Refrigerator control system and refrigerator control method

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator control system capable of preventing execution of a specified function of a refrigerator from being hindered due to execution of defrosting operation.SOLUTION: A refrigerator control system according to an embodiment includes an estimated defrosting time calculating section for calculating an estimated defrosting time at a defrosting necessity determination time point with the usage of an estimation model, a defrosting operation control section for executing defrosting operation when the estimated defrosting time at the defrosting necessity determination time point is equal to or larger than a threshold, a non-use time zone recognizing section for recognizing a non-use time zone in which it is estimated that possibility of using a specified function of a refrigerator is low, and a threshold setting section for setting a plurality of thresholds related to necessity determination of execution of the defrosting operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator control system and a refrigerator control method for controlling a refrigerator that performs a defrosting operation.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a defrosting device for a refrigerator that determines whether to extend the defrosting start timing when the integrated operation time of a compressor reaches a certain time. The defrosting device determines that there is no need for a defrosting operation and delays the defrosting start timing by a certain time when the door is not open, forced operation is not being performed, and the estimated outside air temperature is within a predetermined temperature range. Further, when the door is not open and forced operation is not being performed at the defrosting start timing at the end of the extension operation, the defrosting device performs the operation of delaying the defrosting start timing by a certain time a predetermined number of times. Patent Document 2 discloses a refrigerator that delays the start of a defrosting operation so that the defrosting operation is not performed during a power load peak. Patent Document 3 discloses a refrigerator that determines the start of a defrosting operation based on whether the heat load is greater than or equal to a heat load threshold so that the defrosting operation is not performed when cooling should be prioritized. Patent Document 4 discloses a refrigerator that does not perform defrosting when performing a specific cooling control (low-temperature cooling control), and also switches to an energy-saving mode according to the user's operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0004] This disclosure provides a refrigerator control system that prevents the execution of specific functions of a refrigerator from being hindered by the execution of a defrosting operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The refrigerator control system in this disclosure includes: an operating status data acquisition unit that acquires operating status data indicating the operating status of the refrigerator, detected by a detection unit provided in the refrigerator at a predetermined sampling period, and stores it in a first storage unit; a learning data acquisition unit that, when a defrosting operation is performed to remove frost attached to the refrigerator's cooler by activating the heating unit of the refrigerator, acquires learning data including predetermined feature quantities and the time required for the current defrosting operation, based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit, between the time the previous defrosting operation was completed and the time required for the current defrosting operation, and stores it in a second storage unit; and based on the learning data... The refrigerator comprises: an estimated defrost time calculation unit that calculates the estimated defrost time using an estimation model that outputs the estimated time required for the defrost operation, assuming that the defrost operation is performed, as the estimated defrost time, based on the input data relating to the feature quantity based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit; a defrost operation control unit that performs the defrost operation when the estimated defrost time at a predetermined defrost necessity determination point is equal to or greater than a threshold; an unused time period recognition unit that recognizes unused time periods, which are estimated to be periods when the likelihood of a specific function of the refrigerator being used is low; and a threshold setting unit that sets a plurality of thresholds relating to the determination of whether or not to perform the defrost operation. The plurality of thresholds include a first threshold and a second threshold, and the threshold setting unit sets the threshold for time periods other than the non-use period as the first threshold, sets the threshold for time periods during the non-use period as the second threshold, and sets the second threshold to a value that indicates a shorter time than the first threshold. ru.

[0006] The refrigerator control method in this disclosure is a refrigerator control method performed by a computer, comprising: an operating status data acquisition step of storing operating status data indicating the operating status of the refrigerator detected by a detection unit provided in the refrigerator at a predetermined sampling period in a first storage unit; and a learning data acquisition step of storing learning data in a second storage unit, which includes predetermined feature quantities and the time required for the current defrosting operation, based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit between the time the previous defrosting operation was completed and the time required for the current defrosting operation, when a defrosting operation is performed by activating the heating unit to remove frost attached to the cooler, and the learning data The system includes: an estimated defrost time calculation step that calculates the estimated defrost time using an estimation model that outputs the estimated time required for the defrost operation as the estimated defrost time, assuming that the defrost operation is performed based on the input data relating to the feature quantity based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit; a defrost operation control step that performs the defrost operation when the estimated defrost time at a predetermined defrost necessity determination point is equal to or greater than a threshold; an unused time period recognition step that recognizes unused time periods which are estimated to be periods when the likelihood of a specific function of the refrigerator being used is low; and a threshold setting step that sets multiple thresholds relating to the determination of whether or not to perform the defrost operation. The plurality of thresholds include a first threshold and a second threshold, the threshold setting step sets the threshold for time periods other than the non-use period as the first threshold, the threshold for time periods other than the non-use period as the second threshold, and the threshold setting step sets the second threshold to a value that represents a shorter time than the first threshold. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the refrigerator control system of this disclosure, an estimated defrost time is calculated based on the actual operating conditions of each refrigerator, using an estimation model generated based on training data that has learned the operating conditions of each refrigerator. When the estimated defrost time is above a threshold, the defrost operation is performed. In addition, multiple thresholds are set for determining whether or not to perform the defrost operation, so that the defrost operation is more likely to be performed during periods of non-use when the refrigerator's specific functions are unlikely to be used. This makes it possible to prevent the execution of a specific function from being hindered by the defrost operation when the user wants to use that function of the refrigerator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Diagram illustrating the control method by the refrigerator control system in the embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a refrigerator in an embodiment. [Figure 3] Configuration diagram of the refrigerator control system in the embodiment [Figure 4] Diagram illustrating the process of generating training data in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the generation process of the estimation formula in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the recognition process of unused time periods in the embodiment. [Figure 7] First flowchart relating to the refrigerator-side processing in the embodiment [Figure 8] Second flowchart relating to the refrigerator-side processing in the embodiment [Figure 9] Flowchart relating to the server device side processing in the embodiment [Figure 10] Timing chart of defrosting operation in the embodiment [Figure 11] Timing chart of threshold switching in the embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, defrosting in refrigerators was performed at an execution timing determined by the cumulative operating time of the compressor or the time the door was opened and closed, using the same estimation formula common to all refrigerators.

