Device control device, device control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an appliance control device that can unitarily control a ventilation appliance, an air conditioner, and a refrigerating or freezing device such as a showcase.SOLUTION: An appliance control device 10 comprises: an acquisition unit 11 for acquiring operation state information related to the operation state of a showcase 20; and a control unit 12 for controlling at least one appliance out of the showcase 20, a ventilation appliance 30 for ventilating the inside of a store in which the showcase 20 is installed, and an air conditioner 40 for air-conditioning the inside of the store in which the showcase 20 is installed, on the basis of the operation state information acquired by the acquisition unit 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an equipment control device, an equipment control method, and a program that centrally controls refrigerated or frozen showcases (hereinafter referred to as showcases) used primarily in the food sections of supermarkets, convenience stores, and the like, and a group of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, including ventilation equipment and air conditioners, within the section in which the showcases are installed. [Background technology]

[0002] In stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, multiple showcases of various types are installed for the purpose of displaying products and maintaining the quality of those products. These showcases refrigerate or freeze products by sending cold air to the storage compartment in which the products are displayed. In addition, the so-called open-type showcases, which account for the majority of showcases, have an open storage compartment to emphasize the presence of the products and to ensure access to the products, so that the air inside the storage compartment (cold air) and the conditioned air inside the store mix to a certain extent.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an open-type showcase called an island type or flat case, which allows products to be taken from any of the four sides. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3043994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As mentioned above, the showcase disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an open storage unit, and the air inside the storage unit and the conditioned air in the store mix to some extent. Therefore, the cold air inside the storage unit affects the air conditioning outside the storage unit, i.e., in the store aisles and other spaces, and conversely, the air in the store aisles and other spaces affects the temperature inside the storage unit.

[0006] For example, when a store is crowded with customers and other users, the temperature inside the store rises due to body heat, etc. Also, the number of accesses to the products in the storage increases in proportion to the number of users, and the air in the storage increases due to the insertion and removal of products or hands.

[0007] Furthermore, leakage of cold air from inside the storage facility into store aisles, etc., occurs from all four sides of the showcase, particularly when the showcase is the aforementioned island type or flat case, etc. These island type and flat case showcases are often used as showcases for frozen foods, and leakage of low-temperature air (cold air) leads to overcooling into store aisles, etc., which is a factor in excessive energy consumption and increased discomfort for people.

[0008] Furthermore, in recent years, the need for ventilation in stores has increased from the viewpoint of hygiene. This has resulted in an increase in the loss of cold energy due to ventilation. There is also an increasing need for more precise ventilation only when necessary, i.e., optimal ventilation for each store depending on the number of users, etc.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an equipment control device that can centrally control ventilation equipment, air conditioners, and refrigeration or freezing equipment such as showcases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The equipment control device according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires operating state information related to an operating state of a showcase, and a control unit that controls at least one of the showcase, a ventilation device that ventilates the interior of a store in which the showcase is installed, and an air conditioner that air-conditions the interior of the store in which the showcase is installed, based on the operating state information acquired by the acquisition unit. The showcase includes a freezer built in the showcase. The temperature of the air drawn in from the air intake opening in the heat exchanger of the store is The showcase has an intake air temperature detection unit that detects the intake air temperature and an internal temperature detection unit that detects the internal temperature inside the storage compartment in the showcase, and the acquisition unit acquires the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit and the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature detection unit, and the control unit controls the showcase and at least one of the ventilation equipment and the air conditioner based on the intake air temperature and the internal temperature acquired by the acquisition unit. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, ventilation equipment, air conditioners, and refrigeration or freezing devices such as showcases can be centrally controlled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a device control system to which a device control device according to a first embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart showing a device control method according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] Fig. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of installation in which showcases, ventilation equipment, and air conditioners are grouped. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing a table of groupings of showcases, ventilation equipment, and air conditioners. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for implementing the functions of the device control device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4B is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for executing software for implementing the functions of the device control device according to embodiment 1. [Diagram 5]11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a device control system to which a device control device according to a second embodiment is applied. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a device control method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a method for selecting a showcase that is used as a basis for determining whether or not ventilation operation is performed. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for selecting an air conditioner that is used to determine whether or not ventilation operation is performed. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for determining whether or not a ventilation operation is performed. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a device control system to which a device control device according to a third embodiment is applied. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a device control method according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Embodiment 1 A device control device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a device control system to which a device control device 10 according to embodiment 1 is applied. The device control system according to embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1 is applied to stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the equipment control system includes an equipment control device 10, a showcase 20, a ventilation device 30, and an air conditioner 40.

