JP2024009308A - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator capable of improving convenience.

SOLUTION: A refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, a wireless communication unit, a power supply unit that supplies power to the refrigerator body, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the wireless communication unit. Suspension and resumption of power supply to the wireless communication unit can be controlled independently of the power supply unit that supplies power to the refrigerator body. When a predetermined condition regarding a connection state of the wireless communication unit is satisfied, power supply to the wireless communication unit is suspended and resumed, where the condition is due to an event different from a user's operation.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

Refrigerators equipped with a wireless communication section are known. Such refrigerators are expected to be even more convenient.

JP2021-71210A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can improve convenience.

The refrigerator of the embodiment includes a refrigerator main body, a wireless communication section, a power supply section that supplies power to the refrigerator main body, and a power supply section that supplies power to the wireless communication section. Suspension and resumption of power supply to the wireless communication unit can be controlled independently of a power supply unit that supplies power to the refrigerator main body. When a predetermined condition related to the connection state of the wireless communication unit is satisfied, which is a condition caused by an event different from a user's operation, power supply to the wireless communication unit is temporarily stopped and restarted.

The figure which shows the structure of the refrigerator system of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line F3-F3 of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the upper wall of the refrigerator of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing connection relationships between various boards and speaker units according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation panel and a wireless communication operation section of the first embodiment. 7 is a sectional view taken along line F7-F7 of the operation panel and wireless communication operation section shown in FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the wireless communication unit of the first embodiment at the time of initial connection. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation when a connection failure occurs in the wireless communication unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing another operation example when a connection failure occurs in the wireless communication unit of the first embodiment. The front view which shows the refrigerator compartment door of the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation panel and a wireless communication operation section of a second modification of the first embodiment. The figure which shows the operation reception screen of the 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing operations related to wireless connection of the wireless communication unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing operations related to wireless connection of the wireless communication unit of the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing connection relationships between various boards and speaker units according to the fourth 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. Further, redundant explanations of these configurations may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. "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). In this application, the side closest to the user standing in front of the refrigerator when viewed from the refrigerator is defined as the "front", and the side farthest from the refrigerator is defined as the "back".

(First embodiment)
<1. Refrigerator system＞
First, the refrigerator system 1 including the refrigerator 100 will be explained.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator system 1. As shown in FIG. Refrigerator system 1 includes, for example, refrigerator 100, server 200, and terminal device 300. The network NW mentioned later may be the Internet, cellular network, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), or other public line or dedicated line. It may include one or more of the following.

Refrigerator 100 is placed in user U's residence. Refrigerator 100 is connected to network NW via, for example, a wireless router R and modem M placed in user U's residence, and can communicate with server 200 via network NW. Thereby, refrigerator 100 can communicate with user U's terminal device 300 via server 200. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 can directly communicate with the terminal device 300 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this application, "short distance" is a distance close enough to mean the inside of user U's residence. Refrigerator 100 will be described in detail later.

Server 200 provides services related to settings, operations, etc. of refrigerator 100. The server 200 includes, for example, one or more server devices (for example, a cloud server) connected to the network NW. Server 200 can communicate with refrigerator 100 and terminal device 300 via network NW. Note that the server 200 is not limited to a cloud server, and may be a computer in the residence of the user U, a home router (for example, a wireless router R), or the like.

Terminal device 300 is an external 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, a television receiver, a radio receiver, a music player, or other audio equipment. The terminal device 300 is a device that can play music, videos, and the like. The terminal device 300 can output sound data such as music and videos played by the terminal device 300 to the refrigerator 100 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

In this embodiment, the terminal device 300 includes a display device 301 including a display screen capable of displaying various information, and an input receiving unit 302 capable of receiving input (including voice input) from the user U. The display device 301 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The input reception unit 302 is, for example, a touch panel provided over the display screen of the display device 301, a microphone that picks up user U's voice, or the like. An application program P for changing settings, operating, and managing the refrigerator 100 is installed on the terminal device 300, and supports the functions described below.

<2. Refrigerator>
Next, the refrigerator 100 will be explained.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator 100. Refrigerator 100 has a refrigerator main body MB that includes the basic configuration of the refrigerator. Refrigerator main body MB includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 20, a cooling unit 30 (see FIG. 3), an operation panel 40 (see FIG. 3), and a communication section 50 (see FIG. 4).

The housing 10 has an upper wall 10a, a lower wall 10b, left and right side walls 10c, 10d, and a rear wall 10e, and is box-shaped with an open front. The casing 10 includes, for example, an inner box forming the inner surface of the casing 10, an outer box forming the outer surface of the casing 10, and a foam insulation material provided between the inner box and the outer box, Has insulation properties. A plurality of partitions 15 and 16 (see FIG. 3) are provided inside the casing 10 to partition the inside of the casing 10 into a plurality of storage chambers 11 (described later).

The housing 10 includes a plurality of storage chambers 11. The plurality of storage compartments 11 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 11A, a chilled compartment 11Aa (see FIG. 3), a vegetable compartment 11B, an ice making compartment 11C, a small freezing compartment 11D, and a main freezing compartment 11E. In this embodiment, a refrigerator compartment 11A is arranged at the top, a vegetable compartment 11B is arranged below the refrigerator compartment 11A, an ice making compartment 11C and a small freezer compartment 11D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 11B, and an ice making compartment 11C and a small freezer compartment 11D are arranged below the vegetable compartment 11B. A main freezer compartment 11E is arranged below the small freezer compartment 11D. However, the arrangement of the storage chamber 11 is not limited to the above example. Each storage chamber 11 has an opening that allows food to be taken in and taken out.

The openings of the plurality of storage chambers 11 are opened and closed by a plurality of doors 20. The plurality of doors 20 include left and right refrigerator doors 20Aa and 20Ab that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 11A, a vegetable compartment door 20B that closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 11B, an ice-making compartment door 20C that closes the opening of the ice-making compartment 11C, and a small freezer compartment 11D. It includes a small freezer compartment door 20D that closes the opening of the main freezer compartment 11E, and a main freezer compartment door 20E that closes the opening of the main freezer compartment 11E.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 100 shown in FIG. 2 along line F3-F3. Refrigerator main body MB has a cooling unit 30 that cools a plurality of storage compartments 11. The cooling unit 30 is an example of a "cooling section". The cooling unit 30 includes, for example, a compressor 31, a refrigerating cooler 32, a refrigerating fan 33, a freezing cooler 34, and a freezing fan 35.

The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant and supplies the compressed refrigerant to the refrigeration cooler 32 and the freezing cooler 34 via a condenser, a capillary tube, and the like.

The refrigerator cooler 32 is disposed in the first duct space D1 provided at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 11A, and uses the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 31 to cool the air flowing through the first duct space D1. The refrigeration fan 33 circulates the air (cold air) cooled by the refrigeration cooler 32 between the refrigeration temperature range chambers (refrigeration chamber 11A, chilled chamber 11Aa, and vegetable compartment 11B) and the first duct space D1. Thereby, the refrigerating temperature zone room is cooled.

The freezing cooler 34 is disposed in the second duct space D2 provided at the rear of the main freezing chamber 11E, and uses the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 31 to cool the air flowing through the second duct space D2. The freezing fan 35 circulates the air (cold air) cooled by the freezing cooler 34 between the freezing temperature range chambers (the ice making chamber 11C, the small freezing chamber 11D, and the main freezing chamber 11E) and the second duct space D2. let Thereby, the freezing temperature zone room is cooled.

