Monitoring device, monitoring system, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a technology capable of assisting a user, etc., to ascertain a fatigue state of piping of a refrigerant circuit. For example, an information processing device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure acquires information regarding a detection result of a prescribed state (for example, a protection stopped state, an overloaded state, a state in which an effective value of drive current or a specific frequency component exceeds a prescribed reference, or a state in which a specific prohibited rotation speed passes when used during operation) which is of a compressor 12 provided to a refrigerant circuit 10 and which may cause abnormal vibrations of the compressor 12, and outputs information regarding the fatigue of piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 when an index value that undergoes a change according to the cumulative time or the cumulative number in the prescribed state exceeds a prescribed threshold value in the direction of the change.

Description

Monitoring device, monitoring system, monitoring method, and monitoring program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring device and the like.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a technique for preventing bending of pipes in a refrigerant circuit that circulates a refrigerant in a refrigeration device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 002002

[0004] Incidentally, it is desirable for users, service personnel, managers, etc. of refrigeration devices (hereinafter referred to as "users, etc.") to be able to grasp the fatigue state of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit, for example, from the viewpoint of maintenance of the refrigeration device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can assist a user or the like in understanding the fatigue state of pipes in a refrigerant circuit.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a monitoring device that acquires information relating to the detection results of a predetermined state of a compressor provided in a refrigerant circuit, which is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor, and outputs information relating to fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when an index value that changes depending on the cumulative time or number of cumulative times of the predetermined state exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0007] According to this aspect, the monitoring device can output information regarding fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit caused by abnormal vibration of the compressor, thereby helping a user or the like to understand the fatigue state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit.

[0008] Furthermore, in a second aspect of the present disclosure, based on the first aspect described above, the predetermined state may include a first state in which the compressor is stopped for protection or a second state in which the compressor is overloaded, and information regarding fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit may be output when the index value, which changes depending on the accumulated number of times the compressor has entered the first state or the accumulated time the compressor is in the second state, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0009] Furthermore, in a third aspect of the present disclosure, based on the first or second aspect described above, the predetermined state may include a third state in which an effective value or a specific frequency component of the drive current of the compressor exceeds a predetermined standard, and information regarding fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit may be output when the index value, which changes depending on the accumulated time during which the compressor is in the third state, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0010] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, assuming any one of the first to third aspects described above, a specific rotation speed or a specific rotation speed band in which use during operation is prohibited is preset for the compressor, the predetermined state includes a fourth state in which the rotation speed of the compressor passes through the specific rotation speed or the specific rotation speed band, and when the index value, which changes depending on the accumulated number of times the compressor has entered the fourth state, exceeds a predetermined threshold, information regarding fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit may be output.

[0011] Furthermore, in a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the first aspect described above, the predetermined states include a first state in which the compressor is stopped for protection, a second state in which the compressor is overloaded, a third state in which the effective value of the drive current of the compressor or a specific frequency component exceeds a predetermined standard, and a fourth state in which the rotation speed of the compressor passes through the specific rotation speed or the specific rotation speed band, and when the index value, which changes depending on the accumulated number of times the compressor has entered the first state, the accumulated time that the compressor is in the second state, the accumulated time that the compressor is in the third state, and the accumulated number of times the compressor has entered the fourth state, exceeds a predetermined threshold, information related to fatigue of piping of the refrigerant circuit may be output.

[0012] In addition, in a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, based on any one of the first to fifth aspects described above, the predetermined state may be detected based on information used to control the refrigerant circuit.

[0013] In addition, in a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, assuming any one of the first to sixth aspects described above, the index value or the predetermined threshold value may be corrected based on the elapsed time since the start of use of the piping of the refrigerant circuit or the replacement of the piping of the refrigerant circuit.

[0014] In addition, in an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, based on any one of the first to seventh aspects described above, the integrated number or the integrated time may be reset to zero in response to a predetermined trigger.

[0015] In addition, a ninth aspect of the present disclosure provides a monitoring system comprising: a refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit and a compressor provided in the refrigerant circuit; and a monitoring device that acquires information related to the detection results of a predetermined state of the compressor that is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor, and outputs information related to fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when an index value that changes depending on the cumulative time or number of cumulative times of the predetermined state exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0016] Furthermore, a tenth aspect of the present disclosure provides a monitoring method, in which a monitoring device acquires information relating to a detection result of a predetermined state of a compressor provided in a refrigerant circuit, which is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor, and outputs information relating to fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when an index value that changes depending on an accumulated time or an accumulated number of times of the predetermined state exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0017] In addition, an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure provides a monitoring program that causes a computer to acquire information related to the detection results of a predetermined state of a compressor that is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor provided in a refrigerant circuit, and output information related to fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when an index value that changes depending on the accumulated time or number of accumulated times of the predetermined state exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0018] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to assist a user or the like in understanding the fatigue state of the pipes of a refrigerant circuit.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring system. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a refrigeration device. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example of an information processing device. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation related to monitoring the fatigue state of piping of a refrigeration cycle by a monitoring system. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a method for setting a threshold value. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a method for correcting a threshold value.

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [Configuration of Monitoring System] The configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring system 1.

[0023] The monitoring system 1 monitors the state of the refrigeration device 100. The state of the refrigeration device 100 includes, for example, the fatigue state (also referred to as the "deterioration state") of piping corresponding to a path (also referred to as a "flow path") through which the refrigerant flows in a refrigerant circuit 10 (described later).

[0024] The number of refrigeration devices 100 to be monitored included in the monitoring system 1 may be one or more.

[0025] The pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 that are subject to fatigue state monitoring include, for example, the suction pipe of the compressor 12, the discharge pipe of the compressor 12, and the suction pipe and oil return pipe of the accumulator 112, which will be described later. This is because bends tend to occur easily at the joints of these pipes. Hereinafter, the pipes corresponding to the paths through which the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 flows may be simply referred to as "pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10."

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1 , the monitoring system 1 includes a refrigeration device 100 and an information processing device 200 .

[0027] The refrigeration device 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 , a drive unit 20 , a control unit 30 , an acquisition unit 40 , and a communication unit 50 .

[0028] The refrigerant circuit 10 circulates a refrigerant and absorbs heat from a low-temperature heat source and dissipates heat to a high-temperature heat source through a compression-type refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 12.

[0029] The compressor 12 compresses the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. The compressor 12 is equipped with an electric motor 14.

[0030] The motor 14 drives the compressor 12. The motor 14 is driven by power supplied from the drive unit 20. The motor 14 is driven by, for example, three-phase alternating current. Specifically, the motor 14 is, for example, a direct current (DC) brushless motor. Alternatively, the motor 14 may be another type of motor.

[0031] The drive unit 20 uses power supplied from a predetermined power source to drive the motor 14. For example, the drive unit 20 converts the power supplied from the predetermined power source into predetermined drive power for driving the motor 14 and outputs the power to the motor 14. In this way, the drive unit 20 can drive the compressor 12 by driving the motor 14.

[0032] The drive unit 20 is, for example, a power conversion circuit that converts three-phase AC of R, S, and T phases supplied from an AC power source external to the refrigeration apparatus 100 into three-phase AC of U, V, and W phases of a predetermined voltage and a predetermined frequency and outputs the converted AC. The power conversion circuit includes, for example, a rectifier circuit that converts the three-phase AC of R, S, and T phases into DC, and an inverter circuit that converts the DC of a DC link on the output side of the rectifier circuit into three-phase AC of U, V, and W phases of a predetermined voltage and frequency.

