JP2006300356A - Store management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assist cooling capacity by diagnosing the factor of a cooling capacity fall of a showcase disposed in a store. <P>SOLUTION: When a "frost formation" warning in a diagnostic device is inputted (step S21: Yes), a backup processing means gradually enlarges the operation intervals of a defrosting function of defrosting an evaporator and completely stops depending on the case (step S22). The cooling capacity of the showcase is thus assisted according to the factor of the cooling capacity fall of the showcase. Time until the showcase results in failure can thereby be extended to secure time until a serviceman arrives at the store and carries out maintenance after receiving a failure prediction warning. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a store management system that manages / controls various devices such as a showcase, an air conditioner, and a lighting device arranged in a store from inside or outside the store.

  Conventionally, there is known a store management system technology that backs up the cooling function of a showcase with equipment other than the showcase according to the load of the showcase placed in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store (for example, a patent Reference 1).

JP 2004-205194 A

  In the conventional store management system, for example, the cooling operation set temperature of the air conditioner is lowered below a specified value in accordance with the load on the showcase, thereby suppressing a decrease in operating efficiency of the refrigerator due to an increase in the load on the showcase. However, the conventional store management system only indirectly suppresses the decrease in the operating efficiency of the refrigerator regardless of the cause of the showcase failure. As a result, the showcase may break down early. If a showcase breaks down, the product temperature in the showcase cannot be managed by backup with only the air conditioner. For example, the product in the broken showcase may not melt and become a product for sale. This will lead to a decline in credit. Furthermore, in the conventional store management system, when the cooling operation set temperature of the air conditioner is lowered below a specified value according to the load of the showcase, the entire store is cooled excessively by the operation of the air conditioner. Or the store clerk may be uncomfortable.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention can diagnose a cause of a decrease in the cooling capacity of a showcase placed in a store and assist the cooling capacity, and can prevent a situation that damages the environment in the store The purpose is to provide a management system.

  In order to achieve the above object, a store management system according to claim 1 of the present invention is a store management system for managing a showcase and other devices arranged in a store, and causes a decrease in cooling capacity of the showcase. And a backup processing means for backing up the function of the showcase according to the cause of the cooling capacity decrease diagnosed by the diagnostic means.

  The store management system according to claim 2 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned claim 1, the backup processing means turns off the illumination for illuminating the product stored in the showcase.

  The store management system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the store management system according to the first aspect, wherein the backup processing means gradually increases an operation interval of a defrost function for defrosting the evaporator of the showcase, or the defrost. The function is stopped.

  The store management system according to claim 4 of the present invention is the store management system according to claim 1, wherein the backup processing means increases the cooling efficiency of another showcase adjacent to the showcase and passes the cold air to the showcase. Features.

  The store management system according to claim 5 of the present invention is the store management system according to claim 1, wherein the backup processing means gradually shortens the energization time in the ON / OFF control of the condensation prevention function for preventing condensation in the showcase. It is characterized by.

  The store management system according to the present invention assists the cooling capacity by backing up the function of the showcase by the backup processing means according to the cause of the decrease in the cooling capacity of the showcase diagnosed by the diagnosis means. For this reason, until the showcase breaks down so that the time required for the maintenance of the equipment in the store and the serviceman of the manufacturer of the showcase to arrive at the store and perform maintenance after receiving a warning for failure diagnosis Can extend the time. As a result, since the case where the showcase breaks down and the product melts and cannot be sold, it is possible to improve the reliability of the system with no cost burden. In addition, because the processing of the showcase function is backed up, it is not necessary to lower the cooling operation set temperature of the air conditioner below the specified value according to the load of the showcase, so the entire store is overcooled and in the store It is possible to prevent an unpleasant situation for customers and store staff.

  Exemplary embodiments of a store management system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  First, the configuration of the store management system will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration in a store, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a store management system of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the store 100A (the store 100B and the store 100C are similar) includes a showcase (refrigerated / refrigerated open showcase) 1, an air conditioner 2, a vending machine 3, a security system 4, a lighting device, and the like. It is the store where it was arranged. For example, the stores 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C are stores that are dispersedly arranged in a region like a supermarket that has become a chain store.

  The store management system for managing the stores 100A to 100C includes separate controllers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 for various devices such as the showcase 1, the air conditioner 2, and other lights in the stores 100A to 100C. 2 and via a network adapter (NA) 20, a router 21, and a network 22, an in-store personal computer (hereinafter referred to as in-store PC) 23 and an information processing apparatus (store headquarter server 24) outside the store shown in FIG. , Service headquarter server 25, security headquarter server 26, store owner server 27, equipment owner server 28, equipment maintenance contractor server 29). In the store management system, each controller aggregates data from devices under its jurisdiction over time at regular intervals, and transmits the collected data to the in-store PC 23. Alternatively, the collected data may be transmitted to the information processing apparatus (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) outside the store via the network 22. The controller is not dedicated to data collection.

