JP6367722B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator that refrigerates stored items, and more particularly to a refrigerator having a demo mode.

  In general, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator in which a demonstration mode that does not generate cold air is set for the purpose of demonstration at a store. The refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a memory that stores setting contents of the demo mode. As a result, once the demo mode is set, the demo mode can be activated without resetting the next power-on unless it is intentionally cancelled. Note that the demo mode setting operation and canceling operation are performed by an operation panel provided in front of the refrigerator compartment door.

JP 2004-333079 A

  However, according to the above-described conventional refrigerator, when the refrigerator for the exhibit set in the demo mode is purchased, the store or the installer may forget to execute the operation for canceling the demo mode. Further, if the user does not notice that the turned-on refrigerator is started in the demo mode, the stored item is damaged because cold air is not distributed in the refrigerator. Therefore, there is a problem that the convenience of the refrigerator is bad.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the refrigerator which can improve the convenience.

  In order to achieve the above object, the refrigerator of the present invention has a normal operation mode in which a stored item that is cooled and stored in a storage region formed in the storage chamber, and cool air is sent to the storage chamber to cool the stored item. The storage area in the refrigerator having a demonstration mode for demonstrating the operation by stopping the generation of cold air, wherein the setting of either the normal operation mode or the demonstration mode is stored in a nonvolatile storage device A detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of storage items arranged in the case, and in the case of being set to the demo mode, to notify that the demo mode is set based on the detection result of the detection unit It is a feature.

  According to this configuration, for example, when the installer confirms the storage room and removes the store display, the detection unit detects that the store has been removed. At this time, if the demo mode is set, the installer is notified that the demo mode is being set, and the release of the demo mode is prompted. Moreover, if a user arrange | positions a predetermined | prescribed stored item in a storage area after installation of a refrigerator, a detection part will detect that there exists a stored item. At this time, if the demo mode is set, the installer is notified that the demo mode is being set, and the release of the demo mode is prompted.

  Moreover, the refrigerator of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the demo mode is switched to the normal operation mode after the notification.

  Further, the refrigerator according to the present invention has the above-described configuration, wherein the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the stored item when the demo mode is set and the refrigerator is turned off, and determines that the stored item is present. When the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the stored item when the refrigerator is turned on next time and determines that the stored item is not present, it is notified that the demo mode is set.

  The refrigerator of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the refrigerator includes an illuminating device that illuminates the storage area, and the detection unit is formed by an illuminance sensor that detects illuminance at a predetermined position of the storage area.

  Further, in the refrigerator according to the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the storage area includes an inside of an egg storage container that holds eggs provided in the storage chamber, and the detection unit detects the stored object held in the egg storage container. It is characterized by being formed by a proximity sensor.

  Moreover, the refrigerator of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the detection unit is formed by a magnetic sensor that detects the stored item to which a magnet is attached.

  Further, the refrigerator of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, includes a detachable water supply tank that is disposed in the storage area and stores ice-making water, and is located in the water supply tank when the demonstration mode is set. When the stored item made of a fixed amount of water is detected by the detection unit, it is notified that the demonstration mode is set.

  Moreover, the refrigerator of the present invention has a door that opens and closes the storage chamber in the above configuration, and the detection unit detects the presence or absence of a predetermined amount of water in the water supply tank when the door is opened. It is said.

  Moreover, the refrigerator of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the detection unit is formed by a light emitting element and a light receiving element facing each other across the water supply tank.

  The refrigerator of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the light receiving element detects blue light.

  According to the present invention, when the demo mode is set, if the detection unit detects the presence or absence of storage items in the storage area, the fact that the demo mode is set is notified based on the detection result. This allows the demo mode to be set when store items for store display such as advertisement pops are removed from the storage area in the demo mode, or when predetermined items such as ice-making water are installed. This is notified to the installer and prompts to cancel the demo mode. Therefore, storage of stored items under the demo mode can be prevented, and convenience of the refrigerator can be improved.

The side view which shows the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the refrigerator which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the starting program of the refrigerator which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the demonstration mode program of the refrigerator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the starting program of the refrigerator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the starting program of the refrigerator which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the demonstration mode program of the refrigerator which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing about the modification of the detection part which detects the presence or absence of the water stored in the water supply tank of the refrigerator which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. The refrigerator 1 is connected to a commercial power source and is supplied with power, and includes a main body 2 having a heat insulating box 3 filled with a heat insulating material. A refrigeration room (storage room) 4 is provided above the main body 2, and a freezing room (storage room) 5 is provided below the refrigeration room 4 via a partition wall 12. The front surfaces of the refrigerator compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 5 are opened and closed by the refrigerator compartment door 4a and the freezer compartment door 5a, respectively.

