JP2000304400A - Showcase controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a controller for showcases which is standardized in view of the control to facilitate the system construction if a plurality of showcases are installed. SOLUTION: The controller is composed of a showcase body composed of heat insulation walls, signal lines laid in this body and a chip-like terminal 62 connected to the signal lines, the terminal 62 comprises a sensor 148, a transistor 163 for controlling the operation of equipment, a memory 144 holding its own ID code and various set values, etc., an I/O interface 146 for transferring data with outside through the signal lines, and a CPU 143 which takes in temp. data detected by the sensor, writes the data in the memory, transmits the temp. data in the memory to outside through the I/O interface and controls the transistor, based on data received through the I/O interface.

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 a plurality of showcases installed in a supermarket or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A plurality of showcases are installed in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store. Conventionally, each showcase is individually controlled by a control device including a temperature controller. It is the current situation. Therefore, various setting operations such as the temperature of the showcase or the like must be individually performed at a place where the showcase or the like is installed. Therefore, when the setting is changed depending on the season or weather, the operation becomes extremely complicated.

[0003] In addition, in order to grasp the operating conditions such as various set values and the temperature of the showcase or the like, it is necessary to go to a place where the showcase or the like is installed and to individually check the operating conditions. However, there is a problem that data on the data cannot be easily grasped.

[0004] Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-114657.
In the publication (F25D11 / 00), a control device (comprised of a microcomputer) of each showcase is connected to a main controller constituted by a microcomputer (or a personal computer or the like) via a communication line, and various types of each showcase are connected. The setting operation is performed by the main control device, and data relating to the operating status of the showcase is collected by the main control device and managed collectively.

[0005]

One or a plurality of temperature sensors are attached to the showcase, and a plurality of switches for controlling an electromagnetic valve and the like are provided. These are connected to the control device of the showcase, but the number of these temperature sensors and switches differs depending on the model (specification) of the showcase.

Therefore, the wiring of the electric system and the configuration of the control device for controlling these wirings, specifically, the control program of the CPU (microcomputer) and the like are different for each model.
Particularly, when a plurality of showcases are controlled collectively, there has been a problem that the system construction is extremely troublesome.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional technical problems, and aims at commonality in control.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a showcase control device that facilitates system construction even when a plurality of devices are installed.

[0008]

That is, a control device according to the present invention comprises a showcase body constituted by a heat insulating wall, a signal line wired in the showcase body, and a signal line connected to the signal line. A terminal device in the form of a chip. The terminal device includes a temperature detecting element, switching means for controlling the operation of the device, storage means having its own ID code and various set values, and a signal. Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the outside via a line, and taking in the temperature data detected by the temperature detecting element and writing it to the storage means, and transmitting the temperature data in the storage means to the outside by the transmitting and receiving means, Terminal-side control means for controlling the switching means based on the received data.

According to the present invention, the terminal-side control means of the terminal device writes the temperature data detected by the temperature detecting element into the storage means and transmits the data to the outside via the signal line by the transmission / reception means. The terminal device can take in temperature data of another showcase. In addition, since the terminal-side control means controls the switching means based on data received by the transmission / reception means via the signal line, other terminal devices can execute control of devices provided in other showcases without hindrance. Can be.

[0010] With this, when installing a plurality of showcases, for example, by setting one as a parent showcase without providing a special management device, the other showcase can be operated by the parent showcase. Can be controlled collectively. Therefore, it is extremely easy to construct a system for performing centralized control of a showcase.

In this case, the terminal device stores its own I
Since the terminal device has the D code, by connecting the terminal device to the signal line, each terminal device can identify the other terminal device, and the wiring of the terminal device in each showcase is completed. Thus, according to the present invention, the terminal device of each showcase can be wired by a so-called plug-in, and the wiring can be significantly simplified. In addition, since common software can be used regardless of the number of terminal devices, the cost can be significantly reduced by using common components.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a low-temperature showcase 1 as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a piping configuration in a store such as a supermarket where the low-temperature showcase 1 is installed, and FIG. It is a system configuration diagram of a centralized control device such as a showcase 1.

