JP2000181518A - Control unit for equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control unit for equipment capable of smoothly controlling equipment even in the case of controlling a to of sensors or switching elements through one main control means by transferring data. SOLUTION: This control unit is provided with a controller 36 installed in equipment and sensor 27 or switching element 28 for transferring data to/from the controller 36 through cross wiring 22A, these respective sensor or switching elements are classified into plural systems, a signal line 22 between each system and the controller 36 is provided with a switching device 25, and this switching device opens/closes a signal system while receiving data from the controller 36 through the signal line.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device for equipment such as a commercial / home refrigerator, a low-temperature showcase, a prefabricated refrigerator, an air conditioner, and a vending machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a commercial refrigerator incorporates a compressor, a condenser, a cooler and the like constituting a cooling device, or a compressor and a condenser are separately provided, and a refrigerant discharged from the compressor is provided. Is condensed in a condenser and depressurized by a decompression device, and then supplied to a cooler to exert a cooling effect. Cooling to low temperature.

In addition, frost formed on the cooler by the cooling operation is heated and melted by a defroster (defrost heater), and dew adhering by a cooling action is removed by heating by a dew-proof heater. On the other hand, a condenser fan is provided around the compressor and the condenser, and the condenser fan is air-cooled by the condenser fan.

In order to perform such various operation controls,
The refrigerator is equipped with a controller constituted by a microcomputer. Further, various sensors for detecting the temperature of the inside of the refrigerator, the cooler, and the condenser are mounted, and switches for controlling the operation of mounted components such as a compressor, a defroster, a dew-proof heater, and a fan in the refrigerator are also mounted. And the controller controls the operation of the mounting parts by each switch.

[0005]

By the way, in recent years, even in this kind of commercial refrigerator, a system in which a plurality of installed devices are connected by a signal line and controlled centrally by one controller has been sought and developed. Have been coming. When such centralized control is performed, the controller performs data communication in order to instruct each control terminal, that is, the attached parts of each refrigerator, but the number of these refrigerators or the number of parts attached thereto is large. Then, it takes a long time for the communication with the controller to make a round.

[0006] When the communication time of the controller is extended as described above, there is a problem that a delay occurs when, for example, it is desired to immediately change the setting or operation of a specific refrigerator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional technical problem. Even when a large number of sensors and switching elements are controlled by a single main control means by transmitting and receiving data, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is intended to provide a control device of a device which can be controlled at a time.

[0008]

A control device according to the present invention comprises a main control means provided in a device, and a sensor or a switching element for exchanging data with the main control means via a signal line. Each of these sensors or switching elements is classified into a plurality of systems, and a signal line between each system and the main control unit is provided with a switching device. The switching device is connected to the main control unit via the signal line. The signal system is opened and closed in response to the above data.

According to the present invention, there are provided a main control means provided in a device and a sensor or a switching element for exchanging data with the main control means via a signal line. Are divided into a plurality of systems, and a switching device is provided on each signal line between each system and the main control unit. The switching device receives data from the main control unit via the signal line and changes the signal system. Since it is configured to be opened and closed, when data transmission / reception is required only for a sensor or a switching element of a specific system, a signal system can be opened only for a switching device of the system.

Accordingly, even when a large number of sensors and switching elements are connected to the signal line, the setting and operation of a specific system of sensors and switching elements can be quickly changed, and control can be performed. The performance is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above device, the switching device includes an opening / closing means for opening / closing a signal system, a storage means having its own ID code, and a main control means via a signal line. It is characterized by having transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving data, and switching device-side control means for controlling the opening / closing means based on data from the transmission / reception means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the apparatus for controlling a device, wherein the sensor transmits and receives data to and from the main control means via a signal line, and a storage element having its own ID code. Means, and sensor-side control means for receiving data detected by the detection element, writing the data in the storage means, and transmitting the data in the storage means to the main control means by the transmission / reception means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the above device, the switching element exchanges data with the main control means via a switching means, a storage means having its own ID code, and a signal line. It is characterized by having transmission / reception means and switching element-side control means for controlling the switching means based on data from the transmission / reception means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the switching device includes an opening / closing means for opening / closing a signal system, a storage means having its own ID code, and a transmission / reception of data with the main control means via a signal line. And the switching device-side control means for controlling the opening / closing means based on data from the transmitting / receiving means, so that the main control means can execute the opening / closing control of the signal system without any trouble. In this case, since the switching device has its own ID code in the storage means,
By connecting the switching device to the signal line, the main control means can identify the switching device, and the wiring of the switching device is completed.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the sensor-side control means of the sensor writes the data detected by the detection element into the storage means, and transmits the data to the main control means via the signal line by the transmission / reception means. Therefore, the main control means of the device can take in the data without any trouble. In this case, the sensor has its own ID code in the storage means,
By connecting the sensor to the signal line, the main control means can identify the sensor, and the wiring of the sensor is completed.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, the switching element side control means of the switching element controls the switching means based on data from the main control means received by the transmission / reception means via the signal line. The main control means can execute device control without any trouble.
Also in this case, the switching element stores its own ID in the storage means.
Since the code is retained, the main control unit can identify the switching element by connecting the switching element to the signal line, and the wiring of the switching element is completed.

