DE2930347A1 - POST CONTROL UNIT - Google Patents

Description

description

The invention relates to sequential controls, it relates in particular to a sequential control that in connection used with a soup and beverage vending machine.

Soup and beverage vending machines are so far controlled by electromechanical devices containing multiple cams for triggering multiple switches. The cams are arranged on a common shaft and rotate together, and they operate the switches in a fixed, predetermined sequence, so that the device in a predetermined sequence a number generated by output signals. The times at which the signals occur can be set by setting adjust the angular position of the cams on the camshaft, but this adjustability is not very accurate. To The cycle of the vending machine must be run through for each setting and the chronological sequence checked to determine the effect of the setting on the operation of the system.

Although such systems are satisfactory for limited purposes, they are relatively inflexible and inadequate difficult to adjust. It is therefore desirable to have a vending machine that is more flexible and simpler and can be produced more economically.

There is another disadvantage of the known vending machines in that the timing adjustment is easily vulnerable to unauthorized persons.

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Since anyone who has access to the interior of the vending machine can intervene in the time control cams, which contains the sequence control, the owner of the machine has little control over the actual one Operation of the vending machine.

Another disadvantage is that the camshaft ^{must rotate the same angle during each operating cycle 1} , and this means that all possible control sequences take all the time required for the longest possible control sequence. This considerably reduces the vending speed of a vending machine for such sequences, which per se could be traversed in a shorter period of time.

The object of the invention is therefore to specify a sequence control that is much more flexible than has known controls and changes the timing and sequence of operations in a precise manner predetermined way allows.

Such a sequential control should have a digital structure, and the sequential control should be able to operate can be precisely controlled depending on the digital information.

The sequence control should have a basic program of sequences that is permanently stored and it should have a Modification means for storing adjustable modifications for the basic program included. When making of changes in the basic program, the change information should be retained.

The sequence control according to the invention should have an independent maintenance module that is separate from the control

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should be easy to use to make the necessary changes in the program. The maintenance module should be relatively compact and cheap, it should be a Require a minimum of control commands and control devices to achieve its purpose as a maintenance module. Such a maintenance module should contain facilities that allow a rapid increase or decrease in the content of a Control panel space with a minimum of manual controls.

The maintenance module should contain devices to increment the stored control program or decrement so that the operator can make large changes to the contents of the memory with a minimum of Facilities and a minimum of time is required to carry out the required settings.

The sequence control according to the invention is intended to provide facilities included to set the start and stop time of each function controlled by the controller, independently and with minimal Control equipment effort and minimal size and cost.

Furthermore, the sequencer should be a lock to prevent unintentional changes of the time sequences stored in the controller. The sequence control should be designed such that the selectable control sequences have individual duration so that short sequences can be carried out more quickly, than has been the case so far.

The sequence control according to the invention is intended to be a microprocessor contain.

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According to one embodiment of the invention, the contains Sequence control a microprocessor with stored program parts for programming the microprocessor as sequential control / to provide a variety of output signals to control an external device depending on the To generate the state of a large number of sequence selector switches, the microprocessor contains two separate memory areas. One of the memory areas cannot be changed and stores a basic program for controlling the sequence and delivery times of output signals, and the other memory area is changeable and stores modifications of the basic program. The changeable memory area can only be changed by using a normally separate control module change.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sequence control according to the invention has a maintenance module with a display device, selection devices for Selecting a channel address, and modifying means for modifying individual parts of the content of the Channel address identified memory locations. The maintenance module is designed in such a way that it contains the content of the above Can only change memory locations if it is connected to the controller or control unit.

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a soup and

Beverage vending machines according to one Embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a view of part of the interior of the vending machine of Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is a view of an embodiment of the

maintenance module according to the invention for the vending machine;

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4 is a schematic block diagram of a Sequence control unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

5a are flow diagrams of sequences of operations carried out by the sequencer unit according to FIG. 5d Fig. 4 can be performed; and

6a representations of selected areas of the 6c memory of the unit according to FIG. 4.

In Fig. 1 is a soup and beverage vending machine who dispenses soup and drinks, e.g. coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. The vending machine owns a coin slot 12 and several push buttons 14 that allow the choice of the desired soup or drink and allow the addition of a normal or extra serving of cream and sugar, if as Drink tea or coffee is selected. A compartment 16 is provided, into which a cup 18 is fed, and the Cup is filled with the selected soup or drink by means of the dispenser that is above the cup 18 has a dispensing opening 20.

Several displays 22 are provided which provide information to the user, such as which coins are from the machine are accepted etc .. In the vending machine shown in Fig. 1, by means of the ten Push buttons 14 black coffee, coffee with cream, coffee with sugar, coffee with cream and sugar, sanka, hot Choose chocolate, tea, soup, additional cream and additional sugar. The first eight pushbuttons that act as sequence control dial buttons select the soup or drink to be dispensed, and the last two buttons can be pressed while dispensing coffee, sanka or tea for an extra portion to get cream or sugar.

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FIG. 2 shows part of the interior of the vending machine according to FIG. 1, with the front hood removed. In the interior of the vending machine 10, several magazines occupy a space 24 which is provided for receiving the concentrates that are required for the production of coffee, hot chocolate, tea, soup, etc. and before being dispensed into the cup 20 during the dispensing cycle ¹ with hot Water to be mixed. A coffee brewing device for brewing coffee is arranged in the area 26.

In the space above areas 24 and 26 is a circuit drawer 30 arranged, and the sequence control unit for the vending machine 10 sits in the circuit drawer 30. The circuit drawer is connected to two other units by means of flat ribbon cables 32 and 34 connected, one of which is shown in FIG. The unit 36 is connected to the drawer by means of the cable 34 30 connected, the cable 34 is preferably provided with a plug connection 38 so that it is at least one End can be severed if desired for the maintenance of the drawer 30 or the unit 36. the Unit 36 contains assemblies that are connected to multiple switches, including switches 14, by means of the lines. are connected to generate signals which are fed to the vending machine via the drawer 30. These Signals are free of all transient components that are present on the lines etc. coming from the switches 14 could be.

Several relays (not shown) are behind the circuit drawer 30 and are arranged by means of lines, etc., not shown, with assemblies of the insert electrically connected. The relays become selective for controlling various functions in the vending machine 10

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excited. For example, when a cup 18 is to be dispensed into compartment 16, a relay is actuated, and its contacts close a circuit that feeds a motor, which is a device for delivering a single cup 18 in the room 16 sets in motion. The structure of the device for performing the mechanical Functions of the vending machine 10 is known. For this Reason, this structure is not explained in more detail, but it should be noted that the relays the appropriate open and close electrical circuits for proper operation of the vending machine.

