JP2009008341A - Equipment control system, equipment controller, master controller, program, and equipment control system controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate setting for correct operations of a sensor and equipment connected to a controller. <P>SOLUTION: An equipment control system includes a refrigeration facility 10, an air-conditioning facility 20, a lighting facility 30 and an in-system DB 40 storing various control programs mainly used to control operations of mutually relating equipment constituting each facility. In an equipment controller 19a controlling each equipment of the refrigeration facility 10, a connection detecting program detecting the structure of the sensor or the equipment connected to the equipment controller 19a as a result of connection is set in an initial state. The connected equipment or sensor is detected using the connection detecting program to acquire a control program corresponding to the result of connection from an integrated controller 60. The equipment controller 19a sets the acquired program in its equipment control section in place of the connection detecting program. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device control system that operates each of a plurality of devices.

  In factories and stores, energy conservation measures are being considered for each installed device. Moreover, when many apparatuses are installed in a factory, a store, etc., an attempt is made to comprehensively reduce energy consumption in the factory or the entire store. As an example, by monitoring a large number of devices installed in a factory or store via a network, grasping the operating state of each device, and controlling each device in an efficient manner, it is possible to control the overall plant. A management system aimed at realizing energy saving has been proposed.

  For example, in a grocery store or sales floor where a large number of refrigeration equipment such as air conditioning equipment, refrigeration or refrigeration equipment (hereinafter referred to as showcases) is installed, by monitoring each refrigeration equipment, A management system that performs control to optimize the operating state has been introduced. This management system realizes overall energy saving of the entire store by operating each cooling equipment systematically.

  For energy-saving operation, a technique has been proposed in which a management center can surely grasp installation information necessary for managing equipment installed in a building (see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, installation information of equipment (addresses in the system, refrigerant system information, etc.) is input in a batch to a portable terminal device such as a personal computer. Then, it is supplied to the management center via the network. This eliminates the need for the operator to input the installation information directly into each device on site.

In addition, the central control unit requests each terminal control device for which control targets such as showcases, air conditioners, and refrigerators have been determined in advance to transmit model information and confirms the return results from each terminal control device. However, a technology has been proposed to determine whether the information such as operating conditions that should be initially set in the centralized management device is for the correct model, prevent erroneous settings, and shorten the initial setting time. (See Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-15747 A JP 11-311463 A

  By the way, when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided as a single unit at the time of factory shipment, a control program for controlling the device is mounted on the controller that controls the device at the time of factory shipment. Is normal.

  However, in a situation where the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are supplied separately, the control target is not fixed at the time of shipment from the factory, so the control program that could not be installed is brought into the store and installed in the store. Must be set in time. Therefore, the setting to each apparatus required in order to operate each apparatus including the compressor, the condenser, and the like constituting the refrigerator in a planned and efficient manner is further complicated.

  The technologies of Patent Documents 1 and 2 assume that the device to be controlled by the device controller is determined in advance and the control program is already set at the time of shipment from the factory. Is not an integrated type, it has not been possible to eliminate the complexity of the work associated with the initial setting that must be prepared or set from the control program.

  Therefore, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional situation, and even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, It is an object of the present invention to provide a device control system that can facilitate initial setting and can reduce human and time waste related to setting of devices constituting the system.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a feature of the present invention is that a sensor and a device are connected in a store, and a control program according to the configuration of the sensor and the device is set. A plurality of device controllers having a device control unit that performs control to operate each; an integrated controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation with each other; and an internal database that stores a plurality of the control programs. The integrated controller and the device controller are communicably connected to each other, the integrated controller is connected to be accessible to the internal database, and the device controller is connected to the device controller. A connection detection program that detects the configuration of the connected sensor and the device as a connection result is set. The device controller includes: a connection result transmission unit that transmits the connection result obtained by the connection detection program in the device control unit to the integrated controller; a control program reception unit that receives the control program from the integrated controller; A control program setting unit that sets the received control program to the device control unit instead of the connection detection program, and the integrated controller receives a connection result from the device controller; An internal database search unit that searches the internal database for the control program corresponding to the connection result received by the connection result receiving unit, and the control program searched by the internal database search unit is transmitted to the device controller. Control program transmission And summarized in that a device control system with and.

  In the device control system according to the present invention, the configuration of the sensor and device connected to the device controller is detected by the connection detection program set in the device controller of the device controller, and the detected connection result is transmitted to the integrated controller. The The integrated controller searches the internal database for a control program corresponding to the connection result received from the device controller, and transmits the control program to the device controller. The device controller sets the received control program in the device control unit instead of the connection detection program, and performs control for operating the device using this control program.

  Here, the control program may include control parameters used for the operation of the device. The connection detection program may include parameters used for connection detection.

  According to this feature, the connection detection program can automatically detect the connection state of the device or sensor that is controlled by the device controller, and obtains a control program for operating the device correctly according to the connection state. In addition, since it can be set instead of the connection detection program, the control operation can be easily realized. Therefore, even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, the initial setting of each device by the operator can be facilitated, and the setting of the devices constituting the system is required. Human and time waste can be reduced.

  In addition, a feature of the present invention is that a sensor and a device are connected in a store, and a control program according to the configuration of the sensor and the device is set to perform control for operating each of the devices. A plurality of device controllers having a device control unit; an integrated controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation; a management controller that manages the store; and an external database that stores a plurality of the control programs. The integrated controller and the device controller are connected to be able to communicate with each other, and the integrated controller and the management controller are connected to be able to communicate with each other via a network. , Connected to the external database so as to be accessible, and the device control unit includes the device A connection detection program for detecting the configuration of the sensor and the device connected to the controller as a connection result is set in the device control unit, and the device controller is obtained by the connection detection program in the device control unit. A device controller side connection result transmitting unit that transmits the connection result to the integrated controller, a device controller side control program receiving unit that receives the control program from the integrated controller, and the received control program instead of the connection detection program A control program setting unit configured to be set in the device control unit, and the integrated controller transmits a connection result reception unit receiving the connection result from the device controller, and transmits the control program to the device controller. Integrated controller A control program transmission unit, an integrated controller side connection result transmission unit that transmits the connection result to the management controller, and an integrated controller side control program reception unit that receives the control program from the management controller, A management controller-side connection result receiving unit that receives the connection result from the integrated controller, an external database search unit that searches the external database for the control program corresponding to the received connection result, and the external database search unit The gist of the invention is a device control system having a management controller-side control program transmission unit that transmits the retrieved control program to the integrated controller.

  In the device control system according to the present invention, the configuration of the sensor and device connected to the device controller is detected by the connection detection program set in the device controller of the device controller, and the detected connection result is transmitted to the integrated controller. The The integrated controller transmits the connection result to the management controller. The management controller searches the external database for a control program corresponding to the connection result received from the device controller via the integrated controller, and transmits the searched control program to the device controller via the integrated controller. The device controller sets the received control program in the device control unit instead of the connection detection program, and performs control for operating the device using this control program.

  According to this feature, the connection detection program can automatically detect the connection status of a device or sensor that is controlled by the device controller, and obtains a control program for operating the device correctly according to the connection status. However, it can be set instead of the connection detection program. Therefore, even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, the initial setting of each device by the operator can be facilitated, and the setting of the devices constituting the system is required. Human and time waste can be reduced. In addition, the management controller that manages the information of each store can register and store all kinds of control programs based on the configuration of all the devices of each store in the external database via the network in the greatest common denominator. Therefore, it is possible to acquire a control program that cannot be acquired by the store-local integrated controller, and it is possible to greatly improve work efficiency at the time of initial setting such as when a device control system is introduced in a new store.

  Further, the sensor and the device may be a sensor and a device constituting a refrigeration device including a refrigeration or refrigeration facility and an air conditioning facility.