The operation panel 40 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the housing 10 (for example, on the front part of the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment 11A). Instead, the operation panel 40 may be provided on the front surface of the door 20 (for example, on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20Aa or the refrigerator compartment door 20Ab). The operation panel 40 accepts operations by the user U regarding changing settings of the refrigerator main body MB. The operation panel 40 is an example of a "main body operation section." The operation panel 40 includes, for example, a plurality of operation sections 41, a plurality of notification sections 42, and an operation control section 43 (see FIG. 5).

Each operation unit 41 receives an operation by the user U regarding changing settings regarding the refrigerator main body MB. "Setting change regarding refrigerator main body MB" is, for example, a setting change regarding control of refrigerator main body MB. Setting changes related to the control of the refrigerator main body MB include, for example, changing the cooling intensity of the storage compartment 11 and changing the control mode of the storage compartment 11. Each operation unit 41 is a mechanical operation unit including, for example, a switch, but may also be a virtual operation unit realized by a capacitive sensor, a touch panel, or the like. Each notification unit 42 notifies the user U of the settings regarding the storage room 11, the control mode being executed, and the like. The notification section 42 includes a light emitting section implemented by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

The operation control unit 43 is realized, for example, by one or more control microcomputers 40M (see FIG. 5). The operation control section 43 accepts the operation of the user U on each operation section 41, and outputs an operation signal indicating the accepted operation to the main body control section 62 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later. Further, the operation control section 43 controls the notification section 42 based on the control signal received from the main body control section 62.

The communication unit 50 (see FIG. 4) is a remote controller capable of communicating with a device (for example, a server 200) located outside the residence of the user U, for example, via a wireless router R and a modem M installed in the same residence as the refrigerator 100. It is a distance communication module. In this application, "long distance" refers to a distance that is far enough to mean outside the user U's residence. The communication unit 50 is, for example, a wireless communication module for wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. However, the communication unit 50 is not limited to a wireless communication module, and may be connected to the network NW via a cable connected to the refrigerator 100. The communication unit 50 transmits, for example, information indicating the state of the refrigerator 100 to the server 200. The communication unit 50 also receives a control signal for remote control of the refrigerator 100 from the server 200 . Hereinafter, the communication section 50 may be referred to as the "long distance communication section 50" for distinction.

<3. Various boards and speaker units>
Next, various boards and the speaker unit 80 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the upper wall 10a of the refrigerator 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the connection relationships between various boards and the speaker unit 80.

In addition to the refrigerator main body MB described above, the refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a main body control power supply board 60 (hereinafter referred to as a "first power supply board 60" for convenience) and a speaker unit power supply board 70 (hereinafter referred to as a "second power supply board for convenience"). 70''), a speaker unit 80, and a wireless communication operation section 90 (see FIG. 5).

<3.1 First power supply board>
The first power supply board 60 is provided, for example, at the rear of the upper wall 10a of the housing 10. The first power supply board 60 is a power supply board that supplies power to the refrigerator main body MB. For example, the first power supply board 60 supplies each component of the refrigerator main body MB with the power necessary for operating each component of the refrigerator main body MB. The first power supply board 60 includes, for example, a power supply section 61, a main body control section 62, and a storage section 63 (see FIG. 5).

Power is supplied to the power supply unit 61 from an external commercial power supply PS (for example, AC 100V) via a power cord 65. The power supply section 61 is a power supply section that supplies power to the refrigerator main body MB. The power supply unit 61 is a power source that converts AC power supplied from an external commercial power supply PS into DC power with a voltage suitable for each part of the refrigerator main body MB, and supplies the converted DC power to each part of the refrigerator main body MB. circuit (power supply module). The power supply section 61 supplies power to, for example, the cooling unit 30, the operation panel 40, the long distance communication section 50, and the like. Note that "supplying power to the refrigerator main body" in this application is not limited to supplying power to all parts included in the refrigerator main body MB, but refers to supplying power to at least one component included in the refrigerator main body MB. This means that it is sufficient as long as it is supplied. Further, the power supply section 61 also supplies power to the main body control section 62 and the storage section 63. The power supply section 61 may be referred to as a "main body power supply section."

The main body control unit 62 is realized by, for example, one or more control microcomputers (microcomputers) 60M mounted on the first power supply board 60. The main body control section 62 controls the operation of the refrigerator main body MB. For example, the main body control section 62 controls the cooling unit 30, the operation panel 40, the long distance communication section 50, and the like. When the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted, the main body control unit 62 continues to be supplied with power and maintains its function before and after the wireless communication unit WU is restarted (for example, the main body control unit 62 62 continues to hold acquired information and signals). The main body control unit 62 is an example of a control unit that is not restarted (that is, maintains its function) even when power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted.

The storage unit 63 is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 63 stores information regarding various settings of the refrigerator main body MB. For example, the storage unit 63 stores registration information necessary for the long-distance communication unit 50 to communicate with the server 200 (for example, identification information and password of the wireless router R) and various settings made by the user U regarding the refrigerator body MB. Store the information shown. The information stored in the storage unit 63 is not deleted even if the information stored in the storage unit 84 of the wireless communication unit WU, which will be described later, is deleted. That is, the information stored in the storage unit 63 is not erased (that is, the information continues to be held) and can be used without change even if the wireless communication unit WU, which will be described later, is restarted. .

<3.2 Second power supply board>
The second power supply board 70 is provided, for example, at the rear of the upper wall 10a of the housing 10. The second power supply board 70 is a power supply board that supplies power to the speaker unit 80 (that is, a speaker 80A, a wireless communication unit WU, etc., which will be described later). The second power supply board 70 is provided separately from the first power supply board 60. The second power supply board 70 is connected to the first power supply board 60 via a cable 66 (see FIG. 4). The second power supply board 70 is supplied with part of the power supplied from the external commercial power supply PS to the first power supply board 60 via the power cord 65 from the first power supply board 60 .

The second power supply board 70 has a power supply section 71 (see FIG. 5). The power supply unit 71 is a power supply circuit (for example, 100 VAC) supplied from the first power supply board 60 that converts the AC power (for example, AC 100V) into DC power of a voltage suitable for the speaker unit 80 and supplies the converted DC power to the speaker unit 80. power supply module). For example, the second power supply board 70 supplies the converted 12V DC power to the speaker 80A and audio amplifier 83 included in the speaker unit 80 through a wiring line not shown in FIG. Further, the second power supply board 70 supplies the converted 12V DC power to the power supply section 85 included in the speaker unit 80. By providing the second power supply board 70 separately from the first power supply board 60, the first power supply board 60 can be used in common with the power supply board of a refrigerator that does not have a speaker unit 80, or a refrigerator that does not have a speaker unit 80. This can be realized with few design changes from the power supply board.

The second power supply board 70 is disposed, for example, at the rear of the first power supply board 60 on the upper wall 10a of the housing 10 (see FIG. 4). The first power supply board 60 and the second power supply board 70 are collectively housed in a power supply board accommodating portion 17 that is partially embedded in the upper wall 10a of the housing 10. The power supply board accommodating portion 17 is a rectangular container with an open top. The power supply board accommodating portion 17 has a double structure of a metal member for ensuring earthing (ground) and/or suppressing unnecessary radiation of electromagnetic waves, and a flame-retardant synthetic resin member. A lid member 18 is removably attached to the opening side (upper side) of the power supply board accommodating portion 17 . As a result, the opening side of the power supply board accommodating portion 17 is closed. The lid member 18 collectively covers the first power supply board 60 and the second power supply board 70. Like the power supply board accommodating portion 17, the lid member 18 has a double structure of a metal member and a flame-retardant synthetic resin member. According to such a configuration, the power supply board accommodating portion 17 and the lid member 18 can be made common to the first power supply board 60 and the second power supply board 70, so that the cost of the refrigerator 100 can be reduced. can.

