JP2013019633A - Electric equipment controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable easy and reliable switching between operational modes.SOLUTION: This electric equipment controller which operates as power is supplied from a power source unit via a plug inserted in a receptacle of the power source unit includes a memory for storing mode data indicating the operational mode of electric equipment, and a control unit. The operational modes include a demonstration mode indicating demonstrative action and a normal mode indicating normal action. The control unit determines whether or not the shut-off of the power supply from the power source unit is caused by the disconnection of the plug from the receptacle (S7) based on determination that it results from the disconnection of the plug, the normal mode is set in the mode data of the memory (S9) based on determination that it does not result from the disconnection, the demonstration mode is set in the mode data (S8). When the power supply is started after the power supply is shut off, the action of the electric equipment is controlled in accordance with the operational mode indicated by the mode data in the memory (S2, S3, S5).

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for electrical equipment, and more particularly to a device for controlling an operation mode of electrical equipment.

  The refrigerator, which is a type of electrical equipment, has a storefront display mode (Description of the storefront display mode: in preparation for the storefront display of the refrigerator, there is no actual operation such as cooling operation or energization of the heater, the lighting of the lamp or the operation panel Functions that aim to increase appeal at retail outlets, such as apparent reception behavior, etc.) are incorporated as functions, and the dealers set the mode to display the refrigerators over the counter.

  Further, since the store is turned off at night every day, if the set store display mode is canceled when the power is turned off, it is troublesome to turn the store display mode on again every morning.

  Therefore, even when the power is turned off, the store display mode is changed to a nonvolatile memory (for example, a flash microcomputer (microcomputer incorporating a flash memory as a program storage memory)) or an EEPROM (Electrically) in the control circuit of the refrigerator. It is designed to be held by an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory element, or as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-131679), for external operation and store display. Switching between demonstration operation is performed.

JP-A-4-131679

  As described above, even when the power is off, when the store display mode is designed to be held by the microcomputer of the refrigerator, it is necessary to cancel the store display mode when selling exhibits. Since the release operation differs between refrigerators, the release operation is very laborious.

  Further, if selling to a user without forgetting to cancel the storefront display mode, the refrigerator does not cool down, resulting in confusion at the user's home.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a control device for an electrical device that enables easy and reliable switching of the operation mode of the electrical device.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a control device for an electric device that operates by being supplied with electric power from a power supply unit via a plug inserted into an outlet of the power supply unit stores a mode data representing an operation mode of the electric device And a control unit.

  The operation mode includes a demo mode for instructing a demo operation and a normal mode for instructing a normal operation.

  The control unit determines whether the interruption of the power supply from the power supply unit is due to the plug being removed from the outlet and the memory based on the determination that the plug is removed. Means for setting the normal mode in the mode data and setting the demo mode in the mode data based on the determination that the mode data is not removed, and starting the power supply after the power supply is cut off Sometimes, the operation of the electric device is controlled according to the operation mode represented by the mode data of the memory.

  Preferably, the means for determining determines during operation whether or not the interruption of the power supply from the power supply unit is due to the plug being removed from the outlet.

  Preferably, the control device further includes a sensor for detecting insertion / removal of the plug into / from the outlet, and the means for determining is based on the detection signal of the sensor, the power supply from the power supply unit being cut off, and the plug is removed from the outlet. It is determined whether or not it is due to the situation.

  Preferably, the means for determining determines whether or not the interruption of the power supply from the power supply unit is due to the plug being removed from the outlet when starting the power supply after the interruption of the power supply.

  Preferably, the control device is charged with electric power supplied via the plug, and discharges the electric charge via the plug, and a conductive accommodating portion that accommodates the plug removed from the outlet. Are further provided.

  The means for determining determines whether or not the interruption is due to the plug being removed from the outlet based on the voltage due to the residual charge of the capacitive element at the start of power supply after the interruption of the power supply.

