JP4556401B2 - Showcase defrost operation execution time setting device, defrost operation execution time setting program, defrost operation execution time setting method, and showcase - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a showcase defrost operation execution time setting device, a defrost operation execution time setting program, a defrost operation execution time setting method, and a showcase for setting a defrost operation execution time.

  In stores such as supermarkets and department stores, for example, ice cream, seafood, frozen foods, vegetables, and other products that tend to deteriorate in quality are displayed in refrigerated showcases and frozen showcases, etc. ing. By the way, these commodities may not be sold out on a daily basis, and on the other hand, they continue to be carried in as constantly as possible. For this reason, refrigerated showcases and frozen showcases must be operated at all times.

However, when these showcases are always operated, frost adheres to an evaporator, a heat exchanger, and the like disposed therein and grows gradually. Then, the problem that cooling efficiency, such as an evaporator and a heat exchanger, falls gradually arises. At present, this problem is solved by installing a heater near the evaporator or heat exchanger and periodically removing the frost with the heater. This is usually referred to as defrost operation. The defrosting operation is preferably performed relatively frequently in terms of maintaining the maximum cooling efficiency of the evaporator, the heat exchanger, and the like. However, since the temperature inside the showcase rises at the same time during the defrost operation, the number of executions of the defrost operation should be as small as possible in consideration of product quality. In view of such circumstances, various defrosting operation control technologies that take into account the influence on food have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-9-287868 (Section 3-7, FIG. 1)

  By the way, it is considered that defrost driving can have a relatively large psychological effect not only on the quality of a product but also on a customer who purchases the product. For example, it has been pointed out that if a customer picks up a product and the inside of the showcase is warm, the customer may be distrusted with the quality of the product. For this reason, there is a demand for the store side to perform the defrost operation when the number of customers visiting the store is as small as possible. Therefore, the store clerk and the like set the execution time of the defrost operation in consideration of such circumstances.

  However, the number of customers visiting a store depends on the day of the week and the season. Therefore, the store clerk or the like of the store must change the setting of the defrost operation execution time each time, and is often forced to perform very complicated work. In addition, since the setting of the defrost operation execution time is often a manual setting, it cannot be denied that a store clerk or the like makes an incorrect setting.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a defrosting operation execution time setting device and a defrosting operation execution time setting for a showcase that can be set so that the defrost operation is executed when the number of customers is as small as possible without bothering a store clerk or the like. To provide a program, a defrost operation execution time setting method, and a showcase.

The defrosting operation execution time setting device for a showcase according to claim 1 is a defrosting operation execution time setting device for a showcase that sets an execution time of the defrosting operation, and includes an event detection time information acquisition unit , a storage unit, and a defrosting operation. An execution time setting unit and a minimum execution time interval setting unit are provided. The defrosting operation is an operation performed to remove frost attached to a part of the refrigeration apparatus that cools the interior of the showcase. The “part of the refrigeration apparatus” referred to here is an evaporator, a heat exchanger, or the like. The event detection time information acquisition unit acquires information about the time when the event detection unit detects the event. The event detection unit detects an event that occurs in the showcase. The “event that occurs in the showcase” as used herein refers to an event that occurs due to the putting in and out of the goods displayed in the showcase cabinet, for example, a predetermined temperature of the showcase cabinet temperature. Such as ascending, opening / closing the door of the showcase, or entering a part of a person's limb into the cabinet of the showcase. Also, the “event detection unit” here is a temperature sensor or the like when the “event that occurs in the showcase” is a rise in the temperature of the showcase chamber to a predetermined temperature, and the “event that occurs in the showcase” ”Is a door open / close sensor when the door is open / closed in the showcase, and a human detection sensor is used when the“ event that occurs in the showcase ”is the entry of some people into the showcase It is. Information on the time acquired by the event detection time information acquisition unit is stored in the storage unit. The minimum execution time interval setting means sets the minimum execution time interval for the defrost operation. The minimum execution time interval may be only a default setting. The defrost operation execution time setting means divides the time information accumulated in the storage unit for each predetermined period, obtains an event occurrence frequency in each predetermined period, and determines a predetermined event other than the predetermined period in which the event occurrence frequency is higher than the predetermined frequency. Set the execution time of defrost operation in the period. At that time, the defrost operation execution time setting means uses the information on the time accumulated in the storage unit and the information on the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation set by the minimum execution time interval setting means, Set the execution time. In addition, as an aspect of setting the execution time of the defrost operation, time specification, elapsed time specification from the execution time of a certain defrost operation, and the like can be given.

  Here, first, the event detection time information acquisition unit acquires information on the time when the event detection unit detects the event. Then, the defrost operation execution time setting means sets the execution time of the defrost operation using the time information. For this reason, if the defrost operation execution time setting means sets the execution time of the defrost operation so as to avoid the time when the occurrence frequency of the event is high, the number of customers visiting the store is as small as possible without bothering the staff of the store It is possible to set so that the defrost operation is executed.

Here, the time information acquired by the event detection time information acquisition unit is stored in the storage unit. Then, after the defrost operation execution time setting means classifies the time information accumulated in the storage unit for each predetermined period, the event occurrence frequency is obtained for each predetermined period, and the event occurrence frequency is other than the predetermined period higher than the predetermined frequency. The execution time of the defrost operation is set in the predetermined period. For this reason, the execution time of the defrost operation can be set not in units of minutes but in units of 5 minutes or 10 minutes. Therefore, the setting process can be performed more easily.

