JP2001050654A - Controller for equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To write data smoothly from an external source into a main control means provided in equipment or smooth read-out of the data to the outside of a main control means. SOLUTION: A controller for equipment is provided with a signal wire 22A wired in the instrument, the controller of a control box 9 connected to the signal wire 22A, a sensor 27 or a switching element 28, connected to the signal wire 22A to transmit and receive data between the controller, and a memory device 25 connected to the controller via a signal wire 22B different from the signal wire 22A, and transmitting or receiving data between the controller, while the memory device is provided with the function of transmitting and receiving the data between a personal computer P.

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 device represented by, for example, 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]

In order to control the operation of the refrigerator, parameters for control (e.g., type of equipment, control method, control temperature zone, etc.) are set to the controller during inspection after production. There must be. In addition, when performing maintenance of the refrigerator, it is extremely preferable that the history of the operating state of the refrigerator can be taken in from the controller and confirmed.

In this case, conventionally, an external computer (such as a laptop personal computer) is directly connected to the controller to exchange the above data, but in this case, data communication between the controller and the personal computer is performed. Software had to be specially prepared, causing a problem that production costs would rise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional technical problem, and smoothly writes data from the outside to a main control means provided in a device or reads data from the outside smoothly. It is intended to provide a control device which can perform the control.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control apparatus for a device, comprising: a signal line wired to the device; main control means connected to the signal line; and main control means connected to the signal line. A sensor or a switching element that exchanges data with the means, and a signal line connected to the main control means via a separate line,
A storage device for transmitting and receiving data to and from the main control means, wherein the storage device is provided with a function for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external control device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device for a device, comprising: a signal line wired to the device; main control means connected to the signal line; and a data line connected to the signal line and connected to the main control means. A sensor or switching element for transmitting and receiving data, a storage device connected to the main control means via another signal line, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the main control means, and an external control signal for another signal line. Switching means for enabling connection of a device, and the storage device transmits and receives data to and from the external control device in a state where the external control device is connected to the another signal line by the switching means. Features.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control apparatus for a device, comprising: a signal line wired to the device; main control means connected to the signal line; And a storage device connected to transmit and receive data between the main control means and a sensor or a switching element for transmitting and receiving data, and an external control device is connected to the storage device via another signal line. It is possible that the storage device exchanges data with the external control device while the external control device is connected.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the above device, the main control means writes the history data of the operation of the device into the storage device, reads the control parameters from the storage device, and the external control device It is characterized in that parameters are written in a storage device and history data is read from the storage device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device for an apparatus, wherein the storage device includes a storage unit for storing data, and a transmission / reception unit for exchanging data with the main control unit and the external storage device via a signal line. A storage device-side control unit that controls writing and reading of data to and from the storage unit based on data from the transmission / reception unit; and performs charging while the signal line is at a high potential, and switches to a low potential. And a power storage element that discharges power while supplying power to the respective means.

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

According to a seventh 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 present invention, since the sensor or the switching element exchanges data with the main control means via the signal line, the operation of the device is controlled by the main control means.
Further, a storage device is connected to the main control means, and the storage device is capable of exchanging data between the main control means and an external control device. Write the history data of the operation of the device to the storage device,
If the control parameters are read from the storage device, and the external control device is configured to write the parameters to the storage device and read the history data from the storage device, the external control device can communicate between the main control unit and the external control device. The parameter can be written and the history data can be captured by the external control device without directly transmitting and receiving data.
This eliminates the need to develop special communication software between the main control means and the external control device, and can significantly reduce production costs.

In particular, the storage device transmits and receives data to and from the main control means via a separate line from the signal line to which the sensor or the switching element is connected, and the external control device transmits and receives data only to and from the storage device. Therefore, data can be fetched from the storage device to the external control device or data can be written from the external control device to the storage device while controlling the devices by the main control means. Also, since there is no need for the external control device to recognize the sensor or the switching element, the transmission and reception of data is not limited by time, and
Fetching data from a storage device by an external controller,
Alternatively, the writing operation can be performed quickly.

