Refrigerator control system and refrigerator control method

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator control system which suppresses execution of a specific function of a refrigerator from being hindered by execution of a defrosting operation. A refrigerator control system is provided with: an estimated defrosting time calculation unit that calculates an estimated defrosting time at a defrosting necessity determination time on the basis of an estimation model; a defrosting operation control unit that executes a defrosting operation when the estimated defrosting time at the defrosting necessity determination time is equal to or greater than a threshold value; a non-use time period identification unit capable of identifying a non-use time period, which is a time period in which it is estimated that the possibility of using the specific function of the refrigerator is low; and a threshold value setting unit that sets a plurality of threshold values related to the necessity of determination of execution of the defrosting operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator control system and a refrigerator control method that control a refrigerator that performs a defrosting operation. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a defrost device for a cold storage that determines whether to extend the defrost start time when the cumulative compressor operating time reaches a certain time. If the door is not open, no forced operation is being performed, and the estimated outside air temperature is within a specified temperature range, the defrost device determines that defrost operation is not necessary and delays the defrost start time by a certain time. Furthermore, if the door is not open and no forced operation is being performed at the defrost start time at the end of the extension operation, the defrost device further delays the defrost start time by a certain time a predetermined number of times.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a refrigerator in which the start of a defrosting operation is delayed so as not to perform the defrosting operation during a power load peak.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a refrigerator that determines the start of a defrosting operation based on whether a heat load is equal to or greater than a heat load threshold value, so that the defrosting operation is not performed when cooling should be prioritized.

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses a refrigerator that does not perform defrosting when executing specific cooling control (low-temperature cooling control) and switches to a power saving mode in response to a user operation.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-239168

[0009] Patent Document 2: European Patent No. 2335125

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-060158

[0011] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-094712 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0013] The present invention provides a refrigerator control system that prevents implementation of a specific function of the refrigerator from being hindered by execution of a defrosting operation.

[0014] Methods for solving problems

[0015] This specification incorporates the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-089292 filed on May 31, 2022.

[0016] The cold storage control system in the present invention comprises: an operating status data acquisition unit, which acquires operating status data indicating the operating status detected by a detection unit provided in the cold storage at a prescribed sampling period and stores the data in a first storage unit; a learning data acquisition unit, which acquires learning data and stores the learning data in a second storage unit when a defrosting operation is performed to operate the heating unit of the cold storage to remove frost attached to the cooler of the cold storage, wherein the learning data includes a prescribed feature quantity based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit during the period from the time when the last defrosting operation was completed to the time when the current defrosting operation was performed, and a time calculation unit, which estimates the defrosting time based on the time required for the current defrosting operation. The estimated defrost time is calculated using an inference model based on the learning data. The inference model outputs the estimated required time for the defrost operation when the defrost operation is assumed to be performed, based on the input data of the characteristic quantity of the operating status data representing the operating status detected by the detection unit; a defrost operation control unit that performs the defrost operation when the estimated defrost time at the specified defrost necessity judgment moment is greater than a threshold value; a non-use time period identification unit that can identify a time period in which the possibility of using a specific function of the cold storage is low, i.e., a non-use time period; and a threshold setting unit that sets a plurality of thresholds related to the judgment of whether to perform the defrost operation.

[0017] The cold storage control method of the present invention is a cold storage control method executed by a computer, comprising: an operating status data acquisition step of acquiring operating status data indicating the operating status of the cold storage detected by a detection unit provided in the cold storage at a prescribed sampling period, and storing the operating status data in a first storage unit; a learning data acquisition step of storing the learning data in a second storage unit when a defrosting operation is performed in which a heating unit of the cold storage is operated to remove frost attached to a cooler of the cold storage, the learning data including prescribed characteristic quantities based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit between the time when the previous defrosting operation was completed and the time required for the current defrosting operation, An estimated defrost time calculation step, based on the above-mentioned learning data, uses an estimation model to calculate the above-mentioned estimated defrost time, and the above-mentioned estimation model outputs the estimated required time of the above-mentioned defrost operation when the above-mentioned defrost operation is assumed to be performed as the estimated defrost time for the input data of the above-mentioned characteristic quantity based on the above-mentioned operating status data representing the operating status detected by the above-mentioned detection unit; a defrost operation control step, when the above-mentioned defrost operation is performed when the above-mentioned estimated defrost time at the specified defrost necessity judgment moment is above a threshold value, a non-use time period identification step, identifying a time period in which the possibility of using the specific function of the above-mentioned cold storage is low, i.e., a non-use time period; and a threshold setting step, setting a plurality of the above-mentioned threshold values ​​related to the judgment of whether to perform the above-mentioned defrost operation.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the cold storage control system of the present invention, an estimated defrost time corresponding to the actual operating condition of each cold storage is calculated using an estimation model generated based on learning data of the operating conditions of each cold storage, and a defrost operation is performed when the estimated defrost time is above a threshold value. In addition, a plurality of threshold values ​​related to the determination of whether to perform the defrost operation are set in a manner that makes it easier to perform the defrost operation during unused time periods when the likelihood of using a specific function of the cold storage is low. As a result, when a user wants to use a specific function of the cold storage, it is possible to prevent the implementation of the specific function from being hindered by the defrost operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram of a control method of the refrigerator control system according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the refrigerator in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a configuration diagram of a refrigerator control system according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4It is an explanatory diagram of the learning data generation process in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the process of generating an inference formula in the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the process of identifying the unused time period according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a first flowchart of the process on the cold storage side according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a second flowchart of the process on the cold storage side according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of processing on the server side in the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a timing chart of the defrosting operation in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram of switching of threshold values ​​in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] (Knowledge and insights that form the basis of this disclosure, etc.)

[0032] When the inventors came up with the present invention, defrosting in the refrigerators was performed using the same estimation formula common to all refrigerators at an execution timing determined based on the accumulated operating time of the compressor or the opening and closing time of the door.

[0033] However, when the same common inference formula is used in each cold storage, defrosting is performed without considering the use conditions of the cold storage (for example, the types and quantities of food stored in the cold storage used by singles, DEWKs (Double Employed With Kids), DINKS (Double Income No Kids), or large families, and the opening and closing time of the door, etc.) and the influence of the surrounding environment of the cold storage. Therefore, the inventors have found that there is a problem that if defrosting is performed more frequently than necessary, the power consumption of the cold storage increases, and the influence of temperature changes in the storage on the food becomes greater. In addition, the inventors have found that when the cold storage has a specific function (for example, a rapid freezing function) that increases the cooling capacity of the cold storage compared to normal operation, during the execution of the defrost operation, even if the user wants to use the specific function, the use of the specific function is hindered. In order to solve this problem, the subject matter of the present invention is formed.

