JP3501784B2 - Centralized monitoring equipment for showcases - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a showcase for refrigerating and displaying merchandise, and more particularly to a centralized monitoring device for a showcase that facilitates monitoring of its operating condition.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, refrigerated showcases (hereinafter simply referred to as showcases) are used to refrigerate and display fresh foods in supermarkets, etc., but the temperature inside the refrigerator is checked at regular intervals for hygiene management. It is necessary to keep a record, and in the past, a staff member patrolled the store to do this.

[0003]

However, the scale of the store has become larger year by year, and the work of walking around the store as in the past has become extremely burdensome. Also,
Conventionally, various displays and alarms are individually displayed for each showcase, so even if an abnormality occurs, it cannot be confirmed without going to that showcase.

Further, in the past, when trying to repair an abnormal point at a later date, the abnormality could not be reproduced, and a serviceman often lifted up without doing anything and an abnormality occurred again. The present invention is intended to solve such a conventional problem, and enables a driver to intensively monitor a driving state from a remote location and to accurately grasp the content of an abnormality at a later date. It is intended to provide a centralized monitoring device for cases.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the centralized monitoring apparatus for a showcase according to the present invention controls and removes the internal temperature of a refrigerator based on data from a temperature sensor and a preset temperature set value. A controller that is provided in each of a plurality of showcases for frost control and has individual addresses set and stored is provided with a means for transmitting data necessary for managing the showcases to the outside through a signal line. A center device connected to each controller of the showcase by a signal line is installed in a management center, and the center device inputs / outputs various data, data storage means for storing the data, It has a printer for printing out data and a setting means for setting a time for issuing a form by the printer, Stores the data in the data storage means is for printing out the data from the printer every time set (claim 1).

Further, the following configuration can be considered as its specific configuration. The center device is provided with a data print button, and when the data print button is operated, the latest data of the showcase is printed out from the printer (claim 2). The center device is provided with an abnormality history print button, and when an abnormality occurs in the showcase, the abnormality data is stored in the storage means, and when the abnormality history print button is operated, the abnormality data of the showcase is printed from the printer. Out (Claim 3). The center device has a selection mode, selects a specific showcase according to the selection mode, and prints out only the data of the selected showcase (claim 4).

In the above configuration, data such as the temperature inside the showcase and the presence / absence of an abnormality are sequentially called to the center device in the store to be output (display on the display or form creation by the printer). Even in a supermarket with many showcases, it is not necessary to visit the showcases. Also, the abnormal data transmitted from each refrigeration showcase is stored in the management center together with the date and time of occurrence, and this abnormal data is taken out and output at any time. It is possible to reproduce, and it is possible to quickly grasp the abnormal part,
Be accurate.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the system. In the figure, 1 is a controller mounted in each of a plurality of showcases (not shown), 2 is a center device that is placed in a management center such as a guardman room in a store, and centrally monitors the showcases. They are connected by a multi-drop method by four signal lines 3 each (in the case shown, up to 32 units of 16 units × 2 series of controllers 1 can be connected to one center device 2). The center device 2 sequentially calls (polling) the controllers 1 which are pre-addressed, and receives and displays data such as detected data, temperature set values, and operating states.

In the case shown in the figure, the center unit 2 is connected not only to the showcase but also to other store facilities 4 such as a refrigerator, an air conditioner and an automatic door by a signal line 5 to monitor them. Further, the center device 2 is connected to a host computer 6 such as a personal computer installed outside the store through a public line. Reference numeral 7 is a modem and NCU, and 8 is a telephone exchange.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram in the showcase. Here, 1 is a 1-chip microcomputer (8 bits, A /
D-converter, controller with serial I / F), 9 to 12 are temperature sensors consisting of thermistors, 9 is an internal temperature sensor for detecting the internal temperature, and 10 is the internal temperature from the outlet temperature of the circulating cold air. Temperature control sensor for adjustment, 1
1 is a defrost sensor that detects the temperature of the evaporator during defrosting, 12
Is an outside air temperature sensor that detects the outside temperature, 13 is an analog circuit that processes the signals of these temperature sensors and inputs them to the controller 1, 14 is an address setter that sets and inputs the address of the controller 1, and 15 is a circulating cold air Outlet temperature,
A temperature setter for setting and inputting the upper and lower temperature limits inside the refrigerator, the evaporator temperature at the end of defrosting, 16 is a digital temperature indicator for displaying the temperature inside the refrigerator, 17 is a solenoid valve of the refrigerant circuit or a defrost heater, A relay drive circuit for controlling a relay such as an alarm output, and a transmission interface 18 for inputting / outputting a serial signal to / from the center device 2 (FIG. 1).

