit 2 is changed.

In this case, the latest setting information of the indoor unit 2 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 of the remote controller 1. Accordingly, even if a failure occurs in the setting transmission unit 23a, the setting information can be registered in the indoor unit 2 by executing the steps after step S3. Furthermore, since the worker does not need to perform any operation related to the setting information when replacing the indoor unit 2, the burden on the worker can be further reduced and an operation error related to the input of the setting information can be eliminated.

[0047] In step S4, the indoor unit 2 determines whether or not the setting information is registered in itself. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operator force S operates the input unit 14 of the remote controller 1. Then, a trigger for acquiring setting information may be given to the indoor unit 2. Specifically, in response to the operation of the input unit 14, the setting transmission unit 13 b may transmit a trigger for acquiring setting information (starting the operation of step S 5) to the indoor unit 2.

[0048] Even in this case, the worker can register the setting information in the indoor unit 2 with a simple operation after replacing the indoor unit 2. Therefore, the burden on the worker can be reduced and the trouble caused by the work mistake can be reduced.

[0049] (Second embodiment) A device replacement method V according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As an example, an air conditioner will be described as an example. Fig. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a remote controller 1, an indoor unit 2, and an outdoor unit 3 (corresponding to a third device). In addition, the same code | symbol shows the same or an equivalent part, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

[0050] The indoor unit 2 further includes a nonvolatile memory 24 as compared to the first embodiment.

As described later, the nonvolatile memory 24 stores setting information regarding the function of the remote controller 1 and setting information regarding the function of the outdoor unit 3. Note that the EEPROM 22 and the nonvolatile memory 24 are separate recording media, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same nonvolatile recording media may be used. Further, the CPU 23, the EEPROM 22, and the nonvolatile memory 24 are provided on the same board (control board), and only the control board can be exchanged.

[0051] The outdoor unit 3 includes a communication unit 31, an EEPROM 32, a CPU 33, and a nonvolatile memory 34. The outdoor unit 3 includes a mechanism (for example, a compressor, a fan, etc.) for performing cooling and heating operations, but is omitted in FIG. 3 because it is not the essence of the present invention. Further, the EEPROM 32 and the nonvolatile memory 34 are separate recording media, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same nonvolatile recording media may be used.

The communication unit 31 can transmit and receive signals to and from the remote controller 1 and the indoor unit 2.

In the EEPROM 32, setting information related to the function of the outdoor unit 3 is registered. For example, when the outdoor unit 3 has a function of operating a compressor (not shown) with low noise at night, the outdoor unit 3 has a specified time and low noise level when operating with low noise. The range is set. Such setting information is set on site by the workers when the air conditioner is installed.

The CPU 33 controls a mechanism (for example, a compressor, a fan, etc., not shown) provided in the outdoor unit 3 based on the setting information registered in the EEPROM 32. For example, the compressor is controlled based on the setting information (designated time and low noise level) regarding the function to operate at low noise at night. In addition, the CPU 33 includes a setting transmission unit 33a and a setting registration unit 33b. The CPU 33, EEPROM 32, and nonvolatile memory 34 are provided on the same board (control board), and only the control board can be replaced. [0055] When the setting transmission unit 33a receives a request for setting information from the remote controller 1 via the communication unit 31, the setting transmission unit 33a extracts the setting information of the outdoor unit 3 registered in the EEPROM 32, and the remote control 1 or Can be sent to indoor unit 2. The setting storage unit 13a and the setting registration unit 23b that have received the setting information of the outdoor unit 3 store the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 12 and the nonvolatile memory 24, respectively.

Similarly, when the setting transmission unit 23a of the indoor unit 2 receives a setting information request from the remote controller 1 via the communication unit 21, the setting transmission unit 23a of the indoor unit 2 extracts the setting information of the indoor unit 2 registered in the EEPROM 22 and transmits the setting information. It can be sent to remote control 1 or outdoor unit 3 via 21. The setting storage unit 13a and the setting registration unit 33b that have received the setting information of the indoor unit 2 store the setting information in the nonvolatile memo y12 and the nonvolatile memo y34, respectively.

Similarly, the setting transmission unit 13b can transmit the setting information of the remote controller 1 to the indoor unit 2 or the outdoor unit 3 via the communication unit 11 in response to a transmission request from the input unit 14. The setting registration unit 23b and the setting registration unit 33b that have received the setting information of the remote controller 1 store the setting information in the nonvolatile memo y 24 and the nonvolatile memo y 34, respectively.