[0034] Therefore, the present invention provides a refrigerator control system that can suppress the execution of a defrosting operation more frequently than necessary and can suppress the obstruction of the use of a specific function of the refrigerator due to the execution of the defrosting operation.

[0035] Below, examples of embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repetitive descriptions of substantially identical structures may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0036] In addition, the drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter described in the claims.

[0037] (Implementation Method)

[0038] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 11 , which illustrates an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] [1. Control method]

[0040] First, refer to Figure 1 Next, a method of controlling refrigerator 10 in refrigerator control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This figure illustrates the control method of a cold storage control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cold storage control system 1 includes a cold storage 10 as a control target and a server device 100. Cold storage 10 is located in, for example, a house H and is configured to communicate with server device 100 via a gateway 5 and a communication network 200.

[0041] Here, in Figure 1 For ease of explanation, only one refrigerator 10 is shown, but server device 100 may be configured to communicate with a plurality of refrigerators. In this case, server device 100 and the plurality of refrigerators each constitute a refrigerator control system 1.

[0042] Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the refrigerator 10 in the refrigerator control system 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator 10 of the refrigerator control system 1 of this embodiment includes a refrigerator compartment 11, a switching compartment 14, an ice making compartment 16, a freezer compartment 18, and a vegetable compartment 20. A rotating right door 12 and a left door 13 are provided at the opening of the front surface of the refrigerator compartment 11. Furthermore, drawers 15, 17, 19, and 21 are provided in the switching compartment 14, the ice making compartment 16, the freezer compartment 18, and the vegetable compartment 20, respectively.

[0043] The control unit 60 included in the cold storage 10 controls the operation of the cold storage 10. The control unit 60 also functions as a detection unit that detects the operating status DRS of the cold storage 10 at a predetermined sampling period (e.g., 5 minutes). In addition, the control unit 60 transmits operating status data indicating the detected operating status DRS to the server device 100. In addition, the control unit 60 also functions as a defrost operation control unit that performs a defrost operation to remove frost attached to the cooler 51 described later. In addition, the control unit 60 transmits actual defrost time data indicating the time required to perform the defrost operation (actual defrost time RDFT) to the server device 100.

[0044] Figure 3 : is a block diagram of a cold storage control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the server device 100 generates an estimation formula based on learning data generated from the operating status data and the actual defrosting time data. The estimation formula calculates the estimated required time for the defrosting operation (estimated defrosting time EDFT) assuming that the defrosting operation is performed. The server device 100 or the control unit 60 of the refrigerator 10 uses the estimation formula to calculate the time required for the defrosting operation at the predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m Estimated defrost time EDFT(t m ).exist Figure 1 In the example, the server device 100 calculates the estimated defrost time EDFT (t m ) and sent to cold storage 10.

[0045] The estimated learning method is to learn the operating status data reflecting the usage status of the refrigerator 10 in the house H and customize it for the refrigerator 10. The control unit 60 of the refrigerator 10 determines that the estimated defrost time EDFT (t m ) is greater than the threshold value, the defrosting operation is performed. In this case, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m ) is calculated using an estimated formula based on the operating status data reflecting the actual usage status of the refrigerator 10. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the defrost time EDFT (t m ) becomes above the threshold at an appropriate time, and the defrost operation is performed.

[0046] [2. Structure of cold storage]

[0047] Reference Figure 2 Next, the configuration of refrigerator 10 in refrigerator control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 10 as viewed from the front, viewed from the right side of the refrigerator 10. The refrigerator 10 includes the aforementioned control unit 60, a compressor 50 as an auxiliary device constituting the refrigeration cycle, a cooler 51, a condenser 52, and a cooling fan 53. Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 includes a defrost heater 55 disposed near the cooler 51 to heat the cooler 51, and a cooler temperature sensor 43 to detect the temperature of the cooler 51. The defrost heater 55 corresponds to the heating unit of the present invention.

[0048] The refrigerator compartment 11 is provided with a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40 for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11, an opening / closing sensor 30 for detecting the opening / closing of the right door 12, and an opening / closing sensor 31 for detecting the opening / closing of the left door 13. The right door 12 is provided with an outside temperature sensor 42 for detecting the temperature outside the refrigerator 10 (the temperature of the room in which the refrigerator 10 is placed, etc.), and an outside illumination sensor 44 for detecting the illumination outside the refrigerator (the illumination of the room in which the refrigerator 10 is placed, etc.).

[0049] The switching chamber 14 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 32 for detecting the opening / closing of the drawer 15, and the ice making chamber 16 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 33 for detecting the opening / closing of the drawer 17. The freezer chamber 18 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 34 for detecting the opening / closing of the drawer 19, and the vegetable chamber 20 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 35 for detecting the opening / closing of the drawer 21.

[0050] Refrigerator compartment 11, switch compartment 14, ice making compartment 16, freezer compartment 18, and vegetable compartment 20 correspond to the storage compartments of the present invention. Opening and closing sensors 30-35 correspond to the opening and closing sensors that detect the opening of the storage compartment of refrigerator 10 of the present invention. External illumination sensor 44 detects the illumination around refrigerator 10 (e.g., the illumination of the room where refrigerator 10 is located).

[0051] [3. Structure of cold storage control system]

[0052] Reference Figures 3 to 6 , the structure of the refrigerator control system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the learning data generation process in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the process of generating an inference formula in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6This is a diagram for explaining the recognition process of the non-use time period in the embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 60 of the cold storage 10 has a cold storage processor 70 and a cold storage memory 80. The control unit 60 communicates with the server device 100 using wireless communication through the cold storage communication unit 90. The control unit 60 is connected to the opening and closing sensors 30 to 35, the cold storage room temperature sensor 40, the vegetable room temperature sensor 41, the external temperature sensor 42, the cooler temperature sensor 43 and the external illumination sensor 44, and the detection signals of these sensors are input to the control unit 60. In addition, the control unit 60 is connected to the refrigeration cycle auxiliary machines 50 to 53 and the defrost heater 55, and controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle auxiliary machines 50 to 53 and the defrost heater 55 according to the control signal output from the control unit 60. The cold storage memory 80 is equivalent to the first storage unit of the present invention.