Here, the minimum execution time interval setting means sets the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation. Then, the defrost operation execution time setting means sets the execution time of the defrost operation using the information of the time and the information of the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the execution time interval of the defrost operation from becoming shorter than a predetermined reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent execution of inefficient defrost operation.

  The showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 2 is the showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 1, wherein an event occurring in the showcase is stored in the showcase cabinet. This is an event that occurs due to the items being displayed being put in and out.

  Here, it is possible to set the execution time of the defrost operation reflecting the number of customers in the store. There may be a case where a store clerk or the like puts in / out a product at the time of bringing the product into the showcase, but the frequency is considered to be much less than that of the store visitor, so it can be ignored. Moreover, when the goods carry-in time is confirmed, the temperature rise of the part should just be disregarded.

  The showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 3 is the showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 1, wherein an event occurring in the showcase is an internal temperature of the showcase. Rise to a predetermined temperature.

  For example, when the door is opened in a reach-in type showcase with a door, the internal temperature is expected to rise temporarily. In an open showcase that does not have a door, if the customer reaches for the product in the store, the air curtain will be disturbed and the temperature in the store will rise temporarily. That is, here, it is possible to set the execution time of the defrost operation reflecting the number of customers in the store. Note that the internal temperature temporarily rises even during the defrosting operation, but the time is set in advance, so the rising portion may be set to be ignored. The temperature rise phenomenon can be detected by a temperature sensor or the like.

  The showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 4 is the showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 1, wherein the showcase has a door. An event occurring in the showcase is the opening and closing of the door of the showcase.

  Here, it is possible to set the execution time of the defrost operation reflecting the number of customers in the store. The opening / closing of the door can be detected by a door sensor or the like.

  The showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 5 is the showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 1, and an event occurring in the showcase is sent to the showcase warehouse. It is an approach of a part of the human limb.

  Here, it is possible to set the execution time of the defrost operation reflecting the number of customers in the store. Note that a part of a person's limb can be detected by a human detection sensor or the like.

The showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 6 is the showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the minimum execution time interval setting means includes a unit The number of executions of the defrost operation per period is further set. Note that the number of executions of the defrost operation may be only a default setting. The defrosting operation execution time setting means utilizes the information of the execution times of defrosting operation per the information and the unit period that time to set the execution time of the defrosting operation.

Here, the minimum number of execution time interval setting means sets the number of executions of the defrost operation per unit period. The defrosting operation execution time setting unit, by using the information of the execution times of defrosting operation per the information and the unit period that time to set the execution time of the defrosting operation. For this reason, it is possible to reliably execute the defrost operation a specified number of times. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the evaporator, the heat exchanger, etc. can be more reliably maintained.

A showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to a seventh aspect is the showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and is provided far from the showcase.

  Here, it is possible to provide a wide range of showcase defrost operation execution time setting services.

The showcase defrost operation execution time setting program according to claim 8 is a showcase defrost operation execution time setting program for setting an execution time of a defrost operation, and includes an event detection time information acquisition step , a storage step, and a defrost operation. An execution time setting step and a minimum execution time interval setting step are provided. The defrosting operation is an operation performed to remove frost attached to a part of the refrigeration apparatus that cools the interior of the showcase. In the event detection time information acquisition step, information about the time at which the event detection unit detects the event is acquired. Note that the event detection unit detects an event occurring in the showcase. In the storing step, the time information acquired in the event detection time information acquiring step is stored. In the minimum execution time interval setting step, the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation is set. The minimum execution time interval may be only a default setting. In the defrost operation execution time setting step, after the time information stored in the storage step is divided for each predetermined period, the event occurrence frequency is determined for each predetermined period, and the event occurrence frequency is other than the predetermined period higher than the predetermined frequency. The execution time of the defrost operation is set during the predetermined period. At that time, in the defrost operation execution time setting step, the information on the time stored in the storage step and the information on the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation set in the minimum execution time interval setting step are used. Execution time is set.

  Here, when this program is executed, first, in the event detection time information acquisition step, information on the time at which the event detection unit detected the event is acquired. In the defrost operation execution time setting step, the time information is used to set the execution time of the defrost operation. For this reason, if the execution time of defrost operation is set so as to avoid the time when the occurrence frequency of events is high in the defrost operation execution time setting step, the number of customers visiting the store is as small as possible without bothering the staff Sometimes defrosting can be set to be performed.

Also, here, in the storing step, the time information acquired in the event detection time information acquiring step is stored. In the defrost operation execution time setting step, after the time information stored in the storage step is divided for each predetermined period, the event occurrence frequency is determined for each predetermined period, and the event occurrence frequency is higher than the predetermined frequency. The execution time of the defrost operation is set in a predetermined period other than the period. For this reason, the execution time of the defrost operation can be set not in units of minutes but in units of 5 minutes or 10 minutes. Therefore, the setting process can be performed more easily.

Here, the minimum execution time interval for the defrost operation is set in the minimum execution time interval setting step. In the defrost operation execution time setting step, the execution time of the defrost operation is set using the information on the time and the information on the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the execution time interval of the defrost operation from becoming shorter than a predetermined reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent execution of inefficient defrost operation.