[0017] The showcase 20, which is a refrigeration or freezing device, refrigerates or freezes products by sending cold air to a storage unit (not shown) in which the products are displayed. This showcase 20 is, for example, a showcase with an opening at the front of the storage unit. Users such as customers can take in and out products stored in the storage unit through the storage unit.

[0018] The showcase 20 is a built-in refrigerator type showcase having a built-in refrigerator. Each showcase 20 generates cold air by operating the refrigerator, performs refrigeration or freezing, and outputs operation status information relating to each operation status to the equipment control device 10.

[0019] In addition, the showcase 20 has a cooling function to maintain a low temperature inside the storage compartment, an internal temperature detection function to detect the temperature inside the storage compartment, an intake function to draw in air from outside the storage compartment for condensation, and an intake temperature detection function to detect the temperature of the drawn-in air.

[0020] The device control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a control unit 12 .

[0021] The acquisition unit 11 acquires operating state information relating to the operating state of the showcase 20 from the showcase 20. In addition, the acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired operating state information to the control unit 12.

[0022] The control unit 12 controls the showcase 20 and at least one of the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 based on the operating state information of the showcase 20 acquired by the acquisition unit 11.

[0023] Specifically, the control unit 12 outputs a showcase control signal to the showcase 20 via a wired or wireless connection based on the operating state information of the showcase 20 acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The showcase control signal is a signal for changing the operating conditions of the showcase 20. Furthermore, the control unit 12 outputs a ventilation control signal to the ventilation equipment 30 via a wired or wireless connection based on the operating state information of the showcase 20 acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The ventilation control signal is a signal for operating or stopping the ventilation equipment 30 in a specified manner. Furthermore, the control unit 12 outputs an air conditioning control signal to the air conditioner 40 via a wired or wireless connection based on the operating state information of the showcase 20 acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The air conditioning control signal is a signal for changing the operating conditions of the air conditioner 40.

[0024] When the showcase 20 receives a showcase control signal from the control unit 12 of the equipment control device 10, it operates under predetermined operating conditions.

[0025] The ventilation equipment 30 is provided in a store in which the showcase 20 is installed, and ventilates the inside of the store. When the ventilation equipment 30 receives a ventilation control signal from the control unit 12 of the equipment control device 10, it ventilates the inside of the store under predetermined operating conditions, or stops operation.

[0026] The air conditioner 40 is provided in the store in which the showcase 20 is installed, and conditions the air in the store. When the air conditioner 40 receives an air conditioning control signal from the control unit 12 of the equipment control device 10, it operates under predetermined operating conditions. The air conditioner 40 has an indoor temperature detection function for detecting the temperature of the air in the room (for example, the temperature of the air near the air conditioning intake), a function for sending air into the room and stirring the air in the room, and an operating function for controlling the air volume and direction.

[0027] Next, the device control method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the device control method according to the first embodiment.

[0028] In step ST11, the acquisition unit 11 shown in FIG.

[0029] 1 controls the showcase 20 and at least one of the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 based on the operation state information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. For example, the control unit 12 judges the operation state information according to a predetermined condition and determines the operation control method of the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 to be performed.

[0030] Next, the coordinated control of the showcase 20, the ventilation equipment 30, and the air conditioner 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the coordinated control of the showcase 20, the ventilation equipment 30, and the air conditioner 40.

