JP2024003196A - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of performing more suitable cooling control.SOLUTION: A refrigerator is a refrigerator capable of communicating with a server transmitting a control command of the refrigerator and includes a cooling unit, a control command acquisition unit, and a control unit. The cooling unit cools a storage chamber. The control command acquisition unit acquires a control command for the refrigerator which is generated on the basis of past operation information or a use situation of the refrigerator from the server. The control unit operates the cooling unit by first operation and second operation different in cooling capacity on the basis of the control command acquired through communication with the server. When the control command cannot be acquired from the server during execution of a control mode for controlling the cooling unit on the basis of the control command, the control unit gives priority to operation contents of the cooling unit set by setting means on the refrigerator side over operation contents of the control command.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

Refrigerators that control a compressor and a fan based on instructions from a server are known. By the way, it is desirable that the refrigerator be able to perform more suitable cooling control.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-185079

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can perform more suitable cooling control.

The refrigerator of the embodiment is a refrigerator that can communicate with a server that transmits control commands for the refrigerator, and includes a cooling section, a control command acquisition section, and a control section. The cooling unit cools the storage chamber. The control command acquisition unit acquires from the server a control command for the refrigerator that is generated based on past operating information or usage status of the refrigerator . The control unit operates the cooling unit in a first operation and a second operation with different cooling capacities based on the control command acquired through communication with the server. If the control command cannot be acquired from the server while executing a control mode for controlling the cooling unit based on the control command, the control unit may acquire settings on the refrigerator side based on the operation details of the control command. Priority is given to the operation details of the cooling unit set by the means.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigerator system according to an embodiment. The figure which shows the outline of the basic processing in the refrigerator system of an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server according to an embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the operation plan of embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of control of the control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display screen of the terminal device of embodiment.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Redundant explanations of these configurations may be omitted. In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is used directly, but may also include the case where it is based on calculations or processing performed on XX. In this application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This also applies when there are three or more selective elements. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information).

(Embodiment)
<1. Refrigerator system＞
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigerator system 1 according to an embodiment. Refrigerator system 1 includes, for example, refrigerator 100, server 200, and terminal device 300. Note that one or more of the refrigerator 100, the server 200, and the terminal device 300 may be provided as an external component of the refrigerator system 1. For example, an example of the refrigerator system 1 may be configured by the refrigerator 100 and the server 200, or an example of the refrigerator system 1 may be configured by only the refrigerator 100. The network NW described later may be, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, an LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), or other public lines or private lines. You can use it depending on the situation.

Refrigerator 100 is placed in user U's residence. Refrigerator 100 is connected to network NW via wireless router WR and modem M installed in user U's residence, for example. Refrigerator 100 can communicate with server 200 or terminal device 300 via network NW.

Server 200 is a management server that manages refrigerator 100. The server 200 is configured by one or more server devices (for example, a cloud server). Server 200 may be referred to as a "server system." Server 200 can communicate with refrigerator 100 or terminal device 300 via network NW. The server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The server 200 is not limited to a cloud server, and may be a computer located at the residence of the user U, or a home router (for example, a wireless router WR).

Terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by user U of refrigerator 100. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a mobile terminal device, and may be a personal computer or a voice dialogue device such as a smart speaker.

The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301 including a display screen 301a that can display various information, and an input device 302 that can receive input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel provided overlapping the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, etc. provided in the terminal device 300. An application program P is installed on the terminal device 300, and the functions described below are supported. Hereinafter, the application software that is started by executing the application program P will be referred to as a "home appliance management application APP."

The refrigerator system 1 of the present embodiment learns the usage status of the refrigerator 100 of the user U, estimates the lifestyle pattern of the user U regarding the usage of the refrigerator 100 (the usage habits of the user U regarding the refrigerator 100), and applies the estimated lifestyle pattern to the usage status of the refrigerator 100. Based on this, the operating mode of the refrigerator 100 is switched between a normal cooling mode and a cooling mode suitable for energy saving (power saving). In this embodiment, the cooling mode switching control style based on the lifestyle pattern is referred to as a "learning control mode." Furthermore, operation of refrigerator 100 in learning control mode is referred to as energy-saving operation. In the energy-saving operation, first, the server 200 learns and estimates the lifestyle pattern of the user U regarding the use of the refrigerator 100. Next, server 200 generates an operation plan for refrigerator 100 based on the estimated lifestyle pattern. When the user U selects the learning control mode, the server 200 transmits an operation instruction (control instruction) to the refrigerator 100 at predetermined unit time intervals based on the operation plan. The operation instruction is, for example, an instruction regarding the cooling mode of refrigerator 100. In the refrigerator system 1 of this embodiment, there are two cooling modes suitable for energy saving in energy saving operation. Eco operation (first special operation) in which the set temperature is set higher than the preset temperature, and pre-cooling operation (second special operation) in which the set temperature is set lower than the preset temperature. It is. Note that when the first special operation and the second special operation are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "special operation." The normal operation is an operation based on a preset temperature.

Eco-driving is performed by estimating, for example, a time period in which the door of the refrigerator 100 is opened and closed less frequently (for example, a time period in which the door is opened and closed less than five times per hour) in the lifestyle pattern of the user U. The precooling operation is performed by estimating, for example, a time period in the user U's life pattern in which there is a large temperature rise (temperature rise exceeding a threshold value) in the storage room of the refrigerator 100. The pre-cooling operation is an operation in which the set temperature is set low in advance (for example, one hour before) for a time period when there is a large temperature rise in the storage room of the refrigerator 100, and the refrigerator 100 is cooled in advance. The precooling operation is an operation that suppresses a decrease in cooling efficiency (COP: Coefficient Of Performance) by cutting the peak of temperature rise in the storage compartment of the refrigerator 100.

Next, an overview of the basic processing in the refrigerator system 1 will be explained.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of basic processing in the refrigerator system 1. In the refrigerator system 1, the server 200 acquires operation data from the refrigerator 100 at every predetermined unit time (for example, every hour) as information for generating an operation plan (S11). The operation data includes information regarding the number of times the door of the refrigerator 100 is opened and closed per predetermined unit time and the temperature of the storage room. The server 200 accumulates the received operation data and generates an energy-saving driving plan every predetermined unit time (for example, every hour) based on information from the past one week and two weeks before the energy-saving driving execution date, for example. (S21). The driving plan is updated as needed based on the latest driving data.

On the other hand, the user U sets the learning control mode to ON based on the operation on the terminal device 300 (home appliance management application APP), and this setting is instructed from the terminal device 300 to the refrigerator 100 via the server 200 (S31, S22 and S12).