The showcase defrost operation execution time setting method according to claim 9 is a showcase defrost operation execution time setting method for setting a defrost operation execution time, an event detection time information acquisition step , a storage step, and a defrost operation. An execution time setting step and a minimum execution time interval setting step are provided. The defrosting operation is an operation performed to remove frost attached to a part of the refrigeration apparatus that cools the interior of the showcase. In the event detection time information acquisition step, information about the time at which the event detection unit detects the event is acquired. Note that the event detection unit detects an event occurring in the showcase. In the storing step, the time information acquired in the event detection time information acquiring step is stored. In the minimum execution time interval setting step, the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation is set. The minimum execution time interval may be only a default setting. In the defrost operation execution time setting step, after the time information stored in the storage step is divided for each predetermined period, the event occurrence frequency is determined for each predetermined period, and the event occurrence frequency is other than the predetermined period higher than the predetermined frequency. The execution time of the defrost operation is set during the predetermined period. At that time, in the defrost operation execution time setting step, the information on the time stored in the storage step and the information on the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation set in the minimum execution time interval setting step are used. Execution time is set.

  Here, when this method is implemented, first, information on the time at which the event detection unit detected the event is acquired in the event detection time information acquisition step. In the defrost operation execution time setting step, the time information is used to set the execution time of the defrost operation. For this reason, if the execution time of defrost operation is set so as to avoid the time when the occurrence frequency of events is high in the defrost operation execution time setting step, the number of customers visiting the store is as small as possible without bothering the staff Sometimes defrosting can be set to be performed.

Also, here, in the storing step, the time information acquired in the event detection time information acquiring step is stored. In the defrost operation execution time setting step, after the time information stored in the storage step is divided for each predetermined period, the event occurrence frequency is determined for each predetermined period, and the event occurrence frequency is higher than the predetermined frequency. The execution time of the defrost operation is set in a predetermined period other than the period. For this reason, the execution time of the defrost operation can be set not in units of minutes but in units of 5 minutes or 10 minutes. Therefore, the setting process can be performed more easily.

Here, the minimum execution time interval for the defrost operation is set in the minimum execution time interval setting step. In the defrost operation execution time setting step, the execution time of the defrost operation is set using the information on the time and the information on the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the execution time interval of the defrost operation from becoming shorter than a predetermined reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent execution of inefficient defrost operation.

The showcase according to claim 10 is a showcase for setting an execution time of a defrost operation performed to remove frost attached to a part of a refrigeration apparatus that cools the interior of the refrigerator, and an event detection unit, An event detection time information acquisition unit , a storage unit, a defrost operation execution time setting unit , and a minimum execution time interval setting unit are provided. The event detection unit detects an event. The event detection time information acquisition unit acquires information about the time when the event detection unit detects the event. The storage unit stores time information acquired by the event detection time information acquisition unit. The minimum execution time interval setting means sets the minimum execution time interval for the defrost operation. The minimum execution time interval may be only a default setting. The defrost operation execution time setting means divides the time information accumulated in the storage unit for each predetermined period, obtains an event occurrence frequency in each predetermined period, and determines a predetermined event other than the predetermined period in which the event occurrence frequency is higher than the predetermined frequency. Set the execution time of defrost operation in the period. At that time, the defrost operation execution time setting means uses the information on the time accumulated in the storage unit and the information on the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation set by the minimum execution time interval setting means, Set the execution time.

  Here, the event detection unit detects an event. Next, the event detection time information acquisition unit acquires information on the time when the event detection unit detects the event. Then, the defrost operation execution time setting means sets the execution time of the defrost operation using the time information. Therefore, if the defrost operation execution time setting means sets the execution time of the defrost operation so as to avoid the time when the occurrence frequency of the event is high, the number of customers visiting the store is as small as possible without bothering the staff of the store It is possible to set so that the defrost operation is executed.

Here, the time information acquired by the event detection time information acquisition unit is stored in the storage unit. Then, after the defrost operation execution time setting means classifies the time information accumulated in the storage unit for each predetermined period, the event occurrence frequency is obtained for each predetermined period, and the event occurrence frequency is other than the predetermined period higher than the predetermined frequency. The execution time of the defrost operation is set in the predetermined period. For this reason, the execution time of the defrost operation can be set not in units of minutes but in units of 5 minutes or 10 minutes. Therefore, the setting process can be performed more easily.

Here, the minimum execution time interval setting means sets the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation. Then, the defrost operation execution time setting means sets the execution time of the defrost operation using the information of the time and the information of the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the execution time interval of the defrost operation from becoming shorter than a predetermined reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent execution of inefficient defrost operation.

  In the defrosting operation execution time setting device for a showcase according to claim 1, if the defrosting operation execution time setting means sets the execution time of the defrost operation so as to avoid the time when the occurrence frequency of the event is high, a store clerk or the like It is possible to set the defrost operation to be executed when the number of customers visiting the store is as small as possible without bothering the customer.

In the showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 1, the defrost operation execution time can be set in units of 5 minutes or 10 minutes instead of minutes. Therefore, the setting process can be performed more easily.

In the defrosting operation execution time setting device for a showcase according to claim 1, it is possible to prevent the execution time interval of the defrosting operation from becoming shorter than a predetermined reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent execution of inefficient defrost operation.

  In the defrost operation execution time setting device for a showcase according to claim 2, it is possible to set the execution time of the defrost operation reflecting the number of customers in the store.

  In the defrosting operation execution time setting device for a showcase according to claim 3, the execution time setting of the defrost operation reflecting the number of customers in the store can be performed.

  In the defrosting operation execution time setting device for a showcase according to claim 4, the execution time setting for the defrost operation reflecting the number of customers in the store can be performed.

  In the showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 5, the execution time of the defrost operation reflecting the number of customers in the store can be set.

In the defrosting operation execution time setting device for a showcase according to the sixth aspect , the defrosting operation can be reliably executed a specified number of times. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the evaporator, the heat exchanger, etc. can be more reliably maintained.

In the showcase defrost operation execution time setting device according to claim 7 , the showcase defrost operation execution time setting service can be widely performed.

