JP2005127615A - Abnormality detecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an abnormality detecting device capable of detecting the abnormality of an apparatus with high sensitivity. <P>SOLUTION: A service person operates a portable telephone 13 (abnormality detecting device) as a field tester. The portable telephone (abnormality detecting device) 13 stores the database on factors of abnormality. In the database on factors of abnormality, the factors of abnormality in various cases are stored corresponding to the information on operation (relationship between operating state and measured temperatures of a plurality of temperature sensors). The service person reads out the information on the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors and the operating state in measurement from a refrigerator-freezer 10 by infrared ray communication. Then the portable telephone 13 reads out the factors of abnormality on the basis of the information while referring the database on the factors of abnormality, and displays its result (factor of abnormality). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus abnormality detection apparatus.

An apparatus including a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at different positions is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
For example, in a refrigerator, a plurality of temperature sensors such as an internal temperature sensor and an outside air temperature sensor are used, and the operation / stop of the refrigeration circuit is controlled based on the measured temperatures. Therefore, when these temperature sensors do not operate normally, appropriate control is not performed.
By the way, conventionally, abnormality detection of a temperature sensor has been performed as follows. That is, a limit value is set for each temperature sensor, and if it exceeds this limit value, it is determined that the temperature sensor is abnormal. Specifically, in the case of a refrigerator, the internal temperature sensor measures the temperature in the refrigerator storage chamber. Therefore, if this temperature sensor is normal, the measured temperature may be 70 ° C. or higher. I don't get it. Accordingly, when the internal temperature sensor indicates 70 ° C. (limit value) or more, it is determined that the internal temperature sensor is abnormal. Similarly, a limit value is set for the outside air temperature sensor, and when the limit value is exceeded, it is determined that the outside air temperature sensor is abnormal.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-121229 (FIG. 1)

However, when the limit value is exceeded as described above, the temperature sensor has already lost the temperature detection function. Therefore, when the function of the temperature sensor is degraded and does not indicate the exact measured temperature, but the limit value has not been reached, it is not determined that the temperature sensor is abnormal, and as a result, the operation control of the device is normal. Sometimes it was not done. Thus, the abnormality detection of the conventional temperature sensor is judged independently for each temperature sensor, and the detection sensitivity is not necessarily high.
Also, depending on the device, an abnormality of a specific part (for example, a compressor of a refrigerator) is detected based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. In this case as well, the determination is based only on the temperature measured by a single temperature sensor. The sensitivity was not always high.
The present invention has been completed based on the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an abnormality detection device capable of detecting an abnormality of a device with high sensitivity.

As means for achieving the above object, the invention of claim 1 is an abnormality detection device for detecting an abnormality relating to a device having a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at different positions, wherein An abnormality factor storage means for storing various abnormality factors in association with the measured temperature magnitude relationships of the sensors, and the abnormality factor storage means based on the magnitude relations of the measured temperatures read from the plurality of temperature sensors. And diagnostic means for reading out an abnormality factor of the device.
In addition, it does not specifically limit as an apparatus, For example, a refrigerator, a freezer, an ice maker, a dishwasher etc. are included.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the abnormality detection device includes a portable terminal that can communicate with the device, and the device collects the measurement values of the plurality of temperature sensors. Information storage means for storing information, receiving means for receiving a transmission request signal from the portable terminal, and measured values of the plurality of temperature sensors stored in the information storage means based on the transmission request signal in the portable terminal Transmitting means for transmitting to the portable terminal, the portable terminal transmitting means for transmitting the transmission request signal to the device, and receiving means for receiving the measurement values of the plurality of temperature sensors transmitted from the device. And display means for displaying the abnormality factor read by the diagnostic means.
The invention of claim 3 is an abnormality detection device for detecting an abnormality relating to a refrigerator provided with a plurality of temperature sensors, and the measurement temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors for each operating state of the refrigeration circuit, the defrosting heater and the like are previously measured. Refer to the abnormality factor storage means for storing various abnormality factors associated with the magnitude relationship, and the abnormality factor storage means based on the magnitude relationship of measured temperatures read from the plurality of temperature sensors and the operating state at the time of measurement. Diagnostic means for reading out the abnormality factor of the refrigerator, and display means for displaying the abnormality factor.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the plurality of temperature sensors are disposed in the vicinity of the outlet of the condenser, the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the storage chamber for storing the stored matter. It is at least two or more of a condenser temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor that detects an outside air temperature at a place where the refrigerator is installed, and a defrost sensor arranged in the vicinity of the defrost heater. .

