JPH08285427A - Centralized control device for show case and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a centralized control device for a show case and the like in which an operating state of each of a plurality of show cases can be easily judged in response to a monitoring temperature and a positive and high precise control can be performed in reference to an operating state of each of the show cases and the like. CONSTITUTION: A micro-computer 24 of a main control device 3 judges whether or not an operating state of each of show cases is placed within a predetermined temperature range including a monitored temperature, displays the operating state kept out of the range at a liquid crystal displaying part 34 and concurrently in the case that each of the show cases is kept in its defrosting condition, $ mark is added to the displayed content.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a centralized management system for showcases or the like for collectively centrally managing the operating states of a plurality of showcases.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, a plurality of showcases and refrigerators are installed. Conventionally, each showcase is individually controlled by a controller including a temperature controller and a defrosting timer. The current situation is that it is controlled by. Therefore, various setting operations such as the temperature of the showcase and the defrosting time must be individually performed in the place where the showcase and the like are installed. Therefore, the work becomes extremely complicated when the setting is changed depending on the season or the weather.

Further, in order to grasp the operating conditions such as various set values and the temperature of the showcase etc., it is necessary to go to the place where the showcase etc. is installed and check them individually. There was a problem that it was not possible to easily grasp the data related to. Therefore, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-291085 (F25D21 / 06), a control device for each showcase is connected to a central control device configured by a microcomputer by a communication line, and various setting operations for each showcase are performed by the central control device. In addition, there is shown a system that collects data related to the operating condition of the showcase in a centralized management device and collectively manages the data. According to such a system, it is possible to collectively perform the setting work and the operation status management of a plurality of showcases, so that the setting and management work is significantly simplified.

[0004]

Here, in this type of showcase or the like, in addition to the set temperature in the refrigerator, a control temperature (this control temperature is naturally set at or near the set temperature in the refrigerator). By setting a certain temperature range above and below this control temperature with a predetermined temperature range (hereinafter referred to as check temperature), the showcase etc. can be stabilized depending on whether the temperature inside the refrigerator is changing within this temperature range. However, if the number of showcases installed is large, the determination regarding the control temperature becomes complicated.

Therefore, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-264150 (F25D11 / 00), it is determined whether the inside temperature of each showcase or the like is out of the above temperature range based on the data collected from each showcase or the like. Judgment was made, and those that were out of place were displayed collectively. However, since such a conventional centralized management device displays information regardless of the operating conditions of each showcase or the like, for example, the one in which the internal temperature rises during nighttime stop or defrosting is also displayed. That is, since the abnormal ones are displayed in addition to the abnormal ones, it is necessary to take the temperature range to be relatively large in consideration of the temperature increase during the night stop. There is a problem that it is not possible to perform highly accurate temperature control with a narrow width.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional technical problems, and it is possible to easily judge the operating states of a plurality of showcases and the like based on the control temperature, and to show each showcase. It is an object of the present invention to provide a centralized management device such as a showcase capable of performing accurate and highly accurate management in consideration of driving conditions such as.

[0007]

That is, a centralized management device for a showcase or the like according to the first aspect of the present invention collectively manages the operating states of a plurality of showcases. It is configured by including a main control device and a terminal-side control device provided in each of a plurality of showcases, and the main control device includes an input unit for inputting a predetermined management temperature of a plurality of showcases, and data A transmission / reception means for exchanging data, a display means, and a main control means, and the terminal-side control device includes a transmission / reception means for exchanging data,
A sensor for detecting the operating condition such as the temperature of the showcase and the like, and a terminal side control means for controlling the equipment based on the output of this sensor and for supplying the main controller with data on the operating condition of the showcase etc. The main control means determines whether or not the operating state of each showcase or the like is within a predetermined temperature range including the control temperature based on the data from the terminal side control device, and displays the one outside the range. And a predetermined display is added according to the driving situation of the showcase or the like.

A central control device for a showcase or the like according to a second aspect of the present invention collectively controls the operating states of a plurality of showcases, and the central control device includes a main control device and a plurality of shows. The terminal control device provided in each of the cases and the like is configured, and the main control device has an input unit for inputting a predetermined management temperature of a plurality of showcases,
A transmission / reception means for exchanging data, a display means,
The terminal side control device is equipped with a main control means, a transmission / reception means for exchanging data, a sensor for detecting an operating state such as temperature of a showcase, etc., and control of the equipment based on the output of this sensor. In addition, the main control unit is provided with a terminal-side control unit that supplies data relating to the operating state of the showcase or the like, and the main control unit manages the operating state of each showcase or the like based on the data from the terminal-side control unit. It is determined whether or not the temperature is within a predetermined temperature range including the temperature, and those outside the range are displayed on the display means, and the display is prohibited according to the operating condition of the showcase or the like.

