Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a control device that can suppress other devices located at the same site as the refrigeration system from being negatively affected by the operating conditions of the refrigeration system. [Solution] The control device is connected to a refrigeration system and a controlled device located at the same site as the refrigeration system, and controls the refrigeration system and the controlled device, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the operating state of the refrigeration system; and a control unit that controls the operation of the controlled device according to the operating state detected by the acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an example of a refrigeration device, a refrigeration device having a storage chamber as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. Such a refrigeration device is disposed, for example, in a medical institution or a research institution.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the refrigeration device as described above is disposed, for example, at the same site as other devices such as a culture device and / or a clean bench in a medical institution or a research institution. Other devices disposed at the same site as the refrigeration device may be adversely affected by the operating state of the refrigeration device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a control device, a control method, and a program capable of suppressing other devices disposed at the same site as the refrigeration device from being adversely affected by the operating state of the refrigeration device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the control device according to the present invention is a control device connected to a refrigeration device and a controlled device disposed at the same site as the refrigeration device, for controlling the refrigeration device and the controlled device, an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the operating state of the refrigeration device, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the controlled device according to the operating state detected by the acquisition unit.

[0007] One aspect of the control method according to the present invention is: A control method implemented in a refrigeration system and a control device connected to a device to be controlled located at the same site as the refrigeration system, A step to obtain information regarding the operating status of the refrigeration system, The system includes the step of controlling the operation of the controlled device according to the operating state detected by the acquisition unit.

[0008] One aspect of the program according to the present invention is: A program that operates on a computer mounted on a control device connected to a refrigeration system and a controlled device located at the same site as the refrigeration system, A computer executes a program, Obtain information regarding the operating status of the refrigeration system. The operation of the controlled device is controlled according to the acquired operating status. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device, a control method, and a program that can suppress other devices located at the same site as a refrigeration device from being adversely affected by the operating state of the refrigeration device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system including a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the cooling system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a threshold set stored by the control device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the control system's operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of estimating the estimated arrival time.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a control device, a control method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components. The matters described below together with the accompanying drawings are for explaining exemplary embodiments and are not for showing the only embodiment.

[0012] [Embodiment] A control system 1 including a control device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system 1.

[0013] Hereinafter, the system configuration of the control system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The control system 1 includes a control device 2, a refrigeration device 3, a culture device 6, and a clean bench 7.

[0014] The control device 2, the refrigeration device 3, the culture device 6, and the clean bench 7 are communicatively connected via a network N. Note that the control device 2, the refrigeration device 3, the culture device 6, and the clean bench 7 may be communicatively connected without using the network N.

[0015] Such a control system 1 controls the operations of the culture device 6 and / or the clean bench 7 according to the operating status of the refrigeration device 3 detected by the control device 2. As a result, it is possible to suppress the culture device 6 and / or the clean bench 7 arranged at the same site as the refrigeration device 3 from being adversely affected by the operating state (in other words, the operating status) of the refrigeration device 3.

[0016] The refrigeration device 3, the culture device 6, and the clean bench 7 are arranged at the same site S, for example, in a medical institution M. The same site S is, for example, the same room. The same site S is not limited to a room. The same site S may be a closed space partitioned by a wall or a separator or the like.

[0017] The control device 2 is arranged outside the site where the refrigeration device 3, the culture device 6, and the clean bench 7 are arranged. However, the control device 2 may be arranged inside the site where the refrigeration device 3, the culture device 6, and the clean bench 7 are arranged. Also, the function of the control device 2 may be incorporated in the refrigeration device 3.

[0018] First, the configuration of the refrigeration device 3 will be briefly described. The refrigeration device 3 is, for example, an ultra-low temperature freezer. An ultra-low temperature freezer refers to a device that cools the inside of the cabinet to an ultra-low temperature (for example, about -80°C). Note that the refrigeration device 3 may be a medicinal cold storage or a blood cold storage or the like.

[0019] The refrigeration device 3 has a main body 31 and a machine room 32.

[0020] The main body 31 has a box body 311, a door portion 312, and an information providing portion 313.

[0021] The box body 311 is formed of, for example, a metal plate and / or a synthetic resin plate. The box body 311 is constituted by a box-shaped member with an open front surface.

[0022] The door portion 312 is openable and closable and is provided on the box body 311 so as to close the opening of the box body 311. The refrigeration device 3 has a storage 314 constituted by a space surrounded by the box body 311 and the door portion 312.

[0023] The information providing portion 313 is provided on the front surface of the box body 311. Note that the position of the information providing portion 313 is not particularly limited. The information providing portion 313 may be incorporated in the refrigeration device 3.

[0024] The information provision unit 313 acquires information about the refrigeration device (hereinafter referred to as "device information") from the refrigeration device 3. The information provision unit 313 then sends the acquired device information to the control device 2, which will be described later.

[0025] The information provision unit 313 sends device information to the control device 2 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the information provision unit 313 may send device information to the control device 2 in response to a request from the control device 2.

[0026] Furthermore, the information provision unit 313 may send device information to the control device 2 each time it acquires device information from the refrigeration device 3.

[0027] Furthermore, the information provision unit 313 may send device information to the control device 2 in batches at predetermined times. In this case, the information provision unit 313 may send a day's worth of device information to the control device 2 in batches.

[0028] The machine room 32 is located below the main body 31. Alternatively, the machine room 32 may be located above the main body 31.

[0029] Some of the devices that make up the cooling system 4 are located in the machine room 32. The devices located in the machine room 32 are, for example, the compressor 411 and the pressure reducer 413, which will be described later. The cooling system 4 is configured to cool the storage compartment 314 to a predetermined temperature or lower (for example, -80°C or lower).

[0030] The configuration of the cooling device 4 will be described below. However, the configuration of the cooling device is not limited to the configuration of the cooling device 4 described later.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the cooling device 4 includes a refrigeration circuit 41, a first temperature detection unit 42, a second temperature detection unit 43, and an operation parameter detection unit 44.

[0032] The refrigeration circuit 41 includes a compressor 411, a condenser 412, a pressure reducer 413, and an evaporator 414.

[0033] Each element constituting the refrigeration circuit 41 is connected to the others by piping. The refrigerant in the piping circulates through the refrigeration circuit 41 in the direction indicated by arrow A1 in Figure 2, changing its state as it cools the storage compartment 314.

[0034] The refrigerant may be any flammable or slightly flammable refrigerant capable of achieving the cooling function required by the refrigeration circuit 41. The refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit 41 may be a single type of refrigerant or a mixture of multiple types of refrigerants. If the refrigerant is a mixture, it may contain at least one flammable or slightly flammable refrigerant.