[0053] In the refrigerator control system 1 of the present embodiment, the refrigerator processor 70 functions as an operating status data acquisition unit 71, a defrost operation control unit 72, a threshold setting unit 73, an estimated defrost time calculation unit 74, and an unused time period identification unit 75 by reading and executing a refrigerator program 81 stored in the refrigerator memory 80. The operating status data acquisition unit 71, the defrost operation control unit 72, the threshold setting unit 73, the estimated defrost time calculation unit 74, and the unused time period identification unit 75 can also be implemented separately from the refrigerator processor 70 by independent processors, memories, programs, etc. The operating status data acquisition unit 71 detects the operating status of the refrigerator 10 every time a predetermined sampling period (for example, 5 minutes) passes.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the operating status data acquisition unit 71 detects the refrigerator compartment temperature PcT detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, the outside temperature AtT detected by the outside temperature sensor 42, the vegetable compartment temperature VcT detected by the vegetable compartment temperature sensor 41, the time DrO (the total time in each sampling period) when any one of the right door 12, the left door 13, the drawer 15 of the switching compartment 14, the drawer 17 of the ice making compartment 16, the drawer 19 of the freezer compartment 18 and the drawer 21 of the vegetable compartment 20 detected by the opening and closing sensors 30 to 35 is opened, and the rotation speed CpR (the total rotation speed in each sampling period) of the compressor 50 as the operating status DRS.

[0055] Then, the operating status data acquisition unit 71 stores the operating status data indicating these operating statuses DRS in the refrigerator memory 80. Figure 3, the operating status data stored in the cold storage memory 80 is represented as operating status data 82. Furthermore, the operating status data acquisition unit 71 transmits the operating status data to the server device 100. The rotational speed of the compressor 50 can be detected by a rotational speed sensor (not shown) that detects the rotational speed of the compressor 50, or the control rotational speed for controlling the rotational speed of the compressor 50 can be used as the detected value of the rotational speed of the compressor 50. Here, the structure for detecting the rotational speed of the cold storage compartment temperature sensor 40, the vegetable compartment temperature sensor 41, the external temperature sensor 42, the opening and closing sensors 30 to 35, and the compressor 50 corresponds to the detection unit of the present invention.

[0056] When the defrost operation control unit 72 determines that the estimated defrost time at the predetermined defrost necessity determination time is greater than a threshold, it activates the defrost heater 55 to remove frost attached to the cooler 51. The defrost operation control unit 72 completes the defrost operation when the temperature detected by the cooler temperature sensor 43 is greater than the defrost termination temperature. The defrost termination temperature is assumed to be the temperature at which the frost attached to the cooler 51 completely melts, and is set, for example, to 10°C or higher. The defrost operation control unit 72 transmits actual defrost time data indicating the time required for the defrost operation (actual defrost time RDFT) to the server device 100.

[0057] The defrost necessity determination time is set to the time when a first predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) has passed since the completion time of the previous defrost operation, or the time when a third predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) has passed since the completion time of the previous defrost operation. The estimated defrost time is the time required for the defrost operation assuming that the defrost operation is performed, and is calculated by the estimated defrost time calculation unit 74. The estimated defrost time calculation unit 74 calculates the time required for the defrost necessity determination time t using the estimation formula (1) described later. m Estimated defrost time EDFT(t m The details of the inferred formula (1) will be described later.

[0058] The non-use time period identification unit 75 identifies the time when the possibility of using the rapid freezing function (equivalent to the specific function of the present invention) of the cold storage 10 is low as the non-use time period. The specific function is not limited to the rapid freezing function as long as it is a function that is hindered from being implemented due to the execution of the defrosting operation. The rapid freezing function is a function that increases the cooling capacity compared to the normal operation. Specifically, it performs processing such as making the rotation speed of the compressor 50 higher than that during normal operation. Here, referring to Figure 6 Next, the process of identifying the non-use time period by the non-use time period identifying unit 75 will be described.

[0059] The unused time period recognition unit 75 detects the opening and closing status of the right door 12, the left door 13, and the drawers 15, 17, 19, and 21 using the opening and closing sensors 30 to 35 at a predetermined sampling period. The unused time period recognition unit 75 measures the number of times the right door 12, the left door 13, and the drawers 15, 17, 19, and 21 are opened and closed in one-hour time periods (e.g., 0:00-1:00, 1:00-2:00, ..., 23:00-24:00, etc.), and totals the number of times the right door 12, the left door 13, and the drawers 15, 17, 19, and 21 are opened and closed in units of one hour.

[0060] In this embodiment, the non-use time period recognition unit 75 refers to the measurement data of the number of opening and closing times detected by the opening and closing sensors 30 to 35 on each day of the week during the past three weeks. Figure 6 , the measurement data of the number of opening and closing times detected by the opening and closing sensors 30 to 35 during the past three weeks on a certain day of the week are shown, and the time period in which the number of opening and closing times is a predetermined value (for example, 2 times) or more is indicated by hatching. The unused time period identification unit 75 identifies the time period in which the number of opening and closing times is less than the predetermined value (for example, during the period of consecutive opening and closing times) based on the measurement data during the past three weeks. Figure 6 In the example shown, 1:00 to 7:00 is identified as the unused time period. In addition, the measurement data referenced by the unused time period identification unit 75 is not limited to the measurement data of the past three weeks, but can also be the measurement data of the past one month or three months. In addition, the unused time period identification unit 75 can also identify a plurality of time periods in which the number of opening and closing times is less than a specified value, and give priority to the plurality of unused time periods. For example, in Figure 6 In the example shown, the time period of 1:00 AM to 7:00 AM, which has the least number of opening and closing times, is prioritized as the first non-use time period, 0:00 AM to 7:00 AM is prioritized as the second, and 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM is prioritized as the third. Alternatively, the threshold setting unit 73 (described later) may set a second threshold value Lv2 to facilitate execution of a defrost operation during a high-priority non-use time period among the plurality of non-use time periods identified by the non-use time period identification unit 75.

[0061] Furthermore, the non-use time period recognition unit 75 may recognize a non-use time period based on the opening and closing conditions of the right door 12, the left door 13, and the drawers 15, 17, 19, and 21 detected by the opening and closing sensors 30 to 35, or based on the illumination of the surrounding area of ​​the cold storage 10 detected by the external illumination sensor 44, instead of or in addition to these opening and closing conditions. In this case, the non-use time period recognition unit 75 recognizes a time period as a non-use time period when the illumination detected by the external illumination sensor 44 is lower than or equal to a predetermined illumination level (for example, at night when the lighting of the room where the cold storage 10 is placed is turned off) for a period of time exceeding a predetermined time.