[0009]

According to the centralized control device for a showcase or the like of the first aspect of the present invention, the main control means of the main control device can control each of the showcases based on data relating to operating conditions such as temperature of the showcase from the terminal side control device. It is judged whether the operating condition of the showcase or the like is within a predetermined temperature range including the control temperature, and those outside the range are displayed on the display means. The user can easily and quickly grasp the above information.

In particular, since the main control means adds a predetermined display according to the operating condition of the showcase or the like, the showcase or the like is not originally abnormal, and the temperature range is limited because it is stopped at night or during defrosting. It is possible to display the fact that the user has gone out of the way, and it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of giving unnecessary anxiety to the user. Further, since the temperature range can be set without considering the temperature change due to the night stop, etc., the temperature range can be narrowed and highly accurate management can be performed.

Also, according to the centralized control device for a showcase or the like of the invention of claim 2, the main control means of the main control device is based on the data relating to the operating condition such as the temperature of the showcase or the like from the terminal side control device. It is judged whether the operating condition of each showcase, etc. is within a predetermined temperature range including the control temperature, and those outside the range are displayed on the display means. The user can easily and quickly grasp the case and the like.

In particular, since the main control means prohibits the display according to the operating condition of the showcase or the like, it is not an abnormality originally, and the showcase or the like is out of the temperature range due to a night stop or defrosting. Can be excluded from the display,
It is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that causes unnecessary anxiety to the user. Further, since the temperature range can be set without considering the temperature change due to the night stop, etc., the temperature range can be narrowed and highly accurate management can be performed.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a centralized management device 1 of the present invention. The system of the centralized management device 1 of the present invention includes a central management device 2 composed of a personal computer, a main control device 3 and a system control device 4 composed of a microcomputer, and a terminal side control device provided in each showcase or the like. It is built from 6 and.

The central control device 2 is provided in a security room of a store, etc., and as shown in FIG. 2, a microcomputer 7 as a control means, a hard disk 8 as a holding means connected to the microcomputer 7 and a ROM 9, R.
It comprises an AM 11, a floppy disk drive 12, a transmitting / receiving means 13, an output control means 14 and an input control means 16. The transmitting / receiving means 13 is composed of a serial interface, and includes the main controller 3 and RS-23 described above.
It is connected via a communication line 17 such as 2C. In addition to the control program of the central management unit 2 on the hard disk 8, various data sent from the main control unit 3 and the installation form (case layout) of a showcase S, etc. described later.
The above-mentioned data is stored, and further, data regarding various operating conditions and communication protocols are stored. Output control means 1
A printer 18 as output means and a display 19 as display means are connected to 4, and a keyboard 21 and a mouse 22 as input means are connected to the input control means 16. Further, a modem 23 is connected to the microcomputer 7 so that it can communicate with the outside through a telephone line.

Next, the main control unit 3 is also provided in the security room or the like, and as shown in FIG. 3, a microcomputer 24 as a main control unit, a ROM 26, a RAM 27 and an EEPROM 40 connected to the microcomputer 24,
It is composed of transmitting / receiving means 28, 29, output control means 31, and input control means 32. The transmitting / receiving means 28 and 29 are constituted by a serial interface, and the transmitting / receiving means 2
8 is connected to the central control unit 2 via the communication line 17, and the transmitting / receiving means 29 is connected to the system control unit 4 described above via the communication line 33. The transmission / reception unit 29 has five connection ports, which allows connection of a maximum of five system control devices 4. Further, the ROM 26 stores a communication protocol and a control program of the main control device 3 itself, and the RAM 27 stores various data sent from the system control device 4 and various data sent to the system control device 4 and the main control device 3 itself. Control data (display data of the liquid crystal display unit 34, etc.) is stored, and data relating to various settings and installation states of the showcase S and the like is stored in the EEPROM 40 and is retained even when the power is turned off. The output control means 31 is connected to a liquid crystal display section 34 as display means, an external alarm output 99 consisting of relay contact output as alarm means and a buzzer 36, and the input control means 32 is provided with a key switch 37 as input means or The dip switch 38 and the slide switch 39 are connected. Key switch 3
Reference numeral 7 is a switch for performing various settings and display commands, which will be described later, and dip switch 38 is a switch for setting the connection state of the system control device 4. The slide switch 39 is a switch for setting the defrosting of a showcase S, etc., which will be described later, lighting management, and night stop.

