JP2014219134A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator that enables a user to clearly recognize a mutual relation among power consumption, peak power, and food reservation period.SOLUTION: A refrigerator comprises: a stockroom for storing therein food items; a cooler cooling the stockroom; and a controller controlling the cooler on the basis of information input to the controller using input means. If at least one of information on a target value of power consumption, information on a target value of peak power, and an information on a target value of a food storage period is input to the controller using the input means, the controller derives at least one of information on the power consumption, information on the peak power, and information on the food storage period when the controller controls the cooler so as to reach the target value indicated by the information input using the input means, for which the information on the target value is not input using the input means, and notifies a user of the information using notification means.

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

  The following Patent Document 1 describes a refrigerator including a communication device and a temperature switching chamber. Patent Document 2 listed below describes a refrigerator that includes an input unit and a display that displays a food storage time limit. Patent Document 3 listed below describes a storage provided with an electric energy calculation means and a display means.

JP 2002-267308 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-30472 JP 2002-147932 A

  The refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 does not notify the power saving level and the food storage period. In the refrigerator described in Patent Document 2, the relationship between the food storage deadline and power saving is unclear. The storage described in Patent Document 3 does not notify the operation setting and the food storage period. For this reason, it is unclear to the user how other items will change when any of the power consumption, peak power value and food storage period is set as a setting item related to power saving in the refrigerator. was there.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. The purpose is to provide a refrigerator that allows the user to clearly recognize the relationship among the power consumption, peak power value, and food storage period.

  The refrigerator according to the present invention comprises a storage room for storing food, a cooling device for cooling the storage room, and a control device for controlling the cooling device based on information input using the input means, The control device uses the input unit when at least one of the information on the target value of the power consumption, the information on the target value of the peak power value, and the information on the target value of the food storage period is input using the input unit. Among information on power consumption, information on peak power value, and information on food storage period when the cooling device is controlled to achieve the target value indicated by the input information, information on the target value using the input means At least one piece of information related to the information that is not input is derived and notified using the notification means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in a refrigerator, a user can be made to recognize clearly the mutual relationship of power consumption, a peak electric power value, or a food preservation | save period.

It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the structure of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the setting flow of the control action in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the setting flow of the control action in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the information regarding the control action in Embodiment 3 of this invention.

  The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The overlapping description will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the refrigerator in the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the direction is designated with the left side as the front of the refrigerator.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator includes a first storage chamber 11, a second storage chamber 12, and a third storage chamber 13 for storing food. An air passage is formed behind the first storage chamber 11, the second storage chamber 21 and the third storage chamber 31. A cooler 2 that generates cool air is provided in the air passage. The cool air is air cooled by the cooler 2. Below the cooler 2, the compressor 1 is provided outside the air path. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant used for the cooler 2. Above the cooler 2, a fan 3 is provided in the air path. The cool air generated by the cooler 2 is sent by the fan 3 to the first storage chamber 11, the second storage chamber 21, and the third storage chamber 31 through the air path. A first damper 12 that opens and closes is provided at the entrance from the air passage to the first storage chamber 11. The first damper 12 adjusts the amount of cool air flowing into the first storage chamber 11 from the air passage. A second damper 22 that opens and closes is provided at the entrance from the air passage to the second storage chamber 21. The second damper 22 adjusts the amount of cool air flowing from the air passage into the second storage chamber 21. A third damper 32 that opens and closes is provided at the entrance from the air passage to the third storage chamber 31. The third damper 32 adjusts the amount of cool air flowing into the third storage chamber 31 from the air passage. The air returned to the air path from the first storage chamber 11, the second storage chamber 21, and the third storage chamber 31 is cooled by the cooler 2 and becomes cold again.