<Invention of Claim 1>
According to the configuration of the present claim, the abnormality factor storage means of the abnormality detection device stores various abnormality factors in advance in association with the magnitude relationship of the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors. Then, the abnormality factor of the device is read out by the diagnosis unit with reference to the abnormality factor storage unit based on the magnitude relationship of the measured temperatures read from the plurality of temperature sensors.
As described above, according to the configuration of this claim, various abnormalities are determined based on the magnitude relationship between the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors without determining whether or not there is an abnormality based on the measured temperature of the single temperature sensor. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality of the device with high sensitivity. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality before the device becomes significantly malfunctioning.
<Invention of Claim 2>
According to the configuration of this means, since the abnormality detection device is configured by a portable terminal that can communicate with the device, correspondence between the magnitude relationship of the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors and various abnormality factors after the device is shipped. Even when the relationship is changed or added, it is possible to respond quickly by changing the program and database on the portable terminal side without any improvement of the device.
In addition, since it is sufficient to provide a simple device such as a transmission / reception means on the device side, the design and manufacture of the device is facilitated.

<Invention of Claim 3>
The refrigerator has various operating states such as an operating state and a stopped state of the refrigeration circuit, and the magnitude relationship between the measured temperatures of the temperature sensors varies depending on the operating state.
For example, as will be described in detail later, when the refrigeration circuit is operating, the relationship of the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor ≧ the measured temperature of the defrost sensor is established. On the other hand, when the internal temperature becomes the set temperature and the refrigeration circuit is stopped, the relationship of the internal temperature sensor measured temperature≈the defrost sensor measured temperature is established.
Thus, in the refrigerator, there is a special situation in which the magnitude relationship between the measured temperatures of the temperature sensors changes depending on the operating state. Therefore, regardless of the operating state, if the magnitude relationship between the measured temperatures of the temperature sensors and various abnormality factors are uniformly associated with each other, an appropriate abnormality factor cannot be determined.
According to the configuration of this claim, referring to the abnormality factor storage means that also considers the operating state of the refrigerator, that is, various abnormal factors associated with the magnitude relationship of the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors for each operating state. Since the abnormality factor is identified by referring to the stored abnormality factor storage means, it is possible to make an appropriate abnormality determination in consideration of the operation state of the refrigerator.

<Invention of Claim 4>
According to the structure of this claim, the abnormality factor is specified using at least two or more of the inside temperature sensor, the condenser temperature sensor, the outside air temperature sensor, and the defrost sensor attached to the refrigerator.
Since these temperature sensors are generally attached to a refrigerator, it is not necessary to provide a new temperature sensor for detecting an abnormality by using these temperature sensors for specifying an abnormality factor.

<Overall description>
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 13 as an abnormality detection device will be described using a system in which a maintenance service person operates as a field tester (however, not only a service person but also a user or a device administrator) Applicable). FIG. 1 shows the concept of the entire system. A refrigerator-freezer (corresponding to the device of the present invention) 10, a mobile phone (corresponding to a mobile terminal) 13 capable of infrared communication with this, a mobile phone 13, A concept of a web server 17 connected via the Internet (communication network) 15 and a database server 19 connected to the web server 17 is shown. The outline of this system will be described. The cellular phone 13 stores an abnormality factor database in advance. In the abnormality factor database, as shown in FIG. 12, the abnormality factors in each case are stored in association with the operation information (relationship between the operation state and the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors) from (1) to (8). Has been.
A service person reads out information on measured temperatures of a plurality of temperature sensors and operating conditions at the time of measurement from the refrigerator 10 using the mobile phone 13 by infrared communication. Then, the cellular phone 13 reads out the abnormality factor of the refrigerator 10 by referring to the abnormality factor database based on this information and displays the result (abnormal factor).

  Further, the service person accesses a predetermined site via the Internet 15 by the mobile phone 13 and transmits an abnormality factor to the web server 17. Then, the web server 17 refers to the database server 19 to identify the identification code of the part related to the abnormality factor. Next, the web server 17 transmits an identification code of a part related to the abnormality factor to the mobile phone 13. Thus, this system is configured. Note that even when there are a plurality of refrigerators 10, the mobile phone 13 is configured to establish communication only with a specific one of them using a known identification method.

The details will be described below. The refrigerator-freezer 10 of this embodiment has illustrated the 4-door refrigerator refrigerator, and as shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerator-freezer main body 21 is formed from the heat insulation box body by which the front was opened, and it is in the four corners of a bottom face. The interior is a storage chamber 23 supported by the provided legs 22. A partition frame 26 having a cross shape is provided in the opening 25 on the front surface, and a total of four entrances 27 are formed on the top, bottom, left, and right, and a door 28 is attached to each entrance 27 in a double door manner. Of the four divided storage rooms 23, the upper right one is a freezing room, and the other is a refrigeration room.
On the other hand, a machine room 30 is provided above the refrigerator body 21, and two sets of cooling circuits including a compressor 51, a condenser 53, and the like are installed therein, one of which is used for a freezer room and the other is a refrigerator. It is for room use.