Next, the system controller 4 is, as shown in FIG.
Microcomputer 41 as control means, ROM 42 and RA connected to this microcomputer 41
M43, EEPROM 45, transmission / reception means 44, 46,
It is composed of an output control means 47 and an input control means 48. The transmitting / receiving means 44 and 46 are constituted by a serial interface, and the transmitting / receiving means 44 is the main controller 3
It is connected via the communication line 33 (which is also connected to the other system control device 4 at the same time), and the transmitting / receiving means 46 is connected to the above-mentioned terminal side control device 6 via the communication line 49. The transmission / reception means 46 has 30 connection ports, and a maximum of 30 terminal-side control devices 6 can be connected, whereby a maximum of 150 terminal-side control devices 6, that is, the central control device 1, that is, The showcase S and the like can be connected. Further, the ROM 42 stores a communication protocol and a control program of the system control device 4 itself, and a RAM
Various data sent from the terminal-side control device 6 and data related to various operating conditions such as the showcase S sent from the main control device 3 are stored in 43. Also, EE
The PROM 45 stores setting data of various operating conditions such as the showcase S sent from the main control device 3,
It is retained even when the power is cut off. Output control means 47
Is connected to an LED display section 51 for displaying an alarm, and the input control means 48 uses channels 1 to 30 allocated for controlling the showcase S and the like as described later.
A dip switch 52 is connected as a setting means for setting the unused and unused channels A to E or switching the LED display section 51 for displaying an alarm to an operation monitor.

Next, the terminal-side control device 6 is provided in each of the showcase S and the refrigerator R of FIG. 1, and as shown in FIG. 5, a microcomputer 54 as terminal-side control means, and this microcomputer. It is composed of a ROM 56, a RAM 57, an EEPROM 50 connected to 54, a transmission / reception means 58, an output control means 59 and an input control means 61. The transmitting / receiving means 58 is composed of a serial interface and is connected to the system control device 4 via the communication line 49. Further, the ROM 56 stores a communication protocol and a control program for the terminal side control device 6 itself, and the RAM 57 stores data regarding various operating conditions such as the showcase S sent from the system control device 4. Further, the EEPROM 50 stores setting data of various operating conditions such as the showcase S set by the terminal-side control device 6, and is retained even when the power is turned off. The output control means 59 has a display means 6 for displaying an alarm.
2 and the actuator 63 are connected. In the case of the showcase S, the actuator 63 is an expansion valve, a heater for defrosting, lighting, and the like, and in the case of the refrigerator R, it means a compressor motor or the like. Input control means 61
A setting switch 64 and a sensor 66 for detecting the internal temperature of the showcase S, the condensation pressure of the refrigerator R, and the like are connected to the. The data detected by the sensor 66 is also stored in the RAM 57. The setting switch 64 is for allocating and setting channels 1 to 30 of the terminal side control device 6 as described above. Further, the microcomputer 54 uses the sensor I as individual identification information set for each model of the showcase S and the refrigerator R.
I have D.

The showcase S and the refrigerator R are installed in a predetermined number and in a predetermined installation form, that is, a case layout according to the size of a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store.
The necessary number of units are connected to the main controller 3 in accordance with the number of units installed. That is, when a total of 91 to 150 showcases S and refrigerators R are installed in a large-scale store, 4
One to five system control devices 4 are connected. Further, in the case where 31 or more and 90 or less showcases S or refrigerators R in total are installed in a medium-scale store, two or three system control devices 4 are connected. Further, when a total of 30 showcases S or refrigerators R are installed in a small-scale store, one system control device 4 is connected.

In this way, the main control unit 3 and the system control unit 4 are separated, and one system control unit 4 is connected to the terminal side control unit 6 such as 30 showcases S. As a result, the number of connecting ports of the transmitting / receiving means 29 of the main control device 3 is reduced, and even in the case of a small-scale store, four unused ports are produced at worst, so that structural waste is reduced and cost is reduced. It is possible to flexibly respond to the scale of the store.

When the showcase S or the like is installed, each terminal-side control device 6 has a setting switch 64 for setting 1 to 30.
The channel of each terminal-side control device 6 is set by setting one of A to E in the system control device 4 to which the terminal-side control device 6 is connected. (For example, A01) is allocated and set. still,
When the number of showcases S or the like connected to the system control device 4 is less than 30, the DIP switch 52 of the system control device 4 determines whether the channels (1 to 30) are used or not used.
, The usage status of this channel is transmitted from the microcomputer 41 of the system control device 4 to the microcomputer 24 of the main control device 3, and the use / unuse of the channel is also set in the microcomputer 24 of the main control device 3. To be done.

The operation of each device having the above configuration will be described. First, various input operations in the central management device 2 will be described. When a task menu is selected from the standby screen on the display 19 by operating the keyboard 21 or the mouse 22, the microcomputer 7 displays the task menu screen of FIG. When the second shop layout creation menu from the top is selected on this business menu screen, a case layout creation screen (not shown) of the shop layout creation menu is displayed on the display 19.