The server 200 sends an operation instruction (control instruction) according to the operation plan to the refrigerator 100 at predetermined unit time intervals (for example, every hour) or at the timing of switching to energy-saving operation (S23). Refrigerator 100 operates based on the operation instruction received from server 200 (S13). However, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, refrigerator 100 changes the eco-operation or pre-cooling operation instructed by server 200 to normal operation.

Furthermore, the refrigerator 100 periodically transmits the execution results of the driving instructions (also referred to as driving results) to the server 200 (S14). The server 200 accumulates data of the execution results (operation results) received from the refrigerator 100 (S24). The execution result is, for example, the result of which cooling mode (eco-operation, normal operation, or pre-cooling operation) was actually operated in response to the operation instruction. The execution result is transmitted from the server 200 to the terminal device 300 and displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 (S32).

Note that S11 and S21 described above operate even if the user U has not set the learning control mode to ON. S13 and S14, S23 and S24 operate when the learning control mode is ON.

In the above-mentioned basic operations, if a discrepancy occurs between the estimated lifestyle pattern and the reality, if the driving instructions from the server 200 are continued, for example, eco-driving, frequent door opening/closing may occur. The inside of the refrigerator may not be cool enough. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied during execution of the learning control mode, the control right of the refrigerator 100 is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100.

The configuration and operation of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

<2. Refrigerator>
First, the refrigerator 100 will be explained in detail.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of refrigerator 100. Refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a housing 10 and a plurality of doors 20.

The housing 10 has heat insulation properties and is formed into a rectangular box shape. A plurality of storage chambers 30 are provided inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 30 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 31, a vegetable compartment 32, an ice making compartment 33, a small freezing compartment 34, and a main freezing compartment 35. The refrigerator compartment 31 and the vegetable compartment 32 are storage compartments in a refrigeration temperature range (for example, a positive temperature range of 1 to 4°C). The ice making compartment 33, the small freezing compartment 34, and the main freezing compartment 35 are storage compartments in a freezing temperature range (for example, a minus temperature range of -10 to -20°C).

The openings of the plurality of storage chambers 30 are opened and closed by the plurality of doors 20. The plurality of doors 20 include left and right refrigerator doors 21A and 21B that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 31, a vegetable compartment door 22 that closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 32, an ice-making compartment door 23 that closes the opening of the ice-making compartment 33, and a small freezer compartment 34. The main freezer compartment door 25 includes a small freezer compartment door 24 that closes the opening of the main freezer compartment 35 , and a main freezer compartment door 25 that closes the opening of the main freezer compartment 35 . Below, when the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 21A and 21B are not distinguished, they will be referred to as "refrigerator compartment doors 21."

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of refrigerator 100. Refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a door opening/closing detection sensor 110, a temperature sensor 120, a cooling unit 130, a communication unit 140, a control device 150, an alarm 170, and a storage unit 180.

The door opening/closing detection sensor 110 is a sensor that detects opening/closing of the door 20. The door opening/closing detection sensor 110 includes, for example, a refrigerator door sensor 111 that detects the opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment door 21, a vegetable compartment door sensor 112 that detects the opening and closing of the vegetable compartment door 22, and an ice making compartment door sensor 112 that detects the opening and closing of the ice making compartment door 23. It includes a door sensor 113, a small freezer door sensor 114 that detects the opening and closing of the small freezer door 24, and a main freezer door sensor 115 that detects the opening and closing of the main freezer door 25. The detection result of the door opening/closing detection sensor 110 is output to the control device 150.

The temperature sensor 120 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the storage room 30 (for example, the temperature of the air inside the storage room 30). Temperature sensor 120 includes, for example, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 121 that detects the temperature of refrigerator compartment 31 and a main freezer compartment temperature sensor 122 that detects the temperature of main freezer compartment 35 . The detection result of temperature sensor 120 is output to control device 150.

The cooling unit 130 is a device that cools the storage room 30. The cooling unit 130 includes, for example, a first cooler 131, a second cooler 132, a compressor 133, a first blower 134, and a second blower 135. The first cooler 131 is arranged corresponding to the storage compartment 30 (refrigeration compartment 31 and vegetable compartment 32) in the refrigeration temperature range. The second cooler 132 is arranged corresponding to the storage compartment 30 (ice making compartment 33, small freezing compartment 34, and main freezing compartment 35) in the freezing temperature range. Compressor 133 supplies refrigerant to first cooler 131 and second cooler 132 . The first blower 134 supplies the cold air cooled by the first cooler 131 to the storage room 30 in the refrigeration temperature range. The second blower 135 supplies cold air cooled by the second cooler 132 to the storage room 30 in the freezing temperature range.

The communication unit 140 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The communication unit 140 is capable of communicating with the server 200 via a wireless router WR and a modem M placed in the user U's residence. The communication unit 140 outputs a signal indicating this to the control unit 151 when the communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is interrupted or when the communication is resolved.

The notification device 170 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) of an operation panel, a display device such as a display, or an audio dialogue device. Notifier 170 notifies user U of predetermined information based on instructions from notifier 153, which will be described later.

Control device 150 is realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) installed in refrigerator 100 executing a program. However, part or all of the control device 150 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of software and hardware. It may also be realized by cooperation with software.

Control device 150 includes a control section 151 , a control command acquisition section 152 , a notification section 153 , a timer 154 , and a storage section 155 .

Here, the storage unit 155 will be explained first. The storage unit 155 is, for example, a volatile memory. The contents stored in storage unit 155 are erased when refrigerator 100 is powered off. The storage unit 155 stores a control right 1551 and a control command 1552.

The control right 1551 is information indicating whether the control right of the refrigerator 100 regarding the cooling unit 130 is in the server 200 or in the refrigerator 100. “When the server has control authority” broadly means, for example, a case where the refrigerator 100 is controlled (for example, the cooling unit 130 is controlled) based on a control command such as a driving instruction from the server 200. In other words, "the case where the server has control authority" is not limited to the case where the cooling unit 130 is controlled based only on the control instruction from the server 200, but the case where the control instruction from the server 200 and the detection by the refrigerator 100 are performed. The cooling unit 120 may also be controlled by the control unit 151 based on information detected by the temperature sensor 120 (for example, information detected by the temperature sensor 120). “When the server has control authority” is, for example, a case where the setting value included in the control instruction from the server 200 is given priority over the setting value set in the refrigerator 100.