The controller 1 compares the outlet temperature detected by the temperature control sensor 10 with the set temperature input from the temperature setting device 15, and opens and closes the solenoid valve of the refrigerant circuit via the relay drive circuit 17 to open the storage chamber. Keep the internal temperature within a certain range.
At that time, conditions such as the outside temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 12, the presence / absence of lighting of the interior lighting, and the presence / absence of attachment of a night cover are determined, and a predetermined correction is added to the set temperature. Also, at a certain time according to a command from a timer (not shown), the solenoid valve is closed and the defrost heater is energized to defrost the evaporator and its surroundings. Meanwhile, the defrosting sensor 11 detects the temperature of the evaporator, and when the evaporator rises to the set temperature, defrosting is completed and the cooling operation is started. Further, the in-compartment temperature sensor 9 detects the in-compartment temperature and displays it on the temperature indicator 16, and outputs an alarm signal when the temperature reaches a preset upper / lower limit temperature due to some abnormality.

When a data request signal is received from the center device 2, data necessary for showcase management from the transmission interface 18 to the signal line 5, that is, the above-mentioned respective temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 9 to 12 and the internal temperature adjustment setting. Value (outlet temperature setting value), defrost setting value (evaporator temperature setting value), draining time (after defrosting, time to delay restart of refrigerant supply until water droplets generated by melting frost flow off the evaporator surface) ) Sends the set value, the high temperature alarm / low temperature alarm set value (internal temperature upper / lower limit set value), the microcomputer port status, and the control status (operating status such as temperature control operation, defrost operation, alarm output, etc.).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the management center. In the figure, 2 is a microcomputer, ROM, RAM
Such as a center device, 19 is a digital input interface for inputting abnormality data (refrigerator abnormality, high pressure cut, etc.) of various facilities in the store already described, 20 is a controller 1 (FIG. 1) and other facilities to be monitored Controller number setting device for setting the number of
A transmission interface 22 for inputting / outputting data to / from the host computer 6 via a public line and a data input / output to / from the host computer 6 of a higher level via a public line.
Is a printer connected to the center device 2 via the transmission interface 21.

FIG. 4 shows the front appearance of the center device 2, 23 is a channel indicator showing the address of the controller 1 being displayed, 24 is a temperature indicator for displaying the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 9-12, Reference numeral 25 is a set value display device for displaying various temperature set values, and the display contents of these display devices 23 to 25 and the presence / absence of abnormality are indicated by the lighting condition of the LED lamp 26. Further, 27 (27a to 27c) is a display switching push button, 28 is a mode switching push button, 29 is an abnormal alarm buzzer, 30 is a buzzer stop push button, 31 is an abnormal history display push button, 32 is a time indicator, and 33 is An abnormality history print push button, and 34 is a data print push button.

The center device 2 calls the controller 1 for the set number of controllers, first stores the information in the internal RAM, and displays it on the displays 23 to 25 according to the mode of the center device 2. Normally, the scroll mode is used. In this mode, each channel number (address of the controller 1, that is, the showcase number), the temperature control sensor temperature of the showcase, and the temperature control set value are displayed.
Then, the channel number is switched every 5 seconds, and the information of each showcase is displayed in order.

If the mode is changed over to the selection mode by the mode changeover pushbutton 28, the display changeover pushbutton 27b is displayed.
The temperature of 4 sensors is switched by the operation of
You can switch between the five setting values by using the button. The clock setting mode is a mode for setting how many hours the form 22 on which the current time and the data from each showcase are printed is printed out from the printer 22. The various types of data are also transmitted from the transmission interface 21 to the host computer 6.