Further, even when the main control means, the sensor, and the switching element side become inoperable, if the storage device is not damaged, the data in the storage device can be fetched by the external control device. Fail safe at the time can be achieved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the storage device-side control means of the storage device stores data in the storage means based on data from the main control means and the external control device received by the transmission / reception means via the signal line. Control the reading and writing of
The main control means and the external control device can read and write data from and to the storage device without any problem. in this case,
Since the storage device operates with power from a signal line for transmitting and receiving data, the storage device can operate without receiving another power supply by being connected to the signal line. As a result, the storage device can be wired by a so-called plug-in, and the wiring can be significantly simplified.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, the sensor-side control means of the sensor transmits the data detected by the detecting element to the main control means via the signal line by the transmission / reception means. Can capture data without any problems. In this case, since the sensor has its own ID code in the storage means, the main control means can identify the sensor by connecting the sensor to the signal line,
The wiring of the sensor is completed.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, 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 of the device can execute the control of the device without any trouble. Also in this case, since the switching element has its own ID code in the storage means, the main control means can identify the switching element by connecting the switching element to the signal line, and the wiring of the switching element is completed. I do.

Thus, it is possible to wire sensors and switching elements by so-called plug-in,
Significant simplification of wiring can be achieved. Further, since common software can be used for the main control means regardless of the number of sensors and switching elements, the cost can be significantly reduced by common use.

[0022]

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 one embodiment of a device to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram of an electric system of the refrigerator 1. In FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 has a main body 5 composed of a heat insulating box 2 opening to the front, and a storage room 3 inside 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.

Further, a defroster (electric heater) 30 (FIG. 2) for defrosting is attached to the cooler 6, and a dew-proof heater 8 for preventing dew condensation is provided on an opening edge of the heat insulating box 2.
Is provided, 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.

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 which forms 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 decompressed by a pressure reducing device (not shown), and then supplied to the cooler 6. 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. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes an AC power supply line wired in the main body 5 of the refrigerator 1, and reference numeral 22A denotes a signal line for transmitting and receiving data. AC power line 21 and signal line 2
2A, the control box 9 is connected, and the drive board 23 of the compressor 13, the power board 24 and the defroster 30 of each of the fans 7, 16 and the power board 26 of the anti-dew heater 8 are connected to the AC power line 21. Is done.

A chip-shaped internal temperature sensor 2 serving as a sensor for detecting the temperature in the storage room 3 is provided on the signal line 22A.
7, a chip-shaped defrost sensor 10 as a sensor for detecting the temperature of the cooler 6, a chip-shaped high-temperature sensor 20 as a sensor for detecting the temperature of the condenser 14, the drive board 23, the power supply board 24, 26 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, the drive board 23, the power supply boards 24, 26 are combined with the respective switching elements 28 together with the compressor 13, the fans 7, 16. In addition, the defroster 30 and the dew-proof heater 8 may be configured to be built in each.

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

Further, another signal line 22B of another line is connected to the control box 9, and this signal line 22B is connected to a chip-like signal via a signal line 22C similar to a switch 39 as switching means. The storage device 25 is connected.

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

The bus I / O interface 3
4, the signal line 22A and the signal line 22B are connected, and the bus I / O interface 34 is connected to the signal line 22
A, the temperature sensor 27, the switching element 28
, And data are exchanged with the storage device 25 via the signal line 22B.

The same signal line 22 is connected to the switch 39.
An external palmtop personal computer P (an external control device including a display, a keyboard, a pen input device, and the like) can be connected via D. The switch 39 always connects the signal lines 22B and 22C, and connects the bus I / O interface 34 to the storage device 25. However, when the personal computer P is connected, the bus I / O interface 34
The signal line 22B and the signal line 22C from the control box 9 are separated from each other, and the signal line 22C and the signal line 22C are separated.
D is connected, and the personal computer P and the storage device 25 are connected.

The controller 36 includes 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 storage device 25, and the sensors 27, 1
0, 20, the switching element 28, software for searching and identifying the storage device 25, image data to be displayed on the display 37, and the like are set.

It is assumed that a predetermined communication protocol for performing data communication with the storage device 25 and software for searching and identifying the storage device 25 are set in the personal computer P.

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. Signal line 2
A potential (high potential) of, for example, +5 V is applied to 2A, 22B, and 22D, and data is composed of pulses that fall from the 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 connected to A, while 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. During the low potential period, the capacitor 49 is discharged from the capacitor 49 to supply power to each element.

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 temporarily writes the data into the memory 44. The I / O interface 46 controls the controller 3 via the signal line 22A.
When polling is performed from 6, the temperature data written in the memory 44 is transmitted by the I / O interface 46 to the controller 36 via the signal line 22A.

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.