  Preferably, the control device further includes time measuring means for measuring the duration of interruption of power supply from the power supply unit.

  The means for determining determines whether or not the interruption is due to the plug being removed from the outlet based on the time measured by the time measuring means at the start of power supply after the interruption of the power supply.

  Preferably, the time measuring means includes an auxiliary power supply unit independent of the power supply unit, and a counter unit that is supplied with power from the auxiliary power supply unit after the power supply is cut off and measures the duration of the cut-off. . The determining means determines whether or not the interruption is due to the plug being removed from the outlet based on the count value of the counter unit at the time of starting the electric power supply after the electric power supply is interrupted.

  Preferably, the auxiliary power supply unit includes a capacitive element that charges a charge with the supplied power during a period in which power is supplied from the power supply unit via a plug, and discharges the charge during a power supply interruption period.

  Preferably, the time measuring means includes a capacitive element that charges with electric power supplied during a period in which electric power is supplied from the power supply unit through the plug and discharges electric charge during a power supply interruption period. The means determines whether the interruption is due to the plug being removed from the outlet based on the voltage due to the residual charge of the capacitive element at the start of the electric power supply after the interruption of the electric power supply.

Preferably, the capacitive element is an electric double layer capacitor.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an electric device that operates by being supplied with electric power from a power supply unit via a plug inserted into an outlet of the power supply unit indicates a demonstration operation representing an operation mode of the electric device. Whether or not the step of reading / writing the data in the memory storing the mode data including the demo mode and the normal mode instructing the normal operation and the interruption of the power supply from the power supply unit are due to the plug being removed from the outlet The normal mode is set in the mode data of the memory by the step of reading and writing based on the determination that the plug is unplugged, and the mode by the step of reading and writing is determined based on the determination that the plug is not disconnected. Set the demo mode for the data and start memory supply after the power supply is cut off. Comprising the steps of controlling the operation of the electrical device in accordance with the operation mode data represents, a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and surely switch the operation mode of an electric device.

It is a peripheral block diagram of the microcomputer and power supply circuit of the refrigerator which concern on 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which inserted the power plug of the refrigerator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in the outlet socket of commercial power. It is a figure which shows the state which inserted the power plug in the insertion port of the refrigerator back surface which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the insertion port of the refrigerator back surface which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the power plug inserted. It is a figure which shows typically the principal part cross section of the insertion port of the refrigerator back surface which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in association with the power plug inserted. It is a figure which shows typically the principal part cross section of the insertion port of the refrigerator back surface which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in association with the power plug inserted. It is a figure which shows the other example of the peripheral block of the microcomputer and power supply circuit of the refrigerator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the further another example of the microcomputer of the refrigerator which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and the peripheral block of a power supply circuit. It is a flowchart concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the further another example of the peripheral block of the microcomputer and power supply circuit of the refrigerator which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a figure which shows the change of the voltage by the discharge of a capacitor | condenser.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a sensor is provided in the power plug, and it is detected using the sensor whether the power plug is removed from a commercial power outlet (hereinafter simply referred to as an outlet) when the power is turned off (power supply is cut off). Depending on the state when the power is turned on (power supply is started), it is selected whether to hold or cancel the set state during operation.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a control circuit block of a refrigerator which is an example of an electric device has a power plug 1 and a power plug 1 for inputting supply power into the device by being inserted into an outlet (not shown). Power supply circuit 3 for receiving the input electric power and outputting the electric power to each part inside the device, and a microcomputer (abbreviation of microcomputer) 4 which is a control device of the refrigerator. The power supply circuit 3 converts AC (alternating current) 100 V supplied via an outlet into a DC (direct current) voltage and supplies it to each part of the refrigerator such as the microcomputer 4. The power supply circuit 3 supplies power to each unit under the control of the microcomputer 4.

  The microcomputer 4 includes an interface 41, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 42, and a memory 43 for inputting / outputting signals / data to / from the outside of the sensor 2 or the like. The interface 41 functions as a receiving unit that receives an operation signal generated when a user operates a switch (not shown) as an external input, and outputs the received external input to the CPU 42.