  The device controller according to the present invention is a device controller that is connected to a sensor and a plurality of devices and controls the operation of each of the plurality of devices, and controls the plurality of devices to operate in cooperation with each other. Connected to the master controller, provided in a number corresponding to the number of sensors, provided in a number corresponding to the number of devices connected to the sensor connecting portion to which the sensors are connected, and connected to the devices. A device connection unit, a device control unit in which a connection detection program for detecting a configuration of the sensor and the device connected to the device controller as a connection result is set, and a connection result obtained by the connection detection program A connection result transmitter for transmitting to the master controller and a control program corresponding to the connection result from the master controller A control program receiving unit, and a control program setting unit that sets the received control program to the device control unit instead of the connection detection program, the device control unit configured to set the control Control is performed to operate each of the devices based on a program.

  The device controller according to the present invention can detect the connection state of the device or sensor that is the control target of the device controller by the connection detection program set in the device control unit, and operates the device correctly according to the connection state. It is possible to obtain a control program for making it from the master controller and set it instead of the connection detection program. Therefore, even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, the initial setting of each device by the operator can be facilitated, and the human and time required for setting the device can be facilitated. It is possible to reduce unnecessary waste.

  The master controller according to the present invention is connected to sensors and devices in a store, and connected to a plurality of device controllers that perform control to operate each of the devices based on a control program. A master controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation with each other, and is connected to a database storing a plurality of the control programs, and is connected to the device controller from the device controller. A connection result receiving unit that receives a connection result representing a configuration of the sensor and the device, a database search unit that searches the database for the control program corresponding to the connection result received by the connection result receiving unit, The control program searched in the database search unit And having a control program transmitting unit that transmits to the device controller which is the transmission source the connection result.

  The master controller according to the present invention extracts a control program for correctly operating a device from a database in accordance with a connection state of a device or a sensor to be controlled by the device controller detected by the device controller, and provides the device controller with the control program. be able to. Therefore, even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, the initial setting of each device by the operator can be facilitated, and the human and time required for setting the device can be facilitated. It is possible to reduce unnecessary waste.

  The program according to the present invention is connected to a plurality of sensors and a plurality of devices, connected to a master controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation, and operates the devices by a computer. A step of detecting the number or type of sensors connected to the device controller to be controlled, a step of detecting the number or type of connected devices, the detected sensors and the detected devices Transmitting a connection result to the master controller; obtaining a control program for controlling the operation of the device according to the connection result from the master controller; and setting the acquired control program. It is characterized by that.

  According to the program according to the present invention, the device controller can detect the connection state of the device or sensor that is controlled by the device controller, and integrates a control program for operating the device correctly according to the connection state. It can be obtained from the controller. Therefore, even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, the initial setting of each device by the operator can be facilitated, and the human and time required for setting the device can be facilitated. It is possible to reduce unnecessary waste.

  The program according to the present invention includes a plurality of devices that are connected to a plurality of sensors and a plurality of devices, and that control each of the devices to operate based on a control program according to the configuration of the sensors and the devices. A master controller that is connected to a controller so as to be communicable with each other, is connected to a database in which the control program used for operating each of the devices connected to the device controller is stored, and is controlled by a computer Requesting the device controller to connect the sensor connected to the device controller and the device, receiving the connection result, and extracting the control program corresponding to the connection result from the database. And the extracted control program before Characterized in that to execute a step of transmitting to the device controller.

  According to the program according to the present invention, the master controller extracts a control program for correctly operating the device from the database according to the connection state of the device or sensor that is the control target of the device controller detected by the device controller, It can be provided to the equipment controller. Therefore, even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, the initial setting of each device by the operator can be facilitated, and the human and time required for setting the device can be facilitated. It is possible to reduce unnecessary waste.

  Furthermore, in the control method of the device control system according to the present invention, a sensor and a device are connected in a store, and a control program according to the configuration of the sensor and the device is set. A plurality of device controllers having a device control unit that performs control to operate each; an integrated controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation with each other; and an internal database that stores a plurality of the control programs. The integrated controller and the device controller are communicably connected to each other, the integrated controller is connected to be accessible to the internal database, and the device controller is connected to the device controller. A connection detection program that detects the configuration of the connected sensor and the device as a connection result is set A control method of the device control system, the step of transmitting the connection result obtained by the connection detection program in the device control unit to the integrated controller, and the connection result from the device controller in the integrated controller , A step of searching the internal database for the control program corresponding to the received connection result, a step of transmitting the searched control program to the device controller, and the integrated controller in the device controller Receiving the control program, and setting the received control program to the device control unit instead of the connection detection program.

  According to the control method of the present invention, a control program for correctly operating a device from the internal database according to the sensor detected by the connection detection program set in the device controller of the device controller and the connection state of the device. It can be extracted and provided to the equipment controller. In the device controller, the provided control program is set in the device control unit instead of the connection detection program. Therefore, even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, the initial setting of each device by the operator can be facilitated, and the human and time required for setting the device can be facilitated. It is possible to reduce unnecessary waste.

  In the control method of the device control system according to the present invention, a sensor and a device are connected in a store, and a control program according to the configuration of the sensor and the device is set to operate each of the devices. A plurality of device controllers having a device control unit that performs control, an integrated controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation, a management controller that manages the store, and a plurality of the control programs are stored. An external database, the integrated controller and the device controller are connected to be able to communicate with each other, and the integrated controller and the management controller are connected to be able to communicate with each other via a network, The management controller is connected to the external database so as to be accessible. The control unit is a control method of a device control system in which a connection detection program for detecting a configuration of the sensor and the device connected to the device controller as a connection result is set in the device control unit, and the connection Transmitting the connection result obtained by the detection program to the integrated controller; receiving the connection result from the device controller in the integrated controller; and transmitting the connection result from the integrated controller to the management controller. Receiving the connection result from the integrated controller in the management controller, searching the control program corresponding to the connection result received from the integrated controller from the external database, and the searched Transmitting a control program to the integrated controller, receiving the control program from the management controller in the integrated controller, transmitting the control program from the integrated controller to the device controller, and in the device controller Receiving the control program from an integrated controller; and setting the received control program to the device control unit instead of the connection detection program.

  According to the control method of the present invention, the control for correctly operating the device from the external database according to the connection state of the sensor and the device configuration detected by the connection detection program set in the device controller of the device controller. A program can be extracted and provided to the device controller. In the device controller, the provided control program is set in the device control unit instead of the connection detection program. Therefore, even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, the initial setting of each device by the operator can be facilitated, and the human and time required for setting the device can be facilitated. It is possible to reduce unnecessary waste.

  According to the present invention, even when a device controller and a device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately, the initial setting of each device by an operator can be facilitated, and the device setting is performed. Human and time waste can be reduced.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and in the following description, only elements that can explain the gist of the present invention are described.

(Equipment control system)
In the device control system shown as an embodiment of the present invention, a device controller that controls a plurality of devices detects a plurality of sensors and the number or types of devices connected to the device controller, and determines the number of detected sensors and devices. It is characterized by acquiring the corresponding optimal control program from a database.

  In the following, as an example, the device control system of the present embodiment is applied in a system in which each device cooperates in an environment where a large number of cooling devices such as air conditioners and showcases are installed. This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, cooperation operation | movement refers to changing simultaneously the operating condition of an air conditioner and a showcase according to an environment for an energy saving as an example. In the present embodiment, both the case where the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are integrated and the case where they are provided separately can be described.