[0062] The threshold setting unit 73 sets the threshold for time periods other than the non-use time period as a first threshold value Lv1, and sets the threshold for the non-use time period as a second threshold value Lv2 (<Lv1), representing a time period shorter than the first threshold value Lv1. The first threshold value Lv1 is set based on data on the required time (actual defrost time) and intervals of previously executed defrost operations, so that the interval between defrost operations is a predetermined time period (e.g., 24 hours). The threshold setting unit 73 sets the first threshold value Lv1 based on factors such as the size of the cooler 51, the capacity of the defrost heater 55, the temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 42, and the electricity rate system of the house H. For example, the first threshold value Lv1 is set to 40 minutes. Alternatively, the threshold setting unit 73 may set the second threshold value Lv2 for a high-priority non-use time period to be lower (shorter time, e.g., 35 minutes) than the second threshold value Lv2 for a low-priority non-use time period, so that the high-priority non-use time period among the multiple non-use time periods identified by the non-use time period identification unit 75 facilitates defrost operations.

[0063] The threshold setting unit 73 may also learn past operating status data (such as the execution date and time of the defrost operation and the actual defrost time RDFT) to set the second threshold value Lv2. For example, the threshold setting unit 73 may learn from the past operating status data that when the second threshold value Lv2 is set to 38 minutes, the defrost operation is not performed during the non-use period, and the defrost operation is performed outside the non-use period when the possibility of using the specific function of the cold storage 10 is high. On the other hand, when the second threshold value Lv2 is set to 35 minutes, the defrost operation is performed during the non-use period. The second threshold value Lv2 is set to 35 minutes to make it easier to perform the defrost operation during the non-use period.

[0064] Furthermore, the threshold setting unit 73 may update the second threshold Lv2 based on the detected temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 42 at a predetermined update time (for example, every three months).

[0065] In addition, when the defrost operation control unit 72 performs the defrost operation in time periods other than the non-use time period, the threshold setting unit 73 may set the second threshold Lv2 to a shorter time in order to facilitate the execution of the defrost operation in the non-use time period.

[0066] The server device 100 is a computer system including a server processor 110, a server memory 120, a server communication unit 130, etc., and communicates with the cold storage 10 via the communication network 200 through the server communication unit 130. In the cold storage control system 1 of the present embodiment, the server processor 110 functions as a learning data acquisition unit 111 and an inference model generation unit 112 by reading and executing a server program 121 stored in the server memory 120. The learning data acquisition unit 111 and the inference model generation unit 112 can also be implemented separately from the server processor 110 by independent processors, memories, programs, etc. The server memory 120 is equivalent to the first storage unit and the second storage unit of the present invention.

[0067] The learning data acquisition unit 111 sequentially stores the operating status data and actual defrosting time data sent from the refrigerator 10 in the server memory 120 (in Figure 3 In the embodiment, the operating status data sent from the cold storage 10 is represented as the operating status data 122, and the actual defrosting time data is represented as the actual defrosting time data 123. In addition, in this embodiment, the learning data acquisition unit 111 Figure 4 As shown, based on the operating status data representing the operating status DRS and the actual defrosting time data stored in the server memory 120, the learning data TRD is generated and stored in the server memory 120. Figure 3 , the learning data stored in the server memory 120 is represented as learning data 124.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, learning data TRD is generated each time a defrost operation is performed and includes the execution date and time of the defrost operation, characteristic values, and the actual defrost time RDFT. In this embodiment, the characteristic values ​​include the average temperature of the refrigerator compartment PCC, the average temperature outside the refrigerator ATC, the average temperature of the vegetable compartment VCC, the accumulated door open time DOOR, and the accumulated compressor speed CMP.

[0069] The average refrigerator compartment temperature PCC is the average value of the refrigerator compartment temperature PcT acquired by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period between the completion of the previous defrost operation and the start of the current defrost operation. The average outdoor temperature ATC is the average value of the outdoor temperature AtT acquired by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period between the completion of the previous defrost operation and the start of the current defrost operation. The average vegetable compartment temperature VCC is the average value of the vegetable compartment temperature VcT acquired by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period between the completion of the previous defrost operation and the start of the current defrost operation.

[0070] The accumulated door-open time value DOOR is the accumulated time DrO that any one of the right door 12, left door 13, drawer 15 of the switch compartment 14, drawer 17 of the ice compartment 16, drawer 19 of the freezer compartment 18, and drawer 21 of the vegetable compartment 20 is open, as obtained by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period between the completion time of the previous defrost operation and the start time of the current defrost operation. The accumulated compressor speed value CMP is the accumulated speed CpR of the compressor 50, as obtained by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period between the completion time of the previous defrost operation and the start time of the current defrost operation.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the estimation model generation unit 112 generates an estimation formula (estimation model) for estimating the defrost time EDFT based on the learning data 124 (a plurality of learning data TRD1, TRD2, ...) generated by the learning data acquisition unit 111 and stored in the server memory 120, in response to the input data FQD of each feature value. Furthermore, the estimation model generation unit 112 updates the estimation formula at the update time (e.g., once a month).

[0072] In this embodiment, the estimation model generation unit 112 calculates the coefficients (slopes) A, B, C, D, and E between the actual defrost time RDFT and each feature value (PCC, ATC, VCC, DOOR, COMP, and RDFT) by performing a multiple regression analysis on a plurality of learning data TRD, thereby generating the following estimation formula (1). Alternatively, weighting may be applied between the coefficients A to E.

[0073] EDFT(t)=A×PCC(t)+B×ATC(t)+C×VCC(t)+D×DOOR(t)+E×COMP(t)+F·····(1)

[0074] Wherein, t: estimated time, PCC(t): average value of refrigerator compartment temperature corresponding to the period from the completion time of the last defrost operation to t, ATC(t): average value of outside temperature corresponding to the period from the completion time of the last defrost operation to t, VCC(t): average value of vegetable compartment temperature corresponding to the period from the completion time of the last defrost operation to t, DOOR(t): cumulative value of door opening time corresponding to the period from the completion time of the last defrost operation to t, COMP(t): cumulative value of compressor speed corresponding to the period from the completion time of the last defrost operation to t, and F: adjustment value.

[0075] The estimation model generation unit 112 sends the estimation data including the values ​​of the parameters of the generated estimation formula (coefficients A to E and adjustment value F in the estimation formula (1)) to the cold storage 10. The estimated defrost time calculation unit 74 of the cold storage 10 receives the estimation data sent from the server device 100 and stores it in the cold storage memory 80. Figure 3 , the estimated data stored in the cold storage memory 80 is represented as estimated data 83.