The low-temperature showcase 1 of the embodiment is a vertical open showcase, and includes a heat insulating wall 32 having a substantially U-shaped cross section.
The showcase main body 20 is constituted by side plates (not shown) attached to both sides of the heat insulating wall 32 at the installation site. An outer partition plate 34 and an inner partition plate 36 are attached to the inner side of the heat insulating wall 32 with a space therebetween, and an outer duct 3 is provided between the heat insulating wall 32 and the outer layer partition plate 34.
7. An inner duct 38 is formed between the inner and outer partition plates 36 and 34, and a storage chamber 39 is formed inside the inner partition plate 36.

In the storage room 39, a plurality of shelves 41 are provided.
Are mounted, and fluorescent lamps 40 are also provided as illumination lights in the front lower surface of each shelf 41, the ceiling of the storage room 39, and the eave 35. A deck pan 42 is attached to the bottom of the storage room 39.
The lower part is a bottom duct 43 communicating with the ducts 37 and 38.

A fan case 44 containing a blower 45 is installed in the bottom duct 43. Also,
An evaporator 46 is provided vertically below the inner layer duct 38 located behind the storage chamber 39. A thermometer 55 for detecting and displaying the temperature in the storage room 39 is provided on the front surface of the eave 35.
Is attached.

An outer layer discharge port 52 and an inner layer discharge port 53 are juxtaposed in front and rear at the upper edge of the front opening 51 of the storage chamber 39. The outer layer discharge port 52 is connected to the outer layer duct 37 by the inner layer discharge port 53.
Are respectively connected to the inner layer ducts 38. A suction port 54 is formed at a lower edge of the opening 51 and communicates with the bottom duct 43.

When the blower 45 in the fan case 44 is operated, the air in the bottom duct 43 is blown toward the inner and outer ducts 37 and 38 at the rear, and is blown up in the outer duct 37 as it is. In the inner layer duct 38, the heat is exchanged with the evaporator 46 and then blown up, and then blown out from the inner and outer layer discharge ports 52 and 53 at the upper edge of the opening 51 toward the suction port 54 at the lower edge.

As a result, an inner cold air curtain and an outer air curtain for protecting the same are formed in the opening 51 of the storage chamber 39, and the invasion of outside air from the opening 51 is prevented or suppressed. A part of the inner cold air curtain circulates in the storage room 39 and the inside of the storage room 39 is cooled. Then, the cool air is supplied to the suction port 54.
From the bottom duct 43 and is sucked into the blower 45 again.

Next, in FIG. 2, 1a... Indicates a low-temperature showcase (refrigerated case for fruits and vegetables) for storing and displaying fruits and vegetables (commodities), and 1b. This is a low-temperature showcase (ice temperature case for fresh fish) to be stored and displayed. Each low-temperature showcase 1a ... 1b ...
Is installed along the wall of a supermarket store as shown in FIG. On the other hand, reference numerals 11 and 12 denote separate-type refrigeration refrigerators (condensing units) and ice-temperature refrigerators (condensing units) installed (separately installed) in a machine room 13 formed outside the store.

Each of the refrigerators 11 and 12 is composed of a compressor and a condenser (not shown). The inlet side of the evaporator 46 of the low-temperature showcase 1a (refrigerated case) is a solenoid valve 14 and an expansion valve. It is connected in parallel to the liquid refrigerant pipe 17 of the refrigerator 11 via the valve 16, and the outlet side of the evaporator 46 is connected in parallel to the gas refrigerant pipe 18 of the refrigerator 11.

The inlet side of the evaporator 46... Of the low-temperature showcase 1 b (ice temperature case) is connected via the solenoid valve 19 and the expansion valve 21 to the liquid refrigerant pipe 22 of the ice temperature refrigerator 12. And the outlet side of the evaporator 46 is connected in parallel to the gas refrigerant pipe 23 of the ice temperature refrigerator 12.

Next, referring to FIG.
The system of the centralized control device of (1a, 1b) is provided in a main control device 61 provided in a security room of a store or the like, in each low-temperature showcase 1 (1a, 1b) and in the refrigerators 11 and 12, and is provided with a temperature sensor. And a chip-shaped terminal device 62 serving as a switching element. In this case, a series of signal lines 63 are arranged in the main body 20 including the inside of the raceway 25 provided below the front wall of the heat insulating wall 32 of each low-temperature showcase 1 (1a, 1b). The inside of the raceway 25 is a crossover wiring 63A extending between both ends of the main body 20, and connectors 64, 64 are provided at both ends of the crossover wiring 63A at both ends of the main body 20.