A laterally long opening 30A is formed on the right side of the front side wall of the machine room 30, and a control box 40 having a display unit 40A on the front surface is attached to the rear thereof (see FIG. 2). The control box 40 also includes an operation unit (not shown) for controlling the cooling circuit of the refrigerator 10 and the like.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the control box 40 includes a case 41 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a temperature display unit (corresponding to a light emitting display capable of light emission display) 47 housed in the case 41. And a main circuit board 45 on which an infrared transmission / reception unit (infrared light receiving element) 49 is mounted. In the case 41, the main circuit board 45 is arranged at an interval so as to be located on the back side of the display circuit board 43.
The front wall 41A located in front of the display circuit board 43 is made of a transparent resin or the like, and the rear surface of the front wall 41A is left with a position corresponding to the temperature display unit 47 and the infrared transmission / reception unit 49 to be shielded from printing. 41B is given.

Mounted on the display circuit board 43 are temperature display portions 47 and 47 such as LEDs, and circuit components 44 such as ICs for display circuits, transistors, resistors, capacitors, and the like. The display circuit board 43 has an opening (corresponding to a translucent part that transmits infrared rays) 43 </ b> A at a position corresponding to the infrared transmission / reception part 49 mounted on the main circuit board 45. The main circuit board 45 is mounted with circuit components 45A such as an IC, a transistor, a resistor, and a capacitor that constitute a control circuit for controlling the refrigerator 10.
In the present embodiment, two temperature display portions 47 are provided, and a plurality of types of temperature display are possible. For example, both the freezer compartment temperature and the refrigerator compartment temperature are displayed. An outside air temperature sensor 50 is attached to the side of the control box 40 so that the outside air temperature can be detected (see FIG. 5).

Next, the cooling circuit will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, two sets of cooling circuits are provided as described above, but since both structures are basically the same, only one cooling circuit will be described in the following description.
In the cooling circuit, a condenser 53 is connected to the outlet side (high pressure side) of the compressor 51, and a refrigerant flow in which an expansion valve 55, a capillary tube 57, and a cooler 59 (evaporator) are connected in series on the downstream side. A pipe is provided and connected to the inlet side (low pressure side) of the compressor 51. In addition, an internal fan 61 is disposed near the boundary between the machine room 30 and the storage room 23, and a filter 63 and a condenser fan 65 are provided on the front side of the condenser 53.
Further, in this embodiment, a defrosting operation is appropriately performed using a timer or the like. When the defrosting operation start signal is input, the cooling operation is stopped and the defrosting heater 67 provided in the cooler 59 is energized to perform defrosting. When the defrost sensor (defrost sensor) 69 detects that the temperature of the cooler 59 has risen to a predetermined level or more, it is considered that the defrost has been completed, and the power supply to the defrost heater 67 is released. The cooling operation is resumed after a predetermined drainage time.

Further, a clogging detection sensor (condenser temperature sensor) 71 is attached to the outlet of the condenser 53 so that the temperature rise of the condenser 53 when the filter 63 of the condenser 53 is clogged can be detected. Yes.
In addition, an internal temperature sensor 73 is attached in the vicinity of the internal fan 61 so that the internal temperature can be detected.

<Description of control means>
As shown in FIG. 6, the refrigerator / freezer 10 is provided with a control means 81. On the input side of the control means 81, an internal temperature sensor 73, an outside air temperature sensor 50, a clogging inspection sensor 71, a removal filter are provided. The compressor 51, the defrost heater 67, the internal fan 61, and the condenser fan 65 are connected to the output side of the frost sensor 69.
The control means 81 is connected with a storage means (corresponding to the information storage means of the present invention) 83 so that the temperature detected by each sensor can be stored in time series.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows a flow of processing for storing operation information (measured temperature of each sensor, etc.) of the refrigerator / refrigerator 10 together with time information. In this embodiment, every predetermined time interval (for example, 1 The operation information is recorded every hour). The processing program is stored in the storage unit 83 (specifically, ROM, RAM, EPROM, HDD, etc.).

When a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous process (S10: YES), the operation information, specifically the operation status (driving status), the set temperature, the measured temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50, in association with the time information, The measurement temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73, the measurement temperature of the defrost sensor 69, the measurement temperature of the clogging sensor 71, and error output information (for example, information output when the refrigerator 10 is abnormally heated and urgently stops) Is stored (S20). A clock program for obtaining the stored time is provided in the control means 81, for example. As a result, the operation information and the time information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 83 as shown in FIG.
The control means 81 includes an operation control unit 81A for controlling each operation such as operation / stop of the compressor 51, the defrost heater 67, the internal fan 61, and the condenser fan 65, and a control code transmitted from the mobile phone 13. Is provided with a remote control unit 81B for giving an operation command corresponding to the control code to the operation control unit 81A.
With this configuration, when a control code is transmitted from the mobile phone 13 to the infrared communication unit 88, the compressor 51, the defrost heater 67, and the like can be remotely operated.
The control means 81 is connected to an infrared communication unit 88 (corresponding to the reception means and transmission means of the present invention), and can transmit and receive with the mobile phone 13 by infrared rays. The infrared communication unit 88 includes an infrared transmission / reception unit 49 having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, an infrared communication control unit 89 that performs protocol control of infrared communication, and a timing management unit 91 that manages infrared transmission / reception timing. .