  FIG. 1 shows a device configuration of the device control system 1. The equipment control system 1 mainly includes refrigeration or refrigeration equipment 10 (the components of the refrigeration or refrigeration equipment are the same, and will be referred to as the refrigeration equipment 10 hereinafter), the air conditioning equipment 20, the lighting equipment 30, and mainly the equipment. And an internal database (hereinafter referred to as “in-system DB”) 40 in which various control programs for controlling the mutually related devices (described later) in cooperation with each other are stored. The refrigeration facility 10, the air conditioning facility 20, the lighting facility 30, and the in-system DB 40 are connected to an integrated controller 60 that integrally controls each device via buses 51 to 54, respectively. The integrated control means that the integrated controller controls each device controller so that the devices operate in cooperation. The buses 51 to 53 are communication paths through which device controllers (not shown in FIG. 1) can communicate with the integrated controller, and the bus 54 is a connection line between the integrated controller and the in-system DB 40. In either case, a serial bus, LAN, USB, or other dedicated line can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration facility 10 mainly includes a condenser 11, a compressor 12, and showcases 13a, 13b, 13c,. In commercial refrigeration equipment used in stores and the like, a condenser, a compressor, and a showcase (refrigeration or refrigeration equipment) are provided as separate equipment. Each device is installed in a physically separated place according to the layout of the sales floor, the floor plan of the store, and the like. In the refrigeration facility 10, the condenser 11 and the compressor 12 constitute a refrigerator 41 and are installed in a store backyard or in the store outdoors. In addition, the showcases 13a, 13b... Are installed in the sales floor. In the refrigeration facility 10, the condenser 11, the compressor 12, the showcases 13a, 13b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning equipment 20 mainly includes a condenser 21, a compressor 22, and an air conditioning indoor unit 23. Similarly, in the air conditioning equipment, the condenser, the compressor, and the indoor unit are prepared as separate devices. In the air-conditioning equipment 20, the condenser 21 and the compressor 22 constitute an air-conditioning outdoor unit 42, and are installed outside the store as a store backyard or as an outdoor unit. The air conditioning indoor unit 23 is installed in a sales floor. In the air conditioning equipment 20, the condenser 21, the compressor 22, and the air conditioning indoor unit 23 are efficiently operated in cooperation.

  The lighting equipment 30 includes a lighting fixture 31, a lighting fixture 32, a lighting fixture 33,. Each lighting fixture is connected to the integrated controller 60 via the device controllers 34a, 34b, 34c and the bus 53, and lighting, brightness, and the like are controlled according to the brightness of the environment.

  In FIG. 1, each facility is depicted one by one. However, in practice, the device control system 1 may include a plurality of sets of refrigeration facilities, air conditioning facilities, and lighting facilities having the above-described configuration. Good. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the condenser 11, the compressor 12, and the showcase 13 are connected by refrigerant piping. Similarly, in the air conditioner 20, the air conditioner outdoor unit 21 and the air conditioner indoor unit 22 are connected by a refrigerant pipe.

(Configuration of refrigeration equipment)
In FIG. 2, the specific structure concerning the refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration equipment 10 is shown. The refrigeration facility 10 includes a condenser 11, a compressor 12, expansion valves 18a to 18c, and evaporators 16a to 16c, and is connected to each other by a refrigerant pipe 71. The condenser 11 has fans 11a, 11b, and 11c. The compressor 12 includes compressors 12a, 12b, and 12c having different compression capacities. As an example, the compressor 12a has an output of 5 HP (Horse Power), the compressor 12b has an output of 10 HP, and the compressor 12c has an output of 15 HP. Therefore, a total output of 5 to 30 HP can be obtained by a combination of the on / off states of the compressors.

  The refrigeration facility 10 includes a pressure sensor 14 that detects the discharge pressure of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 12, and a pressure sensor 15 that detects the suction pressure of the refrigerant gas sucked into the compressor 12. Have.

  The showcase 13a includes an evaporator 16a, a temperature sensor 17a that detects the temperature in the showcase, and an expansion valve 18a. The showcase 13b includes an evaporator 16b, a temperature sensor 17b that detects the temperature in the showcase, and an expansion valve 18b. The showcase 13c includes an evaporator 16c, a temperature sensor 17c that detects the temperature in the showcase, and an expansion valve 18c.

  The refrigeration facility 10 includes a device controller 19a, and the condenser 11 is controlled by the device controller 19a. The device controller 19 a acquires the detection value from the pressure sensor 14. The device controller 19a supplies a control signal to the fans 11a, 11b, and 11c. The device controller 19 a adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant gas by appropriately turning on and off the three fans according to the detection value of the pressure sensor 14.

  The refrigeration facility 10 includes a device controller 19b, and the compressor 12 is controlled by the device controller 19b. The device controller 19b acquires the detection value from the pressure sensor 15. The device controller 19b supplies a control signal to the compressors 12a, 12b, and 12c. The device controller 19b can generate a total output of 5 to 30 HP by appropriately turning on and off the three compressors 12 according to the detection value of the pressure sensor 15. The suction pressure detected by the pressure sensor 15 varies depending on the refrigeration load. Therefore, the device controller 19b monitors the suction pressure detected by the pressure sensor 15 and controls the total output of the compressor 12 so as to reach the target pressure in order to perform appropriate temperature management.

  The refrigeration facility 10 includes a device controller 19c. The showcases 13a, 13b, and 13c are controlled by a device controller 19c. The device controller 19c acquires the detection values of the temperature sensors 17a to 17c. The equipment controller 19c monitors the temperature inside the showcase and adjusts the expansion valves 18a to 18c as appropriate to expand the refrigerant gas to produce a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant.

  The device controllers 19a, 19b, and 19c are connected to the integrated controller 60 through the serial bus 51 so as to communicate with each other. The device controllers 19a, 19b, and 19c control the operation of each device by a control program corresponding to the sensor connected to each device and the configuration of the device. In the refrigeration facility 10, the respective devices are operated in a planned and efficient manner by the device controllers 19a, 19b, and 19c.

  Next, the operation of the refrigeration facility 10 will be described. The refrigeration facility 10 uses ammonia (−33 ° C.) having a low boiling point, fluorocarbon gas, or the like as a refrigerant. The refrigeration facility 10 compresses the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas vaporized by the evaporators 16a to 16c in the compressors 12a to 12c that are appropriately operated according to the refrigeration load, and converts the refrigerant gas into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas is cooled by the fans 11a to 11c controlled by the device controller 19a and condensed into a liquid. The device controller 19 a adjusts the rotation amount of the fans 11 a to 11 c according to the refrigeration load, and supplies it to the expansion valves 18 a to 18 c through the refrigerant pipe 71. The device controller 19c controls the expansion valves 18a to 18c. The flow rate of the refrigerant liquid is adjusted by an expansion valve, and is supplied to the evaporators 16a to 16c. The device controller 19b detects the suction pressure of the refrigerant gas vaporized in the evaporators 16a to 16c by the pressure sensor 15. Since this pressure fluctuates depending on the refrigeration load, it is necessary to maintain a constant target pressure in order to manage the temperature of the refrigeration equipment. The device controller 19b adjusts the outputs of the compressors 12a to 12c according to the suction pressure.

  As described above, the refrigeration facility 10 cools the object stored in the showcase by circulating the refrigerant using the devices controlled by the device controllers 19a to 19c. In FIG. 2, only the configuration of sensors and devices necessary for the description is shown, but other sensors and devices may be additionally installed.

(Configuration of air conditioning equipment)
In FIG. 3, the specific structure concerning the temperature control cycle of the air conditioning equipment 20 is shown. The air conditioning equipment 20 includes a condenser 21, a compressor 22, an expansion valve 28, and an evaporator 26, and is connected to each other by a refrigerant pipe 81. The condenser 21 has fans 21a, 21b, and 21c. The compressor 22 includes compressors 22a, 22b, and 22c having different compression capacities. As an example, the compressor 22a has an output of 5 HP (Horse Power), the compressor 12b has an output of 10 HP, and the compressor 12c has an output of 15 HP. Therefore, a total output of 5 to 30 HP can be obtained by a combination of the on / off states of the compressors. Alternatively, the total output may be output as a continuous analog quantity by an inverter control circuit (not shown).

  The air conditioner 20 includes a pressure sensor 24 that detects the discharge pressure of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 22, and a pressure sensor 25 that detects the suction pressure of the refrigerant gas sucked into the compressor 22. Have.

  The air conditioning indoor unit 23 includes an evaporator 26, a temperature sensor 27 that detects the temperature in the room, and an expansion valve 28. Or the air-conditioning indoor unit 23 may be provided with the receiving part which can receive a signal at least from the remote control apparatus (remote controller) etc. which are not shown in figure. The room temperature is detected by a remote control device. The signal representing the room temperature may be sent to the receiving unit of the air conditioning indoor unit 23 in a predetermined format and supplied to the device controller 29b. In addition, an infrared communication part etc. are mentioned as a receiving part.

