WO2022107535A1 - Refrigerator and refrigerator control system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a refrigerator and a refrigerator control system capable of maintaining cooling performance of the refrigerator for a long time during a power failure even without using an external power source.　This refrigerator comprises: a cooling unit that cools the inside of the refrigerator; and a refrigerator control unit that changes an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which the temperature in the refrigerator is lower than that of the first mode, when a forecast is issued regarding a cause of an occurrence of an electric failure in a region including an installation place of the refrigerator. When the operation mode of the refrigerator is the second mode, the refrigerator control unit performs cooling by the cooling unit so that fluctuation of the temperature in the refrigerator becomes smaller than that of the temperature in the refrigerator in the first mode.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control system

This disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a refrigerator control system.

Patent Document 1 discloses a building supply system capable of storing food in a refrigerator in the event of a power outage. This building supply system includes a power supply vehicle that can be connected to a predetermined building and a refrigerator, and when a power failure occurs in the predetermined building, the power supply vehicle supplies power to the refrigerator.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-078689

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a refrigerator control system capable of maintaining the cooling capacity of the refrigerator in the event of a power failure for a long period of time without using an external power source.

The refrigerator in the present disclosure sets the operation mode of the refrigerator as the first mode when a forecast regarding the cause of the power failure is issued for the cooling unit for cooling the inside of the refrigerator and the area including the installation location of the refrigerator. The refrigerator control unit is provided with a refrigerator control unit that shifts from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is lower than the first mode. The refrigerator control unit is the refrigerator when the operation mode of the refrigerator is the second mode. The refrigerator is cooled by the cooling unit so that the fluctuation of the refrigerator temperature in the refrigerator is smaller than the fluctuation of the refrigerator temperature in the first mode.

Further, the refrigerator control system in the present disclosure is a refrigerator control system including a refrigerator and a server capable of communicating with the refrigerator, and the server causes a power failure in an area including a place where the refrigerator is installed. When such a forecast is issued, transition instruction information for shifting the operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is lower than that of the first mode is transmitted to the refrigerator, and the refrigerator is transmitted. Upon receiving the transition instruction information, shifts the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode, and in the second mode, the fluctuation of the refrigerator internal temperature changes the refrigerator in the first mode. Cool the inside of the refrigerator so that it is smaller than the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator.
In addition, this specification shall include all the contents of the Japanese patent application / Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-191823 filed on November 18, 2020.

The refrigerator and the refrigerator control system in the present disclosure can lower the temperature inside the refrigerator before the power failure occurs, and depending on the timing when the power failure occurs by lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator while suppressing the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator. It is possible to suppress the difference in cooling capacity during a power failure. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator in the event of a power failure can be maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigerator control system. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the refrigerator. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a refrigerating cycle of a refrigerator. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configurations of a refrigerator, a refrigerator control server, and a terminal device. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the state of each part of the refrigerator. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system. FIG. 7 is a diagram comparing fluctuations in the temperature inside the refrigerator and the freezer. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the touch panel by the operation control unit. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system. FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the refrigerator. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a refrigerating cycle of a refrigerator. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configurations of a refrigerator, a refrigerator control server, and a terminal device. FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the state of each part of the refrigerator. FIG. 14 is a diagram comparing fluctuations in the temperature inside the refrigerator and the freezer.

(Findings, etc. that form the basis of this disclosure)
In the above-mentioned conventional technique, it is necessary to use an external power source such as a power feeding vehicle while maintaining the cooling capacity of the refrigerator in the event of a power failure. Here, it is conceivable to lower the temperature inside the refrigerator before the power failure, but if the temperature inside the refrigerator fluctuates greatly when the temperature inside the refrigerator is lowered, the cooling capacity at the time of the power failure differs depending on the timing of the power failure. Therefore, depending on the timing at which a power outage occurs, there is a risk that the cooling capacity cannot be maintained for a long period of time during a power outage.
Therefore, the present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a refrigerator control system capable of maintaining the cooling capacity of the refrigerator for a long period of time even in the event of a power failure without using an external power source.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanations may be omitted than necessary. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations for substantially the same configuration may be omitted.
It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.
[1-1. Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigerator control system 1000.

The refrigerator control system 1000 is a system in which a device connected to the global network GN controls the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN. Global network GN includes the Internet, telephone networks and other communication networks.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a refrigerator 1. In FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 is installed at the home H of the user P. The refrigerator 1 includes a main box body 10 having an open front surface, and the main box body 10 is formed with two storage chambers, a refrigerating chamber 11 and a freezing chamber 12. A rotary door 11A is provided in the opening on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment 11. The freezing chamber 12 is provided with a drawer 12A for accommodating food.
Home H corresponds to an example of "refrigerator installation location".

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the refrigerator 1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a refrigerating cycle 157A of the refrigerator 1 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The Z axis indicates the vertical direction. The X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The X-axis indicates the left-right direction. The Y-axis indicates the front-back direction. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the right direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the forward direction. The positive direction of the Z axis indicates the upward direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, a refrigerating chamber 11 and a freezing chamber 12 are formed in the main box body 10 of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerating chamber 11 is formed above the freezing chamber 12. The freezing chamber 12 is formed below the refrigerating chamber 11.

In the refrigeration cycle 157A of the refrigerator 1 in the first embodiment, one cooler 154 generates cold air for cooling each storage chamber of the refrigerator 1. This method is called the 1-eva method. As shown in FIG. 3, in the refrigerating cycle 157A of the first embodiment, the compressor 151, the condenser 152, the capillary tube 153, and the cooler 154 are connected in an annular shape, and the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is circulated. Cool the inside of the refrigerator 1.

Refrigerator 1 is provided with a compressor 151 in the upper rear part of the refrigerator compartment 11. Further, the refrigerator 1 has a cooler 154 behind the freezer chamber 12, a cooling fan 155 that sends the cold air generated by the cooler 154 to the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12, and the amount of cold air sent by the cooling fan 155. It is equipped with a damper 156 to be adjusted.

In the refrigerating chamber 11, a first discharge port 111A, a second discharge port 111B, and a third discharge port 111C are formed behind the refrigerating chamber 11. Each of the first discharge port 111A, the second discharge port 111B, and the third discharge port 111C is an opening for discharging the cold air generated by the cooler 154 into the space of the refrigerating chamber 11 in which the food is stored. Further, in the refrigerating chamber 11, a refrigerating chamber cold air return port is formed behind the refrigerating chamber 11. The refrigerating chamber cold air return port is an opening for returning the cold air discharged by the first discharge port 111A, the second discharge port 111B, and the third discharge port 111C to the cooler 154.

In the freezing chamber 12, a fourth discharge port 111D and a fifth discharge port 111E are formed behind the freezing chamber 12. Each of the fourth discharge port 111D and the fifth discharge port 111E is an opening for discharging the cold air generated by the cooler 154 into the space of the freezing chamber 12 in which the food is housed. Further, in the freezing chamber 12, a freezing chamber cold air return port is formed behind the freezing chamber 12. The freezing chamber cold air return port is an opening for returning the cold air discharged by the fourth discharge port 111D and the fifth discharge port 111E to the cooler 154.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 communicates with the communication device 2 installed at the home H of the user P, and communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 via the communication device 2.
The refrigerator control server 3 corresponds to an example of a “server”.

The communication device 2 connects to the global network GN and communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. The communication device 2 functions as an interface device for connecting the refrigerator 1 to the global network GN. Further, when the terminal device 4 establishes a communication connection with the communication device 2, the communication device 2 functions as an interface device for connecting the terminal device 4 to the global network GN. The communication device 2 has functions related to a modem, a router function, a NAT (Network Address Translation) function, and the like. The communication device 2 transfers data transmitted / received between the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. Further, the communication device 2 transfers data transmitted / received between the terminal device 4 for establishing a communication connection and the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a terminal device 4 having a touch panel 42. The terminal device 4 is composed of, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and is used by the user P of the refrigerator 1. An application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is installed in the terminal device 4. In the following description, the application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a "refrigerator control application" and is designated by "413".

In FIG. 1, the user P who is at home is shown by a dotted line, and the user P who has gone out from home H is shown by a solid line. When the terminal device 4 is used by the user P at home, the terminal device 4 is connected to the refrigerator control server 3 via the communication device 2 or without the communication device 2 by the function of the refrigerator control application 413. Communicate to control the operation of the refrigerator 1. Further, when the terminal device 4 is used by the user P who has gone out from the home H and the communication connection with the communication device 2 cannot be established, the function of the refrigerator control application 413 enables the global network GN without going through the communication device 2. It communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the refrigerator 1 to control the operation of the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a refrigerator control server 3. The refrigerator control server 3 is a server device that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1, connects to the global network GN, and communicates with the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 4, and the weather warning server 5.