  Inside the freezer compartment 5, there are three upper and lower drawer-type cases 11a, 11b and 11c. An ice making chamber 18 is disposed above the upper case 11 a, and an ice making tray 21 is disposed inside the ice making chamber 18. The ice tray 21 has flexibility and is rotatably arranged. When the water in the ice tray 21 is frozen and ice making is completed, the other end rotates with one end of the ice tray 21 locked. As a result, the ice tray 21 is twisted and the ice is released from the ice tray 21 and falls. The fallen ice is stored in the case 11a.

  Inside the refrigerator compartment 4 are three upper and lower shelves 9a, 9b, 9c. A water supply tank 24 for storing ice-making water is disposed at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 4. The water supply tank 24 is detachably connected to the water supply pump 25. The water supply pump 25 is connected to a water supply pipe 26, and the water supply pipe 26 extends to the ice tray 21. The water supply pump 25 pumps water from the water supply tank 24 and supplies the ice tray 21 with water.

  When the water in the water supply tank 24 is low, the user opens the refrigerator compartment door 4a and pulls out the water supply tank 24 from the refrigerator compartment 4 to replenish the water. The water supply tank 24 replenished with water is pushed behind the refrigerator compartment 4 and connected to the water supply pump 25. A weight sensor 28 that measures the weight of the water supply tank 24 is provided at the bottom of the water supply tank 24. The weight sensor 28 can detect the remaining amount of water in the water supply tank 24.

  Moreover, the door pocket 4b is provided in the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 4a, and the egg storage container (not shown) is accommodated in the inside of the door pocket 4b. Eggs are held in the egg storage container.

  A machine room 6 disposed below the heat insulating box 3 is provided in the lower rear portion of the main body 2. A compressor 31 for operating the refrigeration cycle is disposed in the machine room 6.

  A cool air passage 7 through which cool air flows is provided behind the freezer compartment 5. The cold air passage 7 has a discharge port (not shown) and a return port (not shown) facing the freezer compartment 5. The cool air passage 7 is provided with a cooler 35 serving as a low temperature part of the refrigeration cycle.

  A blower fan 10 is disposed above the cooler 35. Cool air flows through the cool air passages 7 and 8 by driving the blower fan 10. A defrost heater 36 is disposed below the cooler 35. The defrost heater 36 performs a defrost operation of the cooler 35 at a predetermined time.

  A cold air passage 8 communicating with the cold air passage 7 is provided behind the refrigerator compartment 4. A discharge port (not shown) facing the inside of the refrigerator compartment 4 is opened in the cold air passage 8. The refrigerating chamber 4 has a return opening (not shown), and a return passage (not shown) that connects the return opening and the upstream side of the cooler 35 of the cool air passage 7 is provided.

  An operation panel 40 is disposed in front of the refrigerator compartment door 4a. The operation panel 40 includes a display panel (not shown), a plurality of icons (not shown), and a plurality of operation keys (not shown). As operation keys, for example, a temperature plus button, a temperature minus button, a rapid cooling button, and the like are provided. Thereby, the preset temperature of the refrigerator compartment 4 can be changed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator 1. The control unit 20 includes a compressor 31, a blower fan 10, a defrost heater 36, a buzzer 37, an interior lamp 38, an operation panel 40, a refrigerating room temperature sensor 42a, a freezing room temperature sensor 42b, a refrigerating room open / close sensor 43, and an illuminance sensor. 44, the weight sensor 28, and the memory | storage part 50 are connected.

  The control unit 20 reads and executes an operation program stored in advance in the storage unit 50. Thereby, the drive / stop of the compressor 31, the blower fan 10, the interior lamp 38, and the defrost heater 36 can be controlled.

  The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 42 a detects the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 4. The refrigerator compartment opening / closing sensor 43 detects the opening / closing state of the refrigerator compartment door 4a. The illuminance sensor 44 detects the illuminance in the refrigerator compartment 4. The interior lamp 38 has an LED light source and lights up when the refrigerating room opening / closing sensor 43 detects the opening of the refrigerating room door 4a. The interior lamp 38 is turned off when the refrigerating room opening / closing sensor 43 detects the closing of the refrigerating room door 4a.