  A system in each store 100A to 100C shown in FIG. 1 includes a store control controller 15, a showcase controller 11, an air conditioner controller 12, a heat storage controller 13, a lighting controller 14, a vending machine 3, a security system 4, and the like. It has a configuration in which it is connected to the network adapter 20 (a system in which various controllers, vending machines, etc. are connected through each as shown in the figure), and can perform notification and instruction of information related to the status of each device.

  The store control controller 15 is a controller that performs energy saving control of the entire store, and specifically includes a personal computer or the like. The showcase controller 11 is a controller that controls the refrigerator 7 in order to adjust the temperature of the inside of the storage case 31 of the showcase 1 and the goods in the refrigerator 5. The air conditioner controller 12 is a controller that controls the air conditioner 2 for adjusting the inside of the store to a predetermined temperature using the refrigerator 8. The heat storage controller 13 is a controller that controls the heat storage tank 6 that stores ice based on the load state of the refrigerators 7 and 8. The illumination controller 14 is a controller that controls various illumination devices disposed on the ceiling of the store, and also performs fluorescent lamp dimming of the showcase 1. The vending machine 3 is an owner-managed vending machine that is installed in a store and sells beverages and foods. Since the vending machine 3 is not related to a showcase or the like, a controller for the vending machine 3 is not provided. The security system 4 is a system for managing the security of the entire store based on data from a sensor provided on the door 4a, a fire alarm 4b, a security device 4c, and the like. Since the security system 4 originally has a controller function, no separate controller is provided.

  The in-store PC 23 is a personal computer installed in the stores 100A to 100C. Based on time series data received from each controller, in addition to managing the types and prices of products sold in the store and counting sales. To perform failure diagnosis / prediction and backup processing for each device. Note that, for example, failure prediction information, which will be described later, can be transmitted to the store owner server 27, the device owner server 28, and the like via the PHS adapter 231 attached to the in-store PC 23.

  The in-store PC 23 or the information processing apparatus outside the store that has received data from the controller performs failure diagnosis / prediction and backup processing of each device, which will be described later, based on the received data. As the information processing device, the store headquarters server 24 is a terminal device of the headquarters mechanism that supervises each store 100A to 100C, and instructs each store about the type and price of the product to be provided, and sales of each store 100A to 100C. Know the situation. The service headquarter server 25 is a terminal device of the headquarters mechanism that centrally manages the contents of services that the stores 100A to 100C should provide to customers. The security headquarters server 26 is a terminal device of the headquarters mechanism that supervises security mechanisms related to entrance / exit management, fire, and crime prevention in the stores 100A to 100C.

  The store management system does not simply manage the products, services, security, etc. of each store for each store, but a headquarters mechanism common to the stores 100A to 100C, which is the store headquarter server 24, service headquarter server 25, and security headquarter server 26. The stores 100A to 100C are centrally managed for each function. The store owner server 27 is a terminal device owned by the owners of the stores 100A to 100C. The device owner server 28 is a terminal device owned by the owner of the rental device when the device such as the showcase 1 installed in each store 100A to 100C is a rental device rented from a manufacturer or the like. The equipment maintenance company server 29 is a terminal device owned by a maintenance company that maintains and manages equipment such as the showcase 1 installed in each of the stores 100A to 100C. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the store owner, the device owner, and the device maintenance contractor of each store 100A to 100C are the same person.

  As described above, each of the stores 100A to 100C, the store headquarter server 24, the service headquarter server 25, the security headquarter server 26, the store owner server 27, the device owner server 28, and the device maintenance contractor server 29 are respectively connected via the router 21. Connected to the network 22. The network 22 is a public line network (telephone line, ISDN, etc.), the Internet, a network using ATM, and the like, and each terminal device performs communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Therefore, it is also possible to perform Internet file transfer (FTP) and e-mail transfer between the stores 100A to 100C and each terminal device.

  In addition, failure diagnosis / prediction and backup processing of each device in each store 100A to 100C is performed not only in the store PC 23 in each store 100A to 100C, but also the store headquarter server 24, the service headquarter server 25, the security headquarter server 26, It can also be performed in each terminal device such as the store owner server 27, the device owner server 28, and the device maintenance company server 29. Or you may make it make the network adapter 20 perform.

  The network adapter 20 provides a home page such as “device status display / device setting input” and displays the status and settings of the connected device as described above on the browser screen of the terminal device to which access is permitted. A function that can be performed (hereinafter referred to as the homepage function) and an administrator or any person who has been designated / registered in advance automatically when a problem occurs with the connected device. A function of notifying trouble occurrence by e-mail or the like (hereinafter referred to as an automatic mail transmission function)

  By using the network adapter 20, monitoring and management of various devices in the stores 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C are performed intensively on the outside (for example, the store headquarter server 24), or failure occurrences are transmitted to the device maintenance company server 29. Notification can be made promptly by e-mail. The network adapter 20 can be formed as an option board having an interface for accommodating a serial communication line, and can be mounted on the in-store PC 23 or the like. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which replaces with the network adapter 20, arrange | positions the personal computer etc. which have a homepage function and a mail transmission function, or attaches the network adapter 20 directly to various apparatuses in a store.

