Remote control device and refrigeration device system

Abstract

The present invention reduces the workload required for a manager to confirm a record of internal temperatures. Disclosed is a remote control device which receives input to a refrigeration device which cools the interior of a storage compartment and comprises a refrigerant circuit containing a compressor, a compartment-external heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a compartment-internal heat exchanger, said remote control device including a display unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires the internal temperature of the storage compartment, stores the internal temperature in association with information indicating the time of the acquisition thereof in a storage unit of the remote control device, and causes the display unit to display a record of the internal temperatures stored in the storage unit.

Description

Remote control device, refrigeration system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remote control device and a refrigeration system.

[0002] Refrigeration equipment is used in storage facilities such as cold storage warehouses where it is necessary to maintain low temperatures. Sanitation management methods such as HACCP require managers to record the temperature history inside the storage facility. This makes it easier to ensure that the quality of the goods inside the storage facility is maintained in accordance with standards.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a remote control device having a display unit that displays information related to a refrigeration device, such as the temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0004] Patent No. 6664174

[0005] However, in conventional technology, the remote control device cannot display the history of past refrigerator temperatures. Therefore, in order for the manager to check the refrigerator temperature history, the manager must transcribe the current refrigerator temperature on paper or the like. Alternatively, one method of checking the refrigerator temperature history is to connect a separate PC (Personal Computer) to the refrigeration unit to record and check the temperature, but this requires a large workload on the manager.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a technique for reducing the workload of a manager required to check the history of temperatures inside a storage unit.

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a remote control device that receives input to a refrigeration device that cools the inside of a storage compartment, and that has a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, an external heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an internal heat exchanger, and has a display unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires the internal temperature of the storage compartment, associates the internal temperature with time information at which the internal temperature was acquired, and stores them in a memory unit of the remote control device, and displays the history of the internal temperature stored in the memory unit on the display unit.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the workload of a manager required to check the temperature inside the storage compartment can be reduced.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the remote control device according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit causes a display unit to display a history of the inside temperature for each date on which the inside temperature was acquired.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the remote control device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit receives a range of the history of the internal temperature to be displayed on the display unit, and causes the display unit to display the history of the internal temperature within the received range.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the remote control device according to the third aspect, wherein the memory unit stores the inside temperature for the past N days, and the control unit causes the display unit to display a history of the inside temperature for up to the past N days.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a remote control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit does not store the internal temperature in the memory unit after receiving an operation to stop the remote control device or during a defrosting period when the refrigeration unit is defrosting.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a remote control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit displays the history of the internal temperature in a graph with the time information on the horizontal axis.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a remote control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the control unit acquires from the refrigeration device whether the compressor is operating or stopped, associates the information with the time information, and stores the information in the memory unit; and, if a change in the temperature inside the refrigerator satisfies a predetermined condition while the compressor is operating, displays a message indicating that the change in the temperature inside the refrigerator has satisfied the predetermined condition.

[0015] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a remote control device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the control unit displays the history of the internal temperature in a graph with the time information as the horizontal axis, and displays a defrost period image representing the defrost period in association with the time information.

[0016] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the remote control device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the defrosting period image is an image indicating a defrosting period of an internal heat exchanger.

[0017] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the remote control device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the defrosting period image is an image indicating a defrosting period of an external heat exchanger.

[0018] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the remote control device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the defrosting period image differs between a defrosting period for an internal heat exchanger and a defrosting period for an external heat exchanger.

[0019] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a remote control device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the control unit displays a history of the temperature inside the storage compartment in a graph with the time information as the horizontal axis, and also displays an image indicating whether the compressor is operating or stopped in association with the time information.

[0020] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration system including the remote control device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects and a refrigeration system.

[0021] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the workload of the manager required to check the history of the temperature inside the storage compartment can be reduced.

[0022] 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration device system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface of a remote control device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a remote control control unit. FIG. 4 is an example of a functional block diagram illustrating functions of a remote control device in blocks. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating information stored in an information storage unit. FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a process or operation of a remote control device to record information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a history of indoor temperatures displayed on a display unit by a remote control device. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a history of indoor temperatures displayed on a display unit by a remote control device. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a trend graph of indoor temperatures displayed on a display unit by a remote control device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of an average temperature, a maximum temperature, and a minimum temperature displayed together with the trend graph. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification mark displayed when a change in indoor temperature meets a predetermined condition. FIG. 12 is an example of a trend graph displaying a period when a compressor is on or off. FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a process or operation of a remote control device to display a history of indoor temperatures.

[0023] Hereinafter, as an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a remote control device capable of communicating with a refrigeration device and a display method performed by this remote control device will be described.

[0024] <General Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 1. The refrigeration system 1 has one set of "controller, indoor unit, and outdoor unit" for one storage SP. Note that, hereinafter, any of the controllers 50a to 50c will be referred to as controller 50, any of the indoor units 12a to 12c will be referred to as indoor unit 12, and any of the outdoor units 11a to 11c will be referred to as outdoor unit 11. Also, any of the temperature sensors 61a to 61c will be referred to as temperature sensor 61. Also, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit may be collectively referred to as the "refrigeration system." Any of the refrigeration systems 10a to 10c will be referred to as refrigeration system 10.

[0025] The control device 50 controls the temperature of the storage unit SP based on the set temperature transmitted from the remote control device 30. The storage unit SP may be any space such as a refrigerator, freezer, refrigerated warehouse, or showcase, and may be a relatively small space such as an apparatus, or a relatively large space such as a warehouse. Although FIG. 1 shows three storage units SP, this is just an example. The number of storage units SP may be two or less, or four or more. Furthermore, multiple refrigeration units 10 may be installed in one storage unit SP.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, one control device 50 is connected to an indoor unit 12, an outdoor unit 11, and a temperature sensor 61. The indoor unit 12 and the outdoor unit 11 are also connected by a refrigerant pipe 18. Note that one outdoor unit 11 may be connected to multiple indoor units 12 by the refrigerant pipes 18. However, by pairing one indoor unit 12 with one outdoor unit 11, the number of storage spaces SP where temperature control becomes difficult in the event of a failure of the outdoor unit 11 can be limited to one.

