Cooling storage facility, method for controlling a cooling storage facility, and cooling storage facility management system

Abstract

This disclosure aims to provide a cooling storage unit that can accurately detect blockages in drain water. [Solution] The cooling storage facility in this disclosure is a cooling storage facility that cools the air supplied to a display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, and comprises a drain receiving section located at the bottom of the display room, a first temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section, a second temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section below the first temperature sensor, and a control unit that detects the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cold storage, a control method for a cold storage, and a cold storage management system. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cold storage in which a drainage receiving portion is configured at a lower part of a main body, a blower is disposed in the drainage receiving portion, and air heat-exchanged with a cooler is circulated into a storage compartment by the blower, the cold storage comprising: a discharge air temperature sensor that detects a temperature of air discharged into the storage compartment; a suction air temperature sensor that is attached below the blower and detects a temperature of suction air from the storage compartment; a temperature control unit that controls a temperature inside the storage compartment based on outputs of both sensors; and an alarm control unit that detects submergence based on a change in an output state of the suction air temperature sensor and issues an alarm. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 6-11241 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cold storage, a control method for a cold storage, and a cold storage management system that can detect clogging of drain water with high accuracy. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The cooling storage facility of the present disclosure is a cooling storage facility that cools the air supplied to a display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, and comprises a drain receiving section located at the bottom of the display room, a first temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section, a second temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section below the first temperature sensor, and a control unit that detects the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

[0006] The method for controlling a refrigerated storage facility according to the present disclosure is a method for controlling a refrigerated storage facility that cools air supplied to a display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, comprising: a drain receiving section located at the bottom of the display room; a first temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section; a second temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section below the first temperature sensor; and a control unit that controls the operation of each part of the refrigerated storage facility, wherein the control unit performs a detection step of detecting the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

[0007] The cooling storage management system of the present disclosure comprises a cooling storage unit located in a store and a management device configured to communicate with the cooling storage unit, wherein the cooling storage unit is a cooling storage unit that cools the air supplied to a display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, and comprises a drain receiving section located at the bottom of the display room, a first temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section, a second temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section below the first temperature sensor, and a control unit that detects the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, wherein the control unit of the cooling storage unit notifies the management device of the temperature difference detection result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The cooling storage unit, the method for controlling the cooling storage unit, and the cooling storage unit management system described herein can accurately detect blockages in drain water. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of the showcase management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the configuration of the showcase according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the display case. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view showing the structure of the drain receiving section of the display case. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the configuration of the control device and management device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Timing chart showing the operation of the control unit of the control device. [Figure 7] This graph shows the trend of the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor during the summer. [Figure 8] This graph shows the trend of the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor during the winter season. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the process of the control unit [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, the technology described in Patent Document 1 was known. Patent Document 1 states that the difference in suction temperature due to the ON / OFF state of the compressor is slowed down by submersion. However, the inventors discovered that it is difficult to detect submersion when the operating state is stable and a difference in suction temperature is unlikely to occur, such as when the compressor is an inverter type or a separate unit type. To solve this problem, the subject matter of this disclosure was established. Therefore, this disclosure provides a cooling storage unit capable of accurately detecting drain water blockage, a method for controlling the cooling storage unit, and a cooling storage unit management system.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a detailed description more than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description from being unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter by them.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0013] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Showcase Management System] First, the configuration of a showcase management system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the showcase management system 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the showcase management system 100 includes a plurality of showcases 1 and a management device 6. The showcase management system 100 corresponds to an example of a "cooling storage management system".

[0014] The plurality of showcases 1 are arranged in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores. The plurality of showcases 1 include, for example, a showcase 1A, a showcase 1B, and a showcase 1C. Since each of the showcase 1A, the showcase 1B, and the showcase 1C has substantially the same configuration, when the showcase 1A, the showcase 1B, and the showcase 1C are not distinguished from each other, the showcase 1A, the showcase 1B, and the showcase 1C may be referred to as the showcase 1. In the showcase 1, the air supplied to the display room 12 is cooled by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator 31. The showcase 1 corresponds to an example of a "cooling storage".

[0015] The showcase 1A includes a control device 5A. The control device 5A controls the operation of each part of the showcase 1A. The showcase 1B includes a control device 5B. The control device 5B controls the operation of each part of the showcase 1B. The showcase 1C includes a control device 5C. The control device 5C controls the operation of each part of the showcase 1C. Each of the control device 5A, the control device 5B, and the control device 5C has substantially the same configuration as each other, therefore, when the control device 5A, the control device 5B, and the control device 5C are not distinguished from one another, the control device 5A, the control device 5B, and the control device 5C may be referred to as the control device 5. The control device 5 corresponds to an example of a "control unit".

[0016] Each of the control device 5A, the control device 5B, and the control device 5C is communicatively connected to a management device 6 via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The network NW communicatively connects each of the control device 5A, the control device 5B, and the control device 5C to the management device 6 in accordance with, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0017] In Embodiment 1, a case where the network NW is a LAN will be described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The network NW may be, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network). Further, the network NW may be, for example, the Internet.

[0018] Further, in Embodiment 1, a case where the network NW communicatively connects each of the control device 5A, the control device 5B, and the control device 5C to the management device 6 via wired communication will be described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The network NW may communicatively connect each of the control device 5A, the control device 5B, and the control device 5C to the management device 6 via wireless communication such as, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0019] The control device 6 receives the water immersion detection result of the second temperature sensor ST2 from control devices 5A, 5B, and 5C, and notifies the user of the water immersion detection result of the second temperature sensor ST2 in a way that is visible to the user. The user is, for example, an operator who monitors the status of multiple showcases 1. The control device 6 is, for example, located in a monitoring room of a store where multiple showcases 1 are arranged.