  In the above description, various devices such as the showcase controller 11 and the air conditioner controller 12 are connected by the multi-drop method. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various networks such as a ring type are used. A topology can also be used. In addition, the stores 100A to 100C and the store headquarter server 24 can communicate with each other via the network 22, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, via a transmission path such as a wireless communication system or satellite communication. Thus, the communication may be configured.

  Next, the structure of the showcase 1 and the refrigerator 7 will be described. Here, an example of an open showcase as the showcase 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing an embodiment of a showcase.

  The showcase 1 is basically installed indoors (in a store), and has a main body 30 that forms the casing of the showcase 1 as shown in FIG. The main body 30 is formed with a storage 31 having an opening 31a in one direction, and has a shape that allows goods to be taken in and out of the storage 31 from the opening 31a. A display shelf 32 for placing commodities is arranged in the container 31. Further, a blower outlet 33 is provided at one side edge (upper edge) of the opening 31a of the container 31, and a suction port 34 is provided at the other side edge (lower edge) of the opening 31a. The outlet 33 and the suction port 34 are connected via a duct 35 in the housing of the main body 30. Further, the housing of the main body 30 is provided with an evaporator 36 and a blower 37 that communicate with the duct 35. The evaporator 36 evaporates the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the refrigerator 7 and cools the surrounding air. The blower 37 sends the cooled air to the duct 35.

  Further, the showcase 1 is provided with an outside temperature thermistor 38, a storage room temperature thermistor 39, a temperature control thermistor 40, and a defrosting temperature thermistor 41. The outside temperature thermistor 38 is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature around the showcase 1 and is disposed outside the main body 30. The storage room temperature thermistor 39 is a temperature sensor for detecting the internal temperature of the storage room 31 of the showcase 1, and is disposed inside the storage room 31. The temperature control temperature thermistor 40 is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air sent into the duct 35 by the blower 37, and is disposed in the vicinity of the air outlet 33 in the duct 35. The defrosting temperature thermistor 41 is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the evaporator 36, and is disposed in the vicinity of the evaporator 36.

  The refrigerator 7 is basically installed outside the room (outside the store), and has a compressor 43 and a condenser 44 connected to the showcase 1 via a refrigerant pipe 42 as shown in FIG. Yes. The compressor 43 compresses the low-temperature / low-pressure liquid refrigerant supplied from the evaporator 36 of the showcase 1 into a high-temperature / high-pressure gas refrigerant. The condenser 44 radiates the high-temperature / high-pressure gas refrigerant supplied from the compressor to form a high-temperature / high-pressure liquid refrigerant and sends it to the showcase 1 side. The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the showcase 1 side is converted into a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant by an expansion valve (not shown) and sent to the evaporator 36 of the showcase 1.

  Further, the refrigerator 7 is provided with a suction (low pressure) side temperature sensor 45, a suction (low pressure) side pressure sensor 46, a discharge (high pressure) side temperature sensor 47, and a discharge (high pressure) side pressure sensor 48. The suction (low pressure) side temperature sensor 45 and the suction (low pressure) side pressure sensor 46 are sensors that measure the temperature and pressure of the low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant before being supplied to the compressor 43. The discharge (high pressure) side temperature sensor 47 and the discharge (high pressure) side pressure sensor 48 are sensors that measure the temperature and pressure of the high-temperature / high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 43.

  The refrigerator 7 generates a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant and supplies it to the showcase 1 side. That is, the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant generated by the refrigerator 7 passes through the refrigerant pipe 42 and is supplied to the showcase 1 main body side. The high-temperature / high-pressure liquid refrigerant is converted into a low-temperature / low-pressure liquid refrigerant by an expansion valve (not shown) and sent to the evaporator 36. Thereby, the air around the evaporator 36 is cooled. The cooled air is sent into the duct 35 by the blower 37 and further sent from the outlet 33 to the storage case 31 of the showcase 1 to cool the inside of the storage case 31. A part of the cool air sent from the blower outlet 33 to the storage 31 is sucked into the suction port 34 while forming an air curtain as shown by an arrow in FIG. The cool air sucked into the suction port 34 is sent again by the blower 37 to create a cool air circulation.

  Here, in the case of an inverter type refrigerator, when it is predicted that the allowable range of refrigeration cycle equipment and electric / electronic parts will be exceeded due to an increase in load and transient disturbance, a protection control operation different from the normal operation control is entered. For example, protection control such as reducing the operating frequency when the discharge (high pressure) side pressure is too high is performed. By performing such protection control, it is possible to prevent the failure of the refrigerator 7 itself, but there may be a problem that the temperature inside the showcase chamber increases as described later. Details will be described later.

  Below, the signal change characteristic of the said various sensors installed in the showcase 1 and the refrigerator 7 when various failures occur is demonstrated.

  First, a case where a frost failure (ice bank) has occurred in the evaporator 36 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of changes over time in the temperatures measured by thermistors for the outside air temperature, the inside container temperature, and the temperature control temperature.