[0027] A common remote control device 30 is connected to each control device 50 so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly. By connecting the remote control devices 30 and the control devices 50 in a one-to-multiple manner, an administrator can set the temperatures of multiple refrigeration devices 10 with a single operation by operating one remote control device 30. However, a remote control device 30 may exist for each control device 50. Alternatively, the remote control device 30 may be connected only to the control device 50 of the parent device, which will be described later.

[0028] The control device 50 is a controller that controls the indoor unit 12 and the outdoor unit 11, and is equipped with information processing functions such as a microcomputer. The control device 50 is installed outside the storage facility SP to avoid malfunctions due to low temperature environments. Since the location where the control device 50 is installed is not necessarily a space where a manager is present (for example, the control device 50 may be installed in the attic of the storage facility SP), it is effective to have a remote control device 30 that can communicate with the control device 50. The control device 50 may be installed inside the storage facility SP as long as it is capable of withstanding the temperature range of the storage facility SP. The remote control device 30 and the control device 50 may also be integrated into one unit.

[0029] Furthermore, the control device 50 can communicate with other control devices 50. The communication method may be a daisy chain method, a cascade method, or a star method. This allows the control devices 50 to share settings set by an administrator and determine the parent device.

[0030] In FIG. 1 , three control devices 50 are connected to one remote control device 30, but four or more control devices 50 can be connected to one remote control device 30. Of the multiple control devices 50 connected to the remote control device 30, one is set as a parent device. The parent device is a control device 50 that transmits settings to the other control devices 50. Control devices 50 other than the parent device are called child devices. The parent device is a control device 50 that transmits the internal temperature to the remote control device 30 to be stored in the remote control device 30. In other words, the remote control device 30 displays the internal temperature of the storage room SP controlled by the parent device. By operation of an administrator, the remote control device 30 may be able to display the internal temperature of the storage room SP controlled by any (child device) control device 50. In other words, the remote control device 30 may store or display the internal temperature of the (child device) control device 50 designated by the administrator.

[0031] An administrator can arbitrarily set which control device 50 is to be set as the parent device. If the administrator does not set it, the control devices 50 communicate with each other, and the remote control device 30, for example, determines the control device 50 with the smallest serial number as the parent device based on the serial numbers of the control devices 50. Note that the administrator does not need to be aware of which control device 50 is the parent device, but the remote control device 30 can display which control device 50 is the parent device.

[0032] The remote control device 30 is a receiving means that receives settings related to the operation of the refrigeration device 10 from an administrator. The remote control device 30 also functions as a display means that displays various information received from the control device 50. More specifically, the remote control device 30 receives settings related to the operation of the refrigeration device 10 (starting and stopping the operation of the refrigeration device 10, set temperature, defrosting period, etc.) and transmits the settings to the control device 50 of the parent unit.

[0033] The remote control device 30 transmits settings related to the operation of the refrigeration apparatus 10 of the master unit to all of the slave units. Each control device 50 transmits settings related to operation to the remote control device 30. The control device 50 of the master unit transmits to the remote control device 30 the internal temperature of the storage space SP managed by the control device 50 of the master unit, whether the refrigeration apparatus 10 controlled by the control device 50 of the master unit is in a defrosting period (whether an internal defrosting period or an external defrosting period) and the on / off state of the compressor controlled by the control device 50 of the master unit. In addition, the control device 50 of the master unit may transmit to the remote control device 30 the internal temperature of the storage space SP controlled by the slave unit, whether the refrigeration apparatus 10 controlled by the control device 50 of the slave unit is in a defrosting period and the on / off state of the compressor controlled by the control device 50 of the slave unit. In this case, the control device 50 of the master unit transmits identification information of the control device 50 of the slave unit to the remote control device 30.

[0034] The remote control device 30 receives the internal temperature, whether the defrosting period is in progress, compressor on / off status, etc. transmitted by the parent device control device 50. The remote control device 30 stores the internal temperature, whether the defrosting period is in progress, compressor on / off status, etc. in association with time information. The remote control device 30 can display the stored information in response to an administrator's operation, etc., or automatically at a predetermined timing, etc.

[0035] A temperature sensor 61 installed in the storage facility SP detects the temperature of the air in the storage facility SP and transmits it to the control device 50. This temperature is the storage facility temperature. In addition to the temperature sensor 61, a humidity sensor or the like may also be installed. The storage facility unit 12 also has a temperature sensor. This temperature sensor detects, for example, the temperature of the intake port through which air is drawn into the storage facility SP. Therefore, the control device 50 can acquire the storage facility temperature from at least the storage facility unit 12, and if a temperature sensor 61 is installed, the control device 50 can acquire the storage facility temperature from both the temperature sensor 61 and the storage facility unit 12. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that either the temperature sensor installed in the storage facility unit 12 or the storage facility temperature detected by the temperature sensor 61 may be acquired.

[0036] <Configuration example of indoor unit and external unit> Next, the configuration of the indoor unit 12 and the external unit 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a configuration example of the indoor unit 12 and the external unit 11. Fig. 2 shows a multi-type configuration example in which multiple indoor units 12 are connected to one external unit 11. In other words, the refrigeration system 10 has one external unit 11 and three indoor units 12. The external unit 11 may be referred to as a heat source unit or a heat source unit. The indoor units 12a to 12c may be referred to as user units or unit coolers. The one external unit 11 and the three indoor units 12a to 12c are connected to each other via a liquid side communication pipe 23 and a gas side communication pipe 24 to form a refrigerant circuit 20.

[0037] The outdoor unit 11 is installed outdoors and is provided with a heat source side circuit 21 and a heat source side fan 16. The heat source side fan 16 supplies outdoor air to an external heat exchanger 32 of the heat source side circuit 21, which will be described later.

[0038] Each of the three indoor units 12a to 12c is, for example, a unit cooler installed inside the storage SP. In this embodiment, the three indoor units 12a to 12c may be installed in different storage SPs or may be installed in a single storage SP.

[0039] Each of the indoor units 12a to 12c includes a usage-side circuit 22a to 22c and a usage-side fan 17a to 17c. The usage-side fans 17a to 17c supply the indoor air in the storage room SP to the indoor heat exchangers 33a to 33c of the usage-side circuits 22a to 22c (described later).