[0020] [1-1-2. Overall configuration of the showcase] Next, the configuration of the showcase 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2-4. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the showcase 1 according to Embodiment 1. The showcase 1 is placed on the floor of a store, such as a supermarket or convenience store, and displays beverages, food, and other items in a refrigerated state. The showcase 1 is a so-called "open type" showcase.

[0021] Figures 2-4 each show mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The Z axis is parallel to the vertical direction. The X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal direction. The X axis is parallel to the front-back direction. The Y axis is parallel to the left-right direction. The positive direction of the Z axis is upward. The positive direction of the X axis is forward. The positive direction of the Y axis is to the right.

[0022] Showcase 1 has a roughly box-shaped case body 11 with an opening at the front for loading and unloading items. Hereinafter, the direction of the opening of the case body 11 in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the front direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the width direction or left-to-right direction. The showcase 1 has a base 18 that supports the case body 11. Inside the case body 11 is a display room 12, which is a space where goods are displayed. The case body 11 corresponds to an example of the "body".

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of showcase 1, showing a cross-section perpendicular to the width direction. In other words, Figure 3 shows a cross-section parallel to the XZ plane. As shown in Figure 3, the case body 11 has a bottom wall 13 that covers the display compartment 12 from below. The case body 11 has a pair of side walls 14 (see Figure 2) erected on the left and right side edges of the bottom wall 13 that cover the display compartment 12 from the left and right directions. The case body 11 has a rear wall 15 that spans between the pair of left and right side walls 14 and covers the display compartment 12 from the rear. The case body 11 has an upper wall 16 that spans between each of the side walls 14 and the rear wall 15 and covers the display compartment 12 from above. The bottom wall 13 has a lower front wall 17 formed by the front part of the bottom wall 13 bending upward and extending. These bottom wall 13, each of the side walls 14, the lower front wall 17, the rear wall 15, and the upper wall 16 are all insulating walls.

[0024] A base portion 18 is provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 13, which is placed on the floor where the showcase 1 is positioned. The base portion 18 supports the case body 11 on its upper surface.

[0025] Inside the case body 11, an inner wall 20 is provided that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the case body 11 and covers the case body 11 from the inside. The inner wall 20 has a partition wall 22 that extends vertically in the front direction of the rear wall 15. The inner wall 20 has an inner upper wall 24 that extends forward from the upper end of the partition wall 22 along the upper wall 16. The inner wall 20 has a deck pan 26 that extends forward substantially horizontally from the lower end of the partition wall 22 and is connected to the upper part of the lower front wall 17.

[0026] The display room 12 is formed by being partitioned by an inner wall 20 and each side wall 14. For example, the partition wall 22 functions as a back panel that constitutes the back of the display room 12. Inside the display room 12, there are multiple display shelves 28 on which goods are placed on top for display. Each display shelf 28 is attached to the partition wall 22, spaced apart from each other, and extends substantially horizontally toward the front.

[0027] In Embodiment 1, the deck pan 26 is configured to allow goods to be displayed on it, and the deck pan 26 functions as the lowest display shelf. The front end of the deck pan 26 is located in front of the front end of each display shelf 28. In Embodiment 1, four display shelves 28 are arranged vertically, but the number of display shelves 28 may be one or any other number. Alternatively, there may be no display shelves 28 at all.

[0028] A duct 30 is formed between the inner wall 20 and the case body 11. The duct 30 is a space enclosed by the inner wall 20, the bottom wall 13, each side wall 14, the lower front wall 17, the rear wall 15, and the top wall 16.

[0029] The duct 30 is formed between the deck pan 26 and the bottom wall 13 and has a lower duct 32 that extends in the front-rear direction. The duct 30 has a rear duct 34 that is formed between the partition wall 22 and the rear wall 15 and extends in the vertical direction. The duct 30 has an upper duct 36 that is formed between the inner upper wall 24 and the upper wall 16 and extends in the front-rear direction. The display room 12 is surrounded by the lower duct 32, the rear duct 34, and the upper duct 36.

[0030] An outlet 37 is provided at the front end of the upper duct 36, which opens downwards and communicates with the display room 12. The outlet 37 is located below the front end of the upper wall 16 and is situated at the upper front of the display room 12.

[0031] An intake port 38 is provided at the upper part of the front end of the lower duct 32, which is an opening that opens upward and communicates with the display room 12. The intake port 38 is located at the lower front of the display room 12, continuous with the rear of the lower front wall 17. The intake port 38 is located in front of the outlet port 37. The outlet port 37 and the intake port 38 extend elongatedly between the side walls 14 over substantially the entire width of the case body 11. In this embodiment, the intake port 38 is located in front of the outlet port 37, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the intake port 38 may be in the same position as the outlet port 37 in the front-to-back direction.

[0032] Showcase 1 has a refrigeration cycle (not shown) for cooling the display room 12. This refrigeration cycle is composed of a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an evaporator 31, a condenser, and an expansion mechanism connected in a ring shape by piping, and the refrigerant is sealed into the refrigeration cycle.

[0033] In Embodiment 1, the evaporator 31 is installed inside the duct 30 provided in the case body 11, and the compressor, condenser, and expansion mechanism described above are housed in an outdoor unit separate from the showcase 1, for example. That is, the showcase 1 is configured in a so-called "separate unit" manner. The outdoor unit is placed, for example, outside the store. For example, if the store is located inside a high-rise building, the outdoor unit may be placed, for example, indoors. The evaporator 31 corresponds to an example of a "cooler". Embodiment 1 describes a case where the compressor, condenser, and expansion mechanism are housed in an outdoor unit separate from the showcase 1, but the embodiments are not limited to this. The compressor, condenser, and expansion mechanism may be configured as an integrated unit with the showcase 1, for example, in a so-called "integrated" configuration.