On the other hand, the structure of the switching element 28 is shown in FIG. 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 22A, power is supplied to each element as long as the high-potential and low-potential pulse signals that constitute data are at the high potential as described above. Charged. While the potential is low, the capacitor 64 discharges power to supply power to each element.

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.

The CPU 58 is connected to the controller 36 via the signal line 22A by the I / O interface 61.
When ON / OFF data is transmitted from the
The transistor 63 is turned on / off by the I / O interface 62 based on the FF 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 22A, 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 configuration of the storage device 25 is shown in FIG. The storage device 25 includes a CP as storage device-side control means.
U81, ROM 82, RAM 83 as storage means,
EEPROM 84, I / O interface 86 as transmission / reception means, and capacitor 87 as a storage element
And a diode 88 as a rectifying element.

In this case, the capacitor 88 is connected to the diode 8
7, and each element is connected to a connection point between the diode 87 and the capacitor 88. The storage device 25 is connected to the controller 3 via the switch 39.
6 or the signal line 22D connected to the personal computer P, power is supplied to each element as it is while the high-potential and low-potential pulse signals constituting data are at the high potential as described above. And the capacitor 88 is also charged. While the potential is low, the capacitor 8
8 to discharge the power of each element.

When data is transmitted from the controller 36 or the personal computer P via the signal line 22B or signal line 22D, the switch 39, and the signal line 22C by the I / O interface 86, the CPU 81 The data sent at the same time is stored in the
The data written to the EPROM 84 and the data written to the EEPROM 84 are transmitted to the controller 36 and the personal computer P via the I / O interface 86.

Here, the ROM 82 stores an ID code of the storage device 25 itself, identification data indicating that the storage device is a storage device, a protocol for performing data communication with the controller 36 and the personal computer P, and the like.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. First, it is assumed that the personal computer P is not initially connected to the switch 39, and therefore, the switch 39 connects the storage device 25 to the controller 36 via the signal lines 22B and 22C. Will be described. Each sensor 27, 1
If the switching elements 28,... Are connected to the signal line 22A, the CPU (of the controller 36)
31) is for each element (sensors 27, 10, 20, switching element 28,...) To the signal line 22A and the signal line 22B.
Search for the connection status of the storage device 25).

In this case, the controller 36 makes an ID request to all the sensors 27, 10, 20, the switching elements 28,..., And the storage device 25, and responds to all the sensors 27, 10, 20, 20, the switching elements 28,. The storage device 25 returns its ID code and the like to the controller 36. Based on the returned ID code and the like, the controller 36 connects the internal temperature sensor 27, the defrost sensor 10, and the high temperature sensor 20 to the signal line 22A,
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. Connected to the signal line 22B (switch 3
9. Recognize that the storage device 25 is connected (via the signal line 22C).

The controller 36 stores the connection status of the recognized temperature sensors 27, 10, 20 and the switching elements 28,... And the storage device 25 in the memory 32, and thereafter uses this ID code for each element. The data will be sent.

Next, the operation at the time of shipping the refrigerator 1 will be described. That is, the personal computer P is connected to the switch 39 in the inspection at the time of shipment. At this time, as described above, the controller 36
Is disconnected from the signal line 22C to the storage device 25. In this state, the signal line 2 is sent from the personal computer P.
2D, switch 39, storage device 25 via signal line 22C
The type of the refrigerator 1 (freezing / refrigeration, etc.), the control method,
Transmit parameters (data) such as functions (temperature zone).

The storage device 25 writes the parameter data transmitted from the personal computer P to a predetermined area in the EEPROM 84.

Thereafter, when the personal computer P is disconnected from the switch 39, the switch 39 again switches the signal line 22B and the signal line 22C.
Connect. Thereby, the storage device 25 is connected to the signal line 22B of the controller 36. Then, the controller 36 accesses the storage device 25, reads the parameters written in the EEPROM 84 from the storage device 25 as described above, and stores the parameters in its own memory 32. Thus, the setting of the parameters from the personal computer P to the controller 36 is completed.