  A sensor is provided in each storage chamber. A first sensor 13 is provided on the rear side of the ceiling of the first storage chamber 11. A second sensor 23 is provided on the rear side of the ceiling of the second storage chamber 21. A third sensor 33 is provided on the rear wall of the third storage chamber 31. The 1st sensor 13, the 2nd sensor 23, and the 3rd sensor 33 detect temperature. The first sensor 13 detects the temperature of the air, components, or the food material itself in the first storage chamber 11. The second sensor 23 detects the temperature of the air, components, or the food material itself in the second storage chamber 21. The third sensor 33 detects the temperature of the air, components, or the food material itself in the third storage chamber 31. As the first sensor 13, the second sensor 23, and the third sensor 33, for example, a thermocouple or an infrared sensor is used.

  Input / output means 61 is provided on the front surface of the refrigerator. The input / output unit 61 transmits and receives signals to and from the control device 4. The input / output unit 61 includes an input unit for inputting information to the control device 4 and a notification unit for reporting information from the control device 4. As the input means, for example, a touch panel or a switch is used. As the notification means, for example, a light emitting component, a liquid crystal, a speaker, and the like are used. Further, an external device including an input unit and a notification unit can be used as the external input / output unit 62. The external input / output means 62 is configured, for example, by combining an external device such as a personal computer or a portable information terminal with dedicated control software.

  On the rear side of the lower part of the refrigerator, communication means 5 is provided outside the air passage. The communication unit 5 transmits and receives signals to and from the external input / output unit 62. The communication means 5 transmits and receives signals to and from the control device 4. That is, the external input / output unit 62 transmits / receives a signal to / from the control device 4 via the communication unit 5.

  Moreover, the control apparatus 4 is provided in the rear side of the lower part of a refrigerator outside an air path. The control device 4 controls the cooling operation in order to keep the temperature of each storage room at a preset temperature. The cooling operation is performed by the cooler 2, the compressor 1, the fan 3, the first damper 12, the second damper 22, the third damper 32, and the like. Further, the control device 4 receives the temperatures detected by the first sensor 13, the second sensor 23 and the third sensor 33.

  Here, the control of the cooling operation during the normal operation of the refrigerator will be briefly described. For example, the control device 4 controls the opening and closing of the first damper 12 based on the temperature detected by the first sensor 13 provided in the first storage chamber 11. When the temperature detected by the first sensor 13 reaches or exceeds a preset temperature, the control device 4 opens the first damper 12 and allows cold air to flow into the first storage chamber 11 from the air passage. Further, when the temperature detected by the first sensor 13 reaches a preset temperature or less, the control device 4 closes the first damper 12 and stops the inflow of cold air from the air passage into the first storage chamber 11. Let Although the cooling operation for the first storage chamber 11 has been described here, the same applies to the cooling operation for the second storage chamber 21 and the third storage chamber 31. The preset temperature is individually set for each storage room.

  The control operation by the control device 4 and the temperature set in advance for each storage room can be set by the user using the input / output means 61 or the external input / output means 62. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation setting flow using the input / output means 61. The setting flow using the input / output means 61 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  When the user performs a specific operation on the input / output means 61, the control operation setting mode is turned on. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed a custom operation different from that during normal operation (step S101). If the user has not instructed a custom action, normal operation continues. The custom operation is, for example, a control operation aimed at saving power or improving food storage stability.

  When the user instructs a custom operation in step S101, the input / output unit 61 is in a state where setting input is possible. The setting input enabled state is, for example, a state in which a setting input screen is displayed. At this time, specific items to be set include, for example, power consumption, peak power value, food storage period, and the like. The user inputs information regarding target values for at least one of the power consumption amount within the specific period, the peak power value within the specific period, and the food preservation period within the specific storage room (step S102). The information on the target value is information that can indicate the target value itself or the target value of each item. That is, the user can input not only the target value directly but also the input of the power reduction rate, the input of the extension period of the storage period, the selection of the character expression, the selection of the picture, and the like using the input / output means 61. For example, the target value of power consumption can be directly input. It is also possible to input so that the power consumption is cut by 10% with respect to the standard value. Further, a preset power saving level 1, 2, or 3 can be input. In order to limit the peak power, a character expression such as “peak cut” can also be selected. To extend the food storage period, you can also press a button showing a fresh tuna pattern. The user selects which information regarding the target value is to be input according to the request and the situation. For example, in the case of “when the daytime electricity bill is high and it is desired to reduce the electricity bill by suppressing the power consumption from 9:00 to 17:00”, the user inputs information on the amount of power consumption. When “I want to limit the peak power so as not to exceed the contracted peak current”, the user inputs information about the peak power value. If the user wants to store specially expensive foods and wants to prioritize storage over electricity bills, the user enters information about the food storage period.