If the defrost operation execution time setting program of the showcase according to claim 8 is executed so that the execution time of the defrost operation is set so as to avoid the time when the occurrence frequency of the event is high in the defrost operation execution time setting step, It can be set so that the defrosting operation is executed when the number of customers is as small as possible without bothering the store clerk.

Further, the showcase defrosting operation execution time setting program according to claim 8 can set the execution time of the defrosting operation not in units of minutes or the like but in units of 5 minutes or 10 minutes. Therefore, the setting process can be performed more easily.

Moreover, the showcase defrost operation execution time setting program according to claim 8 can prevent the defrost operation execution time interval from becoming shorter than a predetermined reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent execution of inefficient defrost operation.

If the defrost operation execution time setting method of the showcase according to claim 9 is performed so that the execution time of the defrost operation is set so as to avoid the time when the occurrence frequency of the event is high in the defrost operation execution time setting step, It can be set so that the defrosting operation is executed when the number of customers is as small as possible without bothering the store clerk.

In addition, the showcase defrost operation execution time setting method according to claim 9 can set the defrost operation execution time in units of 5 minutes or 10 minutes instead of minutes. Therefore, the setting process can be performed more easily.

Moreover, the showcase defrost operation execution time setting method according to claim 9 can prevent the defrost operation execution time interval from becoming shorter than a predetermined reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent execution of inefficient defrost operation.

In the showcase according to claim 10 , if the defrost operation execution time setting means sets the execution time of the defrost operation so as to avoid the time when the occurrence frequency of the event is high, it does not bother the staff such as a store clerk. It can be set so that the defrost operation is executed when the number of customers visiting the store is as small as possible.

In the showcase according to claim 10, the execution time of the defrost operation can be set in units of 5 minutes or 10 minutes instead of minutes. Therefore, the setting process can be performed more easily.

In the showcase according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the execution time interval of the defrost operation from being shorter than a predetermined reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent execution of inefficient defrost operation.

<System configuration of showcase management system>
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the showcase management system 100. The showcase management system 100 includes a showcase 10, a temperature sensor 12, a defrost operation control device 20, a local controller 15 (hereinafter abbreviated as LC), a modem 30, and a management computer 40. The temperature sensor 12 is attached to the inside of the showcase 10. The LC 15 and the modem 30 are arranged in the stores 61 and 63. On the other hand, the management computer 40 is arranged in the management center 70. The management center 70 is provided far from the stores 61 and 63.

<System Components of Showcase Management System 100>
(1) Showcase 10
The showcase 10 displays products such as ice cream, vegetables, meat, frozen food, and seafood. The showcase 10 creates a temperature environment suitable for maintaining the quality of each product. A defrost heater 21 is provided near the evaporator (not shown) of the showcase 10, and the defrost operation is performed by the defrost operation control device 20. In addition, a temperature sensor 12 is attached to the inside of the showcase 10.

(2) Temperature sensor 12
The temperature sensor 12 is attached to the interior of the showcase 10 and generates an electrical signal based on the temperature in the interior.

(3) Defrost operation control device 20
The defrost operation control device 20 has a built-in timer, and is designed so that the contact point of the defrost heater 21 is turned ON at the set time of the timer. The timer setting time information is supplied from the LC 15 every time the defrost operation execution time elapses, and the defrost operation control device 20 updates the defrost operation execution time information each time.

(4) LC15
The LC 15 converts the electrical signal transmitted from the temperature sensor 12 into measurement value information that can be read by the management computer 40. Further, the LC 15 adds temperature sensor signal acquisition time information, own ID information, and the like to the measurement value information. Further, the LC 15 receives the defrost operation execution time table from the management computer 40 via the public telephone line and the modem 30, and defrosts the next defrost operation execution time information from the table every time the defrost operation execution time elapses. It transmits to the operation control apparatus 20. Note that this defrost operation execution time table is kept at a default (fixed defrost setting) until it is determined by the management computer 40.

(5) Modem 30
The modem 30 transmits the measurement value information of the temperature sensor 12 transmitted from the LC 15, the acquisition time information of the temperature sensor signal, the ID information of the LC 15 corresponding to the temperature sensor 12, and the like (hereinafter these information is referred to as a management information group). ) Is transmitted to the management computer 40 via the public telephone line 50. The modem 30 also receives a defrost operation execution time table transmitted from the management computer 40.

(6) Management computer 40
The management computer 40 includes a modem 43, a CPU 45 and a hard disk 47. The modem 43 receives a management information group transmitted from the modem 30 provided in the stores 61 and 63. The hard disk 47 holds a defrost operation execution time setting program 41 and a database 48. In the defrost operation execution time setting program 41, an information storage instruction, a defrost operation execution time table creation instruction, a state monitoring instruction, and the like are described. The information storage command is a command for storing the management information group in the database 48 according to a predetermined rule when it is received. The defrost operation execution time table creation command is a command for creating a defrost operation execution time table using the temperature sensor signal acquisition time information. The state monitoring command is a command for monitoring the state of the showcase using the measurement value information of the temperature sensor 12 or the like. The CPU 45 executes a command described in the defrost operation execution time setting program 41. In addition to the management information group, default setting value information of the defrost operation execution time is also stored in this database.

(7) Keyboard 42
The keyboard 42 is provided for inputting initial setting values such as the number of defrost operations executed per day and the minimum time interval of defrost operations.

<Connection form of showcase management system 100>
A temperature sensor 12 and a defrost heater 21 are attached to the showcase 10. The temperature sensor 12 is connected to the LC 15. The defrost heater 21 is connected to the defrost operation control device 20. The defrost operation control device 20 is connected to the LC 15. The LC 15 is connected to the modem 30. The modem 30 is connected to a modem 43 built in the management computer 40 via the public telephone line 50.