[0031] The equipment control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 can perform cooperative control of one or more ventilation devices 30 and one or more air conditioners 40 for one or more target showcases 20. For example, when a plurality of showcases 20, ventilation devices 30, and air conditioners 40 are installed in one store, the equipment control device 10 groups the showcases 20 and the corresponding ventilation devices 30 and air conditioners 40 in advance. Therefore, the equipment control device 10 can control one or more ventilation devices 30 and one or more air conditioners 40 that belong to the same group as the showcase 20 for one target showcase 20. Therefore, the equipment control device 10 can partially ventilate and air-condition the inside of the store, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0032] 3 shows an example in which a plurality of showcases 20, a plurality of ventilation devices 30, and a plurality of air conditioners 40 are divided into four groups. There are 17 showcases 20, numbered from (A) to (P). There are three ventilation devices 30, numbered from (A) to (C). There are six air conditioners 40, numbered from (1) to (6).

[0033] Group G1 is composed of showcases 20 numbered (A) to (E), ventilation equipment 30 numbered (A), and air conditioners 40 numbered (1) and (2). Group G2 is composed of showcases 20 numbered (F) to (H), ventilation equipment 30 numbered (B), and air conditioner 40 numbered (3). Group G3 is composed of showcases 20 numbered (I) to (L), ventilation equipment 30 numbered (B), and air conditioners 40 numbered (4) and (5). Group G4 is composed of showcases 20 numbered (M) to (P), ventilation equipment 30 numbered (C), and air conditioners 40 numbered (5) and (6). Note that one device may belong to multiple groups, such as ventilation equipment 30 numbered (B) or air conditioner 40 numbered (5).

[0034] Furthermore, the equipment control device 10 can arbitrarily group or change the grouping of the showcases 20, the ventilation equipment 30, and the air conditioners 40 based on the equipment configuration in the store, the positional relationship between the equipment, the operating capacity of each equipment, the control priority, etc. For example, the equipment control device 10 may calculate in advance the degree of influence of the ventilation equipment 30 on the showcase 20 and the degree of influence of the air conditioners 40 on the showcase 20 from the position information of the showcase 20, the ventilation equipment 30, and the air conditioners 40, and automatically set the grouping of the showcases 20, the ventilation equipment 30, and the air conditioners 40 based on the calculation result.

[0035] Next, Fig. 4A is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the device control device 10 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4B is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for executing software for realizing the functions of the device control device 10 according to embodiment 1.

[0036] 4A and 4B, the input interface 104 is an interface that relays operation state information output from the showcase 20 to the equipment control device 10. The output interface 105 is an interface that relays a ventilation control signal output from the equipment control device 10 to the ventilation equipment 30, and an air conditioning control signal output from the equipment control device 10 to the air conditioner 40.

[0037] 4A, the processing circuit 101 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of these. The functions of the acquisition unit 11 and the control unit 12 included in the device control device 10 may be realized by separate processing circuits, or these functions may be realized together by a single processing circuit.

[0038] 4B, the functions of the acquisition unit 11 and the control unit 12 included in the device control device 10 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 103.

[0039] The processor 102 reads out and executes a program stored in the memory 103, thereby realizing the functions of the acquisition unit 11 and the control unit 12 included in the device control device 10. For example, the device control device 10 includes a memory 103 for storing a program that, when executed by the processor 102, results in the processing of steps ST11 to ST13 shown in FIG. 2 being executed. These programs cause a computer to execute the procedures or methods of the processing performed by the acquisition unit 11 and the control unit 12. The memory 103 may be a computer-readable storage medium in which a program for causing a computer to function as the acquisition unit 11 and the control unit 12 is stored.

[0040] Memory 103 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically-EPROM), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD, etc.

[0041] Some of the functions of the acquisition unit 11 and the control unit 12 included in the device control device 10 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and some may be realized by software or firmware. For example, the acquisition unit 11 realizes its functions by a processing circuit 101 which is dedicated hardware, and the control unit 12 realizes its functions by a processor 102 reading and executing a program stored in a memory 103. In this way, the processing circuit can realize the above functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0042] As described above, the equipment control device 10 according to the first embodiment includes an acquisition unit 11 that acquires operating state information related to the operating state of the showcase 20, and a control unit 12 that controls at least one of the showcase 20, the ventilation equipment 30 that ventilates the interior of the store in which the showcase 20 is installed, and the air conditioner 40 that air-conditions the interior of the store in which the showcase 20 is installed, based on the operating state information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Therefore, the equipment control device 10 can centrally control the ventilation equipment 30, the air conditioner 40, and refrigeration or freezing equipment such as the showcase 20.