On the other hand, "when the refrigerator has control authority" means, for example, when there is no control command such as an operation instruction from the server 200, or when there is a control command such as an operation instruction from the server 200, but the control command does not correspond to the control command. This is a case where the control of the refrigerator 100 (for example, the control of the cooling unit 130) is performed based on a different standard (for example, a setting value set in advance in the refrigerator). “When the refrigerator has control authority” is, for example, a case where the setting values set in the refrigerator 100 are given priority over the setting values included in the control instruction from the server 200.

In this embodiment, when the learning control mode is set to ON and the control authority is set to the server 200, the refrigerator 100 controls the cooling unit 130 based on the operation instruction (control command) from the server 200. do. On the other hand, even when the learning control mode is set to ON, if the control authority is set to the refrigerator 100, the learning control mode The cooling unit 130 is controlled based on the same criteria (for example, a setting value set in advance in the refrigerator) as when the cooling unit 130 is set to OFF.

Control command 1552 is information indicating a control command for refrigerator 100 received from server 200 (eg, the last control command received from server 200, the latest control command). The control command includes the contents of an operation instruction regarding the operation of the cooling unit 130. Further, the control command 1552 includes information indicating the validity period of the control command last received from the server 200. The validity period is notified from the server 200 as part of the control command, for example.

Control unit 151 centrally controls refrigerator 100 as a whole. For example, the control unit 151 controls the cooling unit 130 based on the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage compartment 30 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 120, so that the cooling unit 130 cools each storage compartment 30. For example, the control unit 151 controls the compressor contained in the cooling unit 130 by PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on the difference between the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage chamber 30 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120. 133, the first blower 134, or the second blower 135.

The control unit 151 causes the storage unit 180 to store the detection result of the door opening/closing detection sensor 110 as door opening/closing information 181. The door opening/closing information 181 includes information regarding door opening/closing every predetermined unit time (for example, one hour). For example, the door opening/closing information 181 indicates the number of times the door is opened/closing per predetermined unit time or the door opening time. "Door open time" is the total time the door remains open.

Based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 120 and a preset threshold, the control unit 151 determines whether or not a large temperature increase exceeding the threshold (for example, a temperature increase exceeding 10° C. as a temperature difference) has occurred in each storage chamber 30. is determined at a predetermined period. The “large temperature increase” is, for example, a temperature increase that occurs when warm stored items are stored in the storage chamber 30. When determining that a large temperature rise has occurred in a certain storage room 30, the control unit 151 causes the storage unit 180 to store information that a large temperature rise has occurred in the storage room 30 as temperature rise information 182. The temperature rise information 182 includes whether there is a large temperature rise in the storage room 30 every predetermined unit time (for example, one hour).

For each predetermined unit time (for example, one hour) measured by the timer 154, the control unit 151 generates operating information or information indicating the usage status of the refrigerator 100 in the most recent predetermined unit time (hereinafter referred to as "usage status information"). is sent to the server 200. "Operating information" is, for example, information indicating the set value or history of the driving state of the cooling unit 130 (the operating frequency of the compressor 133, the rotational speed of the first blower 134, the rotational speed of the second blower 135, etc.). . "Usage status" refers to, for example, the history of opening and closing of the door of the refrigerator 100 (history of the number of times the door is opened/closed or the time the door is opened), the history of the temperature of the storage compartment 30, or the large temperature rise in the storage compartment 30 (temperature exceeding a threshold value). increase). The "usage status" includes, for example, information detected by the refrigerator 100 (for example, information detected by the door opening/closing detection sensor 110 or the temperature sensor 120). In this embodiment, the usage state information includes door opening/closing information 181 and temperature rise information 182 stored in the storage unit 180.

The control unit 151 transmits the execution result of the special operation of the refrigerator 100, which will be described in detail later, to the server 200 every predetermined unit time. The execution result of the special operation is, for example, information indicating which of the normal operation, the first special operation, or the second special operation, which will be described later, was executed every predetermined unit time (for example, one hour).

Control command acquisition unit 152 acquires a control command for refrigerator 100 generated by server 200 from server 200 via communication unit 140 . An example of the control command for the refrigerator 100 is an operation instruction that is a command to execute a special operation to reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. In this application, "obtaining" is not limited to actively obtaining information by sending a transmission request, but also obtaining information by passively receiving information transmitted from another device (for example, server 200). Also includes. Note that the special operation will be described in detail later.

The control command acquisition unit 152 stores, for example, the latest control command acquired from the server 200 in the storage unit 155 as the control command 1552. Further, when the control command acquisition unit 152 acquires a control command indicating an instruction to change the setting of the learning control mode from the server 200, the control command acquisition unit 152 stores the ON or OFF setting of the learning control mode in the storage unit 180 as the setting information 183. do.