  In FIG. 4, in the evaporator 36, until the frost adheres to a limit amount that allows the frost to be completely removed by the operation of the defrost function (and thereafter), the outside air is further removed. The time-dependent change of the temperature measured with the temperature thermistor for temperature 38, the thermistor for internal temperature 39, and the thermistor for temperature control 40 is shown by a graph. The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 4 is measured temperature, and the horizontal axis is time.

  In FIG. 4, time t1 is when the frost is completely removed, and time t2 is when the frost is attached to the limit amount that can be removed. The outside temperature thermistor 38 measures the temperature around the showcase 1 and is not affected by the state of frost adhesion to the evaporator 36. In the example shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the ambient temperature is substantially constant. On the other hand, as the amount of frost attached to the evaporator 36 increases, it becomes difficult for the cool air to be blown. Therefore, the temperatures measured by the temperature in the storage temperature thermistor 39 and the temperature control temperature thermistor 40 (the temperatures of the storage 31 and the duct 35). ) Gradually rises as shown in FIG.

  Next, the case where the condenser 44 of the refrigerator 7 is clogged will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the change over time in the refrigerant temperature measured by the discharge (high pressure) side temperature sensor, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the change in the refrigerant pressure over time measured by the discharge (high pressure) side pressure sensor. is there.

  In FIG. 5, the refrigerant temperature is measured with the discharge (high pressure) side temperature sensor 47 from the state in which the dust is completely removed to the state in which the dust is clogged in the condenser 44 (and thereafter). The change is shown graphically. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5 is time, and the vertical axis is temperature. In FIG. 6, the refrigerant temperature is measured with the discharge (high pressure) side pressure sensor 48 from the state where the dust is completely removed to the state where the dust is clogged in the condenser 44 (and thereafter). The change is shown graphically. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 6 is time, and the vertical axis is pressure.

  5 and 6, time t3 is when dust is completely removed, and time t4 is when dust is clogged. When the condenser 44 is clogged and the heat transfer area is reduced, the heat radiation from the gas refrigerant is not normally performed. Therefore, the temperature and pressure of the gas refrigerant on the discharge (high pressure) side increase according to the degree of clogging. . As the temperature and pressure of the gas refrigerant on the discharge (high pressure) side rise, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant guided to the evaporator 36 also rise, and thus the temperature in the storage case 31 of the showcase 1 rises.

  Furthermore, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant returning from the evaporator 36 to the refrigerator 7 side, that is, the gas refrigerant on the suction (low pressure) side also increases. When the pressure of the gas refrigerant rises, in the case of the inverter type refrigerator, the protection control operation for lowering the operation frequency is started as described above. By entering the protection control operation, the refrigerator 7 may be free from failure. However, if the operating frequency is lowered, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant led to the evaporator 36 further increase, and the storage case of the showcase 1 The inside of 31 will be in the state which does not cool at all. Furthermore, if the clogging of the condenser 44 becomes more severe by continuing the operation as it is, the refrigerator 7 eventually stops due to an abnormal high pressure.

  Next, a phenomenon at the time of leakage or shortage of the gas refrigerant will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change over time in pressure values on the suction (low pressure) side and the discharge (high pressure) side of the compressor when the gas refrigerant leaks or is insufficient.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the discharge (high pressure) side pressure tends to increase at the beginning of the gas refrigerant leak, but if the leak or shortage of the gas refrigerant increases thereafter, the compression effect in the compressor 43 decreases. The pressure gradually decreases. On the other hand, the suction (low pressure) side pressure gradually increases because heat exchange proceeds excessively in the evaporator 36 regardless of the degree of leakage or shortage of the gas refrigerant.

  The same applies to the temperature (suction (low pressure) side temperature, discharge (high pressure) side temperature). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a pull-down time of the storage room temperature and the temperature control temperature after the defrosting operation is performed. In FIG. 8, the temperature in the storage 31 is measured by a temperature thermistor 39 in the storage, and the temperature control temperature is measured by the temperature control thermistor 40.

  The left side of FIG. 8 shows a change with time of the temperature in the storage 31 and the temperature control temperature in a state where there is no leakage / insufficiency of the gas refrigerant, and on the right side in a state where there is leakage / insufficiency of the gas refrigerant. As shown on the left side of FIG. 8, in the state where there is no leakage / insufficiency of the gas refrigerant, the defrosting operation is performed, so that the temperature in the storage 31 and the temperature control temperature are rapidly increased. Decreases rapidly. On the other hand, as shown on the right side of FIG. 8, in the state where there is leakage / insufficiency of the gas refrigerant, the cooling capacity in the evaporator 36 is reduced, so that the temperature in the storage 31 and the temperature control temperature are reduced after the defrosting operation is completed. It will take a pull-down time to do.