[0035] The compressor 411 operates under the control of the control unit 51 (described later) to move the refrigerant in the piping. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 411 passes through each element constituting the refrigeration circuit 41 and returns to the compressor 411. In the refrigeration circuit 41, the refrigerant flows in the direction indicated by arrow A1 in Figure 2.

[0036] The configuration of the compressor 411 is the same as that of a compressor in a conventionally known refrigeration system, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0037] The configuration of the condenser 412 and the vacuum reducer 413 is the same as the configuration of the condenser and vacuum reducer in conventionally known refrigeration systems.

[0038] The evaporator 414 is, for example, a pipe made of copper or aluminum. The evaporator 414 is installed on the rear plate of the enclosure 311. The evaporator 414 extends from top to bottom, meandering in the left-right direction. This configuration of the evaporator 414 is similar to the configuration of evaporators in conventionally known refrigeration systems. The evaporator 414 is not limited to the rear plate, but may also be installed on the side plates, top plate, and / or bottom plate of the enclosure 311.

[0039] The first temperature detection unit 42 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is fixed to a predetermined position on the box body 311. The first temperature detection unit 42 detects the temperature of the storage compartment 314 (hereinafter referred to as "internal temperature").

[0040] The value detected by the first temperature detection unit 42 is referred to as information regarding the temperature of the storage compartment (hereinafter referred to as "internal temperature information"). The first temperature detection unit 42 sends the detected value to the control unit 51, which will be described later.

[0041] The second temperature detection unit 43 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is fixed to a predetermined position on the housing 311. The second temperature detection unit 43 detects the ambient temperature around the refrigeration device 3 (hereinafter referred to as the ambient temperature).

[0042] The value detected by the second temperature detection unit 43 is referred to as information regarding the ambient temperature of the refrigeration system (hereinafter referred to as "ambient temperature information"). The ambient temperature information of the refrigeration system 3 is an example of information regarding the ambient temperature of the constant temperature system. The second temperature detection unit 43 sends the detected value to the control unit 51, which will be described later.

[0043] The operation parameter detection unit 44 is a sensor fixed to a predetermined position on the housing 311. The operation parameter detection unit 44 detects the operation parameters of the compressor 411. The values ​​detected by the operation parameter detection unit 44 are referred to as information regarding the operation parameters (hereinafter referred to as "operation parameter information").

[0044] In this embodiment, the operation parameter detection unit 44 detects the rotational speed of the compressor 411. However, the operation parameters detected by the operation parameter detection unit 44 are not limited to the rotational speed of the compressor 411.

[0045] The operating parameters detected by the operating parameter detection unit 44 may be, for example, the current value supplied to the compressor 411, or the pressure value of the refrigerant output from the compressor 411.

[0046] In addition, the operating parameters detected by the operating parameter detection unit 44 may be various operating parameters that correlate with the rotational speed of the compressor 411.

[0047] The operation of the cooling device 4 having the above configuration is controlled by the control unit 51. The control unit 51 may be a general-purpose computer (for example, a microcomputer) having input ports, output ports, and an arithmetic unit.

[0048] The control unit 51 may, in substance, be configured with a CPU, ROM, RAM, and storage (e.g., HDD or SSD) connected by a bus, or it may consist of a single-chip LSI. The control unit 51 is located, for example, in the machine room 32.

[0049] The control unit 51 controls the operation of the cooling device 4 so that the temperature of the storage compartment 314 is maintained at a preset temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "set temperature"). The control unit 51 switches the control method between so-called PID control and so-called ON / OFF control according to the operating conditions, including the set temperature.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 51 sends the internal temperature information obtained from the first temperature detection unit 42, the outside air temperature information obtained from the second temperature detection unit 43, and the operation parameter information obtained from the operation parameter detection unit 44 to the information provision unit 313. The internal temperature information, outside air temperature information, and operation parameter information constitute the device information.

[0051] The culture device 6 is an example of a controlled device and is a conventionally known culture device. The culture device 6 is located at the same site S as the refrigeration device 3. The culture device 6 is communicated to the control device 2 via the network N.

[0052] Furthermore, the culture device 6 may be connected to the control device 2 via communication without going through the network N. Also, the number of culture devices 6 is not particularly limited.

[0053] The culture apparatus 6 has a function that operates by the electrical switching of contact components (hereinafter referred to as the "first function of the culture apparatus 6"). Contact components are components in an electrical circuit that switch between an ON state where current flows and an OFF state where current is interrupted. Contact components are incorporated into, for example, a switch device or a relay device.

[0054] The primary functions of the culture apparatus 6 include, for example, a heater function for adjusting the temperature of the storage compartment of the culture apparatus 6, and a door opening and closing function for electrically opening and closing the door of the culture apparatus 6.

[0055] The functions of the culture apparatus 6, including the heater function and the door opening / closing function, are remotely controlled by the control device 2. In other words, the culture apparatus 6 controls its own operation based on the control signals received from the control device 2.

[0056] Clean bench 7 is an example of a controlled device and is a conventionally known clean bench 7. Clean bench 7 is located at the same site S as the refrigeration unit 3. Clean bench 7 is connected to the control device 2 via network N.

[0057] Furthermore, the clean bench 7 may be connected to the control device 2 via communication without going through the network N. Also, the number of clean benches 7 is not particularly limited.

[0058] The clean bench 7 has a function that operates by the electrical switching of contact components (hereinafter referred to as "the first function of the clean bench 7"). Contact components are components in an electrical circuit that switch between an ON state where current flows and an OFF state where current is interrupted. Contact components are incorporated into, for example, ignition devices, switch devices, or relay devices.

[0059] The primary function of the clean bench 7 includes, for example, the gas burner function of the clean bench 7. The gas burner function is achieved by igniting the fuel gas coming out of the tip of the burner with an ignition device. The ignition device includes, for example, a spark plug and a switch (specifically, a foot switch) that operates the spark plug. This switch is an example of a contact component.

[0060] The functions of the clean bench 7, including the gas burner function, are remotely controlled by the control device 2. In other words, the clean bench 7 controls its own operation based on the control signals it receives from the control device 2.

[0061] Next, the configuration of the control device 2 will be described. The control device 2 acquires the operating stage related to the operating state of the refrigeration system 3. The operating stage is determined according to the system information. The operating stage can be represented, for example, as 10 stages. Such an operating stage is an example of information related to the operating state of the refrigeration system 3.