In each figure, the refrigerator control server 3 is represented by one block, but this does not necessarily mean that the refrigerator control server 3 is composed of a single server device. For example, the refrigerator control server 3 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices having different processing contents. Further, in each figure, the refrigerator control server 3 and the weather warning server 5 are illustrated as separate server devices, but the refrigerator control server 3 and the weather warning server 5 may be configured as the same server device. ..

The weather warning server 5 is a server device that provides weather warning issuance information. The weather warning issuance information is information indicating whether or not a weather warning is issued for the area including the place where the refrigerator 1 is installed. Meteorological warnings are warnings related to factors that cause power outages such as storms, blizzards, heavy rains, heavy snowfalls, storm surges, floods, and waves. The alarm related to the cause of the power outage corresponds to an example of the forecast related to the cause of the power outage.

The area of the weather warning issuance information provided by the weather warning server 5 may be an area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1, and may be, for example, a primary subdivision area, a secondary subdivision area, or another area.
Further, in each figure, the weather warning server 5 is represented by one block, but this does not necessarily mean that the weather warning server 5 is composed of a single server device. For example, the weather warning server 5 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices having different processing contents.

Next, the configurations of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 3, and the terminal device 4 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 3, and the terminal device 4.

First, the configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described.
The refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator control unit 13, a refrigerator communication unit 14, a cooling unit 15, and a sensor unit 16.

The refrigerator control unit 13 includes a refrigerator processor 130, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU and an MPU, and a refrigerator storage unit 131, and controls each part of the refrigerator 1. In the refrigerator control unit 13, the refrigerator processor 130 reads out the control program 1311 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 131, and executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software.

The refrigerator storage unit 131 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the refrigerator processor 130 and data processed by the refrigerator processor 130. The refrigerator storage unit 131 stores the control program 1311 executed by the refrigerator processor 130, the setting data 1312 related to the setting of the refrigerator 1, and various other data. The refrigerator storage unit 131 has a non-volatile storage area. Further, the refrigerator storage unit 131 may include a volatile storage area and form a work area of the refrigerator processor 130.

The refrigerator communication unit 14 is equipped with communication hardware according to a predetermined communication standard, and under the control of the refrigerator control unit 13, communicates with a device connected to the global network GN according to a predetermined communication standard. The refrigerator communication unit 14 communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard used by the refrigerator communication unit 14 may be a wireless communication standard (for example, IEEE802.11a / 11b / 11g / 11n / 11ac, Bluetooth®) or a wired communication standard.

The cooling unit 15 includes a mechanism for cooling each storage chamber of the refrigerator 1, such as a compressor 151, a condenser 152, a capillary tube 153, a cooler 154, a cooling fan 155, and a damper 156, and controls the refrigerator control unit 13. According to this, each storage room of the refrigerator 1 is cooled.

The sensor unit 16 includes various sensors such as a temperature sensor 161 for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 and an open / close sensor for detecting the opening / closing of doors and drawers provided in the refrigerator 1, and the detection value of the sensor is set for each sensor. Output to the refrigerator control unit 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor unit 16 includes a refrigerating room temperature sensor 161A and a freezing room temperature sensor 161B as the temperature sensor 161.

The refrigerating room temperature sensor 161A is provided at a predetermined position of the refrigerating room 11 such as near the refrigerator cold air return port, and detects the temperature inside the refrigerating room 11.
The freezing room temperature sensor 161B is provided at a predetermined position of the freezing room 12 such as near the freezing room cold air return port, and detects the temperature inside the freezing room 12.

The refrigerator control unit 13 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to either a normal operation mode or a power failure precooling operation mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is lower than the normal operation mode. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is higher than that in the power failure precooling operation mode.
The normal operation mode corresponds to an example of the "first mode", and the power failure precooling operation mode corresponds to an example of the "second mode".

By shifting to the power failure precooling operation mode before the power failure occurs, the refrigerator 1 can lower the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 compared to the normal operation mode before the power failure occurs. Therefore, the refrigerator 1 can maintain the temperature inside the refrigerator for a long period of time in the event of a power failure, and can suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the food contained in the refrigerator 1 in the event of a power failure.

The operation of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode and the power failure precooling operation mode will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the refrigerator control unit 13 receives from the refrigerator control server 3 the transition instruction information for shifting the operation mode to the power failure precooling operation mode by the refrigerator communication unit 14, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is changed from the normal operation mode to the power failure precooling operation mode. Make the transition and start the power outage precooling operation. When the refrigerator control unit 13 receives the end instruction information for ending the power failure precooling operation mode from the refrigerator control server 3 by the refrigerator communication unit 14, the refrigerator control unit 13 ends the power failure precooling operation and changes the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the power failure precooling operation mode. Shift to normal operation mode.

Next, the configuration of the refrigerator control server 3 will be described.
The refrigerator control server 3 includes a server control unit 30 and a server communication unit 31.

The server control unit 30 includes a server processor 300, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU and an MPU, and a server storage unit 310, and controls each unit of the refrigerator control server 3. In the server control unit 30, the server processor 300 reads out the control program 311 stored in the server storage unit 310 and executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software.

The server storage unit 310 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the server processor 300 and data processed by the server processor 300. The server storage unit 310 stores the control program 311 executed by the server processor 300, the setting data 312 related to the setting of the refrigerator control server 3, the refrigerator control database 313, and various other data. The server storage unit 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Further, the server storage unit 310 may include a volatile storage area and form a work area of the server processor 300.

The refrigerator control database 313 is a database that stores various information related to the operation control of the refrigerator 1. One record R stored in the refrigerator control database 313 has a user ID 3131, a refrigerator communication information 3132, a terminal device communication information 3133, and an installation location information 3134. In addition, one record R stored in the refrigerator control database 313 may further have one or a plurality of different types of information.

The user ID 3131 is identification information that identifies the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 413, and is appropriately assigned to the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 413.

Refrigerator communication information 3132 is information for communicating with the refrigerator 1. Refrigerator communication information 3132 includes, for example, address information, security information, and the like of the refrigerator 1.

The terminal device communication information 3133 is information for communicating with the terminal device 4 in which the refrigerator control application 413 used by the user P of the user ID 3131 corresponding to the same record R is installed. The terminal device communication information 3133 includes, for example, address information, security information, and the like of the terminal device 4.

Installation location information 3134 is information indicating the installation location of the refrigerator 1. In the present embodiment, since the installation location of the refrigerator 1 is the home H of the user P, the installation location information 3134 indicates the address, the zip code, and the like of the home H.

The server communication unit 31 is equipped with communication hardware according to a predetermined communication standard, and under the control of the server control unit 30, communicates with a device connected to the global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard. In the present embodiment, the server communication unit 31 communicates with the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 4, and the weather warning server 5.

Next, the configuration of the terminal device 4 will be described.
The terminal device 4 includes a terminal control unit 40, a terminal communication unit 41, and a touch panel 42.

The terminal control unit 40 includes a terminal processor 400, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU and an MPU, and a terminal storage unit 410, and controls each unit of the terminal device 4. In the terminal control unit 40, the terminal processor 400 reads out the control program 411 stored in the terminal storage unit 410 and executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software. The refrigerator control application 413 is installed in the terminal device 4 in advance. The refrigerator control application 413 is read from the terminal storage unit 410 by the terminal processor 400 and executed, so that the terminal control unit 40 functions as a setting unit 401, a communication control unit 402, and an operation control unit 403. Details of these functional units will be described later.

The terminal storage unit 410 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the terminal processor 400 and data processed by the terminal processor 400. The terminal storage unit 410 stores the control program 411 executed by the terminal processor 400, the setting data 412 related to the setting of the terminal device 4, the refrigerator control application 413, the user ID 3131, and various other data. The terminal storage unit 410 has a non-volatile storage area. Further, the terminal storage unit 410 may include a volatile storage area and form a work area of the terminal processor 400.

The terminal communication unit 41 is equipped with communication hardware according to a predetermined communication standard, and under the control of the terminal control unit 40, communicates with a device connected to the global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard. The terminal communication unit 41 communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 according to a predetermined communication standard by the function of the refrigerator control application 413. The communication standard used by the terminal communication unit 41 is a wireless communication standard.