[0034] A blower 33 is provided at the rear end of the deck pan 26. The blower 33 has a motor 33a and a fan 33b attached to the output shaft of the motor 33a. The blower 33 circulates the air (cold air) cooled in the evaporator 31 into the chamber by blowing air through the fan 33b, which is rotated by the motor 33a.

[0035] A canopy 40 is attached to the front end 16a of the upper wall 16 of the case body 11. The canopy 40 extends over almost the entire width of the showcase 1. The canopy 40 is located above the display room 12 and has a shape that protrudes forward.

[0036] The canopy 40 is equipped with an exterior light 39a and a lighting power supply 90. The exterior light 39a illuminates the display room 12 using power supplied from the lighting power supply 90. The exterior light 39a is located below the canopy 40.

[0037] The lighting power supply 90 supplies power to the exterior lighting 39a and the interior lighting 39b installed inside the display room 12. The lighting power supply 90 is installed inside the canopy 40.

[0038] [1-1-3. Configuration of the drain receiving section] Next, the configuration of the drain receiving section 321 of the showcase 1 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the drain receiving section 321 of the showcase 1. As shown in Figure 4, the drain receiving section 321 is located below the display chamber 12. The drain receiving section 321 is located, for example, on the upper surface of the bottom wall 13 and the lower front wall 17. The drain receiving section 321 is located at the bottom of the display chamber 12 of the case body 11 and receives drainage. The drain receiving section 321 is formed from a plate-like member such as stainless steel or aluminum.

[0039] The drain receiving section 321 is formed in a roughly V-shape in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 4. A drain opening, not shown in the figure, is formed in the drain receiving section 321. The drain opening is located at the lowest position in the drain receiving section 321. In other words, the drain opening is located at the negative end of the Z-axis in the drain receiving section 321. The drain opening is also located, for example, approximately in the center in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the drain receiving section 321. In this description, we have explained the case where the drain receiving section 321 is located on the upper surface of the bottom wall 13 and the lower front wall 17. However, the drain receiving section 321 includes, for example, the space enclosed by the upper surface of the bottom wall 13 and the lower front wall 17 and the deck pan 26. In other words, the drain receiving section 321 represents an area that roughly coincides with the lower duct 32.

[0040] The drain outlet discharges the drain water stored in the drain receiving section 321 to the outside via a drain pipe (not shown in the diagram). A net is placed at the drain outlet to prevent foreign objects such as garbage from entering the drain pipe. If foreign objects such as garbage adhere to the net, the outflow of drain water from the drain outlet to the drain pipe is obstructed, resulting in what is known as "drain water clogging." In such cases, the water level of the drain water stored in the drain receiving section 321 rises. As a result, the second temperature sensor ST2 becomes submerged.

[0041] A first temperature sensor ST1 is positioned on the intake side of the blower 33. The first temperature sensor ST1 detects the temperature TP1 of the intake air of the blower 33. Since temperature TP1 is the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor ST1, it may be referred to as the detected temperature TP1. The first temperature sensor ST1 outputs the detected temperature TP1 to the control device 5.

[0042] In the drain receiving section 321, a second temperature sensor ST2 is positioned below the first temperature sensor ST1. The second temperature sensor ST2 is positioned, for example, below the midpoint in the vertical direction between the water level WU when the drain receiving section 321 is full and the lower end position of the drain receiving section 321. The second temperature sensor ST2 outputs its detected temperature TP2 to the control device 5.

[0043] The lower the position of the second temperature sensor ST2 in the vertical direction, the earlier the control device 5 can detect the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 when a "drain water blockage" occurs. By adjusting the vertical position of the second temperature sensor ST2, the timing of the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 when a "drain water blockage" occurs can be adjusted.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first temperature sensor ST1 is located on the suction side of the blower 33, and the second temperature sensor ST2 is located below the first temperature sensor ST1 in the drain receiving section 321. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The first temperature sensor ST1 may be placed in the space enclosed by the bottom wall 13, the upper surface of the lower front wall 17, and the deck pan 26 in the drain receiving section 321. The second temperature sensor ST2 may be placed below the first temperature sensor ST1. That is, the second temperature sensor ST2 may be placed below the first temperature sensor ST1 in the space enclosed by the bottom wall 13, the upper surface of the lower front wall 17, and the deck pan 26. When the first temperature sensor ST1 and the second temperature sensor ST2 are placed in the space enclosed by the bottom wall 13, the upper surface of the lower front wall 17, and the deck pan 26, the first temperature sensor ST1 and the second temperature sensor ST2 can each be supported as described below. For example, the first temperature sensor ST1 and the second temperature sensor ST2 may be suspended from the deck pan 26. Alternatively, members supporting the first temperature sensor ST1 and the second temperature sensor ST2 may be placed on the upper surfaces of the bottom wall 13 and the lower front wall 17.

[0045] In Embodiment 1, when the drain receiving section 321 is full of water, the water level WU coincides with the lower end position of the fan 33b of the blower 33, as shown in Figure 4. If the water level of the drain stored in the drain receiving section 321 reaches the water level WU when the unit is full, the fan 33b will splash the drain upwards, causing it to scatter. To avoid this situation, the operator must clear the "clogging of the drain water" before the water level of the drain stored in the drain receiving section 321 reaches the water level WU when the unit is full.