<3.3 Speaker unit>
The speaker unit 80 is provided, for example, at the front of the upper wall 10a of the housing 10. For example, the speaker unit 80 outputs audio to the user U who is around the refrigerator 100 to notify information about the refrigerator 100 and the like. The speaker unit 80 and the long distance communication section 50 are collectively covered by the lid member 19. The speaker unit 80 includes, for example, a speaker 80A and a wireless communication control board 80B.

The speaker 80A can output a notification regarding the refrigerator main body MB in the form of sound (for example, voice). In the present embodiment, the speaker 80A produces a sound ( (hereinafter referred to as "externally derived sound") can be output. For example, the speaker 80A functions as an external speaker of the terminal device 300, and can output the audio of music, videos, etc. as they are played back on the terminal device 300. In other words, the refrigerator 100 can allow the terminal device 300 to use the speaker 80A (lend the speaker 80A to the terminal device 300). In this case, the operation (playback, stop, etc.) of the external sound is performed by the user U's operation on the terminal device 300.

The wireless communication control board 80B includes, for example, a wireless communication unit WU and a power supply unit 85 (see FIG. 5). The wireless communication unit WU includes, for example, an antenna 81, a communication control unit 82, an audio amplifier 83, and a storage unit 84. The antenna 81 is, for example, an antenna compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

The communication control unit 82 is realized, for example, by one or more control microcomputers (microcomputers) 80M mounted on a wireless communication control board 80B. The communication control unit 82 controls the wireless communication unit WU and the power supply unit 85. The communication control unit 82 is capable of communicating with the main body control unit 62 via, for example, a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) type interface. When notifying the refrigerator main body MB by sound (for example, voice), the communication control unit 82 receives a control signal for making the notification from the main body control unit 62. In this case, the communication control unit 82 acquires sound data (for example, audio data) corresponding to the control signal from the sound data information D11 stored in the storage unit 84 based on the control signal received from the main body control unit 62. Then, the acquired sound data is output to the audio amplifier 83.

Further, the communication control unit 82 performs a connection registration operation (for example, Bluetooth pairing) to the terminal device 300 by wireless communication through the antenna 81, and becomes in a wireless connection state with the terminal device 300. The connection registration operation may be referred to as a "connection setting operation" or a "device registration operation." The communication control unit 82 acquires sound data such as music and video audio from the terminal device 300 through wireless communication through the antenna 81 and outputs the acquired sound data to the audio amplifier 83. Further, the communication control unit 82 outputs a status signal indicating the wireless connection state of the wireless communication unit WU to a wireless communication operation unit 90, which will be described later. The communication control unit 82 receives an operation signal indicating the user U's operation on the wireless communication operation unit 90 from the wireless communication operation unit 90 .

Audio amplifier 83 is provided between communication control section 82 and speaker 80A. The audio amplifier 83 amplifies the sound data received from the communication control section 82 and outputs the amplified sound data to the speaker 80A. Thereby, the sound (for example, voice or music) corresponding to the sound data is output from the speaker 80A to the outside of the refrigerator 100.

The storage unit 84 is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 84 stores, for example, sound data information D11, user setting information D12, and connection registration history information D13. The sound data information D11 includes information indicating various sound data (for example, audio data) output from the speaker 80A. The user setting information D12 includes information set by the user U regarding the volume of the speaker 80A and the like.

The connection registration history information D13 includes a history (for example, Bluetooth pairing history) regarding the wireless connection between the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication unit WU. For example, the connection registration history information D13 includes connection registration information of the terminal device 300 that performed a connection registration operation in the past with the wireless communication unit WU. The connection registration information includes, for example, device information of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 that has connection registration information in the connection registration history information D13 does not require another connection registration operation (for example, Bluetooth pairing) when reconnecting the terminal device 300 and the wireless connection unit WU, and the user U's operation is unnecessary. It is possible to connect from the terminal device 300 side without being accompanied by. The connection registration history information D13 is accumulated by the communication control unit 82. The connection registration history information D13 is an example of "information regarding wireless connections made in the past."

Note that the storage section 84 is not limited to a storage section provided outside the control microcomputer 80M, but may be an internal memory of the control microcomputer 80M. Furthermore, the storage section 84 may be realized by a combination of a nonvolatile storage section 84a and a volatile storage section 84b. The volatile storage unit 84b is realized by a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is used when the power supply from the power supply unit 85 is temporarily stopped (when the wireless communication unit WU is restarted). , the stored information disappears (it is erased because it is no longer retained). In such a storage section 84, the sound data information D11 and the user setting information D12 may be stored in the nonvolatile storage section 84a, and the connection registration history information D13 may be stored in the volatile storage section 84b. The advantages in this case will be described later.

The power supply unit 85 receives power required by the speaker 80A and the wireless communication unit WU from the power supply unit 71 of the second power supply board 70. The power supply unit 85 converts the power received from the power supply unit 71 of the second power supply board 70 into power at a voltage (for example, 5V) suitable for the components included in the wireless communication unit WU, and supplies the converted power to the wireless communication unit WU. Supply parts included. The power supply unit 85 includes, for example, a relay RL, and can control the temporary stop and restart of power supply independently of the first power supply board 60 (that is, independently of the power supply unit 61). The power supply unit 85 suspends and restarts power supply to the wireless communication unit WU in order to restart the wireless communication unit WU. This content will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 85 will be described as an external configuration of the wireless communication unit WU, but the power supply unit 85 may be regarded as an internal configuration of the wireless communication unit WU. The power supply section 85 is an example of "a power supply section provided outside the first power supply board 60 (a power supply section provided separately from the first power supply board 60)." The power supply section 85 temporarily stopping and restarting the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is an example of "temporarily stopping and restarting the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU." However, "temporarily stopping and restarting power supply to the wireless communication unit WU" is not limited to the above example, and may be realized by the communication control unit 82 (control microcomputer 80M). An example of this case will be described later.

<3.4 Wireless communication operation section>
The wireless communication operation unit 90 receives user U's operations regarding the wireless communication unit WU. The wireless communication operation section 90 includes, for example, a start operation section 91, a special operation section 92, and a connection state notification section 93.

The start operation unit 91 receives an operation by the user U to start an operation for connection registration (for example, Bluetooth pairing) of the wireless communication unit WU to the terminal device 300. When the operation by the user U is accepted by the start operation unit 91, the communication control unit 82 shifts to a predetermined connection registration standby state (for example, Bluetooth pairing mode), and enters a standby state for connection registration of a new external device. Become.

The special operation unit 92 is an operation unit that accepts an operation by the user U to temporarily stop and restart power supply to the wireless communication unit WU. For example, the user U's operation of pressing the special operation unit 92 once to temporarily stop and restart power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is an example of a “predetermined operation”. Further, when the special operation unit 92 is pressed once by the user U to temporarily stop and restart the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU, it means that “the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted”. This is an example of a case in which a predetermined condition including: The special operation unit 92 is an operation unit that temporarily stops and restarts the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU (that is, turns the power OFF and ON) in response to one operation by the user U.

The connection state notification section 93 includes a light emitting section realized by, for example, an LED. The connection state notifying unit 93 notifies the wireless connection state between the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication unit WU by, for example, changing the light emitting state of the light emitting unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation section 90. In this embodiment, like the operation panel 40, the wireless communication operation unit 90 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 10 (for example, on the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment 11A). In this embodiment, the operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation section 90 are provided in the front part of the storage compartment 11 (that is, in the near side region in the depth direction of the refrigerator 100 in the storage compartment 11). The front part of the storage room 11 is an example of "the front part of the storage section in the refrigerator 100."