The terminal device 62 is connected to a signal line 63 in the main body 20 by a connector. The connecting wires 63A of the low-temperature showcases 1a... Arranged side by side are connected to each other using the connectors 64 at both ends, and the signal lines 63 and the connectors 64 are also connected to the terminal device 62 of the refrigerator 11. To form a first system. Furthermore,
Crossover wiring 6 of each low-temperature showcase 1b ...
3A are also connected to each other by using connectors 64 at both ends, and furthermore, a signal line 63 is connected to the terminal device 62 of the refrigerator 12.
And a connector 64 to form a second system.

The main control unit 61 has a similar signal line 63.
Low-temperature showcases 1a and 1 that become parents of each system via
are connected to the connector 64 of the crossover wiring 63A, so that all the terminal devices 62 are connected to the main control device 61 via the signal line 63 and also to each other.

As described above, each low-temperature showcase 1 (1
Since the transition wiring 63A of the signal line 63 is disposed on the raceway 25 of a, 1b), and the connectors 64, 64 connected to both ends of the transition wiring 63A are disposed at both ends of the main body 20. , The low-temperature showcases 1 are arranged side by side, and then the signal lines 63 of the low-temperature showcases 1a, 1b,.
Is extremely easy.

In the drawing, the low-temperature showcase 1 (1a, 1a,
1b) shows one terminal device 62 for each of the solenoid valves 14, 19 and the blower 45, and a terminal functioning as a temperature sensor in the duct 38 or the storage room 39. A device 62 is also provided.

Next, the configuration of the main control unit 61 is shown in FIG. A controller (substrate) 76 is provided in the main control device 61 as a main control means. The controller 76 includes a CPU (which may be constituted by logic) 71, E
A memory 72 as a storage means including an EPROM or a flash memory, and an I / O interface 7
3 and a bus I / O interface 74 as transmission / reception means. Further, the main controller 61 is provided with a display 77 composed of an LED or the like, a switch 78 as input means, and the like.

The bus I / O interface 7
4 exchanges data with the terminal devices 62... Via the switch 79 and the signal line 63. Also, this switch 7
Reference numeral 9 is connected to a terminal adapter 80 via a communication line 82, and can communicate with an external maintenance company or the like using an ISDN line.

The memory 72 of the controller 76 has a predetermined communication protocol for performing data communication with the terminal device 62 or a personal computer of an external maintenance company, software for identifying the terminal device 62, and operation control. A control program for performing is set. Further, set value data such as a set temperature and a threshold value of an alarm temperature can be set by the switch 78, and these data are written to the memory 72.

Next, the configuration of the terminal device 62 is shown in FIG. The terminal device 62 includes a CPU serving as a terminal-side control unit.
143, a memory 144 as storage means, an I / O interface 146 as transmission / reception means, an A / D converter 147, and a sensor unit 148 as a temperature detecting element connected to the A / D converter 147. , A capacitor 149 as a storage element and a diode 1 as a rectifier
51 and an I / O interface 16 as a driver
2 and a transistor 163 as switching means connected to the I / O interface 162.

In this case, the capacitor 149 is connected to the output side of the diode 151, and each element is connected to a connection point between the diode 151 and the capacitor 149.
A potential (high potential) of, for example, +5 V is applied to the signal line 63, and data is configured by a pulse that falls from the high potential to a low potential of 0 V, for example.

When the terminal device 62 is connected to the signal line 63, power is supplied to each element as long as the high-potential and low-potential pulse signals constituting the data are at the high potential. Is also charged. Then, while the potential is low, the capacitor 149 discharges power to supply power to each element.

The terminal device 62 has Vcc (DC + 5
V) A power supply terminal 145 is also provided, which is connected to a connection point between the diode 151 and the capacitor 149. If the Vcc power supply terminal 145 is connected to a power supply line, each element is supplied with power from the power supply line. It is configured so that it can also operate. That is, in this case, since each element operates without filling the capacitor 149, the convenience is improved when the terminal device 62 is required to be operated promptly at the time of inspection or the like.