[0040] In the refrigeration system 10 of this embodiment, a refrigerant circuit 20 is formed by one heat source side circuit 21, three user side circuits 22a to 22c, a liquid side communication pipe 23, and a gas side communication pipe 24. The refrigerant circuit 20 is filled with refrigerant. The type of refrigerant filled into the refrigerant circuit 20 may be selected appropriately depending on the adjusted temperature of the storage facility SP.

[0041] In the refrigerant circuit 20, the three utilization-side circuits 22a to 22c are connected in parallel to one another. Specifically, the liquid side end of the heat source-side circuit 21 is connected to the liquid side ends of each of the utilization-side circuits 22a to 22c via a liquid side connection pipe 23. The gas side end of the heat source-side circuit 21 is connected to the gas side ends of each of the utilization-side circuits 22a to 22c via a gas side connection pipe 24.

[0042] The heat source side circuit 21 includes a compressor 31 and an external heat exchanger 32. In the heat source side circuit 21, the compressor 31 and the external heat exchanger 32 are provided in series from the gas side end to the liquid side end. The compressor 31 is a hermetic compressor equipped with an electric motor 31a. The external heat exchanger 32 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air.

[0043] A pressure sensor 56 is connected to the heat source side circuit 21. The pressure sensor 56 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 31 in the heat source side circuit 21. The pressure sensor 56 measures the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 20.

[0044] The three utilization-side circuits 22a-22c have the same configuration. Each utilization-side circuit 22a-22c includes an internal heat exchanger 33a-33c, an expansion valve 34a-34c, and a solenoid valve 35a-35c. In each utilization-side circuit 22a-22c, the solenoid valves 35a-35c, the expansion valves 34a-34c, and the internal heat exchanger 33a are arranged in series from the liquid side end to the gas side end. Each solenoid valve 35a-35c is an on-off valve. Each expansion valve 34a-34c is a thermostatic expansion valve with a temperature-sensing bulb. The internal heat exchangers 33a-33c are heat exchangers that exchange heat between the refrigerant and the internal air of the storage compartment SP. The temperature of the air blown to the internal heat exchanger 33 by the utilization-side fans 17a-17c is detected by temperature sensors 62a-62c. The temperature sensors 62a to 62c are temperature sensors that detect the temperature inside the storage compartment.

[0045] The external unit 11 has a control unit 51, and the indoor units 12a to 12c have control units 52a to 52c, respectively. The control unit 51 controls the external unit 11 and also communicates with the control device 50. The control units 52a to 52c control the indoor units 12a to 12c and also communicate with the control device 50.

[0046] <Remote Control Device> Next, the user interface of the remote control device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows the user interface of the remote control device 30. The remote control device 30 is installed in a room where a person is present (for example, the room of the manager of the refrigeration device 10, etc.). The remote control device 30 includes a power button 201, an up / down button 202, a left / right button 203, and a display unit 204. The power button 201 is used to turn the remote control device 30 on or off.

[0047] However, even when the power button 201 is off, the remote control device 30 remains powered to display past temperatures inside the storage compartment, etc. Turning the remote control device 30 on or off also turns the refrigeration device 10 on or off. Turning the refrigeration device 10 on or off means whether or not to control the temperature of the storage compartment SP, and is separate from the on / off of the compressor. The on / off of the compressor is controlled by the control device 50 based on the set temperature, the storage compartment temperature, etc.

[0048] The control device 50 remains in a powered state regardless of whether the remote control device 30 is on or off, but may transition to an energy saving mode as appropriate when the remote control device 30 is turned off. The reason why the powered state is maintained is to take into consideration the waiting time that may occur until the start-up of the control device 50 is completed when the administrator turns on the remote control device 30. However, the control device 50 may also be turned on or off in conjunction with the turning on or off of the remote control device 30.

[0049] The up and down buttons 202 are mainly used to set the set temperature, the periodic defrosting time, etc. The left and right buttons 203 are mainly used to switch between screens.

[0050] The display unit 204 is a small liquid crystal display located in the center of the remote control device 30. The display unit 204 can display the display name 205 of the refrigerator temperature, the refrigerator temperature 206, the display name 207 of the set temperature, the set temperature 208, the display name 210 of the cycle defrost mode, and the cycle defrost time 211. The lower part of the display unit 204 also displays the current display content 209 in inverted text. For example, the current display content 209 in FIG. 3 is "Child." When the user presses the right side of the left / right button 203, the current display content 209 changes to "Set temperature." In "Set temperature," the user can change the set temperature using the up / down button 202. Similarly, in "Mode," the user can select an operation mode (cooling, fan, defrost, or automatic) using the up / down button 202. Similarly, in "Defrost cycle," the user can set the cycle defrost time using the up / down button 202.

[0051] The remote control device 30 includes a built-in remote control control unit 220. The remote control control unit 220 controls the operation of each unit in the remote control device 30. The remote control control unit 220 may be a microcomputer having a CPU or the like, or a SoC (System on Chip).

[0052] <Hardware Configuration of Remote Control> Next, the hardware configuration of the remote control control unit 220 included in the remote control device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the remote control control unit 220. The remote control control unit 220 includes a processor 231, a memory 232, an auxiliary storage device 233, an I / F (Interface) device 234, and a communication device 235. The hardware components of the remote control control unit 220 are connected to each other via a bus 237.

[0053] The processor 231 has various arithmetic devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The processor 231 reads and executes various programs onto the memory 232. The processor 231 corresponds to the control unit 130 that controls the entire remote control device 30.

[0054] The memory 232 has a main storage device such as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The processor 231 and the memory 232 form a so-called computer, and the processor 231 executes various programs read onto the memory 232.

[0055] The auxiliary storage device 233 stores various programs and various data used when the various programs are executed by the processor 231 .

[0056] The I / F device 234 is a connection device that connects the display unit 204, the remote control input unit 236, and the remote control device 30. The display unit 204 was described with reference to Fig. 3. The remote control input unit 236 corresponds to a touch panel that accepts input of various settings for the remote control device 30, the up / down button 202, or the left / right button 203.

[0057] The communication unit 235 is a communication device for communicating with the control unit 50 .