  The power plug 1 incorporates a sensor 2. The sensor 2 detects whether there is an object in the vicinity and outputs a detection signal. That is, the sensor 2 detects the outlet and outputs a detection signal to the microcomputer 4. The detection signal is output to the microcomputer 4 via the sensor signal line. The microcomputer 4 determines whether the power plug 1 is inserted into the outlet based on the detection signal. Here, the sensor 2 may be a capacitance type, photoelectric type (photo reflector, reflection type photo interrupter), or mechanical type (contact type) proximity switch. Electric power is supplied to the sensor 2 from the secondary side (DC side) of the power supply circuit 3.

  When the power plug 1 is inserted into the outlet, both are electrically connected and the power from the outlet is input to the power circuit 3 through the power plug 1. The sensor 2 detects the outlet and outputs an ON detection signal. On the other hand, when the power plug 1 is removed from the outlet, the sensor 2 outputs an OFF detection signal, and the power supply from the outlet to the power circuit 3 is cut off.

  The microcomputer 4 has a function of determining whether or not the power supply from the commercial power source is interrupted. In other words, the output potential (DC voltage) of the power supply circuit 3 is detected through the interface 41 and the voltage between the + terminal and the − terminal is detected, and the detected voltage is a predetermined value (for example, + DC 2.7 V) or higher. + DC 3.8V) as a threshold value, and compared with this, based on the comparison result, it is determined that the power is turned on if a predetermined voltage or higher is instructed, and the power is turned off if it is less than the predetermined voltage.

  The refrigerator has a plurality of operation modes including a normal cooling mode and a storefront display mode which is a demonstration (short for demonstration) mode. The normal cooling mode refers to an operation mode for controlling a refrigeration cycle (not shown) to cool the inside of the warehouse, and the storefront display mode refers to an operation mode for displaying a refrigerator at a storefront for sale. Specifically, it refers to an operation mode in which the cooling operation by the refrigeration cycle and the actual operation such as energization of the heater are not performed, and the lighting operation of the lamp in the warehouse and the apparent reception operation of the operation panel are controlled.

  The microcomputer 4 controls operation mode switching. Mode data indicating the operation mode of the refrigerator is stored in the nonvolatile area of the memory 43. Specifically, when the detection signal of the sensor 2 is ON and the CPU 42 determines an instruction to turn off the power based on the external input, the CPU 42 displays a mode when the refrigerator is displayed at the store as the mode data (hereinafter referred to as the mode data). Store display mode). When the detection signal of the sensor 2 is OFF and the power OFF instruction is determined based on the external input, the store display mode of the mode data is canceled. For example, the normal operation mode is set as the data for the non-store display mode in the mode data. The mode data is not limited to the internal memory 43 of the microcomputer 4 and may be stored in an external nonvolatile memory.

  Here, it is assumed that when the refrigerator is shipped from the factory, data for canceling the storefront display mode is set in the mode data.

  The operation mode switching will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 2 is stored in the memory 43 in advance, and the CPU 42 reads the program from the memory 43 and executes it.

  Referring to FIG. 2, CPU 42 reads mode data from memory 43 when it detects that a power ON instruction has been input based on an external input (step S1). Here, the external input for instructing the power supply indicates an instruction to start power supply to each unit in order to operate the refrigerator.

  The CPU 42 determines whether or not the mode data indicates the storefront display mode (step S2). If it is determined that the store display mode is not instructed (NO in step S2), various control signals for the normal cooling operation are output to each part of the refrigerator via the interface 41 in accordance with the normal operation mode instructed by the mode data (step S3). . Thereby, the refrigerating cycle (not shown) of a refrigerator operates and cooling in a warehouse advances.