For example, the wireless communication operation unit 90 is provided near the operation panel 40. In this application, "nearby" means that the distance between the operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation unit 90 is shorter than the length L of the shortest side of the operation panel 40. In this embodiment, the operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation section 90 are provided at positions adjacent to each other. The operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation section 90 are provided integrally with each other (that is, continuous with each other). Instead, the wireless communication operation unit 90 may be provided as part of the operation panel 40. For example, the wireless communication operation unit 90 may be provided between the plurality of operation units 41 included in the operation panel 40.

Here, the circuit configuration of the operation panel 40 and the circuit configuration of the wireless communication operation section 90 are electrically separated (see FIG. 5). That is, the operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation section 90 are not electrically connected. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, one board 45 is provided that spans the operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation section 90. Components included in the operation panel 40 (switches, LEDs, etc.) and components included in the wireless communication operation section 90 (switches, LEDs, etc.) are mounted on one board 45. According to such a configuration, the cost of the refrigerator 100 can be reduced compared to a case where the operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation section 90 are realized by separate boards.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation unit 90 shown in FIG. 6, taken along line F7-F7. In the present embodiment, the operating section 41 of the operating panel 40 has a convex shape with respect to the reference surface (the surface of the portion outside the operating section 41) BS of the operating panel 40. On the other hand, the special operation section 92 is flat with respect to the reference surface BS (see (a) in FIG. 7). Therefore, the special operation section 92 is less likely to be operated by unintended contact than the operation section 41 of the operation panel 40. Note that instead of the above example, the special operation section 92 may be formed in a convex shape with a smaller amount of protrusion from the reference surface BS than the operation section 41 of the operation panel 40 ((b in FIG. 6)). (see (c) in FIG. 6).

<3. Explanation of operation>
Next, an example of the operation of refrigerator 100 regarding short-range wireless communication will be described. In the following, a case where Bluetooth is used as short-range wireless communication will be explained as an example.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the wireless communication unit WU at the time of initial connection to the terminal device 300. First, the user U opens the refrigerator compartment door 20Aa (S101) and presses the Bluetooth pairing button (start operation section 91) once (S102). Then, a signal instructing the communication control unit 82 of the wireless communication unit WU to start the pairing mode is transmitted from the wireless communication operation unit 90 (S103). The pairing mode is an example of a "predetermined connection registration standby state."

In this case, the communication control unit 82 enters the pairing mode and stands by for connection of a new external device (S104). As a result, the connection state notification section 93 of the wireless communication operation section 90 changes from the off state to the blinking state (S105).

In this state, the user U opens the Bluetooth setting screen of the terminal device 300 to be connected, and selects the device name of the refrigerator 100 (S106). As a result, a pairing request is made from the terminal device 300 to the wireless communication operation unit 90 (S107), and encrypted communication is established between the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication operation unit 90 (S108). Pairing is completed (S109). As a result, the connection state notification section 93 of the wireless communication operation section 90 changes from a blinking state to a lighting state (S110). Then, when the user U closes the refrigerator compartment door 20Aa (S111), the series of operations ends.

FIG. 9A is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example when a connection failure occurs in the wireless communication unit WU. Note that the example shown in FIG. 9A shows a case where restart (so-called soft reset) is performed under the control of the communication control unit 82.

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, when a connection failure occurs in the wireless communication unit WU (for example, when the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication unit WU are not connected or are difficult to connect), the user U opens the refrigerator compartment door 20Aa ( S201), the special operation section 92 of the wireless communication operation section 90 is pressed once (S202). When the user U's operation on the special operation unit 92 is accepted, a signal is sent from the wireless communication operation unit 90 to the communication control unit 82 of the wireless communication unit WU to restart the wireless communication unit WU (hereinafter referred to as "reset" for convenience). "signal") is transmitted (S203). Note that "restarting the wireless communication unit WU" means, for example, restarting the communication control unit 82, and by temporarily stopping the power supply, information temporarily handled in computer processing related to wireless communication and This means that the signal is erased, and then the above information and signals can be acquired again in response to restarting power supply.

When receiving the reset signal, the communication control unit 82 of the wireless communication unit WU temporarily suspends the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU, and sends a signal (for example, a relay A signal for temporarily turning off the RL) is transmitted to the power supply section 85 (S204). As a result, power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped by the power supply unit 85 (S205), and the operation of the wireless communication unit WU (the operation of the communication control unit 82) is once terminated (S206). Immediately after the power supply is temporarily stopped, the power supply unit 85 resumes power supply to the wireless communication unit WU (S207). As a result, the wireless communication unit WU is restarted (S208).

The communication control unit 82 performs predetermined control in conjunction with temporarily stopping and restarting power supply to the wireless communication unit WU (for example, in conjunction with restarting the wireless communication unit WU). For example, after restarting the wireless communication unit WU, the communication control unit 82 erases at least a part of the pairing history (connection registration history information D13) stored in the storage unit 84 as an example of the above-mentioned predetermined control (S209 ). In this embodiment, the communication control unit 82 erases all pairing history stored in the storage unit 84. Alternatively, the communication control unit 82 may erase only part of the pairing history stored in the storage unit 84. For example, the communication control unit 82 may delete only the newest pairing history stored in the storage unit 84. Alternatively, the communication control unit 82 may delete only the pairing history stored in the storage unit 84 that is older than a predetermined time. On the other hand, the wireless communication unit WU does not erase other information (for example, sound data information D11 and user setting information D12) stored in the storage unit 84. As a result, the wireless communication unit WU enters an initial state in which it does not have pairing information. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing from S102 to S111 described with reference to FIG.

When the communication control unit 82 itself can recognize the restart, such as a soft reset, the communication control unit 82 transmits a signal indicating that the communication control unit 82 has been restarted to the main body control unit 62. When receiving a signal indicating that the communication control unit 82 has been restarted, the main body control unit 62 transmits a signal indicating that the communication control unit 82 has been restarted to the server 200 . As a result, history information regarding the restart of the communication control unit 82 is accumulated by the server 200.

The communication control unit 82 may transmit a predetermined notification to the terminal device 300 via the server 200 when the wireless communication unit WU is restarted. The predetermined notification is, for example, a notification that the wireless communication unit WU has been restarted and that a pairing request from the terminal device 300 is required for wireless connection again. The predetermined notification is, for example, a push notification.

FIG. 9B is a sequence diagram showing another operation example when a connection failure occurs in the wireless communication unit WU. Note that the example shown in FIG. 9B shows a case where restart (so-called hard reset) is performed without being controlled by the communication control unit 82. This operation example is an example in which a relay RL is provided in a part of the communication control unit 82 (for example, at the entrance of the control microcomputer 80M). In this case, the "reset signal" input to the wireless communication unit WU shuts off the relay RL included in the control microcomputer 80M while the user presses the special operation unit 92, and the wireless communication unit WU interrupts the circuit (hardware). ) and is disconnected from the power supply section 85. When the user releases special operation unit 92, power supply from power supply unit 85 to wireless communication unit WU is resumed.

To be more specific, in the example shown in FIG. 9B, when a connection failure occurs in the wireless communication unit WU (for example, when the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication unit WU are not connected or are difficult to connect), the user U closes the refrigerator compartment door 20Aa. is opened (S201), and the special operation section 92 of the wireless communication operation section 90 is pressed once (S202). When the user U's operation on the special operation unit 92 is accepted, a signal is sent from the wireless communication operation unit 90 to the communication control unit 82 of the wireless communication unit WU to restart the wireless communication unit WU (hereinafter referred to as "reset" for convenience). "signal") is transmitted (S203). The reset signal is input to the relay RL provided inside the communication control section 82. Relay RL enters a cutoff state when a reset signal is input. As a result, the power supply from the power supply section 85 to the wireless communication section WU is temporarily stopped (S205'), and the operation of the wireless communication section WU (the operation of the communication control section 82) is once terminated (S206). Then, when the user U's operation on the special operation unit 92 is completed, the reset signal disappears, so that the relay RL provided inside the communication control unit 82 is released from the cutoff state, and the power supply unit 85 outputs the wireless communication unit WU. The power supply to is restarted (S207'). As a result, the wireless communication unit WU is restarted (S208). Other operations are similar to the example shown in FIG. 9A. The content described in the operation example of FIG. 9B is another example of "the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted." The content described in the operation example of FIG. 9B may be realized by combining with all the embodiments and modifications described below.