[0058] <Regarding Functions> Fig. 5 is an example of a functional block diagram showing, in blocks, the functions of the remote control device 30. The remote control control unit 220 has an information acquisition unit 41, a recording unit 42, an information storage unit 43, a temperature calculation unit 44, an operation acceptance unit 45, a display control unit 46, and an information setting unit 47. These functions of the remote control control unit 220 are functions or means realized when the processor 231 of the remote control control unit 220 shown in Fig. 5 executes a program stored in the memory 232 or the like and controls the hardware of the remote control control unit 220.

[0059] The information acquisition unit 41 communicates with the control device 50 and acquires from the control device 50 the internal temperature, whether or not a defrosting period is in progress, and whether or not the compressor is on / off. Whether or not a defrosting period is in progress includes whether or not an internal defrosting period is in progress and whether or not an external defrosting period is in progress. Here, the internal defrosting period is a period during which a defrosting operation of the internal heat exchanger 33 is performed, and the external defrosting period is a period during which a defrosting operation of the external heat exchanger 32 is performed. The information acquisition unit 41 may acquire whether or not an internal defrosting period is in progress and whether or not an external defrosting period is in progress. Similarly, the compressor on / off status may be acquired by acquiring whether or not the compressor is on (or off). The information acquisition unit 41 may acquire whether or not defrosting has started or ended instead of whether or not a defrosting period is in progress.

[0060] The information acquisition unit 41 can periodically acquire the inside temperature, whether or not the defrosting period is in progress, and the on / off status of the compressor. The periodic period may be set in the remote control device 30 by an administrator or may be predetermined. When it is time to acquire the inside temperature, the information acquisition unit 41 requests the inside temperature from the control device 50 and acquires it from the control device 50. In response to the request, the control device 50 acquires the inside temperature from the temperature sensors 61, 62 and transmits it to the remote control device 30. The control device 50 transmits to the remote control device 30, together with the inside temperature, whether or not the defrosting period is in progress and the on / off status of the compressor. The information acquisition unit 41 also acquires, together with the inside temperature, whether or not the defrosting period is in progress and the on / off status of the compressor.

[0061] Furthermore, when information acquisition unit 41 acquires this information from control device 50, as described above, information acquisition unit 41 may request this information from control device 50 and, instead of acquiring the information from control device 50 in response, control device 50 may transmit this information to remote control device 30 without a request. In the latter case, the timing of transmitting information (cycle, timing, time, etc.) is set in advance in control device 50. When it is time to acquire the inside temperature, control device 50 acquires the inside temperature from temperature sensors 61, 62 and transmits this to remote control device 30 together with whether the defrosting period is in progress and whether the compressor is on or off.

[0062] The recording unit 42 records the internal temperature, whether or not the defrosting period is in progress, and on / off status of the compressor acquired by the information acquisition unit 41 in association with time information. The recording unit 42 is set to record the internal temperature, whether or not the defrosting period is in progress, and on / off status of the compressor for a predetermined storage period, such as three days, in the information storage unit 43. When information for the storage period (for example, all of the information for three days) is stored, the recording unit 42 overwrites the oldest internal temperature, whether or not the defrosting period is in progress, and on / off status of the compressor with the latest internal temperature, whether or not the defrosting period is in progress, and on / off status of the compressor.

[0063] Furthermore, when the remote control device 30 is stopped, the recording unit 42 does not record the internal temperature, whether or not the defrosting period is in progress, or whether the compressor is on or off. The remote control device 30 is stopped when the administrator turns off the power button 201. Furthermore, the recording unit 42 does not record the internal temperature from the start to the end of defrosting. This allows the remote control device 30 to save memory capacity.

[0064] The temperature calculation unit 44 calculates the average, maximum, and minimum temperatures inside the refrigerator over a certain period of time. The certain period may be, for example, the range in which a trend graph is displayed or a period specified by an administrator. The temperature calculation unit 44 also determines whether the temperature inside the refrigerator meets a predetermined standard, and if so, notifies the display control unit 46 of this fact. The predetermined standard is an undesirable situation, such as the temperature not dropping, and thus the temperature calculation unit 44 determines whether an abnormality has occurred.

[0065] 3, the operation reception unit 45 receives various operations on the remote control device 30. The operation reception unit 45 receives, for example, an operation mode, a set temperature, and a defrosting period.

[0066] The display control unit 46 displays information on the display unit 204. As one example of this, the display control unit 46 displays the history of the inside temperature on the display unit 204. The inside temperature history can be displayed in two ways: as numerical values ​​arranged in chronological order, or as a trend graph. The display control unit 46 also displays the defrosting period and the thermo-on period on the display unit 204. Thermo-on means that the compressor is operating.

[0067] The information setting unit 47 transmits the settings related to the operation of the refrigeration device 10 (starting and stopping the operation of the refrigeration device 10, set temperature, defrosting period, etc.) received by the operation receiving unit 45 to the control device 50.

[0068] The control device 50 acquires the inside temperature from the inside unit 12 (temperature sensor 62) or the temperature sensor 61. The control device 50 may acquire the inside temperature from the temperature sensor 62 arranged at the intake port to the inside unit 12, for example. Alternatively, the control device 50 may acquire the inside temperature from the temperature sensor 61 installed in the storage space SP. Alternatively, the control device 50 may acquire the inside temperatures from both the two temperature sensors 61, 62.

[0069] The control device 50 transmits operation start / stop, set temperature, and other information received from the remote control device 30 to the indoor unit 12. The control units 52a-52c of the indoor unit 12 turn the power on / off in response to the operation start / stop, and also control the air volume of the usage-side fans 17a-17c based on the set temperature and the indoor temperature. The functions of the control unit 52 may be included in the control device 50.

[0070] The control device 50 transmits operation start / stop, set temperature, and other information received from the remote control device 30 to the external unit 11. The control unit 51 of the external unit 11 turns the power on / off depending on the operation start / stop command, and also controls the refrigerant flow rate, evaporation pressure, condensation pressure, and air volume of the heat source side fan 16 based on the set temperature and the internal temperature. The refrigerant flow rate is controlled by turning the compressor on / off and by the compressor rotation speed. The cooling capacity changes depending on the refrigerant flow rate, and the internal temperature changes. The control unit 51 of the external unit 11 can also control the internal temperature by controlling the condensation temperature and evaporation temperature of the refrigerant. The control unit 51 of the external unit 11 also transmits compressor on / off (thermo on / off) command to the control device 50.