  Thereafter, the CPU 42 determines whether or not a switching operation to the storefront display mode is performed based on an external input (step S4). While it is determined that the switching operation is not performed (NO in step S4), the process of step S3 is repeated and the cooling operation is continued.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation for switching to the storefront display mode has been performed (YES in step S4), the CPU 42 sets the storefront display mode in the mode data, and the process proceeds to step S5. The CPU 42 outputs various control signals for store display operation to each part of the refrigerator according to the store display mode indicated by the mode data (step S5).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode data indicates the storefront display mode (YES in step S2), the CPU 42 outputs various control signals for the storefront display operation to each unit in accordance with the mode data (step S5).

  The CPU 42 determines whether or not the voltage input from the power supply circuit 3 via the interface 41 decreases during the store display operation (step S6). That is, it is determined whether or not the power supply from the outlet is cut off.

  While it is determined not to decrease (NO in step S6), the CPU 42 returns the process to step S2 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the voltage has decreased (YES in step S6), the CPU 42 determines whether or not the detection signal from the sensor 2 is ON (step S7). If it is determined that the detection signal indicates ON (YES in step S7), the power supply is cut off while the power plug 1 is inserted into the outlet (the power is cut off by an operation of a breaker not shown). The CPU 42 holds the mode data in the storefront display mode (step S8). Here, holding means that the mode data is not updated from the original storefront display mode or is set to the storefront display mode. Thereafter, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection signal of the sensor 2 is instructed to be OFF (NO in step S7), it is determined that the power supply is cut off because the power plug 1 is removed from the outlet, and the store display mode of the mode data is canceled ( Step S9). Thereafter, the process ends.

  According to the above flowchart, the power plug 1 has a sensor 2 for detecting insertion / removal to / from an outlet, and when the power supply is cut off, whether or not the power plug 1 is based on being disconnected from the outlet. Is determined by the detection signal of the sensor 2. Based on the determination result, when it is determined that the power supply is cut off while the power plug 1 is inserted into the outlet, the store display mode is maintained as the mode data, and the power plug 1 is disconnected from the outlet. When it is determined that the supply is cut off, the store display mode of the mode data is canceled.

  Therefore, in general, in the store, the power OFF operation to the display home appliances at night after closing the store does not remove the power plug 1 of the refrigerator from the outlet (YES in step S7), but operates the original power source such as a breaker. Thus, the power supply to each home appliance to be displayed is cut off (YES in step S6), but the storefront display mode is not canceled as the operation mode during the storefront display (step S8). Therefore, when the power-on is instructed by an external input when the store opens on the next day, it can be operated in the storefront display mode.

  On the other hand, when the user purchases an exhibit and the power plug 1 is removed from the outlet (YES in step S6, NO in step S7), the CPU 42 cancels the storefront display mode of the mode data (step S9). Therefore, when the power ON is instructed by an external input at the user's home, it can be operated in the normal cooling mode.

  According to the present embodiment, it is unnecessary to release the storefront display mode by the store clerk, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the normal cooling operation is not performed at the user's house due to forgetting to release the storefront display mode. .

(Second Embodiment)
Switching between holding / release of the storefront display mode may be performed using a discharging capacitor instead of the sensor 2 described above. The refrigerator according to the present embodiment uses a power plug 1B that does not include the sensor 2 in place of the power plug 1.

  In the present embodiment, with respect to switching of holding / release of the storefront display mode, the insertion port 22 that houses the power plug 1B (the back side of the insertion port 22 is made of a metal part), the discharge capacitor 26, When the power-on instruction is input, the store display mode is maintained / released by the residual charge (voltage) of the discharging capacitor 26.

  FIG. 3 shows the back of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, an insertion port 22 that houses a power plug 1 </ b> B of the refrigerator, a control board 23, and a control board box 24 that houses the control board 23 are attached to the upper portion of the back surface 21 of the refrigerator body.