Thus, the switching device, the sensor, and the switching element can be wired by so-called plug-in, and the wiring can be significantly simplified. In addition, since it is possible to use common software for the main control means regardless of the number of switching devices, sensors and switching elements, etc., it is also possible to significantly reduce costs due to common use. is there.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a commercial refrigerator 1 as an embodiment of a device to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C arranged side by side, and FIG. 1C shows a wiring diagram of a signal system of 1C. In each figure, the refrigerator 1 (each refrigerator 1 having the same structure shown in FIG. 2)
1A, 1B, and 1C), a main body 5 is constituted by a heat-insulating box 2 opened on the front surface, and a storage room 3 is formed in the heat-insulating box 2. The front opening of the storage room 3 is closed by a door 4 so that it can be opened and closed. In the storage room 3, a cooler 6 constituting a refrigeration cycle of the cooling device and an in-compartment fan 7 driven by a motor are provided.

A defroster (electric heater) 30 (FIG. 3) for defrosting is attached to the cooler 6, and a dew-proof heater 8 for preventing dew condensation is provided on the opening edge of the heat insulating box 2.
And an operation panel 11 of a control box 9 as a main control means is attached to a front surface of the door 4 of the refrigerator 1A.

On the other hand, a machine room 12 is formed below the heat-insulating box 2, and in the machine room 12, the compressor 1 constituting a refrigerating cycle of a cooling device together with the cooler 6 is provided.
3, a condenser 14, a condenser fan 16, and the like.

When the compressor 13 is operated, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 13 radiates heat in the condenser 14 to be condensed. Is done. In the cooler 6, the refrigerant evaporates and exerts a cooling function. Thereafter, the low-temperature gas refrigerant returns to the compressor 13 again. When the in-compartment fan 7 is operated, the cool air cooled by the cooler 6 is circulated into the storage room 3, whereby the storage room 3 is cooled.

When the condenser fan 16 is operated, outside air is passed through the condenser 14 and the compressor 13, so that they are air-cooled. Further, the defroster 30 is energized every predetermined time or at a predetermined time. When the defroster 30 is energized, heat is generated and the cooler 6 is heated to perform defrosting. Furthermore, when the dew-proof heater 8 is energized, the opening edge of the heat-insulating box 2 is heated to prevent dew condensation.

Next, in FIG. 3, reference numeral 21 denotes each refrigerator 1A,
AC power line wired in the main body 1 of 1B and 1C.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a signal line for exchanging data. The signal line 22 is wired in the main body 5 of each of the refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C, and a crossover wiring (signal line) 22A is also provided between the refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C. The signal lines 22 of the refrigerators 1A, 1B, 1C are branched from the crossover wiring 22A. The signal lines 2 of the refrigerators 1A, 1B and 1C are described later.
Each element connected to 2 forms a system, and a switching device 25 is connected to a signal line 22 located at a branch point to each system as shown in FIG.

In this case, each refrigerator 1A, 1B, 1C
Are controlled in a centralized manner, and the refrigerator that is the parent in control is the refrigerator 1A. And of the refrigerator 1A
The control box 9 is connected to the AC power supply line 21 and the crossover wiring 22A. In addition, each refrigerator 1A, 1
The drive board 23 of the compressor 13, the power board 24 of the fans 7 and 16, the defroster 30, and the power board 26 of the dew heater 8 are connected to the AC power line 21 and the signal line 22 of B and 1C.