The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 shows the flow of processing for transmitting the operation information of the refrigerator 10, and this processing program is stored in the storage means 83 (specifically, ROM, RAM, EPROM, HDD, etc.). Has been.
When the transmission request signal from the mobile phone 13 is received (S30: YES), the operation information is transmitted to the mobile phone 13 by infrared rays together with the ID of the refrigerator-freezer 10 (corresponding to the unique information of the refrigerator-freezer 10) (S40). The ID is unique to each refrigerator-freezer 10, and has a structure of “model name number + unique number”, for example, and is stored in the storage unit 83. Specifically, for example, “A” of ID “A0001” represents the model name “refrigerated refrigerator A”, and “B” of ID “B0001” represents the model name “refrigerated refrigerator B”. The number following “A” or “B” is a unique number for identifying each refrigerator-freezer 10.
In this way, by adding the ID to the operation information, it is possible to identify which specific refrigerator-freezer 10 the operation information received by the web server 17 described later is.
As will be described later, a control signal for resetting unique information such as an ID can be transmitted from the infrared communication unit 101 of the mobile phone 13, and the control means 81 of the refrigerator-freezer 10 receives the control signal. Based on this, the unique information such as the ID stored in the storage unit 83 can be reset (rewritable) (the control unit 81 also functions as a unique information resetting unit (rewriting unit)). Therefore, the ID can be easily reset by the mobile phone 13 even after the refrigerator 10 is shipped.

<Description of mobile phone>
On the other hand, the mobile phone 13 includes a terminal control means 93 for controlling the mobile phone 13, a storage means 95 for storing data such as operation information transmitted from the predetermined program and the refrigerator 10 connected thereto, and terminal control. Wireless communication means 97 controlled by means 93 to transmit / receive radio waves to / from the base station, and display means such as a liquid crystal panel controlled by display control unit 93B in terminal control means 93 to display predetermined data contents 99 is provided.
In the storage means 95, as shown in FIG. 12, an abnormality factor storage unit 95A for storing an abnormality factor database (abnormality factor DB) including various abnormality factors associated with each operation information of the refrigerator 10 is shown in FIG. Thus, a control code storage unit 95B that stores a control code database (control code DB) including control codes associated with operation commands for various operations such as operation / stop of the refrigerator / freezer 10 is provided.
In the abnormality factor database, as shown in FIG. 12, the abnormality factors in each case are stored in association with the operation information (relationship between the operating state and the measured temperature) from (1) to (8). An abnormality factor is stored in one record in association with each operation information, and has fields for operation information and abnormality factor.

Here, the correspondence between the operation information and the abnormality factor in the abnormality factor database will be described in detail.
(1) During operation of the refrigeration circuit (compressor 51), if the refrigerator 10 is operating normally, the relationship between the measured temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 ≥ the measured temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50 should be satisfied. . This is because, during the operation of the refrigeration circuit, due to the heat generated by the condenser 51, the measured temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 disposed in the vicinity thereof should be higher than the measured temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50 (FIG. 5).
Therefore, when the measured temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 is equal to the measured temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50 during the operation of the refrigeration circuit, the cause is an abnormality of the compressor 51, the clogging inspection sensor 71 or the outside air temperature sensor. 50 abnormalities, or refrigerant leakage from the refrigeration circuit is considered.
Therefore, during operation of the refrigeration circuit (compressor), if the measured temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 is equal to the measured temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50, the compressor 51 is abnormal, the clogging inspection sensor 71 or the outside air temperature sensor 50 is Corresponding to an abnormality or refrigerant loss from the refrigeration circuit.
In the present embodiment, when the temperature difference between the measurement temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 and the measurement temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50 is within 5 degrees, the measurement temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 ≈ the outside air temperature sensor 50. Judging from the measured temperature.