[0062] Operation Stage 1 corresponds to the initial state of the refrigeration unit 3. Operation Stages 1-7 represent the stages in which the refrigeration unit 3 is operating in a healthy state. Operation Stages 8-10 represent the stages in which the refrigeration unit 3 is operating in an unhealthy state.

[0063] During the operation stages 1 to 7 of the refrigeration device 3, the likelihood of the operating state of the refrigeration device 3 adversely affecting the culture device 6 and / or the clean bench 7 is low.

[0064] Operation stage 8 is an operation stage that is subject to a warning (hereinafter referred to as the "warning operation stage"). Operation stages 8 to 10 are operation stages in which a malfunction occurs or there is a relatively high probability that a malfunction has occurred in the refrigeration unit 3.

[0065] During operating stages 8 to 10 of the refrigeration device 3, the operating state of the refrigeration device 3 may adversely affect the culture device 6 and / or the clean bench 7.

[0066] The specific configuration of control device 2 will be described below. Control device 2 is a server configured with a computer.

[0067] The computer may be a personal computer, a server, or an embedded computer. If the control unit 2 is composed of an embedded computer, the embedded computer may be incorporated into the refrigeration unit. In other words, the refrigeration unit may have the same functions as the control unit 2 described later.

[0068] Furthermore, the control device 2 may be composed of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device.

[0069] The control device 2 is connected to the refrigeration device 3, the culture device 6, and the clean bench 7 via a network N. In this embodiment, the control device 2 is connected to the refrigeration device 3, the culture device 6, and the clean bench 7, which are located at one site S within a single medical institution M.

[0070] However, the control device 2 may be connected to multiple medical institutions M. Furthermore, the control device 2 may be connected to the refrigeration device 3, culture device 6, and clean bench 7 located at each of the multiple sites S.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3, the control device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, a control unit 24, and a display unit 25.

[0072] The communication unit 21 communicates with the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313) via the network N. The communication unit 21 includes an information transmission unit and an information reception unit (not shown), etc. The operation of the communication unit 21 is controlled by the control unit 24.

[0073] The communication unit 21 sends information acquired from the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313) to the acquisition unit 23. The communication unit 21 also sends information acquired from, for example, the acquisition unit 23 or the control unit 24 to the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313), the culture device 6, and the clean bench 7.

[0074] The memory unit 22 is composed of memory (e.g., RAM) or storage (e.g., HDD or SSD) mounted on the control device 2.

[0075] The memory unit 22 stores a threshold set for determining the operation stage. The threshold set includes multiple thresholds corresponding to operation stages divided into steps. In this embodiment, the threshold set includes multiple thresholds corresponding to operation stages 1 to 10, which are divided into 10 steps.

[0076] Figure 4 shows an example of a threshold set. The threshold set 221 will be described below with reference to Figure 4.

[0077] In this embodiment, the threshold set 221 is in table format. However, the format of the threshold set 221 is not limited to table format.

[0078] In threshold set 221, "CT (Chamber temperature)" refers to the temperature of the storage chamber 314 (hereinafter referred to as "internal chamber temperature").

[0079] In threshold set 221, "AT (Ambient temperature)" refers to the ambient temperature of the refrigeration unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as "ambient temperature"). In threshold set 221, "(CT, AT)" refers to the combination of the internal temperature and the ambient temperature.

[0080] In threshold set 221, "Stage" refers to the operating stage corresponding to the operating state of the refrigeration unit 3.

[0081] In threshold set 221, "OP (Operation Parameter)" refers to the operating parameter of the compressor 411. In this embodiment, the operating parameter is the rotational speed of the compressor 411 (hereinafter referred to as "rotational speed").

[0082] The types of operating parameters in the threshold set 221 may be determined according to the types of operating parameters that the control device 2 obtains from the refrigeration device 3.

[0083] Specifically, if the operating parameter that the control device 2 obtains from the refrigeration device 3 is the current value supplied to the refrigeration device 3, then the operating parameter in the threshold set 221 may be the current value.

[0084] In threshold set 221, "OP" is a threshold for determining the operating stage of the refrigeration unit 3. For example, if the internal temperature is CT4 and the ambient temperature is AT4, the operating parameter (rotation speed) required for the operating stage to be operating stage 2 is OP4-2.

[0085] As described above, threshold set 221 is a threshold table that associates a threshold indicating the compressor rotation speed (specifically, "OP") with the internal temperature (specifically, "CT") and the outside temperature (specifically, "AT").

[0086] The acquisition unit 23 acquires device information from the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313). As described above, the device information includes internal temperature information, outside temperature information, and operating parameter information.

[0087] The acquisition unit 23 acquires device information from the information provision unit 313 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, when acquiring device information, the acquisition unit 23 sends a request to the information provision unit 313. The request includes information requesting that the device information be sent to the control device 2.

[0088] The information provision unit 313 generates a response containing device information and sends it to the control device 2. The acquisition unit 23 then acquires the device information contained in the response sent by the information provision unit 313.

[0089] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 23 acquires a day's worth of device information at a predetermined time. The acquisition unit 23 sends the acquired device information to the control unit 24. The operation of the acquisition unit 23 is controlled by the control unit 24.

[0090] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 23 may acquire device information from the refrigeration device 3 at appropriate intervals. For example, the acquisition unit 23 may acquire device information from the refrigeration device 3 at predetermined intervals.

[0091] From the viewpoint of identifying an accurate operating stage, the acquisition unit 23 preferably acquires only the operating parameters in a stable operating state (hereinafter referred to as "stable operating parameters") from the information on operating parameters included in the device information as operating parameter information.

[0092] The stable operation parameters are the operating parameters when the compressor 411 is operating in a stable operation state. In this embodiment, the compressor 411 operates in PID control mode or ON / OFF control mode.

[0093] The PID control mode is an example of the first control mode. The ON / OFF control mode is an example of the second control mode.

[0094] When the compressor 411 is operating in PID control mode, the stable operating state of the compressor 411 is a state in which the change in internal temperature remains within a predetermined range.

[0095] On the other hand, when the compressor 411 is operating in ON / OFF control mode, the stable operating state of the compressor 411 is a state in which the operating parameters of the compressor 411 (for example, rotational speed) fluctuate periodically.

[0096] The stable operation parameters may include the operation parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using the PID control mode, and the operation parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using the ON / OFF control mode.

[0097] If the compressor 411 operates only in PID control mode, the stable operation parameters may include only the operation parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using PID control mode.

[0098] If the compressor 411 operates only in ON / OFF control mode, the stable operation parameters may include only the operation parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state by ON / OFF control mode.

