JPH0921526A - Combustion controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate rewriting of a control program and hence demonstrate the advantage of a flash memory by arranging and storing a module for each function of the control program so as not to stride across a boundary between erase blocks of the flash memory. SOLUTION: A flash memory of a combustion controller is electrically rewritable and erasable of stored contents for each block, and stores a control program. The flash memory has the capacity of each block of 512 bytes. Each module is arranged not to stride across a boundary between blocks. In the block 1 there are stored modules (a), (b) with the capacity of 200 bytes, and a module (c) with the capacity of 100 bytes with a blank space of residual 12 bytes. Since the boundary between the blocks are not strid, there are divided into two modules one having one function in all, the module h1 being stored in the block 3 and the module h2 stored in the next block 4.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combustion control device in which a combustion control program is arranged on a rewritable non-volatile memory, and more specifically to a non-volatile memory capable of rewriting individual modules of the combustion control program. The present invention relates to a combustion control device which is arranged so as not to cross the boundary of erase blocks and facilitates program modification.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Examples of conventional combustion control devices include those described in JP-A-3-20518 and JP-A-3-195818. These are EEP
By utilizing the non-volatile rewritable memory such as ROM and saving the operational setting data of the combustion control device in this, it is intended to cope with an unexpected situation such as a power failure. A control program for controlling is also stored in a rewritable memory such as an EEPROM.

[0003]

However, in the combustion control device, there are cases where various types of models having different functions and specifications are developed, and a part of the control program is changed and used depending on the model. In addition, if a deficiency (bug) in program creation is found in the control program, it may be necessary to replace it with a countermeasure program. However, the use of the rewritable memory in the combustion control device of the above-mentioned publication is for storing the operational setting data, and is not for the purpose of rewriting the control program.
Therefore, although it is possible to rewrite the control program stored in the rewritable memory with this combustion control device, there are the following problems.

That is, among rewritable memories, a so-called flash memory (flash EEPROM) is used to erase the stored contents entirely or in blocks (about several tens of bytes to several tens of kilobytes). Since the device simply stores the module for each function of the control program from the end, depending on the module, the module may cross the boundary between blocks as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 5, the modules d, g, h, and k are recorded in the form of straddling two blocks.

Therefore, for example, when the modules d and h are to be changed for a new model, the module d spans blocks 1 and 2, and the module h spans blocks 3 and 4. The blocks 1 to 5 must be rewritten even though there are only two. The reason why the block 5 is rewritten is that the number of bytes of the modules d and h often increases due to the change, and in that case, the module k has to be moved backward.

Therefore, even in the case of a slight program change, a considerable number of blocks must actually be rewritten, and for rewriting, an erasing time of about 1 to 2 seconds and writing of about 0.1 second per block are required. Since it takes time, the rewriting time becomes long. This is the same when debugging some modules, and the advantage of using the flash memory cannot be fully utilized.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a module for each function of a control program from straddling a boundary between erase blocks of a flash memory. It is an object of the present invention to provide a combustion control device in which the control program can be easily rewritten and the advantages of the flash memory can be sufficiently exhibited by arranging and storing the combustion control device.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) To achieve this object, the present invention has a program memory in which a control program is stored, receives a signal from a sensor of a combustion appliance, calculates the control program, and outputs a drive signal to an actuator of the combustion appliance. In a combustion control device for outputting, at least a part of the program memory is composed of a flash memory capable of erasing stored contents for each block, and a part of the control program stored in the flash memory is equal to or smaller than a size of the block. The gist of the present invention is that the modules are divided into modules each having a size of, and more than half of each module is arranged in any one of the blocks.

That is, according to the present invention, the control program is subdivided into modules (divided for each normal function), the modules are stored so as not to cross the boundaries of the blocks of the flash memory, and one module is changed. To do this, only one block needs to be rewritten.
Here, "more than half" means that depending on the module, it will continue to be used from the previous model and has high reliability, and since it will carry the basic function in terms of functionality, there is practically no need for modification or debugging. This is because some modules do not exist, and such modules may be stored across the boundaries of blocks.

Needless to say, the gist of the present invention is more thorough if such a module is arranged in any one block like other modules. Therefore, it is more preferable to place 70% or more of each module in any one of the blocks, and even more preferably place 90% or more of each module in any one of the blocks. Good. Most preferred is to place all modules within any one of the blocks.

According to the present invention having such a configuration, when a signal is input from the sensor of the combustion appliance to the combustion control device, the control program stored in the program memory calculates the signal according to the input signal. Combustion control is performed by outputting a command signal to the actuator. Here, when changing the module of the control program stored in the flash memory and arranged in any one of the blocks, it is sufficient to rewrite only that block of the flash memory.

