JPH0550900B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (A) Field of Industrial Application The present invention comprises at least one first load having on-off control and other control functions, and one or more second loads having on-off control functions. The present invention relates to a device for centrally managing the load of a computer using a central control box.

(B) Prior Art Conventionally, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 155326/1983 has proposed a method for remotely controlling an air conditioner as a load having on/off control and other control functions.
This is nothing more than remote control of one air conditioner.

Various electrical devices are used to provide a comfortable environment and rationalize life. These electrical devices are loads when viewed from the power source, and this load also includes a first load that has an on/off control function and other control functions, and a second load that has an on/off control function. Primary loads include air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment that can partially turn on multiple lighting fixtures, etc., and secondary loads include individual lighting equipment, individual ventilation equipment, individual audio or video equipment, etc. be.

In this way, there are two types of loads, and it is desirable to centrally manage all of these loads. In this case, it has been proposed to control three loads installed in one room, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a floor stand, and a humidifier, using infrared rays emitted from a central control device installed in the center of the room. There is. In this system, a central control device detects the temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc. at that location, and based on the detection results, it emits a control signal to an air conditioner, etc., and controls three loads installed in a specific room. control, but cannot be controlled remotely from outside the room.

(c) Purpose of the Invention The present invention was invented against this background, and provides a method for centrally controlling and managing the first load and the second load from outside the room in which these loads are installed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a centralized management device that can shorten the time required to send and receive management signals to and from the first and second loads when the number of the first and second loads is small.

(d) Structure of the Invention In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a control box having a centralized management function, one or more first loads having on-off control and other control functions, and one first load having an on-off control function. a repeater that is inserted between the above second load, the control box and each first load and controls the first load based on a command from the control box; an outlet box that is inserted between the plurality of first and second loads and controls the second load on and off based on commands from the control box, and the control box selects a load to be centrally managed from among the plurality of first and second loads. The present invention is characterized in that a control signal is not exchanged with a repeater or an outlet box for a load that is not selected by the selection means.

(e) Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a central management device. In this figure, 100 is a control box that has a central management function. 200,200 ₁ ~ 2
00n is a first load having on/off control and other control functions, and in the embodiment, each is an air conditioner. 300, 300 ₁ to 300 m is a second load having an on/off control function. As mentioned above, this second load includes individual lighting equipment, individual ventilation equipment, individual audio or video equipment, etc., and is not limited to loads that only have an on/off control function, for example, depending on the ambient brightness. This also includes items with built-in automatic control functions, such as lighting equipment that controls brightness accordingly. 400,400 ₁ ~ 400
Each of the repeaters n is inserted between the control box 100 and each first load 200, and controls the corresponding first load 200 based on commands from the control box 100. 500,500 ₁ ~500
M is the outlet box, and control box 1
00 and each second load 300, and controls the second loads to be turned on and off based on commands from the control box 100. The control box 100, each repeater 400, and each outlet box 500 are connected by a communication path 600. A dedicated line may be used as this communication path, or indoor wiring (power line) may be used.

Next, as is clear from the block diagram shown in FIG. 2, the control box 100 includes a control section 120, a key matrix 121 which is an input operation section thereof, a programmable timer 122, a storage section 123,
The battery backup circuit 124 and the remote control IC 12 that controls the input/output of the control unit 120
5, an interface circuit 126, a display unit 127 for displaying the operation command contents of the key matrix 121 and the operating status of each load, and a selection means 1 for selecting the load 200 or 300 to be centrally managed.
It consists of 28.