[0071] The control device 50 also determines the start and end of defrosting based on the defrosting period received from the remote control device 30. Methods for starting defrosting include periodic setting, time setting, or external signal. Periodic setting is a setting for starting defrosting when a period, such as every 12 hours, arrives. Time setting is a setting for starting defrosting at a date and time set by an administrator. An external signal is a method for instructing the control device 50 to start defrosting from an external device such as a PC. The control device 50 may transmit an operation mode and temperature setting corresponding to internal defrosting to the indoor unit 12 and the external unit 11, or may transmit an operation mode and temperature setting corresponding to external defrosting to the indoor unit 12 and the external unit 11.

[0072] One method for ending defrosting is to make the decision based on the internal temperature and time. That is, during internal defrost control, the control device 50 controls the internal temperature to 2 to 3°C, and determines that defrosting has occurred when this temperature has been maintained for a certain period of time. During external defrost control, the control device 50 determines that defrosting has occurred when a time determined based on the current outdoor temperature has elapsed.

[0073] <<Information Stored in Information Storage Unit>> Next, the information stored in the information storage unit 43 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the information stored in the information storage unit 43. The information storage unit 43 stores the internal temperature, internal defrost period, external defrost period, and compressor on / off status, each associated with time information. As an example, the time information is expressed as a numerical value, with the current time being 0 and the further back in time the time information goes, the smaller the negative value. It is preferable that at least the current time be recorded as an absolute time. By representing the remaining times as differences from the current time, the remote control device 30 can save storage capacity. "-1 hour" represents the state one hour ago, and "-72 hours" represents the state 72 hours ago. While FIG. 6 shows the internal temperature for 72 hours (i.e., three days) recorded, this is merely an example. The time information may also be recorded as absolute time rather than as a difference from the current time.

[0074] In the item for internal defrost period, "Y" is set for the time period from when internal defrosting starts to when it ends. In other words, when the recording unit 42 receives information from the control device 50 that the internal defrosting period is in progress, it records "Y" in association with the time information. The same applies to the external defrosting period. In the item for compressor on / off, "on" is recorded when the compressor is on, and "off" is recorded when the compressor is off. In other words, when the recording unit 42 obtains the internal temperature from the control device 50, it also obtains whether the compressor is on or off, and records whether it is on or off. It is sufficient that either "on" or "off" is recorded.

[0075] <Defrosting Control> An example of defrosting control will be described. First, a refrigeration cycle will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In the refrigeration cycle, the control unit 51 controls a four-way valve (not shown) so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows to the external heat exchanger 32. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 condenses into a liquid by dissipating heat to the outdoor air in the external heat exchanger 32. The refrigerant flowing out of the external heat exchanger 32 flows into the liquid-side connecting pipe 23 and is distributed to the utilization-side circuits 22a to 22c. The refrigerant flowing into each utilization-side circuit 22a to 22c is reduced in temperature and pressure as it passes through the expansion valves 34a to 34c. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows into the internal heat exchangers 33a to 33c, where it absorbs heat from the internal air and evaporates. The refrigerant flowing out from each of the internal heat exchangers 33 a to 33 c flows into the gas side communication pipe 24 and joins with the other refrigerant, and is then sucked into the compressor 31 .

[0076] When the refrigeration system 10 cools the storage compartment SP to a temperature below minus, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the internal heat exchangers 33a to 33c is at a temperature of minus several tens of degrees Celsius. Therefore, frost may form on the internal heat exchangers 33a to 33c during the refrigeration cycle. If frost forms, the temperature of the storage compartment SP may not decrease or may even begin to increase, even though the compressor is on. This necessitates internal defrosting.

[0077] For internal defrosting, the internal unit 12 and the external unit 11 are controlled so that the temperatures of the internal heat exchangers 33a to 33c are about 2 to 3°C. The control unit 51 controls a four-way valve (not shown) so that the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows into the internal heat exchanger 33. This defrosts the frost that has adhered to the internal heat exchangers 33a to 33c.

[0078] Next, the heating cycle will be described. During the heating cycle, the refrigerant flow is reversed from that of the refrigeration cycle. In the heating cycle, the control unit 51 controls a four-way valve (not shown) so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows to the internal heat exchanger 33. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 is distributed to the user-side circuits 22a-22c via the gas-side connecting pipe 24. The refrigerant flows into the internal heat exchangers 33a-33c, which then release heat to the storage compartment SP. The refrigerant is decompressed to a low temperature and pressure as it passes through the expansion valves 34a-34c, flows into the liquid-side connecting pipe 23, merges, and then flows into the external heat exchanger 32. The refrigerant receives heat in the external heat exchanger 32 and is drawn into the compressor 31.

[0079] When the refrigeration system 10 heats the storage compartment SP to several tens of degrees, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the external heat exchanger 32 is at a temperature between minus several degrees and minus several tens of degrees. For this reason, frost may form on the external heat exchanger 32 during the heating cycle. If frost forms, the temperature of the storage compartment SP may not rise or may even start to fall, even though the compressor is on. For this reason, external defrosting is required.

[0080] For external defrosting, the indoor unit 12 and the outdoor unit 11 are controlled so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the external heat exchanger 32 is about 2 to 3°C. The control unit 51 controls a four-way valve (not shown) so that the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows into the external heat exchanger 32. As a result, frost adhering to the external heat exchanger 32 is defrosted.

[0081] <Process or operation of remote control device to record information> Next, the process or operation of the remote control device to record the inside temperature, etc. will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process or operation of the remote control device 30 to record information. Fig. 7 starts, for example, when it is time for the remote control device 30 to record the inside temperature.

[0082] The information acquisition unit 41 of the remote control device 30 determines whether the remote control device 30 is currently on or off (S1), that is, whether the power button 201 is on or off.

[0083] If the determination in step S1 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S2, and if No, the process in FIG. 7 ends.