  Further, the refrigerator 1 is provided with a buzzer 37, and the buzzer 37 sounds to notify the user when the refrigerator compartment door 4a or the freezer compartment door 5a is kept open for a predetermined time or longer. In the freezer compartment 5, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 42b is provided. The freezer temperature sensor 42 b detects the temperature in the freezer compartment 5.

  The storage unit 50 stores a normal operation program in the normal operation mode of the refrigerator 1, a demo mode program in the demo mode, and an activation program that is executed when the power of the refrigerator 1 is supplied. The storage unit 50 stores information on whether the refrigerator 1 is set to the normal operation mode or the demonstration mode in a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash EEPROM. Specifically, when 0 is stored in the flag F1 of the storage unit 50, the normal operation mode is executed, and when 1 is stored in the flag F1, the demonstration mode is executed.

  The storage unit 50 stores a predetermined setting operation for shifting from the normal operation mode to the demo mode. In order to prevent the user from accidentally setting the demo mode, a complicated operation different from the normal operation is set.

  The normal operation mode is a mode in which cold air is generated and distributed in the refrigerator compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 5. Specifically, cold air generated by heat exchange between the air flowing through the cold air passage 7 and the cooler 35 by driving the compressor 31 and the blower fan 10 is discharged into the freezer compartment 5. The cold air discharged into the freezer compartment 5 flows through the freezer compartment 5 and returns to the cooler 35 through a return port (not shown). Thereby, the storage area is cooled in the freezer compartment 5.

  Further, cold air flows from the cold air passage 7 into the cold air passage 8 and is discharged into the refrigerator compartment 4. The cold air discharged into the refrigerator compartment 4 circulates in the refrigerator compartment 4. The cold air circulated from the refrigerator compartment 4 through the return port (not shown) flows through the return passage (not shown) and returns to the cooler 35. Thereby, the storage area is cooled in the refrigerator compartment 4. Specifically, the storage area in the refrigerator compartment 4 is the upper surface of the upper and lower shelves 9a, 9b, 9c, the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 4, the interior of the water supply tank 24, the door pocket 4b, and the egg storage container (not shown). Etc. are included.

  Further, in the normal operation mode, the defrost heater 36 is driven at a predetermined cycle (for example, when the value obtained by integrating the operation time of the compressor 31 becomes 10 hours), and the defrost operation of the cooler 35 is performed.

  The demo mode is a mode for demonstrating the operation at the store. Specifically, the drive of the compressor 31 is stopped, and the generation and distribution of cold air are not performed. Further, neither the defrost heater 36 nor the blower 10 is driven. The interior lamp 38 is lit when the refrigerator compartment door 4a is opened so that a purchaser or the like can easily confirm the operation in the refrigerator compartment 4 at the store.

  In addition, the display panel provided on the operation panel 40 and the buzzer 37, which affect the purchaser's feeling, perform the same operation as in the normal operation mode. Note that the internal lamp 38, the display panel provided on the operation panel 40, the buzzer 37, and the like are not limited to the operations similar to the normal operation mode, and may execute operations specific to the demo mode.

  In the store display, the refrigerator 1 is set to the demo mode, and the storage area in the refrigerator compartment 4 has a plurality of demo mode storage items such as advertisement pops for sales promotion and simulated fruits in the store. Is done. Thereby, the image at the time of use of the refrigerator 1 can be given to a purchaser etc., and goods can be advertised.

  In this embodiment, after the refrigerator 1 is turned on, the interior lamp 38 is turned on with the refrigerator door 4a closed, and the refrigerator 1 is installed in the storage area based on the illuminance in the refrigerator compartment 4 detected by the illuminance sensor 44. The control unit 20 determines the presence or absence of stored items. When it is determined that there is no demo mode item to be installed in the storage area, it is notified that the demo mode is set.

  Specifically, when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 44 (detection unit) is lower than a predetermined value, the refrigerator compartment 4 has storage items that block light incident on the illuminance sensor 44 from the interior lamp 38 (illumination device). Is determined. On the other hand, when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 44 is higher than a predetermined value, it is determined that there is no stored item in the refrigerator compartment 4 that blocks light incident on the illuminance sensor 44 from the interior light 38.

  As a result, the store for the demo mode in the refrigerator compartment 4 has been removed at the store, but the power supply is not provided even when the refrigerator 1 set in the demo mode is installed in the user's house or the like. It is informed that the demo mode is set after the insertion. For this reason, a user who realizes that the demo mode is still set by the notification can perform a predetermined demo mode canceling operation and switch to the normal operation mode. Storage can be prevented. Therefore, the convenience of the refrigerator can be improved.