[0043] Embodiment 2 A device control device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 9. Note that components having similar functions to those described in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a device control system to which the device control apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 2 is applied. The device control system according to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 5 ventilates the inside of the store where the showcase 20 is installed based on the operating state of the showcase 20. The device control system includes a device control apparatus 10, a showcase 20, a ventilation device 30, and an air conditioner 40.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, an inverter type refrigerator 20a is built in the showcase 20. The refrigerator 20a is set in advance to a predetermined set temperature (refrigeration temperature or freezing temperature). The refrigerator 20a has a heat exchange unit, and performs heat exchange with the outside air sucked in through the heat exchange unit to discharge cold air. The showcase 20 also has an intake air temperature detection unit 21 and an internal temperature detection unit 22.

[0046] The intake air temperature detection unit 21 is provided at the intake port in the heat exchange unit of the refrigerator 20a. The intake air temperature detection unit 21 detects the temperature of the air sucked from the intake port of the heat exchange unit (hereinafter referred to as the intake air temperature). The intake port of the heat exchange unit opens at a position relatively close to the passage on the floor surface in the store. For this reason, it is considered that the intake air temperature of the heat exchange unit becomes higher as the number of users increases. When the number of users increases, it is necessary to ventilate the inside of the store. Further, the intake air temperature detection unit 21 outputs the detected intake air temperature to the acquisition unit 11 of the device control apparatus 10.

[0047] The internal temperature detection unit 22 is provided in the storage compartment of the showcase 20. The internal temperature detection unit 22 detects the temperature inside the storage compartment (hereinafter referred to as the internal temperature). Each time goods are taken in and out of the storage compartment of the showcase 20, a certain amount of outside air flows in. Also, the number of times of taking in and out goods is proportional to the number of users. For this reason, cooling of the storage compartment of the showcase 20 cannot catch up as the number of users increases, and the internal temperature thereof tends not to maintain the set temperature. Further, the internal temperature detection unit 22 outputs the detected internal temperature to the acquisition unit 11 of the device control apparatus 10.

[0048] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit 21 and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature detection unit 22. In addition, the acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired intake air temperature and inside temperature to the control unit 12.

[0049] When the control unit 12 acquires the intake air temperature and the inside temperature, it outputs a ventilation control signal to the ventilation equipment 30 and outputs an air conditioning control signal to the air conditioner 40. That is, the control unit 12 judges the intake air temperature and the inside temperature, which are the operating state information, according to predetermined conditions, and determines the operation control method to be implemented for the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40. The above-mentioned predetermined conditions include the business hours of the store, the time elapsed since the last ventilation, etc.

[0050] Specifically, the ventilation equipment 30 starts ventilation, but if there is no effective ventilation equipment 30 in the target area, or if the ventilation capacity is insufficient for the target area, the control unit 12 operates the air conditioner 40. At this time, if the air conditioner 40 is a ceiling-embedded indoor unit, the control unit 12 operates the air conditioner 40 by directing the airflow downward and setting the airflow to maximum.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 12 returns the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 to their original operating states before the start of control a predetermined period of time after the control unit 12 starts controlling the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40. This allows the control unit 12 to immediately return the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 in the store to their operating states before the control unit 12 starts controlling them after sufficient ventilation has been performed.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 12 returns the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 to their original operating states before the control started, and then starts controlling the freezer 20a of the showcase 20. Specifically, the control unit 12 lowers the set temperature set in the freezer 20a. This improves the cooling function of the showcase 20. There is a risk that the temperature inside the showcase 20 in question will rise due to ventilation in the store. Therefore, the control unit 12 improves the cooling function of the showcase 20.

[0053] Next, a device control method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the device control method according to the second embodiment.