On the hard disk 8 of the central management unit 2,
A program and data relating to case layout creation are stored, and in this case layout creation screen, a frame corresponding to each showcase S or the like is displayed on the display 1.
9 and operating with commands such as move, copy and rotate with the mouse 22, a case layout matching the actual installation form of the showcase S in the store as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display 19. Can be created. Further, the model name of the showcase S corresponding to the frame, the product type such as fresh fish, the channel, and the sensor ID can be set, and the display color of the frame can be color-coded for each product type. ing. The data regarding the case layout created by such a case layout creating function is stored in the hard disk 8 and saved by the microcomputer 7.

Next, when the fourth setting menu from the top is selected on the work menu screen, the microcomputer 7 does not show various setting menus relating to various settings of the main controller 3 and operating conditions of the terminal side controller 6. The terminal control setting screen is displayed on the display 19. In this terminal control setting screen, the inside temperature setting for each channel (for example, A01) assigned to each terminal side control device 6 by the keyboard 21 or the mouse 22,
It is possible to set operating conditions of the showcase S and the like such as various alarms, defrost, various set values regarding night stop, and a management temperature T2 and a check temperature T3 described later. The data relating to the operating conditions can be stored in the hard disk 8 by the microcomputer 7 and can also be transmitted to the main controller 3 by the transmitting / receiving means 13 by using the download function by operating the keyboard 21.

Next, the main controller 3 will be described. The main control unit 3 includes a box-shaped main body 68 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and a lid 6 attached to the main body 68 so as to be openable and closable.
It is composed of 9 and 9. LCD display 34 is 16 characters x
It has a display capacity of two lines and is arranged on the upper part of the main body 68, and the lid 6
A through hole 71 is formed in a portion corresponding to the liquid crystal display portion 34 of 9. A buzzer stop switch 7 which constitutes the key switch 37 is provided on the front surface of the lid 69 located below the through hole 71.
2, an alarm release switch 73, a check switch 74, a scan switch 76, and a display feed switch 77 having an arrow as a display switching unit are provided, and these constitute a display operation unit 79.

Further, on the front surface of the main body 68 with the lid 69 opened as shown in FIG. 12, the channels assigned to the respective terminal side control devices 6 (for example, A
01) One of the key switches 37 for setting the operating temperature of the showcase S such as the set temperature in the refrigerator, various alarms, defrosting, various set values related to night stop, and the management temperature T2 and check temperature T3 described later. And a setting operation section 78 including a dip switch 38 and a slide switch 39. As described above, by providing the display operation unit 79 that is operated relatively frequently on the front surface of the lid 69 and allowing the setting operation unit 78 that is relatively rarely operated inside the lid 69, the user can perform the setting operation unit 78. This prevents erroneous settings caused by accidentally touching.

Data relating to operating conditions of the showcase S and the like set by the setting operation section 78 of the main controller 3 is stored in the RAM 27 and the EEPROM 40 by the microcomputer 24, and the transmitting / receiving means 2 is also provided.
9 is transmitted to the system control device 4, but when the data relating to the operating conditions and the like is downloaded from the central management device 2 as described above, the microcomputer 24 stores in the RAM.
The contents of 27 and the EEPROM 40 are rewritten to the downloaded data and transmitted to the system control device 4. These data are transmitted separately for each channel.
Further, in response to a request from the central management device 2, the microcomputer 24 of the main control device 3 uploads the data set by the setting operation section 78 to the central management device 2 by the transmitting / receiving means 28. The central management device 2 can compare the data uploaded from the main control device 3 with the data set by the central management device 2.

Next, when the system controller 4 receives the data relating to the operating conditions of the showcase S or the like belonging to its own channel (A to E) from the main controller 3 by the transmitting / receiving means 44, the microcomputer 41 once receives the data. RA
The data is stored in M43, and further, the transmission / reception means 46 transmits data relating to the operating condition to the terminal side control device 6. On the other hand, in the terminal-side control device 6, when the transmitting / receiving means 58 receives the data relating to the operating conditions for its own channel (01 to 30), the microcomputer 54 stores the data in the RAM 57. The microcomputer 54 controls the expansion valve and the compressor motor as the actuator 63 by comparing the output related to the temperature inside the showcase S from the sensor 66 with the temperature inside the storage set in the data related to the operating conditions to control the expansion valve and the compressor motor. The temperature is controlled to the set temperature in the refrigerator. Further, the heater as the actuator 63 is controlled based on the data regarding the defrost, and the showcase S
The defrosting control is performed, the lighting of the illumination as the actuator 63 is controlled based on the data regarding the lighting control, and the operation within the period (night) set based on the data regarding the night stop is stopped.

The data relating to the operating conditions such as the internal temperature of the showcase S and the like are sequentially stored and updated in the RAM 57 by the microcomputer 54. Further, when the temperature inside the refrigerator rises abnormally due to, for example, a failure of the expansion valve and exceeds the set value related to the alarm in the data sent from the system controller 4, the microcomputer 54 causes the display means 62 to display the showcase S. In addition to displaying the alarm, the data related to the operating state is stored in the RAM 57 together with the information related to the alarm.