The circuit board 30 contains a microprocessor 39, some other logic circuits, one of which is designated by the reference numeral 62, and a plug connector 40. The plug connection 40 is designed as a multiple connector which can accommodate a connector strip 42 (Fig. 3). During normal operation of the vending machine according to FIGS. 1 and 2, however, there is no connector strip inserted into the plug connection 40.

A maintenance module 46, see. Fig. 3, is connected to the plug-in connection 40 with the circuit insert 30, when the sequence control unit is to be serviced. During these times, a connector strip 42 is in the Plug connection 40 is inserted, and a ribbon cable 44 then connects the plug-in circuit 30 to the maintenance module 46. The maintenance module 46 has a display unit 48, which displays a number of numeric numbers with an appropriate decimal point. The maintenance module contains furthermore a selector switch 50 for setting four different operating modes. In the sales position of the switch 50, the vending machine operates normally. When switch 50 is in the "Channel" position, shows

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display 48 is one of several channel numbers. The number of channels corresponds to the address of a memory location in the Modifiable memory of the microprocessor in which a start time and a stop time are stored.

When the switch 50 is in the "start time" position, the display 48 shows the start time that is in the memory location identified by the channel number that was displayed as the switch was in the "Channel" position. When switch 50 is set to the "stop time" position, the display shows 48 indicates the stop time of the selected channel.

The content of any channel or memory location can be selectively increased by means of two push buttons 52 and 54 or decrease. When the push button 52 is pressed, the content of the selected channel decreases with a changeable rate. The decrease rate is very small at the beginning, but Ue decrease rate increases steadily until one relatively rapid rate of decrease is achieved. The rate of decrease is set each time the push button 52 is released and is depressed again are reset to their initial small value. That way one can User with a few short operating intervals of the push button 52 the content of the selected memory location decrease very slowly; however, the user can quickly change the value stored in the selected channel decrease that he is holding the push button 52 depressed. A second push button 54 is for increasing the in one selected channel, and the rate of increase is variable in the same manner as in Connection with the push button 52 described. This makes it possible to use the maintenance module in a simple manner make both big changes and small and exact changes.

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A locking pushbutton 56 is also provided for performing a locking or unlocking function. The push button 56 must be in the unlocked or depressed state in order for the start time to change Push buttons 52 and 54 to enable. The push button 56 must be in its unpressed or locked state to allow the stop time to be changed using pushbuttons 52 or 54. So the user must operate both switches 50 and 56 to allow the start time to be changed and this reduces randomness significant that the start time is changed unintentionally if only the stop time is to be changed. There Most changes are made in terms of the stop time only, are unintended changes in the Start time is essentially eliminated by the fact that push button 56 must be depressed to change the start time to be able to. The maintenance module 46 is extremely small and compact and has only four control elements. Of the Maintenance module is very powerful despite its simplicity and allows full programmability of the sequence control unit, which is arranged on the circuit board 30.

The programming of the sequence control unit is done by entering a start time and a stop time into each of the many channel spaces. Each channel location corresponds to a given relay or group of relays, and the start and stop times determine the time during each ^{duty cycle 1} that that relay or group of relays is energized or de-energized.

When operating the sequence control unit for controlling the vending machine 10, each cycle of the vending machine begins

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operation at time zero if a timer is reset at the beginning of a sales operation. A counter continuously counts the time that has elapsed since the last reset process. The elapsed time of the timer is periodically (and frequently) compared to each start time and stop time in each channel, and if a match or coincidence is found, a program is executed which performs a relevance test. The relevance test determines whether the channel that generated the coincidence is relevant for the control sequence selected by the pushbuttons 14. For example, if soup has been selected, the coffee brewing device 26 is not required, and the times for starting and stopping the coffee brewing device are irrelevant, ie irrelevant ^{, during a soup dispensing cycle 1.} If the relevance test determines that the channel providing the match is relevant for the selected operation, the relays assigned to this channel are fed or de-energized depending on whether the start or stop time caused the match. When the last relevant coincidence is recognized, the operation of the vending machine ends and the vending machine is ready for a further vending cycle without having to wait for the duration of the longest possible control sequence.

It should be noted that the start and stop times can only be changed if the maintenance module according to 3 is connected to the plug-in circuit 30. This is a very advantageous feature in vending machines as it is desirable to prevent any unauthorized interference with the timing of the various Prevent vending machine operations. It is not easy, the interior of a vending machine

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completely inaccessible, as circumstances arise that require access, such as when the coins are removed from the coin box, and if the magazines of the machine at periodic intervals need to be replenished. Because therefore the interior of the vending machine is for unauthorized maintenance personnel is accessible, it is highly desirable to somehow securely prevent unauthorized tampering with the timing of the vending machine. According to the present invention, no changes or adjustments can be made without owning a maintenance module the time control, and since the maintenance module is a separate device and only in the possession of an authorized person Maintenance staff can be kept, access to the time control unit of the vending machine is on limited in this way to qualified maintenance personnel.

The microprocessor unit 39 is preferably a unit made of a component or chip, such as the model Intel No. 8048. Such a microprocessor unit has two internal memory areas. One storage area is read only memory or ROM and the other storage area is random access memory or RAM. The content of the ROM is fixed and it is not possible to change the content in this memory area. The information stored in the ROM is retained even during a power failure, so that a restart program contained in the ROM memory area can restart the machine after a power failure. However, a RAM (random access memory) is a volatile memory and a power failure results in the loss of the contents stored in the RAM. By operating the maintenance module (Fig. 3), only those in the RAM can be

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Change the memory area of the saved data according to the In the present invention, no measure is provided to operate the sequence control unit without access to the RAM, to enable continuous operation of the machine even after a power failure.

According to the present invention, the data relating to the start and stop times are partially stored in the ROM and partially stored in RAM. The start and stop time data stored in the ROM form a basic program, which allows the machine to operate in a non-optimal but acceptable manner.

The RAM memory area is filled with time increments by using the maintenance module 46 in order to set the start and Either increase or decrease the stop time values of the basic program stored in ROM. A RAM so it is used to ensure that a vending machine works in an ideal or optimal way, the exact operating times being calculated by using the base values stored in the ROM that in the RAM stored finding values can be subtracted or added. Since the change values stored in RAM are in Compared to the base times stored in the ROM are short, the storage capacity of the RAM is retained, and there is ample RAM left to perform the functions of the microprocessor, MPU, and this is where the RAM is required as a buffer (scratchpad memory) for the completeness test, the relevance test, etc.