  The control device 4 inputs in step S102 among the information on the power consumption, the information on the peak power value, and the information on the food storage period when the control operation is performed so as to achieve the target value shown in step S102. At least one piece of information regarding the item that has not been performed is derived (step S103). The information derived here is information that can indicate the value itself or the value of each item when the control operation is performed. At this time, the control device 4 performs derivation by using a microcomputer or a memory (not shown) using a preset calculation formula or logical formula.

  Subsequently, the control device 4 notifies the information input in step S102 and the information derived in step S103 using the input / output means 61 (step S104). Further, the input / output unit 61 can also notify the information derived in step S103 using specific words. For example, it is possible to notify that “the electric power can be suppressed by 5%, but the temperature setting of the freezer increases by 1 ° C.”. In addition, it is possible to make a notification such as “power can be reduced by 20%, but the temperature setting of the freezer will rise by 5 ° C., ice cream will melt, and the frozen food storage period will be shortened by about one week”. Furthermore, it is possible to notify that “the food deterioration in the switching room can be suppressed to about ½, but the power consumption increases by 10%”. As a result, the user recognizes how the item for which the information regarding the target value has not been input changes in the control operation condition set by the user. In addition, when the notified content is different from the intended content, the user returns the input / output means 61 to a state in which setting input is possible and performs input again.

  Following step S104, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the control device 4 determines whether or not a fixed time has elapsed since the end of the input operation. In step S105, the control device 4 determines whether or not an operation for permitting the custom operation has been performed. In any of these determinations, if neither condition is satisfied, the process returns to step S101.

  If any condition is satisfied in step S105, the control device 4 executes a control operation based on the new setting. Although the case where the input / output unit 61 is used has been described here, the same operation is performed in each step also when the external input / output unit 62 is used.

  As described above, the control device 4 performs the control operation based on the information input using the input / output unit 61 or the external input / output unit 62, and the first sensor 13, the second sensor 23, and the third sensor 33 It is also possible to perform a control operation that feeds back the detected current temperature. In this case, the control device 4 determines the target temperature to be reached in each storage room by reading out the temperature setting of each storage room that is estimated or stored in advance based on the input information. Thereby, the control apparatus 4 can alert | report the one or both of the target temperature of each store room, and the present temperature detected by each sensor using the input / output means 61 or the external input / output means 62.

  As described above, in the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, in the control operation conditions set by the user, what is the item that did not input the information regarding the target value among the power consumption, the peak power value, and the food storage period? Notify if it changes. As a result, the user can clearly recognize the mutual relationship between the items. As a result, the user can determine whether or not to input information of each item after understanding the advantages and disadvantages. In particular, when information on the target value of power consumption is input to save power, the food storage period when the target value is achieved can be notified, thus preventing the user from unintentionally degrading food. Can do. For this reason, the user with high power saving consciousness can suppress the power consumption to the maximum while preventing the food from being deteriorated by setting the control operation with reference to the notified food storage period.

  In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, when the user inputs information about the target value using the input / output unit 61 or the external input / output unit 62, not only the target value is directly input but also the selection of the character expression. Or the selection of a picture etc. can also be performed. For this reason, the user can input information intuitively based on a request. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, when the control device 4 notifies information using the input / output means 61 or the input / output means 62, it is possible to notify using specific words. For this reason, the user can intuitively recognize how an item for which information related to the target value has not been input changes. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the control device 4 uses the input / output means 61 or the external input / output means 62 for both the target temperature of each storage room and the current temperature detected by each sensor. Can be notified. This makes it clear to the user which storage room is at which temperature. It is also clear whether each storage room has reached the target temperature. As a result, the user can feel more secure and can easily find an abnormal state such as a failure or a load that is difficult to cool.