  Further, the refrigerator 1 that is generally exhibited at a store is turned off and turned on with the demo mode storage installed inside the refrigerator compartment 4. For this reason, the demonstration mode is executed without notifying that the refrigerator 1 displayed in the store is set to the demonstration mode.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the startup program of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. When power supply from the commercial power source is started, the activation program stored in the storage unit 50 is executed and the following operation is performed. In step # 11, the value of the flag F1 stored in the non-volatile storage device (storage unit 50) is read when the power is turned on, and whether to start the demo mode depending on whether 1 is stored in the flag F1. To be judged.

  If 1 is stored in the flag F1, the process proceeds to step # 12. If 1 is not stored in the flag F1, the process proceeds to step # 17. In step # 17, the normal operation mode is executed and the start program is terminated.

  In step # 12, the interior lamp 38 is turned on while the refrigerator compartment door 4a is closed, and the illuminance in the storage chamber 4 is measured by the illuminance sensor 44. If the measured illuminance is higher than the predetermined value, it is determined that there is no demo mode item in the storage area in the refrigerator compartment 4 that blocks the light incident on the illuminance sensor 44, and the process proceeds to step # 13.

  In step # 13, a timer for notifying that the demo mode is set (1 is stored in the flag F1) and measuring a predetermined notification time (1 minute in this embodiment) is started. The notification in step # 13 is to make the user recognize that the operation state is not normal, and is performed by the display panel and buzzer 37 provided on the operation panel 40. Specifically, an image different from the normal operation is displayed on the display panel, or the fact that the demo mode is set is displayed with characters or icons. Further, the buzzer 37 sounds with a sound different from the warning sound when the refrigerator door 4a continues to open. Note that these notifications may be combined with blinking of the interior lamp 38.

  In step # 14, it is determined whether or not a predetermined notification time has elapsed. If the notification time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 15, the notification operation is terminated, and the process proceeds to step # 16. In step # 16, the demo mode is executed and the activation program is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the measured illuminance is less than or equal to the predetermined value in step # 12, it is determined that there is an item in the refrigerator compartment 4 that blocks the light incident on the illuminance sensor 44, and the process proceeds to step # 16. In step # 16, the demo mode is executed and the activation program is terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, in step # 12, the illuminance sensor 44 (detection unit) detects the presence or absence of stored items such as advertisement pops installed in the storage area, and if there is no stored item in the storage area, the process proceeds to step # 13. It is notified that the demo mode has been set. As a result, when the refrigerator 1 set in the demo mode is installed in the user's house, the installer or the user notices that it is still set in the demo mode and performs a predetermined demo mode release operation to perform normal operation. You can switch to mode. For this reason, it is possible to prevent storage of stored items in the demo mode. Therefore, the convenience of the refrigerator can be improved.

  In addition, an internal lamp 38 (illumination device) for illuminating the storage area is provided, and the illuminance sensor 44 determines whether or not there is a stored item by the illuminance sensor 44, thereby easily detecting the presence or absence of the stored item in the storage area. Can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the illuminance sensor 44 (detection unit) determines the presence or absence of storage items to be installed in the storage area. However, it is detected whether or not the storage items for the demo mode are held in the egg storage container. You may form a detection part with the proximity sensor to perform.

  Moreover, while providing the magnet sensor (detection part) in the refrigerator compartment 4, you may form a detection part with the magnet sensor which detects the advertisement pop which is the storage for demo modes to which the magnet was attached. The detection unit can be easily realized by the proximity sensor and the magnet sensor.

Second Embodiment
4 and 5 are flowcharts showing operations of the demonstration mode program and the startup program of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same part as 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. In contrast to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, when the demo mode is set and the power supply is stopped, the presence or absence of storage items is detected and stored in the storage unit 50. Execute the demo mode with or without storage items.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, during execution of the demo mode, it is determined in step # 11 whether or not the power source of the refrigerator 1 is stopped. If the power is not stopped, step # 11 is repeated. When the power supply is stopped, the process proceeds to step # 12 and the presence / absence of storage items in the refrigerator compartment 4 is detected. In addition, the presence or absence of the storage thing in the refrigerator compartment 4 is performed by the method similar to 1st Embodiment.

  If it is detected in step # 12 that there is no stored item in the refrigerator compartment 4, the process proceeds to step # 13, 1 is stored in the flag F2, and the power supply of the control unit 20 is stopped. On the other hand, if it is detected that there is something stored in the refrigerator compartment 4, the process proceeds to step # 14 where 0 is stored in the flag F2 and the power supply of the control unit 20 is stopped. Note that the demo mode is set and the power source of the refrigerator 1 is stopped, and 1 is stored in the flag F1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the startup program is executed at the next power-on. After the activation program is activated, in step # 21, the value of the flag F1 stored in the storage unit 50 is read when the power is turned on.