(2) During operation of the refrigeration circuit (compressor), if the refrigerator-freezer 10 is operating normally, the relationship of the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 ≥ the measured temperature of the defrost sensor 69 should be satisfied. This is because the defrost sensor 69 is closer to the cooler 59 cooled by the operation of the refrigeration circuit (compressor) than the internal temperature sensor 73 (see FIG. 5).
When the refrigerator 10 is normal, the above relationship should hold, and therefore, when the refrigeration circuit (compressor) is in operation, the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 <the measured temperature of the defrost sensor 69. Corresponds to the abnormality of the internal temperature sensor 73 or the defrost sensor 69.
In this embodiment, when the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 is lower than the measured temperature of the defrost sensor 69 by, for example, 5 degrees or more, the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 <the measured temperature of the defrost sensor 69 and Judgment is made.

(3) In the refrigerator 10, when the internal temperature becomes the set temperature and the refrigeration circuit (compressor) is stopped, the relationship between the measurement temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 ≈ the measurement temperature of the defrost sensor 69 is established. It should be. This is because in this state, the temperatures in the machine room and the cabinet are considered to be stable near the set temperature.
When the refrigerator 10 is normal, the above relationship should hold. Therefore, when the temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 is not equal to the temperature measured by the defrost sensor 69 while the refrigeration circuit is stopped, the internal temperature It corresponds to the abnormality of the sensor 73 or the defrost sensor 69.
In this embodiment, when the difference between the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 and the measured temperature of the defrost sensor 69 is 5 degrees or more, the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 ≠ measured by the defrost sensor 69. Judging to be temperature.

(4) Further, during energization of the defrost heater 67, if the refrigerator-freezer 10 is operating normally, the relationship between the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 ≦ the measured temperature of the defrost sensor 69 should be satisfied. This is because the measured temperature of the defrost sensor 69 attached to the defrost heater 67 should be higher than the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 due to the heat generated by the defrost heater 67 (see FIG. 5).
When the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73> the measured temperature of the defrost sensor 69 while the defrost heater 67 is energized, the cause is only when the internal temperature sensor 73 or the defrost sensor 69 is abnormal. In addition, there may be a case where the defrost heater 67 itself is disconnected and the temperature does not increase.
Accordingly, when the measured temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73> the measured temperature of the defrost sensor 69 while the defrost heater 67 is energized, an abnormality in the internal temperature sensor 73 or the defrost sensor 69 or the defrost heater 67 It corresponds to the disconnection.

(5) In any operating state (always), the measurement temperature of the defrost sensor 69 << the measurement temperature of the internal temperature sensor 73 (difference of 20 K (20 degrees) or more), or the measurement temperature of the defrost sensor 69 >> It cannot be the temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor 73 (difference of 20K (20 degrees) or more). This is because it is unlikely that there will be a difference in measured values of 20K or more because the positions of both sensors are close.
Therefore, when any one of these relationships is established, any abnormality of the defrost sensor 69 or the internal temperature sensor 73 is dealt with.

(6) Also, in any operating state (always), the measured temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 <the measured temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50 (difference of 10 K (10 degrees) or more) does not occur.
This is because the condenser 53 arranged near the measurement temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 generates heat but cannot absorb heat.
Therefore, when this relationship is established, any abnormality of the clogging inspection sensor 71 or the outside air temperature sensor 50 is dealt with.

(7) While the refrigeration circuit (compressor) is stopped, if the refrigerator 10 is operating normally, the relationship between the measurement temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 and the measurement temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50 should be satisfied. This is because the temperature in the machine room is substantially uniform when the refrigeration circuit is stopped.
Therefore, when the temperature measured by the clogging inspection sensor 71 >> the measured temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50 (for example, when a temperature difference of 40 degrees or more occurs) while the refrigeration circuit is stopped, the cause is An abnormality in the clogging inspection sensor 71 or the outside air temperature sensor 50 is considered.
Therefore, when the temperature measured by the clogging inspection sensor 71 >> the temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 50 while the refrigeration circuit is stopped, the abnormality is detected in the clogging inspection sensor 71 or the outside air temperature sensor 50. .

(8) Further, in any operating state (always), the inside and outside of the refrigerator-freezer 10 cannot be higher than 70 ° C. Therefore, the measurement temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71> 70 ° C. and the outside air temperature sensor 50 If the measured temperature is higher than 70 ° C., it corresponds to the possibility of the fire of the clogging inspection sensor 71 and the outside air temperature sensor 50 or the outside air temperature (environment temperature) being high.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the control code database stores operation commands such as operation / stop of each part in association with the control codes M1 to M8.
The terminal control means 93 displays a diagnosis unit 93A that reads out the abnormality factor of the refrigerator 10 by referring to the abnormality factor storage unit 95A based on the received various operation information, and the abnormality factor and other information on the display unit 99. And a display control unit 93B.
Further, the terminal control means 93 reads out the required control codes (M1 to M8) stored in the control code database based on the operation of the operation means such as a button of the mobile phone 13, and transmits the infrared communication unit (transmission of the present invention). The operation control unit 93 </ b> C for transmitting to the infrared communication unit 88 of the refrigerator / freezer 10 is provided. The terminal control means 93 is also provided with a unique information resetting section 93D that transmits a control signal from the infrared communication unit 101 for resetting the unique information based on an operation of an operation means such as a button of the mobile phone 13. It has been.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, the terminal control means 93 is connected to the infrared communication unit 101, and can transmit and receive signals with the refrigerator-freezer 10 by infrared rays. The infrared communication unit 101 includes a transmission / reception control unit 103, an infrared transmission / reception unit 105 having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, an infrared communication control unit 107, a speaker unit 109 for outputting sound, and a microphone unit 111 for inputting sound. Yes.