  The air conditioning facility 20 includes device controllers 29a and 29b. The device controller 29 a acquires the detection value from the pressure sensor 24. In addition, the device controller 29a supplies a control signal to the fans 21a, 21b, and 21c. The device controller 29 a adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant gas by appropriately turning on and off the three fans according to the detection value of the pressure sensor 24. In addition, the device controller 29 a acquires a detection value from the pressure sensor 25. In addition, the device controller 29a supplies a control signal to the compressors 22a, 22b, and 22c. The device controller 29 a adjusts the total output by appropriately turning on and off the three compressors 22 according to the detection value of the pressure sensor 25. The suction pressure detected by the pressure sensor 25 varies depending on the refrigeration load. Therefore, the device controller 29a monitors the suction pressure detected by the pressure sensor 25 and controls the total output of the compressor 22 so as to reach the target pressure in order to perform appropriate temperature management.

  The device controllers 29a and 29b are connected to the integrated controller 60 through the serial bus 52 so as to communicate with each other. The device controllers 29a and 29b control the operation of each device by a control program corresponding to the configuration of the sensor and device connected to each. In the air conditioning facility 20, the devices are operated in a planned and efficient manner by the device controllers 29a and 29b.

(In-system DB)
Next, the in-system DB 40 will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of a device control database stored in the in-system DB 40. Each device control data table includes a control for controlling the devices constituting each facility such as the refrigeration facility 10, the air conditioning facility 20, and the lighting facility 30 for each of the above-described device controllers 19a, 19b, 19c, 29a, and 29b. A storage pointer indicating a location where a program execution format (which means a program entity) is stored and a file pointer indicating a control program source which is a source code of the program stored as a file are stored.

  In addition, the DB 40 in the system includes a device name to be controlled by the device controller (for example, a condenser, a compressor, etc.), a manufacturer name, a device serial number, a sensor input type that can be connected to the device, and a contact input type (for the control target device). Status signal from one inverter, analog output type (fan if condenser), digital output type (relay to turn on / off compressor, etc.), or control program entity storage location (address ) Etc. are stored as a table.

  The control program stored in the in-system DB 40 can be added or changed as appropriate by an input operation performed from an input unit (not shown) or the like. When the control program is changed, for example, on the data table shown in FIG. 4, a storage pointer indicating the location where the control program entity is stored, and a file pointer indicating the file which is the source code of the changed program Can be changed.

  The in-system DB 40 stores the input / output port status of the device controller. For example, the total number and connection state of analog input ports, the total number and connection state of analog output ports, the total number and connection state of digital input ports, the total number and connection state of digital output ports, and the like.

(Configuration of device controller)
FIG. 5 shows a specific configuration of the device controller 19a. The device controllers 19a to 19c, the device controllers 29a and 29b, and the like can be used without distinction in this embodiment, and will be described using the device controller 19a. The device controller 19a has an input / output unit connected to various sensors and devices. Specifically, the input / output unit includes an analog input unit 91a, a digital input unit 92a, an analog output unit 93a, and a digital output unit 94a. The analog input unit 91a and the digital input unit 92a are connected to a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a sensor for detecting motor torque, and output signal lines from various control target devices. The analog output unit 93a and the digital output unit 94a are connected to a relay and an inverter control circuit for controlling devices such as a compressor and a fan.

  The device controller 19a includes a CPU 95, a ROM 96 in which a program for executing processing (connection state detection processing described later) for detecting a sensor or device connected to the device controller 19a is stored, and a RAM 97 as a work area of the CPU 95. ing.

  The device controller 19 a has a device control unit as a functional configuration of the CPU 95. The device controller 19a can control the device by setting a control program in the device control unit including the ROM 96, the CPU 95, and the RAM 97. Note that the setting of the control program is specifically downloading of the control program. Before the control program is set in the device control unit (for example, when the device controller is shipped from the factory), the connection detection program is set, and the function of detecting the sensor and device connected to the device controller 19a Have

  The components of the device controller 19a are connected to each other by an internal bus 99. In addition, the device controller 19 a has a communication I / F 98 for communication with the integrated controller 60. The device controller 19a is connected to the integrated controller 60 via the communication I / F 98. As the communication I / F 98, serial, TCP / IP, and other general-purpose communication interfaces can be applied.

  The CPU 95 of the device controller 19 a detects a device or sensor connected to the input / output unit by a connection detection program stored in the ROM 96. In this case, the CPU 95 functions as a device control unit and has a function of detecting, as a connection result, the number of sensors and devices connected to the device controller 19a itself. Further, the CPU 95 functions as a connection result transmission unit that transmits the detected result (referred to as a connection result) to the integrated controller 60 via the communication I / F 98. The CPU 95 of the device controller 19a acquires a control program corresponding to the connection result from the integrated controller 60, stores the acquired control program in the ROM 96, and the operation of the devices connected using the RAM 97 as a work area by the stored control program. To control. In terms of the program operation, the device controller 19a sets the acquired control program in the ROM 96 in the “received control program setting step (FIG. 11, step S9 described later)” of the connection detection program.

  In this case, the CPU 95 is a device control unit and has a function of controlling the device. For example, when the device is a compressor (compressor), the suction pressure of the refrigerant pipe is detected by a sensor, and the rotation output of the compressor motor is controlled so that the detected pressure value maintains a predetermined pressure. . Further, if the device is a condenser (condenser), the discharge pressure at the compressor outlet of the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant temperature, and the like are detected by a sensor, and the rotational speed of the cooling fan or the like is controlled based on the detected value. In the case of an air conditioner having the same refrigerant circuit and piping as those constituting the refrigerator, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are similarly controlled. Alternatively, when the device is a lighting device, the illuminance is controlled according to a command from the integrated controller 60 or a detected illuminance value of the surrounding environment by an illuminance sensor or the like. As described above, there is a control program that controls each operation for each device, and the CPU 95 also functions as a control program receiving unit that receives these control programs sent from the integrated controller 60 via the communication I / F 98. ing.

  The DIP switch 100 is for setting an ID for the integrated controller 60 to identify a plurality of device controllers connected on the same communication line. Details of the DIP switch 100 will be described later.

  That is, the device controller according to the present embodiment does not have a control program necessary for operating the connected device in the initial state. The device controller acquires a control program from the in-system DB 40 according to the number of sensors or devices connected to the device detected by the connection state detection process.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a communication format applicable to communication between the device controller 19a and the integrated controller 60.

  Communication is performed using packet data. In the packet data, a head code, a version, a transmission source address, a transmission destination address, a response designation, a byte count, a variable length data part, a checksum, and a tail code are described. One packet is from the head code to the tail code. In the integrated controller 60 and the device controller 19a, reception completion is determined for each packet unit in the reception process.

  For example, when the size of transmitted / received data becomes large, such as when transmitting / receiving control program entities, the data is divided into a plurality of packets and transmitted. The variable-length data part has a head identifier describing the start or continuation of data, a data body, and a tail identifier describing the presence or absence of subsequent data or the end of data.

  When there are a plurality of device controllers connected to the integrated controller 60, a transmission destination address is designated. Thereby, the integrated controller 60 can identify the device controller. The identification information (ID) for each device controller can be set according to the device to be controlled connected to the device controller.

  For example, FIG. 7 shows a setting example of the device controller ID when the DIP switch 100 having an 8-bit data length is used. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper 4 bits of 1-byte data specify the type of the device to be controlled by the device controller (referred to as a control target device). For example, 0x00 for general purpose (other than the compressor and condenser), 0x10 for the compressor, 0x20 for the condenser, and so on. In addition, in order to prepare for a case where a plurality of device controllers that control the same control target device are connected to a single communication line with the integrated controller 60, a number for distinguishing the plurality of device controllers is designated by the lower 4 bits. . For example, 0x01 to 0x0f are prepared for each of the general purpose, the compressor, and the condenser.

  Thereby, the device controller ID for each device controller can be set. For example, when two compressors are controlled by two device controllers, the DIP switch 100 is set so that the ID of the first device controller is 0x11 and the ID of the second device controller is 0x12. Set.

