JPH09134279A - Type setting device and method for electrical equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a microcomputer to deal with the specifications of plural electrical equipments by means of a single type of control substrate by selecting a program based on the specification of a prescribed equipment type at the level of the input equipment type setting signal and then setting a prescribed type of electrical equipment. SOLUTION: The different equipment type setting signals of difference levels corresponding to the equipment types are generated by an equipment type setting signal generation means 40 and outputted to the harness of a control substrate. The equipment type setting ports 20a to 20d of a microcomputer 20 are connected to the terminals 14a to 14d of the means 40 via the resistances 25 to 28. The microcomputer 20 selects a program that is accordant with the specification of a prescribed equipment type according to the level of the input equipment type setting signal to set a prescribed type of electrical equipment. Thus it is possible to deal with the specifications of plural equipment types by means of a single type of control substrate.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a model setting apparatus and model setting method for electric equipment, which can support specifications of a plurality of models by using one type of control board.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in household electric appliances such as washing machines,
In general, when products of various models are manufactured, as many parts as possible are shared for each model in consideration of product productivity and cost reduction, and only the minimum necessary parts are configured differently according to the model. Therefore, we are trying to make the same series of products.

However, it is very difficult to share a control board among these components. Because,
Taking a washing machine as an example, parts with different specifications for each model, such as differences in conditions such as the amount of water used for washing and data on the amount of cloth, and differences in the time limits for each process such as "washing,""rinsing," and "dewatering." I have no choice but to use. Therefore, it is difficult to share the parts of the control board among the models having different washing capacities, and in particular, it is difficult to completely share the control board.

Therefore, conventionally, when a model is set and input, a control program is provided on a control board so that a software program stored in advance in a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) can meet the specifications of a plurality of models. This is supported by providing a model setting circuit as part of the above. In other words, since the models are switched on the control board, different boards are made for each model as control boards.

FIG. 9 shows a model setting circuit section on a conventional control board which can be set for each model. 70a and 70
Reference numeral b denotes an input port of the microcomputer 70 for processing an input signal for model setting, which is connected to the microcomputer drive voltage (Vcc) via the resistors 71 and 72, and is grounded (GND) via the resistors 73 and 74. It is possible to connect to.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a combination of model settings performed in the model setting circuit section of FIG. For example, if the resistors 71 and 72 are mounted, the input signals of the ports 70a and 70b become "H" and "H", respectively, and the model A is set. If the resistors 71 and 74 are mounted, the ports 70a and 70b are connected to the ports 70a and 70b. The input signals are "H" and "L", respectively, and the model B is set, so that four models can be set by the combination of the resistors 71, 72, 73 and 74.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However,
In the conventional model setting method, the control board is created separately for each model, but most of the parts are shared, and if the parts for different model settings for each model are indistinguishable in appearance, Then, it was very difficult to identify which model the control board was.

[0008] Further, like a control board used in a washing machine or the like, a control board which is entirely covered with a resin coating or a filler such as urethane for the purpose of improving moisture resistance is provided with a moisture-proof treatment. Later, these parts will be identified
Not only was it particularly difficult, it was almost impossible to change the parts.

Therefore, in terms of the appearance of the control board, it is necessary to manage the model according to the model symbol or color of the control board.
Therefore, if a different model code is stamped, or if a control board of a model B with a different capacity is installed in the main body of a washing machine of model A due to an error in assembly work, etc., "wash" and "rinse" Although there is a difference in the time limit in each process of "dehydration" and the difference between the water level and the appropriate water level for the amount of cloth, a series of operations in the washing process are actually performed, and as a result, a decrease in washing performance and water There was a possibility that problems such as waste, waste of time, and damage to the cloth might occur. Also, with a method that uses an external model setting switch, such as a changeover switch, while the setting can be easily changed, it may be mistakenly set as another model when responding to subsequent services, etc.
I had various problems.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.
An object of the present invention is to provide a model setting device and a model setting method for electrical equipment that can support specifications of a plurality of models by using one type of control board.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is to set a predetermined model from a microcomputer provided with a program capable of supporting specifications of a plurality of models in advance and the plurality of models. A control board having an input section for inputting a model setting signal, a harness for inputting a signal to the input section, and a connector for connecting the harness and the control board to each other A model setting signal generating means for generating and outputting model setting signals having different levels corresponding to the plurality of models is provided, and the microcomputer responds to the specifications of the predetermined model by the level of the input model setting signal. It is characterized in that a selected program is selected and a predetermined model is set.