Next, the controller 36 is turned ON / OFF.
The data is transmitted to the signal line 22A together with the ID codes of the switching elements 28 of the drive board 23 and the switching elements 28 of the power supply board 24, and the compressor 13 and the internal fan 7 are started to start the cooling operation. Then, the CPU 31 of the controller 36 polls the sensors 27, 10, and 20 at a predetermined cycle. This polling is based on the aforementioned I
This is performed based on the D code. Sensors 27, 10, 20
The CPU 43 transmits temperature data to the controller 36 in response to the polling. CPU of controller 36
31 temporarily writes the received temperature data in the memory 32, and then performs 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 after the start of the cooling operation, the controller 36 assigns a function to the effect that the sensor of the ID is the high-temperature sensor 10 and the memory 32 To memorize. If the temperature according to the temperature data has dropped and the temperature is relatively high, the controller 36 performs a function assignment to the effect that the sensor of the ID is the internal temperature sensor 27 and stores the function 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. Thus, the function of each sensor is assigned to the controller 36 without setting in advance.

Next, the actual control operation after the installation of the refrigerator 1 will be described. The CPU 31 of the controller 36 controls the sensors 27, 10, 2 via the signal line 22A as described above.
Polling is performed at 0 in a predetermined cycle. This polling is performed based on the above-mentioned ID code. Sensor 27, 1
In response to this polling, the CPU 43 of 0, 20 sends the temperature data to the controller 3 via the signal line 22A as described above.
Send to 6. The CPU 31 of the controller 36 once writes the received temperature data in the memory 32, compares the temperature data from the in-chamber temperature sensor 27 with the set temperature in the parameter set as described above, and turns it on.
/ OFF data to the switching element 2 of the drive board 23
8 together with the ID code 8 on the signal line 22A.

The C of the switching element 28 of the drive board 23
When receiving the ON / OFF data of its own ID code, the PU 58 receives the ON / OFF data of the
Is turned ON / OFF. ON / O of this transistor 63
The photodiode 69A is turned ON (light emission) by the FF /
The photo triac 69B is turned on / off, thereby turning on / off the compressor 13.

The CPU 31 of the controller 36
The ON / OFF data is transmitted to the signal line 22A together with the ID code of the switching element 28 of the power supply board 26, and the defroster 30 is energized at a predetermined cycle or at a predetermined time to defrost the cooler 6. Then, based on the temperature data from the defrost sensor 10 received as described above, defrost control of the cooler 6 (end at a predetermined temperature) is executed.

Since the fans 7, 15 and the anti-condensation heater 8 are continuously energized, the ON / OFF data to that effect is
It is transmitted based on the ID code of the switching element 28 of each of the power supply boards 24 and 26. Each switching element 28 operates or energizes each of the fans 7, 15 or the dew-proof heater 8 based on the ON / OFF data.

The controller 36 controls each sensor 27,
If the temperature data from any of the sensors does not change after the start of operation based on the temperature data from 10 and 20, it is determined that the sensor has failed. If the temperature data from all the sensors does not change, it is determined that the cooling device itself such as the compressor 13 has failed. If the temperature data from the sensor cannot be acquired, it is determined that the line to the sensor has been disconnected.

Further, even when data from the switching elements 28.
Is determined to be a failure or disconnection. CP of controller 36
When such a failure occurs, U31 displays the sensor 27, 10, 20 or the switching element 28 on the display 37.
To indicate that a failure has occurred. Then, the CPU 31 of the controller 36 writes data relating to such a failure into the EEPROM 84 of the storage device 25 via the signal line 22B, the switch 39, and the signal line 22C as needed.
A failure history data file is configured in the OM 84.

The personal computer P is connected to the switch 39 based on such a failure display or when performing maintenance / inspection (maintenance) of the refrigerator 1 periodically. As a result, the signal line 22B from the controller 36 is disconnected from the signal line 22C as described above, and the signal line 22D from the personal computer P is connected to the signal line 22C instead. When a predetermined key operation is performed on the personal computer P, the personal computer P accesses the storage device 25 and downloads (displays) software for displaying failure history data (upload).

The software for displaying the failure history data is stored in advance in the EEPROM 84 of the storage device 25, and the personal computer P uploads the software from the storage device 25 and displays a screen as shown in FIG. At the same time, the personal computer P requests the failure history data from the storage device 25 and captures it. Storage device 25
A failure history data file is created in the EEPROM 84 as described above, and details of the failures that have occurred so far are written in the file together with the date of maintenance.

The personal computer P takes in the failure history data in the failure history data file and displays the content and date of the failure that has occurred in the refrigerator 1 so far as shown in the upper part of FIG. 8 (in the example of FIG. 8, The failure details include sensor failure and fan motor lock).

The maintenance worker (serviceman) can see the failure history, grasp the failure situation that has occurred in the refrigerator 1 so far, and analyze it. For example,
If many failures occur in the same sensor, it can be determined that the sensor itself has a defect. Thereby, prompt measures can be taken.