The touch panel 42 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel and a touch sensor that is overlapped with or integrally provided with the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 40. The touch sensor detects the touch operation and outputs it to the terminal control unit 40. The terminal control unit 40 executes a process corresponding to the touch operation based on the input from the touch sensor.

As described above, the terminal control unit 40 functions as a setting unit 401, a communication control unit 402, and an operation control unit 403.

The setting unit 401 makes various settings related to the functions of the refrigerator control application 413. For example, the setting unit 401 sets various settings related to the functions of the refrigerator control application 413 by setting the setting values in the corresponding setting items in the application setting data stored in the predetermined storage area accessible to the refrigerator control application 413. I do. The application setting data is data related to the setting of the function of the refrigerator control application 413, and includes various setting items.

The setting unit 401 sets the installation location of the refrigerator 1. For example, the setting unit 401 causes the touch panel 42 to display a user interface for inputting the address and zip code of the home H to the user P, and sets the input address and zip code as the installation location of the refrigerator 1. The installation location information 3134 indicating the installation location of the refrigerator 1 set by the setting unit 401 is output to the communication control unit 402.

The communication control unit 402 controls the terminal communication unit 41 to send and receive various information to and from the refrigerator control server 3. When the installation location information 3134 is output from the setting unit 401, the communication control unit 402 adds the user ID 3131 stored in the terminal storage unit 410 and outputs the output installation location information 3134 to the refrigerator control server by the terminal communication unit 41. Send to 3. When the refrigerator control server 3 receives the installation location information 3134 from the terminal device 4, it refers to the refrigerator control database 313 and receives the installation location information 3134 held by the record R of the user ID 3131 added to the received installation location information 3134. Update to the installation location information 3134.

When the communication control unit 402 acquires the end instruction information from the operation control unit 403, the terminal communication unit 41 transmits the end instruction information to the refrigerator control server 3. When the communication control unit 402 transmits the end instruction information to the refrigerator control server 3, the user ID 3131 stored in the terminal storage unit 410 is added to the end instruction information.

When the operation control unit 403 receives the end instruction of the power failure precooling operation mode from the user P, the operation control unit 403 generates the end instruction information and outputs it to the communication control unit 402. The operation control unit 403 displays, for example, a user interface inquiring whether or not to terminate the power failure precooling operation mode on the touch panel 42, and when the user interface receives an instruction to end the power failure precooling operation mode, the end instruction information is displayed. Generate and output.

[1-2. Operation, etc.]
Next, the operation of the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator control system 1000 in the first embodiment will be described.
First, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of each part of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode and the power failure precooling operation mode will be described.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the state of each part of the refrigerator 1.
In FIG. 5, the timing chart CA shows the state of the compressor 151. Further, the timing chart CB shows the state of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. Further, the timing chart CC shows the state of the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12. Further, the timing chart CD shows the open / closed state of the damper 156.

First, the operation of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode will be described.
In FIG. 5, the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode is the period from the timing T1 to the timing T2.

As shown in the timing chart CA of FIG. 5, the refrigerator control unit 13 sets the state of the compressor 151 to a state of repeating a stopped state and a low rotation state in the normal operation mode. The stopped state is a state in which the compressor 151 is not rotationally driven. The low rotation speed state is a state in which the rotation speed is lower than the high rotation speed state described later and the rotation speed is higher than the stopped state.

Further, as shown in the timing chart CD of FIG. 5, in the normal operation mode, the refrigerator control unit 13 repeats the state of the damper 156 in the open state and the closed state based on the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. do.

Specifically, the refrigerator control unit 13 has a temperature difference of α (K: Kelvin) between when the damper 156 is opened and when the damper 156 is closed with respect to the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. The opening / closing frequency of the damper 156 is controlled so as to be used. α (K) is, for example, 2 (K).

The refrigerator control unit 13 is a damper when the temperature rises by α (K) from the target temperature of the refrigerating room 11 (hereinafter referred to as the first target temperature of the refrigerating room) in the normal operation mode based on the temperature detected by the refrigerating room temperature sensor 161A. At the same time as opening the 156 state, the compressor 151 is set to the low rotation state. As a result, the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 are cooled at the same time. During this cooling, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops because the air is blown. On the other hand, during this cooling, the amount of air blown to the freezing chamber 12 is lower than when the freezing chamber 12 is cooled alone, so that the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 rises. When the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops to the first target temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11, the refrigerator control unit 13 closes the damper 156 and finishes cooling the refrigerator compartment 11. By this end, the freezing chamber 12 starts cooling independently. As a result, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 rises, while the temperature inside the freezer chamber 12 falls. The refrigerator control unit 13 puts the compressor 151 in a stopped state when the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 drops to the target temperature of the freezing chamber 12 in the normal operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the first target temperature of the freezing chamber). After that, when the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 rises by α (K) from the first target temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11, the refrigerator control unit 13 opens the damper 156 and at the same time puts the compressor 151 into a low rotation state. ..
As described above, the refrigerator control unit 13 controls the opening / closing frequency of the damper 156 so that the temperature difference between the open state and the closed state of the damper 156 becomes α (K) at the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. do.

Next, the power failure precooling operation mode will be described.
In FIG. 5, the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the power failure precooling operation mode is the period from the timing T2 to the timing T4.

As described above, the power failure precooling operation mode includes a temperature drop mode and a temperature maintenance mode.
The temperature lowering mode is a mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is lowered from the normal operation mode. In FIG. 5, the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature drop mode is the period from the timing T2 to the timing T3.

As shown in the timing chart CA of FIG. 5, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the compressor 151 in a high rotation state in the temperature drop mode. The high rotation speed state is a state in which the vehicle is driven at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed in the low rotation speed state.

Further, as shown in the timing chart CD of FIG. 5, the refrigerator control unit 13 sets the state of the damper 156 in the power failure precooling operation mode based on the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and the temperature inside the freezer chamber 12. Put it in a state where it repeats opening and closing.

Specifically, the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 is βK so that the temperature difference between the time when the damper 156 is opened and the time when the damper 156 is closed is βK. Control the opening and closing frequency. β (K) is a temperature difference lower than α (K), for example 0.5 (K).

The refrigerator control unit 13 simultaneously cools the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 by setting the compressor 151 in a high rotation state at the same time as opening the damper 156. During this cooling, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops because the air is blown. On the other hand, during this cooling, the amount of air blown to the freezing chamber 12 is lower than when the freezing chamber 12 is cooled alone, so that the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 rises. In the refrigerator control unit 13, based on the temperature detected by the refrigerating room temperature sensor 161A, the temperature inside the refrigerating room 11 is the target temperature of the refrigerating room 11 in the power failure precooling operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the second target temperature of the refrigerating room). When it descends to, the damper 156 is closed and the cooling of the refrigerating chamber 11 is completed. By this end, the freezing chamber 12 starts cooling independently. As a result, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 rises, while the temperature inside the freezer chamber 12 falls. The refrigerator control unit 13 lowers the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 toward the target temperature of the freezing chamber 12 in the power failure precooling operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the second target temperature of the freezing chamber). Here, since the temperature difference for controlling the opening and closing of the damper 156 is made smaller than that in the normal operation mode, the temperature inside the refrigerating chamber 11 is refrigerated before the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 reaches the second target temperature of the freezing chamber. The temperature rises by β (K) from the second target temperature in the room. The refrigerator control unit 13 uses this as a trigger to open the damper 156 again to cool the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 at the same time. The refrigerator control unit 13 repeats this control in the temperature lowering mode until the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 drops to the second target temperature in the freezing chamber.
The second target temperature of the refrigerating chamber is, for example, a temperature 3 (K) lower than the first target temperature of the refrigerating chamber. The second target temperature of the freezing chamber is, for example, a temperature 5 (K) lower than the first target temperature of the freezing chamber.

As described above, the refrigerator control unit 13 determines the frequency of opening and closing the damper 156 so that the temperature difference between the open state and the closed state of the damper 156 is β (K) with respect to the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. Control. Further, the refrigerator control unit 13 lowers the temperature inside the freezer chamber 12 to the second target temperature of the freezer chamber by frequently opening and closing the damper 156 in which the temperature difference in the refrigerator compartment 11 is β (K).

The refrigerator control unit 13 continues the temperature drop mode until a transition trigger for shifting to the temperature maintenance mode is generated. The transition trigger is that a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the temperature decrease mode, or that the refrigerating chamber 11 has reached the second target temperature of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber 12 has reached the second target temperature of the freezing chamber. ..