In the case where the CPU 143 functions as a temperature sensor, the temperature data of the low-temperature showcase 1 detected by the sensor unit 148 is fetched via the A / D converter 147 and written into the memory 144 once. And I / O
When polling from the controller 76 via the signal line 63 by the interface 146, the memory 144
Temperature data written to the I / O interface 1
The signal is transmitted to the controller 76 via the signal line 63 by 46.

Here, the memory 144 has an ID code of the terminal device 62 itself, an object to be controlled (the solenoid valves 14 and 19 or the blower 45, the compressors of the refrigerators 11 and 12, and the like), and the low-temperature showcase 1 in which the terminal device 62 is provided. Identification data relating to (1a, 1b), information as to whether or not it functions as a temperature sensor,
Set value data such as a set temperature and a threshold value of an alarm temperature, a communication protocol for performing data communication with the controller 76 and another terminal device 62, a control program for performing operation control, and the like are stored. I have. If a failure has occurred in the terminal device 62, the failure data is also written to the memory 144 and transmitted to the controller 76. Further, the memory 144 stores the ID of the terminal device 62 of the low-temperature showcase 1 (1a, 1b) belonging to the system to which the terminal belongs.
The code and the identification data are also written.

The CPU 143 is connected to the controller 7 via the signal line 63 by the I / O interface 146.
6 transmits ON / OFF data, the ON / OFF data
I / O interface 162 based on OFF data
To turn on / off the transistor 163. Note that the terminal device 62 has a self-holding function for holding the current state when communication with the controller 76 is interrupted.

Here, the terminal device 62 is wired on a board (not shown) as shown in FIG.
68. That is, 169 is the photodiode 16
Reference numeral 171 denotes a resistor, 172 denotes a diode as a rectifying element, and 174 denotes a capacitor as a power storage element.

In this case, the capacitor 174 is connected to the output side of the diode 172, and a resistor 171 is connected between the connection point of the diode 172 and the capacitor 174 and the collector terminal (indicated by S2 in FIG. 5) of the transistor 163 of the terminal device 62. And the photodiode 169A are connected in series. The terminal S1 (FIG. 5) of the terminal device 62 is connected before the diode 172. The phototriac 169B is connected to the AC power line, the solenoid valves 14, 19, and the blower 4
5, or between the compressors of the refrigerators 11 and 12, respectively.

When the diode 172 is connected to the signal line 63, power is supplied to the photodiode 169A via the resistor 171 while the high-potential and low-potential pulse signals constituting data are at the high potential. , Condenser 1
74 is also charged. While the potential is low, the capacitor 174 discharges the photodiode 1
The power supply of 69A is provided.

Similarly, if the Vcc power supply terminal 160 is connected to the connection point between the diode 172 and the capacitor 174, and this Vcc power supply terminal 160 is connected to the power supply line, the photodiode 169A operates even when power is supplied from the power supply line. Will be able to do it. That is, in this case, each element operates without filling the capacitor 174, so that the convenience is improved when it is desired to quickly operate at the time of inspection or the like.

The operation of the above configuration will now be described.
The central control mode and the independent control mode can be selectively set in the main control device 61 and the terminal device 62, and the central control mode will be described first.

Now, it is assumed that the switch 79 connects the line between the bus I / O interface 74 of the controller 76 and the signal line 63. Low-temperature showcase 1 (1a,
1b) is installed in the store, and the signal lines 63 of the low-temperature showcases 1a... And the refrigerators 11, 1b.
First, the CPU 71 of the controller 76 scans the connection status of each terminal device 62 to the signal line 63.

This scanning operation is performed by reading the ID code of each terminal device 62 according to the procedure shown in FIG. First, for example, it is assumed that the ID codes of the four terminal devices 62... Are 64 bits as shown below.

.. 63 First terminal device 62 0010000000... 0 Second terminal device 62 10110000000... 0 Third terminal device 62 110000000. ... 0 Fourth terminal device 62 001,000,000 ... 0

First, the controller 76 (CPU 71) transmits a communication command to each terminal device 62..., And each terminal device 62. Next, when the controller 76 transmits an ID search command, the CPU 143 of the terminal device 62... Replies the 0th bit as response 1 from its own ID code stored in the memory 144, and its complement is represented as response 2. Reply as follows. Actually, when the 0th bit is 0, the signal line 63
Is set to “L”, and in the case of 1, the terminal is set to “H”.