[0054] In step ST21, the acquisition unit 11 shown in FIG. 5 acquires the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit 21 and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature detection unit 22.

[0055] 5 controls the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 based on the intake air temperature and the inside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 11. As a result, the inside of the store is ventilated.

[0056] In step ST23, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 was started, the control unit 12 returns the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 to their original operating states before the control was started.

[0057] In step ST24, the control unit 12 lowers the set temperature of the refrigerator 20a, thereby increasing the cooling function of the showcase 20.

[0058] Next, details of step ST22 shown in Fig. 6 (details of ventilation operation) will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a method of selecting a showcase 20 that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not ventilation operation is performed. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of selecting an air conditioner 40 that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not ventilation operation is performed. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a method of determining whether or not ventilation operation is performed.

[0059] First, in step ST61 in FIG. 7, the equipment control device 10 detects the number of showcases 20 in operation.

[0060] In step ST62, the equipment control device 10 detects the number of showcases 20 in operation whose internal temperatures, detected by the internal temperature detection units 22, are equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

[0061] In step ST63, the equipment control device 10 detects the number of the operating showcases 20 other than the showcase 20 in which the internal temperature becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, among the operating showcases 20, where the cooling load continues for n minutes with a cooling load equal to or higher than a predetermined load. The cooling load is the amount of heat determined from the refrigerant flow rate. Note that n is a natural number.

[0062] In step ST64, among the showcases 20 in which the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature and the cooling load continues for n minutes with a cooling load equal to or higher than the predetermined load, the equipment control device 10 detects the number of the showcases 20 in which the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit 21 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature.

[0063] Subsequently, in step ST71 in FIG. 8, the equipment control device 10 detects the number of the operating air conditioners 40.

[0064] In step ST72, the equipment control device 10 detects the number of the air conditioners 40 in which the operation load (cooling or heating load) continues for n minutes with a load equal to or higher than a predetermined load. Note that n is a natural number.

[0065] In step ST73, the equipment control device 10 detects the number of the air conditioners 40 in which the set temperature is lower than the intake air temperature and continues for n minutes.

[0066] Finally, in step ST81 in FIG. 9, the equipment control device 10 determines whether the sum of the number of the showcases 20 detected in step ST64, the number of the air conditioners 40 detected in step ST72, and the number of the air conditioners 40 detected in step ST73 exceeds a threshold value A, or whether the sum of the number of the showcases 20 detected in step ST62 and the number of the showcases 20 detected in step ST63 exceeds a threshold value B.

[0067] Here, if at least one of the cases where the sum of the numbers exceeds the threshold A and the case where the sum of the numbers exceeds the threshold B is satisfied (YES case), the operation of the device control device 10 proceeds to step ST82. On the other hand, if neither of the cases is satisfied (NO case), the operation of the device control device 10 repeats step ST81.

[0068] In step ST82, the equipment control device 10 controls the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 to ventilate the inside of the store in which the showcase 20 is installed.

[0069] As described above, in the equipment control device 10 according to the second embodiment, the showcase 20 has an intake air temperature detection unit 21 that detects the intake air temperature of the heat exchange unit in the freezer 20a built into the showcase 20, and an inside temperature detection unit 22 that detects the inside temperature of the storage compartment in the showcase 20. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit 21 and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature detection unit 22. The control unit 12 controls the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 based on the intake air temperature and the inside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Therefore, the equipment control device 10 can centrally control the ventilation equipment 30, the air conditioner 40, and refrigeration or freezing equipment such as the showcase 20.

[0070] In the equipment control device 10, the control unit 12 returns the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 to their original operating states before the start of control a predetermined period of time after the start of control of the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40. Therefore, after the store has been sufficiently ventilated, the equipment control device 10 can immediately return the ventilation equipment 30 and the air conditioner 40 to their original operating states before the start of control.

[0071] In the equipment control device 10, the control unit 12 lowers the set temperature set in the freezer 20a. Therefore, even if the temperature inside the showcase 20 rises due to ventilation in the store, the equipment control device 10 can improve the cooling function of the showcase 20 and set the temperature inside the showcase 20 appropriately.