Next, for example, the operation of the air conditioner when replacing the indoor unit 2 will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, a case where the indoor unit 2 is replaced with the same type will be described below.

First, the operator operates the input unit 14 to transmit the setting information of the indoor unit 2 to the remote controller 1 and the outdoor unit 3 and store it in the remote controller 1 and the outdoor unit 3. Specifically, when receiving the operation of the input unit 14, the setting transmission unit 13b requests the indoor unit 2 to transmit the setting information of the indoor unit 2 to the remote controller 1 and the outdoor unit 3 through the communication unit 11. .

The setting transmission unit 23 a that has received the request via the communication unit 21 transmits the setting information of the indoor unit 2 registered in the EEPROM 22 to the remote controller 1 and the outdoor unit 3. The setting storage unit 13 a that has received the setting information of the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 11 stores the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 12. The setting registration unit 33b that has received the setting information of the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 31 stores the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 34.

[0061] Here, for example, when the nonvolatile memory 12 of the remote controller 1 has failed, the setting information of the indoor unit 2 cannot be stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, but even in that case, the nonvolatile memory 3 The ability to squeeze into 4

Next, the worker cuts off the power supply to the indoor unit 2 and replaces the indoor unit 2. Then, after replacement, turn on the indoor unit 2 ^. When the power is turned on, indoor unit 2 determines whether the setting information is registered in itself. Specifically, the CPU 23 refers to the EEPROM 22 and confirms whether the setting information is registered.

[0063] Normally, since the setting information is not registered in the indoor unit 2 after replacement, the CPU 23 determines that the setting information is not registered. Then, for example, the setting transmission unit 23a requests the remote controller 1 to transmit the setting information of the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 21.

The setting transmission unit 13 b that has received the request via the communication unit 11 extracts the setting information of the indoor unit 2 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12 and transmits it to the indoor unit 2. The setting registration unit 23b that has received the setting information of the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 21 registers the setting information in the EEPROM 22.

Here, for example, when the nonvolatile memory 12 of the remote controller 1 is out of order, the indoor unit 2 cannot acquire the setting information. Therefore, the setting transmission unit 23a transmits the setting information of the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3 via the communication unit 21 when the setting information of the indoor unit 2 is not received from the remote controller 1 for a predetermined period of time. Request that.

The setting transmission unit 33 a that has received the request via the communication unit 31 extracts the setting information of the indoor unit 2 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 34 and transmits it to the indoor unit 2. The setting registration unit 23b that has received the setting information of the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 21 registers the setting information in the EEPROM 22.

[0067] As described above, even when the nonvolatile memory 12 of the remote controller 1 fails when the indoor unit 2 is replaced, for example, the setting information is acquired from the nonvolatile memory 34 of the outdoor unit 3 and stored in the EEPRO M22. You can power S to register. Therefore, the setting information can be registered with a simple operation. Similarly, even if the non-volatile memory 34 of the outdoor unit 3 breaks down! /, The setting information can be registered with a simple operation. In other words, the maintainability of the setting information of indoor unit 2 can be improved.

[0068] Even when the remote controller 1 or the outdoor unit 3 is replaced, the setting information can be easily registered by the same operation. [0069] For example, when exchanging the remote controller 1, the operator operates the input unit 14 of the remote controller 1, and the setting information of the remote control 1 is transmitted to the nonvolatile memory 24 of the indoor unit 2 and the nonvolatile memory 3 of the outdoor unit 3. Store in 4. After the power supply of the remote control 1 is cut off and replaced, the new remote control 1 after the replacement is turned on.

[0070] Then, the remote controller 1 determines whether or not the setting information is registered in itself, and if not registered, for example, first requests the indoor unit 2 to transmit the setting information of the remote controller 1. The remote controller 1 that has received the setting information from the indoor unit 2 registers with itself. If the setting information is not received from the indoor unit 2 for a predetermined period of time, the remote controller 1 is requested to transmit the setting information of the remote control 1 to the outdoor unit 3 and the setting information is received from the outdoor unit 3. 1 registers with itself.

[0071] When the outdoor unit 3 is replaced, the operator operates the input unit 14 of the remote controller 1, and the setting information of the outdoor unit 3 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 of the remote controller 1 and the nonvolatile memory 24 of the indoor unit 2. Store in. Then, after switching off the power supply of the outdoor unit 3, the outdoor unit 3 is turned on.