Further, a signal line 22 of each of the refrigerators 1A, 1B and 1C has a chip-shaped internal temperature sensor 27 as a sensor for detecting the temperature in the storage room 3 and a sensor for detecting the temperature of the cooler 6 as a sensor. Chip defrost sensor 10, chip-shaped high temperature sensor 20 as a sensor for detecting the temperature of condenser 14, drive substrate 23, power supply substrate 24,
6 are connected via connectors.

Although one switching element 28 is shown on the power supply boards 24 and 26, each of the fans 7, 1
6, the defroster 30 and the dew prevention heater 8 are provided respectively.

In the embodiment, the drive board 23 and the power supply boards 24 and 26 are composed of the compressor 13, the fans 7, 1
6, the defroster 30, and the dew-proof heater 8, which are separate from each other. In addition, the defroster 30 and the dew-proof heater 8 may be configured to be built in each.

According to this configuration, the wiring is completed only by connecting the compressor 13, the fans 7 and 16 or the defroster 30, the switching elements 28 built in the dew-proof heater 8 and the connector of the signal line 22. For,
Assembly and wiring workability is further improved.

Next, the structure of the control box 9 provided in the refrigerator 1A is shown in FIG. The control box 9 is provided with a controller (substrate) 36. The controller 36 includes a CPU (microcomputer) 31, a memory 32 as storage means,
It comprises an I / O interface 33 and a bus I / O interface 34 as a transmission / reception means. The control box 9 has a display 37 composed of a liquid crystal display panel and input means (keyboard,
A switch 38 as a mouse or the like is provided, and the display 37 and the switch 38 are connected to the I / O interface 33 and arranged on the operation panel 11.

The bus I / O interface 3
4 is connected to the crossover wiring 22A.
Data is exchanged with the refrigerator 1A and the temperature sensors 27, switching elements 28,... Of the refrigerator 1A and the refrigerators 1B, 1C arranged in parallel via the signal line A and the signal line 22. Switching device 25
Controls whether the signal lines 22 of the refrigerators 1A, 1B, 1C are connected to the crossover wiring 22A (signal system closed) or disconnected (signal system open), as described later in detail. The signal system of the refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C) is opened and closed.

The controller 36 has a predetermined communication protocol for performing data communication with the internal temperature sensor 27, the defrost sensor 10, the high temperature sensor 20, the switching element 28, and the switching device 25, and the sensors 27, 1
Software for searching for and identifying 0, 20, the switching element 28, and the switching device 25, display image data on the display 37, and the like are set.

FIG. 4 shows the construction of the inside temperature sensor 27, the defrost sensor 10, and the high temperature sensor 20. still,
Since the sensors 27, 10, and 20 have the same configuration, the internal temperature sensor 27 will be described below. The internal temperature sensor 27 includes a CPU 43 as a sensor-side control unit, a memory 44 as a storage unit, and an I / O as a transmission / reception unit.
The interface 46, the A / D converter 47, and the A
It comprises a sensor unit 48 as a detecting element connected to the / D converter 47, a capacitor 49 as a power storage element, a diode 51 as a rectifying element, and the like.

In this case, the capacitor 49 is connected to the diode 5
1, and each element is connected to a connection point between the diode 51 and the capacitor 49. A potential (high potential) of, for example, +5 V is applied to the crossover wiring 22 </ b> A and the signal line 22, and data is composed of pulses that fall from this high potential to a low potential of 0 V, for example.

Then, the internal temperature sensor 27 is connected to the signal line 22.
When the high-potential and low-potential pulse signals constituting data are at the high potential, power is supplied to each element as it is, and the capacitor 49 is also charged. And
During the low potential, the capacitor 49 discharges,
The power supply of each element is provided.

The internal temperature sensor 27 has Vcc (DC
+ 5V) A power supply terminal 45 is also provided, which is connected to the connection point between the diode 51 and the capacitor 49. If the Vcc power supply terminal 45 is connected to a power supply line, each element is connected to the power supply line. It is configured to be able to operate also by the power supply of. That is, in this case, each element operates without filling the capacitor 49, so that convenience is improved when it is desired to quickly operate the internal temperature sensor 27 at the time of inspection or the like.