Further, a front view of the panel P of the control box 100 is shown in FIG. In this drawing, 129 is the first
This is a changeover switch that switches between the load block 130 and the second load block 131. Specifically, the first load block 130 includes three first loads 2
00 ₁ to 200 ₃ , and the second load block 131 controls 16 second loads 300 ₁ to 30
0 ₁₆ . 1st load block 1
30 includes a channel key 133 each having a channel lamp 132, an "in operation" indicator lamp 134, and a "filter sign" indicator lamp 135 that indicates the dirt status of the filter of the air conditioner. The second load block 131 has
There is a channel key 137 having a channel lamp 136, an indicator lamp 138 indicating "in operation", and a writing field 139 for "connected appliances" in which the appliance names of the second loads 300 ₁ to 300 ₁₆ are written. 140 is an all-channel key, which is pressed instead of pressing all channel keys 133 or 137 of one block. Reference numeral 141 is a display content change key column, in order from the top: automatic key 142 for automatic operation setting, operation switching key 143, timer switching key 144, set temperature up key 145 and down key 1.
46, timer setting 147, wind speed switching key 148
is provided. Reference numeral 149 is a display field, and displays corresponding to each key can be made as shown in the figure. Note that the room temperature display 150 is a display of the room temperature of the room where the first load 200 is attached. 15
1 is a "setting in progress" display lamp that blinks at high speed when any key in the display content change key field 141 is pressed, prompting the user to press the setting completion key 152. In addition, the panel P includes an operation key 153 and a stop key 154.
and a clear key 155 are provided.

Each of the above keys and the changeover switch 129 are provided on the operation section 1.
56, and the display field 149 and each lamp constitute the display section 127.

Next, the setting means 128 is installed in the control box 100 so as to be operated by removing the panel P, and this selection means consists of a number of seesaw switches 128a, 128b as shown in FIG. One seesaw switch 128a is connected to control box 1.
This is for selecting whether or not to exchange management signals between the relay device 400 and the relay device 400. Specifically, the one seesaw switch 128a consists of 16 switches 128a ₁ to 128a ₁₆ , but since the number of first loads 200 is three in this embodiment, the switch 128
Only a ₁ to 128a ₃ are used, but the first load 2
Up to 16 00s can be used. The other seesaw switch 128b is connected to control box 1.
00 and the outlet box 500, and specifically consists of 16 signals _128a1 to _128a16 .
Note that a state in which signals can be exchanged is indicated as on, and a state in which signals cannot be exchanged is indicated as off.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the repeater. The repeater 400 includes an interface circuit 401, a remote control IC 402, a channel setting circuit 403, and a control section 404.
and send and receive signals. 405 is an installation test section.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an outlet box, and the outlet box 500 includes an interface circuit 501, a remote control IC 502, a current detection circuit 503, a channel setting circuit 504, and a power line plug 50 inserted into a wall outlet.
5. Provided in the socket 507 and the power line 506 connected to the plug via the power line 506,
It consists of a switch circuit 508 whose opening and closing are controlled by a remote control IC 502.

In addition, repeater 400 and outlet box 500
Each channel setting circuit 403, 504 sets a channel signal corresponding to each load, and the channel signal from the control box 100 that comes in from the interface circuit 401, 501, respectively, is set as a channel signal for a specific load. It is determined in the remote control ICs 402 and 502 whether or not they match, and if they match, the control or operation status is monitored based on the command from the control box 100.

The operation in the above configuration will be explained. In addition, each seesaw switch 128a, 12 of the selection means 128
8b is in a state in which signals can be exchanged, that is, in an on state.

In the control box 100 of FIG. 2, the control section 120 constantly scans the key matrix 121, and when a key is pressed, the input contents are displayed on the display section 127 in accordance with the input key. When communication with a specific load 200 or 300 is required, transmission data consisting of a channel designation part and a command corresponding to the load is sent to the remote control IC 125, and a start signal 157 is issued. The remote control IC 125 receives the start signal 157 and sends it onto the communication path 600 via the transmission data interface circuit 126. One hand for remote control
When the IC 125 receives any signal from the communication path 600, it outputs a reception signal 158 and controls the control unit 120.
receives the received signal, analyzes the received data, and
If the data is correct, the data is displayed on the display section 127.

More specifically, the changeover switch 129
The controlled objects are divided into the first load block 130 and the second load block 130.
The load block 131 is switched between the load block 131 and the load block 131. Until then, the operation details of any of the first loads 200 are displayed in column 1.
49, the display is turned off by switching the changeover switch 129, and the display enters the initial state, that is, the channel key input waiting state. Note that while the load is in operation, the corresponding operating indicator lamp 134 or 138
is lit.