  Finally, a case where the showcase blowout port 33 (honeycomb portion) is clogged with dust or dust will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temperature change in the storage temperature of the showcase and the temperature adjustment temperature when dust or dust adheres to the air outlet.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when there is no dust or dust at the outlet 33, the temperature difference between the temperature in the container 31 and the temperature control temperature is approximately constant at about 5 ° C., for example. On the other hand, if dust or dust adheres to the air outlet 33, the air volume from the air outlet 33 decreases, so that cold air does not spread in the storage room 31, and the temperature in the storage room 31 rises. As the amount of dust and dust adhering to the air outlet 33 increases, the temperature in the container 31 gradually increases as shown in FIG. On the other hand, since the cold air reaches the inside of the duct 35 where the temperature control temperature thermistor 40 is installed, the temperature control temperature is almost the same as that before the adhering of dust and dust. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, the temperature difference between the temperature in the storage container 31 and the temperature adjustment temperature becomes gradually larger than before the dust and dust are attached. This is the same even when the temperature ratio is considered instead of the temperature difference.

  Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the pull-down time of the temperature in the storage box and the temperature adjustment temperature after the defrosting operation is performed. As shown on the left side of FIG. 10, in the state where no dust or dust is attached, the temperature in the storage 31 that has been raised by defrosting (shown by a solid line in FIG. 10) and the temperature control temperature (shown by a broken line in FIG. 10). Decreases rapidly after the defrosting operation. On the other hand, as shown on the right side of FIG. 10, in the state where dirt and dust are attached and clogging occurs, the air volume from the outlet 33 decreases, so the pull-down time of the temperature adjustment temperature after the defrosting operation is Although it is almost the same as the pull-down time when there is no dust or dust attached, the pull-down time of the temperature in the container 31 becomes longer.

  As described above, the signal change characteristics of the various sensors for detecting the state data of the showcase 1 and the refrigerator 7 have been described when the various failures occur. And in a store management system, a failure diagnosis / prediction method is implemented using this. Further, in the store management system, learning processing is performed in response to variations in signal change characteristics for each device / installation location. Each of these processes will be described below.

  As described above, in the store management system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, data (such as measurement data of various sensors) of devices (showcase 1 and refrigerator 5) that each controller (showcase controller 11 and the like) has jurisdiction over. Are collected over time at regular intervals, and the collected time-series data is transmitted to the in-store PC 23. The in-store PC 23 (diagnostic means) uses the data transmitted as described above to determine a threshold based on data collected within a predetermined period (learning period), and then uses this threshold to diagnose failure / Make predictions.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic functional block diagram of the diagnostic means. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the diagnosis unit 50 includes a basic data calculation unit 51, a threshold determination unit 52, and a failure prediction unit 53. The basic data calculation unit 51 pulls down at least the discharge side pressure of the refrigerator and the temperature control temperature of the showcase 1 based on the state data of various devices (showcase, air conditioner, etc.) collected via the network adapter 20. Various basic data such as the time and the difference between the pull-down time of the inside temperature of the showcase 1 and the temperature control temperature are calculated.

  The threshold value determination unit 52 accumulates various basic data calculated by the basic data calculation unit 51 within a predetermined learning period, and uses the accumulated basic data to predict the occurrence of various failures for various devices. The various threshold values are determined.

  The failure prediction unit 53 predicts whether or not a failure will occur by comparing the various basic data calculated by the basic data calculation unit 51 with the various threshold values determined by the threshold value determination unit 52 after the learning period. To do. Then, the prediction result is output, displayed, notified, and the like.

  A failure prediction method by the diagnosis unit 50 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of learning / threshold determination (learning processing) in the learning period, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of failure diagnosis / prediction processing. Here, the failure diagnosis / prediction of the devices (showcase 1 and refrigerator 5) that the showcase controller 11 has jurisdiction for will be described by taking the showcase 1 as an example. In this example, the learning start date is, for example, the date when a certain showcase 1 (showcase 1 and refrigerator 7) is newly installed in the store and turned on. Alternatively, after the power is turned on, the operation may be started for several days and the learning may be started in anticipation of the stable operation. In this example, the learning start date is “n month m day”. The learning period is 2 weeks in this example.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the temperature in the storage case 31 of the showcase 1 and the temperature control temperature thermistor measured by the temperature thermistor 39 in the storage case among the measurement data from the various sensors described above on the day m / month. (1) to (1) to (5) based on the temperature control temperature measured by 40 and the discharge (high pressure) side pressure data measured by the discharge (high pressure) side pressure sensor 48 provided on the refrigerator 7 side. 4) is calculated (step S1). (1) is the rate of change of the temperature in the storage case 31 of the showcase 1, (2) is the discharge (high pressure) side pressure of the refrigerator 7, (3) is the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature of the showcase, ( 4) is the difference between the pull-down time of the temperature in the container 31 and the temperature control temperature.

  Next, (1) it is determined whether or not the temperature change rate in the showcase storage 31 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value A) (step S2). If it is equal to or greater than the threshold value A (step S2: YES), it is assumed that frost of a certain level or more (for example, a limit amount or more that can be removed by the defrosting operation) has adhered to the evaporator 36, and a “frosting” alarm is given. Is issued (step S3). Here, in the showcase 1, the temperature in the storage case 31 may be temporarily increased usually when a new product is replenished or affected by fluctuations in the surrounding air. For this reason, if an alarm is issued immediately when the rate of change of the temperature in the storage container 31 is equal to or greater than the threshold A, there is a risk of false alarms. Therefore, a “frosting” alarm may be issued when the temperature in the storage 31 has not decreased for a certain period of time after the rate of change of the temperature in the storage 31 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value A. Note that in such a state where the “frosting” alarm is issued, correct data may not be collected, and the learning process may be interrupted until the alarm is released.