Microcomputer 4 of system controller 4
1 is, for example, a maximum of 3 connected to itself once a minute
Polling is performed on the microcomputers 54 of the zero terminal side control devices 6. When the microcomputer 54 of the terminal side control device 6 is polled by the system control device 4, the microcomputer 54 along with its own channel and sensor ID is stored in the RAM.
The data about the operating state stored in 57 is transmitted from the transmitting / receiving means 58 to the system controller 4. The system control device 4 receives and collects the data relating to the operating state by the transmitting / receiving means 46, and outputs the data relating to the operating state for a maximum of 30 terminals for each terminal side control device 6, that is, for each channel.
Stored in AM43. The data regarding the operating state in the RAM 43 is updated by the data transmitted from the terminal side control device 6 by the next polling. Further, when the alarm information is included in the data transmitted from the terminal-side control device 6, the microcomputer 41 turns on the LED display unit 51 to display it outside.

Microcomputer 24 of main controller 3
Also polls the system control device 4 once a minute in accordance with the time when the system control device 4 completes the collection of data from each terminal-side control device 6. When the microcomputer 41 of the system control device 4 is polled by the main control device 3, the transmission / reception means 44 sends data concerning the operating state of up to 30 showcases S stored in the RAM 43 together with its own channel to the main transmission / reception means 44. It is transmitted to the control device 3. The main controller 3 receives and collects the data regarding the operating state by the transmitting / receiving means 29, and stores the data regarding the operating state for up to 150 units for each terminal side controller 6, that is, for each channel in the RAM 27. This RA
Similarly, the data on the operating state in M27 is updated by transmitting the data on the operating state from the system control device 4 by the next polling.

The main controller 3 collects the data regarding the operating states of the showcases S and the refrigerator R from the terminal side controllers 6 in such a procedure. Then, the microcomputer 24 of the main control device 3 stores the data related to the operating conditions such as the internal temperature of each showcase S stored in the RAM 27 and the internal preset temperature stored in the EEPROM 40 on the liquid crystal display unit 34 for each channel. Are sequentially displayed at intervals of 3 seconds, for example. Then, when the scan switch 76 forming the key switch 37 is pressed, the microcomputer 24 stops switching the display on the channel at the time of pressing. In that state, when the up arrow switch of the display feed switch 77 is pressed, the data display of the immediately preceding channel is returned, and when the down arrow switch is pressed, the data display of the next channel is started. Then, when the scan switch 76 is pressed again, the microcomputer 24 returns to the state in which the data of the subsequent channels are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 34 every 3 seconds.

Next, the operation of the main controller 3 relating to the control temperature T2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17. The management temperature T2 is set in order to determine whether or not the internal temperature T1 is stably changing.
As shown in FIG. 3, a different management temperature T2 (for example, −10 ° C.) can be set for each showcase S, and a constant check temperature T3 (3 ° C.) common to each showcase S can be set above and below the management temperature T2. Temperature range (-7 ℃ ~ -13
(° C) is assumed and it is determined whether or not the inside temperature T1 is within this temperature range. That is, it can be determined that the operation of the showcase S is stable if it is within the temperature range, and unstable if it deviates. Therefore, the control temperature T2 is naturally set at or near the set temperature of the inside of the showcase S. still,
You may make it possible to set a different check temperature for each showcase S.

Next, referring to the flow chart of the microcomputer 24 of the main controller 3 of FIG. 14, the main controller 3 will be described.
Will be described. In step S1, the microcomputer 24 stores the internal temperatures T1 and E of the showcase S of the first channel (CH01) stored in the RAM 27.
The showcase S stored in the EPROM 40
The control temperature T2 and the check temperature T3 are read out, and then, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the internal temperature T1 is higher than the control temperature T2 + the check temperature T3 (−7 ° C.).

In step S2, the internal temperature T1 is the control temperature T
2 + check temperature T3 or less, step S
Then, the routine proceeds to step 3, where it is determined whether the internal temperature T1 is lower than the control temperature T2-check temperature T3 (above -13 ° C).
As shown in FIG. 13, if the internal temperature T1 is within the temperature range of the upper and lower check temperatures T3 centered on the control temperature T2, the process proceeds to step S10, the check error flag of the channel is reset, and the next channel is checked in step S7. Move to check.

If the internal temperature T1 deviates from the temperature range below in the determination of step S3, the process proceeds to step S6, and the check error flag of the channel is set (stored in the RAM 27) and then step S7. Proceed to.
If the internal temperature T1 deviates from the above temperature range in the determination in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4, and the current operation of the showcase S of the channel is performed based on the data in the RAM 27 and the EEPROM 40. It is determined whether or not the situation is during defrosting, and if it is not during defrosting, the process proceeds to step S8, and based on the data in the RAM 27 and the EEPROM 40, the current operating condition of the showcase S of the channel is now stopped at night. Determine if there is.