Although the contents of RAM are typically lost during a power failure, a rechargeable battery lasts power is available for the RAM memory area during a power failure. If protection against short

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If timely interruptions in the power supply are desired, a battery source with a relatively small capacity is sufficient. In order to extend the time interval during which data is retained in the RAM memory area even after longer interruptions in the power supply, batteries with a larger capacity must be used. Alternatively, an independent, non-volatile memory, such as an EAROM, can be used which, like a RAM, can be modified by writing, but which does not lose its memory content during interruptions in the power supply (up to 10 years). If an EAROM is used, the incremental data stored in this memory for the start and stop times will not be lost during any continuous interruption of the feed power. Since EAROM ¹ s are more expensive than other types of memory, it is advantageous to conserve its memory capacity, and this is accomplished in the present invention in that only modification or change values are stored in the EAROM. Alternatively, the EAROM saves those times that are actually used as start and stop times, so that no incremental data have to be saved.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4 which shows a schematic block diagram of the sequencer unit. The microprocessor unit 39 is shown as a single block to which a clock pulse source 64 for timing control of the microprocessor 39, a supply source 66 and a coin mechanism 68 are connected. The source of food 66 represents a conventional source of power to provide the microprocessor and other units with the necessary To provide voltage values that are derived from a conventional AC voltage network 70. The coin mechanism 68 is connected to one terminal of the microprocessor 39, and can be with respect to his

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Query status. If the microprocessor is an Intel, Model 8048 is used, the coin mechanism is connected to port T1 on the microprocessor, which is checked during the execution of suitable commands with regard to high or lower values. the Clock pulse source 64, supply source 66 and coin mechanism 68 are known units which are not are explained in more detail. The function of the coin mechanism is to apply a signal to terminal T1 when the appropriate amount of coins has been inserted into the coin slot so that a dispensing or sales cycle begins can. A dispensing cycle begins after the required number of coins has been inserted by pressing one the dial pad 14.

The microprocessor 39 has two ports P1 and P2 and a data bus DB. The data collection line exists of eight lines 76 which lead from the microprocessor 39 to a group of drivers 78. The outcome of the Driver is connected to corresponding light-emitting diode groups LED and to corresponding relays 80.

The port P2 is connected by eight lines 74 to a group of drivers 82, and the output of these drivers is connected to corresponding light-emitting diode groups LED 60 and suitable relays 80.

The port P1 is connected via eight lines 72 and functions as both an input and an output. if the port P1 operates as an input, it scans the state of a variety of switches, and when it is as Output operates, it provides control signals to the display unit 48 to identify which part of the display to be excited at any given time. the

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The outputs of the data bus are also via drivers 78 connected to the display unit 48 and carry signals which contain the information which of the various Positions of the display unit is to be displayed.

When the lines 72 act as inputs, they sense the state of the nine switches 14 on the front panel of the vending machine and you will also feel the State of the switch of the maintenance module 46 off. The nine switches are all clearly identified with the eight lines 72 combined connected, so that the closing of any switch during the operation of the microprocessor 39 due this connection is recognized. All ten switches are preferred by any influences on the Feed lines isolated by means of opto-isolator units, See, for example, unit 84 shown in connection with switch CB. The switch CB (for selecting black coffee) connects the opto-isolator 84 to a Input source, which can be a conventional alternating current source, which outputs conventional alternating voltage, which is on the conductors L1, L2. The opto-isolator 84 completes an electrical circuit between the two output lines that are electrically connected to the conductors Input lines connected to L1 and L2 are isolated and therefore isolated from transient processes on these lines are not influenced. The two output lines of the opto-isolator 84 are connected to the first and the fifth Line of the eight lines 72 connected. The other eight Pront switches are shown only schematically in Fig. 4, preferably connected to opto-isolators in the same way, like the switch CB.

Six of the eight lines 72 are connected to several switches of the maintenance module 46 via the plug connection 40.

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The lock switch 56 is between the sixth and eighth lines, the decrease switch 52 is between the second and seventh lines are placed, and the increment switch 54 is between the first and seventh lines of lines 72 placed. The switch 50 selectively connects the sixth line of lines 72 to the first, second and third management team. The state of switches 50-56 is made during operation of the microprocessor 39 is determined in the same way as previously described for the operating switches.

The removal of the maintenance module 46 by opening the Plug connector 40, has on the relationship between the sequence control unit and the switches 14 and relays 80 no influence that perform the various operational steps required during the dispensing cycles. The sequence control unit therefore works in normal operation of the vending machine without the presence of the maintenance module 46. Since only one maintenance module is required for a large number of slave control units, the Cost, complexity and power consumption of the slave control unit are significantly reduced.

The supply source reset circuit 90 scans the supply source for whether there is a power failure or a fault is available. When such a condition is detected, the corresponding input port of the microprocessor becomes 39 is set to a voltage with the value zero, whereby an internal program of the microprocessor 39 is triggered, which prevents the activation of the relay 80 and protects the content of the RAM area from it, being erroneously changed during a power supply failure condition. This reset input terminal is held at zero volts until the feed power has returned to its normal operating value which is sensed by the power source reset circuit 90. 0 3 0 007/0783

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5a-5d which together depict a flow chart which depicts that of FIGS operations performed by the sequencer. The flow chart assumes that the Is an Intel model 8048 microprocessor. Several blocks of the flow chart shown in Figures 5a-5d characterize both the structure of the present invention and the function of that structure. Although in a preferred embodiment most of the decision and operation units of these figures contained internally within the microprocessor unit, they can be viewed in a simple and equivalent manner from conventional logic integrated circuits or even with discrete components. The representation of the blocks in FIGS. 5a-5d are therefore to be understood both structurally and functionally interpret themselves as "hardware" and / or "software". In these figures, rectangular blocks represent operational units that, for example, contain flip-flops, solenoids, Relays etc., the diamonds represent decision units, e.g. comparators, coincidence gates or the like. Since the physical structure of the operation units and the decision units at Specification of the respective function is known, the special structure for the various operating units and decision-making units not explained in detail.

The decision units and the operation units in Figures 5a-5d operate in a prescribed manner Order and they control the way in which the various functions are performed. For this Reason is described in the description of the flowchart how a unit sends the control signals to the next unit passes if the previous one

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Operation or decision is complete.