  Next, FIG. 8 shows each input / output unit. The input / output unit is provided with a plurality of ports. For example, the analog input unit 91a includes ports 911, 912, 913,..., And the analog output unit 93a includes ports 931, 932, 933,. The digital output unit 94a includes ports 941, 942, 943,.

  In the device controller 19a, a pressure sensor is connected to the port of the analog input unit 91a (see FIG. 2, pressure sensor 14). In addition, fans 11a, 11b, and 11c constituting the condenser 11 are connected to a port of the analog output section 93a (see FIG. 2). In this case, the rotational speed of the fan is controlled by analog voltage output via an inverter control circuit (not shown). Further, relays 11A, 11B, and 11C for driving the fans 11a, 11b, and 11c constituting the condenser 11 are connected to the port of the digital output unit 94a.

  Use of ports 911, 912, 913,..., Ports 931, 932, 933,..., Ports 941, 942, 943,. A switch is provided separately, and it can be detected by turning on and off the mechanical switch. In addition, if the number or type of sensors and machines that can be connected to each port is determined in advance and the corresponding relationship is stored in a ROM or the like, when a connection state is detected at a predetermined port, The device controller 19a can know the number or type of sensors and devices connected to this port. Alternatively, the port may be a power supply type dedicated connector such as a USB connector.

  In addition to this, a DIP switch (Dual IN line Package Switch) can also be used as a technique for detecting the used ports and detecting the number or types of connected sensors and devices. When the DIP switch is used, when each device or sensor is physically connected to each port, the CPU 95 can detect the connection state of each port by switching the DIP switch on and off.

  For example, in the device controller 19a shown in FIG. 2, when the number of input / output ports is 8, as shown in FIG. 5, an 8-bit DIP switch (input / output port numbers 0 to 7 are bit numbers 0 to 7 of the DIP switch). 7 corresponds to each input / output port. That is, the DIP switch 1 is provided in the analog input unit 91a, the DIP switch 2 in the digital input unit 92a, the DIP switch 3 in the analog output unit 93a, and the DIP switch 4 in the digital output unit 94a. In this case, since the pressure sensor 14 is connected to the port 911 of the analog input unit 91a shown in FIG. 5 as shown in FIG. 8A, the device controller 19a determines the connection state of the analog input unit 91a. It can be detected as 0x01. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, the relays 11A for driving the fans 11a, 11b, and 11c constituting the condenser 11 shown in FIG. 2 are connected to the ports 941, 942, and 943 of the digital output unit 94a. 11B and 11C are connected. In this case, the device controller 19a can detect the connection state of the digital output unit 94a as 0x07. Further, when the fans 11a, 11b, and 11c are controlled by an analog output signal using an inverter circuit (not shown), as shown in FIG. 8B, the ports 931, 932, and 933 of the analog output unit 93a are not shown. An inverter circuit is connected. In this case, the device controller 19a can detect the connection state of the analog output unit 93a as 0x07.

  By the way, when the control target of the device controller 19a is fixed, that is, when the device controller has a function as a dedicated controller for a compressor and a condenser, for example, a sensor connected to the device controller The devices to be controlled can be limited.

  For example, in the case of a compressor, the refrigerant suction pressure and discharge pressure sensors are essential, and the discharge temperature is detected for safety. The device to be controlled is a compressor (compressor), and the control output is a relay control signal (output from the digital output port) for turning the compressor on and off, or inverter control for controlling the rotation frequency of the compressor motor Command value to the circuit (output from the analog output port). In addition, when there are a plurality of devices or sensors, if the rule is to connect in ascending order of port numbers, the DIP switch status indicating the number of connections and the connection status, and the above-described dedicated controller function By comparing the sensors used for the device and the device to be controlled, it is possible to simultaneously detect the number of sensors and devices connected to the device controller.

  When transmitting information representing the number and connection status of sensors connected to the device controller 19a and the number and connection status of devices to the integrated controller 60, the variable length data portion of the communication format described with reference to FIG. Stores the above-described information. FIG. 9 shows an example of transmission data of information (input / output state detection result) indicating the number and connection states of sensors connected to the device controller 19a and the number and connection states of devices.

For example, in the case of the connection state detection result in the device controller 19a that controls the condenser 11 in FIG. 2, the variable length data portion of the packet data in FIG. In accordance with the communication format shown in the following, the data start code, “command indicating the input / output state detection result” in the command part,
Number of analog inputs: 0x01, corresponding to one of the pressure sensors 14
Connection state of the analog input unit: As shown in FIG. 8A, in response to the pressure sensor 14 being connected to the port 911, that is, port number 0, 0x01,
Number of digital inputs: In FIG. 2, it is not connected, so 0x00,
Connection state of the digital input unit: In FIG. 2, since it is not connected, 0x00,
Number of analog outputs: In FIG. 2, it is not connected, so 0x00,
Connection state of the analog output unit: In FIG. 2, since it is not connected, 0x00,
Number of digital outputs: 0x03, corresponding to the connection of 3 fans (11a, 11b, 11c)
Connection state of digital output unit: As shown in FIG. 8C, 0x07 corresponding to the relay 11A being connected to the port 941, the relay 11B being connected to the port 942, and the relay 11C being connected to the port 943.
Finally, a code indicating the end of data is set.

  The detection result of the input / output state shown in FIG. 9 is transmitted to the integrated controller 60, analyzed by the integrated controller 60, and a control program corresponding to the detection result is extracted. Details of the control program selection / extraction process in the integrated controller 60 will be described later (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

(Integrated controller)
The integrated controller manages the operation status of devices in an integrated manner through mutual communication with the device controller that controls each device in the store. To implement. Here, in the mutual communication, a master-slave communication mode is adopted in which the integrated controller side is the master and the device controller side is the slave. In the present embodiment, the integrated controller is a master controller. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  The integrated controller 60 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 63 storing a program for executing a process (control program search process described later) for searching for a control program from the in-system DB 40 shown in FIG. 1, and a RAM 64 as a work area for the CPU 62. ing. Further, the integrated controller 60 has a communication I / F 61 connected to the buses 51 to 54. The integrated controller 60 is connected to each device controller and the in-system DB 40 via the communication I / F 61. As the communication I / F 61, serial, TCP / IP, and other general-purpose communication interfaces can be applied. In FIG. 10, only the minimum necessary configuration is described in the following description, and other peripheral devices such as a display interface may be connected.

  Based on the program stored in the ROM 63, the CPU 62 of the integrated controller 60 searches the in-system DB 40 shown in FIG. 1 for a control program corresponding to the connection result sent from each device controller. Send to device controller. That is, the CPU 62 functions as a connection result receiving unit that receives a connection result from the device controller via the communication I / F 61, and functions as a search unit that searches the system DB for a control program corresponding to the received connection result. And a function as a control program transmission unit that transmits the retrieved control program to the device controller via the communication I / F.

  The device controllers here are the device controllers 19a to 19c and the device controllers 29a and 29b according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, these device controllers are collectively referred to as each device controller.

  That is, the integrated controller 60 according to the present embodiment requests each device controller for a connection result indicating the number and types of sensors and devices connected to each device controller, and the example illustrated in FIG. 6 from each device controller. Information indicating the number and connection status of sensors connected to each device controller and the number and connection status of devices connected to each device controller received packet data and stored in the variable length data section (input / output status detection result: connection result) The control program corresponding to the connection result is searched from the in-system DB 40, extracted, and the control program is transmitted to each device controller.

  Next, a process for acquiring a control program by the integrated controller 60 and each device controller will be described.

(Control program acquisition processing)
The integrated controller 60 executes the processing described in the flowchart of FIG. 11 for each of the device controllers 19a, 19b, 19c and the device controllers 29a, 29b that control the devices of the respective facilities, and from the in-system DB 40. Search for control programs. That is, each device controller obtains a control program by the process shown in FIG.

  In step S1, the integrated controller 60 transmits a signal (referred to as an information collection command) for executing processing for detecting sensors and devices connected to the device controller to each device controller. Step S1 is always executed when the device control system is initially set.