[0099] The operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using PID control mode correspond to an example of the first stable operating parameters. Furthermore, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using ON / OFF control mode correspond to an example of the second stable operating parameters.

[0100] Furthermore, the device information obtained from the information provision unit 313 also includes operating parameters (hereinafter referred to as "unstable operation parameters") when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state.

[0101] An unstable operating state of the compressor 411 refers to, for example, the operating state of the compressor 411 corresponding to the state in which the door 312 of the refrigeration unit 3 is open. Furthermore, the operating state of the compressor 411 from the time the door 312 of the refrigeration unit 3 is closed after it has been opened is also included in the unstable operating state.

[0102] Furthermore, the operating state of the compressor 411 from the time the set temperature of the refrigeration unit 3 is changed until the internal temperature reaches the set temperature is also included in the unstable operating state.

[0103] The control unit 24 may be a general-purpose computer (e.g., a microcomputer) having input ports, output ports, and an arithmetic unit.

[0104] The control unit 24 may, in substance, be configured with a CPU, ROM, RAM, and storage (e.g., HDD or SSD) connected by a bus, or it may consist of a single-chip LSI or the like.

[0105] The control unit 24 stores various programs and data necessary to implement its functions in RAM or storage. The programs and / or data necessary to implement the functions of the control unit 24 may also be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium that can be read by the processor.

[0106] Examples of recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, MOs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and portable hard drives. Semiconductor memory such as USB flash drives is also an example of a recording medium.

[0107] The processor reads and executes a program stored in RAM or storage, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 24. The functions of the control unit 24 are described below.

[0108] The control unit 24 acquires an operation stage related to the operating state of the refrigeration unit 3 based on the device information acquired from the refrigeration unit 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313) and the threshold set 221 stored in the storage unit 22.

[0109] Specifically, the control unit 24 obtains a threshold value ("OP" in the threshold set 221) from the threshold set 221 that corresponds to the device information obtained from the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313).

[0110] The method for obtaining the threshold will be explained below with reference to Figure 4. The control unit 24 obtains device information from the acquisition unit 23. The device information includes internal temperature information, outside temperature information, and operating parameter information.

[0111] The control unit 24 first identifies the threshold sequences corresponding to the internal temperature information and the external temperature information from the threshold sequences C1 to C5 in the threshold set 221 shown in Figure 4.

[0112] Next, the control unit 24 identifies a threshold from the threshold set 221 based on the operation parameter information included in the device information. Then, the control unit 24 acquires the operation stage corresponding to the identified threshold.

[0113] While referring to FIG. 4, a specific example of the method for obtaining the threshold value will be described. In the specific example, the device information is specified as follows. Indoor temperature information: CT5 Outdoor air temperature information: AT5 Operation parameter information: OP real

[0114] In the case of the above device information, the control unit 24 specifies the threshold value series C5 corresponding to "CT5, AT5" from the threshold value set 221.

[0115] Next, the control unit 24 real specifies the operation stage corresponding to the operation parameter information OP from the threshold value series C5.

[0116] For example, when the operation parameter information OP real is OP5-2 or more and less than OP5-3 in the threshold value series C5 (OP5-2 ≤ OP real < OP5-3), the control unit 24 specifies OP5-2 as the threshold value corresponding to the device information.

[0117] Then, the control unit 24 specifies the operation stage (that is, operation stage 2) corresponding to the specified threshold value (that is, OP5-2) as the operation stage.

[0118] In addition, in the method for specifying the above operation stage (referred to as the "first specifying method"), the control unit 24 directly uses the indoor temperature information, outdoor air temperature information, and operation parameter information included in the device information. Then, the control unit 24 obtains the operation stage based on the indoor temperature information, outdoor air temperature information, and operation parameter information included in the device information and the threshold value set 221.

[0119] However, the control unit 24 may specify the operation stage by using the health score obtained by converting the indoor temperature information, outdoor air temperature information, and operation parameter information included in the device information by a predetermined conversion formula. Such a method is referred to as the second specifying method.

[0120] The health score in the second identification method is, for example, a value obtained by converting the operating parameter information (specifically, rotational speed) included in the device information into operating parameters corresponding to the first internal temperature (e.g., CT5 in Figure 4) and the first ambient temperature (e.g., AT5 in Figure 4). The first internal temperature and the first ambient temperature may be determined as appropriate for each product.

[0121] In this case, the control unit 24 identifies the operating stage based on the calculated health score and the threshold sequence (e.g., threshold sequence C5 in Figure 4) in the threshold set 221 that corresponds to the first internal temperature (e.g., CT5 in Figure 4) and the first outside temperature (e.g., AT5 in Figure 4).

[0122] According to this second identification method, the threshold set 221 only needs to include data from threshold columns (e.g., threshold column C5) corresponding to the first internal temperature (e.g., CT5 in Figure 4) and the first ambient temperature (e.g., AT5 in Figure 4). Therefore, the amount of data in the threshold set 221 can be reduced.

[0123] In this embodiment, the control unit 24 acquires the operating stage for all device information acquired from the acquisition unit 23. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 23 acquires a day's worth of device information all at once from the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313).

[0124] Therefore, the control unit 24 acquires the operation stage from each of the device information for one day. Then, the control unit 24 determines the final operation stage based on the average value of all the acquired operation stages.

[0125] Furthermore, if the operating parameters included in the device information acquired from the acquisition unit 23 consist only of the stable operating parameters described above, the control unit 24 may acquire the operating stage only if the number of stable operating parameters included in the device information is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of data points.

[0126] In other words, the control unit 24 does not need to acquire the operation stage if the number of stable operation parameters included in the device information is less than a predetermined number of data points. Such a configuration is preferable from the viewpoint of improving the reliability of the operation stage.

[0127] However, the control unit 24 may acquire an operating stage as a reference operating stage even if the stable operation parameters are less than or equal to a predetermined number of data points.

[0128] The control unit 24 may display the acquired operating stage. Specifically, the control unit 24 displays the operating stage on the display unit 25. The user of the control device 2 can understand the operating status of the refrigeration device 3 by looking at the operating stage displayed on the display unit 25.

[0129] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may display the acquired operation stage to an external terminal (not shown) connected to the control device 2. The external terminal may be, for example, a terminal installed in the medical institution M (e.g., a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone).

[0130] The external terminal may display the operation stage presented by the control unit 24 on its display unit. In this case, it is preferable that the display mode of the external terminal's display unit is the same as the display mode of the display unit 25 in the control device 2.

[0131] Furthermore, the control unit 24 acquires the operating duration of the compressor 411 for each operating stage. Based on the operating duration of the compressor 411, the control unit 24 acquires the time taken for the transition between operating stages (hereinafter referred to as "operating stage transition time").