When the repair / replacement is completed, the contents of the trouble which has occurred at this time are input by operating the keys of the personal computer P. In this case, the EEPROM 25 of the storage device 25
The OM 84 previously stores failure master data in which a plurality of failure names are written, and the personal computer P reads the failure master data from the storage device 25 by clicking on the screen and displays it on the display (shown in the lower part of FIG. 8). .

The input of the fault content is completed only by selecting the fault name in the displayed fault master data. The personal computer P writes the selected failure content together with the date of the current day in a failure history data file in the storage device 25, and updates the content.

As described above, the parameters can be written and the history data can be fetched by the personal computer P without directly transmitting and receiving data between the controller 36 and the personal computer P. This eliminates the need to develop special communication software between the controller 36 and the personal computer P, and can significantly reduce production costs.

In particular, the storage device 25 stores the respective sensors 27, 1
The controller 36 is connected to a signal line 22B which is a separate line from the signal line 22A to which the switching elements 28,.
Since the personal computer P exchanges data only with the storage device 25, the personal computer P fetches data from the storage device 25 to the personal computer P while executing the operation control of the refrigerator 1 by the controller 36. Or
Data can also be written from the personal computer P to the storage device 25.

The personal computer P is connected to each of the sensors 27, 10,
Since there is no need to recognize the switching elements 28 and the switching elements 28,..., The transmission and reception of data is not restricted by time, and data can be fetched or written from the storage device 25 by the personal computer P quickly. Become.

On the other hand, when the CPU 31 of the controller 36 is out of order or when the power supply to the refrigerator 1 is stopped, the personal computer P is connected to the switch 39 so that the signal line 22D from the personal computer P Line 22C
Connect to As a result, if the storage device 25 is not damaged, the data in the storage device 25 can be fetched by the personal computer P, so that fail-safe at the time of failure can be achieved.

Here, while the personal computer P is connected to the switch 39, the controller 36 stores and stores the failure history data in its own memory 32. When the personal computer P is disconnected, the controller 36 stores and stores the failure history data. The stored data is written to the storage device 25.

Next, FIGS. 9 and 10 show another embodiment of the present invention. In each of the drawings, components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 8 have the same or similar functions. In this case, a serial communication port 86A is formed in the I / O interface 86 of the storage device 25 as shown by a broken line in FIG. 7, and this port 86A is connected to the bus I / O interface 34 of the controller 36 by the serial communication line 42. ing.

The signal line 22D to the personal computer P is connected to the port of the I / O interface 86 to which the diode 87 of the storage device 25 is connected. With such a configuration, the storage device 25 is similarly connected to the signal line 2.
Data transmission / reception (serial transmission) with the controller 36 can be performed on a separate line from the line 2A, and data transmission / reception with the personal computer P can be performed in the same manner as described above. In particular, in this case, the switch 39 becomes unnecessary.

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 embodiment, the software for screen display shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the storage device 25 in advance.
It may be provided on the personal computer P side. However, if the data is stored in the storage device 25 as in the embodiment, there is an advantage that the data load on the personal computer P is reduced.

Furthermore, in the embodiments, the present invention has been described using a commercial refrigerator. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is also effective for home automation and security systems.

[0087]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, since the sensor or the switching element exchanges data with the main control means via the signal line, the operation of the device is controlled by the main control means. Further, a storage device is connected to the main control means, and the storage device is capable of exchanging data between the main control means and an external control device. If the history data of the operation of the device is written to the storage device and the control parameters are read from the storage device, the external control device is configured to write the parameters to the storage device and read the history data from the storage device. The parameter can be written and the history data can be fetched by the external control device without directly transmitting and receiving data between the main control means and the external control device. This eliminates the need to develop special communication software between the main control means and the external control device, and can significantly reduce production costs.

In particular, the storage device transmits and receives data to and from the main control means via a line separate from the signal line to which the sensor or the switching element is connected, and the external control device transmits and receives data only to and from the storage device. Therefore, data can be fetched from the storage device to the external control device or data can be written from the external control device to the storage device while controlling the devices by the main control means. Also, since there is no need for the external control device to recognize the sensor or the switching element, the transmission and reception of data is not limited by time, and
Fetching data from a storage device by an external controller,
Alternatively, the writing operation can be performed quickly.

