JPH07234706A - Controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To use a controller so that it displays plural different functions (machine types) with compact constitution and a simple operation at the time of delivery. CONSTITUTION:Function data fetched into a microcomputer 1 is written into EEPROM 3 through specified input terminals CP1 and CP2 such as inspection terminals which can be connected to the delivery inspection device T of the controller. Written function data is read by the rise of power at the time of really using the controller and by a reset operation, function software in the microcomputer 1 is switched and the plural different functions (machine types) can be displayed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facility equipment for monitoring the life and maintenance of various equipment such as the periodic inspection time of a constant temperature bath, the life of a copying machine, the calibration time of various measuring instruments, etc. The present invention relates to a control device such as a total counter or a timer that is used as an accessory.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general control equipment of this type,
A one-chip microcomputer having a plurality of function software (hereinafter, abbreviated as a microcomputer) is used as a control unit that constitutes a main part thereof, and by switching only the function software of the microcomputer, an input circuit, an output circuit, It is possible to make multiple control functions work with a single control device while sharing other components such as the display unit. In order to do so, it is necessary to somehow determine whether to switch the function software of the microcomputer. There is a need.

FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram which has been conventionally implemented when switching a single control device between the function of a total counter and the function of a timer, that is, when switching a so-called model. In FIG. 7, 1 is a total. This is a microcomputer having counter function software and timer function software, and is a crystal oscillation circuit 2 and an EEPROM as a storage unit.
3 is connected to the bus.

Reference numeral 4 is an input circuit to the microcomputer 1,
Count value input terminals CP1 and CP2 and reset terminal RE
Have SET. Reference numeral 5 denotes an output circuit from the microcomputer 1, which has an output terminal (not shown) connected to equipment (not shown). A key switch circuit 6 has a plurality of key switches for setting and inputting numerical values and the like. 7 is a changeover switch, 8 is an LCD or L
A display unit for displaying numerical values on the front surface of the device main body through the ED, 9 is a power failure detection circuit, 10 is a system reset circuit, and 11 is a power supply section.

In addition to the components and circuits described above,
An initial setting circuit 12 having a specific port 12a is provided so as to be connected to the output terminal P50 of the microcomputer 1, and the specific port 12a of the initial setting circuit 12 is used to turn on the power as shown in FIG. At the time of a reset or a reset (step S20), the software is configured to switch the function depending on the state of the specific port 12a.
On the B side, pull up the specific port 12a,
By shorting the pattern of the specific port 12a to the ground when necessary, H / L is determined (step S21), and the model determination flag is set in the timer or the total counter (steps S22, S23). It is configured to switch to the total counter function and the timer function. Then, whether or not a 0Ω resistor is mounted according to a required function at the time of component mounting, or a dip switch or a chip jumper 11b is mounted and is closed or opened at the time of assembly, depending on each model. We are making a PCB assembly.

Further, a total counter or timer used for knowing the service life / maintenance / maintenance time of facility equipment monitors the number of times or duration of use of facility equipment,
When a predetermined number of times or a predetermined time is reached, further use of the equipment is stopped, or an instruction to replace maintenance parts is given.In general, since it is sufficient to perform such a function, In order to reduce the cost and satisfy the condition that the set value cannot be changed maliciously, just like the running meter of the car, only the addition function is always performed, and the current value cannot be changed from outside at all. And,
The set value could not be entered, and the counter and timer that only displayed the added value up to the present were used.

Further, in a total counter or a timer, a key protect preset counter or a preset timer has been used when an output for life and maintenance time is specifically required.

[0008]

Among the above-mentioned conventional control devices, the one using the former model switching means needs to manufacture a PCB assembly for each model, so that an intermediate assembly product is required. As a result, the number of man-hours for setup change, such as changing the program of the chip mounter for each model, is increased, which not only causes an increase in indirect costs, but also increases the number of intermediate assemblies and increases inventory. Management costs such as management costs also increase, leading to higher equipment costs as a whole. Further, when using expensive elements such as a DIP switch and a chip jumper, there is a drawback that the cost is further increased.

Further, in a conventional counter type control device such as a total counter or a timer which has only an addition function and displays only the addition value up to the present, simply reading the displayed value causes the remaining life of the equipment to remain. -The remaining time when parts need to be replaced cannot be accurately grasped, and the worker etc. must judge them. Furthermore, in the case of a preset counter or preset timer equipped with a key protector, it is easy to maliciously change the set value if key protection is released, and the key switch for inputting the set value is provided on the main unit of the device. As a result, there is a problem that the entire device becomes large and expensive compared to a general control device having only an addition function.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. The PCB assembly is commonly used, an intermediate assembly is not required, and an expensive element is not necessary. Therefore, it is a main object to provide a control device that can be used to exert a plurality of control functions while reducing the cost as a whole.