(2) Further, the present invention is a combustion control device in which the above (1) is mounted on a substrate, and a rewriting terminal for connecting a writing device for writing a module to the flash memory for each block is provided. The main point is that the substrate is provided. According to this structure, when mounted on a substrate, the writing device is connected to the rewriting terminal on the substrate, and the writing device can rewrite each block of the flash memory to change the module.

(3) The present invention also provides the combustion control device according to (1) or (2), further including a remote control device for the combustion appliance, wherein the remote control device includes a module stored in the flash memory. The gist of the present invention is to have a rewriting means for rewriting each block. According to this configuration, even after the combustion control device is incorporated in the combustion appliance, it is possible to rewrite each block of the flash memory by using the rewriting means of the remote control device of the combustion appliance to change the module. Here, if another device having the same interface as the remote control device is provided with the rewriting means, it can be rewritten by that device.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, how the present invention will be concretely carried out will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the combustion control device 30 has a central processing unit (CPU) 14 as a center and a bus 1
The flash memory 11, the RAM 16, the input circuit 17, and the output circuit 18 are connected via 5 to control the combustion appliance 20. The flash memory 11 is a rewritable read memory that stores various control programs and set numerical values for combustion control performed by the combustion control device 30. The RAM 16 is a memory that can be written and read at any time to temporarily store the calculation data in the CPU 14. The input circuit 17 is a circuit that converts an input signal from the sensor group 21 of the combustion appliance 20 into a form that can be processed by the CPU 14. The output circuit 18 outputs the control signal calculated by the CPU 14 to the actuator group 22 of the combustion appliance 20.
It is a circuit that outputs after converting into a form that can drive.

The combustion appliance 20 controlled by the combustion control device 30 burns gas fuel and heats cold water by the heat of combustion to supply hot water. For this purpose, a gas supply system, a water supply system, and a gas burner are provided. , A fan, heat exchanger, etc.

The combustion device 20 is provided with various sensors (sensor group 21) for detecting the combustion state and the state of hot water and monitoring the combustion control device 30. The sensors included in the sensor group 21 include a water flow switch provided in the water supply system, a flow rate sensor, an incoming water temperature sensor, a hot water temperature sensor provided in the heat exchanger, a frame sensor provided in the gas burner, and the like. Burning appliance 2
0 is also provided with various actuators (actuator group 22) that are driven by a command signal from the combustion control device 30 to change the combustion state and the like. As the actuators included in the actuator group 22, there are a shutoff valve, a proportional valve, a blower fan drive motor, and the like provided in the gas supply system.

Flash memory 11 of combustion control device 30
Will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The flash memory 11 is electrically rewritable, erasing the stored contents for each block, and stores a control program. The common control unit of the flash memory 11 stores a common control program relating to common functions that are commonly used regardless of the model of the combustion appliance 20. And, in the parts other than the common control part, the burner 2
Individual control programs related to individual functions that differ depending on the 0 model are divided into modules for each function and stored. In addition, recording of set values (target hot water temperature, etc.) for combustion control is also performed here. Instead of providing the common control unit, a read-only mask ROM may be provided in addition to the flash memory 11 to store the common control program.

The storage of the module in the flash memory 11 is performed electrically after the combustion control device 30 is mounted on the substrate, and the function is peculiar to the model of the combustion appliance 20 using the combustion control device 30. The module according to is stored. Therefore, the flash memory 11 can store a common program, can store the maximum one of the necessary modules for each model, and can have a work area for the set value. The capacity to store the module is not required. Also,
The flash memory 11 is the same in manufacturing, and it is not necessary to create a circuit pattern for each model.

Since the flash memory 11 is provided with a block which is a unit for erasing the stored contents, the relationship between this block and the module will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the flash memory 11, each block has a capacity of 512 bytes. And each module is arrange | positioned in any one block so that the boundary of a block may not be straddled.

For example, the block 1 stores a module a having a capacity of 200 bytes, a module b having a capacity of 200 bytes, and a module c having a capacity of 100 bytes, and the remaining 12 bytes are a blank space. Similarly, two or three modules are stored in the block 2 and the following blocks, and some margins are left. Here, the module h ₁ of the block 3 and the module h _{2 of the} block 4 are 1 in total.
It has one function and should be one module originally, but since the block 3 already contains a module g of 300 bytes, it is divided into two modules because it does not cross the boundary of the block, Module h ₁
In the block 3 and the module h ₂ in the next block 4.