The CPU 43 fetches the temperature data detected by the sensor unit 48 via the A / D converter 47, and writes the data into the memory 44 once. Then, the controller 36 is connected to the controller 36 via the signal line 22 by the I / O interface 46.
, The temperature data written in the memory 44 is transferred to the signal line 2 by the I / O interface 46.
2 to the controller 36.

Here, the internal temperature sensor 2 is stored in the memory 44.
7 stores an ID code of itself, identification data indicating that the sensor is a sensor, set value data such as a low temperature / high temperature alarm temperature, a protocol for performing data communication with the controller 36, and the like. If a failure occurs in the internal temperature sensor 27, the failure data is also written to the memory 44 and transmitted to the controller 36.

FIG. 5 shows the structure of the switching element 28. The switching element 28 includes a CPU 58 as a switching element side control unit, a memory 59 as a storage unit, an I / O interface 61 as a transmission / reception unit, an I / O interface 62 as a driver, and an I / O interface 62 as a driver. , A transistor 63 as a switching means, a capacitor 64 as a power storage element, a diode 66 as a rectifying element, and the like.

In this case, the capacitor 64 is connected to the diode 6
6, and each element is connected to a connection point between the diode 66 and the capacitor 64. When the switching element 28 is connected to the signal line 22, power is supplied to each element as long as the high-potential and low-potential pulse signals constituting data are at the high potential as described above, and the capacitor 64 is also supplied to the capacitor 64. Charged. While the potential is low, the capacitor 64 discharges power to supply power to each element. The switching element 28
Has a self-holding function for holding the current state even if data communication from the controller 36 is interrupted.

The switching element 28 is also provided with a Vcc (DC + 5V) power supply terminal 55 connected to the connection point between the diode 66 and the capacitor 64, as shown by the broken line in FIG. If connected, each element of the switching element 28 can operate even by power supply from the power supply line. That is, in this case, each element operates without filling the capacitor 64.
The convenience is improved when the user wants to operate the camera 8 quickly.

When ON / OFF data is transmitted from the controller 36 via the signal line 22 via the I / O interface 61, the CPU 58 turns ON / OFF the ON / OFF data.
The transistor 63 is turned on / off by the I / O interface 62 based on the F data.

Here, the memory 59 stores an ID code of the switching element 28 itself, identification data indicating that the element is a switching element, a protocol for performing data communication with the controller 36, and the like. If a failure has occurred in the switching element 28, the data is also written into the memory 59, and the controller 36
Sent to.

The switching element 28 is connected to each drive board 2
3. The switching unit 68 is wired on the power supply boards 24 and 26 as shown in FIG. That is, 69 is a photocoupler comprising a photodiode 69A and a phototriac 69B, 71 is a resistor, 72 is a diode as a rectifying element, and 73 is a capacitor 74 as a power storage element.

In this case, the capacitor 74 is connected to the diode 7
2 is connected between the connection point of the diode 72 and the capacitor 74 and the collector terminal (indicated by S2 in FIG. 5) of the transistor 63 of the switching element 28.
1 and the photodiode 69A are connected in series. The terminal S1 (FIG. 5) of the switching element 28 is connected before the diode 72. The phototriac 69B is interposed between the AC power line 21 and the compressor 13, the fans 7, 15, the defroster 30, and the dew-proof heater 8, respectively.

When the diode 72 is connected to the signal line 22, power is supplied to the photodiode 69A via the resistor 71 as long as the high-potential and low-potential pulse signals constituting data are at the high potential. , The capacitor 74 is also charged. While the potential is low, the capacitor 74 is discharged from the capacitor 74 to supply power to the photodiode 69A.

Similarly, the diode 72 and the capacitor 7
Vcc power supply terminal 60 is connected to the connection point
If the power supply terminal 60 is connected to the power supply line, the photodiode 69A can operate even by power supply from the power supply line. That is, in that case, each element operates without filling the capacitor 74.
Convenience is improved when it is desired to operate quickly at the time of inspection or the like.