In the case of the former transition trigger, the refrigerator control unit 13 starts timing for a predetermined period after starting the temperature drop mode, and shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the temperature maintenance mode when the predetermined period elapses. This predetermined period is a period during which the inside of the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 can reach the target temperature in the power failure precooling operation mode, and is predetermined.

In the case of the latter transition trigger, the refrigerator control unit 13 determines the temperature inside the refrigerating chamber 11 and the inside of the freezing chamber 12 based on the temperature detected by the refrigerating chamber temperature sensor 161A and the temperature detected by the freezing chamber temperature sensor 161B. Monitor the temperature. Then, when the refrigerating chamber 11 reaches the second target temperature of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber 12 reaches the second target temperature of the freezing chamber, the refrigerator control unit 13 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the temperature maintenance mode. ..

Next, the temperature maintenance mode will be described.
The temperature maintenance mode is a mode for maintaining the temperature inside the refrigerator lowered in the temperature lowering mode. In FIG. 5, the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature maintenance mode is the period from the timing T3 to the timing T4.

As shown in the timing chart CA of FIG. 5, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the compressor 151 in a low rotation state in the temperature maintenance mode. Here, by maintaining the low rotation state of the compressor 151 in the temperature maintenance mode, the following effects are obtained. When the compressor 151 repeats the stopped state and the rotating state, the fluctuations in the internal temperatures of the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 become large and the temperature cannot be maintained properly, and when the compressor 151 is in the high rotation state, the power consumption is large. Therefore, in the temperature maintenance mode, by maintaining the state of the compressor 151 in a low rotation state, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption while appropriately maintaining the internal temperatures of the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12.

Further, as shown in the timing chart CD of FIG. 5, the refrigerator control unit 13 of the damper 156 is based on either the internal temperature of the refrigerating chamber 11 or the internal temperature of the freezing chamber 12 in the power failure precooling operation mode. The state is changed to a state in which the open / closed state is repeated.

Specifically, the refrigerator control unit 13 opens the damper 156 when the temperature rises by β (K) from the second target temperature of the refrigerating room based on the temperature detected by the refrigerating room temperature sensor 161A, and opens the second refrigerating room. When the target temperature is reached, the damper 156 is closed.

Specifically, the refrigerator control unit 13 closes the damper 156 and closes the freezing chamber when the temperature rises by β (K) from the second target temperature of the freezing chamber based on the temperature detected by the freezing chamber temperature sensor 161B. When the second target temperature is reached, the damper 156 is opened.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 related to the transition of the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000. In FIG. 6, the flowchart FA shows the operation of the refrigerator control server 3, and the flowchart FB shows the operation of the refrigerator 1.

At the start of the flowchart FB shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode. Further, in the flowchart FA shown in FIG. 6, the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 targets one record R among the records R stored in the refrigerator control database 313.

With reference to the flowchart FA, the server control unit 30 determines whether or not a weather warning has been issued in the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 (step SA1).

For example, in step SA1, the server control unit 30 inquires whether or not a weather warning has been issued in the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 by transmitting information to the weather warning server 5 by the server communication unit 31. This inquiry is executed every predetermined time (for example, every 10 minutes). The information transmitted to the weather warning server 5 at the time of inquiry includes the installation location information 3134 possessed by the record R to be processed. The weather warning server 5 correlates whether or not a weather warning is issued for an area including the installation location indicated by the installation location information 3134 included in the received information, for example, the area and whether or not the weather warning is issued. Judgment is made based on the given predetermined database. When the weather warning server 5 determines that the weather warning has been issued, the weather warning server 5 transmits the weather warning issuing information indicating that the weather warning has been issued to the refrigerator control server 3 as a response to the inquiry. Further, when the weather warning server 5 determines that the weather warning has not been issued, the weather warning server 5 transmits the weather warning issuing information indicating that the weather warning has not been issued to the refrigerator control server 3 as a response to the inquiry. When the weather warning issuance information received as a response to the inquiry indicates that the weather warning has been issued, the server control unit 30 makes an affirmative determination in step SA1. On the other hand, when the weather warning issuance information received as a response to the inquiry indicates that the weather warning has not been issued, the server control unit 30 makes a negative determination in step SA1.

When the server control unit 30 determines that no weather warning has been issued in the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 (step SA1: NO), the server control unit 30 ends this process.

On the other hand, when the server control unit 30 determines that the weather warning has been issued in the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 (step SA1: YES), the server control unit 30 shifts based on the refrigerator communication information 3132 included in the record R to be processed. The instruction information is transmitted to the refrigerator 1 by the server communication unit 31 (step SA2).

With reference to the flowchart FB, the refrigerator control unit 13 determines whether or not the transition instruction information has been received from the refrigerator control server 3 by the refrigerator communication unit 14 (step SB1).

When the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the transition instruction information has not been received (step SB1: NO), the refrigerator control unit 13 executes the process of step SB1 again.

When the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the transition instruction information has been received (step SB1: YES), the refrigerator control unit 13 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the temperature drop mode of the power failure precooling operation mode (step SB2).

Next, the refrigerator control unit 13 determines whether or not a transition trigger has occurred (step SB3).

When the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the transition trigger has occurred (step SB3: YES), the refrigerator control unit 13 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the temperature maintenance mode of the power failure precooling operation mode (step SB4).

Next, the refrigerator control unit 13 determines whether or not the end instruction information has been received from the refrigerator control server 3 by the refrigerator communication unit 14 (step SB5).

Returning to the explanation of step SB3, when the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the transition trigger has not occurred (step SB3: NO), whether or not the refrigerator communication unit 14 has received the end instruction information from the refrigerator control server 3. (Step SB6).

Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FA, the server control unit 30 determines whether or not the issued weather warning has been canceled when the transition instruction information is transmitted to the refrigerator 1 (step SA3).

For example, in step SA3, the server control unit 30 inquires of the weather warning server 5 whether or not a weather warning has been issued in the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1, as in step SA1. When the weather warning issuance information received from the weather warning server 5 as a response to the inquiry indicates that the weather warning has been issued, the server control unit 30 makes a negative determination in step SA3, and the weather warning has not been issued. In the case of indicating, affirmative determination is made in step SA3.

When the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has not been canceled (step SA3: NO), the server control unit 30 executes the process of step SA3 again.

On the other hand, when the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has been canceled (step SA3: YES), the server communication unit 30 outputs the end instruction information based on the refrigerator communication information 3132 included in the record R to be processed. It is transmitted by 31 (step SA4).

Returning to the explanation of step SB5 of the flowchart FB, when it is determined that the end instruction information has not been received (step SB5: NO), the refrigerator control unit 13 executes the process of step SB5 again.

On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the end instruction information has been received (step SB5: YES), the refrigerator control unit 13 ends the power failure precooling operation mode (step SB7). In step SB7, the refrigerator control unit 13 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the power failure precooling operation mode to the normal operation mode.

Returning to the explanation of step SB6, when the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the end instruction information has not been received (step SB6: NO), the process of step SB3 is executed again.

On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the end instruction information has been received (step SB6: YES), the refrigerator control unit 13 ends the power failure precooling operation mode (step SB7).

As described above, in the refrigerator control system 1000, when a weather warning is issued, the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the power failure precooling operation mode. As a result, when a weather warning is issued, the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is lowered, so that the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 can be lowered before a power failure occurs. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 can be maintained for a long period of time even in the event of a power failure without using an external power source.

Further, the refrigerator control unit 13 sets the damper so that the temperature difference between the refrigerator chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 when the damper 156 is open and when the damper 156 is closed is βK in the power failure precooling operation mode. The opening / closing frequency of 156 is controlled. As a result, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 can be maintained for a longer period of time in the event of a power failure.

This effect will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 is a diagram comparing fluctuations in the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and fluctuations in the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12. In FIG. 7, the timing chart CE shows the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. Further, in FIG. 7, the timing chart CF shows the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12.

In FIG. 7, the period from timing T5 to timing T6 is the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode, and the period from timing T6 to timing T7 is the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature drop mode. Yes, the period from timing T7 to timing T8 is the period in which the temperature is maintained.

In the timing chart CE, the solid line shows the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator chamber 11 when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the conventional cooling method. Further, in the timing chart CE, the broken line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator chamber 11 when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the cooling method of the present disclosure.

In the timing chart CF, the solid line shows the fluctuation of the temperature inside the freezer chamber 12 when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the conventional cooling method. Further, in the timing chart CF, the broken line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the cooling method of the present disclosure.

Here, the conventional cooling method is a method of controlling the open / closed state of the damper 156 to lower the temperature inside the refrigerator without considering the temperature difference between the time when the damper 156 is in the open state and the time when the damper 156 is in the closed state. Is.