If the internal temperature T1 of the showcase S of the channel deviates from the above temperature range and the operating condition of the showcase S is not currently defrosting or stopped at night, the process proceeds to step S6. Similarly to the above, the check error flag of the channel is set (stored in the RAM 27) and the process proceeds to step S7. Microcomputer 2
4 repeats this determination in the order of channels for all showcases S, and stores the numbers of the channels whose internal temperature T1 deviates from the above temperature range. When the user presses the check switch 74, only the channel number for which the check error flag is set is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 34 as shown in FIG. At this time, if there are channels that cannot be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 34, the display is switched and displayed at intervals of 3 seconds as indicated by an arrow in the figure.

When the check switch 74 is pressed in this state, the microcomputer 24 causes the liquid crystal display unit 3 to operate.
The display of No. 4 is returned to the display of the data on the operating conditions such as the internal temperature of each showcase S and the internal set temperature stored in the EEPROM 40. Further, when there is no deviating showcase S, GOOD is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 34 as shown in FIG.

With this, the user can quickly check whether or not the inside temperature of each showcase S is stably controlled, and if there is an unstable showcase S, he / she can quickly find it. By grasping this, it becomes possible to take prompt and appropriate measures. Here, the internal temperature T1 of the showcase S deviates above the temperature range, and the channel (for example, A0
If the operating condition of the showcase S of 3) is currently being defrosted, the microcomputer 24 proceeds to step S5 and sets a defrosting flag of the channel (for example, A03) (stores it in the RAM 27) and proceeds to step S5. Proceed to S6.

When the microcomputer 24 displays the number of the channel for which the check switch 74 is pressed and the check error flag is set on the liquid crystal display unit 34 as described above, the defrosting flag is set. In this case, a $ mark is displayed next to the channel (A03) as shown in FIG. by this,
It is possible to notify the user that the showcase S of the channel (A03) is originally not abnormal and is out of the temperature range due to defrosting, and it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of causing unnecessary anxiety to the user. Further, as a result, the temperature range can be set without considering the temperature change due to the defrosting and the like, so that the temperature range can be narrowed and highly accurate management can be performed.

Further, when the internal temperature T1 of the showcase S deviates from the above temperature range and the driving condition of the showcase S of the channel (for example, A03) is currently stopped at night in step S8. , The microcomputer 24 proceeds to step S9 and sets the night stop flag of the channel (for example, A03) (RAM2).
(Stored in 7) and the process proceeds to step S6.

When the microcomputer 24 displays the channel number for which the check switch 74 is pressed and the check error flag is set on the liquid crystal display unit 34 as described above, the night stop flag is set. In this case, the channel (A03) is not displayed. As a result, the channel (A
The showcase S of 03) can be excluded from the display, and the inconvenience that causes unnecessary anxiety to the user can be eliminated.
Further, since the temperature range can be set without considering the temperature change due to the night stop, the temperature range can be narrowed and highly accurate management can be performed as described above.

In the above embodiment, the $ mark is added to the defrosted items so that the defrosted items are not displayed during the night stop. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reverse is also possible. A $ mark, a different mark, or both may not be displayed. On the other hand, when the alarm information is included in the data relating to the operating state transmitted from the system control device 4, the microcomputer 24 is the source of the alarm information and the data including the alarm information. The channel number of the showcase S or the like and the alarm content are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 34. This alarm display is erased by operating the alarm release switch 73 and can be switched to a normal display. However, unless the cause of the alarm is eliminated, that is, until the alarm information does not exist in the data at the next polling. Displays a predetermined display indicating that an alarm is present on the liquid crystal display unit 34.
Further, since the liquid crystal display unit 34 can only display the amount of 16 characters × 2 lines, when the alarm information of the amount which cannot be displayed is received, the alarm information of the displayable amount is displayed and the remaining alarm information is displayed. A predetermined display indicating that the information exists is displayed.

On the other hand, the microcomputer 7 of the central control unit 2 also polls the main control unit 3 once a minute in accordance with the time when the main control unit 3 completes the collection of data from each system control unit 4. I do. When the microcomputer 24 of the main control unit 3 is polled by the central management unit 2, the transmission / reception unit 28 sends the data concerning the operating states of up to 150 showcases S stored in the RAM 27 to the central management unit 2. Send.

The central control unit 2 receives and collects the data relating to the operating condition by the transmitting / receiving means 13, and stores the data relating to the operating condition for each terminal side control unit 6, that is, up to 150 units for each channel in the hard disk 8. save. In addition, the hard disk 8 always holds data regarding the operating status of each terminal-side control device 6 for 24 hours, and
Data for more than 4 hours is updated every minute.