[0046] Each of the first temperature sensor ST1 and the second temperature sensor ST2 is, for example, composed of a thermistor. Furthermore, since the second temperature sensor ST2 is expected to be submerged in water, it is composed of a waterproof thermistor. The first temperature sensor ST1 may also be composed of a waterproof thermistor, similar to the second temperature sensor ST2.

[0047] In Embodiment 1, the water level WU when the drain receiving section 321 is full coincides with the lower end position of the fan 33b of the blower 33, but the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, if the lower end position of the motor 33a of the blower 33 is located below the lower end position of the fan 33b of the blower 33, the water level WU when the drain receiving section 321 is full coincides with the lower end position of the motor 33a of the blower 33.

[0048] [1-1-4. Configuration of the control device and management device] Next, the configuration of the control device 5 and the management device 6 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 5 and the management device 6 according to Embodiment 1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the control device 5 is configured to communicate with the evaporator 31, the blower 33, the first temperature sensor ST1, and the second temperature sensor ST2. The control device 5 is also configured to communicate with the compressor, condenser, and expansion mechanism (not shown) that constitute the refrigeration cycle. The control device 5 also includes a first processor 51 and a first memory 52.

[0050] The first processor 51 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The first memory 52 is a memory that stores programs and data. The first memory 52 stores the first control program 521.

[0051] The first memory 52 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the first memory 52 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute the work area of ​​the first processor 51. The first memory 52 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0052] The first processor 51 functions as an operation control unit 511, an acquisition unit 512, a detection unit 513, and an alarm output unit 514 by reading and executing the first control program 521.

[0053] The operation control unit 511 controls the operation of each part of the showcase 1. For example, the operation control unit 511 switches between cooling operation CQ and defrosting operation DF. The operation control unit 511 operates the refrigeration cycle during cooling operation CQ so that the temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) reaches a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is, for example, 5°C. The internal temperature sensor is placed, for example, at a suitable location on the inner wall 20 of the showcase 1.

[0054] The operation control unit 511 stops the refrigeration cycle during defrosting operation DF. The operation control unit 511, for example, performs a defrosting operation DF at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is, for example, 6 hours. The defrosting operation DF is performed continuously for, for example, 15 minutes. The processing of the operation control unit 511 will be further explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0055] The acquisition unit 512 acquires the detected temperature TP1 from the first temperature sensor ST1. The acquisition unit 512 also acquires the detected temperature TP2 from the second temperature sensor ST2.

[0056] The detection unit 513 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 based on the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2.

[0057] The detection unit 513 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 when, for example, the temperature difference ΔTP is greater than or equal to a preset threshold ΔTH. The threshold ΔTH is, for example, 3°C. The detection unit 513 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 when, for example, the temperature difference ΔTP remains above a threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period PA or longer. The predetermined period PA is, for example, 10 minutes. The detection unit 513 detects, for example, that the second temperature sensor ST2 is submerged in water based on the temperature difference ΔTP while the operation control unit 511 is performing a defrosting operation DF.

[0058] In Embodiment 1, the detection unit 513 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 when, for example, the operation control unit 511 is performing a defrosting operation DF and the temperature difference ΔTP remains above or above a threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period PA or longer. The threshold ΔTH is, for example, 3°C. The predetermined period PA is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0059] The alarm output unit 514 notifies the management device 6 of the detection result of submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2. For example, when the detection unit 513 detects that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been submerged in water, the alarm output unit 514 notifies the management device 6 of an alarm AL indicating that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been submerged in water. In this embodiment, the alarm output unit 514 notifies the management device 6 of the detection result of submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The alarm output unit 514 may also notify the management device 6 of the temperature difference ΔTP.

[0060] Next, the configuration of the control device 6 will be described with reference to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the management device 6 comprises a second processor 61, a second memory 62, and a display mechanism 63.

[0061] The second processor 61 is a processor such as a CPU or MPU. The second memory 62 is a memory that stores programs and data. The second memory 62 stores the second control program 621.

[0062] The second memory 62 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the second memory 62 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute the work area of ​​the second processor 61. The second memory 62 is composed of, for example, ROM or RAM.

[0063] The display mechanism 63 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display mechanism 63 displays various images on the display according to instructions from the second processor 61. The display mechanism 63 may be equipped with multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0064] The second processor 61 functions as a communication control unit 611 and a display control unit 612 by reading and executing the second control program 621.

[0065] The communication control unit 611 controls communication with the control device 5. For example, the communication control unit 611 receives an alarm AL from the alarm output unit 514.

[0066] The display control unit 612 displays various images on the display of the display mechanism 63. If the communication control unit 611 receives an alarm AL from the control device 5A, for example, the display control unit 612 displays an image on the display indicating that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been detected submerged in water in the showcase 1A.

[0067] Furthermore, if the communication control unit 611 receives an alarm AL from the control device 5B, for example, the display control unit 612 displays an image on the display indicating that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been detected submerged in water in the showcase 1B. Furthermore, if the communication control unit 611 receives an alarm AL from the control device 5C, for example, the display control unit 612 displays an image on the display indicating that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been detected submerged in water in the showcase 1C.

[0068] [1-2. Operation] [1-2-1. Operation of the control unit] Next, the operation of the control unit 511 of the control device 5 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the control unit 511 of the control device 5. The horizontal axis in Figure 6 represents time TM. As shown in Figure 6, the operation control unit 511 alternately performs cooling operation CQ and defrosting operation DF.

[0069] At time TM1, the operation control unit 511 switches from cooling operation CQ to defrosting operation DF. From time TM1 to time TM2, the operation control unit 511 performs defrosting operation DF. The period PD from time TM1 to time TM2 is, for example, 15 minutes.