  Each device controller receives an information collection command in step S2.

  Subsequently, in step S3, each device controller detects the connection state of the sensor and the device connected to the port of its input / output unit by the connection detection program (connection state detection process). The connection state detection process will be described with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 4, each device controller transmits information about the number of sensors and the number of devices detected by the connection detection program to the integrated controller 60 as a connection result.

  In step S5, the integrated controller 60 receives the connection result. Next, in step S6, based on the received connection result, a control program corresponding to the connection result is retrieved from the in-system DB 40 and extracted (referred to as control program selection / extraction process). This control program selection / extraction process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In step S7, the integrated controller 60 transmits the control program extracted as a result of the search to each device controller. Each device controller receives the control program in step S8.

  In step S9, each device controller sets the acquired control program in the device control unit instead of the connection detection program. That is, each device controller overwrites and deletes the connection detection program, and stores the acquired control program in the ROM 96.

  In step S10, each device controller systematically controls each connected device using the RAM 97 as a work area based on a control program set in place of the connection detection program, and according to a command from the integrated controller 60. While performing efficient operation of each device. Thereby, the apparatus control system 1 can implement | achieve comprehensive energy saving of the whole store.

  In the processing described above, the control program set in the device control unit of each device controller is assumed to overwrite the connection detection program previously set in the same unit, but the control program is stored in a separate storage area. By setting, the connection detection program may be preserved and may be arbitrarily activated by a command from the integrated controller 60 or the like. In this case, the integrated controller 60 may transmit the information collection command to each device controller every predetermined time, and each device controller may be set to execute the connection detection program in response to reception of the information collection command.

  The processing executed by each device controller in the device control unit may be periodically switched from the device control program to the connection detection program and executed. In this case, the connection result is temporarily stored until the device controller receives the information collection command from the integrated controller 60, and when the information collection command is received, step S3 is skipped and the subsequent processing is executed. .

(Connection status detection process)
The connection state detection process in step S3 will be described. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for explaining the connection state detection processing by the CPU 95.

  In step S <b> 3, the CPU 95 of each device controller checks each port of the input / output unit based on a program stored in the ROM 96. In step S31, the CPU 95 of each device controller detects the number or type of sensors connected to the input port. Next, in step S32, the number or type of devices connected to the output port is detected.

  As a connection detection program (also referred to as a connection state detection tool or a system configuration detection tool for detecting a connection state) that causes each device controller to execute the connection state detection process including steps S31 to S32 described above, the ROM 96 stores Prepared in advance.

(Received data analysis processing)
The received data analysis process executed as a pre-process of the search process of the in-system DB 40 in step S6 will be described. The analysis of the received data is to extract information (data body) from each device controller from the communication formats shown in FIGS. That is, here, extraction of data representing the input / output connection state (number of connections and connection state). Note that the flowchart of FIG. 13 is also applied to the reception process of the control program in each device controller in step S8.

  In step S101, the integrated controller 60 analyzes the variable length data portion of the received packet data. In step S102, it is determined whether the data is divided data. If it is divided data (step S102: Yes), the data is stored in the RAM 64 in step S103. In step S104, it is determined whether the end of the divided data has been received. When the end of the divided data is received (step S104: Yes), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the end of the divided data cannot be confirmed (step S104: No), in step S105, a flag indicating that the connection result cannot be analyzed (data unanalyzed flag) is set in the RAM 64, and the process is terminated. . In this case, the control program acquisition process ends without executing step S7.

  On the other hand, if it is not divided data (step S102: No), or if reception of the end of the divided data is completed, in step S106, the command of the data part (see FIG. 9) is analyzed. In step S107, it is determined whether it is a response to the information collection command, that is, whether it is a connection result. If the result is not a connection result (step S107: No), it is determined that the process is for another command in step S108, and the data unanalyzed flag is cleared and the process ends. Also in this case, the acquisition process of the control program is terminated without executing step S7.

  On the other hand, if it is a connection result (step S107: Yes), in step S109, the integrated controller 60 extracts the number of input connections and the connection state from the data shown in FIG. In step S110, the number of output connections and the connection state are extracted.

  Subsequently, in step S111, the integrated controller 60 confirms the transmission source address and determines whether or not it is a general-purpose device controller. If it is a general-purpose device controller (step S111: Yes), it will progress to step S108, will clear a data unanalysis flag, and will complete | finish a process.

  If it is not a general-purpose device controller (step S111: No), that is, if it is a dedicated controller, in step S112, the number of input connections and connection state extracted in step S109, the number of output connections and connection extracted in step S110. Based on the state, a connection relation consistency check is performed using connection relation data limited to a dedicated controller prepared in advance in another program or by another definition means such as a file.

  For example, when the device to be controlled is a compressor, the pressure sensor for detecting the suction pressure should be connected, and the device to be controlled is also limited to the compressor. Therefore, for example, if a connection rule for connecting to input / output ports in ascending order of port numbers is established, a clear relationship is established between the number and position of connections to the ports. Therefore, by checking this relationship as an index of consistency, it is possible to determine whether the connection relationship of the sensor or the device is accurate.

  For example, in a dedicated controller whose control target device is a compressor, if one suction pressure detection sensor is connected to the 7th port instead of the 0th input port, it is against the rule of connecting in ascending order of the port number. Therefore, the result of the consistency check is NG. That is, it is possible to prevent a sensor connection port error or a DIP switch setting error during device setup.

  In this case, the connection relationship between the position and number of ports for consistency check (the connection relationship data described above) may be registered in the ROM of the integrated controller 60 or registered in the in-system DB 40. It may be.

  In step S113, the integrated controller 60 checks the consistency of the connection state using connection relation data limited to the dedicated controller prepared in advance. For example, in the case of a controller dedicated to a condenser that controls the condenser, the pressure sensor 14 (see FIG. 2) is not connected to the port 911 (see FIG. 8A) of the analog input unit 91a (consistency). Error, step S113: Yes), and in step S114, a message indicating that there is an error in connection consistency is displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the integrated controller 60 (error display). In step S108, the data unanalyzed flag is cleared and the process ends.

  Although details are not described, it goes without saying that the same processing is performed for other input / output ports. If a consistency error is displayed, check the cause and take appropriate action. For example, if the sensor connection port is wrong, reconnect to the correct port. Alternatively, if the DIP switch setting is incorrect, the connection detection may be performed again by performing a reset to the correct DIP switch setting state or the like.

  If there is no error in the connection consistency check (step S113: No), the process proceeds to step S108, the data unanalyzed flag is cleared, and the process is terminated.

(Control program selection / extraction process)
The control program selection / extraction process in step S6 of FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining control program selection / extraction processing by the CPU 62 of the integrated controller 60.

  In step S6 of FIG. 11, the integrated controller 60 uses the device control database (see FIG. 4) in which the data (number of connections and connection state) of the connection results of the respective input / output ports extracted in FIG. Collate. In addition, it is only necessary to refer to the device ID of the device to be controlled and refer to only the device control data table of the corresponding control target, instead of checking all of the device control data tables. Specifically, in step S121 shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 62 of the integrated controller 60 refers to the number of connections in the analog input port state of the device control database shown in FIG.

  If there is no device control data table in which the number of input connections is suitable in step S122 (step S122: No), an input connection number editing flag is set in step S123. If there is a device control data table that matches the number of input connections (step S122: Yes), the process proceeds to step S124. If there is a suitable device control data table, the table ID group is temporarily stored in the RAM 64 or the like.

  Subsequently, in step S124, the CPU 62 verifies the input connection state. In this case, the reference frequency of the in-system DB 40 can be reduced by preferentially using the table ID group temporarily held first as a collation target. In step S125, it is determined whether there is a device control data table that matches the input connection state. If there is no device control data table that matches the input connection state (step S125: No), the input connection state edit flag is set in step S126. If there is a device control data table that matches the input connection state (step S125: Yes), the process proceeds to step S127. If there is a suitable device control data table, the table ID group is temporarily held in the RAM 64 or the like.