Here, the diagnosis (abnormality detection) performed by the diagnosis unit 93A of the mobile phone 13 will be described.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 shows the flow of diagnostic processing, and this processing program is stored in the storage means 95 (specifically, ROM, RAM, EPROM, HDD, etc.). The program stored in the mobile phone 13 such as the processing program can be downloaded from, for example, a download site on the Internet homepage operated by the manufacturer of the refrigerator 10 or a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. It is supposed to be available from.

  When the infrared communication unit 101 of the mobile phone 13 receives the operation information from the refrigerator-freezer 10 (S50: YES), the display control unit 93B displays the content on the display means 99 (S55). For example, “While the refrigeration circuit is in operation, the set temperature is ○○ ° C, the outside air temperature sensor is measured ○○ ° C, the inside temperature sensor is measured ○○ ° C, the defrosting sensor is measured Temperature ”is displayed. By looking at this display, the service person grasps the current situation and thereby estimates the cause of the abnormality. When the service man requests a diagnosis by operating a button or the like (S60: YES), the diagnosis is started (S65). In the present embodiment, the service person performs diagnosis by selecting operation information to be diagnosed from the operation information transmitted from the refrigerator 10. At this time, the number of pieces of operation information to be selected is not particularly limited, and one or more pieces of operation information are selected (for example, only operation information during operation of the refrigeration circuit on October 2, 2003, 11:00 in FIG. 8). Or all of the operation information of October 1, 2003 11: 00 to October 2, 2003 11:00 in FIG. 8 may be used).

In this diagnosis process, when certain operation information is input, the diagnosis unit 93A searches and extracts (reads) an abnormality factor from the abnormality factor database based on the operation information. For example, if the operation status of the operation information is that the refrigeration circuit is operating and the relationship between the measured temperatures is the measured temperature of the clogging inspection sensor 71 ≈ the measured temperature of the outside air temperature sensor 50, the abnormality of the compressor is considered as an abnormal factor. The abnormality of the clogging inspection sensor, the abnormality of the outside air temperature sensor, and the lack of solvent from the refrigeration circuit are read out.
Then, the diagnosis result (abnormal factor) is displayed on the display means 99 (S70). At this time, for example, “Diagnosis has been completed. It is determined that the compressor is abnormal or is abnormal. Please send when requesting the part identification code” is displayed.
Next, when a transmission request to the web server 17 is made, for example, when a predetermined button operation is performed on the mobile phone 13 (S75: YES), the ID of the refrigerator 10 and the abnormality factor are transmitted to the web server 17 via the Internet 15. (S80).

<Description of web server>
As shown in FIG. 14, the web server 17 includes a transmission / reception means 17A. When a service person accesses a site such as a manufacturer of the refrigerator 10 through the Internet 15 using the mobile phone 13, the service is provided. It is a computer that transmits various data to the cellular phone 13 such as a man. Further, the web server 17 refers to the database server 19 as necessary, and transmits predetermined information to the mobile phone 13.
Further, when data of a certain field is input to the web server 17, an extraction unit 17C that searches a database in various database storage units 19B of the database server 19 and extracts a record including the input data or data included in the record. Are provided.

<Description of database server>
The database server 19 is a computer that stores various databases related to the refrigerator 10.
In this embodiment, the web server 17 and the database server 19 are configured as separate devices, but the functions of both may be provided in one device.
The database server 19 is provided with various database storage units 19B. As shown in FIG. 15, a user database (user DB), a service history database (service history DB), a service category database (service category DB), a component identification code A database (part identification code DB) is provided.