[0033] The control unit 30 controls the refrigerant circuit 10. For example, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 20 to control the drive of the compressor 12.

[0034] The control unit 30 may also perform processing for monitoring the state of the refrigerant circuit 10. For example, the control unit 30 acquires raw information for the information processing device 200 to monitor the state of the refrigerant circuit 10, and transmits (also referred to as "uploading") the raw information to the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 50.

[0035] The functions of the control unit 30 may be realized by only the hardware (for example, an electronic circuit) of the hardware and software, or may be realized by a combination of hardware (for example, an integrated circuit (IC)) and software. In the latter case, for example, the control unit 30 is mainly configured with a microcomputer (micon) including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory device, an auxiliary storage device, an input / output interface, etc.

[0036] The acquisition unit 40 acquires information relating to the state of the refrigerant circuit 10. The information acquired by the acquisition unit 40 is input to the control unit 30 via a predetermined communication line. This allows the control unit 30 to grasp the state of the refrigerant circuit 10 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 40 and to appropriately control the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0037] The acquisition unit 40 includes, for example, various sensors that indicate the state of the refrigeration device 100. The various sensors include, for example, a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the refrigerant at a predetermined location in the refrigerant circuit 10 and a pressure sensor that senses the pressure of the refrigerant at a predetermined location in the refrigerant circuit 10. The various sensors also include, for example, a current sensor that measures the current of the motor 14 and a voltage sensor that measures the voltage of the motor 14.

[0038] The communication unit 50 is communicably connected to the information processing device 200 via a predetermined communication line, and communicates with the information processing device 200 .

[0039] This allows the control unit 30 to transmit predetermined information to the information processing device 200 through the communication unit 50 by sending a command to the communication unit 50 .

[0040] The predetermined communication circuit includes, for example, a one-to-one communication line. The predetermined communication line may also include a local area network (LAN). The local network may be wired, wireless, or a hybrid of wired and wireless. The predetermined communication line may also include a short-range communication line such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. The predetermined communication line may also include a wide area network (WAN). Wide area networks include, for example, the Internet network, a mobile communication network terminated at a base station, and a satellite communication network using communication satellites.

[0041] The information processing device 200 monitors the state of the refrigerant circuit 10 of the refrigeration device 100 based on information transmitted (uploaded) from the control unit 30 of the refrigeration device 100 .

[0042] In the monitoring system 1, if there are multiple refrigeration devices 100 to be monitored, there may be only one information processing device 200, or two or more information processing devices 200 may share the responsibility of monitoring the status of the multiple refrigeration devices 100.

[0043] [Specific Example of Refrigeration Apparatus] Next, a specific example of the refrigeration apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Specifically, as an example of the refrigeration apparatus 100, an air conditioner 100A will be described.

[0044] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioner 100A. Specifically, it is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 100A as an example of a refrigeration device 100.

[0045] 2, the air conditioner 100A includes an outdoor unit 110, an indoor unit 120, and refrigerant paths 130 and 140. The air conditioner 100A operates a refrigeration cycle made up of the outdoor unit 110, the indoor unit 120, the refrigerant paths 130 and 140, etc., and adjusts the temperature, humidity, etc., of the room in which the indoor unit 120 is installed.

[0046] The outdoor unit 110 is placed outside a building whose temperature and other conditions are to be regulated. The outdoor unit 110 is connected to one end of each of the refrigerant paths 130 and 140, and draws in refrigerant from one of the refrigerant paths 130 and 140 and discharges the refrigerant to the other.

[0047] The indoor unit 120 is placed in a room of a building whose temperature and other conditions are to be adjusted. The indoor unit 120 is connected to the other end of each of the refrigerant paths 130 and 140, and draws in refrigerant from one of the refrigerant paths 130 and 140 and discharges the refrigerant to the other.

[0048] The refrigerant paths 130 and 140 are, for example, configured by pipes, and connect the outdoor unit 110 and the indoor unit 120 so that the refrigerant can circulate between the outdoor unit 110 and the indoor unit 120 .

[0049] The outdoor unit 110 includes refrigerant paths L1 to L6, oil paths L7 and L8, a four-way switching valve 111, an accumulator 112, a compressor 12, an oil separator 114, an outdoor heat exchanger 115, an outdoor expansion valve 116, and a fan 117.

[0050] The refrigerant paths L1 to L6 are configured as, for example, pipes.

[0051] The refrigerant path L1 connects one end of the refrigerant path 130 outside the outdoor unit 110 to the four-way switching valve 111 .

[0052] The refrigerant path L2 connects the four-way switching valve 111 and the inlet of the compressor 12. The refrigerant path L2 includes refrigerant paths L21 and L22.

[0053] The refrigerant path L21 connects the four-way switching valve 111 and the accumulator 112. The refrigerant path L21 corresponds to, for example, the suction pipe of the accumulator 112. The refrigerant path L22 connects the accumulator 112 and the inlet of the compressor 12. The refrigerant path L22 corresponds to, for example, the suction pipe of the compressor 12.

[0054] The refrigerant path L3 connects the four-way switching valve 111 and the outlet of the compressor 12. The refrigerant path L3 includes refrigerant paths L31 and L32.

[0055] The refrigerant path L31 connects the outlet of the compressor 12 and the oil separator 114. The refrigerant path L31 corresponds to, for example, the discharge pipe of the compressor 12. The refrigerant path L32 connects the four-way switching valve 111 and the oil separator 114.

[0056] The refrigerant path L4 connects the four-way switching valve 111 and the outdoor heat exchanger 115.

[0057] The refrigerant path L5 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 115 and the outdoor expansion valve 116 .

[0058] The refrigerant path L6 connects one end of the refrigerant path 140 outside the outdoor unit 110 to the outdoor expansion valve 116 .

[0059] The oil path L7 is configured as, for example, a pipe, and is used to allow the oil separated by the oil separator 114 to flow into the refrigerant path L22 and return the oil through the refrigerant path L22 to the compressor 12. The oil path L7 corresponds to, for example, the oil return pipe described above.

[0060] The oil passing through the oil path L7 may contain, for example, a liquid refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as "liquid refrigerant"). In other words, not only oil but also liquid refrigerant flows through the oil path L7.

[0061] The oil path L8 is configured as, for example, a pipe line, and is used to allow oil containing the liquid refrigerant separated by the accumulator 112 to flow into the refrigerant path L22 and return the oil to the compressor 12 through the refrigerant path L22. The oil path L8 corresponds to, for example, the oil return pipe described above.

[0062] The four-way switching valve 111 reverses the flow of refrigerant circulation between the cooling operation and the heating operation of the air conditioner 100A.

[0063] During cooling operation of the air conditioner 100A, the four-way switching valve 111 connects the paths indicated by the solid lines in Fig. 2. Specifically, during cooling operation of the air conditioner 100A, the four-way switching valve 111 connects refrigerant path L1 to refrigerant path L2, and refrigerant path L3 to refrigerant path L4.

[0064] On the other hand, when the air conditioner 100A is in heating operation, the four-way switching valve 111 connects the paths indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 2. Specifically, when the air conditioner 100A is in heating operation, the four-way switching valve 111 connects the refrigerant path L4 to the refrigerant path L2, and the refrigerant path L1 to the refrigerant path L3.

[0065] The accumulator 112 separates the liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant drawn from the refrigerant path L21 and discharges the refrigerant from which some or all of the liquid refrigerant has been removed to the refrigerant path L22. The liquid refrigerant separated in the accumulator 112 contains oil. The accumulator 112 is provided with an oil discharge port connected to the oil path L8, and the separated oil containing the refrigerant flows out through the oil discharge port into the oil path L8 and is returned to the compressor 12 through the oil path L8 and the refrigerant path L22.