On the other hand, the structure of the switching device 25 is shown in FIG. The switching device 25 includes a controller 81 including a switching device side control unit, an opening / closing unit, and a transmission / reception unit, a memory 82 as a storage unit, a light emitting diode 83 and a resistor 84.
It is composed of Then, the terminal S3 of the controller 81 shown in FIG. 7 is connected to the crossover wiring 22A, and the other terminal of the controller 81 is connected to the signal line 22.

When data is transmitted from the controller 36 via the crossover wiring 22A by the transmission / reception means, the controller 81 connects the signal line 22 to the crossover wiring 22A based on the data, or connects the signal line 22 to the crossover wiring 22A. 22
Disconnect from A. Then, the signal line 22 is passed over the wiring 22A.
In this state, the light-emitting diode 83 is energized and turned on, and when disconnected, the light-emitting diode 83 is de-energized and turned off.

Further, the memory 82 stores an ID code of the switching device 25 itself, identification data indicating that the switching device is a switching device, a protocol for performing data communication with the controller 36, and the like.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. Each of the refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C is installed, the crossover wiring 22A and the switching devices 25 are wired, and each of the refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C is connected.
Assuming that the sensors 27, 10, 20 and the switching elements 28,... Of B and 1C are connected to the signal line 22, the controller 36 (CPU 31) first sends each signal to the signal line 22 through the crossover wiring 22A. Element (sensor 27, 1
0, 20, switching element 28, switching device 25)
Search the connection status of.

Initially, each switching device 25... Is connected to each signal line 2.
.. Are connected to the crossover wiring 22A.

In this case, the controller 36 makes an ID request sequentially to the sensors 27, 10, and 20 of all the refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C, the switching elements 28, and all the switching devices 25, and goes round. . In response, the sensors 27, 10, and 20, the switching elements 28, and the switching devices 25 of all refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C have their own I.
A D code or the like is returned to the controller 36. The controller 36 connects the refrigerators 1A, 1B, 1
C switching device 25..., The internal temperature sensor 27, the defrost sensor 10 and the high temperature sensor 20 are connected,
The switching element 28 for the compressor 13, the switching element 28 for the defroster 30, the switching element 28 for the in-compartment fan 7, and the switching element 28 for the dew-proof heater 8 (actually, there is also a condenser fan) are provided. Recognize that it is connected.

The controller 36 stores the connection status of the recognized temperature sensors 27, 10, and 20, the switching elements 28, and the switching devices 25 in the memory 32,
Thereafter, data is transmitted to each element using this ID code.

Next, the controller 36 controls each switching device 2
5 and closes the signal system only in the switching device 25 of the refrigerator 1A (connects the signal line 22 to the wiring 22A), and the switching devices 25 of the other refrigerators 1B and 1C open the signal system (signal line 22). Is separated from the crossover wiring 22A). The data transmission to the switching devices 25 is performed based on the above-mentioned ID code.

As a result, only each element of the refrigerator 1A is connected to the controller 36 via the crossover wiring 22A and the signal line 22. Controller 3 in this state
6 transmits ON / OFF data to the crossover wiring 22A together with each ID code of the switching element 28 of the drive board 23 and the switching element 28 of the power supply board 24 of the refrigerator 1A, starts the compressor 13 and the fan 7 in the refrigerator, and performs a cooling operation. To start.

Then, the CPU 31 of the controller 36 polls the sensors 27, 10, and 20 of the refrigerator 1A at a predetermined cycle. This polling is performed based on the above-mentioned ID code. CPU for sensors 27, 10, 20
43 transmits the temperature data to the controller 36 in response to the polling. The CPU 31 of the controller 36 once writes the received temperature data in the memory 32, and then performs the function assignment of each sensor based on the transition of the temperature data after starting the cooling operation.

That is, if the temperature according to the temperature data has risen after a certain period of time has elapsed after the start of the cooling operation of the refrigerator 1A, the controller 36 assigns a function that the sensor of the ID is the high temperature sensor 10. , Stored in the memory 32. Also, the temperature according to the temperature data has dropped,
If the temperature is relatively high, the controller 36 assigns a function to the effect that the sensor of the ID is the internal temperature sensor 27.
Is performed and stored in the memory 32. Further, when the temperature according to the temperature data is lowered and the temperature is relatively low, the controller 36 performs a function assignment to the effect that the sensor of the ID is the defrost sensor 20 and stores the function in the memory 32.
This allows the controller 36 to
Is assigned the function of each sensor of the refrigerator 1A.