  Further, as described above, in this embodiment, an external device can be used as the external input / output unit 62. Thus, the user can set the control operation even in a situation where the input / output means 61 cannot be directly operated, such as when going out. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the refrigerator is formed in a structure as shown in FIG. However, the refrigerator in the present invention is not limited by the form of the drawings, and may not have the structure shown in FIG. 1 as long as the same effect can be obtained.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, each sensor is arrange | positioned at the back side of each storage chamber, and detects temperature. However, the position of each sensor, detection target, detection means, and the like are not particularly limited as long as the same effect can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the input / output unit 61 and the external input / output unit 62 are configured by an input unit and a notification unit provided in an integrated device. However, as long as the same effect can be obtained, the input unit and the notification unit may be provided in separate devices. Further, the input means and the output means may be formed so as to be separable.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the input / output means 61 is provided in the front surface of the refrigerator. However, the control operation may be set using only the external input / output means 62 without providing the input / output means 61 in the refrigerator. In this case, the configuration of the refrigerator becomes simpler and the aesthetic appearance can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, when the user performs a specific operation on the input / output means 61, the control operation setting mode is turned on. However, the control operation setting mode may always be ON. In this case, in particular, the convenience of the user who frequently changes the setting can be improved.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation setting flow in the present embodiment. The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the control operation setting flow.

  In the present embodiment, the user selects from the combination of operations stored in advance by the control device 4 for the power consumption amount within the specific period, the peak power value within the specific period, and the food preservation period within the specific storage room. To set the control action. Examples of combinations of operations stored in advance by the control device 4 include a “quality priority” sequence and a “power saving priority” sequence. That is, the user does not independently input information about the power consumption amount within the specific period, the peak power value within the specific period, and the food preservation period within the specific storage room. In each sequence, levels may be further classified for power consumption, target temperature, food deterioration, and the like.

  When the “quality priority” sequence is started, the food storage period is set, and the control sequence of each damper, the fan 3 and the compressor 1 is determined (step S201). Subsequently, a target temperature level of each storage room, an estimated value of power consumption, and the like are calculated (step S202). Thereafter, necessary information among the information obtained in step S201 and step S202 is notified using one or both of the input / output means 61 and the external input / output means 62 (step S203).

  When the “power saving priority” sequence is started, the power saving level is set, and the control sequence of each damper, the fan 3 and the compressor 1 is determined (step S301). Subsequently, the estimated value of the temperature rise in each storage room, the estimated value of how much the food deterioration level and the food preservation period are shortened, and the like are calculated (step S302). Thereafter, necessary information among the information obtained in step S301 and step S302 is notified using one or both of the input / output means 61 and the external input / output means 62 (step S303).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the user does not need to confirm each input value in detail. Further, the user can set a custom operation by creating a combination of operations in advance and storing them in the control device 4. As a result, the operation of the input / output means 61 and the external input / output means 62 is facilitated, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a flow of information related to the control operation in the present embodiment. The configuration of the refrigerator in the present embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a HEMS controller 103 is provided outside the refrigerator in a house or site. HEMS (Home Energy Management System) is an energy management system that can control the operation of home appliances in the house from the outside, and can give power saving instructions to the home appliances. The HEMS controller 103 transmits and receives signals to and from an information server on the network. Moreover, the HEMS controller 103 transmits / receives a signal between the communication means 5 of a refrigerator. Further, the HEMS controller 103 transmits and receives signals to and from the external input / output unit 62. This signal is transmitted or received directly or via an information server.