The control command acquisition unit 152 may request the server 200 to transmit the control command, for example, after the refrigerator 100 is powered on again or after the communication interruption with the server 200 is resolved. For example, if the transmission of control commands from the server 200 is fixed at every predetermined unit time, the control command acquisition unit 152 will not be able to receive control commands for a maximum of the predetermined unit time. In such a case, by inquiring the control command from the control command acquisition unit 152 to the server 200, the energy saving operation can be restarted immediately. When the learning control mode is set to ON, the control unit 151 controls the cooling unit 130 based on the control command acquired from the server 200 by the control command acquisition unit 152. For example, when acquiring a special operation execution command as the control command, the control unit 151 performs the special operation of the refrigerator 100 based on the execution command.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 151 can execute a learning control mode in which the cooling unit 130 is controlled based on a control command acquired by the control command acquisition unit 152, and when a predetermined condition is met during execution of the learning control mode. If the condition is satisfied, the control right of the refrigerator 100 is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100. Here, the control command acquired by control command acquisition unit 152 is generated by server 200 based on past operating information or usage status of refrigerator 100. With such a configuration, for example, the server 200 estimates the usage habits of the user U regarding the refrigerator 100 based on the past operation information or usage status of the refrigerator 100, and then estimates the usage habits of the user U regarding the refrigerator 100 based on the usage habits of the user U. In the refrigerator system 1 that has a learning control mode in which the refrigerator 100 is controlled by the user, control authority can be switched between the server 200 and the refrigerator 100 under certain conditions. As a result, if a discrepancy occurs between the estimated usage habits and reality, it is possible to carry out driving in accordance with reality.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 151 determines on the refrigerator 100 side whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied on the refrigerator 100 side, the control unit 151 has control authority of the refrigerator 100. is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100. According to such a configuration, switching of the cooling control right can be determined on the refrigerator 100 side. That is, the determination can be made on the side of the refrigerator 100, which can operate in accordance with reality. Especially in a wireless connection environment, the determination can be made on the refrigerator 100 side even when the wireless connection is disconnected.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 151 determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied based on, for example, the latest operating information or usage status of the refrigerator 100. According to such a configuration, by switching the cooling control right according to the actual state of the refrigerator 100, even if the estimation of user U's usage habits regarding the refrigerator 100 is incorrect, the control right for cooling can be switched in accordance with the actual state. By switching the control authority, it is possible to respond flexibly to the situation.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 151 operates in a normal control mode in which the cooling unit 130 is controlled based on setting values set in the refrigerator 100, and in a server 200 in which learning is performed based on past operating information or usage conditions of the refrigerator 100. The cooling unit 130 can be controlled in a learning control mode in which the cooling unit 130 is controlled based on a control command obtained from the learning control mode. The control unit 151 can switch between the normal control mode setting and the learning control mode setting, for example, based on a user's operation on the operation panel of the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300. When the predetermined conditions are satisfied and the control authority of the refrigerator 100 is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100 in a state where the learning control mode is set, the control unit 151 switches the control authority to the normal control mode while continuing the setting of the learning control mode. The cooling unit 130 is controlled in the same manner as described above. That is, even when switching the control authority of the refrigerator 100 from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100, the control unit 151 does not switch the control mode, and when the above-described predetermined condition is no longer satisfied, the control unit 151 switches the control mode to the learning control mode. Resume control. According to such a configuration, even when switching the control right of the refrigerator 100 from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100, the operation is the same as when the learning control mode is set to OFF, so that even if an irregularity occurs, the refrigerator 100 cooling performance can be ensured. Further, there is no need to arbitrarily turn off the mode (learning control mode) that the user U has arbitrarily set.

When switching the control right of the refrigerator 100 from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100, the notification unit 153 notifies that the control right of the refrigerator 100 is to be switched. For example, the notification unit 153 communicates with the server 200 via the communication unit 140, and outputs notification information (information indicating that the control right has been switched) to the terminal device 300 via the server 200. Or, it may be notified through the alarm 170 of the refrigerator 100. If the notification unit 153 is provided, the user U can understand where the lifestyle pattern differs, and if the number of times the door is opened and closed is large, the user U can make improvements himself.

The storage unit 180 is a functional unit that stores various information. The storage unit 180 is realized by a combination of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The storage unit 180 stores door opening/closing information 181, temperature rise information 182, and setting information 183.

<3. Server>
Next, the server 200 will be explained in detail.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 200. The server 200 includes, for example, an information acquisition section 210, an operation plan generation section 220, a control command output section 230, an information output section 240, a notification section 250, and a storage section 280.

The information acquisition unit 210, the operation plan generation unit 220, the control command output unit 230, the information output unit 240, and the notification unit 250 have programs executed by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU installed in the server 200. This is achieved by However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. Note that these functional units may be provided separately in a plurality of server devices. Further, one or more of these functional units may be provided in the terminal device 300 or the refrigerator 100 instead of the server 200.

Information acquisition unit 210 acquires operation data including usage status information transmitted from refrigerator 100. The information acquisition unit 210 stores the usage status information acquired from the refrigerator 100 in the storage unit 280 as part of the usage status accumulation information 281. The information acquisition unit 210 also acquires information indicating the execution result of the special operation transmitted from the refrigerator 100. The information acquisition unit 210 causes the storage unit 280 to store information indicating the execution result of the special operation acquired from the refrigerator 100 as part of the execution result accumulation information 282.

The operation plan generation unit 220 analyzes the lifestyle pattern of the user U (user U's usage habits regarding the refrigerator 100) based on the usage status information for a predetermined period (for example, the past two weeks) included in the usage status accumulation information 281, and An operation plan for the refrigerator 100 is generated according to the lifestyle pattern of the person. In other words, the driving plan generation unit 220 is a learning function unit that learns the usage habits of the refrigerator 100 by the user U. In this application, "learning" broadly means updating past decisions based on new information.

In this embodiment, the driving plan generation unit 220 generates a driving plan for the next day of the same day of the week based on usage status information of the same day of the week in the past two weeks. For example, the driving plan generation unit 220 generates a driving plan for the next Monday based on the usage status information of the previous Monday and the Monday before the previous. The same applies to Tuesday to Sunday.

In this embodiment, the operation plan for refrigerator 100 is a plan that defines a time period in which refrigerator 100 performs normal operation and a time period in which refrigerator 100 performs special operation. The special operation is an operation that reduces the power consumption of refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the special operation includes a first special operation (eco-operation) and a second special operation (pre-cooling operation). Note that an example in which the first special operation is executed based on the number of times the door is opened and closed will be described below. Alternatively/in addition to this, the first special operation may be executed based on the door opening time.

As described above, the normal operation is, for example, the operation set in the initial settings of the refrigerator 100. For example, the normal operation is an operation based on the assumption that the refrigerator 100 is used by the user U (for example, the door 20 is opened and closed). That is, the normal operation is an operation in which a relatively low set temperature (target temperature) is set so that the temperature rise in the storage room 30 can be suppressed to a certain level or less even when the door 20 is opened or closed. The normal operation is the same operation as the normal control mode described above.

In the first special operation (eco-operation), the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage room 30 is increased compared to normal operation during a time period when the number of openings and closings of the door 20 is estimated to be small, and the operation of the cooling unit 130 is suppressed. This is an operation that reduces the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. For example, the first special operation increases the operating frequency of the compressor 133, the rotational speed of the first blower 134, or the rotation speed of the second blower 135 by increasing the set temperature of the storage room 30 by 1°C or 2°C compared to the normal operation. This is an operation that reduces the rotation speed.

In the present embodiment, the operation plan generation unit 220 determines that the number of times the door 20 has been opened and closed in a predetermined unit time (for example, one hour) is equal to or less than a predetermined number of times (for example, five times or less) during the same time period on the same day of the week in the past two weeks. In some cases, the first special operation is executed at the same time on the same day of the week next time. On the other hand, if there is a day in which the number of openings and closings of the door 20 in the predetermined unit time exceeds the predetermined number of times in the same time slot on the same day of the week in the past two weeks, the operation plan generation unit 220 generates a schedule for the same day of the same week next time. The first special operation is not executed during the time period, and normal operation is performed.