[0066] The compressor 12 is driven by a motor 14, draws in refrigerant from the refrigerant path L22, compresses it to a high pressure, and discharges it into the refrigerant path L31.

[0067] During cooling operation of the air conditioner 100A, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 115 via the refrigerant path L3 and the refrigerant path L4.

[0068] On the other hand, during heating operation of the air conditioner 100A, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 flows through the refrigerant path L3 and the refrigerant path L1 into the refrigerant path 130 outside the outdoor unit 110. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant then flows into the indoor unit 120 through the refrigerant path 130.

[0069] The oil separator 114 separates oil from the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant path L31, and discharges the refrigerant from which some or all of the oil has been separated and removed into the refrigerant path L32. The oil separator 114 also has an oil outlet connected to the oil path L7, and the oil separated from the refrigerant flows into the oil path L7 through the oil outlet and is returned to the compressor 12 through the oil path L7 and the refrigerant path L22.

[0070] The outdoor heat exchanger 115 exchanges heat between the outside air and the refrigerant passing through it. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 115 is provided with a fan 117, and the outdoor heat exchanger 115 exchanges heat between the outside air blown by the fan 117 and the refrigerant flowing through it.

[0071] During cooling operation of the air conditioner 100A, the outdoor heat exchanger 115 causes the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12, which flows in from the refrigerant path L4, to radiate heat to the outside air, and causes the condensed and liquefied refrigerant (liquid refrigerant) to flow out into the refrigerant path L5.

[0072] Furthermore, during heating operation of the air conditioner 100A, the outdoor heat exchanger 115 causes the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant path L5 to absorb heat from the outside air, and causes the evaporated refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant path L4.

[0073] During heating operation of the air conditioner 100A, the outdoor expansion valve 116 is closed to a predetermined opening degree and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant (liquid refrigerant) flowing in from the refrigerant path L6 to a predetermined pressure. On the other hand, during cooling operation of the air conditioner 100A, the outdoor expansion valve 116 is fully open and allows the refrigerant (liquid refrigerant) to pass from the refrigerant path L5 to the refrigerant path L6. The outdoor expansion valve 116 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0074] The indoor unit 120 includes an indoor expansion valve 121 , an indoor heat exchanger 122 , and a fan 123 .

[0075] During cooling operation of the air conditioner 100A, the indoor expansion valve 121 is closed to a predetermined opening degree and reduces the pressure of the supercooled liquid refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant path 140 to a predetermined pressure. On the other hand, during heating operation of the air conditioner 100A, the indoor expansion valve 121 is fully open and allows the refrigerant (liquid refrigerant) flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 122 to pass toward the refrigerant path 140. The indoor expansion valve 121 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0076] The indoor heat exchanger 122 exchanges heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant passing through it. Specifically, the indoor air passes around the indoor heat exchanger 122 by the action of the fan 123 mounted in the indoor unit 120, promoting heat exchange with the refrigerant inside the indoor heat exchanger 122. Then, by the action of the fan 123, the indoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant inside the indoor heat exchanger 122 is sent out to the outside of the indoor unit 120, thereby realizing cooling or heating of the room.

[0077] When the air conditioner 100A is in cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 122 causes the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant decompressed by the indoor expansion valve 121 to absorb heat from the indoor air, thereby lowering the temperature of the indoor air.

[0078] On the other hand, during heating operation of the air conditioner 100A, the indoor heat exchanger 122 causes the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing in from the outdoor unit 110 through the refrigerant path 130 to radiate heat to the indoor air, thereby raising the temperature of the indoor air.

[0079] [Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus] Next, an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0080] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 200.

[0081] The functions of the information processing device 200 are realized by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the information processing device 200 includes an external interface 201, an auxiliary storage device 202, a memory device 203, a CPU 204, a high-speed calculation device 205, a communication interface 206, an input device 207, and an output device 208. The external interface 201, the auxiliary storage device 202, the memory device 203, the CPU 204, the high-speed calculation device 205, the communication interface 206, the input device 207, and the output device 208 are connected by a bus BS2.

[0082] The external interface 201 functions as an interface for reading data from and writing data to the recording medium 201A. The recording medium 201A includes, for example, general-purpose recording media such as a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), an SD memory card, and a USB memory. The recording medium 201A may also be a dedicated recording medium used in, for example, a manufacturing factory or a repair facility. This allows the information processing device 200 to read various data used in processing through the recording medium 201A, store the data in the auxiliary storage device 202, and install programs that realize various functions.

[0083] The information processing device 200 may acquire various data and programs used in the processing from an external device via the communication interface 206 .

[0084] The auxiliary storage device 202 stores various installed programs, as well as files and data necessary for various processes. The auxiliary storage device 202 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a flash memory, etc.

[0085] When an instruction to start a program is received, the memory device 203 reads and stores the program from the auxiliary storage device 202. The memory device 203 includes, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0086] The CPU 204 executes various programs loaded from the auxiliary storage device 202 to the memory device 203, and realizes various functions related to the information processing device 200 in accordance with the programs.

[0087] The high-speed arithmetic unit 205 works in conjunction with the CPU 204 and performs arithmetic processing at a higher speed than the CPU 204. The high-speed arithmetic unit 205 includes, for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0088] The high-speed calculation device 205 may be omitted depending on the required calculation processing speed.

[0089] The communication interface 206 is used as an interface for communicatively connecting with an external device. This allows the information processing device 200 to acquire, for example, information transmitted (uploaded) from the communication unit 50 of the refrigeration device 100 via the communication interface 206. The communication interface 206 may have multiple types of communication interfaces depending on the communication method between the connected device and the like.

[0090] The input device 207 accepts various inputs from the user.

[0091] The input device 207 includes, for example, an input device that accepts mechanical operation input from a user (hereinafter referred to as an "operation input device"), such as a button, a toggle, a lever, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or a touch pad.

[0092] The input device 207 may also include a voice input device capable of receiving voice input from the user. The voice input device includes, for example, a microphone capable of collecting the user's voice.

[0093] The input device 207 may also include a gesture input device capable of receiving gesture input from a user. The gesture input device may include, for example, a camera capable of capturing images of the user's gestures.

[0094] The input device 207 may also include a biometric input device capable of accepting biometric input from a user. The biometric input device includes, for example, a camera capable of acquiring image data containing information about a user's fingerprint or iris.

[0095] The output device 208 outputs information to the user of the information processing device 200 .

[0096] The output device 208 is, for example, a lighting device or a display device that visually outputs information. The lighting device is, for example, an indicator lamp, etc. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc.

[0097] The output device 208 may also be a sound output device that outputs auditory information, such as a buzzer, an alarm, or a speaker.

[0098] [Method for Monitoring Fatigue State of Pipes in Refrigerant Circuit] Next, a method for monitoring the fatigue state of pipes by the information processing device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0099] Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the monitoring system 1 regarding a method for monitoring the fatigue state of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a method for setting a threshold value. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a method for correcting a threshold value.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S102, the control unit 30 of the refrigeration device 100 acquires the latest output information of the acquisition unit 40.

[0101] When the control unit 30 completes the process of step S102, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0102] In step S104, the control unit 30 performs a detection process for a predetermined state of the compressor 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "predetermined state of the compressor 12") that may be a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor 12, based on the information acquired in step S102.