<Flow of information accumulation>
FIG. 2 shows a flowchart showing a flow until the management computer 40 accumulates information.

  In FIG. 2, in step S <b> 11, the LC 15 converts the temperature sensor signal into measurement value information that can be read by the management computer 40. In step S12, the LC 15 adds information on the time when the temperature sensor signal is acquired (hereinafter referred to as acquisition time information) to the measurement value information. In step S13, the LC 15 further adds its own ID number to the information. In addition, this is used in order to identify which showcase 10 the measurement value information and acquisition time information belong to. In step S <b> 14, the LC 15 transmits measurement value information, acquisition time information, ID information of the LC 15, and the like (hereinafter, these information is referred to as a management information group) to the modem 30. In step S <b> 15, the modem 30 transmits a management information group to the management computer 40 via the public telephone line 50. In step S16, the modem 43 built in the management computer 40 receives the management information group. In step S <b> 17, the CPU 45 of the management computer 40 stores the management information group in the database 48 according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41.

<Initial setting flow>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the initial setting flow performed in the management computer 40.

  In FIG. 3, in step S <b> 21, the defrost operation execution count N per day is input from the keyboard 42 for each season. In step S22, the minimum defrost operation time interval Δt is input from the keyboard 42.

<Defrost operation execution time table creation flow>
4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the flow of creating the defrost operation execution time table. Refer to FIG. 5 for the defrost operation execution time table. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the defrost operation execution time table is in units of 24 hours (from 0:00 to 24:00).

  4 and 5, in step S31, the CPU 45 extracts the acquisition time information added to the measured value information of the temperature sensor 12 that is equal to or higher than the threshold value Ts in accordance with the defrost operation execution setting program 41 (see FIG. 13). There is a reference map.) In step S32, the CPU 45 removes the acquisition time information of the time corresponding to the default value of the defrost operation execution time (hereinafter referred to as DF time) from the acquisition time information extracted in step S31 according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41. (Refer to Figure 13 for reference.) In step S33, the CPU 45 determines the time section ΔP (n) (see FIG. 6 according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41. The value of ΔP (n) is 14 minutes 59 seconds. The frequency of the acquisition time information belonging to 24) is counted for each time section ΔP (n). In step S34, the CPU 45 calculates the defrost operation execution time interval by dividing the 24 hours by the defrost operation execution count N (N = 6 here) according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41. In step S35, the CPU 45 temporarily places the first DF time in the time section ΔP (1) from 0:00 to 0:14:59 according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41. In step S36, the CPU 45 adds the defrost operation execution time interval to the start time of ΔP (1) according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41, and ΔP (n) (here, ΔP (17) (4 o'clock to 4 o'clock) to which the time belongs. 4:14:59)) temporarily put the second DF time. Thereafter, similarly, the defrost operation execution time interval is added to the start point time of ΔP (n) to which the latest DF time belongs, and is temporarily placed in the defrost operation execution time table until the sixth DF time (here, as a result) , The third DF time is ΔP (33) (8:00 to 8:14:59), the fourth DF time is ΔP (49) (12:00 to 12:14:59), the fifth The DF time belongs to ΔP (65) (16:00 to 16:14:59, and the sixth DF time belongs to ΔP (81) (20:00 to 20:14:59)). At this time, the defrost operation execution time starts 5 minutes after the start point of ΔP (n) and ends 10 minutes after the start point of ΔP (n) (that is, the defrost operation execution time is 5 minutes). In step S37, the CPU 45 confirms whether ΔP (n) having the highest frequency of acquisition time information matches any of ΔP (n) to which the temporarily placed DF time belongs according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41 ( Hereinafter, such processing is referred to as matching confirmation processing.) As a result of the confirmation in step S37, if ΔP (n) having the highest frequency of acquisition time information matches any of ΔP (n) to which the temporarily placed DF time belongs, the process proceeds to step S38. As a result of the confirmation in step S37, if ΔP (n) having the highest frequency of acquisition time information does not match any ΔP (n) to which the temporarily placed DF time belongs, the process proceeds to step S39. In step S38, the CPU 45 moves the DF time belonging to ΔP (n) matched according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41 to ΔP (n + 1). In step S39, the CPU 45 maintains the DF time at ΔP (n) according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated from ΔP (n) corresponding to the second highest frequency of the acquisition time information to ΔP (n) corresponding to the lowest frequency. However, the processing in step S38 after ΔP (n) corresponding to the second highest frequency has the following two restrictions on the defrost operation execution setting program 41. One of them is that the difference between the starting point time of ΔP (n) to which the DF time belongs and the starting point time of ΔP (n) to which the DF time arranged closest to that after the ΔP (n) belongs is the minimum defrost operation time. When it becomes shorter than the interval Δt, the CPU 45 is restricted to move the DF time from ΔP (n) to ΔP (n−1). The other is the restriction that the CPU 45 cannot move the DF time to ΔP (n) where the matching confirmation process has already been performed (for example, the CPU 45 moves the DF time from ΔP (n) to ΔP (n + 1)). If ΔP (n + 1) has already been matched, the CPU 45 tries to move the DF time to ΔP (n + 2), and if ΔP (n + 2) has not been matched, the CPU 45 The DF time is moved to that ΔP (n + 2), but if ΔP (n + 2) has already been subjected to the matching confirmation process, the CPU 45 further attempts to move the DF time to ΔP (n + 3). This restriction applies in the same way to the previous restriction (for example, even if the CPU 45 tries to move the DF time from ΔP (n) to ΔP (n−1), ΔP (n−1) already matches. If the confirmation process has been completed, the CPU 45 attempts to move the DF time to ΔP (n−2), and if ΔP (n−2) has not been subjected to the coincidence confirmation process, the CPU 45 sets the DF time to the ΔP (n However, if ΔP (n−2) has already been matched, the CPU 45 tries to move the DF time to ΔP (n−3). The DF time cannot be moved unless these constraints are satisfied. In step S40, the CPU 45 sets the final defrost operation execution time table as the optimum defrost operation execution time table according to the defrost operation execution setting program 41. This process is performed on information acquired in the first week of one season, and an optimum defrost operation execution time table for each day of the week is created.