[0010] However, if the same estimation formula common to all refrigerators is used, defrosting is performed without considering the circumstances under which the refrigerator is used (for example, the type and amount of food stored in the refrigerator used by a single person, DEWKs (Double Employed With Kids), DINKS (Double Income No Kids), or large family, as well as the duration of door opening and closing) and the influence of the surrounding environment. As a result, defrosting may be performed more frequently than necessary, increasing the power consumption of the refrigerator and potentially increasing the impact on food due to temperature fluctuations inside the refrigerator. Furthermore, the inventors discovered that if a refrigerator is equipped with a specific function that increases the cooling capacity of the freezer beyond normal operation (for example, a rapid freezing function), the use of this specific function is prevented even if the user wants to use it while defrosting is being performed. The subject matter of this disclosure was created to solve this problem. Therefore, this disclosure provides a refrigerator control system that can suppress the execution of defrosting operations more frequently than necessary, while also suppressing the interference of the use of specific functions of the refrigerator due to the execution of defrosting operations.

[0011] Examples of embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment) Examples of embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 11. [1. Control Modes] First, with reference to Figure 1, the control mode of the refrigerator 10 in the refrigerator control system 1 of the embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the control mode by the refrigerator control system 1 in the embodiment of this disclosure. The refrigerator control system 1 comprises a refrigerator 10 to be controlled and a server device 100. The refrigerator 10 is installed, for example, in a house H and is configured to communicate with the server device 100 via a gateway 5 and a communication network 200.

[0013] Here, for the sake of explanation, only one refrigerator 10 is shown in Figure 1, but the server device 100 may be configured to communicate with multiple refrigerators. In this case, the server device 100 and each of the multiple refrigerators constitute the refrigerator control system 1.

[0014] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the refrigerator 10 in the refrigerator control system 1 of this embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the refrigerator 10 of the refrigerator control system 1 of this embodiment includes a refrigerator compartment 11, a switching compartment 14, an ice-making compartment 16, a freezer compartment 18, and a vegetable compartment 20. The front opening of the refrigerator compartment 11 is provided with a rotating right door 12 and a left door 13. The switching compartment 14, ice-making compartment 16, freezer compartment 18, and vegetable compartment 20 are provided with drawers 15, 17, 19, and 21, respectively.

[0015] The control unit 60 in the refrigerator 10 controls the operation of the refrigerator 10. The control unit 60 also functions as a detection unit that detects the operating status DRS of the refrigerator 10 at a predetermined sampling period (for example, 5 minutes). The control unit 60 also transmits operating status data indicating the detected operating status DRS to the server device 100. The control unit 60 also functions as a defrosting operation control unit that performs a defrosting operation to remove frost accumulated on the cooler 51, which will be described later. The control unit 60 also transmits actual defrosting time data indicating the time required when the defrosting operation is performed (actual defrosting time RDFT) to the server device 100.

[0016] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the refrigerator control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the server device 100 generates an estimation formula to calculate the estimated time required for defrosting (estimated defrosting time EDFT) assuming that defrosting is performed, based on learning data generated from operating status data and actual defrosting time data. The server device 100, or the control unit 60 of the refrigerator 10, then calculates the estimated defrosting time EDFT(tm) at a predetermined defrosting necessity determination time tm using the estimation formula. Figure 1 illustrates a case in which the server device 100 calculates the estimated defrosting time EDFT(tm) and transmits it to the refrigerator 10.

[0017] The estimation formula is customized for the refrigerator 10 by learning operating data that reflects the usage of the refrigerator 10 in house H. The control unit 60 of the refrigerator 10 executes a defrosting operation when it determines that the estimated defrosting time EDFT(tm) is above a threshold. In this case, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(tm) is calculated by the estimation formula based on operating data that reflects the actual usage of the refrigerator 10. Therefore, depending on the usage of each refrigerator 10, the defrosting operation can be executed at an appropriate timing when the estimated defrosting time EDFT(tm) is above a threshold, which is estimated to be when the amount of frost attached to the evaporator has exceeded the amount that requires defrosting.

[0018] [2. Refrigerator configuration] Referring to Figure 2, the configuration of the refrigerator 10 of the refrigerator control system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 10 as seen from the right side when the refrigerator 10 is viewed from the front. The refrigerator 10 comprises the control unit 60 described above, a compressor 50, a cooler 51, a condenser 52, and a cooling fan 53, which are auxiliary components constituting the refrigeration cycle. The refrigerator 10 also includes a defrost heater 55 that heats the cooler 51 and a cooler temperature sensor 43 that detects the temperature of the cooler 51, both located near the cooler 51. The defrost heater 55 corresponds to the heating unit in this disclosure.

[0019] The refrigerator compartment 11 is equipped with a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40 for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11, an open / close sensor 30 for detecting the opening and closing of the right door 12, and an open / close sensor 31 for detecting the opening and closing of the left door 13. The right door 12 is equipped with an external temperature sensor 42 for detecting the temperature outside the refrigerator 10 (the temperature of the room in which the refrigerator 10 is placed) and an external illuminance sensor 44 for detecting the illuminance outside the refrigerator (the illuminance of the room in which the refrigerator 10 is placed).

[0020] The switching compartment 14 is equipped with an opening / closing sensor 32 for detecting the opening and closing of drawer 15, and the ice-making compartment 16 is equipped with an opening / closing sensor 33 for detecting the opening and closing of drawer 17. The freezer compartment 18 is equipped with an opening / closing sensor 34 for detecting the opening and closing of drawer 19, and the vegetable compartment 20 is equipped with an opening / closing sensor 35 for detecting the opening and closing of drawer 21.

[0021] The refrigerator compartment 11, the switching compartment 14, the ice-making compartment 16, the freezer compartment 18, and the vegetable compartment 20 correspond to the storage compartments of the refrigerator 10 of the disclosure. The opening / closing sensors 30-35 correspond to the opening / closing sensors that detect the opening and closing of the openings of the storage compartments of the refrigerator 10 of the disclosure. The external illuminance sensor 44 detects the illuminance around the refrigerator 10 (illuminance of the room in which the refrigerator 10 is placed).