The changeover switch 129 is connected to the first load block 130.
Suppose that the switch is made to the side. In this state, for example, if the channel key 133 with channel number 1 is pressed, the channel lamp 133 of that key
2 flashes at a low speed, communication is performed with the first load 200 ₁ via the corresponding repeater 400 ₁ , and the operating status and various settings of this load are displayed in the display field 149 . In other words, the load content is being monitored. In this state, channel key 13 of channel number 2
When 3 is pressed, the channel lamp 132 of the channel number 1 changes from slow blinking to a lit state, and the content monitoring status of the first load 200 ₂ of the channel number 2 is displayed in the display field 149. In addition, the channel lamp 132 of channel 2 flashes at a low speed to indicate that it is in a monitoring state. Furthermore, when the all-channel key 140 is pressed while the changeover switch 129 is switched to the first load block 130 side, the contents of channel number 1 are monitored, and only the channel lamp 132 of channel number 1 is in a low-speed blinking state. , the channel lamps of channel numbers 2 and 3 are turned on.

In a situation where the all-channel key 140 is not pressed, when any key in the display content change key field 156 is pressed in the content monitoring state of channel number 1 of the first load block 130, the corresponding display content is changed. At the same time, the setting lamp 151 flashes at high speed to prompt the user to press the setting completion key 152. When this setting completion key is pressed, the setting contents are transmitted to the first
The information is transmitted to the load 200 ₁ and the first load 200 ₁ is controlled, and thereafter the content of the first load is monitored. Then press the clear key 155,
The display contents are cleared and the channel lamp 132 of channel number 1 goes out, and now the first
Assume that the channel key 133 of channel number 2 of the load block 130 is pressed. If the first load 200 ₂ corresponding to this channel key is in operation,
The operating state of this load 200 ₂ is displayed on the display section 127, and the channel lamp 132 of channel number 2 blinks at a low speed to indicate that it is in a monitoring state. Now, when any content change key, for example, the wind speed switching key 148 is pressed, the display lamp 151 that is being set blinks at high speed, and when the setting completion key 152 is pressed, the content change is transferred from the control box 100 to the repeater 400 ₂ and controls the operation and reception of the first load 200 ₂ . Thereafter, the driving status is displayed on the display section 127. Next, press the channel key 133 for channel number 3 to
The same applies when changing the operation details of the load ₂₀₀₃ . In addition, the changeover switch 129 is switched to the second load block 131 side, and by pressing the desired channel key 137, the corresponding second load 300 is switched to the second load block 131 side.
When switching between "running" and "stopping", the operating status is controlled by pressing the operating key 153 or the stop key 154.

On the other hand, when the changeover switch 129 is switched to the first load block 130 side and the all-channel key 140 is pressed, the content of channel number 1 is being monitored as described above.
If any key in the display content change key column 141 is pressed here, and then the setting completion key 152 is pressed, communication is performed with the first load 200 ₁ and the setting content is sent to the first load 200 ₁ . Then, the first load 200 ₁ is controlled, and the contents of the first load 200 ₁ are then monitored again so that the user can confirm the setting contents. After a few seconds, the channel lamp 132 of channel number 1 and the display contents of the display field are turned off, and the setting contents of channel number 1 are changed to
It is sent as is to the corresponding first load 200 ₂ ,
Control this load. Similarly, the first load ₂₀₀₃ of channel number 3 is also controlled. In this case, the channel lamp 132 with channel number 1 goes out after the command is given, and then the channel lamp 132 with channel number 2 blinks at a low speed and goes out after the command is given. Channel lamp 13 for the last channel number i.e. 3
2 does not turn off even after the command, but remains in a low-speed flashing state, and the first load 200 of this channel
It will be in the content monitoring state of ₃ . If the run key 153 or the stop key 154 is pressed while no key in the display content change key column 141 is pressed during content monitoring, the settings for each load are sequentially changed in the same way as when the setting completion key 152 is pressed. Repeat command and each load and content monitor. The above operation is performed when switching all the second loads 300 to "run" or "stop" when the changeover switch 129 is switched to the second load block 131 and the all channel key 140 is pressed. The same is true.
However, in this case, switching is performed by pressing the operation key 153 or the stop key 154.