The central control unit 2 collects data relating to the operating state of each showcase S and refrigerator R from each terminal side control unit 6 in such a procedure. Therefore, when it is desired to check the operating state of each showcase S or the like, a task menu is selected from the standby screen by operating the keyboard 21 or the mouse 22, and the task menu screen of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 19. Then, when the top operation check monitor is selected, the microcomputer 7 displays the product layout screen shown in FIG. 7 on the display. This product layout screen is displayed based on the product type information in the case layout created in the case layout creation screen and stored in the hard disk 8, and is not displayed individually for each showcase S but stored. The layout of a single or a plurality of showcases S is displayed in one frame according to the type of product in use. Further, the refrigerator R is displayed in the display 19.

The frame of the product housed in the showcase S whose operation status is to be displayed on the product layout screen,
For example, when a frame of fresh fish is selected with the mouse 22, the microcomputer 7 uses the information on the case layout in the hard disk 8 to show the showcase S near the frame of the fresh fish.
The case layout screen of FIG. 8 showing the individual layouts is displayed on the display 19. In this case layout screen, one frame shows one to three showcases S, and the channels of each showcase S are also shown in the frame (for the terminal side control device 6, the showcase S etc.
You can set up to 3 units.

Next, when the showcase S whose operation state is desired to be displayed, for example, the channel A01 is selected by the mouse 22 on this case layout screen, the microcomputer 7 displays the case information screen of FIG. When normal data or data display is selected on this screen, the screen shifts to the data display screen of FIG. On this data display screen, the microcomputer 7 displays on the display 19 the set values of various operating conditions of the showcase S of the channel A01 stored in the hard disk 8 and the data on the current operating state. Further, since the hard disk 8 retains the data regarding the driving state for the past 24 hours, the time at the time zone at the top of the data display screen is changed by the keyboard 21, so that the microcomputer 7 can change the time. The operating state of is displayed on the display 19.

As described above, when examining the operating state of the showcase S or the like, first, the layout of the showcase S is displayed on the display 19, and the showcase S to be displayed is selected while viewing the layout. As a result, the showcase S can be specified according to the actual installation form, and the visibility and operability are significantly improved.
In particular, by adopting the method of shifting from the product layout to the case layout, the showcases S are gradually narrowed down from a large viewpoint, so that the identification can be performed extremely smoothly even when the number of showcases S is large. Become. Further, when the keyboard 21 is operated on the data display screen of FIG. 10, the microcomputer 7 changes from the operation state data such as the inside temperature of the showcase S of the channel stored in the hard disk 8 for the past 24 hours. Is graphically displayed on the display 19. Thereby, the history of the operating state of the showcase S can be easily confirmed. Further, in response to a command from the keyboard 21, the microcomputer 7 prints (prints out) these data and graph display on the printer 18.

Here, when the alarm information is included in the data relating to the driving state transmitted from the main control device 3, the microcomputer 7 of the central control device 2 firstly shows the showcase S or the like issuing the alarm. The data relating to the operating state is extracted from the data for 24 hours, which is 10 hours back from the time when the alarm is issued, and is transferred to another table in the hard disk 8 for storage. The data for 10 hours is not discarded even if the time elapses. next,
The microcomputer 7 automatically switches the display from the state where the standby screen is displayed on the display 19 to the product layout screen shown in FIG. 7, and the frame of the product type including the showcase S that issues an alarm (in FIG. 7). Flashes (* 1) to warn the user that an alarm has occurred. When the blinking product frame, for example, the ice temperature frame on the product layout screen is selected by the mouse 22, the microcomputer 7 displays the case layout screen of FIG. In this case layout screen, the showcase S that is issuing an alarm this time (* in Fig. 8 *
The channel A06) indicated by 1 is blinked.

Next, when the blinking showcase S (channel A06) on this case layout screen is selected with the mouse 22, the microcomputer 7 displays the case information screen of FIG. 9 on the display 19, and the normal data is displayed on this screen. When data display is selected, the screen shifts to the data display screen of FIG. In this data display screen, the microcomputer 7 stores the alarm contents (high temperature alarm, low temperature alarm) in addition to the set values of various operating conditions of the showcase S of the channel A06 stored in the hard disk 8 and the data relating to the abnormal operating state. (Alarm etc.) is also displayed on the display 19. Further, by operating the keyboard 21 on the data display screen of FIG. 10, the same graph display as described above is made, and the microcomputer 7 holds the channel A stored in the hard disk 8.
The transition of the operating state data such as the internal temperature of the showcase S of 06 is displayed on the display 19 as a graph. As a result, it is possible to easily confirm the history of past driving states that have caused the alarm of the showcase S to occur. Further, in response to a command from the keyboard 21, the microcomputer 7 prints these data and graph display on the printer 18.