[0103] The predetermined state of the compressor 12 includes, for example, a protective stop state in which the compressor 12 is forcibly stopped for its own protection. When the compressor 12 is stopped for its own protection, the output torque of the motor 14 drops suddenly, which increases the residual torque between the load torque and the output torque of the motor 14. As a result, the vibration of the compressor 12 increases due to the increase in the residual torque.

[0104] The protective stop of the compressor 12 may be performed under the control of the control unit 30, or may be performed under the control of a control unit separate from the control unit 30. Furthermore, the protective stop of the compressor 12 may be achieved by predetermined hardware (for example, a fuse for overcurrent protection or an electronic fuse, which will be described later).

[0105] The protective stop state of the compressor 12 includes, for example, a state in which the compressor 12 is stopped for protection due to a loss of synchronization between the rotational speed of the compressor 12 and the rotational speed of the rotating magnetic field of the motor 14, caused by a sudden change in the load on the compressor 12. The protective stop state of the compressor 12 also includes, for example, a state in which the compressor 12 is stopped for protection due to overcurrent protection (OCP) of the motor 14. For example, the compressor 12 is stopped for protection when the drive current of the motor 14 exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to an overcurrent. The protective stop state of the compressor 12 also includes, for example, a state in which the compressor 12 is stopped for protection due to high pressure protection of the compressor 12. For example, the compressor 12 is stopped for protection when the discharge pressure of the compressor 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to an overpressure state. The protective stop state of the compressor 12 also includes a state in which the compressor 12 is protectively stopped due to, for example, an overheating state of the fins of a radiator for cooling the drive unit 20 that drives the motor 14 of the compressor 12. For example, when the temperature of the fins reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to an overheating state, the compressor 12 is protectively stopped.

[0106] The control unit 30 detects the protective stop state of the compressor 12, for example, when a transition occurs from a state in which the condition for protective stop of the compressor 12 is not satisfied to a state in which the condition is satisfied. The control unit 30 may also detect the protective stop state of the compressor 12 when a signal indicating that the protective stop of the compressor 12 has been performed is output.

[0107] Furthermore, the predetermined state of the compressor 12 includes, for example, an overload state of the compressor 12. When the compressor 12 is in an overload state, the load torque increases, and the residual torque between the load torque and the output torque of the motor 14 increases, and as a result, the vibration of the compressor 12 increases due to the increase in the residual torque.

[0108] The overload state of the compressor 12 includes, for example, a speed droop state in which the drive current of the motor 14 becomes relatively high and the rotation speed of the motor 14 is forcibly reduced to reduce the drive current, as a precursor to the protective shutdown for the above-described overcurrent protection of the compressor 12. For example, the control unit 30 forcibly reduces the rotation speed of the motor 14 when the drive current of the motor 14 exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating a precursor to an overcurrent state. The overload state of the compressor 12 also includes, for example, a high-pressure droop state in which the discharge pressure of the compressor 12 becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating a precursor to an overpressure state, as a precursor to the above-described protective shutdown for the above-described high-pressure protection of the compressor 12. For example, the control unit 30 controls the motor 14 to forcibly reduce the discharge pressure of the compressor 12 when the discharge pressure of the compressor 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating a precursor to an overpressure state.

[0109] For example, when an overload condition of the compressor 12 is established, the control unit 30 detects the overload state of the compressor 12. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may detect the overload state of the compressor 12 when a signal indicating that the above-described control for dealing with the overload of the compressor 12 is being performed is output.

[0110] The predetermined state of the compressor 12 also includes, for example, a state in which the effective value of the input current to the motor 14 or a specific frequency component of the input current to the motor 14 exceeds a predetermined standard representing an abnormal vibration state of the compressor 12. For example, abnormal vibration due to whirling of the compressor 12 causes contact between the rotating shaft and the bearing, increasing the effective value of the input current to the motor 14. Furthermore, abnormal vibration due to whirling of the compressor 12 causes the air gap of the motor 14 to become uneven, changing the specific frequency component of the input current to the motor 14. The specific frequency component of the input current to the motor 14 is, for example, the rotational frequency component of the current vector amplitude of the motor 14. The predetermined standard is, for example, defined in advance as a variable value that depends on the pressure and rotation speed of the compressor 12. For example, the predetermined standard is a value 1.2 times the standard value corresponding to the normal operation of the compressor 12. Furthermore, the specific frequency component of the input current of the motor 14 is, for example, a frequency component that is shifted up or down by N times (N: an integer greater than or equal to 1) the rotation frequency of the phase current of the motor 14 based on the fundamental wave frequency.

[0111] The predetermined state of the compressor 12 includes, for example, a state in which the rotational speed of the compressor 12 passes through a predetermined prohibited rotational speed or prohibited rotational speed band. The prohibited rotational speed is a rotational speed that is prohibited from being used when the compressor 12 is in operation (driving), and the prohibited rotational speed band is a rotational speed band that is prohibited from being used when the compressor 12 is in operation. The prohibited rotational speed is set to match, for example, a rotational speed that corresponds to a resonance frequency of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10. The prohibited rotational speed band is set to include, for example, a rotational speed that corresponds to the resonance frequency of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10. This is because if the rotational frequency of the compressor 12 matches the resonance frequency of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10, abnormal vibrations may be excited in the compressor 12.

[0112] Normally, the compressor 12 does not frequently exceed the prohibited rotation speed. However, if speed droop occurs, in which the rotation speed of the motor 14 is forcibly reduced in order to reduce the drive current of the motor 14, the compressor 12 may frequently exceed the prohibited rotation speed.

[0113] The predetermined state of the compressor 12 to be detected may be one type or multiple types. For example, the control unit 30 detects two types: a protective stop state of the compressor 12 and an overload state of the compressor 12. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may detect four types: a protective stop state of the compressor 12, an overload state of the compressor 12, a state in which the effective value of the input current to the motor 14 or a specific frequency component of the input current to the motor 14 exceeds a predetermined standard indicating an abnormal vibration state of the compressor 12, and a state in which the rotational speed of the compressor 12 passes through a predetermined prohibited rotational speed or prohibited rotational speed band.

[0114] For example, when the control unit 30 detects a predetermined state of the compressor 12, the control unit 30 increments the counter by 1. The counter has an initial value of zero and is initialized to zero after the process of step S106, which will be described later, is completed. Furthermore, when there are multiple types of predetermined states of the compressor 12 to be detected, a counter is provided for each type of predetermined state of the compressor 12.

[0115] The series of processes in steps S102 and S104 is repeatedly executed at predetermined processing intervals while the refrigeration device 100 is in operation.

[0116] In step S106, the control unit 30 acquires the cumulative number of times or the cumulative time during which the predetermined state of the compressor 12 was detected, based on the results of the series of processes in steps S102 and S104 within the most recent predetermined time. The predetermined time is set in advance as a time that is sufficiently longer than the processing cycle in which the series of processes in steps S102 and S104 are executed, specifically, as a time that is at least twice the processing cycle.

[0117] For example, if the predetermined state of the target compressor 12 is a transient state, the control unit 30 acquires the cumulative number of times the predetermined state of the target compressor 12 was detected within the most recent predetermined time. A transient predetermined state of the compressor 12 is, for example, the aforementioned protective stop state of the compressor 12, or the aforementioned state of the compressor 12 passing through the prohibited rotation speed or prohibited rotation speed band. On the other hand, if the predetermined state of the target compressor 12 is a state that can be sustained, the control unit 30 acquires the cumulative time that the predetermined state of the target compressor 12 was detected within the most recent predetermined time. A sustained predetermined state of the compressor 12 is, for example, the aforementioned overload state of the compressor 12, or a state in which the effective value of the input current to the motor 14, or a specific frequency component of the input current to the motor 14, exceeds a predetermined standard indicating an abnormal vibration state of the compressor 12. The cumulative number of times the predetermined state of the compressor 12 was detected within the most recent predetermined time is, for example, the value of the counter. The cumulative time during which the predetermined state of the compressor 12 has been detected within the most recent predetermined time is, for example, the value of the counter multiplied by the processing cycle. The control unit 30 may also acquire the value of the counter as the cumulative time during which the predetermined state of the compressor 12 has been detected within the most recent predetermined time.