(Example of defrosting operation execution time table creation process)
The flow of creating the defrost operation execution time table has been described with reference to an example, but the constraint in step S38 will be described more specifically. This description will be made with reference to FIGS. In this description, the defrost operation execution count N is 6, and the minimum defrost operation time interval Δt is 3 hours.

  FIG. 6 shows a state of the defrost operation execution time table after processing of ΔP (n) (hereinafter referred to as the first highest frequency ΔP (n)) in which the frequency of the acquisition time information is the highest. The DF time has already been processed in accordance with the processing of step S35 and step S36, and temporarily placed in ΔP (1), ΔP (17), ΔP (33), ΔP (49), ΔP (65) and ΔP (81). Has been. In FIG. 6, the first highest frequency ΔP (n) is ΔP (74). That is, it does not match any of ΔP (m) (m is 1, 17, 33, 49, 65, 81) to which the temporarily placed DF time belongs. Then, DF time is processed according to the processing content of step S39. That is, any DF time belonging to ΔP (m) (m is 1,17,33,49,65,81) is the ΔP (m) (m is 1,17,33,49,65, 81.).

  FIG. 7 shows a state of the defrost operation execution time table after the processing of the third highest frequency ΔP (n). In FIG. 7, the second highest frequency ΔP (n) is ΔP (81). That is, the second highest frequency ΔP (n) coincides with ΔP (81) to which the DF time belongs. Then, this DF time is processed according to the processing content of step S38. That is, the DF time belonging to ΔP (81) moves to ΔP (82). The third highest frequency ΔP (n) is ΔP (49). That is, the third highest frequency ΔP (n) coincides with ΔP (49) to which the DF time belongs. Therefore, the DF time moves to ΔP (50).

  FIG. 8 shows a state of the defrost operation execution time table after the processing of the sixth highest frequency ΔP (n). In FIG. 8, the fourth highest frequency ΔP (n) and the fifth highest frequency ΔP (n) do not coincide with ΔP (m) to which the DF time belongs. Therefore, at this time, no DF time is moved. However, the sixth highest frequency ΔP (n) is ΔP (50), and the DF time belongs to ΔP (50). Then, the DF time should move to ΔP (51), but ΔP (51) has already been subjected to the matching confirmation process with the fourth highest frequency ΔP (n). For this reason, this DF time should move to ΔP (52), but ΔP (52) has already been subjected to the matching confirmation process as the fifth highest frequency ΔP (n). Therefore, the DF time eventually moves to ΔP (53).

  FIG. 9 shows the state of the defrost operation execution time table after the processing of the seventh highest frequency ΔP (n). In FIG. 9, the seventh highest frequency ΔP (n) is ΔP (53). That is, the seventh highest frequency ΔP (n) coincides with ΔP (53) to which the DF time belongs. Then, this DF time should move to ΔP (54). However, the difference between the starting point time of ΔP (54) and the starting point time of ΔP (65) to which the DF time arranged nearest after ΔP (54) belongs is less than the defrost operation minimum time interval Δt, 3 hours. Get smaller. Therefore, the DF time should move to ΔP (52), but ΔP (52) has already been subjected to the matching confirmation process as the fifth highest frequency ΔP (n). In addition, ΔP (51), ΔP (50), and ΔP (49) are already matched as the fourth highest frequency ΔP (n), the sixth highest frequency ΔP (n), and the third highest frequency ΔP (n), respectively. Has been done. Therefore, the DF time finally moves to ΔP (48).

  In this way, the process is performed up to the 96th highest frequency ΔP (n) (that is, the lowest frequency ΔP (n)), and an optimum defrost operation execution time table is created. If the DF time cannot move backward or forward during this process, the DF time is maintained at ΔP (n). However, after that, when the DF time before and after is moved and the DF time can be moved, the DF time may be moved in the subsequent processing.

<Defrost operation execution flow>
10, 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of execution of the defrost operation.