[0070] At time TM2, the operation control unit 511 switches from defrosting operation DF to cooling operation CQ. From time TM2 to time TM3, the operation control unit 511 executes cooling operation CQ. The period PC from time TM2 to time TM3 is, for example, 6 hours.

[0071] At time TM3, the operation control unit 511 switches from cooling operation CQ to defrosting operation DF. From time TM3 to time TM4, the operation control unit 511 performs defrosting operation DF. The period PD from time TM3 to time TM4 is, for example, 15 minutes.

[0072] At time TM4, the operation control unit 511 switches from defrosting operation DF to cooling operation CQ. From time TM4 to time TM5, the operation control unit 511 executes cooling operation CQ. The period PC from time TM4 to time TM5 is, for example, 6 hours.

[0073] At time TM5, the operation control unit 511 switches from cooling operation CQ to defrosting operation DF. From time TM5 to time TM6, the operation control unit 511 performs defrosting operation DF. The period PD from time TM5 to time TM6 is, for example, 15 minutes.

[0074] [1-2-2. Changes in temperature difference] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the change in the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 TP1 and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor ST2 TP2 will be explained. Figures 7 and 8 are graphs showing the change in the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 TP1 and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor ST2 TP2.

[0075] Figure 7 is a graph showing the change in the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 (TP1) and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor ST2 (TP2) during the summer. In Figure 7, for example, the outside air temperature is 27°C and the outside air humidity is 70%. Here, the outside air temperature is the temperature of the outside air surrounding Showcase 1, and the outside air humidity is the humidity of the outside air surrounding Showcase 1.

[0076] The upper part of Figure 7 shows the change in temperature difference ΔTP when the detection unit 513 does not detect submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2. The lower part of Figure 7 shows the change in temperature difference ΔTP when the detection unit 513 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2. In the upper graph of Figure 7, the horizontal axis represents time TM and the vertical axis represents temperature TP. In the lower graph of Figure 7, the horizontal axis represents time TM and the vertical axis represents temperature TP.

[0077] Graph G11 in the upper part of Figure 7 shows the trend of the detected temperature TP1 of the first temperature sensor ST1. Graph G12 in the upper part of Figure 7 shows the trend of the detected temperature TP2 of the second temperature sensor ST2. Graph G13 in the upper part of Figure 7 shows the trend of the detected temperature of the internal temperature sensor. Graph G14 in the upper part of Figure 7 shows the trend of the temperature difference ΔTP between the detected temperature TP1 of the first temperature sensor ST1 and the detected temperature TP2 of the second temperature sensor ST2. Furthermore, the period PD shown in the upper part of Figure 7 indicates the period during which the operation control unit 511 performs the defrosting operation DF. Period PD is, for example, 15 minutes.

[0078] As shown in Graph G14, during the defrosting operation DF, the temperature difference ΔTP does not remain above the threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period PA or longer, so the detection unit 513 does not detect submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2. The threshold ΔTH is, for example, 3°C, and the predetermined period PA is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0079] Graph G21 in the lower part of Figure 7 shows the trend of the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1. Graph G22 in the lower part of Figure 7 shows the trend of the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2. Graph G23 in the lower part of Figure 7 shows the trend of the temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor. Graph G24 in the lower part of Figure 7 shows the trend of the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2. Furthermore, the period PD shown in the lower part of Figure 7 indicates the period during which the operation control unit 511 performs the defrosting operation DF. The period PD is, for example, 15 minutes.

[0080] As shown in graph G24, during the defrosting operation DF, the detection unit 513 detects that the second temperature sensor ST2 is submerged in water because the temperature difference ΔTP remains above the threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period PA or longer. The threshold ΔTH is, for example, 3°C, and the predetermined period PA is, for example, 10 minutes. The period PB shown in Graph G24 represents the duration during which the temperature difference ΔTP remains above the threshold ΔTH while the defrosting operation DF is being performed. The period PB is 10 minutes or longer.

[0081] Time TMS indicates the start of period PB, and time TME indicates the end of period PB. At time TMS, the temperature difference ΔTP reaches a state where it is greater than or equal to the threshold ΔTH while the defrosting operation DF is being performed. At time TME, the execution of the defrosting operation DF is completed. Time TME coincides with the end of period PD.

[0082] Figure 8 is a graph showing the change in the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 (TP1) and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor ST2 (TP2) during winter. In Figure 8, for example, the outside air temperature is 15°C and the outside air humidity is 60%. Here, the outside air temperature is the temperature of the air outside showcase 1, and the outside air humidity is the humidity of the air outside showcase 1. In Figure 8, compared to Figure 7, the ambient temperature is lower, so the operation control unit 511 repeatedly stops and starts the refrigeration cycle during the cooling operation CQ. In other words, the operation control unit 511 repeatedly stops and starts the refrigeration cycle during the cooling operation CQ so that the temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor is, for example, in the range of 2°C to 10°C.

[0083] The upper part of Figure 8 shows the change in temperature difference ΔTP when the detection unit 513 does not detect submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2. The lower part of Figure 8 shows the change in temperature difference ΔTP when the detection unit 513 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2. In the upper graph of Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents time TM and the vertical axis represents temperature TP. In the lower graph of Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents time TM and the vertical axis represents temperature TP.

[0084] Graph G31 in the upper part of Figure 8 shows the trend of the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1. Graph G32 in the upper part of Figure 8 shows the trend of the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2. Graph G33 in the upper part of Figure 8 shows the trend of the temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor. Graph G34 in the upper part of Figure 8 shows the trend of the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2. Furthermore, the period PD shown in the upper part of Figure 8 indicates the period during which the operation control unit 511 performs the defrosting operation DF. Period PD is, for example, 15 minutes.