[0132] The control unit 24 may determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the refrigeration device 3 based on the transition time between operating stages.

[0133] Specifically, the control unit 24 determines that there is an abnormality in the refrigeration unit 3 if the transition time between operating stages is within a predetermined time. If the transition time between operating stages is within a predetermined time, there is a possibility that the operating state of the refrigeration unit 3 is rapidly deteriorating. In this case, there is a possibility that there is an abnormality in the refrigeration unit 3.

[0134] On the other hand, the control unit 24 determines that there is no abnormality in the refrigeration unit 3 if the transition time between operating stages is longer than a predetermined time. When the transition time between operating stages is longer than a predetermined time, the operating state of the refrigeration unit 3 is changing gradually. In this case, the possibility of an abnormality in the refrigeration unit 3 is low.

[0135] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may display the operating duration. Specifically, the control unit 24 may display the operating duration on the display unit 25.

[0136] By looking at the operating time displayed on the display unit 25, the user can understand how the operating state of the refrigeration unit 3 is changing.

[0137] For example, if the operating time of the compressor 411 for each operating stage is too short, the operating condition of the refrigeration system 3 may be rapidly deteriorating. In this case, there may be some kind of malfunction in the refrigeration system 3. The user can grasp this information from the operating time displayed on the display unit 25.

[0138] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may display the acquired operating duration to an external terminal (not shown) connected to the control device 2.

[0139] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may estimate the time required for the operation stage to reach the warning operation stage from the current operation stage (hereinafter referred to as the "estimated arrival time").

[0140] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may estimate the date on which the operation stage reaches the warning operation stage (hereinafter referred to as the "estimated arrival date").

[0141] The control unit 24 may display the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival date. Specifically, the control unit 24 may display the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival date on the display unit 25.

[0142] In this embodiment, the warning operation stage is operation stage 8. The control unit 24 estimates the time required for the operation stage to reach operation stage 8 from the current operation stage (in other words, the arrival time) and / or the date on which it will reach operation stage 8.

[0143] The method for estimating the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival date is not particularly limited. An example of a method for estimating the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival date will be described later.

[0144] The user can determine the date and time when the refrigeration unit 3 will reach the warning operation stage (operation stage 8 in this embodiment) by looking at the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival date displayed on the display unit 25.

[0145] The main components of control system 1 have been described above. The operation of control system 1 will now be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control system 1 operation.

[0146] First, the control system 1 acquires an operating stage related to the operating state of the refrigeration device 3, based on the device information of the refrigeration device 3 installed in the medical institution M. Then, the control system 1 controls the operation of the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7 according to the acquired operating stage.

[0147] An example of the operation of control system 1 includes processes performed in the refrigeration device 3, processes performed in the control device 2, processes performed in the culture device 6, and processes performed in the clean bench 7. The process shown in Figure 5 is referred to as the operation control process.

[0148] First, in step S101 of Figure 5, the control unit 51 of the refrigeration unit 3 acquires device information, including internal temperature information, outside air temperature information, and operating parameter information. Then, the control unit 51 sends the acquired device information to the information provision unit 313.

[0149] The control unit 51 acquires device information, including internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and operating parameter information, at predetermined timings. The control unit 51 may sequentially send the acquired device information to the information provision unit 313.

[0150] The control unit 51 acquires internal temperature information from the first temperature detection unit 42. The control unit 51 acquires outside air temperature information from the second temperature detection unit 43. The control unit 51 acquires operation parameter information from the operation parameter detection unit 44.

[0151] Next, in step S102 of Figure 5, the information provision unit 313 sends the device information acquired from the control unit 51 to the control device 2. In this embodiment, the information provision unit 313 sends the acquired device information to the control device 2 sequentially. The information provision unit 313 may also send the acquired device information to the control device 2 in response to a request received from the control device 2.

[0152] The device information includes multiple datasets, each consisting of one set of internal temperature information, one set of external temperature information, and one set of operating parameters. The number of datasets included in the device information is determined according to the interval at which the control unit 51 acquires the device information.

[0153] The steps S101 and S102 described above are performed in the refrigeration device 3 installed in the medical institution M. The steps performed in the control device 2 will be described below.

[0154] In step S103 of Figure 5, the acquisition unit 23 of the control device 2 acquires device information sent from the refrigeration device 3.

[0155] Next, in step S104 of Figure 5, the acquisition unit 23 performs a filtering process.

[0156] The device information sent from the refrigeration unit 3 includes the stable operation parameters and unstable operation parameters described above. In other words, the device information includes a dataset containing stable operation parameters and a dataset containing unstable operation parameters.

[0157] Therefore, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 23 extracts only the dataset containing stable operation parameters from the device information. This processing by the acquisition unit 23 is referred to as the filtering process of the acquisition unit 23.

[0158] In this embodiment, the compressor 411 in the refrigeration system 3 operates in PID control mode or ON / OFF control mode.

[0159] Therefore, the device information includes the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in PID control mode and the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in ON / OFF control mode.

[0160] Furthermore, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in PID control mode include the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state in PID control mode and the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state in PID control mode.

[0161] Hereinafter, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state under PID control mode will be referred to as the first stable operating parameters. Conversely, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state under PID control mode will be referred to as the first unstable operating parameters.

[0162] Furthermore, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in ON / OFF control mode include the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state in ON / OFF control mode, and the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state in ON / OFF control mode.

[0163] Hereinafter, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using the ON / OFF control mode will be referred to as the second stable operating parameters. Conversely, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state using the ON / OFF control mode will be referred to as the second unstable operating parameters.

[0164] The acquisition unit 23 extracts a dataset containing the first stable operation parameter and a dataset containing the second stable operation parameter from the device information.

[0165] As described above, when the compressor 411 is operating in PID control mode, the change in internal temperature falls within a predetermined range during the stable operation state of the compressor 411. Therefore, the acquisition unit 23 extracts a dataset including the first stable operation parameter from the device information based on the change in internal temperature.

[0166] Furthermore, the method for extracting the dataset containing the first stable operation parameters from the device information is not particularly limited. Based on predetermined stable operation conditions, it may be determined whether or not the compressor 411 operated in a stable state, and the dataset containing the first stable operation parameters may be extracted from the device information.

[0167] Furthermore, as described above, when the compressor 411 is operating in ON / OFF control mode, the operating parameters of the compressor 411 (e.g., rotational speed) fluctuate periodically during the stable operation state of the compressor 411. Therefore, the acquisition unit 23 extracts a dataset including the second stable operation parameters from the device information based on the periodicity of the operating parameters (e.g., rotational speed).