The vending machine will start operating when 4, power is supplied from the supply source 66 to the arrangement according to FIG. 4, the supply source reset circuit 90 (Fig. 5a) resets the internal program counter of the microprocessor to the value zero. This is how entry occurs in the program in the right place. The control function then passes to the unit 104, which does the sale srelais switches off, sets the channel number code to zero and resets the interrupt timer 101 to zero. The interrupt timer 101 is a timer included in the microprocessor, but it can also be used as a timer build discrete timing element. Its function is to constantly count the clock pulses, and when the timer counter overflows, a signal is generated which outputs the control function to the unit 104, whereby the program starts again from this point. The counter of the interrupt timer is during normal operation of the 5a-5d program is frequently reset so that it never overflows during normal operation. Unless this Counter overflows due to a transient fault condition, the operation of the vending machine restarts and then runs normally.

The unit 104 gives the control function to the unit 106 which starts the interrupt timer next and then at a fixed rate regardless of the flow of the Main program, continuously incremented. The control function is then transferred to the unit 108, which the Sets the content of register 5 to the value 30 and enables all output flip-flops to drive the relays 80. The content of register R5 is used to perform the increment and decrement function at variable rate, when the maintenance module is inserted.

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The unit 108 transfers the control function to the unit 110, which is a subroutine for carrying out a Checksum program. The checksum program represents a completeness test with regard to the data stored in the RAM and is carried out through successive addressing all memory locations in the RAM in which a change in the start time or the stop time is saved, and carried out by adding up all these change values to a total. This sum represents a checksum used in the completeness test.

After the checksum is calculated, the control function the unit 112, which the calculated checksum j compares with a previously calculated value stored in RAM. If the calculated value equals the stored one Is value, the control function is output to the unit 114 via a line 116. Unless the calculated Value is not equal to the stored value, the control function is sent to the unit 113 via a Unit 118 issued, which sets a new entry flag and the content of the intended to be changed Clears RAM to zero.

The completeness test performed by units 110 and 112 ensures that the contents of the RAM are, for example, the result of a disturbance in the supply source, which exceeds the capacity of the battery supply has not changed. Following such a disruption the content of each RAM location has a random value and the completeness test shows a high Degree of likelihood of this disorder. Under these circumstances the random contents of the RAM will be ignored and the RAM is set to the value zero so that the start and stop times of the basic program are not modified.

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No other program changes are necessary, since the addition or subtraction of the value "zero" increases the time of the basic program does not change. The reload flag is an output signal that is sent to any of the light-emitting diode units 60 is emitted, so that the lighting of this special light-emitting diode unit 60 a malfunction-indicating completeness test indicates that maintenance is required to verify the contents of the Re-enter RAM.

The unit 113 effects one of the frequent resets of the interrupt timer, as mentioned above.

The unit 114 determines whether the channel switch is actuated i.e. whether switch 50 is in the "channel" position. If this is the case, the control function is via a Line 120 passed. If this is not the case, the control function is transmitted to the unit via a line 122 124 issued, which determines whether the switch 50 is in its "start time" position. Is that the case, if the control function is output via a line 126, if this is not the case, the control function is output via a Line 128 delivered to a unit 130. The unit determines whether the switch 50 is in its "stop time" position lies. If this is the case, the control function is output via a line 132; if this is not the case, the control function is transferred to a unit 134. Since the unit 134 only takes over the control function when the switch 50 is in the "Sell" position, or when the maintenance module 46 is not connected a sales cycle is displayed. The unit 134 determines whether a credit has been received, which by a signal from the coin mechanism 68 at port T1 of the microprocessor is detected. If this is the case, the control function

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delivered via line 136 to the sales program to start. If this is not the case, the control function is transferred to the unit 138 which controls the coin mechanism 68 turns on and then returns the control function to the unit 108. As long as the maintenance module 46 is not connected, or the switch 50 is not in one of its three maintenance positions, runs through the program in the manner just described the units mentioned, until by throwing in the correct ones Coins in the coin slot 12 the credit was received from the machine. Then the entrance takes place into the sales program via line 136, and the sales program is triggered as a sequence of operations, which result in the sale or delivery of the selected soup or drink.

If the maintenance module 46 is connected and the switch 50 is in its "channel" position, the line is open 120 transfers the control function to unit 140, which causes display unit 48 to display the content of the channel register indicates.

When the unit 140 has displayed the channel number, the control function is sent to the unit 141 to delete the interrupt timer, and then sent to unit 142, which indicates the state of the increment or increment pushbutton 54 checked. If this push button is pressed, the control function is transferred to the unit 144, which Compare the number of channels displayed with the number 15. If the number of channels is equal to 15, the control function is reversed directly back to unit 108. In the example shown, the number 15 represents the highest number of channels so that depressing key 54 will result in an error condition if the channel number is 15 owns.

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If the unit 144 determines that the channel number is not equal to 15, the control function is passed to the unit issued, which increments the content of the channel register, then the control function is returned to the unit 108. Then the one starting at 108 and at 146 repeats the ending loop, and each iteration increases the content of the channel register by the value 1 result. In this way, any channel can be easily selected by using the channel register is incremented until the correct channel is obtained.

When unit 142 detects that the increment key is not pressed, the control function is passed to the unit 148, which determines whether the key 52 has been pressed became. If the unit 148 determines that none of the keys 52 and 54 have been pressed, the control function returned to the unit 108, and the program flow beginning at 108 and ending at 148 is repeatedly until one of the pushbuttons is pressed to increase or decrease the content of the channel register. Since unit 140 is operated periodically each time this loop is passed, the channel number becomes continuously displayed.

If the unit 148 determines that the pushbutton 52 has been pressed, the control function is passed to the unit 150 which compares the status of the channel register with the value zero. If the channel register is equal to the If the value is zero, i.e. the number of the lowest channel, another decrease operation is faulty and the control function is returned directly to unit 108. If the channel register has not been set to the value zero, the control function passes to unit 152, which decrements the channel register before returning to unit 108.

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Any desired Quickly select and display the channel using the control functions of the maintenance module 4 6.