Bit 0 Response 1 Response 2 First terminal device 62 0 1 Second terminal device 62 1 0 Third terminal device 62 1 0 Fourth terminal device 62 0 1 Logical product 0 0

The controller 76 makes a determination based on the logical product, and determines that 0 and 1 are present in the 0th bit of each terminal device 62. In fact, if there is at least one "L" in the connection terminals of the terminal devices 62... Connected to the signal line 63, the signal line 63 becomes "L", and all of them are "H".
Then, it becomes "H". The controller 76 is connected to the signal line 63
Is determined, and as a result, the controller 76 detects logical product information.

Therefore, the controller 76 transmits the search commands 0 and 1 of the first bit. At this time, when 0 is transmitted, only the terminal device 62... With the 0th bit being 0 returns the first bit, and when 1 is transmitted, only the 0th bit is 1 and the first bit is returned. It is configured to be.

Accordingly, the response to 0 at the time of the search of the first bit is as follows:
2, 62.

Bit 1 Response 1 Response 2 First terminal device 62 0 1 Second terminal device 62 Third terminal device 62 Fourth terminal device 62 0 1 Logical product 0 1

The controller 76 makes a determination based on the logical product, and determines that only 0 exists in the first bit in this case. Therefore, it is determined that there is an ID code of 00.

The response to 1 at the time of the search of the first bit is as follows:
62.

Bit 1 Response 1 Response 2 First terminal device 62 Second terminal device 62 0 1 Third terminal device 62 1 0 Fourth terminal device 62 Logical product 0 0

The controller 76 makes a determination based on the logical product, and determines that 0 and 1 exist in the first bit in this case. Therefore, in this case, it can be seen that the ID codes of 10 and 11 exist.

Next, in response to the existence of the ID code 00, the controller 76 transmits a search command 0 of the second bit. A response to 0 at the time of searching the second bit is made from the first, second and fourth terminal devices 62 as follows.

Bit 2 Response 1 Response 2 First terminal device 62 1 0 Second terminal device 62 10 Third terminal device 62 Fourth terminal device 62 10 Logical product 10

The controller 76 makes a determination based on the logical product, and determines that only 1 exists in the second bit in this case. Therefore, it is determined that there is an ID code of 001.

Next, in response to the determination of the existence of the ID code 001, the controller 76 transmits a search command 1 of the third bit. A response to 1 at the time of retrieval of the third bit is made from the first and second terminal devices 62,62.

Bit 3 Response 1 Response 2 First terminal 62 1 0 Second terminal 62 1 0 Third terminal 62 Fourth terminal 62 Logical product 10

The controller 76 makes a determination based on the logical product, and determines that only 1 exists in the third bit in this case. Therefore, it is determined that there is an ID code of 0011.

Next, in response to the determination of the existence of the ID code 0011, the controller 76 transmits a search command 1 of the fourth bit. A response to 1 at the time of the search of the fourth bit is made from the first and second terminal devices 62,62.

Bit 4 Response 1 Response 2 First terminal device 62 0 1 Second terminal device 62 0 1 Third terminal device 62 Fourth terminal device 62 Logical product 0 1

The controller 76 makes a determination based on the logical product, and determines that only 0 exists in the fourth bit in this case. Therefore, it is determined that there is an ID code of 00110.

Next, in response to the determination of the existence of the ID code 00110, the controller 76 sets the search command 0 in the fifth bit.
Send The response to 0 at the time of the search of the fifth bit is made from all.

Bit 5 Response 1 Response 2 First terminal device 62 0 1 Second terminal device 62 0 1 Third terminal device 62 0 1 Fourth terminal device 62 0 1 Logical product 0 1

The controller 76 makes a determination based on the logical product, and determines that only 0 exists in the fifth bit in this case. Therefore, it is determined that there is an ID code of 00100. Thereafter, if only the search command 0 is repeated up to the 63rd bit, 001100... 0, that is, it is determined that the terminal device 62 of this ID code is connected.

In addition, when searching for the first bit, 1
Since 1 and 0 are present in the first bit in the response to, this time, 0 and 1 are transmitted in the search of the second bit, and narrowing down is similarly performed. Finally, if the bits where 0 and 1 are present are eliminated, the ID codes of all the terminal devices 62 will be determined.