  If 1 is stored in the flag F1, the process proceeds to step # 22. If 1 is not stored in the flag F1, the process proceeds to step # 26. In step # 26, the normal operation mode is executed and the start program is terminated.

  In step # 22, the value of the flag F2 stored in the storage unit 50 is read, and it is determined whether or not to start the demo mode depending on whether or not 1 is stored in the flag F2. When 1 is stored in the flag F2, the previous power supply was stopped in a state where there is no stored item in the refrigerator compartment 4, and the process proceeds to step # 27 to execute the demonstration mode.

  On the other hand, if 0 is stored in the flag F2 in step # 22, the previous power supply was stopped in a state in which there are stored items in the refrigerator compartment 4, and the process proceeds to step # 23 to store items in the refrigerator compartment 4. The presence or absence of is detected. If it is determined that there is no stored item in the refrigerator compartment 4, the process proceeds to step # 24. In step # 24, a timer for notifying that the demo mode is set and measuring a predetermined notification time (1 minute in this embodiment) is started. The notification in step # 24 is to make the user recognize that it is not in a normal operation state, as in the first embodiment, and is performed by the display panel and buzzer 37 provided on the operation panel 40.

  In step # 25, it is determined whether or not a predetermined notification time has elapsed. If the notification time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 26, the notification operation is terminated, and the process proceeds to step # 27. In step # 27, the demonstration mode is executed and the startup program is terminated.

  If it is determined in step # 23 that there are stored items in the refrigerator compartment 4, the process proceeds to step # 27 and the demonstration mode is executed.

  According to the present embodiment, in the refrigerator 1 displayed at a store, when the power supply is stopped in a state where there is no demo mode storage in the refrigerator compartment 4, the storage in the refrigerator compartment 4 is next turned on. Demo mode is executed regardless of the presence or absence of. For this reason, convenience is improved in the store display state.

  Even if the refrigerator 1 was exhibited in the store without the demo mode storage, when it is transported to the user's house, the shelves and cases inside the refrigerator compartment 4 are not damaged. In some cases, the power supply is stopped in a state where the packing material is recognized as a stored item. At this time, 0 is stored in the flag F2 of the storage unit 50 in step # 14. Thereafter, if the power is turned on after unpacking and removing the packing material at the user's home, it is determined in step # 23 that there is no stored item. As a result, the process proceeds to step # 24 to notify the user that the demo mode is set as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the installer or the user can recognize that the demo mode is still set and perform a predetermined demo mode release operation to switch to the normal operation mode.

<Third Embodiment>
6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the operations of the startup program and demo mode program of the refrigerator 1 according to the third embodiment. In addition, the same part as 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. In contrast to the first embodiment, the third embodiment informs that the demo mode is set based on the presence or absence of water stored in the water supply tank 24.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the startup program is executed when the power is turned on. After the activation program is activated, in step # 11, the value of the flag F1 stored in the storage unit 50 is read when the power is turned on.

  If 1 is stored in the flag F1, the process proceeds to step # 12, the demo mode is executed, and the activation program is terminated. On the other hand, if 1 is not stored in the flag F1, the process proceeds to step # 13. In step # 13, the normal operation mode is executed and the start program is terminated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when the demonstration mode is started, the refrigerator compartment opening / closing sensor 43 determines whether or not the refrigerator compartment door 4a has been opened in step # 21. If the opening of the refrigerator compartment door 4a is not detected, the process proceeds to step # 26, and if the opening of the refrigerator compartment door 4a is detected, the process proceeds to step # 22.

  In step # 22, the weight sensor 28 (detector) detects the presence or absence of water in the water supply tank 24. If the detected weight of the water supply tank 24 is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that there is no water in the water supply tank 24, and the process proceeds to step # 26. On the other hand, if the detected weight is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that water has been supplied into the water supply tank 24, and the process proceeds to step # 23. In step # 23, a timer for notifying that the demo mode is set and measuring a predetermined notification time (1 minute in this embodiment) is started. The notification of step # 23 is to make the user recognize that it is not in the normal operation state as in the first embodiment, and is performed by the display panel or buzzer 37 provided on the operation panel 40.