[0118] If there are multiple types of predetermined states of the compressor 12 to be detected in step S104, the control unit 30 acquires, for each type of predetermined state of the compressor 12, the accumulated number of times or accumulated time during which the predetermined state of the target compressor 12 was detected within the most recent predetermined time period.

[0119] When the process of step S106 is completed, the control unit 30 proceeds to step S108.

[0120] In step S108, the control unit 30 transmits the information acquired in step S108 to the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 50. The information acquired in step S108 is information that indicates, for each type of predetermined state of the compressor 12, the accumulated number of times or the accumulated time during which the predetermined state of the compressor 12 has been detected within the most recent predetermined time period.

[0121] In step S110, information processing device 200 receives, via communication interface 206, the information transmitted in step S108.

[0122] When the information processing device 200 completes the process of step S110, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0123] In step S112, the information processing device 200 calculates an index value representing the fatigue state of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 caused by the abnormal vibration of the compressor 12 based on the information acquired in step S110.

[0124] The index value is defined to change in a fixed direction in response to an increase in the cumulative number of times or cumulative time of a predetermined state of the compressor 12, starting from the time when the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is first used or replaced. This allows the information processing device 200 to monitor the fatigue state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 caused by abnormal vibration of the compressor 12, based on the progress of the change in the index value in a fixed direction, starting from the time when the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is first used or replaced.

[0125] In step S112, the cumulative count or cumulative time of the compressor 12 in a predetermined state, starting from the time when the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 was first used or replaced, is obtained by adding the cumulative count or cumulative time corresponding to the information received in the current processing of step S110 to the cumulative count or cumulative time obtained in the previous processing of step S112. Therefore, the information processing device 200 stores the latest value of the cumulative count or cumulative time of the compressor 12 in a predetermined state, starting from the time when the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 was first used or replaced, obtained in step S112, in the auxiliary storage device 202 or the like.

[0126] When the process of step S112 is completed, the control unit 30 proceeds to step S114.

[0127] In step S114, the information processing device 200 compares the latest index value acquired in step S112 with a threshold value that is predefined for the index value.

[0128] For example, the information processing device 200 determines whether the latest index value has exceeded a threshold in a direction of change corresponding to an increase in the number of times or the cumulative time of the compressor 12 being in a predetermined state. The concept of "exceeding a threshold" includes the case where the index value decreases corresponding to an increase in the number of times or the cumulative time of the compressor 12 being in a predetermined state, and the index value exceeds the threshold in the decreasing direction. The concept of "exceeding a threshold in the decreasing direction" means that the index value passes through a transition from a state greater than the threshold to a state smaller than the threshold in time series.

[0129] The threshold value is a reference value that can determine, with respect to the index value, that the fatigue level of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 is relatively high and that there is a possibility that the pipes will be damaged, such as broken. The threshold value may be set by the information processing device 200, or may be set by another information processing device that can communicate with the information processing device 200 and distributed to the information processing device 200.

[0130] For example, the threshold value may be determined in advance through experiments using an actual refrigerant circuit 10 or computer simulations. Specifically, the threshold value may be determined in advance based on an index value obtained through experiments or simulations using the actual refrigerant circuit 10 when damage such as bending occurs in the pipes.

[0131] The threshold value may be predetermined based on market data for refrigeration devices 100 of the same model. The market data may be, for example, data on the cumulative number of times or cumulative time the compressor 12 is in a predetermined state, starting from the start of use or replacement of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10, when damage such as a bend occurs in the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10. The market data may also be data on the index value itself when damage such as a bend occurs in the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10. For example, the monitoring system 1 may monitor the condition of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 for multiple refrigeration devices 100 of the same model. In this case, the information processing device 200 can determine the timing of occurrence of damage such as a bend in the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 by, for example, acquiring maintenance and service history information for the monitored refrigeration devices 100. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can acquire the index value when damage such as a bend occurs in the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10. For example, a distribution of index values ​​when damage such as a bend occurs in the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is created for multiple refrigeration devices 100 of the same model, and the threshold value is set based on the distribution.

[0132] The index value is, for example, the cumulative number of times or cumulative time that the compressor 12 is in a predetermined state, starting from the time when the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is first used or replaced. In this case, the threshold value is determined in advance based on, for example, the cumulative number of times (hereinafter referred to as the "limit cumulative number") or cumulative time (hereinafter referred to as the "limit cumulative time") that the compressor 12 is in a predetermined state, starting from the time when the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is first used or replaced, until a bend occurs in the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10. For example, the threshold value is determined by multiplying the limit cumulative number or limit cumulative time by a positive coefficient less than 1 (for example, 0.8).

[0133] The limit cumulative count and limit cumulative time in a predetermined state of the compressor 12 are obtained, for example, through experiments using an actual refrigerant circuit 10 or computer simulations. Alternatively, the limit cumulative count and limit cumulative time may be obtained based on the above-described market data for multiple refrigeration devices 100 of the same model. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , a distribution of the cumulative count and limit cumulative time in a predetermined state of the compressor 12 is created for multiple refrigeration devices 100 of the same model, starting from the start of use or replacement of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 when damage such as a bend occurs in the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10. Then, the limit cumulative count and limit cumulative time may be set to the cumulative count and limit cumulative time corresponding to a predetermined percentage (20% in this example) at the bottom of the distribution.

[0134] Alternatively, the index value may be a value obtained by multiplying the limit cumulative count or limit cumulative time by a positive coefficient (e.g., 0.8) that is smaller than 1, and then subtracting the cumulative count or cumulative time of the compressor 12 in a predetermined state, starting from the start of use or replacement of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10. In this way, the index value can represent the remaining life of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10. In this case, the index value decreases as the cumulative count or cumulative time of the compressor 12 in a predetermined state, starting from the start of use or replacement of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10, increases, and the threshold value is zero (0).

[0135] The index value may also be the ratio of the cumulative count or cumulative time of a predetermined state of the compressor 12 to the limit cumulative count or limit cumulative time (i.e., cumulative count / limit cumulative count or cumulative time / limit cumulative time), starting from the time the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is first used or replaced. In this case, the threshold value is a positive coefficient smaller than 1 (e.g., 0.8). The index value may also be adjusted so that the threshold value becomes 1 by setting the denominator to a value obtained by multiplying the limit cumulative count or limit cumulative time by a positive coefficient smaller than 1 (e.g., 0.8).

[0136] Furthermore, if there are multiple types of predetermined states of the compressor 12 to be detected in step S104, an index value may be set for each type of predetermined state of the compressor 12 to be detected, or one index value may be set for at least two or more types of predetermined states of the multiple types of compressor 12 to be detected. In the latter case, for example, for each type of predetermined state of the compressor 12 to be detected, the ratio of the accumulated number or accumulated time of the predetermined state of the compressor 12 to the limit accumulated number or limit accumulated time, starting from the start of use or replacement of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10, is obtained, and the index value may be the sum of these ratios. In this case, the threshold value is a positive coefficient less than 1 (e.g., 0.8). Alternatively, the index value may be adjusted so that the threshold value becomes 1 by using a denominator obtained by multiplying the limit accumulated number or limit accumulated time by a positive coefficient less than 1 (e.g., 0.8). Furthermore, if there are multiple index values, the threshold value is also pre-set for each type of index value. In this case, in step S112, a plurality of index values ​​are calculated, and in step S114, the index values ​​are compared with threshold values ​​for each type of index value.