[0022] [3. Refrigerator Control System Configuration] The configuration of the refrigerator control system 1 in the embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the learning data generation process in the embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the estimation formula generation process in the embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the recognition process of unused time periods in the embodiment of this disclosure. The control unit 60 of the refrigerator 10 has a refrigerator processor 70 and a refrigerator memory 80. The control unit 60 communicates with the server device 100 by wireless communication via a refrigerator communication unit 90. The control unit 60 is connected to open / close sensors 30 to 35, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, a vegetable compartment temperature sensor 41, an external temperature sensor 42, a cooler temperature sensor 43, and an external illuminance sensor 44, and detection signals from these sensors are input to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 is also connected to refrigeration cycle auxiliary equipment 50 to 53 and a defrost heater 55, and controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle auxiliary equipment 50 to 53 and the defrost heater 55 by control signals output from the control unit 60. The refrigerator memory 80 corresponds to the first storage unit of this disclosure.

[0023] In the refrigerator control system 1 of this embodiment, the refrigerator processor 70 reads and executes the refrigerator program 81 stored in the refrigerator memory 80, thereby functioning as an operating status data acquisition unit 71, a defrost operation control unit 72, a threshold setting unit 73, an estimated defrost time calculation unit 74, and an unused time period recognition unit 75. The operating status data acquisition unit 71, the defrost operation control unit 72, the threshold setting unit 73, the estimated defrost time calculation unit 74, and the unused time period recognition unit 75 may be implemented separately from the refrigerator processor 70 by independent processors, memories, and programs, etc. The operating status data acquisition unit 71 detects the operating status of the refrigerator 10 every predetermined sampling period (for example, 5 minutes).

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the operating status data acquisition unit 71 detects the following as the operating status DRS: the refrigerator compartment temperature PcT detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, the external temperature AtT detected by the external temperature sensor 42, the vegetable compartment temperature VcT detected by the vegetable compartment temperature sensor 41, the time DrO (total time in each sampling period) during which any of the right door 12, left door 13, drawer 15 of the switching compartment 14, drawer 17 of the ice making compartment 16, drawer 19 of the freezer compartment 18, or drawer 21 of the vegetable compartment 20 was open, as detected by the opening / closing sensors 30-35, and the rotational speed CpR (total rotational speed in each sampling period).

[0025] The operating status data acquisition unit 71 then stores the operating status data indicating these operating status DRS in the refrigerator memory 80. In Figure 3, the operating status data stored in the refrigerator memory 80 is shown as operating status data 82. The operating status data acquisition unit 71 also transmits the operating status data to the server device 100. The rotational speed of the compressor 50 may be detected by a rotational speed sensor (not shown) that detects the rotational speed of the compressor 50, or a control rotational speed for controlling the rotational speed of the compressor 50 may be used as the detected value of the rotational speed of the compressor 50. Here, the configuration for detecting the rotational speed of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, the vegetable compartment temperature sensor 41, the outside temperature sensor 42, the opening / closing sensors 30-35, and the compressor 50 corresponds to the detection unit of this disclosure.

[0026] The defrosting operation control unit 72 activates the defrosting heater 55 to remove frost attached to the cooler 51 when it determines that the estimated defrosting time at a predetermined defrosting necessity determination point is above a threshold. The defrosting operation control unit 72 completes the defrosting operation when the temperature detected by the cooler temperature sensor 43 becomes above the defrosting completion temperature. The defrosting completion temperature is set to, for example, 10°C or higher, assuming the temperature at which the frost attached to the cooler 51 will completely melt. The defrosting operation control unit 72 transmits actual defrosting time data, which indicates the time required for the defrosting operation (actual defrosting time RDFT), to the server device 100.

[0027] The point at which defrosting is deemed necessary is set to the time when a first predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) has elapsed since the completion of the previous defrosting operation, or at the time when a third predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) has elapsed after a second predetermined time (e.g., 2 hours) has elapsed since the completion of the previous defrosting operation. The estimated defrosting time is the time required for the defrosting operation if it were to be performed, and is calculated by the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74. The estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 is determined at the defrosting necessity determination point t m Estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m This is calculated using estimation formula (1), which will be described later. Details of estimation formula (1) will be described later.

[0028] The unused time period recognition unit 75 recognizes as unused time periods periods periods during which it is assumed that the rapid freezing function (corresponding to the specified function in this disclosure) provided in the refrigerator 10 is unlikely to be used. The specified function is not limited to the rapid freezing function and can be any function whose execution is prevented by the execution of defrosting operation. The rapid freezing function is a function that increases the cooling capacity compared to normal operation, and specifically performs processes such as increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 compared to normal operation. Now, with reference to Figure 6, the unused time period recognition process by the unused time period recognition unit 75 will be described.

[0029] The unused time period recognition unit 75 detects the open / close status of the right door 12, left door 13, and drawers 15, 17, 19, and 21 at a predetermined sampling period using open / close sensors 30 to 35. The unused time period recognition unit 75 measures the number of times the right door 12, left door 13, and drawers 15, 17, 19, and 21 are opened and closed in one-hour time periods (for example, 0:00-1:00, 1:00-2:00, ..., 23:00-24:00, etc.), and sums up the number of times each time period is opened and closed on a weekly basis.

[0030] In this embodiment, the unused time period recognition unit 75 refers to measurement data of the number of openings and closings detected by the opening / closing sensors 30-35 for the past three weeks for each day of the week. Figure 6 shows the measurement data of the number of openings and closings detected by the opening / closing sensors 30-35 for the past three weeks for a given day of the week, with time periods where the number of openings and closings is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 2 times) indicated by diagonal lines. The unused time period recognition unit 75 recognizes the time periods in which the number of openings and closings is less than a predetermined value (for example, 1:00 to 7:00 in the example shown in Figure 6) as unused time periods from the measurement data for the past three weeks. Note that the measurement data referred to by the unused time period recognition unit 75 is not limited to the measurement data for the past three weeks, but may also be measurement data for the past one month or three months. Furthermore, the unused time period recognition unit 75 may recognize multiple time periods in which the number of openings and closings is less than a predetermined value and assign a priority to the multiple unused time periods. For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, the period from 1:00 to 7:00, which has the fewest opening and closing cycles, is given the highest priority for unused time slots, from 0:00 to 7:00 is given the second highest priority, and from 23:00 to 7:00 is given the third highest priority. Among the multiple unused time slots recognized by the unused time slot recognition unit 75, a second threshold Lv2 may be set by the threshold setting unit 73, which will be described later, so that defrosting operation is more likely to be performed during the unused time slots with the highest priority.