In the above-described operation example, when the communication control unit 82 erases the connection registration history information D13 in response to the operation of the special operation unit 92, the communication control unit 82 performs Bluetooth pairing by the user U after restarting the communication control unit 82. When the button (start operation section 91) is operated again, the pairing mode is entered. Then, the user U opens the Bluetooth setting screen of the terminal device 300 to be connected, and selects the device name of the wireless communication operation unit 90. Thereby, a pairing request is made from the terminal device 300 to the wireless communication operation unit 90, and the terminal device 300 and the refrigerator 100 become able to communicate wirelessly again.

However, the operation related to restarting the wireless communication unit WU is not limited to the above example. For example, instead of erasing at least a portion of the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 after restarting the wireless communication unit WU, the operation of deleting at least a part of the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 may be performed after the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped. Depending on the situation, the process may be performed before terminating the operation of the wireless communication unit WU. That is, when the special operation unit 92 is operated by the user U, the communication control unit 82 first erases at least a part (for example, all) of the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84, and then turns off the power. By controlling the unit 85, the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU may be temporarily stopped and restarted (that is, the wireless communication unit WU is restarted).

Further, the operation of temporarily stopping and restarting power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is not limited to the above example. For example, instead of the communication control unit 82 controlling the power supply unit 85, the communication control unit 82 directly or indirectly controls the power supply unit 71 of the second power supply board 70, thereby realizing the same operation. You can. As another example, instead of the communication control unit 82 controlling the power supply unit 85, another control unit (for example, A similar operation may be realized by the main body control section 62) controlling the power supply section 85 of the wireless communication control board 80B or the power supply section 71 of the second power supply board 70. As yet another example, instead of the communication control unit 82 controlling the power supply unit 85, an operation signal indicating the user U's operation on the special operation unit 92 is directly input from the wireless communication operation unit 90 to the power supply unit 85, The power supply unit 85 may temporarily stop and restart power supply to the wireless communication unit WU.

Note that the power supply to the communication control unit 82 may be cut off anywhere on the condition that the power supply from the power supply unit 61 to the refrigerator main body MB side is maintained. For example, the power supply may be cut off at the power supply section 85 or the power supply section 71, or at any point on the electrical wiring from the commercial power supply PS to the communication control section 82, or , the power supply to the communication control unit 82 may be cut off within the communication control unit 82.

Furthermore, in response to the temporary suspension of power supply to the wireless communication unit WU, the communication control unit 82 deletes at least a part of the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84. At least a portion of the connection registration history information D13 may be invalidated. In the present application, "invalidation" means that although the data itself of the connection registration history information D13 remains in the storage unit 84, the data is not used. Methods of invalidation include managing the address where the connection registration history information D13 is stored in the storage unit 84 as an unused address, or prohibiting access to the address for a certain period of time.

<4. Advantages>
When a speaker that uses short-range wireless communication performs a connection registration operation from an external device such as a terminal device, a short-range wireless communication connection failure may occur. In this case, the user may turn on the speaker again by operating a power ON/OFF switch on the speaker, thereby resolving the short-range wireless communication connection failure. In addition, some types of connection failures may be caused by short-range wireless communication connection registration information (for example, Bluetooth pairing history), so it is possible to delete the short-range wireless communication connection registration information from the storage unit. , the poor connection may be resolved.

However, in the case of a refrigerator equipped with a speaker (speaker unit) as described above, it is necessary to turn on/off the power of the refrigerator in order to turn on/off the power of the speaker unit. In order to turn on and off a refrigerator, it is necessary to plug it in and unplug it from the outlet, but the power outlet is often located in a place that is difficult to reach, and plugging and unplugging the power outlet can be a burden. On the other hand, as a characteristic of short-range wireless communication, it is assumed that the terminal device used by user U and the refrigerator are frequently connected and disconnected. For this reason, an operating method that is easy for the user to operate and that does not cause erroneous operations is preferred.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 includes a first power supply board 60 that supplies power to the refrigerator main body MB, and a power supply unit 85 that supplies power to the wireless communication unit WU. Suspension and restart of power supply to multiple wireless communication units WU can be controlled independently of the first power supply board 60. According to such a configuration, when a short-range wireless communication connection failure occurs, the wireless communication unit WU can maintain power supply to the refrigerator main body MB (in other words, maintain the main functions of the refrigerator 100). By temporarily stopping and resuming the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU, it is possible to promote a change in the state of the wireless communication unit WU, and to resolve connection failures in short-range wireless communication. Thereby, it is possible to improve the connection stability of the wireless communication unit WU, and it is possible to improve the convenience for the user U.

In this embodiment, power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted in order to restart the wireless communication unit WU. According to such a configuration, when a short-range wireless communication connection failure occurs, by restarting the wireless communication unit WU, the short-range wireless communication connection failure can be more reliably resolved.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 includes a special operation section 92 that accepts a predetermined operation by the user U. The power supply unit 85 suspends and restarts the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU when the special operation unit 92 accepts a predetermined operation by the user U. According to such a configuration, when a connection failure in short-range wireless communication occurs, the user U can resolve the connection failure without unplugging the refrigerator 100. Note that the special operation unit 92 can be provided in such a manner that when operated once, the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped, and when operated further, the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is restarted. It is preferable that the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is both temporarily stopped and restarted according to the operation, since the operation by the user U becomes easier.

In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit WU includes a storage unit 84 that stores information regarding wireless connections made in the past. At least a portion of the above information stored in the storage unit 84 is erased or invalidated when a predetermined condition including temporary suspension and resumption of power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is satisfied. According to such a configuration, when a connection failure occurs due to the above information stored in the storage unit 84, the cause of the connection failure can be removed, and the connection failure may be resolved. This makes it possible to eliminate connection failures more reliably.

Here, if the user U does not know whether to erase the above information stored in the storage unit 84 or turn ON/OFF the power to the wireless communication unit WU in order to resolve the connection failure. There is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined operation by the user U is accepted by the special operation unit 92, the communication control unit 82 suspends and restarts the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU, and stores information in the storage unit 84. At least a portion of the above-mentioned information is erased all at once. According to such a configuration, the user U on the special operation unit 92 can restart the wireless communication unit WU and erase at least part of information regarding wireless connections made in the past from the storage unit 84. This can be done based on one operation. Thereby, it is possible to reduce user U's stress regarding operations and also to suppress erroneous operations.

Further, according to the above configuration, advantages also arise in the refrigerator 100 used as a demonstration machine at a mass retailer or the like. For example, even if a store clerk or a customer connects their own terminal device to the refrigerator 100, if the refrigerator 100 is turned off, the above information stored in the storage unit 84 will be saved when the wireless communication unit WU is activated next time. Information will be deleted. Therefore, even the user U who purchased the refrigerator 100 can use the refrigerator 100 in a state where there is no connection registration information regarding a third party terminal device to which the refrigerator 100 has been connected in the past. This increases the resistance against a malicious third party attempting to connect again.