[0168] Furthermore, the method for extracting the dataset containing the second stable operation parameters from the device information is not particularly limited. Based on predetermined stable operation conditions, it may be determined whether or not the compressor 411 operated in a stable state, and the dataset containing the second stable operation parameters may be extracted from the device information.

[0169] The acquisition unit 23 merges a dataset containing the first stable operation parameters with a dataset containing the second stable operation parameters to generate new device information. This new device information is sometimes referred to as filtering device information (hereinafter simply as "device information"). The acquisition unit 23 then sends the filtering device information to the control unit 24.

[0170] Next, in step S105 of Figure 5, the control unit 24 acquires the operation stage. The operation stage is an example of information regarding the operating state of the refrigeration device 3.

[0171] The operating stage is an example of an indicator showing the operating state of the refrigeration unit 3. The control unit 24 acquires the operating stage as information regarding the operating state of the refrigeration unit 3. The method by which the control unit 24 acquires the operating stage is as described above.

[0172] The control unit 24 performs the process of acquiring the operation stage for all data sets included in the device information (i.e., filtering device information) acquired from the acquisition unit 23.

[0173] Therefore, the control unit 24 acquires the operation stage for each dataset included in the device information. Then, the control unit 24 calculates the average value of all acquired operation stages.

[0174] The control unit 24 determines the average value of the calculated operating stages as the final operating stage. In this embodiment, the operating stage is determined once a day.

[0175] In step S105 of Figure 5, if the current operating stage is the operating stage (operating stage 7) immediately preceding the warning operating stage (operating stage 8), the control unit 24 may estimate the time required (i.e., estimated arrival time) and / or date (estimated arrival date) to reach the warning operating stage from the current operating stage.

[0176] Here, with reference to Figure 6, the method by which the control unit 24 obtains the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival date will be explained. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the method for estimating the estimated arrival time. The control unit 24 estimates the estimated arrival time using a so-called linear approximation method.

[0177] The horizontal axis of Figure 6 represents the elapsed time since reaching operational stage 4 (hereinafter simply referred to as "elapsed time"). The origin of Figure 6 corresponds to the time when operational stage 4 was reached. The vertical axis of Figure 6 represents the health score or operational parameters.

[0178] As described above, the health score is a value obtained by converting the operating parameters (specifically, rotational speed) included in the device information into operating parameters (specifically, rotational speed) corresponding to the first internal temperature (e.g., CP5 in Figure 4) and the first ambient temperature (e.g., AT5 in Figure 4).

[0179] The control unit 24 plots the relationship between elapsed time and health score or operating parameters between operation stage 4 and operation stage 7, as shown in the diagram in Figure 6. The control unit 24 also finds an approximate straight line by approximating each of these plots with a straight line.

[0180] The control unit 24 then estimates the time required for the health score or operating parameters to reach the threshold corresponding to the warning operation stage (the "estimated arrival time" in Figure 6) based on the approximate straight line. The control unit 24 also estimates the estimated arrival date based on the estimated arrival time.

[0181] Next, in step S106 of Figure 5, the control unit 24 determines whether or not to control the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7. Specifically, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the operating stage acquired in step S105 is above a predetermined operating stage.

[0182] Hereinafter, a predetermined operating stage will be referred to as the operating stage threshold. The operating stage threshold is a threshold used by the control unit 24 to determine whether or not to control the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7.

[0183] If the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold, the control unit 24 determines to control the culture device 6 and / or the clean bench 7. On the other hand, if the operating stage is less than or equal to the operating stage threshold, the control unit 24 determines not to control the culture device 6 and / or the clean bench 7.

[0184] In this embodiment, the operating stage threshold is operating stage 7. Therefore, if the operating stage is greater than operating stage 7, the control unit 24 controls the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7. On the other hand, if the operating stage is less than or equal to operating stage 7, the control unit 24 does not control the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7.

[0185] If the control unit 24 determines to control the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7 (YES in step S106), it proceeds to step S107.

[0186] If the control unit 24 determines that it does not need to control the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7 (NO in step S106), it terminates the operation control process. The operation control process may be repeated at appropriate intervals.

[0187] As described above, the control unit 24 determines whether or not to control the operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7 according to the operation stage.

[0188] Next, in step S107 of Figure 5, the control unit 24 remotely controls the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7. In other words, the control unit 24 remotely controls the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7 when the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold.

[0189] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may directly control the operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7. Such control is referred to as direct control of the control unit 24. In the case of direct control of the control unit 24, the control unit 24 may be considered as a control unit that controls the operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7.

[0190] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may indirectly control the operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7. Such control is referred to as indirect control by the control unit 24. In the case of indirect control by the control unit 24, the control unit 24 may send control signals to the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7. Upon receiving the control signals from the control unit 24, the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7 control their own operation based on the control signals.

[0191] In any of the above configurations, it can be understood that the control unit 24 controls the operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7. Examples of remote control performed by the control unit 24 are described below. Each of the following examples may be implemented by direct control of the control unit 24 or by indirect control of the control unit 24.

[0192] First, let's describe a first example of remote control performed by the control unit 24. When the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold, the control unit 24 switches the function of the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7.

[0193] If the operating stage of the refrigeration unit 3 is greater than the operating stage threshold, the rotational speed of the compressor 411 is high, which may cause the temperature around the refrigeration unit 3 (i.e., the ambient temperature) to rise.

[0194] When the ambient temperature is within a predetermined range, the culture device 6 operates in normal mode, maintaining an appropriate culture environment inside the storage compartment. However, when the ambient temperature rises above the predetermined range, it becomes difficult for the culture device 6 to maintain an appropriate culture environment inside the storage compartment in normal mode.

[0195] Therefore, if the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold, the control unit 24 switches the operating mode of the culture apparatus 6 from normal mode to high-temperature mode. The high-temperature mode is a mode that can maintain an appropriate culture environment inside the storage chamber when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined range.

[0196] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may add the conditions relating to the ambient temperature information in the device information acquired in step S103 (hereinafter referred to as "ambient temperature conditions for the refrigeration device") to the conditions relating to the operating mode, as a condition for switching the operating mode of the culture device 6 from normal mode to high-temperature mode.

[0197] Specifically, the control unit 24 may switch the operating mode of the culture apparatus 6 from normal mode to high-temperature mode when the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold and the ambient temperature of the refrigeration apparatus 3 is higher than the first predetermined temperature.