  In step S127, the CPU 62 collates the number of output connections. In this case, the reference frequency of the in-system DB 40 can be reduced by preferentially using the table ID group temporarily held first as a collation target. In step S128, it is determined whether there is a device control data table that matches the number of output connections. If there is no device control data table that matches the number of output connections (step S128: No), an output connection number edit flag is set in step S129. If there is a device control data table that matches the number of output connections (step S128: Yes), the process proceeds to step S130. If there is a suitable device control data table, the table ID group is temporarily held in the RAM 64 or the like.

  In step S130, the CPU 62 collates the output connection state. In this case, the reference frequency of the in-system DB 40 can be reduced by preferentially using the table ID group temporarily held first as a collation target. In step S131, it is determined whether there is a device control data table that matches the output connection state. If there is no device control data table that matches the output connection state (step S131: No), the output connection state edit flag is set in step S132. If there is a device control data table that matches the output connection state (step S131: Yes), the process proceeds to step S133. If there is a matching database table, the table ID (usually one) is temporarily stored.

  In the series of steps described above, if the data (connection number and connection state) of the connection results of each input / output port does not match the device control database, the CPU 62 specifies a flag (input connection number edit flag) indicating that fact. , Input connection state editing flag, output connection number editing flag, output connection state editing flag). For example, 1-byte data is divided into four for every two bits, and lower bits are set for each of four types of collation data: input connection number, input connection state, output connection number, and output connection state. Alternatively, a 1-byte variable may be assigned to each of the four items.

  The edit flag indicates a source code change item for program modification when any of the four items (see FIG. 14) to be collated in the device control data table does not match. For example, the program source code (which can be referred to by the file pointer shown in FIG. 4) that matches any of the items is extracted, the items that require reorganization are separately edited on a PC or the like, an executable file is created, and a new device is created. What is necessary is just to register with the apparatus control database with the source code edited as a control program. In addition, even if all items do not match, leave the code of the input / output part necessary for the sample of the assumed program source code to which all the input / output ports are connected, and delete the unnecessary part (unconnected) code do it.

  In step S133, the CPU 62 in-system DB 40 in which the collation items (number of input connections, input connection status, number of output connections, output connection status) are matched in the series of steps of the control program selection / extraction process described above (see FIG. 4). The storage pointer indicating the storage location of the control program execution format stored in the device control data table registered in the is acquired.

  In step S7 of FIG. 11, the CPU 62 refers to the previously acquired storage pointer in the control program execution format, extracts the control program body, and transmits it to the corresponding device controller.

  Therefore, the device control system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is detected by the device controller even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are not integrated, that is, even in a situation where they are separately supplied to the market. Since the control program for operating the device correctly can be extracted from the database and provided to the device controller according to the number or connection state of the device to be controlled, or the number or connection state of the sensor, a new store can be provided. The initial setting of each device by the operator can be facilitated when the device is started up or when the device configuration in the store is reorganized, etc., and the waste of human and time for setting the device is reduced. be able to.

  In addition, the device control system 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the case where the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately. Even if it exists, the effect that the initial setting of each apparatus by the person in charge of an apparatus is made easy is acquired.

(Other embodiments)
The device control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be further connected to an external network. In FIG. 15, the integrated controller 60 manages the operation status of each device in the store in an integrated manner via each device controller, and implements energy saving control for the entire store by coordinating between the devices. In this example, the integrated controller is connected to an external network such as the Internet.

  The integrated controller 60 is further connected to an external network 70, and can access an external database (external DB) 90 connected to the management controller 80 via the management controller 80. Further, the management controller 80 centrally manages the device control systems (1, 2, 3,...) Of each store via the external network 70, and the configuration of the device control system and the operating status of each device in all stores. In addition, all information related to the operation of each store can be collected. In this case, the management controller 80 is a master controller, and is connected so as to be able to communicate with each device controller via the integrated controller 60.

  The external DB 90 stores data equivalent to or better than the device control database shown in FIG. For example, while the DB 40 in the system stores only information on each store local, it is possible to hold data over all stores. That is, all kinds of control programs based on the configuration of all devices in the device control system of each store can be stored in the greatest common divisor. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, device control programs that could not be searched and verified in the store-in-system DB 40 of the device control system 1 are searched and verified at the level of all stores via the external network 70 and the management controller 80. Is possible.

  The management controller 80 has at least the same or more functions as the integrated controller, and can have the same configuration as the integrated controller. Therefore, the configuration of the management controller 80 can refer to the integrated controller 60 shown in FIG.

  When the control program search process is executed by the management controller 80 connected to the external network 70, the integrated controller 60 transfers the connection information sent from each device controller to the management controller 80, or the management controller 80. The control program extracted by the function is transferred to each device controller. Therefore, control program acquisition processing performed between the management controller 80 connected to the external network 70 and each device controller can be described by replacing the master controller in the flowchart of FIG. 11 with the management controller. In this case, an integrated controller 60 that bridges transmission and reception of various data between each device controller and the management controller 80 is interposed between the management controller and the device controller.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the acquisition process of the control program when the device control system 1 is connected to the external network is performed by the integrated controller 60 (or the management controller 80) in the same manner as in FIG. In response to this, a signal (referred to as an information collection command) for executing processing for detecting a sensor and a device connected to the device controller is transmitted (corresponding to step S1). Each device controller receives the information collection command (corresponding to step S2). Subsequently, each device controller executes a connection state detection process (corresponding to step S3). Each device controller transmits information regarding the number of sensors and devices detected by the connection state detection process to the integrated controller 60 as a connection result. The integrated controller 60 transmits to the management controller 80 via the external network 70 (corresponding to step S4).

  The management controller 80 receives the connection result (corresponding to step S5). Based on the received connection result, the management controller 80 searches the external DB 90 for a control program corresponding to the connection result (control program search process, corresponding to step S6).

  The search processing of the control program by the management controller 80 can be explained by the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

  The management controller 80 supplies the extracted control program to each device controller via the integrated controller 60 as a result of the search. Each device controller stores the received control program in the ROM 96 or the like. Then, in step S9, each device controller systematically controls each connected device using the RAM 97 as a work area based on this control program, and efficiently controls each device while following the command from the integrated controller 60. Execute correct driving action. Thereby, the apparatus control system 1 can implement | achieve comprehensive energy saving of the whole store.

  In addition, the device control system 1 shown in FIG. 15 acquires the device control program corresponding to the detected sensor and device connection result via the external network 70 when the system DB 40 cannot search, select, or extract the device control program. can do.

  That is, from the external DB 90 in which all types of control programs based on the configuration of all devices in the device control system of each store are stored via the management controller 80 in the store local system of the device control system 1 It becomes possible to acquire a device control program that could not be acquired by the DB 40.

  Thereby, when there is no in-system DB 40 or when sufficient data is not stored in the in-system DB 40, such as when the system is introduced at a new store, the work efficiency at the time of initial setting can be greatly improved.

  Therefore, the device control system 1 according to the present embodiment is detected and controlled by the device controller even when the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are not integrated, that is, even in a situation where they are separately supplied to the market. A control program for operating the device correctly can be extracted from the database according to the number or connection state of the target device or the number or connection state of the sensor and provided to the device controller. It is possible to facilitate the initial setting of each device by an operator when it is raised, or when the device configuration in the store is reorganized, etc., and it is possible to reduce human and time waste for setting the device. it can.

  In addition, the device control system 1 shown in FIG. 15 can obtain the control program corresponding to the detected sensor and device connection result from the external network when the system DB 40 does not have the control program. Thereby, more control programs can be prepared without receiving restrictions (for example, manufacturing cost etc.) in providing the device control system 1. This can also reduce adverse effects such as the failure to find a suitable control program, and improve the work efficiency when an operator initially sets each device.

  In addition, the device control system 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the case where the device controller and the device to be controlled by the device controller are provided separately. Even if it exists, the effect that the initial setting of each apparatus by an operator is made easy is acquired.

  The hardware configuration such as the device controller and the integrated controller described above can be realized as a program module. Therefore, the processing that is executed in the above-described device controller, integrated controller, or the like may be executed by any controller. Further, it may be executed by a general-purpose computer having functions of a device controller and an integrated controller.