  In step # 24, it is determined whether or not a predetermined notification time has elapsed. If the notification time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 25, the notification operation is terminated, and the process proceeds to step # 26.

  In step # 26, it is determined whether the power source of the refrigerator 1 is stopped. If the power supply is not stopped, the process proceeds to step # 21 and steps # 21 to # 25 are repeated.

  According to the present embodiment, during the execution of the demonstration mode, no ice making is performed because cold air is not generated and distributed. For this reason, water supply to the water supply tank 24 is not performed in the refrigerator 1 exhibited at a store. Therefore, by notifying that the demo mode is set based on the presence / absence of water in the water supply tank 24, it is possible to further prevent storage of stored items in the demo mode. Therefore, the convenience of the refrigerator can be further improved.

  If the refrigerator compartment door 4a for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 4 is opened in step # 21, the water in the water supply tank 24 is detected in step # 22. The user always opens the refrigerator compartment door 4a, takes out the water supply tank 24 from the storage room, and supplies water to the water supply tank 24. For this reason, the drive of the weight sensor 28 (detection part) can be stopped until the refrigerator compartment door 4a opens, and the drive power of the refrigerator 1 can be suppressed and power saving can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the weight sensor 28 is used as a detection unit to detect the water in the water supply tank 24, but the water in the water supply tank 24 may be detected by other methods. For example, the detection unit may be formed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of water stored in the water supply tank 24. The light emitting element 24a and the light receiving element 24b face each other via the water supply tank 24 and are arranged so as to be shifted vertically. The water supply tank 24 is made of a light transmissive resin. The amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 24a and incident on the light receiving element 24b differs depending on refraction depending on whether water is present in the water supply tank 24 or not. Further, by arranging the light emitting element 24a and the light receiving element 24b so as to be shifted vertically, the light refraction angle is increased, and the presence or absence of water in the water supply tank 24 can be detected with high accuracy.

  The light emitted from the light emitting element 24a is preferably white LED light, and the light receiving element 24b more preferably detects blue light having a short wavelength and a large refraction angle. Thereby, the presence or absence of water in the water supply tank 24 can be detected with higher accuracy by natural white light.

  In the first to third embodiments, the fact that the demo mode is set is notified for a certain period of time based on the detection result of the detection unit, but it may be switched to the normal operation mode after the notification for a certain period of time. In this case, the demo mode is notified based on the detection result of the detection unit, and the demo mode is automatically switched to the normal operation mode, so that the user does not need to perform a predetermined demo mode canceling operation. For this reason, the convenience of a refrigerator can be improved more. In addition, when switching from the demo mode to the normal operation mode automatically, it is preferable to display on the display panel that the mode is switched to the normal operation mode, or to notify the user by voice or the like.

  The present invention is widely applicable to refrigerators equipped with a demo mode.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator 2 Main-body part 3 Heat insulation box 4 Refrigeration room 4a Refrigeration room door 5 Freezing room 5a Freezing room door 6 Machine room 7, 8 Cold air passage 10 Blower fan 20 Control part 21 Ice tray 24 Water supply tank 25 Water supply pump 26 Water supply pipe 28 Weight sensor 31 Compressor 40 Operation panel 42a Cold room temperature sensor 42b Freezer room temperature sensor 43 Cold room open / close sensor 44 Illuminance sensor 50 Storage unit

Claims (5)

A normal operation mode in which a cold storage is installed in a storage area formed in the storage chamber and cool air is sent to the storage chamber to cool the storage material, and the operation is demonstrated by stopping the generation of the cold air. A demo mode,
In the refrigerator in which any setting of the normal operation mode and the demo mode is stored in a nonvolatile storage device,
Provide a detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of storage items arranged in the storage area,
When set to the demo mode,
A refrigerator that notifies that the demo mode is set based on a detection result of the detection unit.   The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein after the notification, the demo mode is switched to the normal operation mode.   When the demo mode is set and the refrigerator is turned off, the detection unit detects the presence of the stored item and determines that the stored item is present, and the next time the refrigerator is turned on, the detection unit detects the stored item. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein when the presence or absence of an object is detected and it is determined that there is no stored item, it is notified that the demo mode is set.   A detachable water supply tank for storing ice-making water disposed in the storage area is provided, and when the demonstration mode is set, the stored object consisting of a predetermined amount of water in the water supply tank is detected. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein when it is detected by the unit, it is notified that the demo mode is set.   5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, further comprising a door that opens and closes the storage chamber, and the detection unit detects the presence or absence of a predetermined amount of water in the water supply tank when the door is opened.

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