Another object of the present invention is to have a cost and a form similar to those of conventional general control equipment, and to prevent the set value from being maliciously changed, while the remaining life of equipment equipment and the remaining time required for maintenance. It is to provide a counter type control device capable of accurately notifying the user.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above main object, a control device according to the invention of claim 1 has a control section having a plurality of functional software, an input / output circuit for the control section, and a display section. And a power supply unit, wherein the control unit is provided with a storage unit having a data storage area in which functional data fetched through a specific input terminal can be written, and at the time of power-on or reset. A function switching means for reading the function data written in the data storage area of the storage unit and switching the function software in the control unit is provided.

In the control device having the above structure, an input terminal for fetching functional data into the control unit is provided in the device body so as to input and output inspection data to and from the shipping inspection device of the device. The inspection terminal may also be used.
Further, it is preferable that the processing of writing the functional data taken in through the specific input terminal into the storage unit is performed in parallel with the shipping inspection processing of the device.

The function data in the control device having the above configuration is model identification data.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned other objects,
A control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a control device including a control unit having addition function software and subtraction function software, an input / output circuit for the control unit, a numerical display unit, and a power supply unit, The control section is provided with a storage section having a storage area in which a predetermined set value fetched through a specific input terminal can be written, and whether or not the set value is written to the storage area of the storage section at power-on or reset. Function switching means for switching between the subtraction function software and the addition function software in the control unit.

In the control device having the above-mentioned configuration, the input terminal for fetching the set value is an inspection terminal provided in the device body so as to input and output inspection data to and from the shipping inspection device of the device. You may also use it. Further, it is preferable that the process of writing the set value fetched through the specific input terminal into the storage unit is performed in parallel with the shipping inspection process of the device.

Further, it is more preferable to provide a means for notifying that the remaining numerical value displayed on the display unit has become zero when the set value is subtracted.

Further, a control device according to a ninth aspect is a control device including a control unit having subtraction software of a preset value changing function, an input / output circuit for the control unit, a numerical value display unit, and a power supply unit. Therefore, the control section is provided with a storage section having a storage area in which a predetermined preset value fetched through a specific input terminal can be written, and the preset written in the storage area of the storage section at power-on or reset. A preset value changing means for reading the value and changing the preset value of the subtraction software in the control unit is provided.

According to claim 5 or claim 9,
The target device may be a total counter or a timer.

[0020]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, at the time of shipment, when the function data such as model data is loaded into the control unit through a specific input terminal provided in the control unit,
The function data is written in the data storage area of the storage unit, and the function such as the model can be specified on the manufacturer side at the time of shipment. The function data written in the storage area of the storage unit is read by the control unit when the power is turned on or reset when the device shipped in such a state is actually used. The function software is switched, and the control device operates so as to exert the function of the designated model or the like. As a result, the PCB assembly can be completely shared, an intermediate assembly is not required, and an expensive element such as a DIP switch is not required, so that the cost can be reduced.

Here, as in claim 2, the input terminal of the function data is also used as the inspection terminal for inputting / outputting the inspection data to / from the shipping inspection device of the device.
As described above, when the device shipment inspection process and the function data writing process to the storage unit are performed in parallel, the two types of processes required at the time of shipment are troublesome such as connection switching. It is possible to efficiently perform the operation continuously without any need for one connection work, and since there is no special key switch, it is possible to eliminate the change of the function due to malicious or erroneous operation.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, for example, at the time of shipment, when the predetermined set value is taken in by the control section through a specific input terminal provided in the control section, the predetermined set value is obtained. It is written in the numerical value storage area of the storage unit,
It is possible for the manufacturer side to specify the addition function or the subtraction function at the time of shipment. Then, at the time of power-on or reset at the time of actually using the device shipped in such a state, it is determined whether or not the set value is written in the storage area of the storage unit, and the function software in the control unit is determined. Is switched to the subtraction function software or the addition function software, and the control device operates so as to exert the specified down-count function or up-count function. This enables complete sharing of the PCB assembly, eliminates the need for intermediate assemblies, and eliminates the need to use expensive elements such as dip switches, reducing costs, as well as conventional control equipment. While keeping the same size and cost as the above, it is possible to use it as a down-counter, that is, as a down-counter, and accurately inform the user of the remaining service life of equipment and the remaining maintenance time. be able to.