Note that the number of times the door 20 is opened and closed refers to, for example, all the doors 20 included in the refrigerator 100 (refrigerator compartment door 21, vegetable compartment door 22, ice making compartment door 23, small freezer compartment door 24, and main freezer compartment door 25). ) is the total value of the number of times the door is opened and closed. Alternatively, the number of times the door 20 is opened and closed may be the total number of times that typical specific doors (for example, the refrigerator compartment door 21, the vegetable compartment door 22, and the main freezer compartment door 25) are opened and closed.

In the second special operation (pre-cooling operation), when a large temperature rise (temperature rise exceeding a threshold value) is expected in the storage room 30, the temperature of the storage room 30 is lowered in advance (so-called cooling is performed). This is an operation that suppresses a decrease in cooling efficiency (COP) by cutting the peak temperature rise in the storage compartment 30 and reduces the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. For example, the second special operation is performed for a predetermined unit time in which it is estimated that there is a large temperature rise in the specific store room 30, and for the predetermined unit time and the predetermined unit time immediately before the predetermined unit time. This is an operation in which the set temperature (target temperature) is set lower than in normal operation, and the temperature of the specific storage chamber 30 is lowered in advance. For example, in the second special operation, the operating frequency of the compressor 133, the rotational speed of the first blower 134, or the rotation speed of the second blower 135 is lowered by lowering the set temperature of the storage room 30 by 1° C. or 2° C. compared to the normal operation. Increase the rotation speed.

In the present embodiment, when a large temperature rise is detected in the storage room 30 during the same time period on the same day of the week in the past two weeks, the operation plan generation unit 220 generates The second special operation is executed during the time period. On the other hand, if there is a day in which a large temperature rise is not detected in the storage room 30 during the same time period on the same day of the week in the past two weeks, the operation plan generation unit 220 does not perform the second special operation on the same day of the week next time, Perform normal operation or first special operation.

In the present embodiment, the operation plan for the refrigerator 100 is a plan that specifies which of the normal operation, the first special operation, and the second special operation will be performed every predetermined unit time (for example, every hour). Note that, when the execution schedule of the first special operation and the execution schedule of the second special operation overlap in the same time period, the operation plan generation unit 220 sets the second special operation with priority.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a driving plan created by the driving plan generation unit 220. The example shown in FIG. 6 shows a case where a driving plan for the next Monday is generated based on the usage status information of the previous Monday and the Monday before the previous one.

In the example shown in Figure 6, (A) for each time period from 0:00 to 6:00, the number of times the door was opened and closed on the previous Monday and the day before the previous Monday was less than the predetermined number of times, and no large temperature rise was detected. , is assigned as the first special operation time slot as the operation plan for the next Monday. (B) For each time period from 6:00 to 8:00, a large temperature rise was detected between 7:00 and 8:00 on the previous Monday and the Monday before, so a second special operation will be implemented as the operation plan for the next Monday. Assigned as a time period. (C) During the time period from 8:00 to 9:00, no large temperature rise was detected on the previous Monday and the Monday before the previous, but there are days when the door was opened and closed more than the specified number of times, so the operation plan for the next Monday This will be assigned as the time period for normal operation. (D) For each time period from 9:00 to 11:00, the number of times the door was opened and closed on the previous Monday and the day before the previous Monday was less than the predetermined number of times, and no large temperature rise was detected, so the operation plan for the next Monday Allotted as the implementation time period for the first special operation.

Control command output unit 230 transmits a control command according to the driving plan generated by driving plan generating unit 220 to refrigerator 100. For example, the control command output unit 230 transmits a control command regarding the next predetermined unit time to the refrigerator 100 every predetermined unit time (for example, every hour). Alternatively, control command output unit 230 transmits a control command valid at that time to refrigerator 100 in response to an inquiry from refrigerator 100 (control command acquisition unit 152). In the present embodiment, the control command includes any one of a driving command which is a command to execute normal driving, a driving command which is a command to perform first special driving, or a driving command which is a command to perform second special driving.

The information output unit 240 generates information to be displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 (hereinafter referred to as “display information”), and transmits the generated display information to the terminal device 300. The display information includes the usage state information included in the usage state accumulation information 281 and the execution result of the special operation included in the execution result accumulation information 282.

When the control right of the refrigerator 100 is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100 and information indicating that the control right has been switched is received from the refrigerator 100, the notification unit 250 transmits the information indicating that the control right has been switched to the terminal. Transfer to device 300. Further, the notification unit 250 may notify that, for example, if a communication interruption occurs between the server 200 and the refrigerator 100 and the communication interruption continues for a predetermined time or more, the control right of the refrigerator 100 has been switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100. information indicating this is transmitted to the terminal device 300.

The storage unit 280 is realized by a combination of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, SSD, or the like. The storage unit 280 stores usage state accumulation information 281.

<4. Terminal device>
Next, the terminal device 300 will be explained in detail.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, an information acquisition section 310, an operation reception section 320, a display control section 330, and a storage section 380. The information acquisition unit 310, the operation reception unit 320, and the display control unit 330 are realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU installed in the terminal device 300 executing the application program P. In other words, the information acquisition section 310, the operation reception section 320, and the display control section 330 are software functional sections included in the home appliance management application APP.

The information acquisition unit 310 acquires information received from the server 200 in relation to the home appliance management application APP. For example, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires display information generated by the server 200 from the server 200.

The operation reception unit 320 receives an operation performed by the user U on the input device 302 in connection with the home appliance management application APP. For example, the operation accepting unit 320 accepts an operation by the user U to switch between the normal control mode setting and the learning control mode setting.

The display control unit 330 controls the content displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301 by controlling the display device 301 of the terminal device 300. For example, the display control unit 330 causes the display information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 to be displayed on the display screen 301a.

The storage unit 380 is realized by a combination of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, SSD, or the like. The storage unit 380 stores the application program P.

<5. Control flow>
Next, the flow of control will be explained.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the control device 150. The process shown in FIG. 8 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 151 at a predetermined period. When the process shown in FIG. 8 is started, the control unit 151 determines whether the learning control mode is set to ON (S101). When the learning control mode is set to ON (S101: YES), the control unit 151 determines whether a valid (within the valid period) control command has been acquired (S102). If a valid control command has been acquired (S102: YES), the control unit 151 determines whether a temperature rise has occurred (S103). If a temperature rise has not occurred (S103: NO), the control unit 151 determines whether a time-limited control right, which will be described later, is set for the refrigerator 100 (S104). If time-limited control authority is not set for the refrigerator 100 (S104: NO), the control unit 151 determines whether the door has been opened and closed a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time (for example, six or more times within an hour). Determination is made (S105). If the door has not been opened and closed a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time (S105: NO), the control unit 151 determines whether communication between the server 200 and the refrigerator 100 is interrupted (S106). If the communication is not interrupted (S106: NO), the control unit 151 sets (or leaves the control right set) to the server 200 (S107), and executes control based on the control command from the server 200 (S107). Alternatively, control based on the control command being executed is continued (S108), and the process shown in FIG. 8 is ended.