[0072] Then, the outdoor unit 3 determines whether or not the setting information is registered in itself! /, And if it is registered, for example, first of all, for example, the outdoor unit 3 with respect to the remote controller 1 Request to send configuration information. The outdoor unit 3 that has received the setting information from the remote controller 1 registers with itself. If the setting information is not received from the remote control 1 for a predetermined period of time, the indoor unit 2 is requested to transmit the setting information of the outdoor unit 3, and the outdoor unit that has received the setting information from the indoor unit 2 3 registers to itself.

[0073] As described above, even when one of the remote controller 1, the indoor unit 2, and the outdoor unit 3 is replaced, even if the nonvolatile memory included in the remaining one is broken, the worker can easily Setting information can be registered by operation.

[0074] Note that the setting transmitters 13b, 23a, 33a may transmit the setting information at regular intervals or whenever its own setting information is changed. Specifically, for example, the setting transmission unit 23a takes out the setting information of the indoor unit 2 from the EEPROM 22 every certain period or whenever the setting information of the indoor unit 2 is changed, and transmits it to both the remote controller 1 and the outdoor unit 3. To do. The same applies to the setting transmission units 13b and 23a. [0075] In this case, since the remote controller 1, the indoor unit 2, and the outdoor unit 3 record the setting information with each other, the maintainability of each setting information can be improved, and each nonvolatile memory is stored in each nonvolatile memory. Each can store the latest setting information. Therefore, for example, even when the setting transmission function of the indoor unit 2 is broken when the indoor unit 2 is replaced, the latest setting information of the indoor unit 2 is already stored in the remote controller 1 and the outdoor unit 3, and V, Therefore, it is possible to register setting information with a simple operation. In addition, since there is no need for the operator to perform any setting information operations at the time of replacement, the burden on the worker can be further reduced, and the problem caused by a work mistake can be eliminated.

[0076] When each of the remote controller 1, the indoor unit 2, and the outdoor unit 3 is replaced, the new devices after the replacement (remote controller 1, indoor unit 2, outdoor unit 3) have their setting information registered in themselves. However, this is not a limitation. Similarly to the first embodiment, for example, after replacement of the indoor unit 2, an operator may operate the input unit 14 to acquire setting information of the indoor unit 2 from the remote controller 1 or the outdoor unit 3.

[0077] (Third embodiment)

A device replacement method V according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As an example, a refrigeration apparatus will be described as an example. Fig. 4 is a schematic functional block diagram showing an example of a refrigeration system for marine containers. The refrigeration apparatus 4 includes a controller 41 (corresponding to the second device) and a display device 42 (corresponding to the first device). The refrigeration apparatus 4 includes a cooling mechanism (for example, a compressor, a fan, a heat exchanger, etc.) that cools the interior of the container cabinet (not shown). ing.

The display device 42 includes a communication unit 421, a nonvolatile memory 422, a setting storage unit 423a, a setting transmission unit 423b, a segment display unit 424, and an input unit 425.

The controller 41 includes a communication, a nonvolatile resident memory 412, and a CPU 413.

[0080] The communication unit 411 can communicate with the display device 42, and the communication unit 421 uses the force S to communicate with the controller 41.

[0081] For example, the input unit 425 is assigned with a button for the user to input the set temperature in the container store.

[0082] The segment display unit 424 shows the current temperature in the container box and the set temperature in the container box. It has a segment display mechanism.

[0083] CPU 413 controls the cooling mechanism based on the set temperature in the cabinet received from input unit 425, and displays the current temperature in the container cabinet and the set temperature in the cabinet detected from a temperature sensor (not shown). The data can be transmitted to the device 42 and displayed on the segment display unit 424.

The nonvolatile memory 412 is connected to the CPU 413 so that data can be transmitted and received. In the nonvolatile memory 412, setting information related to the function of the refrigeration apparatus 4 is registered. The setting information related to the function of the refrigeration apparatus 4 includes ON / OFF setting of the function of the refrigeration apparatus 4 and range setting related to the function. For example, a refrigeration system may have an automatic defrosting function that prevents a decrease in cooling capacity. Then, the automatic defrosting function ON / OFF setting and conditions for automatic defrosting are set according to the cargo (for example, animal meat, seafood, vegetables, etc.) loaded in the sea container. Such setting information is input and set by workers at least before container transportation.