  For items other than (1) ((2), (3), (4)), the determination process is not performed after the calculation, but the calculation results are stored / accumulated (the day (n month m day) all day) ), Which is used for the process of step S5 described later.

  The above is the process for one day (n month m day), and the same process is performed from the next day (n month m + 1 day) (step S4). That is, the above-described processes (1), (2), (3), and (4) are calculated every predetermined time every day, and frost formation is determined for (1) in the same manner as in step S2. If necessary, a “frosting” alarm is issued, and the calculation results are stored / accumulated for (2), (3), and (4).

  Then, after one week, based on the calculation results of (2), (3), and (4) above accumulated for this week (n month m day to n month m + 6 day), the average value for each week. Is obtained (step S5). After the average value is obtained, if the stored / accumulated data is deleted, the storage capacity required for the diagnostic unit 50 can be reduced.

  For the next week (n month m + 7 day to n month m + 14 day), the same processing as in step S1 and step S2 is performed every day (step S6), and finally this week (n month m + 7 day). On the basis of the calculation results of (2), (3), and (4) accumulated in (~ n month m + 14 days), an average value for each week is obtained (step S7).

  With the above, the average value of (2), (3), (4) in the first week, that is, the average value of the discharge (high pressure) side pressure of the freezer: P (n month m day to n month m + 6 day) The average value of the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature of the showcase: T1 (n month m day to n month m + 6 day), and the average value of the difference between the temperature in the storage case 31 of the showcase 1 and the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature : T2 (n month m day to n month m + 6 day) and the average value of (2), (3), (4) of the second week, that is, the average value of the discharge (high pressure) side pressure of the refrigerator: P (n month m + 7 day to n month m + 14 day), average value of the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature of the showcase: T1 (n month m + 7 day to n month m + 14 day), and the temperature in the storage case 31 of the showcase 1 And T2 (n month m + 7 day to n month m + 14 day) is obtained as an average value of the difference between the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature and the temperature control temperature. Performing calculations-up S8 to S10, the threshold value C, obtaining the D.

  First, the difference (absolute value) between the average values of (2), (3), and (4) from the first week to the second week is calculated (step S8). This is because the average values of (2), (3), and (4) for each week have already been calculated. By calculating the absolute value of this difference, the difference (change in the average value of the data per week) (Trend) ΔP, ΔT1, and ΔT2 are obtained.

  In addition, there may be a case where there is almost no difference between the average values of the first week and the second week (in the extreme case, when ΔP is “0”, the following formula for obtaining the coefficient α is not satisfied). . Accordingly, a threshold value that is considered to be appropriate is determined in advance for at least one of ΔP, ΔT1, and ΔT2, and if the threshold value is not exceeded, the processing in step S9 and subsequent steps is not performed, and the third week The above-described data collection / average value calculation process is performed, and ΔP, ΔT1, and ΔT2 are obtained between the first week and the third week (or the second week and the third week). . If this still does not exceed the threshold, the same processing is continued from the fourth week onward.

  Next, a coefficient α for obtaining the threshold value C of the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature of the showcase and the threshold value D of the pull-down time difference between the temperature in the storage case 31 of the showcase 1 and the temperature control temperature is obtained by the following equation. (Step S9).

  Coefficient α = (discharge (high pressure) side pressure threshold B−Pmax) / ΔP (Pmax: the average value of the discharge (high pressure) side pressure of the refrigerator, whichever is greater in the first week or the second week of P ). Here, as described above, in a certain inverter type refrigerator, when the discharge (high pressure) side pressure is too high, a protection control operation such as reducing the operation frequency is started. A value obtained by multiplying the discharge (high pressure) side pressure at the time of entering by an arbitrary coefficient β (≦ 1) is obtained and set in advance as the threshold value B. In the case of a refrigerator that does not have a protection control function, the threshold value B is a value obtained by multiplying this by an arbitrary coefficient γ (<1) with reference to the pressure value at which the refrigerator abnormally stops.

  Then, the threshold C of the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature of the showcase and the threshold D of the pull-down time difference between the internal temperature of the showcase and the temperature control temperature are respectively determined by the following formulas using the obtained coefficient α ( Step S10).

  C = T1max + [alpha] * [Delta] T1D = T2max + [alpha] * [Delta] T2 (T1max: the average value of the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature of the showcase, whichever is greater between the first week and the second week of T1, T2max: the storage case of the showcase 1 31 is the average value of the difference between the pull-down time of the temperature within 31 and the temperature control temperature, whichever is greater, which is the first and second weeks of T2). The processing of the learning period is completed as described above, and thereafter, failure diagnosis / prediction processing described below is performed using the obtained threshold values B, C, and D.