Further, even if the main control means, the sensor, and the switching element side become inoperative, if the storage device is not damaged, the data in the storage device can be fetched by the external control device. Fail safe at the time can be achieved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the storage device-side control means of the storage device stores the data in the storage means based on the data from the main control means and the external control device received by the transmission / reception means via the signal line. Control the reading and writing of
The main control means and the external control device can read and write data from and to the storage device without any problem. in this case,
Since the storage device operates with power from a signal line for transmitting and receiving data, the storage device can operate without receiving another power supply by being connected to the signal line. As a result, the storage device can be wired by a so-called plug-in, and the wiring can be significantly simplified.

Further, according to the present invention, the sensor-side control means of the sensor transmits the data detected by the detecting element to the main control means via the signal line by the transmission / reception means. Can capture data without any problems. In this case, since the sensor has its own ID code in the storage means, the main control means can identify the sensor by connecting the sensor to the signal line,
The wiring of the sensor is completed.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, 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 of the device can execute the control of the device without any trouble. Also in this case, since the switching element has its own ID code in the storage means, the main control means can identify the switching element by connecting the switching element to the signal line, and the wiring of the switching element is completed. I do.

Thus, it is possible to wire sensors and switching elements by a so-called plug-in.
Significant simplification of wiring can be achieved. Further, since common software can be used for the main control means regardless of the number of sensors and switching elements, it is possible to remarkably reduce costs due to common use.

[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 an electrical wiring diagram of the refrigerator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the control box.

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 a storage device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen state of a display of a personal computer.

FIG. 9 is a wiring diagram of an electric system of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the control box in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator 7 In-compartment fan 8 Dew prevention heater 9 Control box 10 Defrost sensor 13 Compressor 16 Condenser fan 20 High temperature sensor 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D Signal line 25 Storage device 27 Temperature sensor 28 Switching element 30 Defroster 31, 43, 58 , 81 CPU 32, 44, 59 Memory 37 Display 39 Switcher 42 Serial communication line 46, 61, 86 I / O interface 48 Sensor unit 49, 64, 88 Capacitor 51, 66, 87 Diode 63 Transistor 69 Photocoupler 69A Photo Diode 69B Phototriac 84 EEPROM P Personal computer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shigeichi Kawai 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takeshi Aoki 2-5-2 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka No. 5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 3E044 AA01 CC08 CC10 DB16 DC06 DE01 3L045 AA02 BA01 CA02 DA02 EA01 GA07 HA01 LA16 LA18 MA02 MA05 NA19 NA22 NA24 PA04 3L061 BA05

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A signal line wired to a device, a main control unit connected to the signal line, and a sensor or a switching element connected to the signal line and exchanging data with the main control unit. And a storage device connected to the main control means via a separate line from the signal line, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the main control means. A control device for a device, provided with a function of transmitting and receiving a device. 2. A signal line wired to a device, a main control unit connected to the signal line, and a sensor or switching element connected to the signal line and exchanging data with the main control unit. And a storage device connected to the main control means via another signal line for exchanging data with the main control means, and an external control device connectable to the another signal line. Switching means provided, and the storage device exchanges data with the external control device in a state where the external control device is connected to the another signal line by the switching device. Control device. 3. A signal line wired to a device, a main control means connected to the signal line, and a sensor or switching element connected to the signal line and exchanging data with the main control means. And a storage device connected to transmit and receive data to and from the main control means. An external control device can be connected to the storage device via another signal line. Wherein the storage device transmits and receives data to and from the external control device while the device is connected. 4. The main control means writes history data of the operation of the device into a storage device, reads out control parameters from the storage device, and the external control device writes the parameters into the storage device, 4. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein data is read from the storage device. 5. A storage device, comprising: storage means for holding data; transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from a main control means and an external storage device via a signal line; and the storage means based on data from the transmission / reception means. A storage device-side control unit that controls writing and reading of data to and from the respective units by charging while the signal line is at a high potential and discharging while the signal line is at a low potential. The device control device according to claim 1, further comprising a power storage element that supplies power. 6. A sensor includes: a detection element; storage means having its own ID code; transmission / reception means for exchanging data with a main control means via a signal line; and fetching data detected by the detection element. And a sensor-side control means for transmitting to said main control means by said transmission / reception means.
Or the control apparatus of the apparatus of Claim 5. 7. The 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;
3. A switching element-side control means for controlling said switching means based on data from said transmission / reception means.
The control device for a device according to claim 4, 5, or 6.