Note that, as described above, the storage section 84 may be realized by a combination of the nonvolatile storage section 84a and the volatile storage section 84b. Then, the sound data information D11 and the user setting information D12 may be stored in the nonvolatile storage section 84a, and the connection registration history information D13 may be stored in the volatile storage section 84b. According to such a configuration, by temporarily stopping and restarting the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU, data is stored in the volatile storage unit 84b without issuing an erase request to the storage unit 84 from the communication control unit 82. The stored connection registration history information D13 is automatically deleted (deleted because it is no longer retained). Thereby, the control algorithm of the communication control unit 82 can be simplified.

Note that the communication control unit 82 controls the operation performed by the user U on the special operation unit 92 (first predetermined operation) in order to temporarily stop and restart the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU, and the storage unit 84. It may be accepted separately from an operation (second predetermined operation) performed by the user U on the special operation unit 92 to erase at least a portion (for example, all) of the stored connection registration history information D13. For example, in response to the user U briefly pressing the special operation unit 92 once, the communication control unit 82 controls the power supply unit 85 to supply power to the wireless communication unit WU without erasing the connection registration history information D13. may be temporarily stopped and restarted (that is, restarting the communication control unit 82). On the other hand, in response to the user U pressing and holding the special operation unit 92 (or pressing it twice in succession), the communication control unit 82 controls the power supply unit 85 to control the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU. The connection registration history information D13 may be deleted as well as being temporarily stopped and restarted.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator main body MB has an operation panel 40. The special operation section 92 is provided near the operation panel 40 or as a part of the operation panel 40. According to such a configuration, the operation panel 40 and the special operation section 92 are arranged close to each other, so that the operations of these operation sections are concentrated in one place, and the position of the special operation section 92 is easy to understand. In addition, by realizing the operation panel 40 and the special operation section 92 with a single board 45, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the refrigerator 100.

In this embodiment, the operation panel 40 includes an operation section 41 that is convex with respect to the reference surface BS of the operation panel 40. The special operation section 92 has a smaller protrusion from the reference surface BS than the operation section 41 of the operation panel 40, is flat with respect to the reference surface BS, or has a concave shape with respect to the reference surface BS. According to such a configuration, even if the special operation section 92 is located at a location that is easy for the user U to see, for example, the shape makes it harder to press than other switches, thereby preventing the power supply from being turned off due to unintentional contact with the elbow or arm. ON/OFF can be suppressed. Furthermore, by making the special operation section 92 less conspicuous in appearance, it is possible to make it clear to the user U that the special operation section 92 is not normally used.

<5. Modified example>
Next, some modifications of the first embodiment will be described. In each modification, the configurations other than those described below are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

<5.1 First modification example>
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a refrigerator compartment door 20Ab of a first modification. In this modification, the special operation section 92 is provided on the front surface of the refrigerator 100. For example, a speaker operation section 110 is provided on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20Ab. The speaker operation section 110 includes a plurality of operation sections 110a and 110b for adjusting the volume, an operation section 110c for playing or pausing sound data, and the like. The speaker operation section 110 may be, for example, a mechanical operation section including a switch, or a virtual operation section realized by a capacitive sensor or the like. The front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20Ab is an example of the "front surface of the refrigerator 100."

In this modification, the function of the special operation section 92 is given to two operation sections 110a and 110b (for example, "+" and "-" operation sections) for volume adjustment. For example, when the user U simultaneously presses and holds two volume adjustment operation units 110a and 110b, the communication control unit 82 controls the power supply unit 85 to temporarily stop and restart power supply to the wireless communication unit WU. Then, at least a portion of the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 is deleted. The user U's operation of pressing and holding the two volume adjustment operation units 110a and 110b at the same time is an example of "the user's predetermined operation on the special operation unit 92." According to such a configuration, the user U can solve the connection failure of the wireless communication unit WU without opening or closing the refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa, 20Ab.

<5.2 Second modification example>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation panel 40 and wireless communication operation section 90 of the second modification. In this modification, the special operation section 92 is smaller than the operation section 41 included in the operation panel 40, or is an operation section that requires a tool to operate. For example, the special operation section 92 is a recessed operation section that is smaller than the operation section 41 included in the operation panel 40, and can be operated by pushing with the tip of a tool TL having a narrow tip. However, the special operation section 92 is not limited to the above example, and as long as it satisfies either of the following conditions: it is smaller than the operation section 41 included in the operation panel 40, or it requires a tool for operation. good. It is preferable that the special operation section 92 is smaller than the operation section 41 included in the operation panel 40, and furthermore, it should be smaller than the operation section 41 included in the operation panel 40 and require a tool for operation. preferable. According to such a configuration, unintended operations on the special operation section 92 can be more reliably suppressed.

<5.3 Third modification example>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an operation reception screen of the third modification. In this modification, a display device 120 including a display screen is provided on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20Ab. The display device 120 has a touch panel 121 that is provided to overlap the display screen and can receive operations from the user U. The touch panel 121 is an example of a "contact type input device."

In this modification, the main body control section corresponding to the operation panel 40 and the wireless communication operation section 90 are realized by the touch panel 121. In this modification, the display device 120 allows the power supply unit 85 to temporarily stop and restart the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU as an operation screen different from the first operation screen that accepts the user U's operation related to changing the settings of the refrigerator main body MB. A second operation screen is displayed for accepting user U's operations. According to such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably suppress unintended operations related to temporary suspension and resumption of power supply to the wireless communication unit WU.

For example, (a) in FIG. 12 shows the operation screen OD1 (so-called top screen) that is displayed first after the display device 120 is started. The operation screen OD1 includes an operation section 122a for transitioning to an operation screen for changing the settings of the refrigerator main body MB, an operation section 122b for transitioning to an operation screen for managing ingredients, and a screen for searching for recipes. An operation section 122c and the like for transitioning to an operation screen for display are displayed.

(b) in FIG. 12 shows an operation screen OD2 that accepts an operation by the user U regarding changing the settings of the refrigerator main body MB. The operation screen OD2 is a screen that is displayed when the user U performs an operation on the operation unit 122a on the operation screen OD1. The operation screen OD2 is a screen corresponding to the operation panel 40, and includes a plurality of operation sections 41 and a plurality of notification sections 42. Further, on the operation screen OD2, an operation unit 123 for transitioning to an operation screen for performing operations related to the wireless communication unit WU is displayed. The operation screen OD2 is an example of a "first operation screen."

(c) in FIG. 12 shows an operation screen OD3 for performing operations regarding the wireless communication unit WU. The operation screen OD3 is a screen that is displayed when the user U performs an operation on the operation unit 123 on the operation screen OD2. The operation screen OD3 is a screen corresponding to the wireless communication operation section 90, and includes a start operation section 91, a special operation section 92, and a connection state notification section 93. Similar to the first embodiment, the special operation unit 92 temporarily stops and restarts the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU (restarts the communication control unit 82), and updates the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84. An operation unit that allows deletion and deletion to be performed all at once may also be used. Instead, the special operation unit 92 includes an operation unit 92a that accepts temporary suspension and resumption of power supply to the wireless communication unit WU (restart of the communication control unit 82), and connection registration history information stored in the storage unit 84. It may also have a separate operation section 92b that accepts deletion of D13. The operation screen OD3 is an example of a "second operation screen."

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the user U operates the start operation unit 91 after the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and resumed, and the communication control unit 82 is restarted (for example, restarted by hard reset). This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that predetermined control is performed without requiring. For example, after restarting the wireless communication unit WU, the communication control unit 82 automatically starts an operation for connection registration as an example of the above-mentioned predetermined control. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing operations related to wireless connection of the wireless communication unit WU of this embodiment. In this embodiment, after the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted, and the communication control unit 82 is restarted, the communication control unit 82 determines the status of the wireless communication unit WU (S301). . For example, the communication control unit 82 determines whether the current status of the wireless communication unit WU is that it was rebooted immediately before (within a certain period of time from the current point in time) or whether it was not rebooted immediately before. It is determined whether the status is (a status where no reboot has been performed since the first boot or the last reboot).