  10, 11, and 12, in step S <b> 51, the management computer 40 transmits the completed defrost operation execution time table to the LC 15 via the modem 43 and the public telephone line 50. Note that this transmission is completed before the scheduled date when the table is used. In step S <b> 52, the LC 15 receives the defrost operation execution time table via the modem 30. In step S53, the LC 15 confirms whether or not the day is the use date of the table. As a result of the confirmation in step S53, if the day is a use day of the table, the process proceeds to step S54. As a result of the confirmation in step S53, if the date is not the use date of the table, the process returns to step S53. In step S54, the LC 15 transmits the first DF time to the defrost operation control device 20. In step S55, the defrost operation control apparatus 20 sets the value of the built-in timer to the first DF time. At that time, the contact point of the defrost heater 21 is turned on. In step S56, the LC 15 confirms whether the first DF time has elapsed. As a result of the confirmation in step S56, if the first DF time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S57. As a result of the confirmation in step S56, if the first DF time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S56. In step S57, the LC 15 transmits the second DF time to the defrost operation control device. In step S58, the defrost operation control apparatus 20 sets the value of the built-in timer to the second DF time. From step S59 to step S61, loop processing is performed in increments of 1 from n = 2 to a number that is one less than the defrost operation execution count N. In step S59, the LC 15 confirms whether the nth DF time has elapsed. As a result of the confirmation in step S59, if the nth DF time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S60. As a result of the confirmation in step S59, if the nth DF time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S59. In step S60, the LC 15 transmits the (n + 1) th DF time to the defrost operation control device. In step S61, the defrost operation control device 20 sets the value of the built-in timer to the (n + 1) th DF time. In step S62, the LC 15 confirms whether the Nth DF time has elapsed. As a result of the confirmation in step S62, if the Nth DF time has elapsed, the process ends. As a result of the confirmation in step S62, if the Nth DF time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S62.

<Characteristics of the showcase management system 100>
(1)
In the management computer 40 according to the showcase management system 100, the modem 43 acquires measurement value information of the temperature sensor 12 and measurement time information thereof. Then, the CPU 45 creates a defrost operation execution time table so that the defrost operation is executed in a time zone in which the inside temperature of the showcase 10 exceeds the threshold value Ts according to the defrost operation execution time setting program 41. For this reason, it can set so that a defrost driving | running | working may be performed when there are as few visitor numbers as possible, without bothering a store clerk.

(2)
In the management computer 40 according to the showcase management system 100, the minimum defrost operation time interval is set from the keyboard. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the execution interval of the defrost operation from becoming shorter than a predetermined reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the defrost operation that is considered unnecessary.

(3)
In the management computer 40 according to the showcase management system 100, the number of times of defrosting operation is set from the keyboard. For this reason, it is possible to reliably execute the defrost operation a specified number of times. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the cooling efficiency of the evaporator and the heat exchanger as much as possible.

(4)
In the showcase management system 100, the management computer 40 is provided far from the showcase 10. For this reason, the operator of the management center or the like can perform a defrost operation execution time setting service for the showcase extensively.

<Modification>
(1)
In the showcase management system 100 according to the previous embodiment, the management computer 40 is provided in the management center 70 far from the stores 61 and 63, but the management computer 40 may be provided in each store (local management). ). Further, the LC 15 may be provided with the function of the management computer 40.

(2)
In the showcase management system 100 according to the previous embodiment, the management computer 40 extracts the acquisition time information used to create the defrost operation execution time table. However, the LC15 is only for temperature sensor measurement value information having a threshold value Ts or more. The acquisition time information may not be added. In this way, the communication load on the public telephone line 50 can be reduced.

(3)
In the showcase management system 100 according to the previous embodiment, the defrost operation execution time table is created using information obtained from the temperature sensor 12, but the showcase 10 is a reach-in showcase with a door or the like. May provide a door sensor on the door and create a defrost operation execution time table using information obtained from the door sensor. In this way, the defrost operation execution time table can be created using appropriate information regardless of the abnormality or failure of the showcase 10 itself.

(4)
In the showcase management system 100 according to the previous embodiment, the defrost operation execution time table is created using information obtained from the temperature sensor 12, but a human detection sensor is provided in the showcase 10, and the human detection sensor A defrost operation execution time table may be created using the obtained information. In this way, the defrost operation execution time table can be created using appropriate information regardless of the abnormality or failure of the showcase 10 itself.

(5)
In the showcase management system 100 according to the previous embodiment, after the management computer 40 temporarily puts the DF time at ΔP (n) so as to satisfy the number of times of defrost operation execution, ΔP having a high frequency of acquisition time information. The matching confirmation process was performed in order from (n), and the DF time was moved according to the processing result (while observing the two constraints) to create an optimum defrost operation execution time table. However, the creation of the defrost operation execution time table is not limited to this, and other methods are possible. For example, the following example can be given. First, the defrost operation execution time table (24 hours) is equally divided into the number of times of defrost operation execution, and sections are provided for the number of times of defrost operation execution. Then, the DF time is temporarily placed in the foremost ΔP (n) that has the lowest frequency of the acquisition time information in each section. From there, the DF time that does not satisfy the minimum defrost operation time interval is moved so as to satisfy the minimum time interval. As for this movement, for example, it is conceivable that the front DF is fixed and the back DF is moved in order from ΔP (n) where the frequency of the acquisition time information is low (the reverse is also possible). When there is ΔP (n) having the same frequency, a restriction may be provided so that the DF time is moved to the frontmost ΔP (n) (the rearmost ΔP (n) may be used). ).

(6)
In the previous embodiment, the management computer 40 was incorporated in the showcase management system 100 as one component, but the management computer 40 may be built in one showcase 10 (one of the showcases). Implementation as a function).

  When the defrosting operation execution time setting device, the defrosting operation execution time setting program, and the showcase of the showcase according to the present invention are used, the defrosting operation is executed when the number of customers visiting the store is as small as possible without bothering the store clerk. It is effective for making showcases intelligent. Further, when the showcase defrost operation execution time setting method according to the present invention is implemented, it can be set so that the defrost operation is executed when the number of customers is as small as possible without bothering the store clerk. It is effective for labor saving.