When the desired channel has been found, the switch 50 is either in the "start time" position or in the "Stop time" position moved. When the switch is set to its "start time" position, the control function goes via line 126 to a unit 154 which sets a flag which has the value zero. This flag is called the start-stop flag, its value zero indicates that the switch 50 is in the Position "start time". The control function is then passed on to a unit 156, which the content of the Register 5 is stored in register 3, then the control function is transferred to a unit 158, which calls a display subroutine. The display subroutine causes the display unit 48 to display the contents of the selected Register that corresponds to a change in a start time or a change in a stop time. When switch 50 is in the "start time" position, the displayed value represents the value stored in the selected channel The control function goes from the unit 158 to clear the interrupt timer and to unit 159 and then to unit 160, which determines whether register R3 has the value Owns zero. Since the unit 160 exercises control for the first time, when the content of the register R3 equals the value 30 is (and not zero), the control function is passed to the Transfer unit 162, which reduces the content of register R3 by the value 1 and then the control function the unit 158 returns. The loop containing the units 158, 160 and 162 is thus traversed 30 times, before register R3 equals zero. Afterward

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the control function is transferred to a unit 164 which determines whether the switch 50 is in the "start time" position and the lock button 156 is in the unlocked state. If this is the case, the control function passed to the unit 166 to carry out steps that involve changing the contents of the selected Create a channel.

If it is desired to change the stop time, switch 50 is placed in the "stop time" position, and then the unit 130 takes over the control function and gives the control function to the unit 156 via a unit 168, which sets the start-stop indicator to the value and thereby indicates that the stop time has changed shall be. The subsequent operations are carried out up to unit 164 in the manner described. If the unit 164 determines that the switch 50 is not in the "start time" position, or the push button is not in the unlocked state, the control function is passed on to the unit 170, which determines whether the switch 50 is in its "stop time" position and at the same time the button 56 is in the locked state lies. If this is the case, the control function is transferred to the unit 166 in order to change the selected Trigger start or stop time. If the unit determines that either switch 50 is not in the Is "stop time" or that the key 56 is not operating, an error condition is indicated and the control function is activated is returned directly to unit 108 without changing the content of the channel.

The steps just described represent the locking program, which is activated when the Switch 50 and 56 expires. If this switch doesn't

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are operated correctly, the times stored in the selected channel cannot be changed, and through this feature essentially prevents inadvertent change in the start and stop times.

The unit 166 checks the status of the push button 54. If this push button is not pressed, the control function is activated passed to the unit 168, which checks the state of the pushbutton 52. Is this pushbutton too is not pressed, the control function returns to unit 108 and runs through that beginning at 108 and at 168 ending loop repeats until one of the pushbuttons 52 or 54 is pressed. When the unit detects 166 that the pushbutton 54 is pressed, the control function is passed on to the unit 172, which determines whether the switch 50 is in the "start time" position. If this is the case, the control function is transferred to the unit 174, which determines whether the start time and stop time stored in the selected channel are mutually exclusive are the same. If this is the case, the increase in the start time represents an error condition, and so does the control function returns to unit 108 via line 176. If this is not the case, the control function delivered to a unit 178, which carries out the next step and thereby changes the selected start or Stop time causes. If the unit 172 determines that the switch 50 is not in the "start time" position, so the unit 178 receives the control function directly.

When the pushbutton 52 is depressed, the unit 168 transfers the control function to the unit 180, which determines whether the switch 50 is in its "stop time" position. If this is the case, the control function is transferred to a unit 182 which determines whether the start and stop times of the selected channel are the same. Is this

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if so, any attempt to reduce the stopping time is faulty and the control function returns directly to unit 108 via line 176. If this is not the case, the unit 178 takes over the control. If the unit 180 determines that the switch 50 is not in the "" stop time ¹¹ position, the control function is transferred to a unit 184 which determines whether the start time has the value zero. If this is the case, this time cannot be decremented and control returns to unit 108. If the start time of the selected channel is not equal to zero, control passes to unit 178.

The unit 178 determines whether the sign of the selected The start or stop time is negative and the decrease button 52 has been pressed. If this is the case, the Control function to the unit 186, which determines whether the current content of the selected time of the selected channel assumes a maximum value. Attempting to increase this time further is a mistake, and the control function returns to unit 108. The unit 186 can also perform the control function from a Unit 188 is obtained when unit 178 determines that the sign of the change value stored in RAM is not negative, or when pushbutton 52 was not pressed. Under these conditions, the unit 188 takes control and determines whether the change value stored in RAM is positive and push button 54 is depressed. If this is the case, the Control to unit 186 via. If this is not the case, control passes to the unit 190. The unit 190 can also obtain control from unit 186 if the contents of the selected RAM location are not has a maximum value. The unit 190 checks

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the state of pushbutton 54 again. If this pushbutton is pressed, the control function goes to the unit 192 over, which increases the selected time of the selected channel by one unit. Otherwise the controls work to unit 194, which decreases the selected time by one unit. Then control goes to the unit 196, which updates the checksum stored in RAM; this operation is always necessary if the change values stored in the RAM for the start and stop times are changed. The controls go to the Unit 197, which resets the new entry flag, then unit 198 decreases the content of register 5, and control is then passed to unit 110 via line 122.

As long as either the push button 52 or the push button 54 is depressed, those will be described Repeats steps and unit 198 gains control before control is returned to unit 110 will. Whenever unit 198 takes over the control function, the contents of the register is decreased by 1, which reduces the time it takes to cycle through loops 158, 160 and 162. This loop is iterated repeatedly each time the loop is entered, with the number of repetitions corresponds to the content of the register 5, since the register from the unit 156 immediately before entering the Loop was set accordingly. Since the initial content of register 5 is equal to the value 30, 30 repetitions occur the loop between each setting of the content of the selected channel both in the event of an increase as well as a decrease. After a change of 30 units, done over the course of 30 repetitions of the loop including unit 198.

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3 ^

the content of the register 5 has decreased to the value zero, and the loop including the unit 162 is bypassed. In this way, the rate at which the changed values are set is increased for as long as the Push button 52 or 54 remains depressed. In this way, large changes can be made to the contents of the RAM in a short amount of time simply by the user holding down the appropriate push button. Very fine adjustments can be made just as easily by briefly pressing the appropriate pushbutton Is depressed over periods of time.

Using the program steps described, any channel can be selected and the start time can be changed and the stop time can be adjusted up or down easily and quickly to the desired value to enter. When an adjustment is required, the unit 197 automatically sets the new entry flag, so that an error is displayed in the subsequent completeness check.

When the unit 134 (Fig. 5a) takes control and determines a credit, there is control to the first unit in the sales program via line 136 away. The first unit is the unit 200 (Fig. 5c), which reads the switch 14 together with a conventional Debouncing program carries out to prevent errors due to impact movements of the switch contacts. To From unit 200, control passes to unit 202, which determines whether one of the selector switches 14 is depressed is. If not, control returns to unit 108 via line 204. Has there been an election Control passes to the unit 204, which decodes the switches and enters the upper half of the register 4

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3 *

Representation of the selected order. The control function is then passed on to a unit 206, which resets the interrupt timer and clears the internal clock which controls the timing that controls functions during a sales cycle. The unit 206 transfers the control to the unit 208, which sets a flag F1 to the value zero, whereby the start times are checked for coincidence. This unit sets the channel register to the value 15, so that the first channel, with respect to time coincidence is checked, the channel number is 15.