The user database is for accumulating user information of each refrigerator-freezer 10 in one record. As shown in FIG. 15, the refrigerator-freezer ID, user name, address, telephone number, service person in charge (specification) A service person in charge of maintenance of the refrigerator) has a mail address field.
As shown in FIG. 15, the service category database stores the service content type for each record, and has a service category code and a service content field. The service category code is the primary key of the service category database, and the service content is input of specific service content such as replacement of various sensors, sending of notifications that the maintenance period has arrived, sending of recall guidance, etc. Thus, the service category database compares the service type with the service category code.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the service history database stores information on services actually performed for each service, and has fields of history ID, date and time (service date and time), refrigerator-freezer ID, and service classification code. “History ID” is the primary key of the service history database assigned to each record, “Date and time” is the date when the service was actually performed, and “Refrigerator ID” is the identification of the service performed. The ID of the refrigerator / freezer is input, and the service classification code of the service classification database is input to “service classification code”.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the component identification code database stores the component identification codes of the components for each record. The component identification code database includes a component identification code in the component / refrigerator refrigerator A and a component identification code field in the refrigerator refrigerator B. Have. The sensor name and the like are input to the component, and the identification code corresponding to the type of refrigerator is input to the component identification code. Thus, the component identification code database compares various abnormality factors (component names) with the component identification codes related thereto.

As described above, the extraction unit 17C of the web server 17 searches the database in the various database storage unit 19B and extracts a record including the input data or data included in the record. Specifically, when the extraction unit 17C inputs a certain refrigerator-freezer ID, it searches for a record including the refrigerator-freezer ID, extracts a user name, an address, a telephone number, a responsible serviceman mail address from the user database, and a service history database. The service category code is extracted from the service category database, and the service content corresponding to the service category code extracted from the service history database is extracted from the service category database.
The extracting unit 17C extracts a part identification code corresponding to the part related to the abnormality factor from the part identification code database.

  Here, processing performed by the web server 17 will be described. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, when the web server 17 receives the ID and the abnormality factor transmitted from the mobile phone 13 of the service person (S100: YES), the extraction unit 17C includes the ID. Search records, extract user name, address, telephone number, and responsible serviceman mail address from user database, extract service classification code from service history database, and correspond to service classification code extracted from service history database Service contents are extracted from the service category database (S110).

  Next, the extraction unit 17C reads the component identification code number of the sensor or the like corresponding to the abnormality factor from the component identification code database (S130). Then, the diagnosis result indicating the abnormality factor, the related component identification code, the service history of the refrigerator 10, the user name, etc. is transmitted (output) to the mobile phone 13 of the requesting serviceman to perform the processing. The process ends (S140).

As described above, according to the mobile phone 13 as the abnormality detection device of this embodiment, the abnormality factor database is stored in advance in the abnormality factor storage unit 95A. In the abnormality factor database, the abnormality factor in each case is stored in association with the operation information (relationship between the operation state and the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors).
A service person reads out information on measured temperatures of a plurality of temperature sensors and operating conditions at the time of measurement from the refrigerator 10 using the mobile phone 13 by infrared communication. Then, the cellular phone 13 reads out the abnormality factor of the refrigerator 10 by referring to the abnormality factor database based on this information and displays the result (abnormal factor).
As described above, since various abnormality factors are specified in association with the magnitude relationship between the measurement temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors, it is possible to detect abnormality of the refrigerator-freezer 10 with high sensitivity. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality before the refrigerator / freezer 10 becomes significantly inoperative.