[0137] Furthermore, when the threshold value is obtained through experiments using an actual refrigerant circuit 10 or computer simulations, as described above, the threshold value may be corrected taking into account a state of deterioration over time caused by factors other than the abnormal vibration of the compressor 12. Alternatively, instead of correcting the threshold value, the index value may be corrected taking into account a state of deterioration over time caused by factors other than the abnormal vibration of the compressor 12. A state of deterioration over time caused by factors other than the abnormal vibration of the compressor 12 includes, for example, a state of deterioration caused by corrosion, rust, or the like of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10. In this way, when monitoring the fatigue state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 caused by the abnormal vibration of the compressor 12, it is possible to take into account the occurrence of corrosion, rust, or the like, which can reduce the metal fatigue durability of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0138] 6 , a threshold value for brand new pipes and a threshold value for pipes that have corroded, rusted, or the like over time are set through experiments using an actual refrigerant circuit 10 or computer simulations. The information processing device 200 then uses linear interpolation from both threshold values ​​to correct the threshold value in accordance with the time that has elapsed since the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 were first used or replaced at the time the processing of step S114 is performed. This is because a difference between the threshold value for brand new pipes and the threshold value for pipes that have corroded, rusted, or the like can be considered to be due to deterioration over time caused by factors other than abnormal vibration of the compressor 12.

[0139] Furthermore, the index value may be corrected based on a linear relationship (specifically, a linear equation) obtained by the threshold value for brand new piping, the threshold value for piping that has been in a brand new state for some time and has developed corrosion, rust, or the like, and the elapsed time until the corrosion, rust, or the like occurs. Specifically, the index value is corrected by adding or subtracting, from the index value at the time of the processing of step S114, the influence of deterioration over time due to factors other than the abnormal vibration of the compressor 12, which is obtained from the linear relationship. This is because the tendency of change in the threshold value over time until the occurrence of corrosion, rust, or the like represents the influence of deterioration over time due to factors other than the abnormal vibration of the compressor 12.

[0140] When the threshold value is set using market data, the market data reflects the state of deterioration over time due to factors other than abnormal vibration of the compressor 12. Therefore, it can be considered that correction of the threshold value or index value is unnecessary.

[0141] When the information processing device 200 completes the process of step S114, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0142] In step S116, the information processing device 200 outputs information relating to the comparison result in step S114 to the outside.

[0143] The information about the comparison result is, for example, information that indicates the fatigue state of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 based on the comparison result between the index value and the threshold value.

[0144] The information indicating the fatigue state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is, for example, information indicating whether or not there is a possibility of damage, such as a break, occurring in the refrigerant circuit 10. For example, when a comparison result indicating that the index value exceeds a threshold in the direction of change is obtained, the information processing device 200 may output information (e.g., warning information) indicating that there is a possibility of damage, such as a break, occurring in the refrigerant circuit 10. On the other hand, when a comparison result indicating that the index value does not exceed the threshold in the direction of change is obtained, the information processing device 200 outputs information indicating that there is no possibility of damage, such as a break, occurring in the refrigerant circuit 10. Furthermore, when there are multiple index values, the information processing device 200 may output information indicating that there is a possibility of damage, such as a break, occurring in the refrigerant circuit 10 when a comparison result indicating that the index value exceeds a threshold in the direction of change is obtained for an index value equal to or greater than a predetermined value among the multiple index values. On the other hand, when a comparison result indicating that the index value exceeds a threshold in the direction of change is not obtained for an index value equal to or greater than a predetermined value among the multiple index values, the information processing device 200 may output information indicating that there is no possibility of damage, such as a break, occurring in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0145] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the information indicating that damage such as a break may occur in the refrigerant circuit 10, the information processing device 200 may output information urging maintenance such as pipe replacement. Furthermore, in addition to outputting the information indicating that damage such as a break may occur in the refrigerant circuit 10 to the outside, the information processing device 200 may also output an instruction for life-extension operation to the control unit 30 of the refrigeration device 100. Life-extension operation refers to operation that limits the operation of the compressor 12 to conditions that cause relatively low stress on the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10, thereby delaying the timing at which the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 will break. For example, in life-extension operation, the discharge pressure of the compressor 12 is limited. This allows the information processing device 200 to delay the timing at which the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 will break via the control unit 30.

[0146] Furthermore, the information regarding the comparison result may be information indicating the magnitude relationship between the index value and a threshold value.

[0147] The information processing device 200 may output information about the comparison result regardless of the content of the comparison result in step S116, or may output information about the comparison result only when the information about the comparison result indicates a fatigue state of relatively high-rise piping in the refrigerant circuit 10. A case in which the information about the comparison result indicates a fatigue state of relatively high-rise piping in the refrigerant circuit 10 is, for example, a case in which a comparison result indicating that the index value exceeds a threshold in its direction of change is obtained in step S114. Furthermore, when there are multiple index values, a case in which the information about the comparison result indicates a fatigue state of relatively high-rise piping in the refrigerant circuit 10 is, for example, a case in which a comparison result indicating that the index value exceeds a threshold in its direction of change is obtained for an index value among the multiple index values ​​that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0148] The information processing device 200 outputs information about the comparison result, for example, via the output device 208. As a result, the information processing device 200 can notify the user of the information about the comparison result and encourage the user to understand the deterioration state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 for the refrigeration device 100 that is the monitoring target. The user of the information processing device 200 is, for example, an administrator of the refrigeration device 100.

[0149] Furthermore, the information processing device 200 may output information regarding the comparison relationship by transmitting it to the refrigeration device 100 via the communication interface 206. This allows the information processing device 200 to notify the user of the refrigeration device 100, a serviceman performing maintenance on the refrigeration device 100, or the like, of the information regarding the comparison relationship via, for example, a display device or indicator mounted on the refrigeration device 100. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can prompt the user of the refrigeration device 100, a serviceman performing maintenance on the refrigeration device 100, or the like, to understand the deterioration state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 for the refrigeration device 100 that is the monitoring target.

[0150] The information processing device 200 may also output information about the comparison relationship by transmitting it to a terminal device used by a user of the monitoring system 1 via the communication interface 206. As a result, the information processing device 200 can notify the user of the monitoring system 1 of the information about the comparison relationship via, for example, the terminal device, and encourage the user to understand the deterioration state of the piping in the refrigerant circuit 10 of the refrigeration device 100 being monitored. Transmission to the terminal device includes not only transmission for push notification via an app installed on the terminal device, but also transmission for enabling the user to view the information via a social networking service (SNS) or email available on the terminal device. The user of the monitoring system 1 may be, for example, a user of the refrigeration device 100, a user of the information processing device 200, or a service technician who performs maintenance on the refrigeration device 100. The terminal device may be, for example, a portable terminal device (i.e., a mobile terminal) such as a smartphone or a tablet device. Alternatively, the terminal device may be a stationary terminal device such as a desktop personal computer (PC).

[0151] In this way, in this example, the monitoring system 1 can grasp the deterioration state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 without relying on on-site manual inspection, and can notify the user of information regarding the deterioration state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0152] [Function for resetting accumulated time and accumulated time] Next, we will explain the function for resetting the accumulated number and accumulated time of a specified state of the compressor 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reset function"), which starts when the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is first used or replaced.