Next, the controller 36 closes the signal system only in the switching device 25 of the refrigerator 1B, and the other switching devices 25 open the signal system. After that, the same function allocation operation is performed for the refrigerator 1C, and all the memory 32 is stored.
To memorize.

Next, the actual control operation of the refrigerators 1A, 1B and 1C will be described. Here, all the switching devices 25 are used.
Indicates that the signal system is closed. In this state, the CPU 31 of the controller 36 controls all the refrigerators 1A, 1B, 1C
The polling is sequentially performed on the sensors 27, 10, and 20 at a predetermined cycle as described above, and the cycle is repeated. This polling is performed based on the above-mentioned ID code. CPU 4 for sensors 27, 10, 20 of each refrigerator 1A, 1B, 1C
3 transmits the temperature data to the controller 36 as described above in response to the polling.

The CPU 31 of the controller 36 temporarily writes the received temperature data in the memory 32, compares the temperature data from the internal temperature sensor 27 with a preset temperature, and outputs ON / OFF data. Switching element 2 of drive board 23 of each refrigerator 1A, 1B, 1C
8 with the ID code 8 and the signal line 2
2 and make a complete round.

The driving board 23 of each refrigerator 1A, 1B, 1C
When the CPU 58 of the switching element 28 receives ON / OFF data of its own ID code, the CPU 58 turns ON / OFF the transistor 63 based on the received data. By turning on / off the transistor 63, the photodiode 69A is turned on (emit light) / off (turns off), whereby the phototriac 69B is turned on / off, whereby the compressor 13 is started / stopped.

The CPU 31 of the controller 36
The ON / OFF data is sequentially transmitted to the crossover wiring 22A and the signal line 22 together with the ID code of the switching element 28 of the power supply board 26 of each of the refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C, and is transmitted to the defroster 30 at a predetermined cycle or at a predetermined time. Electric power is supplied to perform defrosting of the cooler 6. Then, based on the temperature data from the defrost sensor 10 received as described above, the cooler 6
Defrost control (end at a predetermined temperature) is performed.

Since the fans 7 and 15 of the refrigerators 1A, 1B and 1C and the anti-condensation heater 8 are continuously energized, ON / OFF data to that effect is stored in the IDs of the switching elements 28 of the power supply boards 24 and 26. Sent based on code. Each switching element 28 is connected to the ON / OF.
The fan 7, 15 or the dew-proof heater 8 is operated or energized based on the F data.

As described above, the controller 36 repeats the polling of all the sensors 27, 10, 20 and the switching elements 28... The control of the refrigerators 1A, 1B and 1C is executed.

Next, for example, when it is desired to change the operation by changing the temperature setting of the refrigerator 1B or when it becomes necessary to monitor only the refrigerator 1B, when a predetermined input operation is performed on the controller 36 by the user, the controller 36 is operated. Transmits data to each switching device 25 and closes the signal system only in the switching device 25 of the refrigerator 1B, and opens the signal system in the switching devices 25 of the other refrigerators 1A and 1C. The data transmission to the switching devices 25 is performed based on the above-mentioned ID code.

As a result, only the elements of the refrigerator 1B are connected to the controller 36 via the crossover wiring 22A and the signal line 22. Controller 3 in this state
6 polls the sensors 27, 10, 20 and the switching elements 28 of the refrigerator 1B to transmit and receive data.

As described above, according to the present invention, when it is desired to change the operation of a specific refrigerator 1B, the switching device 25.
· Only the refrigerator 1B has a signal line 22 and a crossover wiring 22A
Can be connected to the controller 36 through the controller 36. As described above, data is exchanged between the elements of all the refrigerators 1A, 1B, and 1C, and the controller 36 and the refrigerator The data communication speed of each element of 1B is significantly increased.

Although the embodiment has been described with reference to a sensor for detecting temperature, the present invention is also effective as a humidity sensor or a pressure sensor by using an element for detecting humidity or pressure as the sensor unit.

In the embodiments, the present invention has been described using a commercial refrigerator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various types of electric equipment such as a home refrigerator, a low-temperature showcase, a prefabricated refrigerator, and a vending machine, or an automobile, a house, etc. The present invention is also effective for home automation and security systems.