In addition, since various abnormality factors are identified in association with the magnitude relationship of the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors, the abnormality (for example, compression) of the refrigerator-freezer 10 that could not be detected based on the measured value of the single temperature sensor. (Abnormality of the machine 51) can be detected.
Since the diagnosis unit 93A and the abnormality factor storage unit 95A are provided not on the refrigerator-freezer 10 side but on the mobile phone 13 side, the correspondence between the operation information and various abnormality factors is changed after the refrigerator-freezer 10 is shipped. Even when adding or adding, it is possible to respond quickly by changing the program and database on the mobile phone 13 side without improving the refrigerator-freezer 10 or the like.
In the present embodiment, the diagnosis unit 93A and the abnormality factor storage unit 95A are provided on the mobile phone 13 side, and it is sufficient to provide the refrigerator-freezer 10 with a simple unit such as the infrared unit 88. Design and manufacture of the refrigerator 10 become easy.
In addition, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, referring to the abnormality factor database that also considers the operating state of the refrigerator 10, that is, various types corresponding to the magnitude relationship of the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors for each operating state. Since the abnormality factor is identified with reference to the abnormality factor database storing the abnormality factor, an appropriate abnormality factor can be identified in consideration of the operation state of the refrigerator 10.
In the present embodiment, the abnormality factor is specified using at least two of the inside temperature sensor 73, the outside air temperature sensor 50, the clogging inspection sensor 71, and the defrost sensor 69. Since these temperature sensors are generally attached to the refrigerator-freezer 10, it is not necessary to provide a new temperature sensor for detecting an abnormality.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made. Note that each of the routines (processing procedures) described above is merely an example, and can be changed as appropriate.
(1) In the above embodiment, the mobile phone 13 is an abnormality detection device, but the abnormality detection device may be incorporated on the equipment side such as the refrigerator 10. In this case, a diagnosis unit 93A and an abnormality factor storage unit 95A are provided on the equipment side such as the refrigerator 10 or the like.
(2) In the said embodiment, although the example of the refrigerator-freezer 10 was mentioned and demonstrated as an apparatus, it is not specifically limited, For example, it is possible to apply also to a refrigerator, a freezer, an ice maker, a dishwasher, etc.
(3) In the above embodiment, the diagnosis regarding the device is performed based on the measured temperatures of the internal temperature sensor 73, the outside air temperature sensor 50, the clogging inspection sensor 71, and the defrost sensor 69. A determination may be made based on the measured temperature.
Further, the abnormality factor database shown in FIG. 12 is merely an example. Therefore, you may use other than what was listed in FIG. 12 for the relationship between an operating state, measured temperature, and an abnormal factor. Further, depending on the device, an abnormality factor database in which the operation state is omitted and the abnormality factor is associated with the relationship of the measured temperature may be used.
(4) In the above embodiment, the mobile phone 13 is used as the mobile terminal. However, various mobile terminals such as a PDA can be used in addition to the mobile phone 13.
(5) In the above embodiment, wireless communication is performed between the refrigerator-freezer 10 and the mobile phone 13 using infrared as a medium. However, the communication method is not particularly limited, and for example, short-range communication using a radio wave as a medium. It is good also as a structure which performs the radio | wireless communication by Bluetooth between the portable communication terminals in which Bluetooth communication known as a technique is possible. A simple mobile phone PHS (Personal Handyphone System) configured to support a PIAFS (PHS Internet Access Forum Standard) protocol may also be used. Wired communication may also be used.
(6) In the above embodiment, the mobile phone 13 is connected to the web server 17 via the Internet 15, but the mobile terminal is not necessarily connected to the network.
(7) Each database in the above embodiment is merely an example, and may have other fields.
(8) In the above embodiment, an example of the Internet is given as the network. However, the network is not particularly limited, and a network using a telephone line, a LAN, or the like may be used.
(9) In the above embodiment, two substrates (the display circuit substrate 43 and the main circuit substrate 45) are arranged in the control box 40, but a single substrate may be used.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an entire system using an abnormality detection device (mobile phone) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view of refrigerator Front view of control box Cross section of control box Cross section of a refrigerator Block diagram showing the structure of a refrigerator-freezer Flowchart showing operation information storage routine The figure which shows the data memorized in the freezer Flow chart showing operation information transmission routine Block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile phone Flow chart showing diagnostic processing routine Schematic diagram showing the table of the abnormality factor database Schematic diagram showing the control code database table Block diagram of configuration of web server and database server Overview diagram showing tables in each database Flow chart showing server processing routine

Explanation of symbols

10 ... refrigerator-freezer 13 ... mobile phone (abnormality detection device)
15 ... Internet 17 ... Web server 19 ... Database server

Claims (4)

An anomaly detection device that detects an anomaly related to a device having a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring temperatures at different positions,
An abnormality factor storage means for storing various abnormality factors in advance in association with the magnitude relationship between the measured temperatures of the plurality of sensors;
An abnormality detection apparatus comprising: a diagnosis unit that reads out an abnormality factor of the device by referring to the abnormality factor storage unit based on a magnitude relationship between measured temperatures read from the plurality of temperature sensors. The abnormality detection device is configured by a portable terminal that can communicate with the device,
The device includes information storage means for collecting and storing measured values of the plurality of temperature sensors, receiving means for receiving a transmission request signal from the portable terminal, and the information storage means based on the transmission request signal While transmitting means for transmitting the measured values of the plurality of temperature sensors stored in the mobile terminal to the portable terminal,
In the portable terminal, a transmission means for transmitting the transmission request signal to the device;
Receiving means for receiving measured values of the plurality of temperature sensors transmitted from the device;
The abnormality detection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the abnormality factor read by the diagnosis means. An abnormality detection device for detecting an abnormality related to a refrigerator having a plurality of temperature sensors,
Anomaly factor storage means for storing various anomaly factors associated with the magnitude relationship of the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors for each operating state of the refrigeration circuit and the defrosting heater in advance,
Diagnostic means for reading out the abnormal factor of the refrigerator by referring to the abnormal factor storage means based on the magnitude relationship of the measured temperature read from the plurality of temperature sensors and the operation state at the time of measurement, and a display for displaying the abnormal factor An abnormality detection device comprising: means.   The plurality of temperature sensors include an internal temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in a storage chamber for storing stored items, a condenser temperature sensor disposed near an outlet of the condenser, and an outside air temperature where the refrigerator is installed. The abnormality detection device according to claim 3, wherein the abnormality detection device is at least two or more of an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature and a defrost sensor disposed in the vicinity of the defrost heater.

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