[0198] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may add a condition relating to the ambient temperature of the culture device 6 (hereinafter referred to as "ambient temperature condition of the culture device") to the conditions relating to the operating mode and the ambient temperature condition of the refrigeration device as conditions relating to the operating mode of the culture device 6 and the ambient temperature condition of the refrigeration device. The control unit 24 may also obtain information relating to the ambient temperature of the culture device 6 from the culture device 6.

[0199] The control unit 24 may switch the operating mode of the culture apparatus 6 from normal mode to high-temperature mode when the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold, the ambient temperature of the refrigeration apparatus 3 is higher than the first predetermined temperature, and the ambient temperature of the culture apparatus 6 is higher than the second predetermined temperature. The first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature may be the same or different.

[0200] Furthermore, if the refrigeration device 3 and the culture device 6 are close together at site S, the ambient temperature of the refrigeration device 3 and the ambient temperature of the culture device 6 may be equal or approximately equal. In this case, to switch the operating mode of the culture device 6 from normal mode to high-temperature mode, only one of the ambient temperature conditions for the refrigeration device and the ambient temperature conditions for the culture device mentioned above should be added to the conditions related to the operating mode. In this case, the control unit 24 may obtain the ambient temperature related to the selected condition from either the refrigeration device 3 or the culture device 6.

[0201] According to the first example of remote control described above, even if the ambient temperature rises due to the operation of the refrigeration device 3, it is possible to suppress the adverse effects of the rise in ambient temperature on the culture device 6.

[0202] Next, a second example of remote control performed by the control unit 24 will be described. The control unit 24 switches the functions of the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7 when the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold.

[0203] If the operating stage of the refrigeration unit 3 is greater than the operating stage threshold, the rotational speed of the compressor 411 may be increasing due to a decrease in the amount of refrigerant flowing through the cooling unit 4 in the refrigeration unit 3.

[0204] In other words, there is a possibility that refrigerant leakage is occurring in the refrigeration unit 3, with refrigerant leaking from the cooling unit 4. A state where the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold corresponds to a refrigerant leak warning state.

[0205] If a refrigerant leak occurs in the refrigeration unit 3, the refrigerant leaking from the cooling unit 4 will be discharged to the outside of the refrigeration unit 3, and therefore, the refrigerant leaking from the cooling unit 4 may fill site S.

[0206] In this state, if sparks occur in the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7, there is a risk of the refrigerant igniting.

[0207] As described above, the culture apparatus 6 and the clean bench 7 have contact components. When the contacts through which current flows are suddenly opened and closed, arc discharge may occur between the contacts, potentially generating sparks.

[0208] Therefore, when the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold, the control unit 24 limits the functions that operate in the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7 by electrical switching of contact components.

[0209] Specifically, the control unit 24 restricts the heater function and door opening / closing function in the culture apparatus 6 when the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold. Furthermore, the control unit 24 restricts the gas burner function in the clean bench 7 when the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold.

[0210] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may add the following first condition to the conditions relating to the operating mode, as a condition that limits the functions that operate by electrical switching of contact components in the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7.

[0211] The first condition is that the outlet temperature of the evaporator 414 in the refrigeration unit 3 is higher than a predetermined temperature. The control unit 24 determines that if the outlet temperature of the evaporator 414 in the refrigeration unit 3 is higher than a predetermined temperature, there is a possibility that a refrigerant leak is occurring in the refrigeration unit 3.

[0212] In this case, a state in which the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold and the first condition is met corresponds to a refrigerant leak warning state.

[0213] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may add a second condition to the conditions relating to the operating mode and the first condition as conditions that limit the functions operated by the electrical switching of contact components in the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7.

[0214] The second condition is that the current supplied to the compressor 411 is greater than a predetermined value. The control unit 24 determines that if the current supplied to the compressor 411 is greater than a predetermined value, there is a possibility that a refrigerant leak is occurring in the refrigeration system 3.

[0215] In this case, a refrigerant leak warning state is achieved when the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold, the first condition is met, and the second condition is also met.

[0216] According to the second example of remote control described above, if a refrigerant leak occurs in the refrigeration unit 3, it is possible to suppress the adverse effects of the culture device 6 and the clean bench 7 on the refrigerant leak.

[0217] Next, a third example of remote control performed by the control unit 24 will be described. The control unit 24 controls the operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7 if the operation duration of the operation stage immediately preceding the warning operation stage (hereinafter referred to as the "pre-warning operation stage") is longer than a predetermined time.

[0218] If the operation duration in the pre-warning stage is longer than the predetermined time, the operation stage may transition to the warning operation stage in the near future. When the operation stage becomes the warning operation stage, a malfunction may occur in the refrigeration unit 3.

[0219] Therefore, if the operation duration of the pre-warning operation stage is longer than a predetermined time, the control unit 24 controls the operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or the clean bench 7. If the operation duration of the pre-warning operation stage is longer than a predetermined time, the control unit 24 may switch the operation mode of the culture apparatus 6 from normal mode to high-temperature mode.

[0220] Furthermore, if the operating time of the pre-warning operation stage is longer than a predetermined time, the control unit 24 may limit the functions that operate in the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7 by electrically switching the contact components.

[0221] Specifically, the control unit 24 may restrict the heater function and door opening / closing function of the culture apparatus 6 if the operating time of the pre-warning operation stage is longer than a predetermined time.

[0222] Furthermore, if the operating time of the pre-warning operation stage is longer than a predetermined time, the control unit 24 may restrict the gas burner function in the clean bench 7.

[0223] Specifically, if the operating time of the pre-warning operation stage is longer than a predetermined time, the control unit 24 may restrict the operation of the ignition device (specifically, the spark plug) that ignites the gas in the clean bench 7.

[0224] The gas burner function includes a switch (e.g., a foot switch) that activates the ignition device. The control unit 24 may restrict the gas burner function so that the ignition device does not activate even if the user operates the switch.

[0225] According to this third example of remote control, it is possible to prevent the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7 from being adversely affected by the operating state of the refrigeration device 3.

[0226] Next, a fourth example of remote control performed by the control unit 24 will be described. The control unit 24 controls the operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7 when the transition time between operating stages is shorter than a predetermined time.

[0227] The control unit 24 obtains the transition time between operating stages based on the operating duration of the compressor 411 for each operating stage. If the transition time between operating stages is within a predetermined time, the operating state of the refrigeration system 3 may be rapidly deteriorating. In this case, there may be a malfunction in the refrigeration system 3.

[0228] Therefore, the control unit 24 controls the operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7 if the transition time between operating stages is within a predetermined time. The control unit 24 may switch the operating mode of the culture apparatus 6 from normal mode to high-temperature mode if the transition time between operating stages is within a predetermined time.