As is clear by comparing the solid line and the broken line, in the power failure precooling operation mode of the present disclosure, fluctuations in the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 can be suppressed as compared with the conventional cooling method.

As a result, as compared with the conventional cooling method, the power failure precooling operation mode of the present disclosure can suppress a difference in the cooling capacity at the time of a power failure depending on the timing when the power failure occurs. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator in the event of a power failure can be maintained for a longer period of time.

More specifically, in the conventional cooling method, the case where the power failure occurs at the timing TA shown in FIG. 7 and the case where the power failure occurs at the timing T7 are compared. When a power failure occurs at the timing T7, the temperature inside the refrigerator chamber 11 is close to the second target temperature of the refrigerator chamber, so that the cooling capacity of the refrigerator chamber 11 can be maintained for a long period of time in the event of a power failure. On the other hand, when a power failure occurs at the timing TA, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 is close to the first target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11, that is, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 is not sufficiently lowered. The cooling capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 cannot be maintained for a long period of time in the event of a power failure. This is because, in the conventional cooling method, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 fluctuates greatly when the temperature drops. On the other hand, since the cooling method of the present disclosure can suppress temperature fluctuations, even if a power failure occurs in the timing TA, the temperature inside the refrigerating room 11 is sufficiently lowered, so that the refrigerating room 11 is cooled in the event of a power failure. Capability can be maintained for a long time.

Further, since the fluctuation of the internal temperature can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress the vicinity of the first discharge port 111A to the third discharge port 111C from freezing when the internal temperature is lowered.

By the way, in the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 described above, the end trigger for the refrigerator 1 to end the power failure precooling operation mode is the reception of the end instruction information of the refrigerator 1 by canceling the weather warning. However, the end trigger for ending the power failure precooling operation mode is not limited to this.
Here, a plurality of other termination triggers will be described.

<First other end trigger>
In the configuration in which the power failure precooling operation mode is terminated by the first other termination trigger, the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator operating unit as a functional unit. The refrigerator operation unit includes an operation means such as an operation switch provided at a predetermined position, detects an operation of the user P on the operation means, and outputs the detection result to the refrigerator control unit 13. The refrigerator operation unit may be provided with a touch panel together with or in place of the operation switch. The refrigerator control unit 13 executes a process corresponding to an operation on the operating means based on an input from the refrigerator operation unit.
When the operation of the user P accepted by the refrigerator operation unit is an operation indicating the end instruction of the power failure precooling operation mode, the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the end trigger has occurred and ends the power failure precooling operation mode.

<Second other end trigger>
In the configuration in which the power failure precooling operation mode is terminated by the second other termination trigger, the refrigerator 1 receives the termination instruction information from the terminal device 4 via the refrigerator control server 3.
When the operation control unit 403 of the terminal device 4 receives the end instruction of the power failure precooling operation mode or the change instruction of the temperature inside the refrigerator from the user P, the operation control unit 403 outputs the end instruction information to the communication control unit 402. The communication control unit 402 adds the user ID 3131 stored in the terminal storage unit 410, and transmits the end instruction information output by the operation control unit 403 to the refrigerator control server 3 by the terminal communication unit 41.
When the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 receives the end instruction information from the terminal device 4 by the server communication unit 31, the server control unit 30 refers to the refrigerator control database 313 and records the record R including the user ID 3131 added to the end instruction information. Identify. Next, the server control unit 30 transmits the end instruction information received from the terminal device 4 to the refrigerator 1 by the server communication unit 31 based on the refrigerator communication information 3132 included in the specified record R.
When the refrigerator control unit 13 of the refrigerator 1 receives the end instruction information from the refrigerator control server 3 by the refrigerator communication unit 14, it determines that the end trigger has occurred and ends the power failure precooling operation mode.

In the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000, it may be determined whether or not the end trigger of any one of the end trigger, the first other end trigger, and the second other end trigger shown in FIG. 6 has occurred. , It may be determined whether or not any one of a plurality of arbitrary termination triggers has occurred. However, it is preferable that the end trigger of the power failure precooling operation mode includes at least the end trigger shown in FIG. 6, that is, the reception of the end instruction information when the issued weather warning is canceled. This is because the refrigerator 1 can surely end the power failure precooling operation mode when the weather warning is canceled, and can suppress unnecessary cooling of the inside of the refrigerator and increase in power consumption.

[1-3. Modification example]
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the refrigerator control system 1000 is configured to automatically shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode when a weather warning is issued. In the modified example of the first embodiment, when the weather warning is issued, the refrigerator control system 1000 asks the user P whether to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode, and after the inquiry, the power failure precooling is performed. When the user P gives an instruction to shift to the operation mode, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted to the power failure precooling operation mode.

The operation control unit 403 of this modification displays various user interfaces on the touch panel 42, inquires whether to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode, and changes the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode. Accepts instructions to shift to the operation mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the touch panel 42 by the operation control unit 403.

When the operation control unit 403 receives the inquiry instruction information from the refrigerator control server 3, if the display screen of the touch panel 42 is the non-application screen HAG, the first user interface UI 1 is displayed on the touch panel 42 in the form of a push notification. The inquiry instruction information will be described later. The non-app screen HAG refers to a screen other than the app screen AG related to the refrigerator control app 413, such as a home screen.

The first user interface UI 1 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring the user P whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode. When the first user interface UI 1 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation control unit 403 shifts the display screen of the touch panel 42 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG displaying the second user interface UI 2. When the operation control unit 403 receives the inquiry instruction information from the refrigerator control server 3, if the display screen of the touch panel 42 is the application screen AG, the touch panel 42 does not display the first user interface UI1. 2 The user interface UI2 is superimposed on the application screen AG and displayed.

The second user interface UI 2 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring the user P whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode. Further, the second user interface UI 2 includes a YES button B1 and a NO button B2. The YES button B1 is a software button for receiving an instruction from the user P to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode. The NO button B2 is a software button for receiving an instruction from the user P not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode.

When the NO button B2 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation control unit 403 stops the display of the second user interface UI2 without shifting the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode. On the other hand, when the YES button B1 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation control unit 403 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode, and replaces the second user interface UI2 with the third user interface UI3. Is displayed on the touch panel 42.

The third user interface UI 3 includes the operation start information J2 indicating that the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted to the power failure precooling operation mode and the refrigerator 1 has started the power failure precooling operation.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 of this modification will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 according to this modification. In FIG. 9, the flowchart FC shows the operation of the terminal device 4, the flowchart FD shows the operation of the refrigerator control server 3, and the flowchart FE shows the operation of the refrigerator 1.

In FIG. 9, the same step numbers as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

At the start time of each flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode as in FIG. Further, in the flowchart FD shown in FIG. 9, the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 targets a certain record R as a processing target.

When the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 determines that the weather warning has been issued (step SA1: YES) with reference to the flowchart FD, the terminal device communication information 3133 included in the record R to be processed is displayed. Based on this, the server communication unit 31 transmits the inquiry instruction information for inquiring about the transition to the power failure precooling operation mode to the terminal device 4 (step SD1).

With reference to the flowchart FC, the communication control unit 402 of the terminal device 4 determines whether or not the inquiry instruction information has been received from the refrigerator control server 3 by the terminal communication unit 41 (step SC1).

When the communication control unit 402 determines that the inquiry instruction information has not been received from the refrigerator control server 3 (step SC1: NO), the communication control unit 402 performs the process of step SC1 again.

When the communication control unit 402 determines that the inquiry instruction information has been received from the refrigerator control server 3 (step SC1: YES), the operation control unit 403 has the first user interface UI1 or the second user interface UI2. Is displayed on the touch panel 42, and the user P is inquired whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode (step SC2).

Next, the communication control unit 402 determines whether or not the terminal communication unit 41 has received the alarm cancellation information indicating that the weather warning has been canceled from the refrigerator control server 3 (step SC3).

The case where the communication control unit 402 makes an affirmative determination in step SC3 will be described later.
When the communication control unit 402 determines that the alarm release information has not been received from the refrigerator control server 3 (step SC3: NO), the operation control unit 403 instructs the refrigerator 1 to shift the operation mode to the power failure precooling operation mode. Is determined from the user P (step SC4). The operation control unit 403 determines affirmatively in step SC4 when the YES button B1 of the second user interface UI2 is touch-operated.