[0084] In step S2, the information acquisition unit 41 acquires the internal temperature, the internal defrost period, the external defrost period, and the compressor on / off status (S2). Therefore, when the remote control device 30 is off, the information acquisition unit 41 does not acquire this information. Even if the information acquisition unit 41 acquires this information, the recording unit 42 does not record it.

[0085] Next, the recording unit 42 determines whether it is an internal defrosting period or an external defrosting period (S3). If the determination in step S3 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S4, and if the determination is No, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0086] In step S4, the recording unit 42 does not record the internal temperature, but records the internal defrost period, external defrost period, and compressor on / off (S4). The recording unit 42 records "Y" in the internal defrost period field if it is an internal defrost period, and records "Y" in the external defrost period field if it is an external defrost period, in association with the time information. The recording unit 42 also records whether the compressor is on or off in association with the time information.

[0087] In step S5, the recording unit 42 records the internal temperature, the internal defrost period, the external defrost period, and whether the compressor is on or off (S5). The recording unit 42 records the internal temperature in association with the time information. The recording unit 42 records "Y" in the internal defrost period field if the internal defrost period is in association with the time information, and records "Y" in the external defrost period field if the external defrost period is in association with the time information. The recording unit 42 also records whether the compressor is on or off in association with the time information.

[0088] <Display of internal temperature by remote control device> Next, examples of internal temperature display by remote control device 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 8A to 8C, etc. Figs. 8A to 8C show examples of internal temperature history displayed by remote control device 30 on display unit 204. Remote control device 30 can display the internal temperature history as numerical values ​​on display unit 204. In Fig. 8A, today's internal temperature is displayed every hour. The hourly history is one example, and the internal temperature can be displayed at the time interval at which remote control device 30 stores the internal temperature. For example, the temperature may be displayed at time intervals such as 1 second, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 30 minutes, or the administrator may be able to set the time interval for display.

[0089] Also, in FIG. 8A, the time is displayed in absolute time. The display control unit 46 converts the time information in the information storage unit 43 into absolute time and displays it. For example, if the time information is "0 hours", the current time itself may be displayed. If the time information is "-1 hour", the absolute time is "current time - 1 hour". Here, the current time may be rounded to the nearest hour. "Rounding" refers to rounding up or down fractions of a minute.

[0090] In Fig. 8A, the history of the internal temperature is displayed on three separate screens due to the size constraints of the display unit 204. The number of screens across which the history of the internal temperature is displayed is preset based on the size of the display unit 204, the character size, etc.

[0091] It is preferable that the remote control device 30 stores at least three days' worth of inside temperature data in the information storage unit 43. As shown in Figures 8B and 8C, the administrator can operate the remote control device 30 to display the inside temperature history for the previous day or the day before that on the display unit 204. In this way, the remote control device 30 can display the inside temperature history by day. The today, previous day, and the day before that may also be displayed by date.

[0092] The fact that "Stopped" 301 is displayed at 19:00, 20:00, and 21:00 for the current day, the previous day, and the day before that indicates that the remote control device 30 was stopped by turning off the power button 201. Similarly, the fact that the temperatures at 22:00 and 23:00 are not displayed (horizontal bar 302) indicates that the current time is in the 21:00 range, and therefore the temperatures at 22:00 and 23:00 have not yet been recorded.

[0093] In this way, the remote control device 30 stores past inside-fridge temperatures and can display this history numerically, eliminating the need for the manager to record the inside-fridge temperatures. Although the control device 50 can also record the inside-fridge temperatures, if the control device 50 records the inside-fridge temperatures, it will take some time from when the manager operates the remote control device 30 until the inside-fridge temperature is displayed.

[0094] <<Trend Graph>> Figure 9 shows a trend graph 303 of the inside refrigerator temperature displayed on the display unit 204 by the remote control device 30. The trend graph 303 is also a history of the inside refrigerator temperature. The display unit 204A shows an enlarged view of only the trend graph 303 of the remote control device 30. In the trend graph 303, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the inside refrigerator temperature. The right end of the horizontal axis corresponds to the current time, and the left end corresponds to the time 12 hours ago. Therefore, the trend graph 303 on the display unit 204A shows a history of the inside refrigerator temperature for a total of 12 hours. 12 hours is one example, and the administrator may be able to select a time range such as 0 hours to -24 hours, or -12 hours to -24 hours.

[0095] Display unit 204B shows trend graph 303 displayed over a time range of -12 hours to -24 hours. Display unit 204C shows trend graph 303 displayed over a time range of 0 hours to -24 hours. The administrator can switch the time range of the inside temperature displayed on display unit 204, for example, by pressing up / down button 202 or left / right button 203. Furthermore, trend graph 303 may be able to display all inside temperatures stored in information storage unit 43 in response to an operation by the administrator. For example, if the information storage unit 43 stores inside temperatures for the past N days, display control unit 46 displays the history of inside temperatures for the past N days on trend graph 303.

[0096] The manager can easily understand the past history of the inside temperature from the trend graph 303. For example, if the inside temperature starts to rise or is difficult to fall to the set temperature during the refrigeration cycle, it can be determined that inside defrosting is necessary. If the inside temperature starts to fall or is difficult to rise to the set temperature during the heating cycle, it can be determined that outside defrosting is necessary.

[0097] Also, above the trend graph 303 is a DEF area 306. The DEF area 306 is an area for indicating the defrost period. The defrost period includes an inner defrost period and an outer defrost period. The remote control device 30 displays the inner defrost period and the outer defrost period in different (distinguishable) forms in the DEF area 306. On the display unit 204A, the height of the defrost period image 304 representing the inner defrost period is higher than the height of the defrost period image 305 representing the outer defrost period. The defrost period images 304 and 305 may have any shape as long as it is possible to distinguish between the inner defrost period and the outer defrost period. Furthermore, the display control unit 46 may display the inner defrost period and the outer defrost period using text instead of images.

[0098] Because the remote control device 30 can display the internal defrost period, it becomes easier to grasp the timing of defrosting of the internal heat exchangers 33a to 33c that occurs during freezing operation of the refrigeration device 10, making it possible to grasp the cause of temperature changes and appropriately set forced defrost operation. Also, because the remote control device 30 can display the external defrost period, it becomes easier to grasp the timing of defrosting of the external heat exchanger 32 that occurs during heating operation of the refrigeration device 10, making it possible to grasp the cause of temperature changes and appropriately set forced defrost operation.