Another feature of the present invention is that a microcomputer provided with a program capable of corresponding to specifications of a plurality of models in advance and an input unit for inputting a model setting signal for setting a predetermined model from the plurality of models. In the control board model setting method for setting a predetermined model by connecting a harness for inputting a signal to the input section to the control board having the connector, by the model setting signal generation means provided in the harness, Generates and outputs model setting signals having different levels corresponding to a plurality of models, and the microcomputer selects a program according to the specifications of the predetermined model according to the level of the input model setting signal Is to set.

[0013]

According to the present invention, the harness is provided with model setting signal generating means for generating and outputting model setting signals having different levels corresponding to the plurality of models, and the microcomputer is adapted to change the level of the inputted model setting signal. Select a program according to the specifications of the specified model and set the specified model.

As a result, since it is possible to support the specifications of a plurality of models by using one type of control board, not only the conventional management system by model symbol or color is not necessary in production, but also by the operator. Since the control board does not need to be identified, it is easy to assemble into the product body, and the control board of another model is not mistakenly incorporated. Further, even when disconnection or erroneous connection occurs when the control board is assembled, this can be easily discriminated.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A model setting apparatus and model setting method for electric equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a model setting device of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an example of a model setting circuit section of the model setting device of FIG. The control board side is provided with a microcomputer 20 which stores a program capable of corresponding to specifications of a plurality of models in advance, a control board 17 for controlling a model setting circuit based on the program, and a load provided on the control board 17. A housing 12 for models and a model setting housing 14 also provided on the control board 17 are provided.
On the harness side, a load connector 11 that is connected to each load via a lead wire 15 and is electrically connected to a load housing 12, and a model setting connector 13 that is electrically connected to a model setting housing 14. , Load connector 1
1 and a lead wire 16 for connecting the model setting connector 13 are provided.

The connector 11 is a connector for connecting a load, and in the case of a washing machine, it is generally connected through a lead wire 15 to a load portion 30 such as a motor forward / reverse rotation, a water supply valve and a drain valve. This connector 11 is connected to the printed circuit board 17
By connecting to the load housing 12 mounted on
Signals can be input and output between the control board and the load unit 30, and each load is controlled.

Further, in the control board according to the embodiment of the present invention, the model setting housing 14 is added to the control board 17, and the harness side is connected via the lead wire 16 as a signal input line for model setting. The structure is such that a model setting connector 13 is added. Assuming that the number of these poles is for four poles, each terminal of the model setting connector 13 is 13a, 1
3b, 13c, and 13d, and the terminals of the model setting housing 14 that are opposed to these terminals are designated 14a, 14b, and 14a.
c and 14d.

The terminal 1 is used as the model setting signal generating means 40.
Reference numerals 4a, 14b, 14c, and 14d correspond to the same reference numerals of the terminals of the model setting housing 14 in FIG. 1, and pull-down resistors 21, 22, 23, and 24, respectively.
While being grounded to the ground (GND) via the, the model setting ports 20a, 20b of the microcomputer 20,
The resistors 25, 26, 27 and 28 are respectively connected to 20c and 20d.
Connected through.

Ports 20a, 20 of this microcomputer 20
Reference numerals b, 20c, and 20d are all input ports, and have a function of discriminating the model from the model setting signal generated and input by the model setting signal generation means 40.

FIG. 3 shows a combination of model settings performed in the model setting circuit section of FIG. For example, if only the port 20a is set to the "H" level, this control board is set to the specifications of the model A.

Next, the reason why the specifications of the model A are set is as follows.
This will be described in detail. A harness for the model A is formed by connecting the terminal 11a of the load connector 11 to the terminal 13a of the model setting connector 13 via the lead wire 16. Further, a voltage having the same potential as the drive voltage (Vcc) of the microcomputer 20 is applied to the terminal 12a of the load housing 12. Therefore, the load connector 11
Is connected to the load housing 12 and the model setting connector 13 is connected to the model setting housing 14, respectively, the drive voltage (Vcc) of the microcomputer 20 is applied to the terminal 14a via the lead wire 16. As a result, the "H" level signal is input only to the port 20a of the microcomputer 20, and the other ports 20b, 20c, 20d remain at the "L" level. Therefore, according to the combination table of FIG. 3, this control board is set to the model A for the first time when each connector is connected.