Next, when the operation control unit 403 determines that the user P has not received an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode (step SC4: NO), the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is changed to the power failure precooling operation mode. It is determined whether or not the instruction not to be transferred to is received from the user P (step SC6). The operation control unit 403 determines affirmatively in step SC6 when the NO button B2 of the second user interface UI2 is touch-operated.

When the operation control unit 403 determines that the user P has not received an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode (step SC6: NO), the process is returned to step SC3, and the process is returned to step SC3 again. Make a determination.

On the other hand, when the operation control unit 403 determines from the user P that the instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode is received from the user P (step SC6: YES), the display of the second user interface UI 2 is stopped and the refrigerator 1 is stopped. The inquiry as to whether or not to shift the operation mode to the power failure precooling operation mode is terminated (step SC7).

Returning to the explanation of step SC4, when the operation control unit 403 receives an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode (step SC4: YES), the shift instruction information is controlled by the terminal communication unit 41 in the refrigerator. It is transmitted to the server 3 (step SC5).

With reference to the flowchart FD, the server control unit 30 determines whether or not the migration instruction information has been received from the terminal device 4 by the server communication unit 31 (step SD2).

When the server control unit 30 determines that the migration instruction information has not been received from the terminal device 4 by the server communication unit 31 (step SD2: NO), the server control unit 30 determines whether or not the issued weather warning has been canceled (step). SD3).

When the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has been canceled (step SD3: YES), the server communication unit 31 transmits the warning cancellation information based on the terminal device communication information 3133 possessed by the record R to be processed. It is transmitted to the terminal device 4 (step SG4).

When it is determined that the communication control unit 402 has received the alarm release information by referring to the flowchart FC (step SF3: YES), the operation control unit 403 stops the display of the first user interface UI1 and the display of the second user interface UI2. , The inquiry as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode is completed (step SC7).

Returning to the explanation of step SD3 with reference to the flowchart FD, when it is determined that the issued weather warning has not been canceled (step SD3: NO), the server control unit 30 performs the process of step SD2 again.

Returning to the explanation of step SD2, when the server control unit 30 determines that the migration instruction information has been received from the terminal device 4 by the server communication unit 31 (step SD2: YES), the refrigerator communication information included in the record R to be processed. Based on 3132, the transition instruction information received from the terminal device 4 is transmitted to the refrigerator 1 by the server communication unit 31 (step SA2).

Even in this modification, the end trigger for the refrigerator 1 to end the power failure precooling operation mode is not limited to the reception of the end instruction information from the refrigerator control server 3 by canceling the weather warning. Similar to the first embodiment, the refrigerator control unit 13 generated for the end trigger of any one of the end trigger shown in FIG. 6, the first other end trigger described above, and the second other end trigger described above. Whether or not it may be determined, or whether or not any of a plurality of arbitrary end triggers has occurred may be determined. However, for the same reason described in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the end trigger of the power failure precooling operation mode includes at least the end trigger shown in FIG. 6, that is, the reception of the end instruction information by canceling the weather warning. ..

[1-4. Effect, etc.]
As described above, in the refrigerator 1, when an alarm regarding the cause of a power failure is issued to the area including the cooling unit 15 for cooling the inside of the refrigerator 1 and the place where the refrigerator 1 is installed, the refrigerator 1 is used. The refrigerator control unit 13 is provided to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the power failure precooling operation mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is lower than that of the normal operation mode. When the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the power failure precooling operation mode, the refrigerator control unit 13 has a cooling unit 15 so that the fluctuation of the refrigerator 1 internal temperature is smaller than the fluctuation of the refrigerator 1 internal temperature in the normal operation mode. Cool with.

According to this, the refrigerator 1 can lower the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 before the power failure occurs, and also reduces the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 while reducing the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator, thereby causing a power failure depending on the timing of the power failure. It is possible to suppress the difference in cooling capacity at times. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 in the event of a power failure can be maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source.

The cooling unit 15 includes a damper 156. By controlling the damper 156, the refrigerator control unit 13 makes the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 in the power failure precooling operation mode smaller than the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode.

Thereby, by controlling the damper 156, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 in the event of a power failure can be maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source. Therefore, even when the refrigerator 1 is of the 1-eva system, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 in the event of a power failure can be maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source.

The power failure precooling operation mode includes a temperature lowering mode in which the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is lowered from the internal temperature in the normal operation mode, and a temperature maintenance mode in which the internal temperature lowered in the temperature lowering mode is maintained.

After an alarm related to the cause of a power outage was issued, the power outage does not always occur at a fixed timing. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain the temperature in the temperature maintenance mode after lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator in the temperature lowering mode. Therefore, by including the temperature drop mode and the temperature maintenance mode in the power failure precooling operation mode, it is possible to prepare for a power failure in which it is unknown when the power failure occurs.

The refrigerator control unit 13 raises the rotation speed of the compressor 151 in the temperature lowering mode to be higher than the rotation speed in the temperature maintenance mode.

As a result, the internal temperatures of the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 can be quickly lowered in the power failure precooling operation mode while suppressing fluctuations in the internal temperature. Therefore, the temperature can be quickly shifted to the temperature maintenance mode, and the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 in the event of a power failure can be more reliably maintained for a long period of time.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a refrigerator 1 and a refrigerator control server 3 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1. When an alarm related to the cause of a power failure is issued to the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 3 changes the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode. The transition instruction information for shifting to the power failure precooling operation mode is transmitted to the refrigerator 1. Upon receiving the transition instruction information, the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the power failure precooling operation mode. The refrigerator 1 cools the inside of the refrigerator 1 so that the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is smaller than the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode in the power failure precooling operation mode.

According to this, it has the same effect as the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a terminal device 4 capable of communicating with the refrigerator control server 3. When the terminal device 4 receives the transition instruction to the power failure precooling operation mode from the user P of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 4 transmits the transition instruction information to the refrigerator control server 3. When the refrigerator control server 3 receives the migration instruction information, the refrigerator control server 3 transmits the received migration instruction information to the refrigerator 1.

Accepting the change in the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 may mean that the user P has terminated the power failure precooling operation mode and tried to change the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 from the temperature in the power failure precooling operation mode to another temperature. Is high. Therefore, according to this, the refrigerator 1 can end the power failure precooling operation mode at the timing desired by the user P. Further, since the user P can end the power failure precooling operation mode by operating the terminal device 4, even if the user P is not present at the installation location of the refrigerator 1 such as the home H, the user P can use the desired timing. The power failure precooling operation mode can be terminated with.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10-14.
In the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[2-1. Constitution]
FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a refrigerating cycle 157B of the refrigerator 1 in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates the same X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the main box body 10 of the refrigerator 1 of the second embodiment is formed with the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 as in the first embodiment. The refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12 are vertically partitioned by a heat insulating partition wall 17 in the main box body 10.

In the refrigerating cycle 157B of the refrigerator 1 in the second embodiment, the first cooler 154A generates cold air for cooling the refrigerating chamber 11, and the second cooler 154B generates cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 12. This method is called, for example, the 2-eva method. As shown in FIG. 11, in the refrigerating cycle 157B of the refrigerator 1 in the second embodiment, the compressor 151, the condenser 152, the switching valve 158, the first capillary tube 153A, and the first cooler 154A are connected in an annular shape. When the switching valve 158 is in a state of supplying the refrigerant to the first cooler 154A, the compressor 151 circulates the compressed refrigerant to cool the refrigerating chamber 11. Further, in the refrigerating cycle 157B of the refrigerator 1 in the second embodiment, the compressor 151, the condenser 152, the switching valve 158, the second capillary tube 153B, and the second cooler 154B are connected in an annular shape, and the switching valve 158 is a refrigerant. Is in a state of being supplied to the second cooler 154B, the compressor 151 circulates the compressed refrigerant to cool the freezer chamber 12.

Refrigerator 1 is provided with a compressor 151 in the upper rear part of the refrigerator compartment 11. Further, the refrigerator 1 includes a first cooler 154A and a first cooling fan 155A for sending the cold air generated by the first cooler 154A to the freezer chamber 12 behind the freezer chamber 12.

In the refrigerating chamber 11 of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first discharge port 111A, the second discharge port 111B, the third discharge port 111C, and the refrigerating chamber cold air are rearward in the refrigerating chamber 11. A return port is formed.

The freezing chamber 12 of the second embodiment includes a second cooler 154B and a second cooling fan 155B that sends the cold air generated by the second cooler 154B to the freezing chamber 12 behind the freezing chamber 12. ..