[0085] As shown in graph G34, during the defrosting operation DF, the temperature difference ΔTP does not remain above the threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period PA or longer, so the detection unit 513 does not detect submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2. The threshold ΔTH is, for example, 3°C, and the predetermined period PA is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0086] Graph G41 in the lower part of Figure 8 shows the trend of the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1. Graph G42 in the lower part of Figure 8 shows the trend of the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2. Graph G43 in the lower part of Figure 8 shows the trend of the temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor. Graph G44 in the lower part of Figure 8 shows the trend of the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2. Furthermore, the period PD shown in the lower part of Figure 8 indicates the period during which the operation control unit 511 performs the defrosting operation DF. The period PD is, for example, 15 minutes.

[0087] As shown in graph G44, during the defrosting operation DF, the detection unit 513 detects that the second temperature sensor ST2 is submerged in water because the temperature difference ΔTP remains above the threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period PA or longer. The threshold ΔTH is, for example, 3°C, and the predetermined period PA is, for example, 10 minutes. The period PB shown in Graph G44 represents the duration during which the temperature difference ΔTP remains above the threshold ΔTH while the defrosting operation DF is being performed. The period PB is 10 minutes or longer.

[0088] Time TMS indicates the start of period PB, and time TME indicates the end of period PB. At time TMS, the temperature difference ΔTP reaches a state where it is greater than or equal to the threshold ΔTH while the defrosting operation DF is being performed. At time TME, the execution of the defrosting operation DF is completed. Time TME coincides with the end of period PD.

[0089] [1-2-3. Control device processing] Next, the processing of the control device 5 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control device 5. First, in step S101, the operation control unit 511 determines whether or not defrosting operation DF is being performed. If the operation control unit 511 determines that defrosting operation DF is not in progress (step S101; NO), the process enters a standby state. If the operation control unit 511 determines that defrosting operation DF is in progress (step S101; YES), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0090] Then, in step S103, the detection unit 513 determines whether the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold ΔTH. The threshold ΔTH is, for example, 3°C. If the detection unit 513 determines that the temperature difference ΔTP is not greater than or equal to the threshold ΔTH (step S103; NO), the process proceeds to step S105. Then, in step S105, the detection unit 513 does not detect that the second temperature sensor ST2 is submerged in water. After that, the process returns to step S101.

[0091] If the detection unit 513 determines that the temperature difference ΔTP is greater than or equal to the threshold ΔTH (step S103; YES), the detection unit 513 determines whether the state in which the temperature difference ΔTP is greater than or equal to the threshold ΔTH has continued for a predetermined period PA or longer. The predetermined period PA is, for example, 10 minutes. If the detection unit 513 determines that the temperature difference ΔTP has not remained above the threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period PA or longer (step S107; NO), the process returns to step S101. If the detection unit 513 determines that the temperature difference ΔTP has remained above the threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period PA or longer (step S107; YES), the process proceeds to step S109.

[0092] Then, in step S109, the detection unit 513 detects that the second temperature sensor ST2 is submerged in water. Next, in step S111, the alarm output unit 514 notifies the management device 6 of an alarm AL indicating that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been submerged in water. After that, the process returns to step S101.

[0093] Step S103 corresponds to an example of a "detection step".

[0094] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in Embodiment 1, the showcase 1 is a showcase 1 that cools the air supplied to the display room 12 by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator 31, and comprises a drain receiving section 321 located at the bottom of the display room 12, a first temperature sensor ST1 located in the drain receiving section 321, a second temperature sensor ST2 located in the drain receiving section 321 below the first temperature sensor ST1, and a control device 5 that detects the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2.

[0095] This allows for the detection of a temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2, which is positioned below the first temperature sensor ST1 in the drain receiving section 321. Therefore, based on the temperature difference ΔTP, the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 can be properly detected. Consequently, blockage of drain water can be detected with high accuracy.

[0096] Furthermore, in the showcase 1 described above, the control device 5 outputs an alarm AL when it detects that the second temperature sensor ST2 is submerged in water based on the temperature difference ΔTP.

[0097] This allows the system to output an alarm AL when it detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 based on the temperature difference ΔTP. Therefore, operators can easily confirm that the second temperature sensor ST2 is submerged. Consequently, operators can respond quickly to drain water blockages.

[0098] Furthermore, in the showcase 1 described above, the control device 5 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 when the temperature difference ΔTP is greater than or equal to a preset threshold ΔTH.

[0099] As a result, if the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold ΔTH, the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 is detected. Therefore, by setting the threshold ΔTH to an appropriate value, the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 can be properly detected. Consequently, drain water blockage can be detected with high accuracy.

[0100] Furthermore, in the showcase 1 described above, the control device 5 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 when the temperature difference ΔTP remains above the threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period of PA or longer.

[0101] As a result, if the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2 remains above a threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period PA or longer, the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 is detected. Therefore, by setting the predetermined period PA to an appropriate value, the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 can be properly detected. Consequently, drain water blockage can be detected with high accuracy.

[0102] Furthermore, in the showcase 1 described above, the control device 5 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 based on the temperature difference ΔTP while the defrosting operation DF is being performed.

[0103] As a result, during the defrosting operation DF, the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 is detected based on the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2. During the defrosting operation DF, if the second temperature sensor ST2 is submerged, the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2 becomes larger than when the second temperature sensor ST2 is not submerged. Therefore, the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 can be properly detected. Consequently, drain water blockage can be detected with high accuracy.