[0031] The unused time period recognition unit 75 may recognize unused time periods based on the illuminance around the refrigerator 10 detected by the external illuminance sensor 44, in addition to the opening and closing status of the right door 12, left door 13, and drawers 15, 17, 19, 21 detected by the opening and closing sensors 30-35. In this case, the unused time period recognition unit 75 recognizes unused time periods as periods during which the illuminance detected by the external illuminance sensor 44 is below a predetermined level (for example, at night when the lights in the room where the refrigerator 10 is placed are turned off) for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0032] The threshold setting unit 73 sets the threshold value in time zones other than the non - use time zone to the first threshold value Lv1, and sets the threshold value in the non - use time zone to the second threshold value Lv2 (<Lv1) indicating a shorter time than the first threshold value Lv1. The first threshold value Lv1 is set based on the data of the required time (actual defrosting time) and the interval of the defrosting operations executed in the past so that the interval at which the defrosting operation is executed becomes a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours). The threshold setting unit 73 sets the first threshold value Lv1 according to the size of the cooler 51, the capacity of the defrost heater 55, the detected temperature of the outdoor temperature sensor 42, the electricity tariff system of the house H, etc. The first threshold value Lv1 is set to, for example, 40 minutes. Also, among the plurality of non - use time zones recognized by the non - use time zone recognition unit 75, the threshold setting unit 73 sets the second threshold value Lv2 of the non - use time zone with a higher priority to be lower (shorter time (for example, 35 minutes)) than the second threshold value Lv2 of the non - use time zone with a lower priority so that the defrosting operation is more likely to be executed in the non - use time zone with a higher priority.

[0033] The threshold setting unit 73 may learn the past operation status data (execution date and time of the defrosting operation, actual defrosting time RDFT, etc.) and set the second threshold value Lv2. For example, when the second threshold value Lv2 is set to 38 minutes, the defrosting operation is not executed in the non - use time zone, and the defrosting operation is executed outside the non - use time zone where the specific function of the refrigerator 10 is likely to be used. On the other hand, when the second threshold value Lv2 is set to 35 minutes, the threshold setting unit 73 learns from the past operation status data that the defrosting operation is executed in the non - use time zone, and may set the second threshold value Lv2 to 35 minutes so that the defrosting operation is more likely to be executed in the non - use time zone.

[0034] Also, the threshold setting unit 73 may update the second threshold value Lv2 based on the detected temperature by the outdoor temperature sensor 42, etc. at a predetermined update timing (for example, every three months).

[0035] Also, when the defrosting operation is executed by the defrosting operation control unit 72 in a time zone other than the non - use time zone, the threshold setting unit 73 may perform processing such as setting the second threshold value Lv2 to an even shorter time in order to make the defrosting operation more likely to be executed in the non - use time zone.

[0036] The server device 100 is a computer system comprising a server processor 110, server memory 120, server communication unit 130, etc., and communicates with the refrigerator 10 via a communication network 200 using the server communication unit 130. In the refrigerator control system 1 of this embodiment, the server processor 110 functions as a learning data acquisition unit 111 and an estimation model generation unit 112 by reading and executing a server program 121 stored in the server memory 120. The learning data acquisition unit 111 and the estimation model generation unit 112 may be implemented separately from the server processor 110 by independent processors, memories, programs, etc. The server memory 120 corresponds to the first storage unit and the second storage unit of this disclosure.

[0037] The learning data acquisition unit 111 sequentially saves the operating status data and actual defrost time data transmitted from the refrigerator 10 to the server memory 120 (in Figure 3, the operating status data transmitted from the refrigerator 10 is shown as operating status data 122, and the actual defrost time data is shown as actual defrost time data 123). Then, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the learning data acquisition unit 111 generates learning data TRD from the operating status data showing the operating status DRS and the actual defrost time data stored in the server memory 120 and saves it to the server memory 120. In Figure 3, the learning data stored in the server memory 120 is shown as learning data 124.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the training data TRD is generated each time a defrosting operation is performed and includes the date and time of the defrosting operation, feature quantities, and the actual defrosting time RDFT. In this embodiment, the feature quantities include the average temperature PCC of the refrigerator compartment, the average temperature ATC of the outside compartment, the average temperature VCC of the vegetable compartment, the integrated value DOOR of the door open time, and the integrated value CMP of the compressor rotation speed.

[0039] The average refrigerator compartment temperature PCC is the average value of the refrigerator compartment temperature PcT acquired by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to the start of the current defrosting operation. The average external temperature ATC is the average value of the external temperature AtT acquired by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to the start of the current defrosting operation. The average vegetable compartment temperature VCC is the average value of the vegetable compartment temperature VcT acquired by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to the start of the current defrosting operation.

[0040] The integrated door open time value DOOR is the integrated value of DrO, which is the time during which any of the right door 12, left door 13, drawer 15 of the switching compartment 14, drawer 17 of the ice making compartment 16, drawer 19 of the freezer compartment 18, or drawer 21 of the vegetable compartment 20 was open, as acquired by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to the start of the current defrosting operation. The integrated compressor rotation speed value CMP is the integrated value of CpR, which is the rotation speed of the compressor 50, as acquired by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 during each sampling period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to the start of the current defrosting operation.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the estimation model generation unit 112 generates an estimation formula (estimation model) that outputs the estimated defrosting time EDFT for each feature input, based on the training data 124 (multiple training data TRD1, TRD2, ...) generated by the training data acquisition unit 111 and stored in the server memory 120. The estimation model generation unit 112 also updates the estimation formula when it is time for an update (for example, once a month).

[0042] In this embodiment, the estimation model generation unit 112 generates the following estimation formula (1) by calculating coefficients (slope) A, B, C, D, E between the actual defrosting time RDFT and each feature (PCC, ATC, VCC, DOOR, COMP, RDFT) through multiple regression analysis on multiple training data TRD. Note that weighting may be applied between coefficients A to E. EDFT(t)=A×PCC(t)+B×ATC(t)+C×VCC(t) +D×DOOR(t)+E×COMP(t)+F ·····(1) However, t: estimated time, PCC(t): average refrigerator compartment temperature corresponding to the period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to t, ATC(t): average external temperature corresponding to the period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to t, VCC(t): average vegetable compartment temperature corresponding to the period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to t, DOOR(t): cumulative door open time corresponding to the period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to t, COMP(t): cumulative compressor rotation speed corresponding to the period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to t, and F: adjustment value.