It is possible that communication between the control box 100 and each first load 200 or each second load 300 may not be possible due to the influence of noise on the communication path 600. ,
When transmitting any signal from the control box 100, for example, an operation signal by pressing the operation key 153, it is a general rule to always receive a signal in response to the signal, that is, an answerback, and no answerback is received within a certain period of time after transmission. or if the received data is incorrect, it will be sent again and will wait for reception. If a correct answer back cannot be received even after sending several times, for example three times, the corresponding channel lamp 132 or 136 will blink at high speed as a communication error, and the operation key 153 and stop key will be pressed until the clear key 155 is pressed. 15
4 or the setting completion key 152 is pressed, no communication is performed with the corresponding channel.

The above operation is performed when the seesaw switches 128a and 128b of the selection means 128 are all in the signal transmission/receivable state, that is, in the on state, and as shown in FIG. 9 to 16 outlet boxes 500
Control box 100 with _{2,500 9} to 500 ₁₆
It is assumed that signals cannot be exchanged between the two terminals, that is, the seesaw switches 128b ₂ and 128b ₉ to 128 ₁₆ are in an off state.

In this situation, switch 129 is set to
When the channel key 137 with channel number 2 is pressed, the corresponding seesaw switch 128b ₂
is in the OFF state, the channel lamp 136 of channel number 2 does not light up, and even if the operation 153 etc. are pressed one after another, the control box 100
_A content monitor signal,
Management signals such as operation control signals and answer back signals are not exchanged. Channel number 9 to
When any channel key 137 of 16 is pressed, the channel key 13 of channel number 2 is also pressed.
In the same way as when pressing 7, these outlet boxes 500 ₉ to 500 ₁₆ and control box 10
Management signals are not exchanged with 0. This also applies when the seesaw switch 128a corresponding to each channel number of the first load block 130 is in the off state.

On the other hand, the changeover switch 129 is switched to the second load block 131, and when the all channel key 140 is pressed and the operation key 153 is pressed, all the channel keys 137 with the seesaw switch 128b turned on are turned on. In the same manner as when the seesaw switch is pressed, the channel lamps 136 for which the seesaw switch is on, that is, the channel lamps 136 of channel numbers 1, 3 to 8, turn on or blink at a low speed, and the management signal with the outlet box 500 ₂ corresponding to channel number 2 is transmitted. After communicating with outlet box 500 ₁ without sending or receiving, it jumps over outlet box 500 ₂ ,
Communication is performed with the next outlet box ₅₀₀₃ , and communication continues sequentially up to outlet box ₅₀₀₈ .

In addition, each seesaw switch 128a, 128b
is the corresponding first or second load 200, 30
0 is repeater 400 or outlet box 500
Turned on when connected to.

The flow of the operation described above is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The "initial settings" in these drawings include:
Seesaw switch 128a, 1 of selection means 128
28b is also included.

When there is no key input, an interrupt from the programmable timer 122 automatically performs on/off monitoring periodically, for example, every minute. That is, regardless of the switching of the block changeover switch 129, the seesaw switches 128a, 128b
The first load 2
00 and the on/off state of the second load 300,
A lamp 134 or 138 is displayed during operation. In this case, the content display column 149 of the first load 200
Any operating status from 200 ₁ to 200 ₃ displayed in
For example, if there is a change in room temperature, timer time, etc.
The contents displayed in the contents display column 149 are changed to the latest ones using the contents monitor. In this way, the seesaw switches 128a, 128b do not communicate with the corresponding repeater 400 or outlet box 500 that is off, and the seesaw switches 128a, 128b
Communication is performed only with the compatible repeater 400 or outlet box 500 that is turned on.

If a communication error occurs in this on/off monitor, it is due to a failure in the first or second load 200, 300 during operation or a failure in the communication line 600, and the corresponding channel lamp 13
2 or 136 blinks at high speed to notify the operator of the occurrence of an abnormal situation. In this case, the on/off monitor is connected to the next repeater 400 or outlet box 5.
Continuing from 00.

If there is a key input during on/off monitoring, the on/off monitor is interrupted, the interrupted channel number is written in the storage section 123, and after processing for the key input, the interrupted channel number is read out from the storage section 123 and the on/off monitoring is performed. Continue monitoring.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the operation of the on-off monitor. The "return" at the bottom of this diagram is shown in Figure 7A.
or B indicates that the operation returns to "waiting for key input".