  Since the control board 23 is composed of electrical components and serves as an ignition source, a metal is used for the control board box 24 in order to prevent similar burning in the event of an ignition. An insulating plate (not shown) is provided between the control board 23 and the control board box 24. A control board box 24, which is a metal part, is disposed on the back side of the insertion port 22.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the power plug 1B for connecting the cable 1A connected to the control board 23 is removed from the outlet CC, inserted into the insertion port 22, and stored. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion A in FIG.

  6 and 7 are cross-sectional views taken along the arrow VI in FIG. 6 shows the power plug 1B before insertion into the insertion port 22, and FIG. 7 shows after insertion. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the plug blade (electrode terminal) of the power plug 1B is in contact with the control board box 24, which is a metal component, by being inserted.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the control circuit block of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment has a discharge capacitor 26 connected to a power supply line connecting power supply plug 1 </ b> B and power supply circuit 3. The output voltage according to the residual charge amount of the discharging capacitor 26 is output to the microcomputer 4 as a voltage signal. When the power plug 1B is inserted into the outlet CC, the AC 100V voltage from the outlet CC is output to the power circuit 3 via the power plug 1B. The power supply circuit 3 converts the input AC voltage into a DC voltage. The converted voltage is supplied to the microcomputer 4.

  While the power plug 1B is inserted into the outlet CC and electric power is supplied from the commercial power source, the electric charge is charged in the discharging capacitor 26. However, when the electric power supply is cut off from the outlet CC, the electric discharging capacitor 26 is disconnected. The charge stored in is discharged naturally.

  Further, when the power plug 1B is inserted into the insertion port 22 (see FIG. 7), the contact between the plug blade of the power plug 1B and the control board box 24, which is a metal part, brings them into a conductive state, and the discharge capacitor The electric charge stored in 26 is rapidly discharged through the conductive portion.

  Further, when the power supply is cut off by the breaker while the power plug 1B is inserted into the outlet CC, the charge stored in the discharging capacitor 26 is naturally discharged (discharging takes time in this case). .

  The switching of the operation mode according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 9 is stored in the memory 43 in advance, and the CPU 42 reads the program from the memory 43 and executes it.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when CPU 42 detects that a power ON instruction has been input based on an external input, CPU 42 has a residual charge (voltage) of discharge capacitor 26 based on a voltage signal input from discharge capacitor 26. Is determined (step S1a).

  Specifically, if it is determined that the voltage signal indicates a predetermined voltage value or more (YES in step S1a), the mode data in the memory 43 is held in the storefront display mode (step S1b), and if it is determined that the voltage is less than the predetermined voltage (step S1b). In step S1a, NO), the store display mode of the mode data is canceled (step S1c).

  Thereafter, the CPU 42 reads mode data from the memory 43 (step S1). Based on the read mode data, the operation mode of the refrigerator is switched as in FIG. 2 (steps S2 to S5).

  According to the present embodiment, when transporting the refrigerator exhibited at the store for sale, the power plug 1B is used to prevent the cable 1A from being caught or damaged by other parts. Is inserted into the insertion port 22 and fixed. As a result, the electric charge charged in the discharging capacitor 26 is surely and promptly discharged. Therefore, when the instruction to turn on the power is input into the user's home, the mode data indicates that the store display mode is canceled. (Step S1c), when it is carried into the user's house and a power-on instruction is input, it can quickly shift to the normal cooling mode (Step S3).

  In addition, when the power supply to the refrigerator is interrupted by operating the breaker at night during the store display, the electric charge charged in the discharge capacitor 26 is slowly spontaneously discharged, so the next morning, the breaker is operated to supply power. Even when it is started, electric charge remains in the discharge capacitor 26. Therefore, the mode data indicates the storefront display mode (YES in step S1a, step S1b).

  According to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to cancel the storefront display mode at the store, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which the cooling operation is not performed at the user's home due to forgetting to cancel the storefront display mode.