On the other hand, if the learning control mode is not set to ON (S101: NO), if a valid driving instruction has not been obtained (S102: NO), or if a temperature rise has occurred (S103: YES), the control The unit 151 sets the control authority to the refrigerator 100 (or leaves it set) (S113), and executes the control when the learning mode is OFF (or continues the control when the learning mode is OFF) (S114). , the process shown in FIG. 8 ends.

Further, if the door is opened and closed a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time (S105: YES), the control unit 151 sets (or sets) a control right for a limited time (for example, a control right for one hour) to the refrigerator 100. (S109), executes the control when the learning mode is OFF (or continues the control when the currently executed learning mode is OFF) (S110), and ends the process shown in FIG.

Further, if a time-limited control right has been set (S104: YES), the control unit 151 determines whether the limited time has elapsed (S111). If the limited time has elapsed (S111: YES), the control unit 151 executes the determination process of S105. If the limited time has not elapsed (S111: NO), the control unit 151 continues the currently executed control when the learning mode is OFF (S110), and ends the process shown in FIG. 8.

Further, if communication has been interrupted (S106: YES), the control unit 151 determines whether the period of the last control command received from the server 200 has ended (S112). If the period of the last control command has ended (S112: YES), the control unit 151 sets the control right to the refrigerator 100 (or leaves it set) (S113), and executes the control when the learning mode is OFF. (or continue the control that is being executed when the learning mode is OFF) (S114), and the process shown in FIG. 8 ends. If the period of the last driving instruction has not ended (S112: NO), the control unit 151 sets the control authority to the server 200 (or leaves it set) (S107), and executes control based on the driving instruction. (or continue control based on the driving instruction being executed) (S108), and the process shown in FIG. 8 ends.

<6. Operation example>
Next, an example of operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. Note that the examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 are operations according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. The example shown in FIG. 13 is different from the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, and is an operation when a process is added in which the control command acquisition unit 152 queries the server 200 for driving instructions when there is no driving instruction (S102: NO). . In the examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, a control command is transmitted from server 200 to refrigerator 100 every predetermined unit time (for example, one hour). Further, the valid period of each control command is the above-mentioned predetermined unit time (for example, one hour). Furthermore, in the examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the control when the learning mode is OFF is described as "normal operation." Further, the case where the refrigerator 100 has the control right is described as "refrigerator judgment", and the case where the server 200 has the control right is described as "server instruction".

(Operation example 1)
FIG. 9 shows an example in which the door is opened and closed more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, and control authority is set to the refrigerator 100 for a limited time. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the predetermined time is 60 minutes, the predetermined number of times is 6 times, and the limited time during which control is transferred to the refrigerator 100 side is 60 minutes. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the eco-driving instruction is repeatedly transmitted from the server 200 at 0:00, 1:00, ..., 10:00 (S201, S202, S203). Then, at 10:30, the door opens and closes six or more times within 60 minutes (S121). Here, the control right is switched to the refrigerator 100, and normal operation is performed (S122). Thereafter, an eco-driving instruction is transmitted from the server 200 at 11 o'clock (S204). In this case, after the control right is switched at 10:30 (S122), the control right is set to the refrigerator 100 until 11:30, 60 minutes later, and normal operation ends at 11:30 (S123). After that, control authority is switched to the server 200, and eco-driving is performed based on the 11 o'clock eco-driving instruction (S124). Thereafter, an eco-driving instruction is transmitted from the server 200 at 12:00 (S205). In this case, eco-driving is continued based on the 12 o'clock eco-driving instruction.

That is, in this operational example, the server 200 estimates user U's usage habits regarding the refrigerator 100 based on past operating information or usage status of the refrigerator 100, and in the estimated usage habits, the refrigerator 100 is in the first state (for example, when the door is closed). A first control command (normal operation command) is transmitted to the refrigerator 100 in response to a first time period in which the refrigerator 100 opens and closes a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. A second control command (eco-driving command) is transmitted to the refrigerator 100 in response to a second time period in which the refrigerator 100 opens and closes less than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. The second state is a state in which the air temperature in the storage room 30 is more stable than the first state. As the predetermined condition, the control unit 151 of the refrigerator 100 grants control of the refrigerator 100 when the actual state of the refrigerator 100 in the second time period (for example, the actual number of times the door is opened/closed) is different from the second state. is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100. According to such a configuration, even if the estimated usage habits of the user U deviate from the actual situation, it is possible to perform operation in accordance with reality (normal operation as the refrigerator 100), and to perform flexible control. can be carried out.

In this operation example, the server 200 estimates the usage habits of the refrigerator 100 based on past operating information or usage status of the refrigerator 100, and issues control commands according to the estimated usage habits every predetermined unit time (for example, 1 hour). Send. When the predetermined condition is satisfied and the control authority of the refrigerator 100 is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100, the control unit 151 of the refrigerator 100 determines whether a predetermined period of time (for example, one hour) has passed since the predetermined condition is satisfied. Even if a control command is obtained again from the server 200 before the operation is completed (for example, even if an eco-driving instruction is received at 11:00), the refrigerator 100 side does not have the control right until at least the predetermined time elapses. In addition, the cooling unit 130 is controlled based on the setting values set in the refrigerator 100. According to such a configuration, when a situation different from the estimated usage habits occurs, operation in accordance with reality (normal operation of the refrigerator 100) can be performed.

In this operation example, when the control unit 151 of the refrigerator 100 acquires a control command from the server 200 again after the predetermined conditions are satisfied and the control authority of the refrigerator 100 is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100 (for example, 11 :00), the acquired control command is stored in the storage unit 155, and when the above predetermined condition is no longer satisfied and the control of the refrigerator 100 by the server 200 is resumed (for example, 11:30), the control commands stored in the storage unit 155 (for example, between 11:30 and 12:00) until the next acquisition of the control commands received from the server 200 every predetermined unit time. For example, the cooling unit 130 is controlled based on a control command received at 11:00. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the refrigerator 100 from making an inquiry to the server 200 every time the control of the refrigerator 100 is restarted, and the burden on the server 200 can be reduced.