[0229] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may restrict the functions operated by electrical switching of contact components in the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7 if the transition time between operating stages is within a predetermined time.

[0230] Specifically, the control unit 24 may restrict the heater function and door opening / closing function in the culture apparatus 6 if the transition time between operating stages is within a predetermined time. Also, the control unit 24 may restrict the gas burner function in the clean bench 7 if the transition time between operating stages is within a predetermined time.

[0231] According to this fourth example of remote control, it is possible to prevent the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7 from being adversely affected by the operating state of the refrigeration device 3.

[0232] Next, a fifth example of remote control performed by the control unit 24 will be described. If the operating time of the pre-warning operation stage (operation stage 7 in this embodiment) is longer than a predetermined time, the control unit 24 displays warning information on the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7. The warning information indicates that the warning operation stage is approaching.

[0233] In the fifth example of remote control described above, the control unit 24 controls the display operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7.

[0234] The user will view the warning information displayed on the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7 and, at the appropriate time, switch or restrict the functions of the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7.

[0235] According to this fifth example of remote control, it is possible to prevent the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7 from being adversely affected by the operating state of the refrigeration device 3.

[0236] Next, a sixth example of remote control performed by the control unit 24 will be described. If the operating stage of the refrigeration device 3 is greater than the operating stage threshold, the rotational speed of the compressor 411 is high, which may cause increased vibration of the refrigeration device 3. If the vibration of the refrigeration device 3 is transmitted to the culture device 6, cell culture may fail.

[0237] Furthermore, if vibrations from the refrigeration unit 3 are transmitted to the clean bench 7, it may interfere with the work being performed by the user in the clean bench 7.

[0238] Therefore, if the operating stage is greater than the operating stage threshold, the control unit 24 displays warning information on the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7. The warning information indicates that the vibration of the refrigeration device 3 is increasing.

[0239] In the sixth example of remote control described above, the control unit 24 controls the display operation of the culture apparatus 6 and / or clean bench 7.

[0240] The user will view the warning information displayed on the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7 and, at the appropriate time, switch or restrict the functions of the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7.

[0241] According to this sixth example of remote control, it is possible to prevent the culture device 6 and / or clean bench 7 from being adversely affected by the operating state of the refrigeration device 3.

[0242] When implementing the first to sixth examples of remote control described above, the controlled devices (specifically, the culture apparatus 6 and the clean bench 7) may be determined according to their distance from the refrigeration apparatus 3. This is because devices located at a distance from the refrigeration apparatus 3 are less affected by the operating status of the refrigeration apparatus 3.

[0243] In this case, the control unit 24 may pre-store information indicating the distance and arrangement of the refrigeration device 3, culture device 6, and clean bench 7 at site S (hereinafter referred to as "site arrangement information").

[0244] The control unit 24 may determine, based on the site layout information, which devices to be controlled (specifically, the culture device 6 and the clean bench 7) will be controlled in the first to sixth examples of the remote control described above.

[0245] (Effects and workings of this embodiment) With the control system 1 having the above configuration, it is possible to suppress adverse effects on other devices (specifically, the culture device 6 and the clean bench 7) located at the same site as the refrigeration device 3 from the operating state of the refrigeration device 3. The reason for this is as previously described. Furthermore, the operation and effects of the control system 1 according to this embodiment are also as previously described.

[0246] (Note) In the above-described embodiment, an example of the control device 2 was given, which is connected to the refrigeration device 3, the culture device 6, and the clean bench 7 via a network N. However, the control device 2 may be incorporated into the refrigeration device.

[0247] In other words, the refrigeration system may be equipped with the functions of the control device 2 according to the present invention. In this case, the control method according to the present invention may be implemented in the refrigeration system. Alternatively, in this case, the control method according to the present invention may be implemented by a computer mounted on the refrigeration system executing a program. [Industrial applicability]

[0248] The control device according to the present invention can be used for various refrigeration systems and controlled devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0249] 1. Control System 2 Control device 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 221 threshold set 23 Acquisition Department 24 Control Unit 25 Display section 3. Refrigeration equipment 31 Main body 311 Box body 312 Door section 313 Information Provision Department 314 Storage room 32 Machine room 4 Cooling device 41 Refrigeration Circuit 411 Compressor 412 Condenser 413 Pressure reducer 414 Evaporator 42 First temperature detection unit 43 Second temperature detection unit 44 Operation parameter detection unit 51 Control Unit 6 Culture device 7. Clean bench C1-C5 Threshold Column M Medical Institution N Network S Site

Claims

1. A control device connected to a refrigeration system and a controlled device located at the same site as the refrigeration system, which controls the refrigeration system and the controlled device, An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the operating status of the refrigeration device, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the controlled device according to the operating state detected by the acquisition unit, Control device.

2. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the operating state based on the operating parameters of the refrigeration device acquired from the refrigeration device. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned operating parameters are information relating to the rotational speed of the compressor in the refrigeration system. The control device according to claim 2.

4. The system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires device information including information regarding the internal temperature of the refrigeration system, information regarding the outside air temperature of the refrigeration system, and information regarding the operating parameters of the refrigeration system. The acquisition unit acquires the operation stage, which is information relating to the operating state, based on the device information. The control unit controls the operation of the controlled device according to the operation stage. The control device according to claim 1.

5. The controlled device has a function that operates by electrical switching of contact components. The control unit, Based on the information regarding the operating state, a refrigerant leak warning state is detected. When the aforementioned refrigerant leak warning state is detected, the operation of the control target device using the contact component is restricted. The control device according to claim 1.

6. The controlled device is a clean bench having a gas burner function that ignites by switching the contact components. When the control unit detects the refrigerant leak warning state, it restricts the gas burner function in the controlled device. The control device according to claim 5.

7. The controlled device is a culture apparatus having a heater function and a door opening / closing function that operate by switching the contact components. When the control unit detects the refrigerant leak warning state, it restricts the heater function and / or door opening / closing function of the controlled device. The control device according to claim 5.

8. A control method implemented in a control device connected to a refrigeration system and a controlled device located at the same site as the refrigeration system, The steps include: acquiring information regarding the operating status of the refrigeration device; The step includes controlling the operation of the controlled device according to the acquired operating state, Control method.

9. A program that operates on a computer mounted on a control device connected to a refrigeration system and a controlled device located at the same site as the refrigeration system, The computer executes the program, Information regarding the operating status of the refrigeration device is obtained, The operation of the controlled device is controlled according to the acquired operating state. program.

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