  Further, by integrating the discharge metal part of the discharge capacitor 26 with the control board box 24, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, since the charging voltage of the discharging capacitor 26 is 45 V or less, for example, it is safe to touch the plug blade of the power plug 1B after the power plug 1B is removed from the outlet CC. It can also comply with the standards of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law standards: the voltage between the blades of the power plug one second after the power plug is unplugged from the outlet is 45 V or less).

(Third embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the store display mode is switched between holding and canceling based on the length of time during which power supply from the commercial power supply is cut off (referred to as power-off time).

  Specifically, a battery (primary battery or secondary battery) that is an auxiliary power supply unit independent of the commercial power supply in relation to the microcomputer 4 is provided. Even during the period in which the power supplied from the commercial power supply is cut off, the microcomputer 4 performs a counting operation for measuring the power OFF time using the counter by the power supply from the auxiliary power supply. The counter is constituted by a counter variable or a counter circuit.

  Thereafter, when the power supply is turned on by starting the supply of power from the commercial power supply, the length of the power supply OFF time is detected based on the count value, and the store display mode is maintained / released according to the length of the power supply OFF time.

  Referring to FIG. 10, an AC 100V voltage from a commercial power supply (not shown) input via power plug 1 </ b> B is converted to a DC voltage by power supply circuit 3 and supplied to microcomputer 4 via diode 27. A battery 28 (primary battery or secondary battery) serving as an auxiliary power supply unit is provided, and the power is supplied to the microcomputer 4 via the diode 29. Here, the diodes 27 and 29 function as rectifying elements in the power supply path to the microcomputer 4.

  In operation, when a breaker (not shown) is operated and the power supply from the commercial power supply is cut off, the microcomputer 4 receives the power supply from the battery 28 during the power OFF period when the power supply is cut off. When the count operation is performed and the supply of power from the commercial power supply is received, the count operation is stopped. Therefore, the counter value indicates the length of the power OFF time.

  The switching of the operation mode according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. A program according to the flowchart of FIG. 11 is stored in the memory 43 in advance, and the CPU 42 reads the program from the memory 43 and executes it.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when CPU 42 detects that a power ON instruction is input based on an external input, CPU 42 determines whether the counter value, that is, whether the power OFF time is shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 48 hours). Is discriminated (step S1d). If it is determined that it is short (YES in step S1d), the store display mode is held in the mode data in the memory 43 (step S1b), and if it is determined that the predetermined time is exceeded (NO in step S1d), the mode data is canceled in the store display mode. (Step S1c).

  Thereafter, the CPU 42 reads mode data from the memory 43 (step S1). Based on the read mode data, the operation mode of the refrigerator is switched as in FIG. 2 (steps S2 to S5).

  The predetermined time is, for example, 48 hours. This is a value paying attention to the fact that the power-off time is not longer than the regular holiday of the store (48 hours) while the refrigerator is on display at the store, but is not limited to this value.

  In this embodiment, when the power is turned on, the operation for canceling the storefront display mode at the store is unnecessary, and there is no complaint that the refrigerator is not cooled at the user's home due to forgetting to cancel the storefront display mode.

(Fourth embodiment)
Also in this embodiment, the storefront display mode is switched between holding and canceling based on the length of the power-off time. In the third embodiment, a timer is used as a time measuring function. An electric double layer capacitor (super capacitor) is used.

  FIG. 12 is a refrigerator control circuit block diagram according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, the AC 100V voltage supplied from the outlet via the power plug 1 </ b> B is converted into a DC voltage by the power supply circuit 3 and supplied to the microcomputer 4. In addition, the control circuit includes an electric double layer capacitor 30 having a large capacity and good power storage efficiency. One electrode of the electric double layer capacitor 30 is grounded, and the other electrode is connected to a node 31 on a DC power supply line for supplying power from the power supply circuit 3 to the microcomputer 4.