(Operation example 2)
FIG. 10 shows an example in which a temperature rise occurs and is resolved in the refrigerator 100. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 10, the temperature rise threshold is set to 10°C. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the eco-driving instruction is repeatedly transmitted from the server 200 at 0:00, 1:00, ..., 10:00 (S201, S202, S203). Then, at 10:30, a temperature rise exceeding the threshold value occurs (S131). Here, the control right is switched to the refrigerator 100, and normal operation is performed (S132). Thereafter, an eco-driving instruction is transmitted from the server 200 at 11 o'clock (S204). Thereafter, when the temperature rise is resolved at 11:45 (S133), control is switched to the server 200, and eco-driving is performed based on the 11:00 eco-driving instruction (S134). Thereafter, an eco-driving instruction is transmitted from the server 200 at 12:00 (S205). In this case, eco-driving is continued based on the 12 o'clock eco-driving instruction.

The operation of S134 is similar to the operation of S124 of operation example 1, for example, until the control command received from the server 200 is next acquired (that is, from 11:45 to 12:00), the storage unit 155 is The cooling unit 130 is controlled based on a control command stored in the controller (for example, a control command received at 11:00).

(Operation example 3)
FIG. 11 shows an example in which communication interruption (also referred to as wireless disconnection) occurs. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the eco-driving instruction is repeatedly transmitted from the server 200 at 0:00, 1:00, ..., 10:00 (S201, S202, S203). Then, wireless disconnection occurs at 10:30 (S141). In this case, since the effective period of the eco-driving instruction at 10 o'clock is until 11 o'clock, eco-driving continues until 11 o'clock and ends at 11 o'clock (S142). If the wireless disconnection has not been resolved at 11 o'clock, control is switched to the refrigerator 100 and normal operation is performed (S143).

That is, in this operation example, when a communication breakdown occurs between the server 200 and the refrigerator 100 as the predetermined condition, the control unit 151 of the refrigerator 100 receives the control command (for example, at 10 o'clock) that was last acquired from the server 200. The cooling unit 130 is continued to be controlled based on the control command for a period of time corresponding to the eco-driving instruction (eco-driving instruction), and then, if the communication interruption has not been resolved, the control right of the refrigerator 100 is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100. Note that the control unit 151 controls the cooling unit based on the control command for a certain period of time (for example, 30 minutes) from the time when the communication interruption occurs, instead of for the time corresponding to the last acquired control command (valid period). 130 may be continued. According to these configurations, when a temporary communication interruption occurs due to the use of a microwave oven, etc., the control authority is not immediately switched, but operation continues for a while based on the last received control command. This allows unnecessary operations to be suppressed.

(Operation example 4)
FIG. 12 shows an example where power is turned off and turned on. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the eco-driving instruction is repeatedly transmitted from the server 200 at 0:00, 1:00, ..., 10:00 (S201, S202, S203). Then, the power of the refrigerator 100 is turned off at 10:30 (S151), and the power is turned on at 10:45, completing the wireless connection (S152). Here, control authority is set to the refrigerator 100 as an initial setting when the power is turned back on, and normal operation is performed (S153). Thereafter, an eco-driving instruction is transmitted from the server 200 at 11 o'clock (S204). In this case, the control authority is then switched to the server 200, and eco-driving is performed based on the 11 o'clock eco-driving instruction (S154).

That is, in this operation example, when the power to the refrigerator 100 is turned on again as the predetermined condition, the control unit 151 of the refrigerator 100 switches the control right of the refrigerator 100 from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100, and then controls the refrigerator 100 from the server 200. Until the command is acquired again, the refrigerator 100 side is given control authority and the cooling unit 130 is controlled based on the set value set in the refrigerator 100. According to such a configuration, when an unusual situation occurs in which the power of the refrigerator 100 is turned on and off, it is possible to perform a realistic operation (normal operation of the refrigerator 100).

(Operation example 5)
FIG. 13 shows an example in which the power is turned off and then turned on, and further, after the power is turned on, the control command acquisition unit 152 inquires of the server 200 for a driving instruction. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the eco-driving instruction is repeatedly transmitted from the server 200 at 0:00, 1:00, ..., 10:00 (S201, S202, S203). Then, the power of the refrigerator 100 is turned off at 10:30 (S161), and the power is turned on at 10:45, completing the wireless connection (S162). Here, the control command acquisition unit 152 inquires of the server 200 for driving instructions (S163). Next, the server 200 transmits an eco-driving instruction in response to the inquiry (S205). Thereafter, control is switched to the server 200, and eco-driving is performed based on the eco-driving instruction transmitted in response to the inquiry (S164).

Note that as a modification of operation example 4 or operation example 5, when the time information can be referenced, the control unit 151 changes the operation according to the difference value between the time before the power is turned off and the time after the power is turned on. You can. That is, if the difference value is less than a predetermined value (when the power is turned off only for a short time), control after the power is turned on may be performed based on a control command received before the power is turned off. On the other hand, if the difference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (when the power has been turned off for a long time), control authority is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100 and the control authority is switched from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100 based on the set value of the refrigerator 100. Control may be performed, or an inquiry may be made to the server 200 after the power is turned on.

<7. Example of notification by terminal device>
Next, the display contents of the terminal device 300 will be explained.
FIG. 14 is an example of display information displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300, and is a diagram showing an example of the power saving performance display screen D1 showing the power saving performance of the refrigerator 100. FIG. 14 is a screen displayed at 10:00 on May 17, 2021, for example. Note that the dashed black frame indicated by the reference numeral 301a in FIG. 14 indicates the content that is displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301 at one time.

The power saving performance display screen D1 displays the types of operations performed from early morning to the present day. For example, the type of driving is displayed by a time bar 401 on a chronological basis. The time bar 401 indicates the type of operation performed in each predetermined unit time by color-coding, for example. In the example shown in Figure 14, the first special operation (eco-driving) is performed from 0:00 to 3:00, and from 3:00 to 6:00 there is no data due to communication interruption (offline), and from 6:00 to 7:00. This is a case in which the second special operation (precooling operation) is performed until 10:00, the normal operation is performed from 7:00 to 8:00, and the first special operation (eco-operation) is performed from 8:00 to 10:00.