[0043] The estimation model generation unit 112 transmits estimation formula data, including the values ​​of the parameters of the generated estimation formula (in estimation formula (1), coefficients A to E and adjustment value F), to the refrigerator 10. The estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 of the refrigerator 10 receives the estimation formula data transmitted from the server device 100 and stores it in the refrigerator memory 80. In Figure 3, the estimation formula data stored in the refrigerator memory 80 is shown as estimation formula data 83.

[0044] The estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 of the refrigerator 10 described above calculates the time from the completion time of the previous defrosting operation to the time t when determining whether defrosting is necessary for the current operation. m Substitute the input data FQD for each feature (PCC, ATC, VCC, DOOR, COMP) corresponding to the period up to into estimation formula (1) to estimate the defrosting time EDFT(t m Calculate ).

[0045] [4. Processing on the refrigerator side] Referring to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, the processing on the refrigerator 10 side of the refrigerator control system 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 7 is a first flowchart related to the processing on the refrigerator 10 side in the embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a second flowchart related to the processing on the refrigerator 10 side in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The control unit 60 of the refrigerator 10 repeatedly executes the processing illustrated in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 8 during the operation of the refrigerator 10.

[0046] In step S1, the operation status data acquisition unit 71 determines whether a predetermined sampling period (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed. When it is determined that the predetermined sampling period has elapsed (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, when it is not determined in step S1 that the predetermined sampling period has elapsed (NO in step S1), the operation status data acquisition unit 71 repeats step S1 until it is determined that the predetermined sampling period has elapsed. In step S2, the operation status data acquisition unit 71 stores the operation status data indicating the operation status detected in the current sampling period in the refrigerator memory 80 and transmits it to the server device 100.

[0047] Also, in step S10, the defrost operation control unit 72 determines whether the defrost necessity determination time point t m has been reached. When it is determined that the defrost necessity determination time point t m has been reached (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the defrost necessity determination time point t m has been reached (NO in step S10), the defrost operation control unit 72 repeats step S10 until it is determined that the defrost necessity determination time point t m has been reached. The defrost necessity determination time point t m is set, for example, at the time when a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the completion time of the previous defrost operation. The defrost necessity determination time point t mThe predetermined time for this may be set based on the operating status data of the refrigerator 10 and the execution status of the defrosting operation of the refrigerator 10. Step S10 may be performed after step S12. In step S11, the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 calculates the time from the completion time of the previous defrosting operation to the time t of the decision on whether or not to perform the current defrosting. m Based on the driving conditions detected up to that point, the decision on whether or not defrosting is necessary was made at point t m Input data FQD(t) for each feature in m Calculate ).

[0048] In step S12, the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 calculates the input data FQD(t) related to each feature quantity. m ) is substituted into estimation formula (1) to calculate the estimated defrosting time EDFT. In step S13, the defrosting operation control unit 72 determines the predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m In this case, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m It is determined whether the value is above a threshold. Here, a predetermined defrosting requirement determination time t m The threshold referenced when the time is outside of the non-use period is the first threshold Lv1, and the predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m The threshold referenced when the system is in a non-use period is the second threshold, Level 2.

[0049] Then, in step S13, the defrosting operation control unit 72 determines the predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m In this case, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m If it is determined that the value is above the threshold (YES in step S13), the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, at a predetermined defrosting requirement determination time t m In this case, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m If it is not determined that the value is below the threshold (NO in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14 (see Figure 8). In step S30, the defrosting operation control unit 72 executes the defrosting operation. In step S31, the defrosting operation control unit 72 sends the actual defrosting time data, which indicates the time required for the defrosting operation (actual defrosting time RDFT), to the server device 100 and proceeds to step S3.

[0050] As shown in Figure 8, in step S14, the defrosting operation control unit 72 determines whether a predetermined waiting time (e.g., 1 minute) has elapsed for suspending the execution of the defrosting operation. If it is determined that the predetermined waiting time has elapsed (YES in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15. As a result, the execution of the defrosting operation is suspended until the predetermined waiting time has elapsed. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the predetermined waiting time has elapsed (NO in step S14), the defrosting operation control unit 72 repeats step S14 until it is determined that the predetermined waiting time has elapsed. In step S15, the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 calculates the next predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t from the completion time of the previous defrosting operation. m+1 Based on the operating status data detected up to that point, the next predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m+1 Input data FQD(t) for each feature in m+1 Calculate ).

[0051] In step S16, the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 calculates the input data FQD(t) related to each feature quantity. m+1 Substitute ) into estimation formula (1) and obtain the following predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m+1 Estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m+1 ) is calculated. In step S17, the defrosting operation control unit 72 determines the next predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m+1 In this case, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m+1 ) determines whether it is above the threshold.

[0052] Then, the defrosting operation control unit 72 determines the next predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t m+1 In this case, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m+1 If it is determined that the value is above the threshold (YES in step S17), the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the defrosting operation control unit 72 executes the defrosting operation. In step S19, the defrosting operation control unit 72 sends the actual defrosting time data, which indicates the actual defrosting time RDFT, to the server device 100, and the process proceeds to step S3 (see Figure 7).

[0053] On the other hand, at the next predetermined time t for determining whether defrosting is necessarym+1 In this case, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m+1 If it is determined that the value is below the threshold (NO in step S17), the defrosting operation control unit 72 returns to step S14 (see Figure 8). In this case, the execution of the defrosting operation is further suspended until the next predetermined hold time has elapsed.

[0054] In step S20 of Figure 7, the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 determines whether or not it has received the estimation formula data transmitted from the server device 100. If it determines that it has received the estimation formula data from the server device 100 (YES in step S20), it saves the estimation formula data in the refrigerator memory 80 and proceeds to step S3. The estimation formula (1) used to calculate the estimated defrosting time EDFT is updated based on the estimation formula data received from the server device 100. In Figure 3, the estimation formula data stored in the refrigerator memory 80 is shown as estimation formula data 83. On the other hand, if it is not determined that it has received the estimation formula data from the server device 100 (NO in step S20), the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 repeats step S20 until it determines that it has received the estimation formula data from the server device 100.