Next, the operation of the combustion control device 30 will be described. The combustion control device 30 includes a sensor group 21 of the combustion appliance 20.
A detection signal relating to the flow rate of the water flow, the incoming water temperature, and the like is input from the actuator, and the actuator group 22 of the combustion instrument 20 is driven accordingly to control the combustion instrument 20.

The detection signals of the sensor group 21 are input to the input circuit 17
Is converted into a form that can be processed by the CPU 14 by the RAM 1
6 is recorded. In the combustion control device 30, the CPU
14 uses a control program stored in the flash memory 11 to calculate a control signal for appropriately operating the actuator group 22 of the combustion appliance 20 based on the detection signal recorded in the RAM 16. At that time, if the set numerical value is recorded in the flash memory 11, it is also incorporated in the calculation. The calculation result is temporarily recorded in the RAM 16, and the output circuit 18 causes the actuator group 2 of the combustion instrument 20 to be recorded.
It is converted into a form capable of driving 2 and output.

Thus, the combustion device 20 is controlled to a desired combustion state. Specifically, the opening degree of the proportional valve of the gas supply system, the rotation speed of the drive motor of the blower fan, and the like are controlled so that the desired hot water temperature can be obtained while maintaining good combustion.

In the combustion control device 30, the control program is stored in the flash memory 11, so that the control program can be rewritten. Such a need arises when a new-model burning appliance 20 is put out,
This is a case where a defect (bug) in the program is found in the control program after the product is commercialized and replaced with a countermeasure program. It is only necessary to rewrite the individual control program related to the individual function that differs depending on the model among the control programs. A common program that does not depend on the model is
This is because it has been used from previous models and has many achievements, and defects in the program have already been removed, and it also has basic functions in terms of functions and does not need to be changed depending on the model.

Since the individual control program that may need to be rewritten is divided into modules for each function and stored in the flash memory 11 so as not to cross the boundary between blocks, the modules that need to be rewritten are Only the blocks that contain it need be rewritten. For example, when the modules d and h ₂ are to be changed in the module arrangement of FIG. 2, since the module d is arranged in the block 2 and the module h ₂ is arranged in the block 4, It is enough to rewrite 2 blocks. Also,
Due to this module placement method, there is inevitably some margin left in each block, so even if the number of bytes of the changed module is larger than before the change,
If it is within the margin, it is only necessary to rewrite the block and it does not affect subsequent blocks.

In the prior art, the number of blocks to be rewritten in this case was 5, so the time required for one unit can be reduced by (1
~ 2 seconds (erasing time) + 0.1 seconds (writing time)) x
(5-2) takes about 3 to 6 seconds. With 500 units per day, the time can be reduced from 30 minutes to 1 hour per day.

The combustion control device 30 is mounted on a substrate and incorporated in the combustion device 20 for use. Therefore, this mounting state will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, a rewriting terminal 25 is provided on the substrate 23 (not shown, on which elements such as the CPU 14 other than the flash memory 11 are also mounted) on which the combustion control device 30 is mounted. The switching circuit 27 is provided in the middle of the wiring between the flash memory 11 and the switching circuit 2.
A remote control 28 of the combustion appliance 20 is connected to the device 7.
The rewriting terminal 25 connects the attachment terminal 26 of the program writing device 24. The switching circuit 27 switches the connection destination from the flash memory 11 to either the rewriting terminal 25 or the remote controller 28.

The program writing device 24 reads a rewriting program, that is, a rewriting module, transmits it to the flash memory 11, and writes it. The rewriting program is supplied to the program writing device 24 in a state of being recorded on a magnetic disk, a magnetic card, a magnetic tape, a CDROM, a master flash memory or the like. The remote controller 28 is intended to be used by the user to input an operation command and various settings to the combustion appliance 20, but the remote controller 28 here sends a program to the flash memory 11. Rewriting device 2
9 are provided. The program is supplied to the rewriting device 29 by a magnetic disk, a magnetic card, a magnetic tape, a CDROM, a master flash memory, or the like, as in the case of the program writing device 24.

Writing of a program by the program writing device 24 will be described. The program writing device 24 is used when the combustion control device 30 is mounted on the substrate 23. The combustion control device 30 is mounted on the substrate 23 by mounting components (flash memory 11, CPU 14, etc.) on the substrate 23 created as shown in FIG. The procedure is to check the connection status (in-circuit test) and then perform a functional test as a board.

After completion of this in-circuit test, the substrate 2
The rewriting terminal 25 of No. 3 is connected to the mounting terminal 26 of the program writing device 24 to write the module. At this time, it goes without saying that the switching circuit 27 is placed on the rewriting terminal 25 side. Then, the function related to the module can be tested in the next function test, and the function can be confirmed before shipping. Writing a program by such a method is often used to support a new model. That is, in the new model, the program is changed by the program writing device 24 for the module changed from the old model.

Next, writing of a program by the remote controller 28 will be described. The writing of the program by the remote controller 28 is performed when it becomes necessary to rewrite the program after the board 23 is installed in the combustion appliance 20 and installed at the place of use. That is, this is a case where a defect (bug) of a program is discovered and a module including the defect is replaced with a countermeasure module. In this case, the switching circuit 27 is set to the remote controller 28 side, and the rewriting program recorded on the magnetic disk or the like is sent to the flash memory 11 by the rewriting device 29 to be rewritten. After that, a test operation of the combustion appliance 20 is performed to confirm safety.

It should be noted that, instead of providing the remote controller 28 with the rewriting device 29 in all of the combustion appliances 20 actually installed, a remote controller without the rewriting device 29 (the interface is the same) must be provided to rewrite the program. When it occurs, the maintenance personnel may bring the remote controller 28 with the rewriting device 29 to the installation location together with the magnetic disk or the master flash memory, replace it with the remote controller, and write the program.

As described above in detail, in the combustion control device 30 according to the present embodiment, among the control programs for the combustion appliance 20, at least an individual program unique to each model of the combustion appliance 20 is stored in the flash memory 11. Therefore, it is not necessary to store an individual program that is used only in another model and is not used in the model, and the capacity for it is not necessary, and the required memory capacity can be minimized.
Further, since the flash memory 11 is the same in terms of chip manufacture, it is not necessary to create a circuit pattern for each model. Further, since the individual program may be written after mounting on the board, the period from the specification of the individual program to the shipment of the product can be short.

When the individual program is changed to correspond to the new function of the new model, the flash memory 1
Since only the block including the module that needs to be changed out of 1 need be rewritten, rewriting is easy and the required time is short. Here, even if the capacity of the module is increased, it is only necessary to rewrite the block if it is within the blank capacity of the block. Also, even if a defect (bug) in program creation is discovered in an individual program after product commercialization and it is replaced with a countermeasure program, only the block including the module related to the countermeasure program needs to be rewritten, so rewriting is easy and the time required is short. I'm done. Further, if the new function is only the rewriting of the individual program, it can be added to the existing burner 20. For this reason, it is easy to deal with the model development of the combustion appliance 20.

Further, since the program can be changed by the program writing device 24 when the combustion control device 30 is mounted on the substrate 23, it is possible to confirm the operation in a function test performed as a routine before shipment. Also,
Since the program can be changed by the remote controller 28 after the combustion appliance 20 is installed, the countermeasure program can be replaced with the appliance installed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, a one-chip microcomputer in which elements such as the flash memory 11 and the CPU 14 of the combustion control device 30 are built in one semiconductor chip may be used. Also,
Although the burner 20 is a water heater, it may be another burner such as a heater.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, the control program can be rewritten by arranging and storing the modules for each function of the control program so as not to cross the boundaries of the erase blocks of the flash memory. At this time, it is possible to rewrite in a short time by eliminating the need to rewrite unnecessary blocks. As a result, the advantages of the flash memory are fully exerted, and it is possible to easily develop a model, take countermeasures against bugs, add functions, etc., and provide a combustion control device with a short period from specification determination to product shipment.

Further, there is provided a combustion control device in which a control program can be changed by using a rewriting terminal at the time of mounting on a board and an operation can be confirmed before shipping. Further, there is provided a combustion control device capable of changing a control program by using a remote control device for a combustion instrument even after the instrument is installed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a combustion control device together with a combustion instrument.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program memory of the combustion control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for mounting the combustion control device on a substrate.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing connection of a program writing device to a substrate of a combustion control device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program memory of a conventional combustion control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Flash Memory 23 Substrate 24 Program Writing Device 25 Rewriting Terminal 28 Remote Control Device 30 Combustion Control Device

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A combustion control device having a program memory storing a control program, which receives a signal from a sensor of a combustion instrument and calculates the control program to output a drive signal to an actuator of the combustion instrument. At least a part of the program memory is composed of a non-volatile memory capable of erasing the stored contents for each block, and a part of the control program stored in the non-volatile memory is divided into a size equal to or smaller than the size of the block. A combustion control device comprising modules, wherein more than half of the modules are arranged in any one of the blocks. 2. A combustion control device comprising the substrate according to claim 1 mounted on a substrate, wherein the substrate is provided with a rewrite terminal for connecting a writing device for writing a module to the nonvolatile memory for each block. Combustion control device characterized by. 3. The remote control device for the combustion appliance, wherein the remote control device further comprises rewriting means for rewriting the module stored in the flash memory for each block. Combustion control device.