The power saving performance display screen D1 displays a special display 402 in association with the time series of the time bar 401. Special display 402 is a display indicating that the control right of refrigerator 100 has been switched from server 200 to refrigerator 100. In this example, the special display 402 is displayed in association with the time when the control right of the refrigerator 100 is switched due to communication interruption. Special display 402 is displayed based on information received from notification section 153 of refrigerator 100 or notification section 250 of server 200, for example. Note that a similar special display 402 is also displayed when the control right is switched due to the above-mentioned predetermined conditions other than the communication being being interrupted. This allows the user U to easily know that the control right has been switched.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, cooling control authority is switched from the server 200, which instructs operation based on the lifestyle pattern, to the refrigerator 100 according to the usage status of the refrigerator 100 in real time. Even if the prediction result of the pattern is incorrect, operation in accordance with reality (normal operation as a refrigerator) can be performed, and flexible control can be performed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that can perform more suitable cooling control.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the refrigerator includes a control unit that switches control of the refrigerator from the server to the refrigerator when a predetermined condition is satisfied, thereby making it possible to perform more suitable cooling control. can.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

(Additional note)
The refrigerator according to the embodiment may be configured as follows.
(1) Refrigerators that can communicate with the server are
a cooling unit that cools the storage room;
a control command acquisition unit that acquires from the server a control command for the refrigerator generated by the server based on past operating information or usage status of the refrigerator;
Control for switching the control right of the refrigerator from the server to the refrigerator when a predetermined condition is satisfied during execution of a control mode in which the cooling unit is controlled based on the control command acquired by the control command acquisition unit. Department and
It is a good idea to have the following.
(2) In the refrigerator according to (1) above,
The control unit determines on the refrigerator side whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied on the refrigerator side, the controller transfers control authority of the refrigerator from the server to the refrigerator side. It may be possible to switch to a refrigerator.
(3) In the refrigerator according to (1) or (2) above,
The control unit may determine whether the predetermined condition is satisfied based on the most recent operating information or usage status of the refrigerator.
(4) In the refrigerator according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
The server estimates the usage habits of the user regarding the refrigerator based on past operating information or usage status of the refrigerator, and the server estimates the usage habits of the user regarding the refrigerator based on the past operation information or usage status of the refrigerator, and the server estimates the usage habits of the user regarding the refrigerator, and estimates the usage habits of the user based on the past operation information or usage status of the refrigerator, and in the estimated usage habits, corresponds to a first time period in which the refrigerator is in a first state. A first control command is transmitted as the control command, and a second control command different from the first control command is transmitted as the control command corresponding to a second time period in which the refrigerator is in a second state in the usage habit. death,
The second state is a state in which the air temperature in the storage room is stable compared to the first state,
The predetermined condition may be that the actual state of the refrigerator during the second time period is different from the second state.
(5) In the refrigerator according to (4) above,
The server estimates usage habits of the refrigerator based on past operating information or usage status of the refrigerator, and transmits the control command according to the estimated usage habits every predetermined unit time,
When the predetermined condition is satisfied and the control authority of the refrigerator is switched from the server to the refrigerator, the control section switches the control authority from the server to the refrigerator again before a predetermined time elapses after the predetermined condition is satisfied. Even if the control command is acquired, it is preferable to control the cooling unit based on a setting value set in the refrigerator at least until the predetermined time period has elapsed.
(6) The refrigerator according to (5) above is
Further equipped with a storage section,
When the control command is acquired again from the server after the predetermined condition is satisfied and the control authority of the refrigerator is switched from the server to the refrigerator, the control unit stores the acquired control command in the memory. When the predetermined condition is no longer satisfied and the server resumes control of the refrigerator, the control command received from the server every predetermined unit time is stored in the server until the next acquisition of the control command. During the time, the cooling unit may be controlled based on the control command stored in the storage unit.
(7) In the refrigerator according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
The predetermined condition is that communication is interrupted between the server and the refrigerator,
If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit continues to control the cooling unit based on the control command for a time corresponding to the control command last acquired from the server or for a certain period of time, and then If the communication interruption is not resolved, control of the refrigerator may be switched from the server to the refrigerator.
(8) In the refrigerator according to any one of (1) to (7) above,
The predetermined condition is that the refrigerator is turned on again;
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit switches the control authority of the refrigerator from the server to the refrigerator, and thereafter sets the control authority to the refrigerator until the control command is again acquired from the server. It is preferable to control the cooling unit based on the set value.
(9) In the refrigerator according to any one of (1) to (8) above,
The control unit includes a normal control mode in which the cooling unit is controlled based on set values set in the refrigerator, and a normal control mode in which the cooling unit is controlled based on the setting values set in the refrigerator, and the control unit in the normal control mode, which is acquired from the server where learning is performed based on past operating information or usage conditions of the refrigerator. The cooling unit can be controlled in a learning control mode that controls the cooling unit based on a control command, and the setting of the normal control mode and the setting of the learning control mode can be switched,
After the predetermined condition is satisfied and the control right of the refrigerator is switched from the server to the refrigerator while the learning control mode is set, the control unit continues setting the learning control mode, It is preferable to control the cooling unit with the same content as in the normal control mode.
(10) The refrigerator according to any one of (1) to (9) above,
When the control right of the refrigerator is switched from the server to the refrigerator, it is preferable to further include a notification unit that notifies that the control right of the refrigerator has been switched.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Refrigerator system, 10... Housing, 20... Door, 100... Refrigerator, 150... Control device, 151... Control part, 152... Control command acquisition part, 153... Notification part, 200... Server, 300... Terminal device.

Claims (3)

A refrigerator that can communicate with a server,
a cooling unit that cools the storage room;
a control command acquisition unit that acquires from the server a control command for the refrigerator that is generated based on past operating information or usage status of the refrigerator;
a control unit that operates the cooling unit in a first operation and a second operation with different cooling capacities based on the control command;
The control unit includes:
If the control command cannot be obtained from the server while executing a control mode for controlling the cooling unit based on the control command, the control command is set by the setting means on the refrigerator side rather than the operation content of the control command. A refrigerator that prioritizes the operation details of the cooling section. The control unit switches control authority of the refrigerator from the server to the refrigerator when the control command cannot be obtained from the server while executing a control mode in which the cooling unit is controlled based on the control command. ,
Even if the control command is acquired again from the server before a predetermined time period elapses after the control command cannot be acquired from the server, the settings set in the refrigerator remain unchanged at least until the predetermined time period elapses. controlling the cooling unit based on the value;
The refrigerator according to claim 1. When communication interruption occurs between the server and the refrigerator, the control unit controls the cooling unit based on the control command for a time corresponding to the control command last acquired from the server or for a certain period of time. continue the control, and then switch control of the refrigerator from the server to the refrigerator if the communication disruption has not been resolved;
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Images