In the freezing chamber 12 of the second embodiment, a fourth discharge port 111D, a fifth discharge port 111E, and a freezing chamber cold air return port are formed behind the inside of the freezing chamber 12.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 3, and the terminal device 4 in the second embodiment.

As is clear from the comparison between FIGS. 4 and 12, the cooling unit 15 of the second embodiment includes the compressor 151, the condenser 152, the first capillary tube 153A, the second capillary tube 153B, and the first cooler 154A. , A second cooler 154B, a first cooling fan 155A, a second cooling fan 155B, and a mechanism for cooling each storage chamber of the refrigerator 1 such as a switching valve 158. The cooling unit 15 cools each storage chamber of the refrigerator 1 according to the control of the refrigerator control unit 13.

[2-2. motion]
Next, the operation of the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator control system 1000 in the second embodiment will be described.
First, with reference to FIG. 13, the operation of each part of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode and the power failure precooling operation mode in the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the state of each part of the refrigerator 1.
In FIG. 13, the timing chart CG shows the state of the compressor 151. Further, the timing chart CH shows the state of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. Further, the timing chart CI shows the state of the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12. Further, the timing chart CJ shows the state of the switching valve 158.

First, the operation of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode will be described.
In FIG. 13, the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode is the period from the timing T9 to the timing T10.

As shown in the timing chart CG of FIG. 13, the refrigerator control unit 13 sets the state of the compressor 151 to a state of repeating a stopped state and a low rotation state in the normal operation mode.

Further, as shown in the timing chart CG of FIG. 13, the refrigerator control unit 13 changes the state of the switching valve 158 based on the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 in the normal operation mode. Switch to one of the refrigerating room supply state, the freezing room supply state, and the closed state.
The refrigerating chamber supply state is a state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is supplied to the first cooler 154A. In the refrigerating chamber supply state, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is not supplied to the second cooler 154B.
The freezer chamber supply state is a state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is supplied to the second cooler 154B. In the freezing room supply state, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is not supplied to the first cooler 154A.
The closed state is a state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is not supplied to the first cooler 154A and the second cooler 154B.

Specifically, the refrigerator control unit 13 has a temperature difference of α between the state of the switching valve 158 when the state of the switching valve 158 is set to the state of being supplied to the refrigerating room and the state of the state other than the state of being supplied to the refrigerating room. The state of the switching valve 158 is controlled so as to be (K).

Specifically, the refrigerator control unit 13 changes the state of the switching valve 158 to the refrigerating room supply state when the temperature rises by α (K) from the refrigerating room first target temperature based on the temperature detected by the refrigerating room temperature sensor 161A. At the same time, the compressor 151 is put into a low rotation state. As a result, the refrigerating chamber 11 is cooled and the temperature inside the refrigerator is lowered. On the other hand, at the time of this cooling, the temperature inside the refrigerator rises because the freezing chamber 12 is not cooled. When the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops to the first target temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the switching valve 158 in the freezing chamber supply state and finishes cooling the refrigerator compartment 11. As a result, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 rises, while the refrigerator control unit 13 lowers the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 by putting the switching valve 158 in the freezing chamber supply state. The refrigerator control unit 13 puts the compressor 151 in a stopped state when the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 drops to the first target temperature in the freezing chamber. After that, when the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 rises by α (K) from the first target temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the switching valve 158 into the refrigerator compartment supply state and at the same time rotates the compressor 151 at a low speed. Put it in a state.

Next, the power failure precooling operation mode will be described.
In FIG. 13, the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the power failure precooling operation mode is the period from the timing T10 to the timing T12. Further, in FIG. 13, the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature drop mode is the period from the timing T10 to the timing T11.

As shown in the timing chart CG of FIG. 13, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the compressor 151 in a high rotation state in the temperature drop mode.

Further, as shown in the timing chart CG of FIG. 13, the refrigerator control unit 13 controls the state of the switching valve 158 based on the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 in the temperature lowering mode.

Specifically, the refrigerator control unit 13 cools the refrigerating chamber 11 by setting the compressor 151 to a high rotation state at the same time as putting the switching valve 158 into the refrigerating chamber supply state. During this cooling, the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 rises. When the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops to the second target temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11 based on the temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the switching valve 158 in the freezer compartment supply state and refrigerates. The cooling of the chamber 11 is finished. By this end, the freezing chamber 12 starts cooling. As a result, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 rises, while the temperature inside the freezer chamber 12 falls. The refrigerator control unit 13 lowers the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 toward the second target temperature of the freezing chamber. Here, since the temperature difference for controlling the switching valve 158 is made smaller than that in the normal operation mode, the temperature inside the refrigerating chamber 11 is refrigerated before the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 reaches the second target temperature of the freezing chamber. The temperature rises by β (K) from the second target temperature in the room. With this as a trigger, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the switching valve 158 in the refrigerating chamber supply state again, and cools the refrigerating chamber 11 again. The refrigerator control unit 13 repeats this control in the temperature lowering mode until the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 drops to the second target temperature in the freezing chamber.

The refrigerator control unit 13 continues the temperature drop mode until the transition trigger described in the first embodiment occurs.

Next, the temperature maintenance mode will be described.
As shown in the timing chart CG of FIG. 13, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the compressor 151 in a low rotation state in the temperature lowering mode.

Further, as shown in the timing chart CJ of FIG. 13, the refrigerator control unit 13 is in the state of the switching valve 158 based on either the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 or the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 in the power failure precooling operation mode. To control.

Specifically, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the switching valve 158 in the refrigerating room supply state and refrigerates when the temperature rises by β (K) from the second target temperature of the refrigerating room based on the temperature detected by the refrigerating room temperature sensor 161A. When the second target temperature of the chamber is reached, the switching valve 158 is put into the freezer chamber supply state.

Specifically, the refrigerator control unit 13 sets the switching valve 158 to the freezing room supply state when the temperature rises by β (K) from the freezing room second target temperature based on the temperature detected by the freezing room temperature sensor 161B. When the second target temperature of the freezing chamber is reached, the switching valve 158 is put into the refrigerating chamber supply state.

The operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 related to the transition of the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the operation shown in FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment.

As described above, the second embodiment can maintain the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 for a long period of time even in the event of a power failure, without using an external power source, as in the first embodiment.

Further, in the second embodiment, by controlling the switching valve 158 in the power failure precooling operation mode, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 can be maintained for a longer period of time in the event of a power failure.

This effect will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram comparing fluctuations in the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and fluctuations in the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12. In FIG. 14, the timing chart CK shows the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. Further, in FIG. 14, the timing chart CL shows the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12.

In FIG. 14, the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode is the period from the timing T13 to the timing T14, and the period in which the temperature drop mode is the period from the timing T14 to the timing T15. A certain period is a period from timing T15 to timing T16.

In the timing chart CK, the solid line shows the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator chamber 11 when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the conventional cooling method. Further, in the timing chart CK, the broken line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator chamber 11 when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the cooling method of the present disclosure.

In the timing chart CL, the solid line shows the fluctuation of the temperature of the freezing chamber 12 when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the conventional cooling method. Further, in the timing chart CL, the broken line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the freezing chamber 12 when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the cooling method of the present disclosure.

As is clear by comparing the solid line and the broken line, in the power failure precooling operation mode of the present disclosure, fluctuations in the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 12 can be suppressed as compared with the conventional cooling method.

Thereby, as in the first embodiment, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 in the event of a power failure can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[2-3. Modification example]
The second embodiment described above is the same as the first embodiment described above, and is configured to automatically shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode when a weather warning is issued. In the modified example of the second embodiment, as in the modified example of the first embodiment, when a weather warning is issued, the user P is inquired as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode. After the inquiry, when the user P gives an instruction to shift to the power failure precooling operation mode, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted to the power failure precooling operation mode.

Each device of the refrigerator control system 1000 of this modification performs the same operation as the modification of the first embodiment described above.

[2-4. Effect, etc.]
According to the above-mentioned modifications of the second embodiment and the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first and first embodiments described above can be obtained.

Further, the cooling unit 15 sets the supply destinations of the condenser 152, the first cooler 154A for generating cold air in the refrigerating chamber, the second cooler 154B for generating cold air in the freezer chamber, and the refrigerant generated by the condenser 152. A switching valve 158 for switching to one cooler 154A or a second cooler 154B is provided. By controlling the switching valve, the refrigerator control unit 13 makes the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 in the power failure precooling operation mode smaller than the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode.