[0099] <<Display Example of Average Temperature, Maximum Temperature, and Minimum Temperature>> Next, a display example of the average temperature, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows a display example of the average temperature, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature displayed together with the trend graph 303. Fig. 10 displays the average temperature 311, maximum temperature 312, and minimum temperature 313 of the inside temperature within the display range of the trend graph 303. The temperature calculation unit 44 obtains the inside temperature within the time range of the trend graph 303 from the information storage unit 43, and calculates the average temperature 311, maximum temperature 312, and minimum temperature 313.

[0100] The average temperature 311, maximum temperature 312, and minimum temperature 313 may be displayed at all times while the trend graph 303 is displayed, or may be displayed by an administrator's operation. The average temperature 311, maximum temperature 312, and minimum temperature 313 do not have to be displayed together with the trend graph 303. The average temperature 311, maximum temperature 312, and minimum temperature 313 may be displayed together with the values ​​of the inside temperature shown in Figures 8A to 8C.

[0101] <<When a change in internal temperature satisfies a predetermined condition>> Next, referring to Figure 11, a display example when a change in internal temperature satisfies a predetermined condition will be described. Figure 11 shows a notification mark 315 that is displayed when a change in internal temperature satisfies a predetermined condition. If the internal temperature rises or does not drop to the set temperature even though the compressor is on during the refrigeration cycle, there is a possibility that frost has formed on the internal heat exchangers 33a to 33c of the internal unit 12. The temperature calculation unit 44 detects whether a change in internal temperature satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is, for example, when the internal temperature rises or does not drop to the set temperature.

[0102] For example, the temperature calculation unit 44 monitors the amount of temperature change B over a certain period of time A in the past, and determines that a predetermined criterion has been met when B / A becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value during the refrigeration cycle. The predetermined criterion for when the inside temperature does not drop to the set temperature is detected when the inside temperature is higher than the set temperature by at least the threshold value even after a certain period of time has passed since the compressor was turned on.

[0103] Conversely, during the heating cycle, the temperature calculation unit 44 monitors the amount of temperature change B over a certain period of time A in the past, and determines that the predetermined criterion has been met when B / A is a negative value during the heating cycle and its absolute value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The predetermined criterion for when the inside temperature does not rise to the set temperature is detected when the inside temperature is lower than the set temperature by at least the threshold value even after a certain period of time has passed since the compressor was turned on.

[0104] The display control unit 46 displays a message indicating that the change in the refrigerator temperature has met a predetermined condition. In FIG. 11, a notification mark 315 is displayed. The manager can check the notification mark 315 and determine that defrosting is necessary. The remote control device 30 may also sound an alarm together with the notification mark 315. The notification mark 315 may also be displayed as a red vertical line on the time axis or as a message such as "The refrigerator temperature is rising."

[0105] <<Displaying Compressor On / Off>> Next, referring to FIG. 12, an example of displaying the compressor on / off period will be described. FIG. 12 shows a trend graph displaying the compressor on / off period. There are cases where the remote control device 30 does not determine whether the change in the refrigerator temperature satisfies a predetermined condition, or where the notification mark 315 is displayed but is overlooked (the manager is not nearby). In this case, if the refrigerator is in freezing operation, the manager can determine from the trend graph that the temperature is gradually rising or has not dropped to the set temperature. If the refrigerator is in heating operation, the manager can determine from the trend graph that the temperature is gradually dropping or has not risen to the set temperature.

[0106] However, since this phenomenon can occur if the compressor is off, it is difficult for the administrator to make the above judgment from the trend graph unless he or she confirms that the compressor is on. Therefore, it is effective to display the periods when the compressor is on or off, as shown in Figure 12.

[0107] In FIG. 12 , a compressor operation display area 321 is located above the trend graph 303. The compressor operation display area 321 is an area for indicating the compressor on period. During the compressor on period, a compressor on image 323 representing the compressor on period is displayed. The compressor on image 323 may have any shape as long as it can display the compressor on period. The display control unit 46 may also display the compressor on period using text instead of an image. The display control unit 46 may also display the compressor off image during the compressor off period instead of the compressor on period.

[0108] By checking the compressor operation display area 321, the manager can easily determine whether the compressor is on or off, making it easier to determine whether defrosting should be started.

[0109] <Process or operation of remote control device displaying history of internal temperature> Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the process or operation of remote control device 30 displaying the history of internal temperature. The process in Fig. 13 starts, for example, when an administrator inputs an operation to remote control device 30 to display trend graph 303.

[0110] First, the display control unit 46 acquires from the information storage unit 43 the internal temperature, internal defrost period, external defrost period, and compressor on / off for the time range to be displayed on the trend graph 303 (S11). The initial setting time range is either determined in advance or is the time range last displayed by the administrator.

[0111] Next, the display control unit 46 converts the inside temperature over the time range into a trend graph and displays it on the display unit 204 (S12). The range of the vertical axis of the inside temperature is set to a range that allows a certain margin for both the maximum and minimum inside temperature over the time range.

[0112] Next, the display control unit 46 causes the display unit 204 to display the defrost period image 304 during the inner defrost period and the defrost period image 305 during the outer defrost period within the time range (S13).

[0113] Next, the display control unit 46 causes the display unit 204 to display the compressor on image 323 during the on-period of the compressor within the time range (S14).

[0114] Next, the temperature calculation unit 44 calculates the average temperature, the maximum temperature, and the minimum temperature, and the display control unit 46 causes these to be displayed on the display unit 204 (S15).

[0115] Next, the temperature calculation unit 44 determines whether the change in the inside temperature satisfies a predetermined criterion (S16). If the determination in step S16 is Yes, the display control unit 46 displays a notification mark 315 surrounding the inside temperature that satisfies the predetermined criterion (S17).

[0116] The order of steps S12 to S17 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be changed as appropriate. Also, each step may be executed in parallel.