[0055] In step S40 of Figure 7, the unused time period recognition unit 75 determines whether or not it is time to recognize an unused time period. If it determines that the time to recognize an unused time period has been reached (YES in step S40), it proceeds to step S41. The time to recognize an unused time period is set, for example, once every three weeks. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the time to recognize an unused time period has been reached (NO in step S40), the unused time period recognition unit 75 repeats step S40 until it determines that the time to recognize an unused time period has been reached. In step S41, as described above with reference to Figure 6, the unused time period recognition unit 75 recognizes an unused time period based on the measurement data of the number of times the door has been opened and closed for the past three weeks, saves the unused time period data indicating the recognized unused time period in the refrigerator memory 80, and proceeds to step S3. In Figure 3, the unused time period data stored in the refrigerator memory 80 is shown as unused time period data 84.

[0056] In step S50 of Figure 7, the threshold setting unit 73 determines whether it is time to update the thresholds (first threshold Lv1, second threshold Lv2). If it determines that the threshold update timing has been reached (YES in step S50), it proceeds to step S51. The threshold update timing is set, for example, once every three weeks. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the threshold update timing has been reached (NO in step S50), the threshold setting unit 73 repeats step S50 until it determines that the threshold update timing has been reached. In step S51, the threshold setting unit 73 sets the first threshold Lv1 and the second threshold Lv2 based on the most recent past operating status data, as described above. The threshold setting unit 73 may update only one of the first threshold Lv1 and the second threshold Lv2. The threshold setting unit 73 stores the updated threshold data in the refrigerator memory 80. In Figure 3, the threshold data stored in the refrigerator memory 80 is shown as threshold data 85.

[0057] [5. Processing on the server side] Referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 9, the processing on the server device 100 side of the refrigerator control system 1 in the embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart relating to the processing on the server device 100 side in the embodiment of this disclosure. The server device 100 communicates with the refrigerator 10 and repeatedly executes the processing exemplified in the flowchart of Figure 9.

[0058] In step S100, the learning data acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not it has received the operating status data and actual defrost time data transmitted from the refrigerator 10. If it determines that the operating status data and actual defrost time data have been received (YES in step S100), it proceeds to step S101. In step S101, the learning data acquisition unit 111 saves the operating status data and actual defrost time data to the server memory 120. In Figure 3, the operating status data and actual defrost time data stored in the server memory 120 are shown as operating status data 122 and actual defrost time data 123, respectively. On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S100 that the operating status data transmitted from the refrigerator 10 has been received (NO in step S100), the learning data acquisition unit 111 repeats step S100 until it determines that the operating status data transmitted from the refrigerator 10 has been received.

[0059] Furthermore, in step S100, the learning data acquisition unit 111 determines whether it has received the operating status data and actual defrost time data transmitted from the refrigerator 10. If it determines that it has received the operating status data and actual defrost time data transmitted from the refrigerator 10 (YES in step S100), it proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the learning data acquisition unit 111 generates learning data from the operating status data and actual defrost time data, saves the generated learning data in the server memory 120, and proceeds to step S112. In Figure 3, the learning data stored in the server memory 120 is shown as learning data 124.

[0060] In step S112, the estimation model generation unit 112 determines whether it is time to update estimation formula (1). If it is determined that it is time to update estimation formula (1) (YES in step S112), the estimation model generation unit 112 proceeds to step S113, where it updates estimation formula (1). The timing for updating estimation formula (1) is set to, for example, once a month. Based on the training data for the past three months from the time the update timing is reached, the estimation model generation unit 112 updates estimation formula (1) by referring to Figure 5 and following the process described above.

[0061] In step S114, the estimation model generation unit 112 sends the updated estimation formula (1) data to the refrigerator 10 and proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if it is not determined that it is time to update the estimation formula (1) (NO in step S112), the estimation model generation unit 112 repeats step S112 until it is determined that it is time to update the estimation formula (1).

[0062] [6. Timing of defrosting operation] Referring to Figure 10, an example of the timing of defrosting operation will be described. Figure 10 is a timing chart of defrosting operation in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 10 shows the timing of defrosting operation execution on a common time axis t, from the time of defrosting necessity determination t m , and the time t when determining whether defrosting is necessary m Estimated defrosting time EDFT(t m This is shown along with the value of ).

[0063] In Figure 10, the defrosting necessity determination time t is an example of the defrosting necessity determination time t. 11 ,t 12 ,t 13 ,t 14 ,t 15 Estimated defrosting time EDFT(t 11 ),EDFT(t 12 ),EDFT(t 13 ),EDFT(t 14 ),EDFT(t 15Examples of these are shown. In addition, Figure 10 shows examples of a predetermined time Tw from the completion of the defrosting operation to the next predetermined time for determining whether defrosting is necessary, and a predetermined hold time Th for suspending the defrosting operation.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 10, the time t for determining whether defrosting is necessary is as follows: 11 So, what is the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t 11 Since the threshold value is above the threshold, defrosting is being performed. On the other hand, at the time of determining whether defrosting is necessary t 12 So, what is the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t 12 Since ) is below the threshold, the defrosting operation will be performed at the next predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t after the hold time Th has elapsed. m+1 It is t 13 It remains pending until then. And, in the example shown in Figure 10, the decision on whether or not defrosting is necessary is made at point t. 13 However, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t 13 Since ) is below the threshold, the defrosting operation will be performed at the next predetermined defrosting necessity determination time t, which is after a predetermined holding time Th has elapsed. 14 It remains on hold until further notice.

[0065] Determining the necessity of defrosting t 14 So, what is the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t 14 Since the temperature is above the threshold, defrosting is performed. In the example shown in Figure 10, the interval between defrosting operations is extended from Tw to Tw + Th × 2. By extending the interval between defrosting operations in this way, the frequency of defrosting operations can be reduced. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the increase in power consumption of the refrigerator 10 and the rise in temperature inside the refrigerator 10 caused by frequent defrosting operations.

[0066] [7. Threshold switching timing] Referring to Figure 11, the switching timing of the first threshold Lv1 and the second threshold Lv2 will be explained. Figure 11 is a timing chart of threshold switching in the embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 11 shows the threshold switching timing along with the defrosting necessity determination time tm, the defrosting operation execution time, and the non-use period, using a common time axis t.