  In the description of the above-described embodiment, the average value is calculated in units of one week of the first week and the second week, and the process is performed based on the average value. A 5-day unit, a 10-day unit, a 2-week unit, etc. may be used. Further, in the calculation formulas of C and D in step S10, for example, p × α and q × α are obtained using predetermined correction coefficients p and q set in advance, and these are used in place of α, and C, D may be obtained.

  Thereafter, the diagnosis unit 50 performs failure diagnosis / prediction processing. The failure diagnosis / prediction process shown in FIG. 13 will be described on the assumption that the learning process is completed on n month m + 14 day and starts on the next day (n month m + 15 day).

  As shown in FIG. 13, at n month m + 15 day, as in step S1 during the learning period, the measured value from each sensor is read and the above (1), (2), (3), (4) A value is calculated (step S11).

  And (1) About the rate of change of the temperature in the storage 31 of the showcase 1, it is determined whether or not it is equal to or higher than the threshold A as in step S2 of FIG. Issue a “frosting” alarm.

  Similarly, it is determined whether or not (2) the discharge (high pressure) side pressure of the refrigerator 7 is equal to or higher than the threshold B (step S12). Is issued (step S13). (3) It is determined whether or not the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature of the showcase is greater than or equal to the threshold value C (step S14). S15). (4) It is determined whether or not the difference between the temperature in the container 31 and the pull-down time of the temperature control temperature is greater than or equal to the threshold value D (step S16). Is issued (step S17).

  Thereafter, the processing of step S11 to step S17 is performed every day (step S18). Basically, once the threshold value is determined by the learning process, the above steps S11 to S17 may be repeated every day. However, for example, when a problem such as a large number of misinformation occurs. Causes the learning process to be performed again. Or it is not restricted to this, You may make it perform a learning process regularly and reset a threshold value.

  The failure diagnosis / prediction method by the diagnosis unit 50 has been described above. And in a store management system, the backup process demonstrated below is performed using this. This backup process will be described below.

  In the store management system, the failure diagnosis / prediction information by the diagnosis unit 50 is used, and backup processing is performed by the in-store PC 23 (backup processing unit) in accordance with the cause of the failure of the showcase 1 (cooling capacity reduction).

  FIG. 14 is a schematic functional block diagram of the backup processing means. As shown in FIG. 14, the backup processing means 60 inputs failure diagnosis / prediction information from the diagnosis means 50, and determines a backup processing method from the information according to the cause of the failure of the showcase 1 (cooling capacity reduction). The backup processing determination unit 61 outputs the result to the showcase controller 11 and the lighting controller 14.

  The backup processing by the backup processing means 60 will be described. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, when the “frosting” alarm in the diagnosis unit 50 is input (step S <b> 21: Yes), the backup processing unit 60 operates the defrost function (heater) that performs defrosting of the evaporator 36. The interval is gradually increased, and in some cases it is completely stopped (step S22). For example, when the defrosting operation interval performed by energizing periodically (every 6 hours) is gradually expanded to every 9 hours, every 12 hours, every 15 hours, ..., every 24 hours, etc. Stop depending on. For this reason, the temperature rise in the storage 31 due to heat generated during defrosting is prevented. Alternatively, when there is another showcase adjacent to the showcase 1, when the “frosting” alarm in the diagnostic means 50 is input as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 (step S23: Yes), the backup processing means 60 The cooling capacity of the other showcases is increased from that during normal operation, and the extra cooled air is routed to the corresponding showcase (step S24). For this reason, the temperature rise in the storage 31 due to the heat generated during defrosting is minimized.

  In addition, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, when the alarm “clogging of the blowout port” in the diagnosis unit 50 is input (step S25: Yes), the backup processing unit 60 is stored in the storage container 31 by the storage room temperature thermistor 39. While monitoring the internal temperature, the illumination (not shown) provided on the display shelf 32 is gradually turned off (step S26). For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of the heat radiated to the goods mounted in the display shelf 32 is prevented. That is, when clogging occurs in the air outlet 33, it is expected that the cool air does not sufficiently spread in the storage 31, and the temperature in the storage 31 increases. Therefore, heat radiation to the product is prevented by turning off the illumination as described above. In addition, unexpectedly, when the gas refrigerant leakage of the refrigerator 7 is unexpectedly clogged in the air outlet 33, cold air does not sufficiently reach the storage 31 and the temperature in the storage 31 increases. Therefore, similarly, if the illumination (not shown) provided on the display shelf 32 is gradually turned off while monitoring the temperature in the storage case 31 with the thermistor 39 for internal temperature, it is placed on the display shelf 32. Generation of heat radiating heat to the product can be prevented.