[0076] The estimated defrost time calculation unit 74 of the refrigerator 10 calculates the estimated defrost time from the completion time of the previous defrost operation to the current defrost necessity determination time t m The input data FQD of each characteristic quantity (PCC, ATC, VCC, DOOR, COMP) corresponding to the period is substituted into the estimation formula (1) to calculate the estimated defrost time EDFT (t m ).

[0077] [4. Cold storage side processing]

[0078] Reference Figures 7 and 8 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates processing on the refrigerator 10 side of the refrigerator control system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a first flowchart of the process on the refrigerator 10 side according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a second flowchart of the process on the refrigerator 10 side according to the embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 60 of the refrigerator 10 repeatedly executes the process during the operation of the refrigerator 10. Figures 7 and 8 The processing is illustrated in the flowchart of .

[0079] In step S1, the operating status data acquisition unit 71 determines whether a predetermined sampling period (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined sampling period has elapsed (step S1: Yes), the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined sampling period has not elapsed (step S1: No), the operating status data acquisition unit 71 repeats step S1 until it is determined that the predetermined sampling period has elapsed. In step S2, the operating status data acquisition unit 71 stores the operating status data representing the operating status detected during the current sampling period in the refrigerator memory 80 and transmits it to the server device 100.

[0080] Furthermore, the defrosting operation control unit 72 determines in step S10 whether or not it is the defrosting necessity determination time t m , when it is determined that the defrosting determination time t has been reached m If (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the defrosting necessity determination time t has been reached, mWhen (step S10: No), the defrosting operation control unit 72 repeats step S10 until it is determined that the defrosting necessity determination time t m Until. Determine whether to defrost at time t m For example, it is set to the time when a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has passed since the completion time of the last defrosting operation. m The predetermined time can also be set based on the operating status data of the refrigerator 10 and the execution status of the defrosting operation of the refrigerator 10. In addition, step S10 can also be performed after step S12. The estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 calculates the estimated defrosting time in step S11 based on the time from the completion time of the previous defrosting operation to the current defrosting determination time t m The operating status data corresponding to the operating status detected between the two periods is used to calculate the time t at which the defrost is to be determined. m Input data FQD(t m ).

[0081] In step S12, the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 calculates the input data FQD (t m ) is substituted into the estimation formula (1) to calculate the estimated defrosting time EDFT. In step S13, the defrosting operation control unit 72 determines whether to defrost at the predetermined time t m , judge and estimate the defrost time EDFT(t m ) is above the threshold. Here, at the predetermined defrosting determination time t m The threshold value referred to during the time period other than the non-use time period is the first threshold value Lv1. m The threshold value referred to during the non-use period is the second threshold value Lv2.

[0082] Then, in step S13, the defrosting operation control unit 72 performs the defrosting operation at a predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m Determined to be the estimated defrost time EDFT(t m ) is greater than the threshold value (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, when the predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m Not determined as estimated defrost time EDFT(t m ) is less than the threshold value (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S14 (refer to Figure 8 In step S30, the defrosting operation control unit 72 executes the defrosting operation. In step S31, the defrosting operation control unit 72 transmits actual defrosting time data indicating the time required for the defrosting operation (actual defrosting time RDFT) to the server device 100, and the process proceeds to step S3.

[0083] like Figure 8As shown, in step S14, the defrost operation control unit 72 determines whether the prescribed suspension time (for example, 1 minute) for suspending the execution of the defrost operation has passed. If it is determined that the prescribed suspension time has passed (step S14: yes), the processing proceeds to step S15. Thus, the execution of the defrost operation is suspended until the prescribed suspension time has passed. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the prescribed suspension time has passed (step S14: no), the defrost operation control unit 72 repeats step S14 until it is determined that the prescribed suspension time has passed. In step S15, the estimated defrost time calculation unit 74 calculates the estimated defrost time based on the time from the completion time of the previous defrost operation to the next prescribed defrost determination time t m+1 The operating status data corresponding to the operating status detected between the two periods is used to calculate the next specified defrosting determination time t m+1 Input data FQD(t m+1 ).

[0084] In step S16, the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 calculates the input data FQD (t m+1 ) into the inference formula (1) to calculate the next specified defrosting judgment time t m+1 Estimated defrost time EDFT(t m+1 In step S17, the defrosting operation control unit 72 starts the defrosting operation at the next predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m+1 , judge and estimate the defrost time EDFT(t m+1 ) is above the threshold.

[0085] Then, the defrost operation control unit 72 sets the next predetermined defrost necessity determination time t m+1 Determined to be the estimated defrost time EDFT(t m+1 ) is greater than the threshold value (step S17: Yes), the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the defrost operation control unit 72 performs the defrost operation. In step S19, the defrost operation control unit 72 transmits the actual defrost time data indicating the actual defrost time RDFT to the server device 100, and the process proceeds to step S3 (refer to Figure 7 ).

[0086] On the other hand, at the next predetermined defrost necessity determination time t m+1 , when it is determined to be the estimated defrost time EDFT(t m+1 ) is less than the threshold value (step S17: No), the defrosting operation control unit 72 returns to step S14 (refer to Figure 8 ). In this case, the execution of the defrosting operation is further suspended until the next predetermined suspension time has passed.

[0087] exist Figure 7In step S20, the estimated defrost time calculation unit 74 determines whether the estimated data sent from the server device 100 is received. When it is determined that the estimated data is received from the server device 100 (step S20: Yes), the estimated data is saved in the cold storage memory 80 and the processing enters step S3. Based on the estimated data received from the server device 100, the estimated formula (1) for calculating the estimated defrost time EDFT is updated. Figure 3 , the estimated data stored in the cold storage memory 80 is represented as estimated data 83. On the other hand, when it is determined that the estimated data has not been received from the server device 100 (step S20: No), the estimated defrost time calculation unit 74 repeats step S20 until it is determined that the estimated data has been received from the server device 100.

[0088] exist Figure 7 In step S40, the non-use time period recognition unit 75 determines whether it is the recognition time of the non-use time period. When it is determined that the recognition time of the non-use time period has been reached (step S40: Yes), the process proceeds to step S41. The recognition time of the non-use time period is set to be once every three weeks, for example. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the recognition time of the non-use time period has been reached (step S40: No), the non-use time period recognition unit 75 repeats step S40 until it is determined that the recognition time of the non-use time period has been reached. In step S41, the non-use time period recognition unit 75 refers to Figure 6 As described above, based on the measurement data of the number of door openings and closings during the most recent past three weeks, the unused time period is identified, and the unused time period data representing the identified unused time period is stored in the refrigerator memory 80, and the process proceeds to step S3. Figure 3 In FIG. 8 , the non-use time period data stored in the refrigerator memory 80 is represented as the non-use time period data 84 .