Here, in the case of a soft reset (controlled reset), the communication control unit 82 recognizes the reset, but in the case of a hard reset (reset in response to an external operation), the communication control unit 82 recognizes the reset. It may not be possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wireless communication unit WU performs the above-mentioned situation determination using the first timer T1 (see FIG. 5) and the second timer T2 (see FIG. 5).

The first timer T1 is a timer that continues counting regardless of restart of the wireless communication unit WU (temporary suspension of power supply to the wireless communication unit WU). The first timer T1 is, for example, a timer provided in the main body control unit 62 and counts the operating time of the refrigerator 100. The first timer T1 continues counting from the time when the power of the refrigerator 100 (that is, the power of the power supply unit 61) is first turned on, for example. On the other hand, when the wireless communication unit WU is restarted (the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped), the second timer T2 does not continue counting while the power supply is temporarily stopped (for example, when the count is stopped). The timer is reset or stops counting.

The communication control unit 82 periodically notifies the main body control unit 62 of the count result of the second timer T2, and the main body control unit 62 compares the count of the first timer T1 and the count of the second timer T2. . Then, if the count of the first timer T1 and the count of the second timer T2 match, the main body control unit 62 determines that the current situation is the situation at the time of initial activation. On the other hand, if the count of the first timer T1 and the count of the second timer T2 do not match, the main body control unit 62 determines whether the current situation is one in which the wireless communication unit WU has been restarted. . After that, the main body control section 62 transmits the above determination result to the communication control section 82, and the communication control section 82 restarts immediately (within a certain period of time from the current point in time) according to the determination result of the main body control section 62. It is determined whether the situation is such that a restart has been performed immediately before (a situation where no restart has been performed since the initial startup or the previous restart).

If the communication control unit 82 determines that the current situation is such that no restart has been performed since the initial startup or the previous restart, the communication control unit 82 performs a predetermined operation until the user U's operation on the start operation unit 91 is accepted. does not enter connection registration standby state (for example, Bluetooth pairing mode). In other words, if the communication control unit 82 determines that the current situation is such that no reboot has been performed since the initial boot or the previous reboot, the user U's operation on the start operation unit 91 is accepted. Waiting for this, the device enters a predetermined connection registration standby state.

On the other hand, if the communication control unit 82 determines that the current situation is one in which a restart was performed immediately after the special operation unit 92 was operated, the communication control unit 82 prevents the user U from operating the start operation unit 91. The process shifts to a predetermined connection registration standby state (S302). "The count of the first timer T1 and the count of the second timer T2 do not match" means that a predetermined condition (a condition for transitioning to a predetermined connection registration standby state) defined by an event different from user U's operation ) is an example. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing from S104 to S111 described in the first embodiment. That is, by making a connection registration request (for example, a pairing request) from the terminal device 300 to the wireless communication operation unit 90, connection registration is performed between the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication operation unit 90, and the connection between the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication operation unit 90 is performed. Wireless communication with the wireless communication operation unit 90 becomes possible.

In the above explanation, an example has been explained in which it is determined whether the current status of the wireless communication unit WU is the status at the time of initial startup, or the status when the wireless communication unit WU has been restarted. Even at the second and subsequent restarts, the communication control unit 82 can grasp that a new restart has been performed. That is, the count result of the first timer T1, which continues counting even when the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped, and the count result of the second timer T2, which continues counting while the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped. By comparing the count result with the count result, it can be determined that the communication control unit 82 has been restarted. In addition, since the second timer T2 of the communication control section 82 stops counting due to the first restart, the state will continue to be inconsistent with the first timer T1 of the main body control section 62. Once it is determined that a restart has been performed, the count results of the second timer T2 and the count results of the first timer T1 after the restart are compared, and if a new discrepancy occurs in the count results, a new It can be determined that the computer has been restarted.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to omit the user U from operating the start operation unit 91 every time the communication control unit 82 is restarted. Thereby, user U's convenience can be further improved. Further, even if the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is interrupted, if information regarding wireless connections made in the past is stored in the storage unit 84 in a manner that continues to be saved, the communication control unit 82 By determining whether the communication control unit 82 itself has restarted through the above determination, it is possible to execute a process of erasing information regarding wireless connections made in the past (S209).

<Modified example>
Next, some modifications of the second embodiment will be described. In each modification, the configurations other than those described below are the same as those in the second embodiment described above. The predetermined conditions for transitioning to the predetermined connection registration standby state described in each modification are examples of predetermined conditions defined by an event different from user U's operation.

<First modification example>
In the first modification, the communication control unit 82 transmits a predetermined signal to the main body control unit 62 each time the communication control unit 82 is activated. The main body control section 62 monitors whether or not the communication control section 82 is restarted based on the presence or absence of the predetermined signal received from the communication control section 82 . When the main body control section 62 receives the predetermined signal from the communication control section 82, it determines that the communication control section 82 has been restarted. If the main body control unit 62 determines that the communication control unit 82 has been restarted, it transmits a control signal to the communication control unit 82 to cause the communication control unit 82 to enter a predetermined connection registration standby state. Thereby, the communication control unit 82 shifts to a predetermined connection registration standby state without the user U's operation on the start operation unit 91.

<Second modification example>
In the second modification, the main body control section 62 notifies the communication control section 82 of a status confirmation signal at a predetermined period. Upon receiving the status confirmation signal from the main body control unit 62, the communication control unit 82 transmits a response signal (ACK information) in response to the received status confirmation signal. The main body control section 62 monitors whether or not the communication control section 82 is restarted based on the presence or absence of the response signal received from the communication control section 82 . The main body control section 62 determines that the communication control section 82 has been restarted when the response signal from the communication control section 82 is interrupted in response to the status confirmation signal transmitted at a predetermined period. When the main body control unit 62 determines that the communication control unit 82 has been restarted, the main body control unit 62 transmits a control signal to transfer the communication control unit 82 to a predetermined connection registration standby state (for example, Bluetooth pairing mode). 82. Thereby, the communication control unit 82 shifts to a predetermined connection registration standby state without the user U's operation on the start operation unit 91.

<Third modification example>
The third modification relates to a refrigerator 100 in which the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 is not deleted at least in some cases when the communication control unit 82 is restarted. In this modification, the communication control unit 82 detects the presence or absence of connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 when the communication control unit 82 is activated.

Then, if past connection registration information (for example, Bluetooth pairing history) does not exist in the storage unit 84 as connection registration history information D13, the wireless communication unit WU determines that the current situation is the state at the time of initial activation. . On the other hand, if past connection registration information exists as connection registration history information D13 in the storage unit 84, the wireless communication unit WU determines that the current situation is one in which the communication control unit 82 has been restarted. In this case, the communication control unit 82 shifts to a predetermined connection registration standby state without the user U's operation on the start operation unit 91.

Note that in the third modification, when past connection registration information exists in the storage unit 84 as connection registration history information D13, the communication control unit 82 controls the wireless communication unit WU based on the connection registration information remaining in the storage unit 84. A connection registration operation (for example, a pairing request) may be performed from the terminal device 300. Note that information indicating the terminal device 300 of the other party performing the connection registration operation is stored in the server 200, and may be specified by the communication control unit 82 referring to the information stored in the server 200.