In general, since the connectors are formed with erroneous insertion prevention, the assembler can easily insert each connector without considering the directionality of the connector. As described above, the model is inevitably set. Further, conventionally, since the harness used is different for each model due to the difference in wiring length and load for each model, here, as a harness for model B,
If the harness in which the lead wire 16 is connected to the terminal 13b of the model setting connector 13 is used, the control board is inevitably set to the model B only by connecting these connectors during the assembly work of the control board. become. In this way, the specification of the model of the control board is decided after the assembly work is completed.

As a result, it is possible to completely integrate a control board having a software program compatible with a plurality of models, and to use a control board of another model different from the model of the product body, which has been a concern in the past. It will not be accidentally incorporated into the product body.

Further, the number of lead wires 16 is added to reduce the number of ports, and the combination as shown in FIG. 4 and the model setting are not independent connectors, but the load connector 11 is used.
Also, a connector that also serves as a model setting connector 13 and a connector that uses both a load housing 12 and a model setting connector 14 connected to them can be applied as a device similar to the model setting device of FIG. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when a large number of connecting portions are present and empty terminals are present, a connector for setting the model and a housing are not provided and each empty terminal is used. , And the input ports 14a, 14b, 14
You may set c and 14d. In this case, since it can be applied as a device similar to the model setting device of FIG. 1 without adding a connecting portion, the cost effect can be improved.

As described above, according to the model setting apparatus for an electric device according to the embodiment of the present invention, even after the moisture-proof treatment by the resin coating or the filler of the control board typified by a washing machine or the like, the lead wire or harness is used. It is possible to switch the model setting by replacing the.

In the model setting device of FIG. 1, when the model setting connector 13 is not inserted or is disconnected due to incomplete insertion, the port 20 shown in FIG.
All of a, 20b, 20c and 20d are at "L" level. Similarly, even when the load connector 11 is not connected, no voltage is applied to the lead wire 16 and each port 20
Since a, 20b, 20c and 20d are all at the "L" level, the ports 20a, 20a,
When all signals of 20b, 20c, 20d are not input, that is, only when all the ports are at "L" level, the circuit is not activated and the model is not set. It becomes possible to realize a model setting device that also has a function to prevent the connector from being disconnected.

Further, by dividing the signal for model setting into a plurality of connectors and forming a housing integrated with the signal line for each load, it is possible to prevent unconnecting of each connector including model setting. . An example will be described below.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a circuit portion of a model setting device for electric equipment, which also has a function of preventing non-connection of each connector.

First, the ports 20a, 20 of the microcomputer 20 are
b, 20c, 20d connected to terminals 93c, 93, respectively
The d, 94a, and 94b are divided into a housing 93 and a housing 94, respectively. This terminal 93
c, 93d, 94a, 94b are connected to the connector 91 and the connector 92, respectively, so that terminals 91c, 9c
1d, 92a, 92b, connected to Vcc or open (NC), etc.,
Output terminals 93a, 93b, 94c, 9 of the drive circuit
4d is configured to be connected to a load such as a motor via terminals 91a, 91b, 92c, 92d.

If an abnormality such as disconnection of the connector 91 or disconnection of the connector 91 occurs after the connection, the po
Both the ports 20a and 20b are at the "L" level, and similarly, when the connector 92 is not connected, the ports 20c and 20d are also connected.
Since both of them are at "L" level, if two input signals in the same housing are both at "L" level in the model setting signal, it is set as error (NG). .

FIG. 8 shows a combination of non-connection prevention and model setting performed in the circuit section of FIG. For example, if only port 20a is at the "L" level, model C, ports 20b and 20c
When only one is at the "L" level, a large number of model settings such as model D can be set, and at the same time, when the ports of the same housing are both at the "L" level, for example,
If both the ports 20a and 20b are at the "L" level, this means that it is possible to determine the unconnected portion of the connector, as it indicates that the connector 91 is not connected.