In the scroll mode, if an abnormality occurs during scrolling, the L for the corresponding abnormality display is displayed.
The ED lamp 26 is turned on and the buzzer 29 is sounded to preferentially display the information of the abnormal channel number. After recognizing the content of the abnormality, the administrator in the management center pushes the buzzer stop push button 30 to stop the buzzer 29 and restore the normal scrolling state. At that time, the abnormal data stored in the RAM is saved as it is together with the date and time of the occurrence. This abnormal data is also transmitted from the transmission interface 21 to the host computer 6.

The administrator takes necessary measures when he / she knows the abnormality, but depending on the details of the abnormality, he / she may not be able to deal with it sufficiently and may have to ask a service person for repair. In that case, the serviceman presses the abnormality history display push button 31 to call the stored abnormality data. This allows
As in the selection mode, by operating the display switching push buttons 27b and 27c, various data at the time of occurrence of an abnormality are switched and displayed on the display units 23 to 25, and the time and date at which the current date and time are normally displayed are displayed. The date and time when the abnormality occurred is displayed on the display 32.

In addition, when the abnormal history print push button 33 is pressed in the scroll mode, the form in which the abnormal data of all showcases stored in the RAM and the date and time of occurrence are printed out from the printer 22 (FIG. 3). .
Furthermore, in the selection mode, when the display switching push button 27a is pressed to select a specific channel number and then the abnormal history print push button 33 is pressed, the abnormal data of the selected showcase and the date and time of occurrence thereof are printed out.

By observing these abnormality data, it becomes possible to predict a showcase in which an abnormality frequently occurs or a showcase in which an abnormality is likely to occur, so that the showcase can be operated with the minimum necessary maintenance. become. On the other hand, when the data print push button 34 is pressed in the scroll mode, the form in which the latest data of the current time and all showcases at that time is printed is displayed on the printer 22.
Printed out from.

In the selection mode, when the data print push button 34 is pressed after selecting a specific channel number, the current time and the latest data of the selected showcase at that time are printed out. As a result, the operating state of the showcase can be grasped in real time.

[0022]

According to the present invention, by sending the data of each showcase to the center device and sequentially displaying or printing out the data, the necessary information can be obtained only by staying at the management center without walking around the store. can get. Furthermore,
Abnormal data of each showcase is stored in the center device, and if necessary, it can be taken out and output, so that when a serviceman comes to repair at a later date, the contents of the abnormality can be accurately grasped, and in a short time. You will be able to complete the repair.

Further, since information can be sent from the center device to another place via a public line or the like and monitored from outside the store, for example, in the case of a supermarket chain, the head office collectively grasps the state of the showcase of each store. By doing so, it is not necessary to have an administrator at each store, and it is possible to greatly save labor.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration inside a showcase.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a management center.

FIG. 4 is a front external view of the center device in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 controller 2 Center device 3 signal lines 10 Temperature control sensor 11 Defrost sensor 15 Temperature setting device 22 Printer 24-channel display 25 Temperature indicator 26 Set value display 31 Abnormal history display push button 32 time display 33 Abnormal history print push button 34 Data print push button

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page       (56) References Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-291085 (JP, A)                 JP-A-62-256194 (JP, A)                 JP-A-61-226878 (JP, A)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of showcases for performing temperature control and defrosting control in a refrigerator based on data from a temperature sensor and a temperature set value stored in advance, respectively, and each address is set and stored. The controller is provided with means for transmitting data necessary for managing the showcase to the outside through a signal line, and a center device connected to each controller of the plurality of showcases by a signal line is installed in the management center. The center device includes data input / output means for inputting and outputting various data, data storage means for storing the data, a printer for printing out the data, and setting means for setting a time for issuing a form by the printer. And stores the data from each of the controllers in the data storage means, and stores the data at a set time in a printer. A centralized monitoring device for a showcase, characterized in that the above data is printed out. 2. The showcase concentration system according to claim 1, wherein the center device is provided with a data print button, and when the data print button is operated, the latest data of the showcase is printed out from the printer. Monitoring equipment. 3. The center device is provided with an abnormality history print button, and when an abnormality occurs in the showcase, the abnormality data is stored in the storage means, and when the abnormality history print button is operated, the printer displays the showcase. The showcase centralized monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein only the abnormal data of (1) is printed out. 4. The center device is provided with a selection mode, a specific showcase is selected in accordance with the selection mode, and data of only the selected showcase is printed out. Centralized monitoring device for showcases.