[0104] Furthermore, in the showcase 1 described above, the second temperature sensor ST2 is positioned below the vertical midpoint between the water level when the drain receiving section 321 is full and the lower end position of the drain receiving section 321.

[0105] As a result, the second temperature sensor ST2 is positioned below the vertical midpoint between the water level when the drain receiving section 321 is full and the lower end position of the drain receiving section 321. Therefore, the lower the second temperature sensor ST2 is positioned, the longer the period from the detection of submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 until the drain receiving section 321 becomes full. Thus, the convenience for the operator can be improved.

[0106] Furthermore, the control method for the showcase 1 is a method for controlling a showcase 1 that cools the air supplied to the display room 12 by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator 31, and comprises a drain receiving section 321 located at the bottom of the display room 12, a first temperature sensor ST1 located in the drain receiving section 321, a second temperature sensor ST2 located in the drain receiving section 321 below the first temperature sensor ST1, and a control device 5 that controls the operation of each part of the showcase 1, wherein the control device 5 performs a detection step of detecting the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2.

[0107] As a result, the control method for showcase 1 achieves the same effect as showcase 1.

[0108] Furthermore, the showcase management system 100 comprises a showcase 1 located in the store and a management device 6 configured to communicate with the showcase 1. The showcase 1 is a showcase that cools the air supplied to the display room 12 by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator 31, and comprises a drain receiving section 321 located at the bottom of the display room 12, a first temperature sensor ST1 located in the drain receiving section 321, a second temperature sensor ST2 located in the drain receiving section 321 below the first temperature sensor ST1, and a control device 5 that detects the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2. The control device 5 of the showcase 1 notifies the management device 6 of the detection result of the temperature difference ΔTP.

[0109] As a result, the showcase management system 100 achieves the same effect as the showcase 1.

[0110] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiment 1 above. Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0111] In the above embodiment 1, the detection unit 513 detects submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 when, for example, the operation control unit 511 is performing a defrosting operation DF and the temperature difference ΔTP remains above a threshold ΔTH for a predetermined period of PA or longer. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The detection unit 513 may, for example, detect the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 based on the temperature difference ΔTP between the temperature TP1 detected by the first temperature sensor ST1 and the temperature TP2 detected by the second temperature sensor ST2. The detection unit 513 may, for example, detect the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 based on the maximum value of the temperature difference ΔTP. Furthermore, the detection unit 513 may detect submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 when, for example, the temperature difference ΔTP is greater than or equal to a preset threshold ΔTH. Furthermore, the detection unit 513 may, for example, detect the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 based on the temperature difference ΔTP while the operation control unit 511 is performing a defrosting operation DF. Alternatively, the detection unit 513 may detect the submersion of the second temperature sensor ST2 based on the maximum value of the temperature difference ΔTP while the operation control unit 511 is performing a defrosting operation DF.

[0112] In the above embodiment 1, the alarm output unit 514 notifies the management device 6 of an alarm AL indicating that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been submerged in water, for example, when the detection unit 513 detects that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been submerged in water. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The alarm output unit 514 may, for example, display an alarm AL indicating that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been submerged in water on an LCD or the like located on the side of the showcase 1 when the detection unit 513 detects that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been submerged in water. The alarm output unit 514 may, for example, display an alarm AL indicating that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been submerged in water on a display such as an LCD located in the centralized display device when the detection unit 513 detects that the second temperature sensor ST2 has been submerged in water. The centralized display device may be located, for example, in the store's monitoring room.

[0113] In the above Embodiment 1, a case was described in which the showcase management system 100 has three or more showcases 1, but the embodiments are not limited to this. The showcase management system 100 may have multiple showcases 1. Multiple showcases 1 may be two showcases 1, or four or more showcases 1.

[0114] In the above embodiment 1, the control device 5 comprises a first processor 51 and a first memory 52, and the first processor 51 functions as various functional units by reading and executing a first control program 521, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The first processor 51 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. The first processor 51 may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional unit. That is, these processors may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0115] In the above embodiment 1, the management device 6 comprises a second processor 61 and a second memory 62, and the second processor 61 functions as various functional units by reading and executing a second control program 621, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The second processor 61 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. The second processor 61 may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional unit. That is, these processors may consist of, for example, an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0116] In the above embodiment 1, the step units of the control device 5 in the flowchart shown in Figure 9 are divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not impede the intent of this disclosure.

[0117] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0118] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0119] (Note) (Technology 1) A refrigerated storage facility that cools the air supplied to a display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, comprising: a drain receiving section located at the bottom of the display room; a first temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section; a second temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section below the first temperature sensor; and a control unit that detects the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. This allows for the detection of the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, which is located below the first temperature sensor in the drain receiving section. Therefore, the submersion of the second temperature sensor can be properly detected based on the temperature difference. Consequently, blockage of drain water can be detected with high accuracy.

[0120] (Technology 2) The cooling storage unit according to Technology 1, wherein the control unit outputs an alarm when it detects submersion of the second temperature sensor based on the temperature difference. This allows the system to output an alarm when it detects submersion of the second temperature sensor based on the temperature difference. Therefore, operators can easily confirm that the second temperature sensor is submerged. Consequently, operators can quickly respond to drain water blockages.

[0121] (Technology 3) The cooling storage unit according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the control unit detects submersion of the second temperature sensor when the temperature difference is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. This system detects submersion of the second temperature sensor when the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor exceeds a preset threshold. Therefore, by setting the threshold to an appropriate value, submersion of the second temperature sensor can be properly detected. Consequently, drain water blockage can be detected with high accuracy.