[0153] As described above, the information processing device 200 stores in an auxiliary storage device or the like the latest values ​​of the cumulative number of times and cumulative time of the specified state of the compressor 12 obtained in step S112, starting from the time when the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 was first used or replaced.

[0154] In response to this, the information processing device 200 resets to zero (0) the latest values ​​of the cumulative number of times and cumulative time of a specified state of the compressor 12, which are stored in the auxiliary memory device 202 or the like, in response to a specified trigger, starting from the time the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is first used or replaced.

[0155] The predetermined trigger is, for example, input of a reset request from the input device 207 of the information processing device 200. The reset request may also be input from a terminal device used by a user of the monitoring system 1 via the communication interface 206. This allows the user of the monitoring system 1 to input a reset request via the input device 207, the terminal device, or the like, for example, after replacing the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10. Therefore, in conjunction with replacement of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10, the monitoring system 1 can reset to zero the accumulated number of times and accumulated time of the predetermined state of the compressor 12, which are stored in the auxiliary storage device 202 or the like and start from the time the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 are first used or replaced.

[0156] Furthermore, the predetermined trigger is, for example, receiving maintenance information indicating that the piping of the refrigeration apparatus 100 has been replaced via the communication interface 206. The maintenance information is received, for example, from a server device or the like of a management facility that manages the refrigeration apparatus 100. As a result, in conjunction with the replacement of the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10, the information processing device 200 can reset to zero the accumulated number of times and accumulated time of the predetermined state of the compressor 12, which are stored in the auxiliary storage device 202 or the like and start from the time the piping of the refrigerant circuit 10 is first used or replaced.

[0157] In this way, the information processing device 200 can reset to zero the cumulative number of times and cumulative time of a predetermined state of the compressor 12, which are stored in the auxiliary storage device 202 or the like and start from the time the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 are first used or replaced, in conjunction with replacement of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can appropriately monitor the deterioration state of the pipes of the refrigerant circuit 10 after replacement.

[0158] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0159] The above-described embodiment may be modified or changed as appropriate.

[0160] For example, in the above-described embodiment, some or all of the functions of the control unit 30 may be transferred to the information processing device 200. For example, the process of step S106 or the processes of S104 and S106 in FIG. 4 may be executed by the information processing device 200. In the former case, after completing the process of step S104, the control unit 30 of the refrigeration apparatus 100 executes a process of transmitting information indicating the result of the process of step S104 (i.e., the result of the process of detecting the predetermined state of the compressor 12) to the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 50. The result of the process of detecting the predetermined state of the compressor 12 is, for example, information indicating whether the predetermined state of the compressor 12 has been detected for each processing cycle. In the latter case, after completing the process of step S102 in FIG. 4, the control unit 30 of the refrigeration apparatus 100 executes a process of transmitting the information acquired in step S102 (i.e., the latest output information of the acquisition unit 40) to the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 50.

[0161] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the functions of the information processing device 200 may be transferred to a control unit 30 built into the refrigeration device 100, an information processing device different from the control unit 30, or an external information processing device directly connected to the refrigeration device 100.

[0162] [Operation] Next, the operation of the monitoring device, monitoring system, monitoring method, and monitoring program according to this embodiment will be described.

[0163] In a first aspect of this embodiment, a monitoring device acquires information regarding the detection results of a predetermined state of a compressor provided in a refrigerant circuit, which may cause abnormal vibration of the compressor. When an index value, which varies depending on the cumulative time or cumulative count of the predetermined state, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the monitoring device outputs information regarding fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit. Specifically, when the index value based on the acquired information (i.e., information regarding the detection results of the predetermined state) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the monitoring device outputs information regarding fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit. The monitoring device is, for example, the information processing device 200 described above. The monitoring device may also be the control unit 30 described above. The monitoring device may also be the information processing device described above that is built into or directly connected to the refrigeration system 100 and is different from the control unit 30. The refrigerant circuit is, for example, the refrigerant circuit 10 described above. The compressor is, for example, the compressor 12 described above. The information on the detection result of the predetermined state is, for example, information indicating the cumulative number of times or cumulative time that the predetermined state of the compressor 12 has been detected within the most recent predetermined time period, which is acquired in the processing of step S106 in FIG. 4 described above and transmitted to the information processing device 200 in the processing of step S108. Furthermore, for example, when the processing of step S106 in FIG. 4 described above is transferred to the information processing device 200, the information on the detection result of the predetermined state is information indicating whether or not the predetermined state of the compressor 12 has been detected, which is acquired in the processing of step S104 and transmitted to the information processing device 200. Furthermore, for example, when the processing of steps S104 and S106 in FIG. 4 described above is transferred to the information processing device 200, the information on the detection result of the predetermined state is information indicating whether or not the predetermined state of the compressor 12 has been detected, which is acquired by the information processing device 200 itself by performing the processing corresponding to step S104.

[0164] This allows the monitoring device to output information about the fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit caused by abnormal vibration of the compressor, thereby helping the user or the like to understand the fatigue state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit.

[0165] In a second aspect of the present embodiment, based on the first aspect described above, the predetermined state may include a first state in which the compressor is stopped for protection or a second state in which the compressor is overloaded. The monitoring device may output information related to fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when the index value, which varies depending on the cumulative number of times the compressor has entered the first state or the cumulative time the compressor is in the second state, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0166] This allows the monitoring device to output information regarding fatigue of the piping in the refrigerant circuit based on the cumulative number of protective stops of the compressor or the cumulative time of an overload state, which are factors that cause abnormal vibration of the compressor.

[0167] In a third aspect of the present embodiment, based on the first or second aspect described above, the predetermined state may include a third state in which an effective value or a specific frequency component of the drive current of the compressor exceeds a predetermined standard. The monitoring device may output information related to fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when the index value, which varies depending on the accumulated time during which the compressor is in the third state, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0168] This allows the monitoring device to output information regarding fatigue of the piping in the refrigerant circuit based on the accumulated time of a third state in which the effective value of the compressor's driving current or a specific frequency component exceeds a predetermined standard, which is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor.

[0169] In a fourth aspect of the present embodiment, based on any one of the first to third aspects described above, a specific rotation speed or a specific rotation speed band in which use during operation of the compressor is prohibited may be preset for the compressor. The predetermined state may include a fourth state in which the rotation speed of the compressor passes through the specific rotation speed or the specific rotation speed band. The monitoring device may output information regarding fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when the index value, which changes depending on the accumulated number of times the compressor has entered the fourth state, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0170] This allows the monitoring device to output information regarding fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit based on the cumulative number of times the prohibited rotation speed or prohibited rotation speed band is passed through, which can be a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor.

[0171] In a fifth aspect of the present embodiment, based on the first aspect described above, the predetermined state may include a first state in which the compressor is stopped for protection purposes, a second state in which the compressor is overloaded, a third state in which an effective value of a drive current of the compressor or a specific frequency component exceeds a predetermined standard, and a fourth state in which a rotation speed of the compressor passes through the specific rotation speed or the specific rotation speed band. The monitoring device may output information about fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when the index value, which varies depending on the cumulative number of times the compressor has entered the first state, the cumulative time the compressor is in the second state, the cumulative time the compressor is in the third state, and the cumulative number of times the compressor has entered the fourth state, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0172] This allows the monitoring device to output information regarding fatigue of the piping in the refrigerant circuit based on the number of times (cumulative number of times) that multiple specified states of the compressor occur and the duration of occurrence (cumulative time) that cause abnormal vibration of the compressor.