  The refrigerator enters the communication function use mode ON state automatically or when the user performs a specific operation. Here, it is assumed that a power saving instruction or the like based on a power failure prediction, earthquake information, power supply status from a power plant, or the like is transmitted from a device such as the HEMS controller 103 outside the refrigerator. At this time, the control device 4 is set in advance to a mode that prioritizes an instruction input from an external device. For this reason, even if the quality priority control operation is initially set, the control device 4 performs the power saving priority control operation in accordance with an instruction from the external device in an emergency. That is, the control device 4 can change the setting of the control operation according to the situation without a direct instruction from the user. Further, the user may perform setting from the outside using the external input / output means 62 such as a portable terminal.

  Further, outside the refrigerator, a power storage and power generation device 102 is provided in a house or site. The power storage and power generation apparatus 102 transmits and receives signals to and from the HEMS controller 103. The refrigerator is normally operated with grid power, but when a power failure occurs in an emergency, the refrigerator is operated with the power of the power storage and the power generation device 102. Note that the control device 4 determines whether the power used by the refrigerator is system power or power stored in the power storage device 102.

  While the refrigerator is being operated using the electricity stored in the power storage and power generation device 102, the control device 4 notifies the fact using the input / output means 61 and the external input / output means 62, and the power consumption increases. It is desirable not to perform such a control operation. Specifically, for example, the input / output unit 61 and the external input / output unit 62 are not changed to a state in which setting input is possible. Further, when a setting for increasing the power consumption is input, the input / output unit 61 and the external input / output unit 62 may notify the warning and return to the state before the input. By doing so, it is possible to preserve the power storage and the power of the power generation device 102 as much as possible, and to suppress a decrease in the power storage amount.

  In addition, in order to suppress the electricity bill, the power storage and power generation device 102 is charged during a time zone where the electricity bill is cheap, and other than the stored power or the grid power such as a solar cell during a time zone when the electricity bill is high even in an emergency. It is good also as performing operation | movement using the electric power of.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Compressor, 2 Cooler, 3 Fan, 4 Control apparatus, 5 Communication means, 11 1st storage chamber, 12 1st damper, 13 1st sensor, 21 2nd storage chamber, 22 2nd damper, 23 2nd sensor , 31 Third storage chamber, 32 Third damper, 33 Third sensor, 61 Input / output means, 62 External input / output means, 102 Power storage and power generation equipment, 103 HEMS controller

Claims (9)

A storage room for storing food,
A cooling device for cooling the storage chamber;
A control device for controlling the cooling device based on information input using the input means;
With
The control device is configured to input the input unit when at least one of information on a target value of power consumption, information on a target value of a peak power value, and information on a target value of a food storage period is input using the input unit. Among the information on the power consumption, the information on the peak power value, and the information on the food storage period when the cooling device is controlled so as to achieve the target value indicated by the information input using the information, the input means is used. The refrigerator which derives at least one of the information about what information about the target value is not inputted, and notifies using information means.   The control device is configured to achieve the target value of power consumption indicated by the information input using the input unit when information regarding the target value of power consumption is input using the input unit. Deriving at least one of information on a peak power value and information on a food storage period when the cooling device is controlled, and the notification together with information on a target value of power consumption indicated by the information input using the input unit The refrigerator of Claim 1 which alert | reports using a means.   The control device is configured to estimate the target temperature of air or food in the storage chamber based on information input using the input unit or to read out temperature information stored in advance, and to notify the notification unit. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2 which uses and reports. A sensor for detecting the temperature of air or food in the storage chamber;
The said control apparatus is a refrigerator of Claim 3 which alert | reports one or both of the temperature detected by the said sensor, and the said target temperature using the said alerting | reporting means.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the input unit and the notification unit are provided in a main body including the storage chamber.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a communication unit that transmits and receives signals to and from an external device including the input unit and the notification unit. A first input means is provided in the main body including the storage chamber,
Comprising communication means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device comprising second input means;
The control device is input using the second input means when the information input using the first input means is different from the information input using the second input means. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cooling device is controlled based on information.   The control device is a control of the cooling device based on information input using the input means during a driving operation using electric power from the power storage device, and does not perform control accompanied by an increase in power consumption. The refrigerator according to claim 1 to 7.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device outputs a notification to that effect from the notification means during an operation operation using electric power from the power storage device.

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