[0117] <Major Effects> The remote control device 30 of this embodiment stores past internal refrigerator temperatures and can display this history numerically, eliminating the need for a manager to record internal refrigerator temperatures. When the control device 50 records internal refrigerator temperatures, it takes time to display the internal refrigerator temperature history. However, because the remote control device 30 stores internal refrigerator temperatures, the internal refrigerator temperature history can be displayed with a short response time. Furthermore, the remote control device 30 displays the trend graph 303, making it easy to determine whether to defrost. Furthermore, the remote control device 30 displays the internal defrost period and external defrost period, making it possible to determine the relationship between the defrost period and the internal refrigerator temperature. Furthermore, the remote control device 30 displays the compressor on / off period, making it easy to determine whether to defrost.

[0118] <Reasons for the effect> In the first aspect of the present disclosure, "the control unit acquires the internal temperature of the storage unit, associates the internal temperature with time information at which the internal temperature was acquired, stores the internal temperature in the memory of the remote control device, and displays the internal temperature history stored in the memory on the display unit," so that the manager can check the past internal temperature history of the storage unit simply by checking the display unit of the remote control. Because the remote control device 30 stores the internal temperature, the time lag until the display can be reduced.

[0119] - The second aspect of the present disclosure "displays the history of the internal temperature on the display unit for each day on which the internal temperature was obtained," allowing the administrator to check the history of the internal temperature per day.

[0120] - The third aspect of the present disclosure "accepts the range of the history of the internal temperature to be displayed on the display unit, and displays the history of the internal temperature within the accepted range on the display unit," so that the administrator can check the history of the internal temperature for a desired period simply by operating the remote control device.

[0121] - In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, "the temperature inside the cabinet for the past N days is stored, and the control unit displays the history of the temperature inside the cabinet for up to the past N days on the display unit," so that the administrator can check the history of the temperature inside the cabinet within the capacity that can be stored in the memory unit of the remote control device.

[0122] - In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, "after an operation to stop the remote control device is received, or during the defrosting period when the refrigeration device is defrosting, the internal temperature is not stored in the memory unit," thereby reducing the capacity of the memory unit of the remote control device.

[0123] The sixth aspect of the present disclosure "displays the history of the temperature inside the storage compartment in a graph with the time information on the horizontal axis," allowing the manager to visually check the history of the temperature inside the storage compartment.

[0124] - A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is that "if the change in the temperature inside the cabinet satisfies a predetermined condition while the compressor is operating, a message is displayed indicating that the change in the temperature inside the cabinet has satisfied the predetermined condition," allowing the administrator to be aware of any unintended changes in the temperature inside the cabinet.

[0125] - The eighth aspect of the present disclosure "displays the history of the temperature inside the storage compartment in a graph with the time information on the horizontal axis, and also displays a defrost period image indicating the defrost period in correspondence with the time information," so that the administrator can understand the causes of temperature changes and can appropriately set forced defrost operation.

[0126] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, "the defrosting period image is an image showing the defrosting period of the internal heat exchanger," so that the timing of defrosting of the external heat exchanger that occurs during the freezing operation of the refrigeration device and the factors behind the temperature change can be grasped, and forced defrosting operation can be set appropriately.

[0127] - In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, "the defrosting period image is an image showing the defrosting period of the external heat exchanger," so that the timing of defrosting of the external heat exchanger that occurs during heating operation of the refrigeration device and the causes of temperature changes can be grasped, and forced defrosting operation can be set appropriately.

[0128] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, "the defrosting period image differs between the defrosting period of the internal heat exchanger and the defrosting period of the external heat exchanger," so that the manager can visually distinguish between the defrosting period of the internal heat exchanger and the defrosting period of the external heat exchanger.

[0129] - A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure "displays the history of the temperature inside the storage compartment in a graph with the time information on the horizontal axis, and also displays an image corresponding to the time information indicating whether the compressor is operating or stopped," so that the administrator can visually distinguish between periods when the compressor is on and periods when it is off.

[0130] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-123684, filed with the Japan Patent Office on July 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0131] REFRIGERATION SYSTEM 10 REFRIGERATION SYSTEM 11 EXTERNAL UNIT 12 INNER UNIT 30 REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE 50 CONTROL DEVICE

Claims

1. A remote control device that receives input to a refrigeration device that cools the inside of a storage compartment and has a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, an external heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an internal heat exchanger, and has a display unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires the internal temperature of the storage compartment, associates the internal temperature with time information at which the internal temperature was acquired, and stores the temperature in a memory unit of the remote control device, and displays the history of the internal temperature stored in the memory unit on the display unit.

2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a history of the inside temperature for each date on which the inside temperature was acquired.

3. The remote control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit receives a range of the history of the internal temperature to be displayed on the display unit, and causes the display unit to display the history of the internal temperature within the received range.

4. The remote control device according to claim 3, wherein the memory unit stores the inside temperature for the past N days, and the control unit causes the display unit to display a history of the inside temperature for up to the past N days.

5. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit does not store the internal temperature in the memory unit after receiving an operation to stop the remote control device or during a defrosting period when the refrigeration unit is defrosting.

6. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit displays the history of the inside temperature in a graph with the time information on the horizontal axis.

7. A remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit acquires from the refrigeration device whether the compressor is operating or stopped, stores the information in association with the time information in the memory unit, and, if a change in the temperature inside the refrigerator satisfies a predetermined condition while the compressor is operating, displays a message that the change in the temperature inside the refrigerator has satisfied the predetermined condition.

8. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit displays the history of the temperature inside the refrigerator in a graph with the time information on the horizontal axis, and also displays a defrosting period image indicating the defrosting period in association with the time information.

9. The remote control device according to claim 8, wherein the defrosting period image is an image showing a defrosting period for an internal heat exchanger.

10. The remote control device according to claim 8, wherein the defrosting period image is an image showing a defrosting period for an external heat exchanger.

11. The remote control device according to claim 8, wherein the defrosting period image is different for the defrosting period of the internal heat exchanger and the defrosting period of the external heat exchanger.

12. A remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control unit displays the history of the temperature inside the refrigerator in a graph with the time information as the horizontal axis, and also displays an image indicating whether the compressor is operating or stopped in association with the time information.

13. A refrigeration system comprising a remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a refrigeration device.

Images