[0089] exist Figure 7 In step S50, the threshold setting unit 73 determines whether it is the update time of the threshold (the first threshold Lv1, the second threshold Lv2). When it is determined that the update time of the threshold has been reached (step S50: yes), the processing proceeds to step S51. The update time of the threshold is set to once every three weeks, for example. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the update time of the threshold has been reached (step S50: no), the threshold setting unit 73 repeats step S50 until it is determined that the update time of the threshold has been reached. In step S51, as described above, the threshold setting unit 73 sets the first threshold Lv1 and the second threshold Lv2 based on the most recent past operating status data. In addition, the threshold setting unit 73 may update only any one of the first threshold Lv1 and the second threshold Lv2. The threshold setting unit 73 saves the threshold data representing the updated threshold in the cold storage memory 80. In Figure 3 , the threshold value data stored in the cold storage memory 80 is represented as threshold value data 85.

[0090] [5. Processing on the server side]

[0091] Reference Figure 9 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates processing on the server device 100 side of the refrigerator control system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the processing on the server device 100 side in the embodiment of the present invention. The server device 100 communicates with the refrigerator 10 and repeatedly executes Figure 9 The processing is illustrated in the flowchart of .

[0092] The learning data acquisition unit 111 determines in step S100 whether the operating status data and actual defrost time data sent from the cold storage 10 are received. If it is determined that the operating status data and actual defrost time data are received (step S100: Yes), the processing proceeds to step S101. In step S101, the learning data acquisition unit 111 stores the operating status data and actual defrost time data in the server memory 120. Figure 3 , the operating status data and actual defrost time data stored in the server memory 120 are respectively represented as operating status data 122 and actual defrost time data 123. On the other hand, in step S100, if it is determined that the operating status data transmitted from the cold storage 10 has not been received (step S100: No), the learning data acquisition unit 111 repeats step S100 until it is determined that the operating status data transmitted from the cold storage 10 has been received.

[0093] In addition, the learning data acquisition unit 111 determines in step S100 whether the operating status data and actual defrost time data sent from the cold storage 10 are received. When it is determined that the operating status data and actual defrost time data sent from the cold storage 10 are received (step S100: Yes), the processing proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the learning data acquisition unit 111 generates learning data based on the operating status data and actual defrost time data, saves the generated learning data in the server memory 120, and proceeds to step S112. Figure 3 , the learning data stored in the server memory 120 is represented as learning data 124.

[0094] In step S112, the inference model generation unit 112 determines whether it is the update time of the inference formula (1). When it is determined that it is the update time of the inference formula (1) (step S112: Yes), the inference model generation unit 112 causes the processing to enter step S113, and updates the inference formula (1) in step S113. The update time of the inference formula (1) is set to once a month, for example. The inference model generation unit 112 refers to the learning data of the past three months from the time point of the update, Figure 5 The estimation formula (1) is updated through the above-mentioned processing.

[0095] In step S114, the estimation model generation unit 112 transmits the updated estimation formula (1) data to the cold storage 10, and the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the estimation formula (1) is updated at the time (step S112: No), the estimation model generation unit 112 repeats step S112 until it is determined that the estimation formula (1) is updated at the time.

[0096] [6. Defrost operation execution time]

[0097] Reference Figure 10 , an example of the execution timing of the defrost operation is described. Figure 10 This is a timing chart of the defrosting operation in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 The execution time of the defrost operation and the defrost necessity determination time t are connected by a common time axis t. m And the time t at which defrosting is to be determined m Estimated defrost time EDFT(t m ) values ​​are expressed together.

[0098] exist Figure 10 In the example, the defrosting necessity determination time t m The defrosting determination time t 11 , t 12 , t 13 , t 14 , t 15 Estimated defrost time EDFT(t 11 )、EDFT(t 12 )、EDFT(t 13 )、EDFT(t 14 )、EDFT(t 15 ). In addition, Figure 10 In FIG. 1 , a predetermined time Tw from the completion time of the defrosting operation to the next predetermined defrosting necessity determination time and a predetermined suspension time Th for suspending the defrosting operation are exemplified.

[0099] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, at the defrost determination time t11 , estimated defrost time EDFT(t 11 ) becomes above the threshold, so the defrosting operation is executed. On the other hand, at the defrosting necessity determination time t 12 , due to the estimated defrost time EDFT(t 12 ) is less than the threshold value, so the execution of the defrost operation is suspended until the next specified defrost necessity judgment time t m+1 That is t 13 . And, in Figure 10 In the example shown, at the defrost determination time t 13 , estimated defrost time EDFT(t 13 ) is also less than the threshold value, so the execution of the defrost operation is further suspended until the next prescribed defrost necessity judgment time t after the prescribed suspension time Th has passed. 14 .

[0100] At the time t when defrosting is to be determined 14 , estimated defrost time EDFT(t 14 ) becomes above the threshold, so the defrosting operation is performed. Figure 10 In the example shown, the defrost interval is extended from Tw to Tw + Th × 2. By extending the defrost interval, the frequency of defrost operations can be reduced. Thus, according to this embodiment, the increase in power consumption of refrigerator 10 and the temperature rise within refrigerator 10 caused by frequent defrost operations can be suppressed.

[0101] [7. Threshold Switching Moment]

[0102] Reference Figure 11 , the switching timing between the first threshold value Lv1 and the second threshold value Lv2 will be described. Figure 11 This is a timing chart of switching timing of threshold values ​​in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 The threshold switching time and the defrosting determination time t are connected through the common time axis t. m , the execution time of the defrost operation and the non-use time period are displayed together.

[0103] exist Figure 11 In the case of defrosting, the time t is used to determine whether to defrost. m The defrosting determination time t 21 , t 22 , t 23 , t 24 , t 25 , t 26 , respectively illustrate the estimated defrost time EDFT(t 21 )、EDFT(t 22)、EDFT(t 23 )、EDFT(t 24 )、EDFT(t 25 )、EDFT(t 26 ).exist Figure 11 In the example shown, the non-use time period is set to 1:00 AM to 7:00 AM. The threshold value for the time period outside of the non-use time period, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM the following day, is set to the first threshold value Lv1. The threshold value for the non-use time period is set to the second threshold value Lv2, which is shorter than the first threshold value Lv1 (less than the first threshold value Lv1).