[0067] In Figure 11, the defrosting necessity determination time t is an example of the defrosting necessity determination time t. 21 ,t 22 ,t 23 ,t 24 ,t 25 t 26 is the estimated defrost time EDFT(t 21 ),EDFT(t 22 ),EDFT(t 23 ),EDFT(t 24 ),EDFT(t 25 ), EDFT(t 26 Examples are provided for each of these. In the example shown in Figure 11, the unused time period is set from 1:00 to 7:00, and the threshold is set to the first threshold Lv1 during the time period from 7:00 to 1:00 the next day, which is outside the unused time period. The threshold during the unused time period is set to the second threshold Lv2 (< first threshold Lv1), which is shorter than the first threshold Lv1.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 11, t during the non-use period 21 Estimated defrosting time EDFT(t 21 Since the second threshold Lv2 or higher, defrosting operation is being performed. On the other hand, the decision point t for whether defrosting is necessary during the period other than the unused period is being made. 22 ,t 23 So, what is the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t 22 ),EDFT(t 23 Since the time limit is less than the first threshold Lv1, which is set to be longer than the second threshold Lv2, the defrosting operation will not be performed.

[0069] The next predetermined time for determining whether defrosting is necessary is t m+1 The point at which defrosting is deemed necessary is t 24This is within the non-use period, and in the example shown in Figure 11, the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t 24 Since the second threshold Lv2 or higher, defrosting operation is being performed. The subsequent decision point for whether defrosting is necessary during time periods other than non-use periods is t 25 ,t 26 So, what is the estimated defrosting time EDFT(t 25 ),EDFT(t 26 Since the first threshold level is below Lv1, defrosting operation is not being performed.

[0070] In this way, by setting the threshold for unused time periods (second threshold Lv2) to a shorter time than the threshold for non-unused time periods (first threshold Lv1), defrosting operations are more likely to be performed during unused time periods, and defrosting operations can be avoided during non-unused time periods. This prevents the execution of specific refrigerator functions (e.g., rapid freezing function) from being hindered by conflicts with the timing of defrosting operations when such functions are required during non-unused time periods.

[0071] (Other embodiments) As described above, embodiments have been explained as examples of the technical concept disclosed in this application. However, the technical concept in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can also be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added to, or omitted. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 was described as being provided in the refrigerator 10, but the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 may also be provided in the server device 100. In this case, the estimated defrosting time data calculated by the server device 100 is transmitted from the server device 100 to the refrigerator 10. The unused time period recognition unit 75 may also be provided in the server device 100. In this case, the unused time period data recognized by the server device 100 is transmitted from the server device 100 to the refrigerator 10.

[0073] If the estimated defrosting time calculation unit 74 is provided in the server device 100, a communication failure between the refrigerator 10 and the server device 100 will result in the refrigerator 10 being unable to recognize the estimated defrosting time. In this case, the defrosting operation control unit 72 on the refrigerator 10 will determine the defrosting necessity at the time t m However, if the setting is such that a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) has elapsed since the completion of the previous defrosting operation, the system will execute the defrosting operation when it is time to determine whether the next defrosting is necessary, without determining whether the estimated defrosting time (EDFT) is above or below a threshold.

[0074] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the learning data acquisition unit 111 and the estimation model generation unit 112 are provided by the server device 100, the learning data acquisition unit 111 and the estimation model generation unit 112 may also be provided by the refrigerator 10.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the average temperature PCC of the refrigerator compartment, the average temperature ATC of the outside compartment, the average temperature VCC of the vegetable compartment, the integrated door open time DOOR, and the integrated compressor rotation speed CMP were used as examples of features for calculating the estimated defrost time EDFT. However, any features that are highly correlated with the time required for defrosting operation may be used, and features other than the five listed above may also be adopted. Furthermore, the features to be adopted may be selected according to the usage conditions of each refrigerator.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the estimation model generation unit 112 generated estimation equation (1) by multiple regression analysis. In another embodiment, the estimation model generation unit 112 performed machine learning using AI (Artificial Intelligence) with the training data TRD as training data to estimate the defrosting time EDFT(t m An estimation model may be generated to estimate ).

[0077] In the above embodiment, the processing performed by the operating status data acquisition unit 71 corresponds to the operating status data acquisition step in the refrigerator control method of this disclosure, and the processing performed by the estimation model generation unit 112 corresponds to the estimation model generation step in the refrigerator control method of this disclosure. The processing performed by the estimation defrost time calculation unit 74 corresponds to the estimation defrost time calculation step in the refrigerator control method of this disclosure, and the processing performed by the defrost operation control unit 72 corresponds to the defrost operation control step in the refrigerator control method of this disclosure. The processing performed by the non-use time period recognition unit 75 corresponds to the non-use time period recognition step in the refrigerator control method of this disclosure, and the processing performed by the threshold setting unit 73 corresponds to the threshold setting step in the refrigerator control method of this disclosure.

[0078] The controllers constituting the refrigerator control system 1 in this disclosure (control unit 60 of the refrigerator 10, server processor 110 of the server device 100) only need to be capable of controlling the operation of the refrigerator control system 1 in this disclosure. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, in addition to the controller, control means, control unit, or similar terms may be used to describe the components that control the operation of the refrigerator control system in this disclosure. Controllers can be implemented in various forms. For example, a processor may be used as the controller. If a processor is used as the controller, it becomes possible to load a program from a storage medium containing the program into the processor and execute the program using the processor, thereby performing various processes. Therefore, since the processing content can be changed by changing the program stored in the storage medium, the degree of freedom in changing the control content can be increased. Examples of processors include CPUs (Central Processing Units) and MPUs (Micro-Processing Units). Examples of storage mediums include hard disks, flash memory, and optical discs. Furthermore, wired logic, which cannot be rewritten, may be used as the controller. Using wired logic as the controller is effective in improving processing speed. Examples of wired logic include ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Alternatively, a controller may be implemented by combining a processor and wired logic. Implementing the controller by combining a processor and wired logic increases the flexibility of software design while improving processing speed. Furthermore, the controller and a circuit with a different function may be composed of a single semiconductor element. An example of a circuit with a different function is an A / D / D / A conversion circuit. The controller may also be composed of a single semiconductor element or multiple semiconductor elements. If the controller is composed of multiple semiconductor elements, each control described in the claims may be implemented using different semiconductor elements.Furthermore, the controller may be configured with a configuration that includes semiconductor elements and passive components such as resistors or capacitors.