Here, as in the sixth aspect, the input terminal for taking in the predetermined set value is also used as the inspection terminal for inputting / outputting the inspection data to / from the shipping inspection apparatus of the device, In particular, when the shipping inspection processing of the device and the writing processing of the functional data to the storage unit are performed in parallel as in claim 7, two types of processing required at the time of shipping are connected. Without the hassle of switching
It can be efficiently executed continuously under one connection work, and since there is no special key switch, it is possible to eliminate the function change due to malicious or erroneous operation.

Further, as in claim 8, when the use as a down counter is informed that the remaining amount value displayed on the display unit has become zero, the equipment is at the life / maintenance required time. You can understand more clearly what you have reached.

Further, according to the invention of claim 9, for example, at the time of shipping, when a predetermined pret value is taken in by the control section through a specific input terminal provided in the control section, the predetermined preset value is obtained. The preset value at the time of the subtraction function can be specified at the manufacturer side by being written in the numerical value storage area of the storage unit at the time of shipment. The preset value written in the storage area of the storage unit is read out when the power is turned on or reset when the device shipped in this state is actually used, and the preset value of the subtraction software is read. Is changed, and the control device operates so as to exert the down-count function from the designated preset value.
As a result, it is possible to completely share the PCB assembly in a plurality of types of down counters having different subtraction start values, and it is not necessary to use an expensive element such as an intermediate assembly and a DIP switch, which leads to cost reduction. Can be achieved.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the present invention, and is a system configuration diagram in the case of so-called model switching, for example, in which a single control device is switched to a total counter function and a timer function, in which FIG. Since it is the same as the conventional example shown in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding portions, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 1, T is a shipping inspection device for the device configured separately from the control device main body C, has a personal computer 13, and is model identification data serving as shipping inspection data and function data. Through the interface (I / F) 14, the count value input terminals CP1 and CP in the input circuit 4 which is an example of a specific input terminal.
2, the model identification data can be written in the data storage area of the EEPROM 3 according to the value. Then, the microcomputer 1 is equipped with a function switching means for switching the function software in the microcomputer 1 by reading the model identification data written in the data storage area of the EEPROM 3 when the power is turned on or reset.

Next, a processing flow for function switching in the control device having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 2 is a processing flow at the time of shipment inspection of the equipment. In the state of FIG. 1, the shipment inspection is performed from the shipment inspection device T side through the interface 14 through the count value input terminals CP1 and CP2 of the input circuit 4 in the control equipment body C. Shipment inspection processing is performed by inputting the use data to the microcomputer 1 (step S30). The shipping inspection program is originally provided in the microcomputer 1, and the display unit check, the input circuit check, the EEPROM check, and the like are transmitted from the shipping inspection apparatus T side only to the respective check start signals.
If there is no abnormality, an OK (no abnormality) signal is output to the shipping inspection device T side.

When the above shipping inspection processing is completed, the model identification data is continuously transferred from the above shipping inspection apparatus T side through the interface 14 through the count value input terminals CP1 and CP2 of the input circuit 4 in the control device main body C to the microcomputer. 1 is taken in (step S31). The combination of H and L of the fetched model identification data is determined (step S32), and the timer code or the counter code is written in the model identification data storage area of the EEPROM 3 (steps S33, S34). Then, a test process is performed if necessary (step S35). The above-described processing flow is executed on the manufacturer side before shipping the control device.

FIG. 3 shows a processing flow at the time of power-on or reset, and the EEPROM is accompanied by power-on or reset operation (step S40).
The model identification data written in 3 is read by the microcomputer 1 (step S41), and it is determined whether the read model identification data is a timer code or a counter code (step S42). By setting the model discrimination flag in the timer or counter based on the discrimination (steps S43, S44), the function software of the microcomputer 1 is switched, and thereafter, the timer function or Processing of the counter function is performed (steps S45 and S4).
6).

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of a total counter according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
Since 1 to 11 are the same as the conventional example shown in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding portions, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, the microcomputer 1 has addition function software and subtraction function software.

In the device body C of this total counter,
In addition to the count value input terminals CP1 and CP2 and the reset terminal RESET in the input circuit 4, an inspection terminal 15 used only at the time of shipment from the factory is provided. As shown in FIG. 4, the inspection terminal 15 is composed of an inspection clock input terminal 15a for synchronization and a data input / output terminal 15b for inputting / outputting inspection data. By short-circuiting / opening between 15a and 15b and the 0V terminal 15c, serial inspection data is input / output to / from the external shipping inspection apparatus T.