The CPU 71 of the controller 76 identifies the connection status of the terminal devices 62... Based on the ID codes collected in this manner, and stores them in the memory 72. Thereafter, the CPU 71 of each terminal device 62.・ Data will be transmitted to Further, the ID code of the terminal device 62 of the low-temperature showcase 1a, 1b of each system is distributed to the terminal device 62 of the low-temperature showcase 1a, 1b of each system. The CPU 143 of the terminal device 62 receives this via the I / O interface 146,
Write to 44.

Next, the CPU 71 of the controller 76 polls the terminal devices 62... Functioning as temperature sensors in each low-temperature showcase 1 (1a, 1b). The procedure (communication protocol) at this time will be described with reference to FIG. The controller 76 sends a communication command,
An OK command is returned from the terminal device 62. The controller 76 includes a call command of the terminal device 62 and the ID code of the terminal device 62 (for example, 00100 ...).
Send

Then, a temperature measurement start command is transmitted. The CPU 143 of the terminal device 62 measures the temperature data as described above in response to the polling, and stores it in the memory 144. Next, the controller 76 transmits a communication start command again, and an OK command is returned from the terminal device 62. The controller 76 sends a call command for the terminal device 62 and the ID code of the terminal device 62 (for example, 0011).
00...).

Then, a memory call command is transmitted. In response to the polling, the CPU 143 of the terminal device 62 returns the temperature data stored in the memory 144 as described above. Finally, the controller 76 transmits a reset command, and the terminal device 62 returns an OK command.

The CPU 71 of the controller 76 once writes the collected temperature data in the memory 72, compares the temperature data with the set temperature, and turns the temperature data ON / OF.
The F data is transmitted to each of the terminal devices 62 via the signal line 63 together with the ID code in the same procedure as described above.

For example, when the CPU 143 of the terminal device 62 of the solenoid valves 14 and 19 receives ON / OFF data of its own ID code, it turns ON / OFF the transistor 163 based on the received data as described above. By turning on / off the transistor 163, the photodiode 169A is turned on.
(Light emission) / OFF (lights out), whereby the phototriac 169B is turned on / off, whereby the solenoid valves 14, 19 are opened and closed.

The terminal device 62 of each of the refrigerators 11 and 12
The ON / OFF data is transmitted in the same manner as above, but in this case, when the solenoid valves 14 and 19 of all the low-temperature showcases 1a and 1b belonging to each system are closed, the OFF data is opened and one of them is opened. If so, ON data is transmitted. Note that the blower 45 is normally operated continuously.

The solenoid valves 14, 19, the refrigerators 11, 1
The CPU 143 of the second terminal device 62 stores in the memory 144 the open / closed state of the solenoid valves 14 and 19 of the low-temperature showcase 1 or the refrigerators 11 and 12 or the operation state of the refrigerators 11 and 12 and data on the respective operation rates. Write. Then, in response to a request from the controller 76, the data is also transmitted to the controller 76. As a result, the controller 76 controls each low-temperature showcase 1 and the refrigerator 1
It becomes possible to manage the operations and operating states of the devices 1 and 12 collectively.

If a failure has occurred in the terminal device 62, the failure data is stored in the CPU 14 of each terminal device 62.
3 to the controller 76. Controller 7
6 receives the failure data, the CPU 71 displays on the display 77 that the terminal device 62 has a failure.

Next, the independent control mode will be described. In this case, the low-temperature showcases 1a, 1b of each system
As described above, information such as ID codes of the terminal devices 62 of the other low-temperature showcases 1a and 1b to which they belong is distributed to the terminal device 62.

The memory 144 of the terminal device 62 of the low-temperature showcases 1a and 1b (each of which has a plurality of representative ones) serving as a parent of each system stores the threshold values of the set temperature and the alarm temperature. The set value data is written using the main controller 61. The low-temperature showcases 1a and 1b serving as parents compare the temperature data detected by the sensor unit 148 with the set temperature, and turn ON / OFF data on the terminal devices of all the low-temperature showcases 1a and 1b and the refrigerators 11 and 12 belonging to the system. 6
Send to 2.

Thus, low-temperature showcase 1 of each system
a and the refrigerator 11, or the solenoid valves and compressors of the low-temperature showcase 1b and the refrigerator 12 are synchronously turned ON (open or running) / OFF (closed or stopped). In particular, the operation time of the compressor can be reduced as compared with the conventional pump-down system, and energy can be saved. Further, in the low-temperature showcase 1 other than the parent, the terminal device 62 functioning as the temperature sensor can be deleted and the main control device 61 can be deleted, so that the cost of parts can be reduced.