  The electric double layer capacitor 30 is charged via the node 31 and the other electrode during a period in which power is supplied from the commercial power supply to the microcomputer 4 via the power plug 1B. Therefore, even after the breaker is turned off and the power supply from the commercial power supply is cut off, the electric charge stored in the electric double layer capacitor 30 is discharged, so that power is supplied to the microcomputer 4. Then, the microcomputer 4 can operate.

  Here, since the electric double layer capacitor 30 has a large capacity, the microcomputer 4 can operate for several tens of hours if the operation of the microcomputer 4 is limited to only the counting operation for timing. Therefore, the electric double layer capacitor 30 can be used in place of the battery 28 as the auxiliary power supply unit described above.

  If the power OFF time continues for a predetermined time (for example, 48 hours) or longer, the electric double layer capacitor 30 is completely discharged, the power supply to the microcomputer 4 is stopped, and the microcomputer 4 stops operating.

  The switching of the operation mode according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 13 is stored in the memory 43 in advance, and the CPU 42 reads the program from the memory 43 and executes it.

  Referring to FIG. 13, when CPU 42 detects that a power ON instruction has been input based on an external input, CPU 42 determines whether or not the input voltage (node 31 potential) has dropped to 3.8 V or less. Then (step S1e). If it is determined that the display has been lowered (YES in step S1e), store mode release is set in the mode data (step S1b). That is, when the power plug 31 is disconnected from the outlet and the power supply is cut off, and then a sufficient power OFF time (48 hours) has elapsed (for example, sold to the user's home), the store display in the mode data Mode release is set.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the voltage is greater than 3.8 V (NO in step S1e), the sufficient power OFF time has not yet elapsed and the mode data is held in the storefront display mode (step S1c).

  Thereafter, the CPU 42 reads mode data from the memory 43 (step S1). Based on the read mode data, the operation mode of the refrigerator is switched as in FIG. 2 (steps S2 to S5).

  This eliminates the need to cancel the storefront display mode at the store, and eliminates the complaint that the refrigerator does not cool at the user's home due to forgetting to cancel the storefront display mode.

  If the store display mode data is not stored in the nonvolatile memory such as the flash memory inside the microcomputer 4 but is stored in the RAM which is the volatile memory inside the microcomputer 4, the store display will be provided if the power OFF time continues for a predetermined time or more. The data in the exhibition mode is deleted (cancelled).

  The refrigerator has the functions of the above-described embodiments, and in operation, the functions of the respective embodiments may be executed individually or in combination.

(Capacitor discharge characteristics)
The discharge of the discharge capacitor 26 and the electric double layer capacitor 30 will be described with reference to the graph of FIG. The vertical axis indicates the output voltage of the capacitor, and the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time. A solid line graph indicates a decrease in voltage (charge) due to spontaneous discharge of the electric double layer capacitor 30. The electric double layer capacitor 30 starts discharging at 45 V or less, and when 48 hours have elapsed from the start of discharging, the output voltage, that is, the potential of the node 31, is reduced to 3.8 V. Here, since the minimum operating voltage of the microcomputer 4 is 2.7 V, the microcomputer 4 can sufficiently operate even when the input voltage is 3.8 V.

  In the case of the discharging capacitor 26 according to the present embodiment, when the power plug 1B is inserted into the insertion port 22, the charge charged in the discharging capacitor 26 into the metal portion is quickly discharged. Thus, the voltage (charge) decreases as indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  Here, the discharge capacitor 26 and the electric double layer capacitor 30 are illustrated as capacitive elements that charge and discharge the stored charge, but any capacitive element that can be applied as long as it has a similar charge / discharge function. Is not limited to these.

  In each embodiment, a refrigerator is exemplified as an electric device to be applied, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, in general, electric appliances that operate in a predetermined mode after receiving power supply as an operation mode even in exhibitions at mass retailers (refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, air conditioners, rice cookers, facsimile machines, telephones, LEDs (Light (Emitting Diode) can be applied to light bulbs, vacuum cleaners, etc.)