[0072] Embodiment 3 A device control device 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Note that components having similar functions to those described in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an equipment control system to which an equipment control device 10 according to embodiment 3 is applied. The equipment control system according to embodiment 3 shown in Fig. 10 eliminates a cold aisle (cold air pocket) generated by a showcase 20 by air conditioning based on the operating state of the showcase 20. The equipment control system includes the equipment control device 10, the showcase 20, and an air conditioner 40.

[0074] As described above, the showcase 20 has an opening in the storage compartment. Therefore, in the showcase 20, cold air inside the storage compartment may leak out from the opening to the outside of the storage compartment. This may cause a cold aisle (cold air accumulation) near the passage located in front of the opening. In particular, in a showcase 20 in which the storage compartment is refrigerated or frozen by cold air from the freezer 20a, the cold aisle may cause discomfort to users.

[0075] The showcase 20 also has an intake air temperature detector 21 and an internal temperature detector 22. The intake port of the freezer 20a is opened at a position relatively close to the aisle on the floor of the store. For this reason, it is considered that the intake air temperature of the freezer 20a is close to the temperature felt by the user at his / her feet. The existence of a cold aisle is considered to be a state in which cold air leaks out from the storage compartment of the showcase 20 and stagnates near the aisle on the floor of the store.

[0076] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit 21 and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature detection unit 22. In addition, the acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired intake air temperature and inside temperature to the control unit 12.

[0077] When the control unit 12 receives the command signal, it outputs an air conditioning control signal to the air conditioner 40. That is, the control unit 12 judges the intake air temperature and the inside temperature, which are the operating state information, according to predetermined conditions, and determines the operation control method to be performed for the air conditioner 40. Therefore, the air conditioner 40 can agitate and eliminate stagnant cold aisles during cooling and heating.

[0078] Specifically, when the air conditioner 40 is operating in cooling mode, the control unit 12 switches the air direction of the air conditioner 40 to a direction effective for stirring the cold aisle and switches the air speed of the air conditioner 40 to a wind speed effective for stirring the cold aisle while maintaining the cooling set temperature of the air conditioner 40 as is. Alternatively, the control unit 12 changes the operation of the air conditioner 40 from cooling operation to blowing operation. Note that, when the temperature inside the store rises due to stirring the cold aisle by the air conditioner 40 during the blowing operation, the control unit 12 switches the operation of the air conditioner 40 to cooling operation.

[0079] On the other hand, when the air conditioner 40 is operating in heating mode, the control unit 12 switches the air direction of the air conditioner 40 to a direction effective for mixing the cold aisle while maintaining the heating setting temperature of the air conditioner 40 at the same temperature, and switches the air speed of the air conditioner 40 to a wind speed effective for mixing the cold aisle.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 12 outputs an air conditioning control signal to the air conditioner 40, and when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous defrosting of the storage compartment of the showcase 20, the control unit 12 circulates the refrigerant in the showcase 20 while circulating air heated by a heater or the like in the showcase 20. Thus, the control unit 12 can periodically defrost the showcase 20. At this time, the control unit 12 promotes defrosting of the showcase 20 by operating the air conditioner 40 in a blowing operation.

[0081] Next, a device control method according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the device control method according to the third embodiment.

[0082] In step ST31, the acquisition unit 11 shown in FIG. 10 acquires the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit 21 and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature detection unit 22.

[0083] 10 controls the air conditioner 40 based on the intake air temperature and the inside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 11. As a result, the cold aisle is mixed and eliminated.

[0084] In step ST33, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous defrosting of the storage compartment of the showcase 20, the control unit 12 stops the circulation of the refrigerant in the showcase 20 and circulates heated air in the showcase 20. As a result, the showcase 20 is defrosted.