As described above, the CPU 143 of the terminal devices 62 of the solenoid valves 14 and 19 and the refrigerators 11 and 12
44 shows each low-temperature showcase 1 or refrigerator 1
Open / close state of solenoid valves 14 and 19 of 1 and 12 or refrigerator 1
In this mode, data relating to the operation states 1 and 12 and the respective operation rates are written. In this mode, the data is transmitted in response to a request from the parent low-temperature showcases 1a and 1b. 1b terminal device 62
Sent to. As a result, the parent low-temperature showcases 1a and 1b can collectively manage the operations and operating states of the low-temperature showcases 1a and 1b and the refrigerators 11 and 12 of the system to which they belong.

When a failure has occurred in the terminal device 62, the failure data is stored in the CPU 14 of each terminal device 62.
3 is transmitted to the terminal device 62 of the low-temperature showcases 1a and 1b serving as parents. Low temperature showcase 1a, 1
When receiving the failure data, the CPU 143 b writes the failure data into the memory 144. In this mode, the main controller 6
1, the main control unit 61, and if not, the low temperature showcase 1a, 1
These data are read from b and managed.

In the independent control mode, independent control is executed for each system. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and independent control may be executed by the terminal device 62 in each low-temperature showcase 1. In this case, the terminal device 62 of the low-temperature showcase 1a, 1b serving as a parent sets the terminal temperature of the low-temperature showcase 1a, 1b belonging to its own system to the terminal device 62 of the set temperature or the threshold value of the alarm temperature. Distribute value data.

Then, the other low-temperature showcase 1 executes the temperature control of the low-temperature showcase 1 using the distributed data and the temperature data detected by its own sensor unit 148.

[0084]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the terminal-side control means of the terminal device writes the temperature data detected by the temperature detecting element in the storage means, and the data is transmitted to the outside via the signal line by the transmission / reception means. Is transmitted, the other terminal device can take in the temperature data of another showcase. In addition, since the terminal-side control means controls the switching means based on data received by the transmission / reception means via the signal line, other terminal devices can execute control of devices provided in other showcases without hindrance. Can be.

Thus, in installing a plurality of showcases, for example, by setting one as a parent showcase without providing a special management device, the operation of another showcase can be performed by the parent showcase. Can be controlled collectively. Therefore, it is extremely easy to construct a system for performing centralized control of a showcase.

In this case, the terminal device stores its own I
Since the terminal device has the D code, by connecting the terminal device to the signal line, each terminal device can identify the other terminal device, and the wiring of the terminal device in each showcase is completed. Thus, according to the present invention, the terminal device of each showcase can be wired by a so-called plug-in, and the wiring can be significantly simplified. In addition, since common software can be used regardless of the number of terminal devices, the cost can be significantly reduced by using common components.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a low-temperature showcase as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a piping configuration in a store such as a supermarket where the low-temperature showcase of FIG. 1 is installed.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a centralized control device such as a low-temperature showcase to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of a main control device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the terminal device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the switching unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure of reading an ID code of each terminal device by a controller.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a procedure for collecting temperature data from a terminal device functioning as a temperature sensor by a controller.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1a, 1b Low-temperature showcase 11, 12 Refrigerator 14, 19 Solenoid valve 20 Main body 61 Main control device 62 Terminal device 63 Signal line 64 Connector 71, 143 CPU 72, 144 Memory 74 Bus I / O interface 146 I / O Interface 148 Sensor 163 Transistor

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A display device comprising: a showcase main body constituted by a heat insulating wall; a signal line wired in the showcase main body; and a chip-shaped terminal device connected to the signal line. A temperature detecting element, switching means for controlling the operation of the device, storage means having its own ID code and various set values, and transmitting and receiving means for exchanging data with the outside via the signal line. Receiving the temperature data detected by the temperature detecting element, writing the data in the storage unit, transmitting the temperature data in the storage unit to the outside by the transmission / reception unit, and switching the switching unit based on the data received by the transmission / reception unit. A control device for a showcase, comprising: a terminal-side control unit for controlling the control of the showcase.