Further, even if 24 hours or more have passed without the user noticing from this alarm generation, the showcase S (channel number A06) in the past 10 hours including the alarm generation time is stored in the hard disk 8 as described above. Since the data on the operating state of is retained without being discarded,
By selecting alarm data on the case information screen of FIG. 9, the microcomputer 7 displays the past 24 hours or more data on the data display screen of FIG. Similarly, this data can be displayed in the form of a graph and printed on the printer 18, and the microcomputer 7
Is stored in a floppy disk by the floppy disk drive 12 according to a command from the keyboard 21.

[0052]

As described in detail above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the main control means of the main control device displays each show on the basis of the data relating to the operating state such as the temperature of the showcase from the terminal side control device. It is determined whether or not the operating state of the case or the like is within a predetermined temperature range including the control temperature, and those outside the range are displayed on the display means, so the operating state is unstable,
The user can easily and quickly grasp a showcase or the like that needs attention.

In particular, since the main control means adds a predetermined display according to the operating condition of the showcase or the like, the showcase or the like is not originally abnormal, and the temperature range may be due to the fact that the showcase or the like is stopped at night or during defrosting. It is possible to display the fact that the user has gone out of the way, and it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of giving unnecessary anxiety to the user. Further, since the temperature range can be set without considering the temperature change due to the night stop, etc., the temperature range can be narrowed and highly accurate management can be performed.

Also, according to the invention of claim 2, the main control means of the main control unit determines the operating state of each showcase or the like based on the data relating to the operating state of the showcase or the like from the terminal side control unit. It is determined whether or not the temperature is within a predetermined temperature range including the control temperature, and those outside the range are displayed on the display means, so the operating state is unstable, and the user can easily display a showcase that requires attention. In addition, it becomes possible to grasp quickly.

Particularly, since the main control means prohibits the display according to the operating condition of the showcase or the like, it is not originally an abnormality, and the showcase or the like is out of the temperature range due to a stop at night or defrosting. Can be excluded from the display,
It is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that causes unnecessary anxiety to the user. Further, since the temperature range can be set without considering the temperature change due to the night stop, etc., the temperature range can be narrowed and highly accurate management can be performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a centralized management device such as a showcase according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the central management unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of a main controller.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the system control device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the terminal-side control device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen of a work menu displayed on the display of the central management device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen of a product layout displayed on the display of the central management device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen of a case layout displayed on the display of the central management device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a case information screen displayed on the display of the central management device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data display screen displayed on the display of the central management device.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a main control device.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the main control device with a lid open.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a control temperature and a check temperature.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a program of a main control device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display state of a liquid crystal display section of the main control device.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display state of the liquid crystal display section of the main control device.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display state of the liquid crystal display section of the main control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Central Management Device 3 Main Control Device 6 Terminal Control Device 24 Microcomputer 29 Transmitting / Receiving Means 34 Liquid Crystal Display 54 Microcomputer 66 Sensor 74 Check Switch S Showcase

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A centralized control device for collectively controlling the operating states of a plurality of showcases and the like, wherein the centralized control device comprises a main control device and a terminal side control device provided in each of the plurality of showcases. The main control device includes an input unit for inputting a predetermined management temperature of the plurality of showcases, a transmission / reception unit for exchanging data, a display unit, and a main control unit. Comprising, the terminal-side control device performs transmission and reception means for transmitting and receiving data, a sensor that detects an operating state such as the temperature of the showcase and the like, and executes device control based on the output of this sensor, A terminal side control means for supplying the main control device with data relating to the operating state of the showcase and the like, wherein the main control means is based on data from the terminal side control device, It is determined whether or not the operating state of the showcase or the like is within a predetermined temperature range including the control temperature, and those outside the range are displayed on the display means, and predetermined according to the operating condition of the showcase or the like. Centralized management device for showcases, etc., characterized by adding the display of. 2. A centralized control device for collectively controlling the operating states of a plurality of showcases and the like, wherein the centralized control device comprises a main control device and terminal side control devices respectively provided in the plurality of showcases and the like. The main control device includes an input unit for inputting a predetermined management temperature of the plurality of showcases, a transmission / reception unit for exchanging data, a display unit, and a main control unit. Comprising, the terminal-side control device performs transmission and reception means for transmitting and receiving data, a sensor that detects an operating state such as the temperature of the showcase and the like, and executes device control based on the output of this sensor, A terminal side control means for supplying the main control device with data relating to the operating state of the showcase and the like, wherein the main control means is based on data from the terminal side control device, It is determined whether or not the operating state of the showcase or the like is within a predetermined temperature range including the management temperature, and those outside the range are displayed on the display means, and the operating condition of the showcase or the like is displayed according to the operating status. Centralized management device for showcases, etc. characterized by prohibiting display.