As shown in FIG. 5, the inspection terminal 15 is provided on the side surface of the device main body C so that signals can be connected by a test pin or the like, and in parallel with the shipping inspection processing of the total counter. , Also serves as a set value input terminal for inputting a predetermined set value (numerical value) to the microcomputer 1 through the inspection terminal 15 and writing the set value in the storage area of the EEPROM 3. The shipping inspection program for the total counter itself is originally provided in the microcomputer 1 on the total counter side.

The microcomputer 1 on the side of the total counter has the EE when the power is turned on or reset.
A function switching means for reading the set value written in the storage area of the PROM 3 and switching the function software in the microcomputer 1 to the subtraction function software and the addition function software is provided. Further, in the function of subtracting the predetermined set value, when the remaining numerical value displayed on the display unit 2 becomes zero, the numerical value display portion 8a of the display unit 8 blinks or an alarm is issued. Notification means is provided.

Next, a processing flow at the time of shipping inspection of the total counter configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When shipping the total counter, the shipping inspection device T and the total counter are connected to the inspection terminal 1
Connect via 5. In this state, first, by inputting the inspection data from the shipping inspection device T side to the microcomputer 1 through the inspection terminal 15, the display check, the input circuit check, and the EEPROM are performed according to the program provided in the total counter itself. The shipping inspection processing such as checking is performed by self-checking (step S5
0, S51, S52), if there is no abnormality, shipping inspection device T
An OK (no abnormality) signal is output to the side within a specified time.

When the shipping inspection process is completed, the presence / absence of a set value signal fetched by the microcomputer 1 from the shipping inspection apparatus T side through the inspection terminal 15 is subsequently determined (step S53), and the set value is set. When there is a signal, the set value is written in the storage area of the EEPROM 3 to exert the subtraction function, that is, the mode is set to operate as a down counter that starts subtraction from the set value (step S54), while the setting is made. When there is no signal, the set value is not written in the storage area of the EEPROM 3 and the addition function is exerted, that is, the mode is set to operate as an up counter that starts counting from zero (step S5).
5). Then, a test process is performed as needed. The above processing flow is executed on the manufacturer side before the shipment of the total counter.

Then, when the set value is written in the EEPROM 3 at the time of actual use on the user side, that is, when the power is turned on or the reset operation is performed, the set value is read by the microcomputer 1 and is down. The counter operates as a counter, and the set value is decremented by 1 each time a count is input from the input circuit 4, and the remaining numerical value is displayed on the numerical value display portion 8a of the display unit 8. Also,
When the set value is not written in the EEPROM 3, the microcomputer 1 operates as an up-counter, and the value is incremented every time the count is input from the input circuit 4 starting from zero and displayed on the numerical display portion 8a of the display unit 8. The current value is displayed.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 has been described as being applied to a total counter used for monitoring the number of times the equipment is used and knowing the life of the equipment and the time when maintenance is required. However, it is also possible to apply to a timer used to monitor the total usage time of the equipment and to know the life time of the equipment and the time when maintenance is required, and in this case also, a configuration exactly the same as the total counter and The action and effect can be obtained.

Although not shown, the microcomputer 1 can also be applied to a down-counter dedicated counter or timer having only subtraction software. In this case, the set value taken into the microcomputer 1 through the inspection terminal 15 is a preset value, and a desired preset value is written in the EEPROM 3 through the inspection terminal 15 at the time of shipping inspection so that the same hardware configuration is obtained. Thus, it is possible to manufacture and ship a plurality of types of down counters and timers that subtract from an arbitrary preset value while unifying costs and forms.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the EEPROM 3 is used as the storage unit, but a RAM backed up by a battery may be used.

[0041]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, at the time of shipment, the control unit is made to take in functional data such as model data through a specific input terminal and stored in the data storage area of the storage unit. Just by writing, the hardware configuration is the same as the control device that has been used conventionally, and the manufacturer's side can specify the function such as the model at the time of shipping without inviting cost increase and size increase. The function software in the control unit is automatically switched by the function data written in the storage area of the storage unit when the power is turned on or reset during actual use, and the control device is specified as a model. Can be operated to exert the function of. Therefore, in order to obtain a plurality of types of control equipment having different functions, the PCB assembly can be completely shared,
In addition, an intermediate assembly is not required, and the use of expensive elements such as dip switches is not required, so that the cost can be largely reduced as a whole.