Then, the CPU 413 can control the cooling mechanism provided in the refrigeration apparatus 4 based on the setting information stored in the nonvolatile memory 412. For example, if the automatic defrosting function is turned ON! /, The refrigeration unit 4 is controlled to execute the defrosting operation when the set condition is satisfied (for example, when the operation time exceeds a predetermined period). To do.

Further, the CPU 413 includes a setting transmission unit 413a and a setting registration unit 413b. The setting transmission unit 413a transmits the setting information to the display device 42 via the communication unit 411 when the setting information stored in the nonvolatile memory 412 is set for the first time and is changed.

The setting storage unit 423a that has received the setting information via the communication unit 421 stores the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 422. That is, the latest setting information of the controller 41 is always stored in the nonvolatile memory 422.

[0088] The setting registration unit 413b determines whether the setting information is registered in the non-volatile memory 412! /, For example, when the power is turned on. Acquires the setting information stored in the memory 422 and registers it in the non-volatile memory 412. That is, at this time, it is understood that the function of the display device 42 is that the setting transmission unit 423b acquires the setting information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 422 and transmits the setting information to the controller 41 via the communication unit 421. it can. [0089] In such a refrigeration apparatus 4, for example, a case where the controller 41 is failed and replaced will be described.

The worker replaces the failed controller 41 with a new controller 41. At this time, generally, setting information is not recorded in the nonvolatile memory 412 of the new controller 41. On the other hand, the latest setting information of the controller 41 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 422 included in the display device 42.

[0091] Then, the worker turns on the power of the refrigeration apparatus 4, for example. Then, in the new controller 41 after replacement, the setting registration unit 413b recognizes that the setting information is registered in its own nonvolatile memory 412, and is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 422. Acquires the setting information and registers the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 412.

Therefore, the worker does not need to input the setting information of the controller 41 just by replacing the controller 41. Therefore, it is possible to easily register the setting information in the controller 41. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the worker and to prevent problems due to work mistakes.

In the third embodiment, the controller 41 determines whether or not the setting information is registered in itself, and if it is registered! /, NA! /, From the nonvolatile memory 422 The setting information is acquired, but it is not limited to this. As in the first and second embodiments, an operator may operate the input unit 425 to give a trigger for acquiring setting information to the controller 41. Even in this case, the operator can use the force S to register the setting information of the controller 41 with a simple operation.

In the third embodiment, the display device 42 is provided with the non-volatile memory 422. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any device can be used as long as it can communicate with the controller 41. It doesn't matter. However, rather than providing a dedicated device for the non-volatile memory 422 in which the setting information is stored, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the device size by providing the existing device such as the display device 42, for example.

[0095] The present invention has been described in detail. The above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that the myriad variations S that are not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A device replacement method in a system having a first device (1, 42) and a second device (2, 41) capable of communicating with the first device,

(a) a step (S 1) in which the second device transmits setting information related to its function to the first device;

(b) After executing step (a), the first device that has received the setting information records the setting information on a first nonvolatile recording medium (12, 422) that it has (S2);

(c) after performing step (b), a step (S3) for replacing the second device with a new second device;

(d) After executing step (c), the new second device after replacement determines whether or not setting information is registered in itself (S4);

(e) The second device acquires the setting information from the first nonvolatile recording medium when it is determined that it is not registered in the step (d), and the second nonvolatile recording medium that the second device has (22, 412) and steps (S5, S6)

A method for replacing the device.

[2] The system further includes a third device (3) capable of communicating with the first device and the second device,

In the step (a), the second device transmits the setting information to the first device and the third device,

In the step (b), the first device and the third device that have received the setting information store the setting information in the first nonvolatile recording medium and the third nonvolatile recording medium (34), respectively. Record,

When it is determined in step (e) that the device is not registered in step (d), the second device has been recorded on the first nonvolatile recording medium or the third nonvolatile recording medium. The apparatus replacement method according to claim 1, wherein the setting information is acquired and registered in a second non-volatile recording medium included in the setting information.

[3] In the step ω, the second device sets the setting information when the setting information is changed. The method for replacing a device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein constant information is transmitted.

(f) instead of the step (d), a step of giving a trigger for an operator to acquire setting information to the second device;

(g) Instead of the step (e), the second device to which the trigger is input acquires the setting information recorded on the first non-volatile recording medium or the third non-volatile recording medium. Registering in a second non-volatile recording medium of the device;

The method for replacing an apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: