Circuit board, circuit board replacement system, and circuit board replacement method

Abstract

According to the present embodiment, a circuit board for device control is provided with: a processing unit configured to be able to perform various types of processing; a storage unit configured to be able to store various types of data; a power supply line for power supply to the processing unit and the storage unit; a signal line for signal transmission between the processing unit and the storage unit; a disconnection unit that makes it possible to disconnect at least one of the signal line and the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the storage unit; and a connection unit that makes it possible to connect, to the outside, at least one of the portion of the power supply line that is on the storage unit side of the disconnection unit and the portion of the signal line that is on the storage unit side of the disconnection unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a circuit board for controlling equipment mounted on equipment such as a refrigeration cycle device such as an air conditioner, a circuit board replacement system for replacing the circuit board for controlling equipment, and a circuit board replacement method for replacing the circuit board for controlling equipment, and in particular to a control circuit board equipped with a memory that stores various settings. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for easily transferring function settings when replacing an apparatus. According to Patent Document 1, the indoor unit transmits setting information related to various functions of the indoor unit stored in nonvolatile memory to the remote control. The remote control stores the received setting information in nonvolatile memory mounted on the circuit board. The worker cuts off the power supply to the indoor unit and replaces the indoor unit. After the replacement, when the indoor unit is powered on, the indoor unit determines whether its setting information is registered in the nonvolatile memory. If its setting information is not registered in the nonvolatile memory, the indoor unit obtains the setting information of the indoor unit stored in the nonvolatile memory of the remote control and registers it in its own nonvolatile memory.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an air conditioner equipped with an air conditioning control unit, a data read / write unit, a data control unit, and an operation unit. According to Patent Document 2, the air conditioning control unit controls air conditioning operation based on operation information and operation setting information. The data read / write unit has a removable storage medium, and is capable of writing operation information and operation setting information sent from the air conditioning control unit to the storage medium during air conditioning operation, and is capable of reading operation information and operation setting information stored in the storage medium before operation was stopped when air conditioning operation is restarted. The data control unit passes the operation information and operation setting information sent from the air conditioning control unit to the data read / write unit, causing it to write the information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the data control unit passes the operation information and operation setting information read from the storage medium by the data read / write unit to the air conditioning control unit. The operation unit is capable of inputting operation setting information for operating the air conditioning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2008 / 065923 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-234763 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to Patent Document 1, indoor unit data before replacing the indoor unit is stored in the remote control, and if the data is not available in the indoor unit after replacing the indoor unit, the data can be obtained from the remote control. However, to realize this function, the remote control and the indoor unit must be equipped with special configurations to realize this data transfer function, and different configurations must be provided for the remote control and the indoor unit. Furthermore, if the indoor unit's circuit board itself, such as the CPU on the circuit board, the CPU's peripheral circuits, or the power circuit that supplies power to the CPU, etc., breaks down, the indoor unit's data cannot be sent to the remote control, and ultimately data transfer cannot be achieved.

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a technical solution using a removable storage medium, but in this case, the storage medium attached to the circuit board on which the control unit is mounted must be removable. Because soldering the storage medium makes it difficult to remove, a component such as a socket for attaching and detaching the storage medium to the circuit board is required, increasing the number of components. Furthermore, storage media such as general non-volatile memory are essentially very small memory chips, approximately 1 cm square, which can be damaged when removing or attaching them to the circuit board.

[0007] Therefore, we provide a circuit board, a circuit board replacement system, and a circuit board replacement method that have the same configuration before and after replacement and can safely and quickly transfer data between new and old boards when transferring data from a non-volatile memory. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The circuit board of this embodiment is a circuit board for controlling equipment, and includes a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes, a memory unit configured to be able to store various types of data, a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the memory unit, a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the memory unit, a portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit, a cutting unit that allows the signal line to be disconnected, and a connection unit that allows the portion of the power supply line closer to the memory unit than the cutting unit and the portion of the signal line closer to the memory unit than the cutting unit to be connected to the outside. Alternatively, the circuit board according to this embodiment is a circuit board for controlling equipment, and includes a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes, a memory unit configured to be able to store various data, a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the memory unit, a disconnecting unit that enables the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit to be disconnected, and a connecting unit that enables the portion of the power supply line that is closer to the memory unit than the disconnecting unit to be connected to the outside. Alternatively, the circuit board of this embodiment is a circuit board for controlling equipment, and includes a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes, a memory unit configured to be able to store various data, a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the memory unit, a cutting unit that allows the signal line to be disconnected, and a connection unit that allows the part of the signal line that is closer to the memory unit than the cutting unit to be connected to the outside.

[0009] The circuit board replacement system of this embodiment is a system for replacing a circuit board for controlling equipment, in which the circuit board comprises a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes, a memory unit configured to be able to store various data, a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the memory unit, a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the memory unit, a portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit, a disconnecting unit that enables the signal line to be disconnected, and a connection unit that enables the portion of the power supply line that is closer to the memory unit than the disconnecting unit and the portion of the signal line that is closer to the memory unit than the disconnecting unit to be connected to an external device, and in a state in which the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit and the signal line are disconnected by the disconnecting unit on the board before replacement, the memory unit of the board before replacement is connected to the processing unit of the board after replacement via the connection unit of the board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing unit of the board after replacement executes a data transfer process that reads data stored in the memory unit of the board before replacement via the connection unit of the board before replacement and stores it in the memory unit of the board after replacement. Alternatively, the circuit board replacement system of this embodiment is a system for replacing a circuit board for controlling equipment, wherein the board comprises a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes, a memory unit configured to be able to store various data, a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the memory unit, a disconnecting unit that can disconnect the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit, and a connecting unit that can connect the portion of the power supply line that is closer to the memory unit than the disconnecting unit to an external device, and when the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit is disconnected by the disconnecting unit in the board before replacement, the memory unit of the board before replacement is connected to the processing unit of the board after replacement via the connecting unit of the board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing unit of the board after replacement executes a data transfer process that reads data stored in the memory unit of the board before replacement via the connecting unit of the board before replacement and stores it in the memory unit of the board after replacement. Alternatively, the circuit board replacement system of this embodiment is a system for replacing a circuit board for controlling equipment, wherein the board comprises a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes, a memory unit configured to be able to store various data, a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the memory unit, a disconnecting unit that enables the signal line to be disconnected, and a connecting unit that enables the portion of the signal line that is closer to the memory unit than the disconnecting unit to be connected to the outside, and when the signal line is disconnected by the disconnecting unit on the board before replacement, the memory unit of the board before replacement is connected to the processing unit of the board after replacement via the connecting unit of the board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing unit of the board after replacement executes a data transfer process that reads data stored in the memory unit of the board before replacement via the connecting unit of the board before replacement and stores it in the memory unit of the board after replacement.

[0010] The circuit board replacement method of this embodiment is a method for replacing a circuit board for controlling equipment, wherein the circuit board comprises a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes, a memory unit configured to be able to store various data, a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the memory unit, a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the memory unit, a portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit, a disconnecting unit that enables the signal line to be disconnected, and a connection unit that enables the portion of the power supply line that is closer to the memory unit than the disconnecting unit and the portion of the signal line that is closer to the memory unit than the disconnecting unit to be connected to an external device, and the method connects the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit and the signal line to the processing unit of the replaced board via the connection unit of the replaced board in a state where the disconnecting unit is used to disconnect the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit and the signal line, and connects the memory unit of the replaced board to the processing unit of the replaced board via the connection unit of the replaced board in this connected state, and executes a data transfer process in which the processing unit of the replaced board reads data stored in the memory unit of the replaced board via the connection unit of the replaced board and stores it in the memory unit of the replaced board. Alternatively, the circuit board replacement method of this embodiment is a method for replacing a circuit board for controlling equipment, wherein the board comprises a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes, a memory unit configured to be able to store various data, a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the memory unit, a disconnecting unit that can disconnect the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit, and a connecting unit that can connect the portion of the power supply line that is closer to the memory unit than the disconnecting unit to an external device, and while the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit is disconnected by the disconnecting unit in the board before replacement, the memory unit of the board before replacement is connected to the processing unit of the board after replacement via the connecting unit of the board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing unit of the board after replacement executes a data transfer process in which data stored in the memory unit of the board before replacement is read via the connecting unit of the board before replacement and stored in the memory unit of the board after replacement. Alternatively, the circuit board replacement method of this embodiment is a method for replacing a circuit board for controlling equipment, wherein the board comprises a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes, a memory unit configured to be able to store various data, a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the memory unit, a disconnecting unit that can disconnect the signal line, and a connecting unit that can connect the portion of the signal line that is closer to the memory unit than the disconnecting unit to an external device, and with the signal line disconnected by the disconnecting unit in the board before replacement, the memory unit of the board before replacement is connected to the processing unit of the board after replacement via the connecting unit of the board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing unit of the board after replacement executes a data transfer process in which data stored in the memory unit of the board before replacement is read via the connecting unit of the board before replacement and stored in the memory unit of the board after replacement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a circuit board according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of a connecting line portion in a circuit board according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a circuit board replacement system according to a first embodiment is constructed; [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a circuit board replacement method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a circuit board replacement method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a circuit board according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a circuit board replacement system according to a third embodiment is constructed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a circuit board according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a circuit board replacement system according to a fourth embodiment is constructed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, several embodiments of a circuit board for device control, such as a circuit board mounted in an air conditioner, will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, several embodiments of a circuit board replacement system and a circuit board replacement method for replacing the circuit board will be described with reference to the drawings. Elements that are essentially the same in the several embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0013] (First embodiment) As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a circuit board 1 according to the present disclosure is mounted on, for example, an outdoor unit 101 that constitutes an air conditioner 100. Hereinafter, the circuit board 1 may be simply referred to as the board 1. The board 1 is a control circuit board that controls the overall operation of the outdoor unit 101 and the entire air conditioner 100. The outdoor unit 101 constitutes the air conditioner 100 together with an indoor unit 102. The outdoor unit 101 is connected to a commercial AC power source AC, and receives power necessary for operation from this commercial AC power source AC. Hereinafter, the commercial AC power source AC will also be referred to as the AC power source AC. The indoor unit 102 is similarly connected to the AC power source AC via a power line PL from the outdoor unit 101. The indoor unit 102 is also mounted with a control circuit board 1′ that operates in conjunction with the circuit board 1 of the outdoor unit 101. The circuit board 1 of the outdoor unit 101 is connected to a control circuit board 1' of the indoor unit 102 by a communication line CL, and controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 100 while exchanging information with each other.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the circuit board 1 includes a CPU 2 (Central Processing Unit), a non-volatile memory 3, a basic connector 4, a special connector 5, a connecting line section 6, and a power supply circuit 8. Each component on the circuit board 1 is fixed to a printed circuit board, for example, by soldering or the like, so as to be electrically connected. The CPU 2 constitutes a processing section in combination with a ROM, RAM, and their peripheral circuits, etc., not shown. The CPU 2 is configured to be able to execute various processes related to the operation of the outdoor unit 101 and the indoor unit 102, etc., based on a control program and various setting data, etc., stored in the ROM. The CPU 2 is also able to execute data transfer processes, which will be described in detail later.

[0015] The nonvolatile memory 3 is an example of a storage unit made of semiconductors, and is configured to be able to store various types of data. Control programs for executing normal operation processes and some control data are stored in a ROM connected to the CPU 2. The nonvolatile memory 3 stores setting information related to various functions of the outdoor unit 101 and the air conditioner 100. The stored information not only includes default information at the time of shipment of the outdoor unit 101, but also saves setting contents added or changed by an installer or service technician after installation of the air conditioner 100 in accordance with the installation status and user requests.

[0016] The basic connector 4 is configured to be connectable to the outside. The basic connector 4 is a standard connector with six terminals soldered to this type of board 1 for, for example, inputting data from outside the board 1. The special connector 5 is a standard six-terminal connector soldered to the board 1 like the basic connector 4, and is configured to be connectable to the outside. The special connector 5 is an example of a connecting part, and is a connector specially provided separately from the basic connector 4 in order to realize the board replacement method according to the present disclosure. It is desirable to use the same parts for the basic connector 4 and the special connector 5 in order to reduce the number of types of parts.

[0017] The connecting wire section 6 electrically connects or couples the nonvolatile memory 3 and the special connector 5 to the CPU 2. A disconnecting section 7 is provided midway along the connecting wire section 6. The nonvolatile memory 3 and the special connector 5 are connected to the CPU 2 by a plurality of connecting wires that make up the connecting wire section 6. Meanwhile, the basic connector 4 is connected to the CPU 2 by a group of connecting wires 44 that are not electrically connected to any of the connecting wires that make up the connecting wire section 6. Here, the connecting wires that make up the connecting wire section 6, excluding the disconnecting section 7, are mainly composed of conductive wire patterns on the circuit board 1, and in some cases, lead wires may be used for some of them.

[0018] Up to this point, the conceptual circuit block of FIG. 2 has been explained. An example of a circuit board 1 embodying the circuit configuration is shown in FIG. 3. The power supply circuit 8 is connected to an AC power source AC via power terminals R, such as two receptacle terminals, provided on the board 1, and two tab terminals T, which connect to the AC power source AC. The power supply circuit 8 is composed of various electric and electronic elements soldered to and interconnected with the circuit pattern on the board 1. The power supply circuit 8 receives AC voltage from the AC power source AC and converts it into a stepped-down DC voltage, such as DC 5 V, as an output. A typical AC-DC conversion circuit, such as a combination of a rectifier circuit and a switching regulator or series regulator, can be used as the power supply circuit 8. All components on the board 1, such as the CPU 2 and nonvolatile memory 3, operate using the DC output of the power supply circuit 8 as their power source.

[0019] The connecting line section 6 is composed of multiple connecting lines, four in this case. In this case, the connecting line section 6 has one power supply line 6a, one reference potential line 6b, and two signal lines 6c and 6d. The power supply line 6a is a wiring for supplying power from the power supply circuit 8 to various components on the board 1, particularly the CPU 2 and non-volatile memory 3. The reference potential line 6b is a connecting line that has a reference potential of the circuit board 1, for example, 0 volts (V). The signal lines 6c and 6d are connecting lines for transmitting data and signals. A direct current voltage, for example, DC 5V, is applied from the power supply circuit 8 between the power supply line 6a and the reference potential line 6b.

[0020] The nonvolatile memory 3 has eight terminals, ports [1] to [8]. Two of these, input / output ports [5] and [6], are connected to signal lines 6c and 6d, respectively. Ports [1] to [4] and [7] are connected to the reference potential line 6b, and port [8] is connected to the power supply line 6a. Therefore, the nonvolatile memory 3 is connected to other circuits on the substrate 1 only by the power supply line 6a, the reference potential line 6b, and the signal lines 6c and 6d, which form the connecting line section 6. Apart from the connecting line section 6, the nonvolatile memory 3 is not connected to any circuits on the substrate 1 except for simple elements, namely, a resistor r provided on the substrate 1 midway along the power supply line 6a for power supply voltage stabilization, and a capacitor C connected between the power supply line 6a and the reference potential line 6b, i.e., elements unlikely to fail independently.

[0021] The nonvolatile memory 3 operates by the voltage applied between the power ports [7] and [8]. Conversely, the nonvolatile memory 3 will not operate if no voltage is applied between the power ports [7] and [8]. However, because it is a nonvolatile memory 3, data stored during operation will remain stored even if the power voltage is subsequently cut off. Therefore, when the power is turned on again, the data stored in the nonvolatile memory 3 before the power was cut off can be read. The nonvolatile memory 3 can also exchange electrical signals with external devices via its input / output ports [5] and [6] to store input data and provide data stored internally to external devices. Under its control, the CPU 2 writes information to be stored in the nonvolatile memory 3 and reads data stored in the nonvolatile memory 3 via the input / output ports [5] and [6] of the nonvolatile memory 3.

[0022] The disconnection section 7 is composed of multiple jumper wires 7a-7d (in this case, four jumper wires corresponding to the number of connecting wires constituting the connecting wire section 6). The jumper wires 7a-7d are wires that connect two unconnected circuit patterns on the substrate 1 through the space above the substrate 1. The jumper wires 7a-7d are uncoated, bare, thin, electrically conductive metal wires. The jumper wire 7a is provided in a middle portion of the power supply line 6a, in this case, the portion of the power supply line 6a that supplies power to the nonvolatile memory 3. The power supply line 6a supplies power to the CPU 2 through a wiring branching at a branch point closer to the power supply circuit 8 than the jumper wire 7a, i.e., the branch point indicated by point K in FIG. 3. The jumper wire 7b is provided in a middle portion of the reference potential line 6b. The jumper wire 7c is provided in a middle portion of the signal line 6c. The jumper wire 7d is provided in a middle portion of the signal line 6d. As will be described later, in order to avoid the influence of other circuits on the failed board 1, it is desirable to install the jumper wires 7a to 7d at positions among the connecting wires 6a to 6d that are as close as possible to the nonvolatile memory 3. If all of the jumper wires 7a to 7d are cut off, all of the eight terminals of the nonvolatile memory 3, i.e., ports [1] to [8], are disconnected from the CPU 2 and power supply circuit 8, which are active elements / circuits on the board 1, and the nonvolatile memory 3 is no longer affected by these circuits on the board 1.

[0023] The special connector 5 has six terminals, pins [1] to [6], of which four are used and connected to the jumper wires 7a to 7d of the connecting wire section 6, which branch off on the nonvolatile memory 3 side. That is, the connecting wire section 6 branches off from the CPU 2 side to the end of the jumper wire 7, i.e., on the nonvolatile memory 3 side of the jumper wire 7, into two branches, one of which is connected to the nonvolatile memory 3 and the other to the special connector 5. For example, the connection wiring from this branched part to the special connector 5 is formed by a conductive pattern provided on the board 1. Pins [1] and [4] of the special connector 5 are unused, pin [2] is connected to the reference potential line 6b, pin [3] is connected to the power supply line 6a, and pins [5] and [6] are connected to the signal lines 6c and 6d, respectively.

[0024] The group of connecting lines 44 includes four independent lines. Each of these lines consists of one power supply line 4a, one reference potential line 4b, and two signal lines 4c and 4d. The power supply line 4a, like the power supply line 6a, is connected to a DC output terminal of the power supply circuit 8, such as point K. The reference potential line 4b, like the reference potential line 6b, is connected to a reference potential point on the substrate 1. The two signal lines 4c and 4d are connected to input / output terminals of the CPU 2. The CPU 2 can send and receive electrical signals capable of reading, writing, and erasing data from the nonvolatile memory 3 via these two signal lines 4c and 4d as necessary.

[0025] Like the special connector 5, the basic connector 4 also uses four of the six pins [1] to [6], leaving pins [1] and [4] unused. Pin [2] of the basic connector 4 is connected to the reference potential line 4b, pin [3] is connected to the power supply line 4a, and pins [5] and [6] are connected to signal lines 4c and 4d extending from the CPU 2, respectively.

[0026] The board 1 is provided with a switch section 10 that functions as an operation section and a display section. The switch section 10 includes, for example, a tactile switch 11, a display 12, and a rotary switch 13. Multiple tactile switches 11 (three in this case) are provided, and are switched between an ON state and an OFF state in response to a pressing operation by an operator. The display 12 is composed of five 7-segment light-emitting diodes in this case. Multiple rotary switches 13 (three in this case) are provided, and an input value can be adjusted in response to a rotation operation by an operator. The input value adjusted by rotating the rotary switch 13 is displayed on the display 12.

[0027] The board 1 configured as described above is mounted on the air conditioner 100 and may be replaced, for example, during maintenance, inspection, or when some malfunction occurs. The most common malfunction is a failure of the board 1. The board 1 is mounted with numerous electrical and electronic components. If even one of these components fails, the board 1 will no longer function normally, necessitating replacement. Next, an example of a method for replacing the board 1 in such a case will be described in detail. In this disclosure, both the pre-replacement board 1 already mounted on the air conditioner 100 and the replacement board 1 newly mounted on the air conditioner 100 have the above-described board 1 configuration. In other words, the pre-replacement board 1 and the replacement board 1 have the same circuit configuration. The following description of board 1 replacement can also be applied to the case where the outdoor unit 101 itself is replaced, i.e., when the original outdoor unit 101 is removed and replaced with a new outdoor unit 101, and data from the board of the original outdoor unit 101 is transferred to the board of the new outdoor unit 101.

[0028] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the board 1 before replacement, i.e., the old board 1, may be referred to as board 1A, and the board 1 after replacement, i.e., the new board 1, may be referred to as board 1B. Furthermore, the CPU 2, nonvolatile memory 3, basic connector 4, special connector 5, connecting line section 6, disconnecting section 7, and switch section 10 provided on the board 1A before replacement may be referred to as CPU 2A, nonvolatile memory 3A, basic connector 4A, special connector 5A, connecting line section 6A, disconnecting section 7A, and switch section 10A, respectively, and the CPU 2, nonvolatile memory 3, basic connector 4, special connector 5, connecting line section 6, disconnecting section 7, and switch section 10 provided on the board 1B after replacement may be referred to as CPU 2B, nonvolatile memory 3B, basic connector 4B, special connector 5B, connecting line section 6B, disconnecting section 7B, and switch section 10B, respectively.

[0029] If a malfunction occurs in the board 1, the worker removes the old board 1 on which setting data and the like is stored, i.e., the board 1 on which the malfunction occurred, from the outdoor unit 101 and disconnects the AC power supply wiring from the power supply terminal R. Then, the worker installs a new board 1, which does not have setting data and the like stored in the non-volatile memory 3, in a predetermined position in the outdoor unit 101 as a new board 1, and connects the AC power supply wiring to the power supply terminal R. Next, the worker cuts the cutting portion 7 of the old board 1.

[0030] The cutting operation of the cutting portion 7 is performed externally by cutting all or a selected number of the jumper wires 7a-7d on the board 1 with a tool such as pliers. The worker may cut all jumper wires 7a-7d, cut only jumper wire 7a among jumper wires 7a-7d, or cut only jumper wires 7c and 7d among jumper wires 7a-7d. However, cutting only jumper wire 7a among jumper wires 7a-7d will destabilize the ground potential of the components on the board 1 connected to the power supply line 6a. Therefore, when cutting jumper wire 7a, it is desirable to also cut jumper wire 7b at the same time. The order of cutting the cutting portion 7 of the old board 1 and attaching the new board 1 to the designated position in the outdoor unit 101 does not matter.

[0031] The disconnecting unit 7 disconnects all of the jumper wires 7a to 7d from the outside, thereby creating a state in which the power supply line 6a, the reference potential line 6b, and the signal lines 6c and 6d are disconnected. Alternatively, the disconnecting unit 7 disconnects only the jumper wire 7a or the jumper wires 7a and 7b from the outside, thereby creating a state in which only the portion of the power supply line 6a that supplies power to the nonvolatile memory 3 is disconnected. Alternatively, the disconnecting unit 7 disconnects only the jumper wires 7c and 7d from the outside, thereby creating a state in which only the signal lines 6c and 6d connected to the CPU 2A are disconnected.

[0032] The selective cutting states of the jumper wires 7a to 7d at the above three types of cutting portions 7, that is, (1) A state in which the power supply line 6a, the reference potential line 6b, and the signal lines 6c and 6d are all disconnected; (2) A state in which only the power supply line 6a or both the power supply line 6a and the reference potential line 6b are disconnected; (3) Only the signal lines 6c and 6d are disconnected All of the above are included in the concept of "a state in which the cut portion 7 is cut."

[0033] In the drawings below, the cut portion 7 in the "uncut state" is shown by a solid line, and the cut portion 7 in the "cut state" is shown by a space.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the worker cuts the cutting portion 7A on the board 1A before replacement. At this time, the worker does not cut the cutting portion 7B on the replaced board 1B. Then, with the cutting portion 7A of the board 1A before replacement still cut, the worker connects the nonvolatile memory 3A of the board 1A to the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B via the special connector 5A of the board 1A before replacement and the basic connector 4B of the replaced board 1B. This creates a circuit board replacement system 1S in which the board 1A before replacement and the board 1B after replacement are connected so that data can be transferred. At this time, a wired cable transition wiring such as a harness 20 can be used to connect the special connector 5A of the board 1A and the basic connector 4B of the board 1B.

[0035] The special connector 5A of the original board 1A and the basic connector 4B of the replaced board 1B are connected so that the pin numbers of each connector match. For example, pin [2] of the special connector 5A of the original board 1A is wired to pin [2] of the basic connector 4B of the replaced board 1B via a crossover wiring.

[0036] In this circuit board replacement system 1S, power is supplied directly from the AC power source AC to the replaced board 1B, but not to the original board 1A. Therefore, power is supplied indirectly to the nonvolatile memory 3A of the original board 1A from the replaced board 1B, which is supplied with power from the AC power source AC via pins [2] and [3] of the basic connector 4B of board 1B, which is connected to pins [2] and [3] of the special connector 5A of board 1A. In other words, when the replaced board 1B is connected to the AC power source AC, the DC output from its power supply circuit 8B is connected via pin [3] of the basic connector 4B to pin [3] of the special connector 5A of the original board 1A, and then flows to the power supply line 6a of board 1A, supplying power to the nonvolatile memory 3A.

[0037] Similarly, pin [2] of basic connector 4B of board 1B is electrically connected to pin [2] of special connector 5A of the original board 1A, so the reference potentials of both boards 1B and 1A are at the same level. As a result, non-volatile memory 3A of the original board 1A can operate normally.

[0038] Then, in this connected state, the worker performs a predetermined operation on the switch unit 10B provided on the replaced board 1B. The predetermined operation may be, for example, rotating the rotary switch 13 to select the board replacement mode, and then pressing the tactile switch 11 while the code number for this board replacement mode is displayed on the display 12.

[0039] When such a predetermined operation is performed on the switch unit 10B, the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B starts a data transfer process. The data transfer process is a process, known as a copy process, in which the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B reads data stored in the nonvolatile memory 3A of the original board 1A via the special connector 5A of the board 1A and the basic connector 4B of the board 1B, and stores the data in the nonvolatile memory 3B of the replaced board 1B.

[0040] To explain the path of data, or electrical signals, in this case, CPU 2B sends and receives signals via two signal lines 4c and 4d on board 1B. The signals flowing through signal lines 4c and 4d on board 1B pass through pins [5] and [6] of basic connector 4B on board 1B and pins [5] and [6] of special connector 5A connected to these pins, then reach signal lines 6c and 6d on board 1A and connect to nonvolatile memory 3A. Thus, CPU 2B can download all data and information stored in nonvolatile memory 3A via basic connector 4B and special connector 5A. CPU 2B then stores the data and information downloaded from board 1A in nonvolatile memory 3B on its own board 1B via connecting line 6B.

[0041] According to this data transfer process, various data stored in the nonvolatile memory 3A of the board 1A before replacement can be copied to the nonvolatile memory 3B of the replaced board 1B while remaining on the board 1A. In addition to data related to device settings, the nonvolatile memory 3A can also store various other data, such as failure history data. Copying such failure history data to the new board 1B is often unnecessary. Therefore, when copying data, the CPU 2B may select necessary data and copy only the necessary data from the nonvolatile memory 3A to the nonvolatile memory 3B.

[0042] Next, an example of a control flow based on the above-described replacement system 1S for the board 1 and the replacement method for the board 1 will be described in detail. As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the power is turned on to the replaced board 1B, the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B checks whether the data transfer from the nonvolatile memory 3A of the original board 1A to the nonvolatile memory 3B of the replaced board 1B is in an incomplete data transfer state (S1). That is, the CPU 2B checks whether the nonvolatile memory 3B of the replaced board 1B is in a data shortage state, in which necessary data is not stored, and whether a copying flag, which will be described in detail later, is on. Note that whether the data shortage state is present can be determined, for example, by checking whether data is stored in a plurality of predetermined data items. Here, if the copying flag is on, it means that the data copy process from the nonvolatile memory 3A to the nonvolatile memory 3B is in progress, and if the copying flag is off, it means that the data copy process from the nonvolatile memory 3A to the nonvolatile memory 3B is not in progress.

[0043] If there is no data shortage and the copying flag is off, the CPU 2B determines that the data transfer is not incomplete (S1: NO).The CPU 2B then starts up normally (S2) and controls the operation of the air conditioner 100, in this case mainly the operation of the outdoor unit 101, based on the control program and various data stored in the nonvolatile memory 3B.

[0044] If there is a data shortage or the copying flag is on, CPU 2B determines that the data transfer is incomplete (S1: YES). Then, CPU 2B waits until a predetermined operation is performed on switch unit 10B (S3: NO). Then, when a predetermined operation is performed on switch unit 10B (S3: YES), CPU 2B switches the copying flag to on (S4).

[0045] Then, CPU 2B starts data transfer processing (S5), repeatedly reading data from nonvolatile memory 3A of board 1A, writing data to nonvolatile memory 3B of board 1B, and verifying the data written to nonvolatile memory 3B. Then, when CPU 2B has completed writing and verifying all data stored in nonvolatile memory 3A of board 1A to nonvolatile memory 3B of board 1B (S6: YES), it switches the copying flag to the OFF state (S7) and ends this control flow. Then, after this control flow ends, it is desirable for the operator to turn off the power to board 1B.

[0046] If a control flow is assumed in which the process proceeds to normal startup (S2) following completion of the data transfer process (S6: YES), there is a risk that the air conditioner 100 may operate while the boards 1A and 1B are still connected by the harness 20 or the like, or that the air conditioner 100 may operate without ensuring the safety of the power supply, etc., which is undesirable. Therefore, once the above-described control flow has ended, that is, once the data transfer process has been completed, it is desirable for the operator to turn off the power to the board 1B. This makes it possible to avoid unintentional normal startup of the board 1B unless the power is newly turned on to the board 1B.

[0047] When the power is turned on again to the board 1B after the power is turned off, the CPU 2B checks whether the data transfer is incomplete (S1). At this time, the necessary data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 3B of the board 1B, and the copying flag is in the OFF state, so the CPU 2B determines in step S1 that the data transfer is not incomplete (S1: NO), and proceeds to step S2 to start normal startup.

[0048] According to the embodiment exemplified above, the board 1 mounted on the air conditioner 100 comprises a CPU 2 configured to be able to execute various processes, a non-volatile memory 3 configured to be able to store various data, a special connector 5 configured to be connectable to the outside, a connecting line section 6 connecting the non-volatile memory 3 and the special connector 5 to the CPU 2, and a cutting section 7 that disconnects the CPU 2 from the non-volatile memory 3 by cutting the part of the connecting line section 6 that connects the CPU 2 to the non-volatile memory 3, and forms a replacement form in which only the special connector 5 is connected to the non-volatile memory 3.

[0049] The cutting unit 7 can cut only the jumper wire 7a out of the plurality of jumper wires 7a to 7d, thereby cutting only the portion of the power supply line 6a that supplies power to the nonvolatile memory 3. Alternatively, the cutting unit 7 can cut only the jumper wires 7c and 7d out of the plurality of jumper wires 7a to 7d, thereby cutting only the signal lines 6c and 6d.

[0050] With the board 1 configured in this manner, the multiple jumper wires 7a to 7d at the cutting section 7A on the board 1A before replacement are appropriately selected and cut, and the non-volatile memory 3A of the board 1A before replacement is connected to the CPU 2B of the board 1B after replacement via the special connector 5A, wiring such as the harness 20, and the basic connector 4B, and in this connected state, the CPU 2B of the board 1B after replacement can execute a data transfer process in which the data stored in the non-volatile memory 3A of the board 1A before replacement is read via the special connector 5A of the board 1A before replacement and stored in the non-volatile memory 3B of the board 1B after replacement.

[0051] According to this configuration example, the old and new boards 1A and 1B have the same configuration, allowing safe and fast data transfer between the old and new boards 1A and 1B when transferring data from the nonvolatile memory 3A to the nonvolatile memory 3B. Furthermore, by using the same configuration for the old and new boards 1A and 1B, the number of component types can be reduced. Transferring data between the two boards 1A and 1B requires only a jumper wiring to connect the two connectors, eliminating the need for special tools. Furthermore, because the special connector 5 and the basic connector 4 are single connectors with the same configuration, the wiring connecting the two connectors has no specific directionality, preventing connection errors. Furthermore, even after transferring data to the replaced board 1B, the data can remain on the old board 1A, allowing the saved data to be utilized, for example, when investigating the cause of a failure at a later date.

[0052] The disconnecting portion 7 is composed of a jumper wire that electrically connects two or more patterns on the substrate 1. Therefore, the disconnecting portion 7 can be realized inexpensively. Once a jumper wire is cut, it is difficult or impossible to restore the original connection state. Therefore, the disconnecting portion 7 may be, for example, a DIP switch. With a DIP switch, even if the jumper wire is accidentally cut or disconnected, the original connection state can be easily restored.

[0053] The disconnecting unit 7 may be configured to disconnect at least the portion of the connecting line section 6, consisting of the four connecting lines 6a-6d, that supplies power to the nonvolatile memory 3, i.e., the portion of the power supply line 6a closer to the nonvolatile memory 3 than the jumper line 7a, or the portion of the power supply line 6a closer to the nonvolatile memory 3 than the jumper line 7a and the reference potential line 6b. This prevents power from being supplied from the replaced board 1B to the CPU 2A of the replaced board 1A before, during, and after data transfer from the original board 1A to the replaced board 1B during replacement work, thereby preventing the CPU 2A of the original board 1A from operating unintentionally and adversely affecting data transfer. Even if the portion of the power supply line 6a that supplies power to the nonvolatile memory 3 on the original board 1A is disconnected, power can still be supplied to the nonvolatile memory 3A from the replaced board 1B via the terminal [6] of the special connector 5A and the terminal [6] of the normal connector 4B.

[0054] Alternatively, the disconnecting unit 7 may be configured to be able to disconnect at least the signal lines 6c and 6d of the connecting line unit 6. With this configuration, even if power is supplied from the replaced board 1B to the CPU 2A of the original board 1A, it is possible to prevent signals from being transmitted from the CPU 2A to the nonvolatile memory 3A on the board 1A. Therefore, the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B can exchange data with the nonvolatile memory 3A of the original board 1A without being hindered by the CPU 1A of the original board 1A.

[0055] Alternatively, the cutting section 7 may be configured not to include the reference potential line 6b, which allows the substrate 1A to be maintained at the reference potential or ground potential when power is supplied from the replaced substrate 1B to the original substrate 1A.

[0056] Generally, there are various causes of failures that necessitate replacing the board 1A. For example, various situations can be considered, such as the CPU 1A ceasing to operate, or the circuits and wiring of the power supply circuit 8A becoming disconnected or short-circuited due to aging. For this reason, to most safely transfer or copy data from the non-volatile memory 3A to the non-volatile memory 3B, it is desirable to avoid using the circuits and patterns, i.e., the electrical paths, on the board 1A as much as possible. Even if they are used, it is best to limit their use to the minimum extent necessary.

[0057] From this perspective, it is most preferable that the disconnecting section 7 cuts all of the connecting lines included in the connecting line section 6, namely the power supply line 6a, the reference potential line 6b, and the signal lines 6c and 6d. This electrically disconnects all of the terminals of the nonvolatile memory 3 from the power supply circuit 8, the CPU 2, and its peripheral circuits. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in various locations on the board 1A, the effects of that failure can be minimized, and a replacement configuration in which the nonvolatile memory 3 and the special connector 5 are connected can be reliably formed.

[0058] When the switch unit 10B provided on the replaced board 1B is operated, the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B starts the data transfer process, i.e., reading data from the nonvolatile memory 3A and writing the data to the nonvolatile memory 3B. According to this configuration example, the data transfer process can be started based on the operator's intentional operation of the switch unit 10B, and it is possible to prevent the data transfer process from being started against the operator's intention.

[0059] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the data transfer process is initiated based on manual operation by an operator, but there are also cases where it is desired to perform the process quickly without operator operation. According to the control flow illustrated in FIG. 6, when the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B is in a power-on state where the board 1B is powered on and the data transfer from the nonvolatile memory 3A of the original board 1A to the nonvolatile memory 3B of the replaced board 1B is in an incomplete data transfer state (S1: YES), once the nonvolatile memory 3A of the original board 1A is connected to the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B via the special connector 5A of the original board 1A in a state where the replacement configuration is formed by the disconnecting unit 7A on the original board 1A, that is, once the circuit board replacement system 1S is established, the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B switches the copying flag to the on state (S4) regardless of whether a predetermined operation has been performed on the switch unit 10B, and then starts the data transfer process (S5).

[0060] According to this control example, even if an operator does not operate the switch unit 10B, the data transfer process can be automatically started when a predetermined condition is met, in this case, when the circuit board replacement system 1S is established. This reduces the workload of the operator involved in replacing the board 1.

[0061] (Third embodiment) The substrate 1 illustrated in Fig. 7 does not include a basic connector 4. According to the substrate 1, the nonvolatile memory 3 includes an address changeover switch 30. The address changeover switch 30 is configured to be able to switch the nonvolatile memory 3 between an open state and a ground state by opening and closing the switch. The address changeover switch 30 can switch the address of the nonvolatile memory 3 by switching the nonvolatile memory 3 between an open state and a ground state.

[0062] 8 illustrates a circuit board replacement system 1S constructed by connecting two boards 1A, 1B each equipped with an address changeover switch 30 to a nonvolatile memory 3. In this case, in the board 1A before replacement, the nonvolatile memory 3A is switched to an open state by the address changeover switch 30A, thereby switching the address of the nonvolatile memory 3A to a predetermined first address. On the other hand, in the board 1B after replacement, the nonvolatile memory 3B is switched to a ground state by the address changeover switch 30B, thereby switching the address of the nonvolatile memory 3B to a predetermined second address.

[0063] In the circuit board replacement system 1S, two nonvolatile memories 3A and 3B are connected to the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B. The addresses of these two nonvolatile memories 3A and 3B are switched to different addresses by address changeover switches 30A and 30B. Therefore, the CPU 2B of the board 1B can distinguish between the two nonvolatile memories 3A and 3B without confusing them. Furthermore, according to this configuration example, the basic connector 4 is not necessary, and only the special connector 5 is required. This allows the number of connectors to be mounted on the board 1 to be reduced, simplifying the configuration of the board 1.

[0064] (Fourth embodiment) The board 1 illustrated in Fig. 9 does not include a basic connector 4. According to the board 1, the connecting line section 6 includes a connecting line 40 that connects the CPU 2 and the nonvolatile memory 3, a connecting line 41 that connects the CPU 2 and the special connector 5, and a connecting line 42 that connects the nonvolatile memory 3 and the special connector 5. The connecting lines 40, 41, and 42 each include connecting lines such as a power supply line and a signal line. According to the board 1, the connecting lines 40, 41, and 42 each include a disconnecting section 7.

[0065] 10 illustrates a circuit board replacement system 1S constructed by connecting two boards 1A and 1B, each having a disconnecting portion 7 on connecting lines 40, 41, and 42. In this case, in the board 1A before replacement, connecting lines 40A and 41A are disconnected by disconnecting portion 7A, while connecting line 42A is not disconnected by disconnecting portion 7A and remains connected. On the other hand, in the board 1B after replacement, connecting line 42B is disconnected by disconnecting portion 7B, while connecting lines 40B and 41B are not disconnected by disconnecting portion 7B and remain connected.

[0066] According to the circuit board replacement system 1S configured in this manner, the CPU 2B of the replaced board 1B can read data stored in the nonvolatile memory 3A of the original board 1A via the special connector 5A of the board 1A and the special connector 5B of the board 1B, and store the data in the nonvolatile memory 3B of the replaced board 1B. Furthermore, according to this configuration example, the basic connector 4 can be eliminated. This allows the number of connectors mounted on the board 1 to be reduced, simplifying the configuration of the board 1.

[0067] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and extensions may be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the above-described embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate. The substrate 1 may be, for example, a substrate mounted in an indoor unit 102, or may be a substrate mounted in equipment other than an air conditioner. It is desirable that the substrate 1A before replacement and the substrate 1B after replacement are identical, but it is sufficient that at least the parts related to the essential parts of the present disclosure have the same configuration, and parts that are not essential parts of the present disclosure may have different configurations.

[0068] Although multiple embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various modifications, such as omissions, substitutions, changes, and appropriate partial combinations and substitutions between multiple embodiments, can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] In the drawing, 1 indicates a board (circuit board), 1S indicates a circuit board replacement system, 2, 2A, 2B indicate CPUs (processing units), 3, 3A, 3B indicate non-volatile memories (storage units), 4, 4A, 4B indicate basic connectors, 5, 5A, 5B indicate special connectors (connection units), 6, 6A, 6B indicate connecting line units, 6a indicates a power supply line, 6b indicates a reference potential line, 6c, 6d indicate signal lines (non-power supply lines), 7, 7A, 7B indicate disconnection units, 10, 10A, 10B indicate switch units (operation units), and 100 indicates an air conditioner.

Claims

1. A circuit board for device control, a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes; a storage unit configured to be able to store various types of data; a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the storage unit; a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the storage unit; a disconnection unit that can disconnect a portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the storage unit and the signal line; a connection part that allows a portion of the power supply line closer to the storage unit than the disconnection part and a portion of the signal line closer to the storage unit than the disconnection part to be connected to an external device; A circuit board comprising:

2. A circuit board for device control, a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes; a storage unit configured to be able to store various types of data; a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the storage unit; a disconnection unit configured to disconnect a portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the storage unit; a connection part that allows a part of the power supply line closer to the storage part than the disconnection part to be connected to an external device; A circuit board comprising:

3. 3. The circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the cut portion is a jumper wire.

4. the power supply line has a portion that connects the processing unit and the connection unit and a portion that connects the storage unit and the connection unit, and the power supply line is provided with the disconnection portion at the portion that connects the processing unit and the connection unit; 2. The circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the signal line has a portion connecting the processing unit and the connection portion and a portion connecting the memory unit and the connection portion, and the portion connecting the processing unit and the connection portion is provided with the disconnection portion.

5. 3. The circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the storage section is a nonvolatile memory having a plurality of connection terminals, all of which can be cut by the cutting section.

6. 3. The circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion comprises a connector attached to the circuit board and connectable to an external device.

7. 3. The circuit board according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply circuit connected to an AC power supply and supplying power to the power supply line.