Thereby, by controlling the switching valve 158, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 in the event of a power failure can be effectively maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source. Therefore, even when the refrigerator 1 is of the 2-eva system, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 in the event of a power failure can be maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the above-described embodiments and modifications have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. have been made. Further, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-described embodiments and modifications to form a new embodiment.
Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

In the above-described embodiment and modification, the refrigerator 1 is configured to start the power failure precooling operation mode by receiving the transition instruction information. However, the trigger for starting the power failure precooling operation mode is not limited to this. The refrigerator 1 may be provided with a button for starting the power failure precooling operation mode at a predetermined position, and may be configured to start the power failure precooling operation mode when the button is operated by the user P. In the case of this configuration, the refrigerator 1 continues for a predetermined period (for example, 24 hours) until the user P inputs an end instruction to the refrigerator 1 or after starting the power failure precooling operation mode. As a result, even if the refrigerator 1 is not linked with the refrigerator control server 3 or the refrigerator control application 413, the user P changes the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure precooling operation mode at the timing when he / she thinks that a power failure may occur. Can be done.

In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the case where the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the power failure precooling operation mode is illustrated, but the operation mode of the shift source is not limited to the normal operation mode, and the power failure precooling is not limited to the normal operation mode. Any operation mode other than the operation mode may be used. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the power failure precooling operation mode to the normal operation mode is illustrated. Any operation mode other than the operation mode may be used. Here, the operation mode other than the power failure precooling operation mode corresponds to an example of the "first mode".

For example, in the temperature drop mode, in addition to the configuration in which the compressor 151 is in a high rotation state, the cooling fan 155, the first cooling fan 155A, and the second cooling fan 155B are rotated at a higher rotation speed than in other modes. May be good.

For example, in the power failure precooling operation mode of the first embodiment, the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator is suppressed by controlling the frequency of the open / closed state of the damper 156, but the temperature inside the refrigerator is controlled by controlling the opening degree of the damper 156. It may be configured to suppress the fluctuation of. Further, in the power failure precooling operation mode of the second embodiment, the frequency of switching the state of the switching valve 158 is controlled to suppress the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator, but the opening degree of the switching valve 158 is controlled to control the temperature of the refrigerator. It may be configured to suppress fluctuations in the internal temperature.

In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the weather warning is exemplified as the warning related to the cause of the power failure, but the warning related to the cause of the power failure includes a seismic motion warning, a flood warning, a tsunami warning, an eruption warning, a fire warning, etc. It may be an alarm other than the weather warning of. In this case, the cause of the power outage is a factor other than the weather. Further, in this case, a server device that provides information indicating whether or not an alarm other than the weather warning is issued is connected to the global network GN in place of or together with the weather warning server 5, and the refrigerator control server 3 is the server. Inquire whether an alarm has been issued to the device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment and modification, the refrigerator 1 is configured to start the power failure precooling operation mode triggered by the issuance of an alarm, but the trigger is not limited to the alarm and is a warning regarding the cause of the power failure. But it may be. There are various warnings such as heavy rain warnings and flood warnings, and among them, a lightning warning that is likely to lead to a power outage may be used as a trigger. Further, the trigger is not limited to warnings and warnings, but may be forecasts related to other causes of power outages. In this case, a server device that provides information indicating whether or not a forecast is issued is connected to the global network GN on behalf of or together with the weather warning server 5, and the refrigerator control server 3 provides a forecast to the server device. Inquire whether it was announced or not. Further, in this case, a server device that provides information indicating whether or not a forecast is issued is connected to the global network GN on behalf of or together with an alarm server other than the weather warning, and the refrigerator control server 3 is connected to the server device. Inquire whether the forecast has been issued.

For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the refrigerator control server 3 adds a refrigerator ID when transmitting the transition instruction information to the refrigerator 1, and the refrigerator 1 includes the refrigerator ID added to the transition instruction information and itself. The operation mode may be shifted to the power failure precooling operation mode only when the refrigerator ID assigned to is the same. The refrigerator ID is information that identifies the refrigerator 1, and is, for example, a serial number.

For example, the type of room formed in the main box body 10 of the refrigerator 1 is not limited to the refrigerating room 11 and the freezing room 12, and another type of room such as an ice making room, a fresh freezing room, and a vegetable room is formed. May be done. Further, the number of doors provided in the opening on the front surface of the refrigerating chamber 11 may be plural. When the damper 156 is provided for each accommodation chamber, the refrigerator control unit 13 controls each of the dampers 156 so as to suppress the temperature fluctuation of each accommodation chamber, as in the first embodiment.

For example, the internal configurations such as the number of shelves and the number of storage boxes in the refrigerating room 11 and the freezing room 12 are not limited to FIGS. 2 and 10.

For example, one or more temperature sensors 161 may be provided in each storage room of the refrigerator 1.

For example, the functions of the refrigerator control unit 13, the server control unit 30, and the terminal control unit 40 may be realized by a plurality of processors or semiconductor chips.

Each part shown in FIGS. 4 and 12 is an example, and the specific mounting form is not particularly limited. That is, it is not always necessary to implement the hardware corresponding to each part individually, and it is of course possible to realize the function of each part by executing the program by one processor. Further, a part of the functions realized by the software in the above-described embodiment may be realized by the hardware, or a part of the functions realized by the hardware may be realized by the software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 3, and the other parts of the terminal device 4 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

For example, the operation step units shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of each device of the refrigerator control system 1000, and are divided according to the processing contents. It may be divided into more step units. Further, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processes. Further, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed as long as it does not interfere with the purpose of the present disclosure.

Since the above-described embodiment is for exemplifying the technique in the present disclosure, various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of claims or the equivalent thereof.

As described above, the refrigerator and the refrigerator control system according to the present disclosure can be used for maintaining the cooling capacity of the refrigerator in the event of a power failure.

1 Refrigerator 3 Refrigerator control server (server)
4 Terminal equipment 5 Weather alarm server 11 Refrigerator room 12 Refrigerator room 13 Refrigerator control unit 15 Cooler unit 151 Compressor 152 Condenser 154 Cooler 154A 1st cooler 154B 2nd cooler 156 Damper 158 Switching valve 1000 Refrigerator control system H Home (Installation location)
P user

Claims (7)

1. A cooling unit that cools the inside of the refrigerator,
   When a forecast related to the cause of a power outage is issued to the area including the place where the refrigerator is installed, the operation mode of the refrigerator is changed from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is lower than that of the first mode. Equipped with a refrigerator control unit to shift to
   The refrigerator control unit
   When the operation mode of the refrigerator is the second mode, the cooling unit cools the refrigerator so that the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator is smaller than the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator in the first mode.
   refrigerator.
2. The cooling unit includes a damper and has a damper.
   By controlling the damper, the refrigerator control unit makes the fluctuation of the refrigerator temperature in the second mode smaller than the fluctuation of the refrigerator temperature in the first mode.
   The refrigerator according to claim 1.
3. In the cooling unit, the condenser, the first cooler that generates the cold air in the refrigerator compartment, the second cooler that generates the cold air in the freezer chamber, and the supply destination of the refrigerant generated by the condenser are the first cooler or the first cooler. Equipped with a switching valve to switch to the second cooler
   By controlling the switching valve, the refrigerator control unit makes the fluctuation of the refrigerator temperature in the second mode smaller than the fluctuation of the refrigerator temperature in the first mode.
   The refrigerator according to claim 1.
4. The second mode includes a temperature lowering mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is lowered from the temperature inside the refrigerator in the first mode, and a temperature maintenance mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is maintained lowered in the temperature lowering mode. include,
   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The refrigerator control unit
   In the temperature lowering mode, the rotation speed of the compressor is made higher than the rotation speed in the temperature maintenance mode.
   The refrigerator according to claim 4.
6. A refrigerator control system including a refrigerator and a server capable of communicating with the refrigerator.
   The server
   When a forecast related to the cause of a power outage is issued to the area including the place where the refrigerator is installed, the operation mode of the refrigerator is changed from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is lower than that of the first mode. The transition instruction information to be transferred to the refrigerator is transmitted to the refrigerator.
   The refrigerator
   Upon receiving the transition instruction information, the operation mode is shifted from the first mode to the second mode.
   In the second mode, the inside of the refrigerator is cooled so that the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator is smaller than the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator in the first mode.
   Refrigerator control system.
7. Equipped with a terminal device capable of communicating with the server
   When the terminal device receives the transition instruction to the second mode from the user of the refrigerator, the terminal device transmits the transition instruction information to the server.
   When the server receives the migration instruction information, the server transmits the received migration instruction information to the refrigerator.
   The refrigerator control system according to claim 6.

Images