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1, 1B power plug, 1A cable, 2 sensor, 3 power supply circuit, 4 microcomputer, 22 outlet, 23 control board, 24 control board box, 26 discharge capacitor, 27, 29 diode, 28 battery, 30 electric double layer Capacitor, 31 nodes.

Claims (11)

A control device for an electric device that operates by being supplied with electric power from the power supply unit through a plug inserted into an outlet of the power supply unit,
A memory for storing mode data representing an operation mode of the electric device;
A control unit,
The operation mode includes a demo mode for instructing a demo operation and a normal mode for instructing a normal operation,
The controller is
Means for determining whether or not the interruption of power supply from the power source is due to the plug being removed from the outlet;
Based on the determination that the plug is unplugged, the normal mode is set in the mode data of the memory, and based on the determination that the plug is not unplugged, the mode data includes the mode data. Means for setting a demo mode,
A control device for an electric device that controls the operation of the electric device according to an operation mode represented by the mode data of the memory at the start of power supply after the power supply is cut off. The means for determining is
The control apparatus for an electrical device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined during operation whether or not the interruption of power supply from the power supply unit is due to the plug being removed from an outlet. A sensor for detecting insertion / removal of the plug into / from the outlet is further provided,
The means for determining is
The control apparatus for an electrical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein based on the detection signal of the sensor, it is determined whether or not the interruption of the power supply from the power supply unit is due to the plug being removed from the outlet. The means for determining is
The electric device according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted is determined by whether or not the plug is disconnected from an outlet when starting power supply after the power supply is interrupted. Control device. A capacitive element that charges with electric power supplied through a plug and discharges the charge through the plug;
A conductive housing for housing the plug removed from the outlet,
The means for determining is
5. The electricity according to claim 4, wherein at the start of power supply after the power supply is cut off, based on a voltage due to a residual charge of the capacitive element, it is determined whether the cut-off is due to the plug being removed from the outlet. Equipment control device. A time measuring means for measuring the duration of interruption of power supply from the power supply unit,
The means for determining is
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, at the start of power supply after the power supply is cut off, based on the time counted by the time measuring means, it is determined whether the cut-off is due to the plug being removed from the outlet. Control device for electrical equipment. The time measuring means includes
An auxiliary power source independent of the power source;
A power supply from the auxiliary power supply unit after the power supply is cut off, and a counter unit for measuring the duration of the cut off,
The means for determining is
The control of the electric device according to claim 6, wherein when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off, it is determined whether the cut-off is due to the plug being removed from the outlet based on the count value of the counter unit. apparatus. The auxiliary power unit is
The control of the electric device according to claim 7, further comprising: a capacitive element that charges a charge by a supply power during a period in which power is supplied from the power supply unit via a plug, and discharges the charge in a power supply cutoff period. apparatus. The time measuring means includes
A capacitive element that charges electric charge with supplied electric power during a period in which electric power is supplied from the power supply unit via a plug, and discharges electric charge during an electric power supply interruption period;
The means for determining is
The electricity according to claim 6, wherein when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off, it is determined whether the cut-off is due to the plug being removed from the outlet based on a voltage due to a residual charge of the capacitive element. Equipment control device.   The electric device control device according to claim 8, wherein the capacitive element is an electric double layer capacitor. A method of controlling an electric device that operates by being supplied with electric power from the power supply unit through a plug inserted into an outlet of the power supply unit,
Reading and writing data in a memory for storing mode data including a demo mode for instructing a demo operation indicating an operation mode of the electric device and a normal mode for instructing a normal operation;
Determining whether the interruption of the power supply from the power source is due to the plug being removed from the outlet; and
Based on the determination that the plug is removed, the normal mode is set in the mode data of the memory by the reading and writing step, and the reading and writing step is performed based on the determination that the plug is not removed. Setting the demo mode in mode data;
Controlling the operation of the electric device according to an operation mode represented by the mode data of the memory at the start of power supply after the power supply is cut off.

Images