Here, as in claim 2, the function data input terminal is also used as an inspection terminal for inputting and outputting inspection data to and from the shipping inspection device of the device, and particularly, in claim 3, As described above, when the shipping inspection processing of the device and the processing of writing the functional data to the storage unit are performed in parallel, the two types of processing required at the time of shipping and the like are troublesome such as switching the connection. It can be efficiently executed continuously under one connection work without needing to do so, and since there is no special key switch, it is possible to eliminate the change of the function due to malicious or erroneous operation.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, for example, at the time of shipping, for example, by causing the control section to take in a predetermined set value through a specific input terminal and writing it into the numerical value storage area of the storage section, The addition or subtraction function can be specified on the manufacturer side at the time of shipment, etc., and it is controlled by whether or not the setting value is written to the storage area of the above storage unit at the time of power supply startup or reset during actual use. It is possible to automatically switch the function software in the section to the subtraction function software or the addition function software, and operate the control device so as to exert the specified down-count function or up-count function. Therefore, the up counter and the down counter, which are conventionally manufactured separately, have the same hardware configuration, the same cost, and the same configuration to achieve the complete sharing of the PCB assembly, and the intermediate assembly and the dip. Both can be obtained at a very low cost without requiring expensive elements such as switches, and the user can be appropriately informed of the remaining life of the equipment and the remaining time required for maintenance.

In this case as well, the input terminal for fetching the predetermined set value may also be used as the inspection terminal for inputting / outputting the inspection data to / from the shipping inspection device of the device. Especially, when the shipping inspection processing of the device and the writing processing of the functional data to the storage unit are performed in parallel as in claim 7, two types of processing required at the time of shipping are connected. Without the hassle of switching
It can be efficiently executed continuously under one connection work, and since there is no special key switch, it is possible to eliminate the function change due to malicious or erroneous operation.

Further, as in claim 8, when notifying that the remaining numerical value displayed on the display unit has become zero when the function is used as a down-counting function, the facility equipment has a life / maintenance required time. It is possible to more clearly grasp that the

Further, according to the invention of claim 9, for example, at the time of shipment, the preset value of the subtraction software of the control unit is arbitrarily changed, and the control device is down-counted from the designated preset value. Can be operated to exert. Therefore, it is possible to completely share the PCB assembly in a plurality of types of down counters having different subtraction start values, and it is not necessary to use an expensive element such as an intermediate assembly and a DIP switch, which leads to cost reduction. be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation processing flow at the time of shipping inspection of a device in the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation processing flow when the device is powered on or reset in the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of a control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of a control device according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation processing flow at the time of shipping inspection of the device in the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram of a conventional control device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation process flow at the time of power-on or reset of the device in the conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Microcomputer (control part) 3 EEPROM (storage part) 4 Input circuit 5 Output circuit 8 Display unit (display part) 11 Power supply part 15 Inspection terminal C Control device body T Shipping inspection device

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A control device comprising a control unit having a plurality of functional software, an input / output circuit for the control unit, a display unit, and a power supply unit, the control unit being loaded through a specific input terminal. A function to switch the function software in the control unit by providing a storage unit having a data storage area in which the functional data can be written and reading the function data written in the data storage region of the storage unit at power-on or reset A control device comprising switching means. 2. An input terminal for fetching functional data into the control unit is also used as an inspection terminal provided in the main body of the device so as to input / output inspection data to / from the shipping inspection device of the device. The control device according to claim 1. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the process of writing the function data taken in through the specific input terminal into the storage unit is performed in parallel with the process of shipping inspection of the device. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the function data is model identification data. 5. A control device comprising a control unit having addition function software and subtraction function software, an input / output circuit for the control unit, a numerical value display unit, and a power supply unit, the control unit being specific to the control unit. A storage unit having a storage area in which a predetermined set value fetched through the input terminal can be written is provided, and whether or not the set value is written in the storage area of the storage unit is determined when the power is turned on or reset, and A control device comprising a function switching means for switching between subtraction function software and addition function software in a control unit. 6. An input terminal for fetching the set value is also used as an inspection terminal provided in a device body so as to input and output inspection data to and from a shipping inspection device of the device. Item 5. Control equipment. 7. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the process of writing the set value fetched through the specific input terminal into the storage unit is performed in parallel with the shipping inspection process of the device. 8. In the function of subtracting the set value,
8. The control device according to claim 5, further comprising means for notifying that the remaining numerical value displayed on the display unit has become zero. 9. A control device comprising a control unit having subtraction software with a preset value changing function, an input / output circuit for the control unit, a numerical value display unit, and a power supply unit, the control unit being specific to the control unit. A storage unit having a storage area in which a predetermined preset value fetched through an input terminal can be written is provided, and the preset value written in the storage area of the storage unit is read at power-on or reset, and the control unit A control device comprising preset value changing means for changing a preset value of subtraction software. 10. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the target device is a total counter. 11. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the target device is a timer.