[0079] The communicator (refrigerator communication unit 90, server communication unit 130) provided in the refrigerator control system 1 in this disclosure only needs to enable communication between the refrigerator control system 1 in this disclosure and external devices. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, in addition to the communicator, communication means, communication unit, transmitting / receiving means, transmitting / receiving unit, or similar terms may be used to describe the components of the refrigerator control system 1 in this disclosure, such as the server device 100, that enable communication between external devices and external devices. The communicator can be implemented in various forms. Examples of a communicator include wireless connection to external devices via a base station, or direct wireless connection to external devices. Examples of wireless connection to external devices via a base station include IEEE 802.11 compliant wireless LAN that wirelessly communicates with a WiFi® router, third-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 3G), fourth-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 4G), IEEE 802.16 compliant WiMax (registered trademark), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). By using a communicator that directly wirelessly connects the components of the refrigerator control system 1 of this disclosure, such as the server device 100, to external devices, it is effective in improving the security of communication, and the components of the refrigerator control system 1 of this disclosure, such as the server device 100, can communicate with external devices even in locations where relay devices such as Wi-Fi routers are not present. Examples of communicators that directly wirelessly connect the components of the refrigerator control system 1 of this disclosure, such as the server device 100, to external devices include Bluetooth® communication, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication via a loop antenna, or infrared communication.

[0080] The embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the technical concept of this disclosure, and therefore various modifications, substitutions, additions, and omissions can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof. [Industrial applicability]

[0081] This disclosure provides a refrigerator control system that suppresses increased power consumption and temperature rise inside a refrigerator, which occur when defrosting is not required. Therefore, it is applicable to refrigerators installed in homes and commercial refrigerators, as well as various cooling equipment that performs defrosting. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1. Refrigerator control system 5 Gateways 10 Refrigerator 11 Refrigerator 12 Right door of the refrigerator compartment 13. Left door of the refrigerator compartment 14 Switching room 15. Drawer in the switching room 16 Ice maker 17. Ice maker drawer 18 Freezer 19. Freezer drawer 20 Vegetable compartment 21. Vegetable drawer 30 Right door open / close sensor 31. Left door open / close sensor 32 Switching chamber opening / closing sensor 33. Ice maker compartment opening / closing sensor 34. Freezer compartment opening / closing sensor 35. Open / close sensor for the vegetable compartment 40 Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 41. Vegetable compartment temperature sensor 42 External temperature sensor 43 Cooler temperature sensor 44. External illumination sensor 50 Compressors 51 Cooler 52 Condenser 53 Cooling fan 55 Defrost heater 60 control units 70 Refrigerator Processor 71. Operation status data acquisition unit 72 Defrost Operation Control Unit 73 Threshold setting section 74 Estimated defrosting time calculation section 75 Unused Time Period Recognition Unit 80 Refrigerator Memory 81 Refrigerator Program 82. Driving Status Data 83 Estimation formula data 84. Data on unused time periods 85 Threshold data 100 Server Devices 110 Server Processors 111 Training Data Acquisition Unit 112 Estimation Model Generation Unit 120 Server Memory 121 Server Program 122 Driving Status Data 123 Actual defrosting time data 124 training data 200 Communication Networks W House

Claims

1. An operating status data acquisition unit acquires operating status data indicating the operating status detected by a detection unit installed in the refrigerator at a predetermined sampling period and stores it in a first storage unit. When a defrosting operation is performed by activating the heating unit of the refrigerator to remove frost accumulated on the refrigerator's cooler, a learning data acquisition unit stores in a second storage unit learning data that includes predetermined feature quantities and the time required for the current defrosting operation, based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit, during the period from the completion of the previous defrosting operation to the execution of the current defrosting operation. An estimated defrost time calculation unit calculates the estimated defrost time using an estimation model that outputs the estimated time required for the defrost operation, assuming that the defrost operation is performed based on the input data relating to the feature quantities based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit, based on the learning data, as the estimated defrost time. A defrosting operation control unit that executes the defrosting operation when the estimated defrosting time at a predetermined defrosting necessity determination point is equal to or greater than a threshold, An unused time period recognition unit recognizes unused time periods, which are estimated to be periods when the likelihood of a specific function of the refrigerator being used is low. A threshold setting unit that sets multiple thresholds related to determining whether or not to perform the defrosting operation, Equipped with, The aforementioned plurality of thresholds include a first threshold and a second threshold, The threshold setting unit sets the threshold for time periods other than the non-use period as the first threshold, and sets the threshold for time periods other than the non-use period as the second threshold. The threshold setting unit of the refrigerator control system sets the second threshold to a value that indicates a shorter time than the first threshold.

2. The threshold setting unit changes the second threshold to a value indicating a shorter time than the first threshold, so that the next defrost operation is performed by the defrost operation control unit within the non-use period when the predetermined defrost necessity determination time, in which the defrost operation is performed by the defrost operation control unit, is not within the non-use period. The refrigerator control system according to claim 1.

3. The unused time period recognition unit recognizes the unused time period based on the open / closed status of the opening of the storage compartment of the refrigerator, as detected by an open / closed sensor installed in the refrigerator, or based on the illuminance around the refrigerator, as detected by an external illuminance sensor installed in the refrigerator. The refrigerator control system according to claim 1.

4. A step of acquiring operating status data, which is obtained by a detection unit installed in the refrigerator at a predetermined sampling period and which indicates the operating status of the refrigerator, and which is stored in a first storage unit, When a defrosting operation is performed by activating the heating unit of the refrigerator to remove frost accumulated on the refrigerator's cooler, a learning data acquisition step is performed in which, between the time the previous defrosting operation was completed and the time the current defrosting operation is performed, learning data is acquired that includes predetermined feature quantities and the time required for the current defrosting operation, based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit, and is stored in the second storage unit. An estimated defrost time calculation step, which calculates the estimated defrost time using an estimation model that outputs the estimated time required for the defrost operation, assuming that the defrost operation is performed based on the input data relating to the feature quantity based on the operating status data indicating the operating status detected by the detection unit, based on the learning data, A defrosting operation control step in which the defrosting operation is performed when the estimated defrosting time at a predetermined defrosting necessity determination point is equal to or greater than a threshold, An unused time period recognition step that recognizes unused time periods, which are estimated to be periods when it is unlikely that a specific function of the refrigerator will be used; A threshold setting step for setting multiple thresholds related to determining whether or not to perform the defrosting operation, Includes, The aforementioned plurality of thresholds include a first threshold and a second threshold, The threshold setting step involves setting the threshold for time periods other than the non-use period as the first threshold, and setting the threshold for time periods other than the non-use period as the second threshold. The threshold setting step is a refrigerator control method that sets the second threshold to a value indicating a shorter time than the first threshold.

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