[0070]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, a main control means provided in a device and a sensor or a switching element for exchanging data with the main control means via a signal line are provided. Each of these sensors or switching elements is classified into a plurality of systems, and a switching device is provided on each signal line between each system and the main control unit, and the switching device is connected to the main control unit via the signal line. Since the signal system is configured to open and close in response to data, when only a specific system of sensors or switching elements needs to exchange data, only the switching device of the system can open the signal system.

Thus, even when a large number of sensors and switching elements are connected to the signal line, the setting and operation of the sensors and switching elements of a specific system can be quickly changed, and the control can be performed. The performance is improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the switching device includes an opening / closing means for opening / closing a signal system, a storage means having its own ID code, and transmission / reception of data to / from the main control means via a signal line. And the switching device-side control means for controlling the opening / closing means based on data from the transmitting / receiving means, so that the main control means can execute the opening / closing control of the signal system without any trouble. In this case, since the switching device has its own ID code in the storage means,
By connecting the switching device to the signal line, the main control means can identify the switching device, and the wiring of the switching device is completed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the sensor-side control means of the sensor writes the data detected by the detection element into the storage means, and transmits the data to the main control means via the signal line by the transmission / reception means. Therefore, the main control means of the device can take in the data without any trouble. In this case, the sensor has its own ID code in the storage means,
By connecting the sensor to the signal line, the main control means can identify the sensor, and the wiring of the sensor is completed.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, the switching element side control means of the switching element controls the switching means based on the data from the main control means received by the transmission / reception means via the signal line. The main control means can execute device control without any trouble.
Also in this case, the switching element stores its own ID in the storage means.
Since the code is retained, the main control unit can identify the switching element by connecting the switching element to the signal line, and the wiring of the switching element is completed.

Thus, the switching device, the sensor, and the switching element can be wired by so-called plug-in, and the wiring can be significantly simplified. In addition, since it is possible to use common software for the main control means regardless of the number of switching devices, sensors and switching elements, etc., it is also possible to significantly reduce costs due to common use. is there.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a commercial refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plurality of refrigerators arranged side by side.

FIG. 3 is a wiring diagram of a signal system of each refrigerator.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the temperature sensor.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the switching element.

FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram of a switching unit using a switching element.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the switching device.

[Description of Signs] 1 Refrigerator 6 Cooler 7 Internal fan 8 Dew-proof heater 9 Control box 10 Defrost sensor 13 Compressor 14 Condenser 16 Condenser fan 20 High temperature sensor 22 Signal line 22A Crossover wiring 25 Switching device 27 Temperature sensor 28 Switching Element 30 Defroster 31, 43, 58 CPU 32, 44, 59, 82 Memory 36, 81 Controller 37 Display 46, 61 I / O interface 48 Sensor unit 49, 64 Capacitor 51, 66 Diode 63 Transistor 69 Photocoupler 69A Photodiode 69B Photo Triac

Continuation of the front page (72) Katsumi Maekawa 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuya Imamura 2-5-2-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tsutomu Ishikura 2-5-5, Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka F-term in Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. 5H219 AA20 AA37 CC11 EE08 HH09 HH19 HH25 HH30

Claims (4)

[Claims] An apparatus includes a main control unit provided in an apparatus, and a sensor or a switching element for transmitting and receiving data to and from the main control unit via a signal line. Each of the signal lines between each system and the main control means is provided with a switching device, and the switching device receives data from the main control means via the signal line and receives a signal from the main control means. A device control device for opening and closing a device. 2. A switching device comprising: an opening / closing unit for opening / closing a signal system; a storage unit having its own ID code; a transmission / reception unit for exchanging data with a main control unit via a signal line;
2. The device control device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching device-side control unit that controls said switching unit based on data from said transmission / reception unit. 3. The sensor includes: a detection element; a storage unit having its own ID code; a transmission / reception unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the main control unit via a signal line; and fetching data detected by the detection element. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensor-side control unit that writes the data in the storage unit and transmits data in the storage unit to the main control unit by the transmission / reception unit. Control device. 4. A switching element includes: a switching unit; a storage unit having its own ID code; a transmission / reception unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the main control unit via a signal line;
4. A switching element-side control means for controlling said switching means based on data from said transmission / reception means.
Equipment control device.