8. A system for replacing a circuit board for controlling equipment, comprising: The circuit board includes: a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes; a storage unit configured to be able to store various types of data; a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the storage unit; a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the storage unit; a disconnection unit that can disconnect a portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the storage unit and the signal line; a connection part that allows a portion of the power supply line closer to the storage unit than the disconnection part and a portion of the signal line closer to the storage unit than the disconnection part to be connected to an external device; Equipped with A circuit board replacement system in which, when the disconnection portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory portion and the signal line are disconnected on the circuit board before replacement, the memory portion of the circuit board before replacement is connected to the processing portion of the circuit board after replacement via the connection portion of the circuit board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing portion of the circuit board after replacement executes a data transfer process that reads data stored in the memory portion of the circuit board before replacement via the connection portion of the circuit board before replacement and stores the data in the memory portion of the circuit board after replacement.

9. A system for replacing a circuit board for controlling equipment, comprising: The circuit board includes: a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes; a storage unit configured to be able to store various types of data; a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the storage unit; a disconnection unit configured to disconnect a portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the storage unit; a connection part that allows a part of the power supply line closer to the storage part than the disconnection part to be connected to an external device; Equipped with A circuit board replacement system in which the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is connected to the processing unit of the replaced circuit board via the connection unit of the circuit board before replacement, with the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit being disconnected by the disconnection unit on the circuit board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing unit of the replaced circuit board executes a data transfer process in which the data stored in the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is read via the connection unit of the circuit board before replacement and stored in the memory unit of the replaced circuit board.

10. A system for replacing a circuit board for controlling equipment, comprising: The circuit board includes: a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes; a storage unit configured to be able to store various types of data; a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the storage unit; a cutting portion that can cut the signal line; a connection part that allows a part of the signal line closer to the memory unit than the disconnection part to be connected to an external device; Equipped with a memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is connected to a processing unit of the circuit board after replacement via a connection unit of the circuit board before replacement in a state in which the signal line is disconnected by the disconnection unit of the circuit board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing unit of the circuit board after replacement executes a data transfer process in which data stored in the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is read via the connection unit of the circuit board before replacement and stored in the memory unit of the circuit board after replacement; When the processing unit of the replaced circuit board is in a power-on state with power applied to the replaced circuit board and the data transfer from the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement to the memory unit of the replaced circuit board is in an incomplete data transfer state in which data transfer from the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement to the memory unit of the replaced circuit board is not completed, the circuit board replacement system starts the data transfer process when the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is connected to the processing unit of the replaced circuit board via the connection unit of the circuit board before replacement with the disconnection portion disconnected in the circuit board before replacement.

11. 11. The circuit board replacement system according to claim 8, wherein the processing unit of the replaced circuit board starts the data transfer process when an operation unit provided on the replaced circuit board is operated.

12. the power supply line has a portion that connects the processing unit and the connection unit and a portion that connects the storage unit and the connection unit, and the power supply line is provided with the disconnection portion at the portion that connects the processing unit and the connection unit; The circuit board replacement system of claim 8, wherein the signal line has a portion connecting the processing unit and the connection portion and a portion connecting the memory unit and the connection portion, and the portion connecting the processing unit and the connection portion is provided with the disconnection portion.

13. 1. A method for replacing a circuit board for controlling an appliance, comprising: The circuit board includes: a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes; a storage unit configured to be able to store various types of data; a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the storage unit; a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the storage unit; a disconnection unit that can disconnect a portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the storage unit and the signal line; a connection part that allows a portion of the power supply line closer to the storage unit than the disconnection part and a portion of the signal line closer to the storage unit than the disconnection part to be connected to an external device; Equipped with A circuit board replacement method in which the portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit and the signal line are disconnected by the disconnection portion on the circuit board before replacement, and the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is connected to a processing unit of the circuit board after replacement via a connection portion of the circuit board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing unit of the circuit board after replacement performs a data transfer process in which data stored in the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is read via the connection portion of the circuit board before replacement and stored in the memory unit of the circuit board after replacement.

14. 1. A method for replacing a circuit board for controlling an appliance, comprising: The circuit board includes: a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes; a storage unit configured to be able to store various types of data; a power supply line for supplying power to the processing unit and the storage unit; a disconnection unit configured to disconnect a portion of the power supply line that supplies power to the storage unit; a connection part that allows a part of the power supply line closer to the storage part than the disconnection part to be connected to an external device; Equipped with A circuit board replacement method in which the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is connected to a processing unit of the circuit board after replacement via a connection part of the circuit board before replacement, with the disconnection part being used to disconnect the part of the power supply line that supplies power to the memory unit in the circuit board before replacement, and in this connected state, the processing unit of the circuit board after replacement performs a data transfer process in which data stored in the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is read via the connection part of the circuit board before replacement and stored in the memory unit of the circuit board after replacement.

15. 1. A method for replacing a circuit board for controlling an appliance, comprising: The circuit board includes: a processing unit configured to be able to execute various processes; a storage unit configured to be able to store various types of data; a signal line for transmitting signals between the processing unit and the storage unit; a cutting portion that can cut the signal line; a connection part that allows a part of the signal line closer to the memory unit than the disconnection part to be connected to an external device; Equipped with a memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is connected to a processing unit of the circuit board after replacement via a connection unit of the circuit board before replacement, with the signal line being disconnected by the disconnection unit of the circuit board before replacement; and a data transfer process is executed in which, in this connected state, data stored in the memory unit of the circuit board before replacement is read by the processing unit of the circuit board after replacement via the connection unit of the circuit board before replacement and the data is stored in the memory unit of the circuit board after replacement; A circuit board replacement method in which, when the replaced circuit board is in a power-on state with power turned on and the data transfer from the memory unit of the previous circuit board to the memory unit of the replaced circuit board is in an incomplete data transfer state, the memory unit of the previous circuit board is connected to the processing unit of the replaced circuit board via the connection unit of the previous circuit board with the disconnecting portion of the previous circuit board disconnected, and the data transfer process is started by the processing unit of the replaced circuit board.

16. 16. The circuit board replacement method according to claim 13, wherein when an operation unit provided on the replaced circuit board is operated, the data transfer process is started by a processing unit of the replaced circuit board.

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