[0104] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, the time period t is not used. 21 Estimated defrost time EDFT(t 21 ) is greater than the second threshold value Lv2, so the defrosting operation is performed. On the other hand, the defrosting necessity determination time t 22 , t 23 , estimated defrost time EDFT(t 22 )、EDFT(t 23 ) is less than the first threshold value Lv1 set to a time longer than the second threshold value Lv2, so the defrosting operation is not performed.

[0105] The next required defrost determination time t m+1 That is, whether to defrost or not is determined at time t 24 During non-use periods, Figure 11 In the example shown, the estimated defrost time EDFT(t 24 ) is greater than the second threshold value Lv2, so the defrosting operation is performed. The defrosting necessity determination time t 25 , t 26 , estimated defrost time EDFT(t 25 )、EDFT(t 26 ) is smaller than the first threshold value Lv1, so the defrosting operation is not performed.

[0106] By setting the threshold value for the non-use period (second threshold value Lv2) to a shorter time than the threshold value for time periods other than the non-use period (first threshold value Lv1), the defrost operation is more likely to be performed during the non-use period, thereby preventing the defrost operation from being performed during time periods other than the non-use period. Consequently, if a specific function of the refrigerator (e.g., a rapid freezing function) is required to be performed during time periods other than the non-use period, it is possible to prevent the defrost operation from interfering with the execution timing of the defrost operation and thereby preventing the specific function from being used.

[0107] (Other embodiments)

[0108] As described above, the embodiments are described as examples of the technical ideas disclosed in this application. However, the technical ideas of the present invention are not limited to these and can also be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example in which the estimated defrost time calculation unit 74 is provided in the cold storage 10 is described. However, the estimated defrost time calculation unit 74 may also be provided in the server device 100. In this case, the estimated defrost time data calculated by the server device 100 is transmitted from the server device 100 to the cold storage 10. Furthermore, the unused time period identification unit 75 may also be provided in the server device 100. In this case, the unused time period data identified by the server device 100 is transmitted from the server device 100 to the cold storage 10.

[0110] When the estimated defrost time calculation unit 74 is provided in the server device 100, if a communication failure occurs between the refrigerator 10 and the server device 100, the estimated defrost time cannot be recognized on the refrigerator 10 side. In this case, the defrost operation control unit 72 on the refrigerator 10 side determines whether the defrost is necessary at the time t m When the time is set to a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) after the completion time of the previous defrosting operation, the defrosting operation is performed without determining whether the estimated defrosting time EDFT is greater than the threshold value at the next defrosting necessity determination time.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the server device 100 includes the learning data acquisition unit 111 and the estimation model generation unit 112 . However, the refrigerator 10 may also include the learning data acquisition unit 111 and the estimation model generation unit 112 .

[0112] In the above embodiment, the characteristic quantities used to calculate the estimated defrost time EDFT are exemplified by the average refrigerated compartment temperature PCC, the average external temperature ATC, the average vegetable compartment temperature VCC, the cumulative door open time DOOR, and the cumulative compressor speed CMP. However, any characteristic quantity other than the five above may be used to calculate the estimated defrost time EDFT, as long as it has a high correlation with the required defrost time. Furthermore, the characteristic quantity to be used may be selected based on the usage status of each cold storage.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the estimation model generation unit 112 generates the estimation formula (1) by multiple regression analysis. However, as another embodiment, the estimation model generation unit 112 can also use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to perform machine learning using the learning data TRD as training data to generate the estimated defrost time EDFT (t m ) of the conjecture model.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the processing performed by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 is equivalent to the operating status data acquisition step in the cold storage control method of the present invention, and the processing performed by the inference model generation unit 112 is equivalent to the inference model generation step in the cold storage control method of the present invention. The processing performed by the inferred defrost time calculation unit 74 is equivalent to the inferred defrost time calculation step in the cold storage control method of the present invention, and the processing performed by the defrost operation control unit 72 is equivalent to the defrost operation control step in the cold storage control method of the present invention. The processing performed by the non-use time period identification unit 75 is equivalent to the non-use time period identification step in the cold storage control method of the present invention, and the processing performed by the threshold setting unit 73 is equivalent to the threshold setting step in the cold storage control method of the present invention.

[0115] The controller (control unit 60 of the cold storage 10, server processor 110 of the server device 100) constituting the cold storage control system 1 of the present invention only needs to be able to control the action of the cold storage control system 1 of the present invention. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, as a device for controlling the action of the cold storage control system of the present invention, in addition to the controller, sometimes a control unit or a control unit or a sentence similar to them is used to express it. The controller can be implemented in various ways. For example, a processor can also be used as a controller. If a processor is used as a controller, the processor is made to read the program from a storage medium storing the program, and the program is executed by the processor, thereby being able to perform various processes. Therefore, by changing the program stored in the storage medium, the processing content can be changed, so the degree of freedom of changing the control content can be increased. As a processor, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) are included. As a storage medium, for example, there are hard disks, flash memories and optical disks. In addition, as a controller, wiring logic that cannot rewrite the program can also be used. If wiring logic is used as a controller, it is effective to improve the processing speed. As wiring logic, there are, for example, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). In addition, the controller can also be realized by combining a processor and wiring logic. If the controller is realized by combining a processor and wiring logic, the freedom of software design can be improved while improving the processing speed. In addition, the controller and a circuit having a function different from the controller can also be composed of a single semiconductor element. As circuits having other functions, there are, for example, A / D·D / A conversion circuits. In addition, the controller can be composed of a single semiconductor element or a plurality of semiconductor elements. In the case where the controller is composed of a plurality of semiconductor elements, each control described in the claims can also be realized by different semiconductor elements. Furthermore, the controller can also be composed of a structure including semiconductor elements and passive components such as resistors or capacitors.

[0116] The communicator (cold storage communication unit 90, server communication unit 130) included in the cold storage control system 1 of the present invention can communicate with external devices as long as it can. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, as a device that can communicate with components such as the server device 100 constituting the cold storage control system 1 of the present invention and external devices, in addition to the communicator, it is sometimes expressed as a communication unit or a communication unit or a receiving and sending mechanism or a receiving and sending unit or a sentence similar to them. The communicator can be implemented in various ways. As a communicator, there is a wireless connection with an external device via a base station, etc., or a direct wireless connection with an external device. As a wireless connection with an external device via a base station, etc., for example, there is a wireless LAN supporting IEEE802.11 for wireless communication with a WiFi (registered trademark) router, a third-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 3G), a fourth-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 4G), WiMax (registered trademark) supporting IEEE802.16, or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area: Low Power Wide Area Network), etc. If a communicator is used that directly wirelessly connects the server device 100 and other components constituting the cold storage control system 1 of the present invention to an external device, the security of the communication can be effectively improved, and the server device 100 and other components constituting the cold storage control system 1 of the present invention can communicate with the external device even in a place where there is no relay device such as a WiFi (registered trademark) router. As a communicator that directly wirelessly connects the server device 100 and other components constituting the cold storage control system 1 of the present invention to an external device, there are, for example, communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark), communication based on NFC (Near Field Communication) via a loop antenna, or infrared communication.