The block diagram of a showcase management system. The flowchart showing the flow of information accumulation. The flowchart showing the flow of initial setting. The flowchart showing the flow of defrost operation execution time table creation. The flowchart showing the flow of defrost operation execution time table creation (continuation of FIG. 4). Explanatory drawing of an example of a defrost operation execution time table preparation process (the 1). Explanatory drawing of an example of a defrost operation execution time table preparation process (the 2). Explanatory drawing of an example of a defrost driving | running | working execution time table preparation process (the 3). Explanatory drawing of an example of a defrost driving | running | working execution time table preparation process (the 4). The flowchart showing the flow of defrost operation execution. The flowchart showing the flow of defrost operation execution (continuation of FIG. 10). The flowchart showing the flow of defrost operation execution (continuation of FIG. 11). The reference figure about extraction of acquisition time information (temperature transition figure of showcase interior).

10 Refrigeration showcase 12 Temperature sensor 15 Local controller (LC)
20 Defrost Operation Control Device 21 Defrost Heater 30, 43 Modem 40 Management Computer 41 Defrost Operation Execution Time Setting Program 42 Keyboard 45 CPU
47 hard disk 48 database 50 public telephone line 61,63 store 70 management center 100 showcase management system

Claims (10)

A showcase defrost operation execution time setting device (40) for setting an execution time of a defrost operation performed to remove frost adhering to a part of a refrigeration apparatus that cools the interior of a showcase (10). ,
An event detection time information acquisition means (43) for acquiring information of a time at which the event detection unit (12) detecting an event occurring in the showcase (10) detects the event;
A storage unit (47) for storing information on the time acquired by the event detection time information acquisition means (43);
After dividing the time information accumulated in the storage unit (47) for each predetermined period, an event occurrence frequency is obtained for each predetermined period, and the predetermined event other than the predetermined period is higher than the predetermined frequency. Defrost operation execution time setting means (41, 45) for setting the execution time of the defrost operation in a period ;
Minimum execution time interval setting means (42) for setting the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation;
With
The defrost operation execution time setting means (41, 45) sets the execution time of the defrost operation using the information of the time and the information of the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation.
Showcase defrost operation execution time setting device (40). The event that occurs in the showcase (10) is an event that occurs due to the putting in and out of goods displayed in the warehouse of the showcase (10).
The defrosting operation execution time setting device (40) for a showcase according to claim 1. The event that occurs in the showcase (10) is an increase in the internal temperature of the showcase (10) to a predetermined temperature.
The defrosting operation execution time setting device (40) for a showcase according to claim 1. The showcase (10) has a door,
The event that occurs in the showcase (10) is the opening and closing of the door of the showcase (10).
The defrosting operation execution time setting device (40) for a showcase according to claim 1. The event occurring in the showcase (10) is the entry of a part of a person's limb into the warehouse of the showcase (10).
The defrosting operation execution time setting device (40) for a showcase according to claim 1. The minimum execution time interval setting means (42) further sets the number of executions of the defrost operation per unit period,
The defrost operation execution time setting means (41, 45) sets the execution time of the defrost operation using the information on the time and the information on the number of execution times of the defrost operation per unit period.
The showcase defrosting operation execution time setting device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Provided far from the showcase (10),
A defrosting operation execution time setting device (40) for a showcase according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . A showcase defrost operation execution time setting program (41) for setting an execution time of a defrost operation performed to remove frost attached to a part of a refrigeration apparatus for cooling the interior of the showcase (10). ,
An event detection time information acquisition step of acquiring information on a time at which the event detection unit (12) detecting an event occurring in the showcase (10) detects the event;
A storage step of storing the time information acquired in the event detection time information acquisition step;
After dividing the time information stored in the storing step every predetermined period, the event occurrence frequency in each predetermined period is obtained, and the event occurrence frequency is higher than the predetermined frequency in the predetermined period other than the predetermined period. A defrost operation execution time setting step for setting the execution time of the defrost operation;
A minimum execution time interval setting step for setting a minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation;
With
The defrost operation execution time setting step sets the execution time of the defrost operation using the information of the time and the information of the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation.
Showcase defrost operation execution time setting program (41). A showcase defrost operation execution time setting method for setting an execution time of a defrost operation performed to remove frost attached to a part of a refrigeration apparatus that cools the interior of the showcase (10).
An event detection time information acquisition step of acquiring information on a time at which the event detection unit (12) detecting an event occurring in the showcase (10) detects the event;
A storage step of storing the time information acquired in the event detection time information acquisition step;
After dividing the time information stored in the storing step every predetermined period, the event occurrence frequency in each predetermined period is obtained, and the event occurrence frequency is higher than the predetermined frequency in the predetermined period other than the predetermined period. A defrost operation execution time setting step for setting the execution time of the defrost operation;
A minimum execution time interval setting step for setting a minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation;
With
The defrost operation execution time setting step sets the execution time of the defrost operation using the information of the time and the information of the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation.
How to set the showcase defrost operation execution time. A showcase (10) for setting an execution time of a defrost operation performed to remove frost attached to a part of a refrigeration apparatus that cools the interior of the refrigerator,
An event detector (12) for detecting an event;
Event detection time information acquisition means (43) for acquiring information on the time at which the event detection unit (12) detected the event;
A storage unit (47) for storing information on the time acquired by the event detection time information acquisition means (43);
After dividing the time information accumulated in the storage unit (47) for each predetermined period, an event occurrence frequency is obtained for each predetermined period, and the predetermined event other than the predetermined period is higher than the predetermined frequency. Defrost operation execution time setting means (41, 45) for setting the execution time of the defrost operation in a period ;
Minimum execution time interval setting means (42) for setting the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation;
With
The defrost operation execution time setting means (41, 45) sets the execution time of the defrost operation using the information of the time and the information of the minimum execution time interval of the defrost operation.
Showcase (10).

Images