If this state is judged to be NG1 as shown in FIG. 8, similarly, NG5 also indicates that the connector 92 has an abnormality, and depending on the input state of each port,
By determining such an NG and outputting a warning sound by a piezoelectric buzzer or the like or an error display by a display element 95 such as an LED or the like, which connector is not connected to an assembler or a user. Can be easily discriminated.

As described above, as the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the board mounting type connector is used for the connecting portion between the control board and the load portion such as the motor of the washing machine has been described. Of course, when a connector is used, a connection method in which terminals such as tabs are directly mounted on the control board may be used.

[0036]

According to the present invention, even if the capacities are different and the time differences in the washing process are different, one type of control board can be applied to a plurality of washing machine bodies. Therefore, not only the control board is not required to be identified, the production management is facilitated, but it is also possible to easily cope with a model in which the physical quantity changes rapidly or a small number of units are produced. Moreover, when assembling the control board to the product main body, it is not necessary to select the control board corresponding to each product, so that there is no erroneous assembly and there is an effect of improving productivity. Also, unlike external model setting switches, setting mistakes do not occur even when responding to services. Further, when the connector, which is the connecting portion with the control board, is not connected, not only the circuit does not operate, but the model is not set, and the unconnected portion can be easily identified. This ensures product reliability and service.
It also has the effect of improving the screw property.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a model setting device for an electric device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a model setting circuit unit of the model setting device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a combination of model settings performed in a model setting circuit unit in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a combination of model settings when there are two model setting lead wires and two ports.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a model setting device when empty terminals of a large number of connectors are used.

6 is a diagram showing a combination of the model setting combinations of FIG. 3 with a connector unconnection prevention function added.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a circuit portion of a model setting device having a function of preventing disconnection by a connector dividing method.

8 is a diagram showing a combination of unconnection prevention and model setting performed in the circuit unit of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a model setting circuit unit according to a conventional method.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing combinations of model settings according to the conventional method.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Load connector, 12 ... Load housing, 13
… Model setting connector, 14… Model setting housing,
15, 16 ... Lead wire, 17 ... Control board, 20 Microcomputer, 30 ... Load section, 40 ... Model setting signal generating means

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A control board having a microcomputer having a program capable of corresponding to specifications of a plurality of models and an input section for inputting a model setting signal for setting a predetermined model from the plurality of models, In a model setting device of an electric device having a harness for inputting a signal to an input section and a connector for connecting the harness and the control board, a model setting signal having different levels corresponding to the plurality of models is generated in the harness. A model setting signal generating means for outputting is provided, and the microcomputer sets a predetermined model by selecting a program according to the specifications of the predetermined model according to the level of the inputted model setting signal. Model setting device for electrical equipment. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector includes a plurality of terminals for inputting the model setting signals having different levels to the plurality of input ports of the input section for each model setting signal having different levels. The model setting signal generation means generates a model setting signal having different levels by selecting and connecting a pair of the plurality of terminals and the plurality of input ports, and a model setting device for electric equipment. . 3. The control board according to claim 1, wherein the control board outputs a warning signal when the connector and the control board are not connected and the model setting signal from the connector is not input to the control board. A device setting device for electrical equipment. 4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a model corresponding to the load section of the washing machine can be set by using the model setting device by connecting to the load section of the washing machine. A washing machine model setting device. 5. A control board having a microcomputer provided with a program capable of corresponding to specifications of a plurality of models and an input section for inputting a model setting signal for setting a predetermined model from the plurality of models. In a model setting method of a control board for setting a predetermined model by connecting a harness for inputting a signal to the input section, a model setting signal generating means provided in the harness supports a plurality of models. A model setting signal having a different level is generated and output, and the microcomputer sets a predetermined model by selecting a program according to the specification of the predetermined model according to the level of the input model setting signal. How to set the model of electrical equipment to be used. 6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the connector is provided with a plurality of terminals for respectively inputting the model setting signals of different levels to the plurality of input ports of the input section for each of the model setting signals of different levels. A model setting method for an electrical device, wherein a model setting signal generating unit generates a model setting signal having different levels by selecting and connecting a pair of the plurality of terminals and the plurality of input ports. 7. The control board according to claim 5, wherein the control board outputs a warning signal when the connector and the control board are not connected and the model setting signal from the connector is not input to the control board. How to set the model of electrical equipment to be used.