After the channel register has been set to the value 15, the unit 210 takes control and checks switches 14 to determine whether the extra cream switch has been pressed. If so, the Control passed to the unit 212, which the bit no. 7 of register 5 sets. This is not the case, a unit 214 checks the status of the switch "extra sugar" and transfers the control to the unit 216, which sets bit 6 of register 5 when the switch is pressed for an extra portion of sugar. The unit 217 then tests whether F1 = 0, which indicates a start time. If so, control passes to a group of units 218a-218e, which determine whether the start time of channel 15 corresponds to the time of the clock. the Unit 218 gets the start time of channel 15 from ROM and unit 218b gets a signed one Parameters from RAM. The unit 218c adds both values; unit 218d receives the clock value; and the unit 218e checks for coincidence. If a coincidence is found, control passes to unit 220. Otherwise control passes to unit 221. When the unit 217 determines that F1 = 1, for the stop time of the selected channel the same sequence through the

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Operation of units 218f-218j performed. How else is explained, all channels are related to coincidence with the start time, and then all channels are related to Coincidence with the stop times checked.

If the clock value is not equal to either the start time or the stop time, control goes to a unit 221 (Fig. 5d) which clears the interrupt timer. A unit 222 then checks the status of the channel register. If the channel register is not zero, control passes to unit 224 which controls the The state of the channel register is reduced by the value 1 and control is then transferred to the unit 210. This order the operations that begin at unit 210 and end at unit 224 are repeated as long as until the start times of all sixteen channels have been compared with the clock cycle, then the control function goes via a line 225 back to a unit 226. The unit 226 checks the status of the flag F1, which was set to the value zero by the unit 208 before the start times were compared to the clock cycle. Since the flag F1 has the value zero when the unit 226 takes over the control function for the first time, the control function is transferred to the unit 228, the sets the channel register to the value 15, sets the stop bit F1 to the value 1 and the control function to the Unit 210 returns. Then the one beginning at unit 210 and ending at unit 228 Sequence is repeated until the stop times of all channels are compared with the clock, so that a coincidence can be checked and ascertained.

If a coincidence has been determined by the unit 218, the control function passes to the unit 220, the one Carries out relevance test by selecting from those in the

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Upper half of the register 4 stored data checks whether the channel for which a coincidence was determined is a channel used in the selected control sequence. This is not the case, the control function goes directly to unit 221. If the relevance test is positive, the control function goes to a unit 230 which determines whether the channel for which the coincidence was determined is the channel for "Extra Cream" is. If it is the channel for "extra cream", the control function goes to unit 232, which checked bit 7 of register R5. This bit would be sent by unit 212 upon detection that the push button "Extra cream" is pressed. If the unit 230 has determined that it is not the "Extra Cream ", the control function passes to the unit 231, which determines whether it is the channel for cream. If this is the case, the control function passes to the unit 232 for a test of bit 7 of register R5. If bit 7 is set, the control function passes to the unit 233, which determines whether the time for which a coincidence was found which is the stop time for cream. If this is the case, the control function goes directly to unit 221 so that there is no change in the cream dispensing condition. If it's not the Stop time for cream is involved, the control function is transferred to the unit 234 for the output code of the cream channel in place of the code for an extra portion of cream, then the control function goes to the unit 242 about. The subsequent switching on or off of the cream dispensing unit is explained below. if the test carried out by unit 231 for the cream channel was negative, or if bit 7 of register R5 was not recognized as set by the unit 232, the control function is transferred to the unit 236, which determines whether the coincidence channel is the channel for an extra portion of sugar.

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If this is the case, the control function is transferred to unit 238, which checks bit 6 of register R5, which can be set by the unit 216. If the unit 236 determines that it is not the channel for the extra portion of sugar is, the control function passes to the unit 237 to determine whether it is is about the sugar canal. If this is the case, control passes to the unit 238, which a test of the Performs bits 6 of register R5. If bit 6 is recognized as set, control goes to unit 239 over, which determines whether the time with respect to the coincidence is recognized is the stop time for sugar. Is this the one If so, control passes directly to unit 221, whereby no change in the state of the sugar dispensing unit he follows. If it is not the stop time for sugar, control passes to the unit 240 to to replace the code for an extra portion of sugar with the output code for the sugar channel, then control passes to unit 242 in order to then switch the sugar dispensing unit on or off. the Unit 242 can also take over the control function from unit 237 when the sugar channel is being tested was negative, or it can take over the control function from unit 238 if bit 6 of register R5 was recognized as not set.

The unit 242 determines if the coffee brew channel is the one Is the channel for which coincidence was detected, if this is the case, the control function goes to the unit 244, which sets bit 3 of register 5 to indicate that a long cycle is required because the Coffee dispensing cycles for dispensing coffee using the brewer take a longer time than other cycles. The control function is then transferred to the unit 246, which takes the control function directly from the unit

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obtained when the coffee brewing channel is not the coincidence channel is. Unit 246 determines whether the coincidence time is a stop time; if this is the case, the Control function to the unit 248, which triggers a dispensing bit in the vending machine. Afterward the control function is passed to the unit 250 to close or turn off the appropriate output. If the unit 246 detects a start time instead of a stop time, the control function passes to the unit over that the vending machine to turn on a Dispensing opening prepared, then the control function passes to the unit 254 to switch on the selected To carry out the dispensing opening.

Control is then passed to unit 266, which is responsible for the shutdown sequence for the dispensing opening Control function can also be received from the unit 250. In unit 266 the current channel output code checked to see if this is the code for sanka cream or sugar. If it's none of these codes The unit 268 then checks, by recognizing whether F1 = 0, whether it is a switch-on operation of an exit opening. is if this is the case, the register R5 is incremented by the value 1 in order to count the dispensing processes that are currently taking place be fed. When F1 = 1, indicating the end of a dispensing operation, register R5 is reduced by the value 1, and thereby the number of currently running dispensing processes decreases. The control function is then given to unit 221.