[0085] As described above, in the equipment control device 10 according to the third embodiment, the showcase 20 has an intake air temperature detection unit 21 that detects the intake air temperature of the heat exchange unit in the freezer 20a built into the showcase 20, and an inside temperature detection unit 22 that detects the inside temperature of the storage unit in the showcase 20. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit 21 and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature detection unit 22. The control unit 12 controls the air conditioner 40 based on the intake air temperature and the inside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Therefore, the equipment control device 10 can centrally control the ventilation device 30, the air conditioner 40, and the refrigeration or freezing device such as the showcase 20. As a result, the equipment control device 10 can mix and eliminate the cold aisle caused by the cold air leaking from the showcase 20.

[0086] In the equipment control device 10, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous defrosting of the storage compartment of the showcase 20, the control unit 12 performs defrosting control by stopping the circulation of the refrigerant in the showcase 20. Therefore, the control unit 12 can efficiently perform defrosting of the showcase 20.

[0087] In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, the embodiments may be freely combined, or any of the components in each embodiment may be modified, or any of the components in each embodiment may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10 equipment control device, 11 acquisition unit, 12 control unit, 20 showcase, 20a refrigeration unit, 21 intake air temperature detection unit, 22 inside temperature detection unit, 30 ventilation equipment, 40 air conditioner, 101 processing circuit, 102 processor, 103 memory, 104 input interface, 105 output interface.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit for acquiring operation state information relating to an operation state of the showcase; a control unit that controls at least one of the showcase, a ventilation device that ventilates the interior of the store in which the showcase is installed, and an air conditioner that air-conditions the interior of the store in which the showcase is installed, based on the operating state information acquired by the acquisition unit, The showcase is an intake temperature detection unit that is provided at an intake port of a heat exchange unit of a refrigerator built into the showcase, the intake temperature detection unit being open toward an aisle on a floor surface of the store and that detects an intake temperature, which is the temperature of air sucked through the intake port; A cabinet temperature detection unit for detecting a cabinet temperature in the showcase, The acquisition unit is The intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature detection unit are acquired; The control unit is The display case and at least one of the ventilation device and the air conditioner are controlled based on the intake air temperature and the inside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit. An equipment control device comprising:

2. The control unit is After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since control of the ventilation equipment and the air conditioner was started, the ventilation equipment and the air conditioner are returned to their original operating states before the control was started.

2. The device control device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is Lower the temperature setting of the refrigerator 3. The device control device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit is When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous defrosting of the container of the showcase, the circulation of the refrigerant in the showcase is stopped to perform defrosting control.

2. The device control device according to claim 1 .

5. The acquisition unit acquires operation state information regarding an operation state of the showcase, a control unit controls at least one of the showcase, a ventilation device that ventilates the interior of the store in which the showcase is installed, and an air conditioner that air-conditions the interior of the store in which the showcase is installed, based on the operating state information acquired by the acquisition unit; The showcase is an intake temperature detection unit that is provided at an intake port of a heat exchange unit of a refrigerator built into the showcase, the intake temperature detection unit being open toward an aisle on a floor surface of the store and that detects an intake temperature, which is the temperature of air sucked through the intake port; A cabinet temperature detection unit for detecting a cabinet temperature in the showcase, The acquisition unit is The intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature detection unit are acquired; The control unit is The display case and at least one of the ventilation device and the air conditioner are controlled based on the intake air temperature and the inside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit.

23. A device control method comprising:

6. Computer, an acquisition unit for acquiring operation state information relating to an operation state of the showcase; a program for causing the computer to function as a control unit that controls at least one of the showcase, a ventilation device that ventilates the interior of the store in which the showcase is installed, and an air conditioner that air-conditions the interior of the store in which the showcase is installed, based on the operating state information acquired by the acquisition unit, The showcase is an intake temperature detection unit that is provided at an intake port of a heat exchange unit of a refrigerator built into the showcase, the intake temperature detection unit being open toward an aisle on a floor surface of the store and that detects an intake temperature, which is the temperature of air sucked through the intake port; A cabinet temperature detection unit for detecting a cabinet temperature in the showcase, The acquisition unit is The intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature detection unit and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature detection unit are acquired; The control unit is The display case and at least one of the ventilation device and the air conditioner are controlled based on the intake air temperature and the inside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit. A program characterized by:

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