[0117] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technical concept of the present invention, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0118] Industrial applicability

[0119] The present invention provides a cold storage control system that suppresses the increase in cold storage power consumption and the rise in temperature within the cold storage caused by performing a defrosting operation when the cold storage is not required. Therefore, in addition to cold storages installed in homes and commercial cold storages, the system can be applied to various cooling devices that perform defrosting operations.

[0120] Description of Reference Numerals

[0121] 1 Cold storage control system

[0122] 5 Gateway

[0123] 10 Cold Storage

[0124] 11. Cold Storage Room

[0125] 12 Right door of the refrigerator compartment

[0126] 13 Left door of the refrigerator compartment

[0127] 14 Switching Room

[0128] 15 Drawers in switching room

[0129] 16 Ice Making Room

[0130] 17 Ice Maker Drawer

[0131] 18 Freezer

[0132] 19 Freezer drawers

[0133] 20 Vegetable Room

[0134] 21 Vegetable compartment drawers

[0135] 30 Right door open / close sensor

[0136] 31 Left door open / close sensor

[0137] 32 Switching room open / close sensor

[0138] 33 Ice chamber open / close sensor

[0139] 34 Freezer compartment open / close sensor

[0140] 35 Vegetable compartment open / close sensor

[0141] 40 Refrigerator temperature sensor

[0142] 41 Vegetable compartment temperature sensor

[0143] 42 External temperature sensor

[0144] 43 Cooler temperature sensor

[0145] 44 External illumination sensor

[0146] 50 compressor

[0147] 51 Cooler

[0148] 52 Condenser

[0149] 53 Cooling fan

[0150] 55 Defrost heater

[0151] 60 control unit

[0152] 70 Cold Storage Processor

[0153] 71 Operation status data acquisition unit

[0154] 72 Defrost operation control unit

[0155] 73 Threshold setting unit

[0156] 74 Estimated defrost time calculation unit

[0157] 75 Not using time period identification unit

[0158] 80 Cold storage

[0159] 81 Cold Storage Procedure

[0160] 82 Operation status data

[0161] 83 Inferred Data

[0162] 84 Do not use time period data

[0163] 85 Threshold Data

[0164] 100 server devices

[0165] 110 server processors

[0166] 111 Learning Data Acquisition Department

[0167] 112 Inference Model Generation Department

[0168] 120 server storage

[0169] 121 Server Program

[0170] 122 Operation status data

[0171] 123 Actual defrost time data

[0172] 124 Learning Data

[0173] 200 Communication Network

[0174] W House.

Claims

1. A cold storage control system, characterized in that: include: an operating status data acquisition unit that acquires operating status data indicating an operating status detected by a detection unit provided in the cold storage at a predetermined sampling period, and stores the data in a first storage unit; a learning data acquisition unit that stores learning data in a second storage unit when a defrosting operation is performed to operate a heating unit of the cold storage to remove frost attached to a cooler of the cold storage, the learning data including a predetermined characteristic quantity based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit during a period from the time when the last defrosting operation was completed to the time when the current defrosting operation is performed, and a time required for the current defrosting operation; an estimated defrost time calculation unit that calculates the estimated defrost time based on the learning data using an estimation model, the estimation model outputting, as the estimated defrost time, an estimated required time for the defrost operation when the defrost operation is assumed to be performed, in response to input data regarding the feature amount based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit; a defrosting operation control unit for executing the defrosting operation when the estimated defrosting time at a predetermined defrosting necessity determination time is equal to or greater than a threshold value; a non-use time period recognition unit capable of recognizing a non-use time period as a time period during which it is estimated that there is a low possibility that the specific function of the refrigerator will be used; and The threshold value setting unit is capable of setting a plurality of the threshold values ​​for determining whether or not to execute the defrosting operation.

2. The cold storage control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple thresholds include a first threshold and a second threshold, The threshold setting unit sets the threshold for a time period other than the non-use time period as the first threshold, and sets the threshold for the non-use time period as the second threshold, The threshold setting unit sets the second threshold to a value indicating a shorter time than the first threshold.

3. The cold storage control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the predetermined defrost necessity determination time when the defrost operation is executed by the defrost operation control unit is not within the non-use time period, the threshold setting unit changes the second threshold so that the defrost operation control unit executes the next defrost operation within the non-use time period.

4. The cold storage control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The non-use time period identification unit identifies the non-use time period based on the opening and closing condition of the opening of the storage chamber of the cold storage detected by an opening and closing sensor installed in the cold storage for detecting the opening and closing of the opening of the cold storage, or the illumination around the cold storage detected by an external illumination sensor installed in the cold storage for detecting the illumination around the cold storage.

5. A cold storage control method, characterized in that: include: an operation status data acquisition step of acquiring operation status data indicating the operation status of the cold storage detected by a detection unit provided in the cold storage at a predetermined sampling period, and storing the data in a first storage unit; A learning data acquisition step, when a defrosting operation is performed to operate the heating unit of the cold storage to remove frost attached to the cooler of the cold storage, acquiring learning data and storing it in a second storage unit, the learning data including a predetermined characteristic quantity based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit during the period from the time when the last defrosting operation was completed to the time when the current defrosting operation is performed, and a time required for the current defrosting operation; an estimated defrost time calculation step of calculating the estimated defrost time using an estimation model based on the learning data, the estimation model outputting, as the estimated defrost time, an estimated required time for the defrost operation when the defrost operation is assumed to be performed, in response to input data regarding the feature amount based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit; a defrosting operation control step of executing the defrosting operation when the estimated defrosting time at a predetermined defrosting necessity determination time is equal to or greater than a threshold value; a non-use time period identifying step of identifying a non-use time period as a time period in which it is estimated that the possibility of using the specific function of the cold storage is low; and The threshold value setting step sets a plurality of the threshold values ​​for determining whether or not to execute the defrosting operation.

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