If the unit 226 determines that the last detected coincidence is a stop time, the control function is transferred to a unit 256 instead of to unit 228. The unit 256 determines whether the time of the sales cycle ¹

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is equal to or greater than the fair value of the sales channel plus a change value that can be stored in the RAM memory area, if this is the case, the Transfer the control function to a unit 258 which switches off all relays and the control function via a line 260 returns to unit 104. Although a single decision unit 256 is shown, it should be noted that that several different operations are required, and that unit 256 is a series of units, as represented by units 218a-218e checking a start time comparison. Unit 256 supplies the Maximum time for any sales transaction and sets the vending machine to its normal state when any output relay is left on for any reason, such as abnormal noise or the like.

If the unit 256 determines that the maximum cycle time has not yet elapsed, the control function passes to a unit 262 which determines whether the elapsed time of the sales cycle ^{1 is} greater than 10 seconds. If this is not the case, the control function goes over to the unit 274 in order to increase the time cycle by the value 1, then the control function goes over to the unit 208, and the sequence described is repeated. If more than 10 seconds have passed, the control function passes to the unit 264, which checks the status of bits 0, 1, 2 and 3 of register 5. When bits 0, 1 or 2, which together indicate the count for the number of relays currently energized, is set (ie, at least one is still on), or when bit 3 is set, indicating that a long cycle is in progress is required due to the choice of coffee brewing device, the control function goes back to unit 208. If none of these bits are set then control goes directly to unit 258, and all of them

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Relays are explicitly switched off (including those relays that were previously switched off).

By using the units 256, 262 and 264, and the unit 244, no control sequence lasts longer than 10 seconds, except for the sequence where the brewer is operating and then the control sequence is on limits the sales channel time, which is nominally 18 seconds unless modified. Selected tax consequences, which do not include the operation of the coffee brewing device therefore run at about twice the speed on those consequences for which the coffee brewing device is required.

Figures 6a-6c show portions of the ROM and RAM storage areas of the present invention. In Fig. 6a are corresponding Parts of the ROM and RAM are shown, in which the basic times or the change parameters of a typical Channel are stored. Four decimal places are stored in ROM for the bottom times and three decimal places (of which the most significant digit has the maximum value 7) are stored in the RAM. A bottom time can therefore be any time within a range of 0-9999 units, and the change parameters can be within the range of minus 799 to plus 799. In addition, the total must come from bottom time plus change parameters are within the range of 0-9999 units. Since the change parameters typically are small, the storage capacity of the RAM area is not required so much.

The actual time value of each unit of the stored start and stop times depends on the working speed of the vending machine. In one embodiment

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every time unit corresponds to the value <* -.- ... , 05 seconds. Fig. 6a also shows the in part of the 1- :; ■ '■' · ■ ··. -: stored checksum.

Figure 6b shows the various performance registers Significance associated with the microprocessor. The register stores, in one bit, an indication that the correct coins have been inserted as by signals from the Coin mechanism is detected. Three other bits store a representation of the selected control sequence in Depending on the actuated control sequence selection key 14. The other half of register 4 represents the channel register to identify the channel currently accessible in ROM and RAM.

In register 5, two bits store flags indicating that extra cream and sugar have been selected; Another bit stores an indication of whether the current cycle is short or long, ie whether the brewing device has been selected, and three further bits contain the number of activated dispensing openings, so that a subsequent sales program can be triggered as soon as all dispensing openings and a previous one Sales cycle can be switched off, whereby the end of this cycle ^{1 is} given. This enables the sales cycles to be shorter than the sales cycle time for brewer-free sales cycles. The unit 258 operates as a reserve element, after 10 seconds, for the FAIL ₇ that a failure prevents the switching off of one or more dispensing operations.

The registers 6 and 7 represent the internal time control, which can count from 0 to 9999 (whereby binary-coded is counted in decimal). This time control can be

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BATH ORIGINAL

Count understandably from 0 to 2 when operated as a binary counter with 16 levels. If desired, can use the data stored in the ROM and RAM areas as base times and change parameters can also be processed in binary form.

6c shows a table which is used within the relevance test. The table is stored in ROM and identifies those channels that are relevant to any of the eight selectable control sequences. For the Channels 0 and 1 do not have any data stored, as an indication of whether an extra portion of sugar or cream is added is selected, is stored in register 5 (Fig. 6b).

When an EAROM is used, it is a separate unit 300 (FIG. 4) that is connected via data buses 301 are connected to the microprocessor. The EAROM is controlled by a logic unit 302 under the control of the microprocessor 39 operated for reading and writing. The details of logic unit 302 are known. If that EAROM is used, it is accessed by the maintenance module for changes in the same way as this is the case with internal RAM, and as detailed above. The EAROM can either use the Save change parameters, like the RAM, or it can save the full programmed times, and in this one In this case, the ROM of the microprocessor 39 does not have to store basic times, and this memory location is for program instructions or the like available.

It can be seen that the sequence control unit is also suitable for applications other than controlling a vending machine for soups and drinks.

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Claims (24)