[0122] (Technology 4) The cooling storage unit according to Technology 3, wherein the control unit detects the submersion of the second temperature sensor when the temperature difference remains above the threshold for a predetermined period of time or longer. This system detects submersion of the second temperature sensor when the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor remains above a threshold for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, by setting the predetermined period to an appropriate value, submersion of the second temperature sensor can be properly detected. Consequently, drain water blockage can be detected with high accuracy.

[0123] (Technology 5) The cooling storage unit according to any one of the technologies 1 to 4, wherein the control unit detects submersion of the second temperature sensor based on the temperature difference while performing a defrosting operation. This allows the system to detect when the second temperature sensor is submerged in water during defrosting, based on the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. During defrosting, if the second temperature sensor is submerged, the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor becomes larger than when the second temperature sensor is not submerged. Therefore, the submersion of the second temperature sensor can be properly detected. Consequently, drain water blockage can be detected with high accuracy.

[0124] (Technology 6) The cooling storage unit according to any one of the technologies 1 to 5, wherein the second temperature sensor is positioned below the vertical midpoint between the water level when the drain receiving section is full and the lower end position of the drain receiving section. As a result, the second temperature sensor is positioned below the vertical midpoint between the water level when the drain receiver is full and the lower end of the drain receiver. Therefore, the lower the second temperature sensor is positioned, the longer the time between detecting submersion of the second temperature sensor and the drain receiver becoming full. This improves convenience for the operator.

[0125] (Technology 7) A method for controlling a refrigerated storage facility that cools air supplied to a display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, comprising: a drain receiving section located at the bottom of the display room; a first temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section; a second temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section below the first temperature sensor; and a control unit that controls the operation of each part of the refrigerated storage facility, wherein the control unit performs a detection step of detecting the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. As a result, the control method for the refrigerated storage facility described in Technology 7 has the same effect as the refrigerated storage facility described in Technology 1.

[0126] (Technology 8) A cooling storage system comprising a cooling storage unit located within a store and a management device configured to communicate with the cooling storage unit, wherein the cooling storage unit is a cooling storage unit that cools the air supplied to a display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, and comprises a drain receiving section located at the bottom of the display room, a first temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section, a second temperature sensor located in the drain receiving section below the first temperature sensor, and a control unit that detects the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, wherein the control unit of the cooling storage unit notifies the management device of the temperature difference detection result. As a result, the cooling storage management system described in Technology 8 achieves the same effect as the cooling storage system described in Technology 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0127] This disclosure is applicable to a cooling storage facility that accurately detects blockages in drain water. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 100 Showcase Management System (Cooled Storage Management System) 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Showcases (Cooled Storage Units) 11. Case body (main unit) 12 Exhibition room 18. Base 20 Inner wall 26 Deck Pans 28 Display shelf 30 ducts 31. Evaporator (Cooler) 32 Lower duct 321 Drain receiving section 33 Blower 33a motor 33b Fan 34. Rear duct 36 Upper duct 38 Inlet 5, 5A, 5B, 5C control device (control unit) 51 First Processor 511 Operation Control Unit 512 Acquisition Department 513 Detection unit 514 Alarm output section 52 First Memory 521 First Control Program 6 Management device 61 Second Processor 611 Communication Control Unit 612 Display Control Unit 62 Second Memory 621 Second Control Program 63 Display mechanism AL alarm CQ Cooling Operation DF driving PA predetermined period PB, PC, PD period ST1 First Temperature Sensor ST2 Second Temperature Sensor TM Time TP1, TP2 detection temperature Water level when WU is full ΔTH threshold ΔTP temperature difference

Claims

1. A refrigerated storage facility that cools the air supplied to the display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, A drainage receiving section located at the bottom of the aforementioned display room, A first temperature sensor is placed in the drain receiving section, In the drain receiving section, a second temperature sensor is positioned below the first temperature sensor, A control unit that detects the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, A refrigerated storage facility equipped with a cooling system.

2. The control unit outputs an alarm when it detects submersion of the second temperature sensor based on the temperature difference. A cooling storage unit according to claim 1.

3. The control unit detects submersion of the second temperature sensor when the temperature difference is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. A cooling storage unit according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The control unit detects submersion of the second temperature sensor when the temperature difference remains above the threshold for a predetermined period of time or longer. The cooling storage unit according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, while performing defrosting operation, detects submersion of the second temperature sensor based on the temperature difference. A cooling storage unit according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The second temperature sensor is positioned below the vertical midpoint between the water level when the drain receiving section is full and the lower end position of the drain receiving section. A cooling storage unit according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. In a refrigerated storage facility that cools the air supplied to the display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, A drainage receiving section located at the bottom of the aforementioned display room, A first temperature sensor is placed in the drain receiving section, In the drain receiving section, a second temperature sensor is positioned below the first temperature sensor, A control unit that controls the operation of each part of the cooling storage unit, A method for controlling a cooling storage facility, comprising: The control unit, A detection step of detecting the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, A method for controlling a refrigerated storage facility.

8. Cooling storage facilities located inside the store, A control device configured to communicate with the aforementioned cooling storage facility, A cooling storage system comprising, The aforementioned cooling storage facility is A refrigerated storage facility that cools the air supplied to the display room by a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator, A drainage receiving section located at the bottom of the aforementioned display room, A first temperature sensor is placed in the drain receiving section, In the drain receiving section, a second temperature sensor is positioned below the first temperature sensor, A control unit that detects the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, Equipped with, A cooling storage system comprising the control unit of the cooling storage unit, which notifies the management device of the temperature difference detection result.

Images