Some loads, such as the first load 200 or the second load 300, do not have a timer function in their main bodies. It is also possible to set the on time and off time. In this case, when the on time and off time of each channel are set by key input, the set times are stored in the storage unit 123.
Remember it. Programmable timer 122
When receiving an interrupt every minute, the control unit 120 increments the clock display provided on the display unit 127, compares it with the on time and off time read from the storage unit 123, and determines whether there is a channel whose on/off state should be changed. For example, the corresponding repeater 400
Or communicate with the outlet box 500,
Controls whether the load is turned on or off.

When an abnormal situation occurs in any load, for example, when a load protection device is activated, an abnormality signal is received as an answer back to the content monitor and on-of-monitor, and the corresponding channel 134 or 138 is activated. By blinking at high speed, the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality.

Returning to FIG. 5, the operation of repeater 400 will now be described. When receiving the transmission signal from the control box 100 from the communication path 600 via the interface circuit 401, the remote control IC 402 compares the channel designation part of the reception data with the data of the channel setting circuit 403, and if they match, the reception signal 406 is sent to the control unit 404. The control unit 404 decodes the command part of the received data based on the received signal 406. If the command content is a content monitor or on/off monitor command, the corresponding 1
Display data 407 is taken in from the display section 202 of the first load 200, the necessary data is converted into transmission data, and the data is sent to the remote control IC 402, and a start signal 408 is issued. If the command content is an instruction other than content monitor or on/off monitor,
In accordance with the instruction, the input section 201 of the first load 200
A setting signal 409 is output to the load display section 202, and then the data taken in from the display section 202 of this load is converted into transmission data, sent to the remote control IC 402, and a start signal 408 is output. This IC has a start signal of 408
The transmission data is sent as an answer link from the interface circuit 401 to the control box 100 via the communication path 600.

The operation of the outlet box 500 in FIG.
Similarly, when a signal is received from the communication path 600 through the interface circuit 501, the remote control IC 502 compares the channel designation part of the received data with the data in the channel setting circuit 504, and if they match, the remote control IC 502 follows the command contents. The switch circuit 508 is controlled by the current detection circuit 50.
One corresponding second determined based on the output from 3.
The on/off state of the load 300 is sent to the communication path 600 through the interface circuit 501.

Thus, the control box 100 and each repeater 40
0 has a self-diagnosis function. That is, the control box 100 has a function of checking whether functions such as various keys and indicator lamps operate normally, and whether or not it can communicate with each repeater 400 or each outlet box 500. 400, the corresponding load 20 is determined by the operation of the installation test section 405.
Whether or not the settings of 0 can be changed, and whether this load 2
It has a function to check whether display data of 00 can be received.

(f) Effects of the invention As described above, the central control device according to the present invention has a central control box having a central control function, one or more first loads having on-off control and other control functions, and an on-off control function. one or more second loads; a repeater inserted between the control box and each first load; and a repeater that controls the first load based on commands from the control box; and an outlet box which is inserted between the plurality of first and second loads and controls the second load on and off based on commands from the control box, and the control box includes selection means for selecting a load to be centrally managed from among the plurality of first and second loads. This method is characterized in that management signals are not exchanged with repeaters or outlet boxes corresponding to loads that are not selected by this selection means. When the number of the first load and the second load is smaller than the number of controllable loads of the control box, the first load and the second load can be controlled and managed centrally and selectively. The time required for sending and receiving management signals can be shortened.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the central management device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the central management device, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control box, FIG. 3 is a front view of the panel of the control box, and FIG. The figure is a specific configuration diagram of the selection means, Figure 5 is a block diagram of a repeater, Figure 6 is a block diagram of an outlet box, and Figures 7A and B.
8 is a flowchart of the operation of the control box, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the on/off monitor. 100... Control box, 200... First load, 300... Second load, 400... Repeater, 5
00...Outlet box, 128...Selection means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A control box having a centralized management function, one or more first loads having on-off control and other control functions, one or more second loads having an on-off control function, and the control box and each first load. a repeater inserted between the control box and each second load to control the first load based on the command from the control box; and a repeater inserted between the control box and each second load to control the first load based on the command from the control box. an outlet box for controlling the second load on and off, the control box including a selection means for selecting a load to be centrally managed from among the plurality of first and second loads; a repeater for loads not selected by the selection means; Alternatively, a centralized control device characterized in that no control signals are exchanged with an outlet box.