AMF INCORPORATED, a New Jersey company located at 777 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, New York 10604, U.S.A. CLAIMS slave 1. ! Sequence control unit for generating a variety η signals at programmable times, characterized in that a first and a second memory it is provided that the first memory (ROM) is non-changeable and the representations of a large number of programmed Stores operations to be carried out in an order that the second memory stores (RAM) is variable and stores representations of a variety of programmable times that timing devices (64) are provided for the timing of an operating cycle and for the generation of signals, WWR / il η ^ 0007/0783 - O _ the time intervals within the operating cycles correspond to the coincidence test devices (68) on the Signals of the first memory (ROM) respond and signals of the timing devices (64) with all the signals of the second memory (RAM) compare and a coincidence between the timing signals and the individual programmable Determine times and that output devices (78, 80, 82) are responsive to the coincidence checkers and a plurality of output signals at the times corresponding to the programmable times produce. 2. Sequence control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the first memory (ROM) and the timing devices (64) contain parts of a microprocessor unit (39). 3. Sequence control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that part of the first memory (ROM) contains the representations stores several basic times, and that the second memory (RAM) stores a large number of change parameters stores to change the bottom times, and that arithmetic means (39) with the first memory (ROM) and connected to the second memory (RAM) for generating signals which are dependent on the programmable times of the data stored in both memories (ROM, RAM). 4. Sequence control unit according to claim 3, characterized in that register (R4) for sequential identification of memory locations within the first memory (ROM) and the second memory (RAM) are provided, the channels correspond to each a bottom time and a 030007/0783 Change parameters contain that the computing means (39) respond to the register (R4) to access in the first memory (ROM) and the second memory (RAM), and at one of the programmable times to calculate that the output devices (78, 8O, 82) on the operation of the coincidence testers (68) and the register (R4) respond and each output signal at its own output terminal from a plurality output terminals corresponding to each channel. 5. sequence control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that several sequence selection devices (14) are provided which each define a predetermined sequence of programmable times that the output devices (78, 80, 82) devices responding to the sequential selection devices (14) and the coincidence checking devices (68) to selectively generate the output signals when the determined coincidence for a selected one Tax consequence is relevant. 6. sequence control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that that a maintenance module (46) can optionally be separated from the second memory (RAM), that the maintenance module (46) a display unit (48) for displaying the data stored in the second memory (RAM), and manually operable Means (50, 52, 54, 56) for changing the change parameters. 7. sequence control unit according to claim 6, characterized in that that devices are provided that a change in the content of the second memory (RAM) only when Enable operation of the maintenance module (46). 030007/0783 8. sequence control unit according to claim 6, characterized in that that a circuit insert (30) for receiving the second memory (RAM), a plug connection (40) on the Circuit drawer (30) and a plug (42) that fits into the plug connection (40) are provided on the maintenance module (46) are, and that the maintenance module (46) from the second memory (RAM) by releasing the plug connection (40, 42) is detachable. 9. sequence control unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the manually operable devices (50 to 56) a mode control switch (50) for selecting a change mode, and change control means (52, 54) for optional incremental changes to the content of a memory location in the second memory (RAM) contain. 10. Sequence control unit according to claim 9, characterized in that computing devices with the change control devices (52, 54) are connected and respond to their operation to the stored in the second memory (RAM) To change data incrementally while the change control means (52, 54) are operated, and that means are provided which cause the incremental change to repeat at an increasing rate while the change controllers (52, 54) are operated. 11. Sequence control unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the second memory (RAM) stores a start time related data when one of the output signals is generated, and stores the stop time related data when this output signal is terminated, and that locking devices (56 ) , and on the 030007/0783 Locking devices (56) responsive devices are provided which allow a change in the start time only allow relevant data by means of the change control devices (52, 54) if the locking devices (56) are actuated. 12. Sequence control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the stored in the second memory (RAM) Data contains change data for changing the basic program times, which are stored in the first memory (ROM), that facilities are provided that periodically a completeness check with respect to the in the second memory (RAM) stored data, and that devices respond to an error in the completeness check and set all change data to zero. 13. Sequence control unit according to claim 12, characterized in that that output display devices, and devices are provided which the output display device press if the completeness check reveals an error. 14. Sequence control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that that a utility device (10) is provided which is to be controlled in a certain sequence that the Utility device (10) contains a plurality of operating devices which receive the output signals from a plurality of control sequence selection devices (14) are provided to select one of several control sequences from the programmable Get times to control the utility device in the selected operating mode, that stop devices the coincidence checkers (68) and the control sequence selectors (14) are responsive to a cycle of operation of the utility device (10) when the selected control sequence has ended. 030007/0783 15. Sequence control unit according to claim 14, characterized in that devices are provided which are optional allow the cycle of operation to be extended when a particular control sequence is chosen. 16. Sequence control unit according to claim 14, characterized., that the programmable times are a first group of start times for triggering the output signals, and a group of stop times for terminating the trigger signals that the stop means on the address a first coincidence between the timing devices (64) and a programmable stop time which follows a predetermined point in time. 17. Sequence control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the second memory (RAM) data stores relating to a start time at which an output signal is generated; and stores data relating to a Relate to the stop time at which the output signal is terminated and that changing means (52, 54) for optional Change of the data in the second memory (RAM) are provided that the changing devices (52, 54) Contain facilities that cause a change in data where a stop time occurs before the corresponding start time, impede. 18. Sequence control unit with program control, which contains a changeable memory for storing data, which are used for program control, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that a maintenance module (46) is provided which contains a hand-held unit (46) that the unit (46) a display unit (48) for displaying the data, and 090007/0783 -I- Switches (50 to 56) for changing the data, and an electrical connector (42) that connects to the switches (50 to 56) and the display unit is connected so that the plug (42) can be detachably connected to the memories (ROM, RAM) is, and that the data content of the memory (ROM, RAM) can be displayed by the display unit (48) and by means of the Switch (50 to 56) can be changed when the maintenance module (46) is connected to the memory (RAM) by means of the connector (42) is connected. 19. Sequence control unit according to claim 18, characterized in that that devices are provided to periodically check the status of the switches (50 to 56), if the maintenance module (46) is connected to the memory (RAM), and that the content of the memory (RAM) is only in Depending on the operation of the switches (50 to 56) can be changed during the test process. 20. Sequence control unit according to claim 18, characterized in that that the switches (50 to 56) contain means to a predetermined memory space within of the changeable memory (RAM) and that the display unit (48) includes means for displaying a To display the identification of the selected memory location. 21. Sequence control unit according to claim 18, characterized in that the switches (50 to 56) are separate Switches (52, 54) for increasing and decreasing the data of the contents of the variable memory (RAM) included. 22. Sequence control unit according to claim 18, characterized in that the changeable memory (RAM) is first and stores second separate data words that the Π30007 / 0783 Switches (50 to 56) contain a plurality of separate switches, and means responsive to actuation one of the switches responds and allows the first data words to be changed, and the non-actuation the one switch (56) responds and then enables a change in the second data words. 23. Sequence control unit according to claim 18, characterized in that that the changeable memory (RAM) stores data corresponding to a plurality of points in time, at which events are to occur during the operation of the program-controlled apparatus that the program-controlled apparatus Apparatus includes means for repeatedly executing a sequence of operational steps that at least one of the operational steps checks whether the maintenance module (46) is connected to the memory (RAM), and that a subsequent step selectively changes the data only when the maintenance module (46) is connected. 24. Sequence control unit for generating a large number of signals at programmable times, characterized in that that a first memory (ROM) and a second memory (RAM) are provided, that the first Memory (ROM) is non-changeable and stores representations of a variety of basic times that are used by the programmable times are different, that the second memory (RAM) is variable and a plurality of Change parameters stores the programmable times arithmetically defined by any of the change parameters modified basic times correspond to the timing devices for timing the operating cycle the sequential control unit and for generating appropriate signals are provided that arithmetic 030007/0783 services with the first and the second memory (ROM, RAM) for generating the programmable times corresponding Signals are provided that coincidence test devices (68) on the from the computing devices and from respond to signals supplied to the timing devices to check coincidence between these signals, and that Output devices responsive to the coincidence testers (68) and a plurality of output signals at the times that correspond to the programmable times. 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