<Fourth variation>
In the fourth modification, the communication control unit 82 operates on the special operation unit 92 in order to restart the communication control unit 82 and delete the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 at once. It is determined that the connection registration history information D13 exists after the user U's operation (first predetermined operation) and the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 is not deleted and the communication control unit 82 is restarted. Based on this, the user U's operation (second predetermined operation) that automatically shifts the communication control unit 82 to a predetermined connection registration standby state may be accepted separately. For example, the communication control unit 82 may accept, as the first predetermined operation, the user U briefly pressing the special operation unit 92 once. On the other hand, the communication control unit 82 may accept, as the second predetermined operation, the user U long-pressing the special operation unit 92 (or pressing the special operation unit 92 twice in succession).

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is the first embodiment in that when a predetermined condition for restarting the communication control unit 82 is met, the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted without any operation by the user U. Different from the embodiment. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the communication control unit 82 is included in the communication control unit 82 without the user U's operation on the special operation unit 92 when a predetermined condition defined by an event different from the user's operation is satisfied. By controlling the relay RL or the power supply unit 85, the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted, and the communication control unit 82 is restarted. The predetermined condition is, for example, that the stability of the connection state of the wireless communication unit WU is less than a predetermined standard. "The stability of the connection state is less than a predetermined standard" means, for example, that the wireless connection is interrupted more than a predetermined frequency within a predetermined time.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing operations related to wireless connection of the wireless communication unit WU of this embodiment. In the present embodiment, after connection registration (for example, Bluetooth pairing) between the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication unit WU is performed, the communication control unit 82 determines the state of the wireless communication unit WU at a predetermined period. Execute (S401). That is, the communication control unit 82 determines at a predetermined period whether the stability of the connection state of the wireless communication unit WU is equal to or higher than a predetermined standard.

When the communication control unit 82 determines that the stability of the connection state of the wireless communication unit WU is equal to or higher than a predetermined standard, the communication control unit 82 does not perform any particular additional operation. On the other hand, if the communication control unit 82 determines that the stability of the connection state of the wireless communication unit WU is less than a predetermined value, the communication control unit 82 restarts the communication control unit 82 without the user U's operation on the special operation unit 92. A signal for temporarily stopping and restarting the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is transmitted to the relay RL included in the communication control unit 82 or the power supply unit 85 (S402).

As another example, the main body control section 62 may monitor a predetermined signal transmitted from the communication control section 82 to the main body control section 62 at a predetermined period. Then, when the reception of the predetermined signal from the communication control section 82 is interrupted, the main body control section 62 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and starts communication without the user U's operation on the special operation section 92. By controlling the relay RL power supply unit 85 included in the control unit 82, the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted, and the communication control unit 82 is restarted, and the connection stored in the storage unit 84 is The registration history information D13 may be deleted.

As yet another example, the communication control section 82 may monitor a predetermined signal transmitted from the main body control section 62 to the communication control section 82 at a predetermined period. Then, when the reception of the predetermined signal from the main body control section 62 is interrupted, the communication control section 82 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and turns on the power without the user U's operation on the special operation section 92. By controlling the unit 85, the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU is temporarily stopped and restarted, the communication control unit 82 is restarted, and the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 is deleted. good.

As yet another example, if connection registration (for example, pairing) and/or wireless communication reconnection between the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication unit WU fails (excluding connection timeout), the communication control unit 82 determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and controlling the power supply unit 85 to temporarily stop and restart the power supply to the wireless communication unit WU without any operation by the user U on the special operation unit 92; The communication control unit 82 may be restarted and the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 may be deleted.

According to these configurations, similarly to the first embodiment, connection failures in wireless communication can be resolved in some cases. Note that in this embodiment, the special operation section 92 is not essential and may be omitted.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second power supply board 70 is not provided. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the connection relationships between various boards and the speaker unit 80 according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the second power supply board 70 is not present. Power converted by the power supply unit 61 of the first power supply board 60 is supplied to the power supply unit 85 of the wireless communication control board 80B. In this case, the power supply unit 61 of the first power supply board 60 may include a switching unit 131 (for example, a relay) that can control the temporary stop and restart of power supply to the power supply unit 85 of the wireless communication control board 80B. In this embodiment, the first power supply board 60 is an example of "a power supply board that supplies power to the refrigerator main body MB and the wireless communication unit WU." Even with such a configuration, it is possible to eliminate connection failures in wireless connections in some cases, as in the first embodiment.

Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modified examples are not limited to the examples described above. For example, two or more of the embodiments or modifications described above may be implemented in combination with each other. Further, instead of/in addition to being provided in the refrigerator 100, the special operation section 92 may be provided on the terminal device 300 by the application program P of the terminal device 300.

For example, connection registration information (for example, pairing information) between the terminal device 300 and the wireless communication unit WU may be managed by the server 200. In this case, the communication control unit 82 (or the main body control unit 62) may be able to communicate with the server 200 via the long distance communication unit 50 and acquire the connection registration information from the server 200. When deleting the connection registration history information D13 stored in the storage unit 84 in response to restart of the communication control unit 82, the communication control unit 82 deletes the connection registration history information D13 from the wireless communication unit based on the connection registration information managed by the server 200. A connection request may be made from the WU to the terminal device 300.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the refrigerator includes a power supply board that supplies power to the refrigerator main body and a wireless communication section, and can suspend and resume power supply independently of the power supply board. and a controllable power supply unit. According to such a configuration, convenience can be improved.

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.

100... Refrigerator, MB... Refrigerator body, 60... First power supply board, 61... Power supply section, 62... Main body control section, 70... Second power supply board, 71... Power supply section, 80... Speaker unit, 80A... Speaker, 80B... Wireless communication control board, WU... Wireless communication unit, 82... Communication control unit, 84... Storage unit, 85... Power supply unit, 300... Terminal device.

Claims (8)

The refrigerator body,
Wireless communication department,
a power supply section that supplies power to the refrigerator main body;
a power supply unit that supplies power to the wireless communication unit;
Equipped with
Suspension and resumption of power supply to the wireless communication unit can be controlled independently of a power supply unit that supplies power to the refrigerator main body,
When a predetermined condition regarding a connection state of the wireless communication unit is satisfied, the power supply to the wireless communication unit is temporarily stopped and restarted, the condition being caused by an event different from a user's operation.
refrigerator. The predetermined condition is that the stability of the connection state of the wireless communication unit is less than a predetermined standard;
The refrigerator according to claim 1. The refrigerator further includes a control unit provided outside the wireless communication unit,
The predetermined condition is that the signal transmitted from the control unit to the wireless communication unit is interrupted;
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2. The refrigerator further includes a control unit provided outside the wireless communication unit,
The predetermined condition is that the signal transmitted from the wireless communication unit to the control unit is interrupted;
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3. At least a portion of information regarding a terminal device with which a connection registration operation was performed in the past with the wireless communication unit is stored outside the refrigerator,
The wireless communication unit acquires at least a part of the information stored externally from the outside after the power supply is temporarily stopped and restarted, and uses the acquired information to transmit information from the wireless communication unit. making a connection request to the terminal device;
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The wireless communication unit includes a storage unit that stores information regarding a terminal device with which a connection registration operation was performed in the past with the wireless communication unit,
At least a part of the information stored in the storage unit is erased or invalidated from the storage unit when the predetermined condition is satisfied and power supply to the wireless communication unit is temporarily stopped and restarted. be done,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The storage unit includes a volatile storage unit and a nonvolatile storage unit,
At least part of the information regarding the terminal device with which a connection registration operation was performed in the past with the wireless communication unit is stored in the volatile storage unit,
Setting information regarding the speaker volume set based on the user's operation is stored in the non-volatile storage unit.
The refrigerator according to claim 6. an operation panel provided in the refrigerator main body to receive operations related to the refrigerator;
an operation unit provided on the door of the refrigerator body and accepting speaker volume adjustment;
Further equipped with
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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