  In addition, although not shown in the figure, when a door is provided such as a showcase with a door or a walk-in type showcase, a dew condensation prevention mechanism is provided to prevent condensation on the door. The condensation prevention function prevents the occurrence of condensation by performing ON / OFF control of the heater of the evaporator 36. In this configuration, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, when an alarm “decrease in cooling performance” in the diagnosis unit 50 is input (step S27: Yes), the backup processing unit 60 performs the condensation prevention function ON / OFF control. The energization time is gradually shortened (step S28). For example, the ON duty of the energization time is gradually decreased from 100% to 80%, 50%, 30%, and 0%, thereby preventing the temperature in the container 31 from rising due to heat generated at the time of preventing condensation.

  Note that which of the above processing methods by the backup processing unit 60 is applied may be appropriately combined depending on the failure diagnosis / prediction situation at that time.

  In this way, in the store management system described above, the backup processing means 60 backs up the functions of the showcase 1 according to the cause of the failure of the showcase 1 diagnosed by the diagnosis means 50 (cooling capacity reduction). That is, the cooling capacity of the showcase is assisted. For this reason, after receiving the warning of the failure prediction, the showcase will break down so that it is possible to secure the time until the equipment maintenance of the store and the serviceman of the manufacturer of the showcase 1 arrive at the store and perform maintenance. It becomes possible to extend the time until.

  As a result, it is possible to improve the reliability of the system with no cost burden in order to prevent a situation where the showcase 1 breaks down and the product melts and cannot be sold. Further, unlike the conventional store management system, the backup processing using the function of the showcase 1 is performed without performing control for lowering the cooling operation set temperature of the air conditioner below the specified value according to the load of the showcase. The operation of the air conditioner does not cause the entire store to cool excessively and cause discomfort to customers and store staff in the store.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure in a shop. It is the schematic which shows embodiment of the store management system of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows embodiment of a showcase. It is a figure which shows an example of the time-dependent change of the temperature each measured with the thermistor for the outside temperature, the container internal temperature, and the temperature control temperature. It is a figure which shows an example of the time-dependent change of the refrigerant | coolant temperature measured with the discharge (high pressure) side temperature sensor. It is a figure which shows an example of the time-dependent change of the refrigerant | coolant pressure measured with the discharge (high pressure) side pressure sensor. It is a figure which shows an example of a time-dependent change of the pressure value of the suction (low pressure) side with respect to the compressor at the time of the leak of gas refrigerant | coolant, or a discharge (high pressure) side. It is a figure showing the pull-down time of the container internal temperature and temperature control temperature after defrosting operation | movement entered. It is a figure which shows an example of the temperature change of the storage case temperature of a showcase, and temperature control temperature when refuse and dust adhere to a blower outlet. It is the figure showing the pull-down time of the temperature in the storage container after temperature defrosting operation | movement, and temperature control temperature. It is a schematic functional block diagram of a diagnostic means. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of learning / threshold value determination (learning process) in a learning period. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a failure prediction process. It is a schematic functional block diagram of a backup processing means. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a backup process means. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a backup process means. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a backup process means. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a backup process means.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Showcase 2 Air conditioner 3 Vending machine 4 Security system 4a Door 4b Fire alarm 4c Crime prevention device 5 Refrigerator 6 Heat storage tank 7 Refrigerator 8 Refrigerator 11 Showcase controller 12 Air conditioner controller 13 Heat storage controller 14 Lighting controller 15 Store controller 20 Network adapter 21 Router 22 Network 23 In-store PC
231 Adapter 24 Store Headquarter Server 25 Service Headquarter Server 26 Security Headquarter Server 27 Store Owner Server 28 Device Owner Server 29 Device Maintenance Contractor Server 30 Main Body 31 Storage Box 31a Opening 32 Display Shelf 33 Blow Outlet 34 Suction Port 35 Duct 36 Evaporator 37 Blower 38 Thermistor for outside air temperature 39 Thermistor for temperature inside the container 40 Thermistor for temperature control 41 Thermistor for defrosting temperature 42 Refrigerant piping 43 Compressor 44 Condenser 45 Suction (low pressure) side temperature sensor 46 Suction (low pressure) side pressure sensor 47 Discharge (high pressure) side temperature sensor 48 Discharge (high pressure) side pressure sensor 50 Diagnosis unit 51 Basic data calculation unit 52 Threshold value determination unit 53 Failure prediction unit 60 Backup processing unit 61 Backup processing determination unit 100A, 100B, 100 Shop

Claims (5)

In a store management system that manages showcases and other devices placed in the store,
Diagnosing means for diagnosing the cause of the cooling capacity decline of the showcase;
A store management system comprising: a backup processing unit that backs up the function of the showcase according to a factor of the cooling capacity decrease diagnosed by the diagnostic unit.   The store management system according to claim 1, wherein the backup processing unit turns off a light for illuminating a product stored in the showcase.   2. The store management according to claim 1, wherein the backup processing unit gradually increases an operation interval of a defrost function for defrosting the evaporator of the showcase or stops the operation of the defrost function. system.   2. The store management system according to claim 1, wherein the backup processing unit increases the cooling efficiency of another showcase adjacent to the showcase and passes the cool air to the showcase.   The store management system according to claim 1, wherein the backup processing unit gradually shortens the energization time in the ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention function for preventing dew condensation in the showcase.

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