It is a block diagram explaining the installation structure of the apparatus control system shown as embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the sensor of refrigeration equipment and an apparatus in the said apparatus control system. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the sensor and apparatus of an air-conditioning installation in the said apparatus control system. It is a figure which shows an example of the equipment control database stored in DB in a system in the said equipment control system. It is a block diagram explaining the apparatus controller in the said apparatus control system. It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of the communication format applicable to communication with the said apparatus controller and an integrated controller. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of a setting of apparatus controller ID at the time of using the DIP switch which has 8-bit data length. It is a schematic diagram explaining the input-output part of the said apparatus controller. It is a schematic diagram explaining the example of transmission data of the detection result of the input / output state of a device controller. It is a block diagram explaining the integrated controller in the said apparatus control system. It is a flowchart explaining the acquisition process of the control program performed by the integrated controller and apparatus controller of the said apparatus control system. It is a flowchart explaining the connection state detection process of step S3 shown in FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a received data analysis process that is performed as a pre-process of the process of searching the in-system DB in step S6 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the control program selection / extraction process of step S6 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the installation structure of the apparatus control system shown as embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Equipment control system, 10 ... Refrigeration equipment, 19a, 19b, 19c ... Equipment controller, 20 ... Air conditioning equipment, 30 ... Lighting equipment, 40 ... In-system database, 51-54 ... Bus, 60 ... Integrated controller

Claims (9)

A plurality of devices having a device control unit that controls each of the devices to be operated by setting a control program according to the configuration of the sensors and the devices in the store. A controller, an integrated controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation with each other, and an internal database that stores a plurality of the control programs,
The integrated controller and the device controller are connected so as to communicate with each other.
The integrated controller is connected to the internal database in an accessible manner;
In the device control unit, a connection detection program for detecting the configuration of the sensor and the device connected to the device controller as a connection result is set,
The device controller is
A connection result transmission unit that transmits the connection result obtained by the connection detection program in the device control unit to the integrated controller;
A control program receiver for receiving the control program from the integrated controller;
A control program setting unit that sets the received control program to the device control unit instead of the connection detection program;
The integrated controller is
A connection result receiving unit for receiving the connection result from the device controller;
An internal database search unit that searches the internal database for the control program corresponding to the connection result received by the connection result receiving unit;
A device control system, comprising: a control program transmission unit that transmits the control program searched by the internal database search unit to the device controller. A plurality of devices having a device control unit that controls each of the devices to be operated by setting a control program according to the configuration of the sensors and the devices in the store. A controller, an integrated controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation with each other, a management controller that manages the store, and an external database that stores a plurality of the control programs,
The integrated controller and the device controller are connected so as to communicate with each other.
The integrated controller and the management controller are communicably connected to each other via a network.
The management controller is connected to be accessible to the external database,
In the device control unit, a connection detection program for detecting the configuration of the sensor and the device connected to the device controller as a connection result is set in the device control unit,
The device controller is
A device controller side connection result transmission unit for transmitting the connection result obtained by the connection detection program in the device control unit to the integrated controller;
A device controller-side control program receiver that receives the control program from the integrated controller;
A control program setting unit that sets the received control program to the device control unit instead of the connection detection program;
The integrated controller is
An integrated controller side connection result receiving unit for receiving the connection result from the device controller;
An integrated controller side control program transmission unit for transmitting the control program to the device controller;
An integrated controller side connection result transmission unit for transmitting the connection result to the management controller;
An integrated controller side control program receiving unit that receives the control program from the management controller;
The management controller is
A management controller side connection result receiving unit for receiving the connection result from the integrated controller;
An external database search unit that searches the external database for the control program corresponding to the received connection result;
A device control system comprising: a management controller-side control program transmission unit that transmits the control program retrieved by the external database retrieval unit to the integrated controller.   The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor and the device are sensors and devices constituting a refrigeration device including a refrigeration or refrigeration facility and an air conditioning facility. A device controller to which a sensor and a plurality of devices are connected and controls the operation of each of the plurality of devices,
Connected to a master controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation with each other;
A number corresponding to the number of sensors is provided, and a sensor connection part to which the sensors are connected;
A number corresponding to the number of devices is provided, and a device connection unit to which the devices are connected,
A device control unit in which a connection detection program that detects the configuration of the sensor and the device connected to the device controller as a connection result; and
A connection result transmission unit that transmits a connection result obtained by the connection detection program to the master controller;
A control program receiving unit for receiving a control program according to the connection result from the master controller;
A control program setting unit that sets the received control program to the device control unit instead of the connection detection program;
The device controller, wherein the device controller performs control to operate each of the devices based on the set control program. Sensors and devices are connected in the store, and connected to a plurality of device controllers that perform control to operate each of the devices based on a control program, and the devices operate in cooperation with each other. A master controller that controls
A plurality of the control programs are connected so as to be accessible to a database,
A connection result receiving unit for receiving a connection result representing a configuration of the sensor and the device connected to the device controller from the device controller;
A database search unit that searches the database for the control program corresponding to the connection result received by the connection result receiving unit;
A control program transmission unit that transmits the control program searched in the database search unit to the device controller that is a transmission source of the connection result. A device controller, to which a plurality of sensors and a plurality of devices are connected, is connected to a master controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation with each other, and is controlled by a computer to operate the devices. ,
Detecting the number or type of connected sensors;
Detecting the number or type of connected devices;
Transmitting a connection result of the detected sensor and the detected device to the master controller;
Obtaining a control program for controlling the operation of the device according to the connection result from the master controller;
A program for executing the step of setting the acquired control program. A plurality of sensors and a plurality of devices are connected, and connected to a plurality of device controllers that perform control to operate each of the devices based on a control program corresponding to the configuration of the sensors and the devices. Connected to a database storing the control program used to operate each of the devices connected to the device controller, and to a master controller controlled by a computer,
Requesting the device controller to connect the sensor connected to the device controller and the device; and
Receiving the connection result;
Extracting the control program corresponding to the connection result from the database;
Transmitting the extracted control program to the device controller. A plurality of devices having a device control unit that controls each of the devices to be operated by setting a control program according to the configuration of the sensors and the devices in the store. A controller, an integrated controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation with each other, and an internal database that stores a plurality of the control programs. The integrated controller and the device controller can communicate with each other. The integrated controller is connected so as to be accessible to the internal database, and the device control unit detects the configuration of the sensor and the device connected to the device controller as a connection result. A device control system control method in which a connection detection program is set,
Transmitting the connection result obtained by the connection detection program in the device control unit to the integrated controller;
Receiving the connection result from the device controller in the integrated controller;
Retrieving the control program corresponding to the received connection result from the internal database;
Transmitting the retrieved control program to the device controller;
Receiving the control program from the integrated controller at the device controller;
A control method for a device control system, comprising: setting the received control program to the device control unit instead of the connection detection program. A plurality of devices having a device control unit that controls each of the devices to be operated by setting a control program according to the configuration of the sensors and the devices in the store. A controller, an integrated controller that controls the devices to operate in cooperation, a management controller that manages the store, and an external database that stores a plurality of the control programs, the integrated controller and the devices The controller is connected to be able to communicate with each other, the integrated controller and the management controller are connected to be able to communicate with each other via a network, and the management controller can access the external database. Connected to the device controller, connected to the device controller. A the sensor and the control method of the connection detecting program the device control system set in the device control unit that detects a connection result the structure of the apparatus,
Transmitting the connection result obtained by the connection detection program to the integrated controller;
Receiving the connection result from the device controller in the integrated controller;
Transmitting the connection result from the integrated controller to the management controller;
Receiving the connection result from the integrated controller at the management controller;
Retrieving the control program corresponding to the connection result received from the integrated controller from the external database;
Sending the retrieved control program to the integrated controller;
Receiving the control program from the management controller at the integrated controller;
Transmitting the control program from the integrated controller to the device controller;
Receiving the control program from the integrated controller at the device controller;
A control method for a device control system, comprising: setting the received control program to the device control unit instead of the connection detection program.

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