[0173] In a sixth aspect of the present embodiment, based on any one of the first to fifth aspects, the monitoring device may detect the predetermined state based on information used to control the refrigerant circuit. The information used to control the refrigerant circuit is, for example, information output from the acquisition unit 40.

[0174] As a result, the monitoring device can assist the user or the like in understanding the fatigue state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit without providing a dedicated sensor or the like for monitoring the fatigue state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit.

[0175] In addition, in a seventh aspect of this embodiment, assuming any one of the first to sixth aspects described above, the monitoring device may correct the index value or the specified threshold value based on the elapsed time since the start of use of the piping of the refrigerant circuit or the replacement of the piping of the refrigerant circuit.

[0176] This allows the monitoring device to output more appropriate information regarding the fatigue of the pipes in the refrigerant circuit, taking into account the accumulation of fatigue in the pipes that occurs over time since the pipes were first used or replaced.

[0177] In addition, in an eighth aspect of this embodiment, assuming any one of the first to seventh aspects described above, the monitoring device may reset the accumulated number of times or the accumulated time to zero in response to a predetermined trigger.

[0178] This allows the monitoring device to manually reset the cumulative count and cumulative time when, for example, a pipe is replaced, and therefore the monitoring device can output more appropriate information regarding the fatigue of the pipes in the refrigerant circuit.

[0179] In a ninth aspect of this embodiment, a monitoring system includes a refrigeration apparatus and a monitoring device. The monitoring system is, for example, the monitoring system 1 described above. The refrigeration apparatus may be, for example, the refrigeration apparatus 100 described above, specifically the air conditioner 100A described above. The monitoring device is, for example, the information processing device 200 described above. Specifically, the refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit and a compressor provided in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit is, for example, the refrigerant circuit 10 described above. The compressor is, for example, the compressor 12 described above. The monitoring device acquires information regarding the detection results of a predetermined state of the compressor that causes abnormal vibration of the compressor provided in the refrigerant circuit, and outputs information regarding fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit when an index value that changes depending on the cumulative time or cumulative number of times of the predetermined state exceeds a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the monitoring device outputs information regarding fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit when the index value based on the acquired information (i.e., information regarding the detection results of the predetermined state) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0180] This allows the monitoring system to output information about the fatigue of the piping in the refrigerant circuit caused by abnormal vibration of the compressor, thereby helping the user or the like to understand the fatigue state of the piping in the refrigerant circuit.

[0181] Furthermore, a tenth aspect of the present embodiment provides a monitoring method. Specifically, in the monitoring method of this aspect, a monitoring device acquires information regarding the detection results of a predetermined state of a compressor provided in a refrigerant circuit, which is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor, and outputs information regarding fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when an index value that changes depending on the cumulative time or cumulative number of times the predetermined state occurs exceeds a predetermined threshold. More specifically, in the monitoring method of this aspect, when the index value based on the acquired information (i.e., the information regarding the detection results of the predetermined state) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the monitoring device outputs information regarding fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit.

[0182] This allows the monitoring device to output information about the fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit caused by abnormal vibration of the compressor, thereby helping the user or the like to understand the fatigue state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit.

[0183] In an eleventh aspect of this embodiment, the monitoring program causes a computer to acquire information on the detection results of a predetermined state of the compressor, which may cause abnormal vibration of the compressor provided in the refrigerant circuit, and, based on the information, output information on fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when an index value that varies depending on the accumulated time or the accumulated number of times the predetermined state occurs exceeds a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the monitoring program causes the computer to output information on fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit when the index value based on the acquired information (i.e., information on the detection results of the predetermined state) exceeds a predetermined threshold. The computer is, for example, the information processing device 200 described above. The computer may also be the control unit 30 described above. The computer may also be the information processing device described above that is built into the refrigeration device 100 or directly connected to it and is different from the control unit 30.

[0184] This allows the computer to output information about the fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit caused by abnormal vibration of the compressor, thereby helping the user or the like to understand the fatigue state of the piping of the refrigerant circuit.

[0185] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0186] Finally, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-057258, filed on March 29, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0187] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 monitoring system 10 refrigerant circuit 12 compressor 14 motor 20 drive unit 30 control unit 40 acquisition unit 50 communication unit 100 refrigeration device 100A air conditioner 200 information processing device

Claims

1. A monitoring device that acquires information regarding the detection results of a predetermined state of a compressor (12) provided in a refrigerant circuit (10), which is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor (12), and outputs information regarding fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit (10) when an index value that changes depending on the cumulative time or cumulative number of times of the predetermined state exceeds a predetermined threshold.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined state includes a first state in which the compressor (12) is stopped for protection or a second state in which the compressor (12) is overloaded, and when the index value, which varies depending on the cumulative number of times the compressor (12) has entered the first state or the cumulative time the compressor (12) is in the second state, exceeds a predetermined threshold, information relating to fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit (10) is output.

3. A monitoring device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined state includes a third state in which the effective value or a specific frequency component of the drive current of the compressor (12) exceeds a predetermined standard, and when the index value, which changes depending on the accumulated time that the compressor (12) is in the third state, exceeds a predetermined threshold, outputs information relating to fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit (10).

4. A monitoring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a specific rotation speed or a specific rotation speed band in which use during operation is prohibited is preset for the compressor (12), the specific state includes a fourth state in which the rotation speed of the compressor (12) passes through the specific rotation speed or the specific rotation speed band, and when the index value, which changes depending on the cumulative number of times the compressor (12) has entered the fourth state, exceeds a specific threshold, information relating to fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit (10) is output.

5. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined states include a first state in which the compressor (12) has been stopped for protection purposes, a second state in which the compressor (12) is overloaded, a third state in which the effective value of the drive current of the compressor (12) or a specific frequency component exceeds a predetermined standard, and a fourth state in which the rotation speed of the compressor (12) passes through the specific rotation speed or the specific rotation speed band, and wherein information relating to fatigue of piping in the refrigerant circuit (10) is output when the index value, which varies depending on the cumulative number of times the compressor (12) has entered the first state, the cumulative time the compressor (12) is in the second state, the cumulative time the compressor (12) is in the third state, and the cumulative number of times the compressor (12) has entered the fourth state, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

6. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined state is detected based on information used to control the refrigerant circuit (10).

7. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the index value or the predetermined threshold value is corrected based on the time elapsed since the start of use of the piping of the refrigerant circuit (10) or the replacement of the piping of the refrigerant circuit (10).

8. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the integrated number or the integrated time is reset to zero in response to a predetermined trigger.

9. A monitoring system comprising: a refrigeration device (100, 100A) including a refrigerant circuit (10) and a compressor (12) provided in the refrigerant circuit (10); and a monitoring device (30, 200) that acquires information relating to the detection results of a predetermined state of the compressor (12) that is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor (12), and outputs information relating to fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit (10) when an index value that changes depending on the cumulative time or cumulative number of times of the predetermined state exceeds a predetermined threshold.

10. A monitoring method in which a monitoring device (30, 200) acquires information relating to the detection results of a predetermined state of a compressor (12) provided in a refrigerant circuit (10), which is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor (12), and outputs information relating to fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit (10) when an index value that changes depending on the cumulative time or cumulative number of times of the predetermined state exceeds a predetermined threshold.

11. A monitoring program that causes a computer (30, 200) to acquire information regarding the detection results of a predetermined state of a compressor (12) that is a cause of abnormal vibration of the compressor (12) provided in a refrigerant circuit (10), and to output information regarding fatigue of the piping of the refrigerant circuit (10) when an index value that changes depending on the cumulative time or cumulative number of times of the predetermined state exceeds a predetermined threshold.

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