Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator capable of achieving an improvement in convenience. The refrigerator of an embodiment has a cabinet, a cooling unit, an information function unit, a first power supply substrate, and a second power supply substrate. The cabinet includes a storage compartment. The cooling unit cools the storage compartment. The information function unit has an information processing function. The first power supply substrate supplies electric power to the cooling unit. The second power supply substrate, which is provided separately from the first power supply substrate, supplies electric power to the information function unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] A refrigerator provided with a cooling unit of a cooling storage chamber and an information function unit of a display device is known. Electric power is supplied from the same power supply substrate to the cooling unit and the information function unit.

[0003] However, in the refrigerator as described above, in a case where a failure occurs in the power supply substrate, the operation of the information function unit is stopped in addition to the operation of the cooling unit being stopped. In this case, the convenience of the user sometimes decreases.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-132550 SUMMARY

[0005] The present application has been made to solve the problem of providing a refrigerator capable of achieving an improvement in convenience.

[0006] The refrigerator of the embodiment has a cabinet, a cooling unit, an information function unit, a first power supply substrate, and a second power supply substrate. The cabinet includes a storage chamber. The cooling unit cools the storage chamber. The information function unit has an information processing function. The first power supply substrate supplies electric power to the cooling unit. The second power supply substrate is provided separately from the first power supply substrate and supplies electric power to the information function unit.

[0007] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A refrigerator capable of achieving an improvement in convenience can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator of a first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a sectional view along the line F2-F2 of the refrigerator shown in Figure 1

[0011] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a functional structure of a first power supply substrate and a second power supply substrate of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an electrical connection structure of the first power supply substrate and the second power supply substrate of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a circuit configuration diagram showing an example of a power conversion section of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 ​is a view showing an electrical connection structure of the first power supply substrate and the second power supply substrate of the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 is a view showing a functional structure of the first power supply substrate and the second power supply substrate of the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 is a view showing a functional structure of the first power supply substrate and the second power supply substrate of the third embodiment.

[0017] Reference Signs

[0018] 1: refrigerator; 10: cabinet; 11: storage compartment; 30: cooling unit; 51: display device (information function unit); 52: speaker unit (information function unit); 53: in-cabinet camera (information function unit); 70: first power supply substrate; 80: second power supply substrate; 83: power supply control section; 84: unit control section; 85: storage section; FU: information function unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, a refrigerator of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference signs are attached to structures having the same or similar functions. Also, sometimes repeated description of these structures will be omitted. In this specification, left and right are defined based on a direction in which a user standing in front of the refrigerator observes the refrigerator. In addition, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator is defined as "front", and the side farther away is defined as "rear".

[0020] In this specification, "based on XX" means "at least based on XX", and also includes a case where based on another element in addition to XX. In addition, "based on XX" is not limited to a case where XX is used directly, and can include a case where based on a result obtained by subjecting XX to an operation, processing, or the like. In this specification, "XX or YY" is not limited to a case where only "XX" or only "YY" is given, and can include a case where both "XX" and "YY" are given. The same applies to a case where the number of elements to be selected is three or more. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information).

[0021] (First Embodiment)

[0022] [1. Overall structure of refrigerator]

[0023] Reference Signs Figures 1 to 5 A refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment will be described. First, an overall structure of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

[0024] Figure 1 is a view showing a perspective view of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1, for example, is provided with a cabinet 10, a plurality of doors 20, a cooling unit 30 (refer toFigure 2 ), a door opening device (door opening assist device) 41, an operation section 42, a display device 51, a speaker unit 52, an in-box camera 53 (see Figure 2 ), an external connection terminal 54, a communication module 61, a first power supply substrate 70, and a second power supply substrate 80.

[0025] The cabinet 10 has an upper wall 10a, a lower wall 10b, left and right side walls 10c, 10d, and a rear wall 10e. The upper wall 10a and the lower wall 10b extend substantially horizontally. The left and right side walls 10c, 10d rise upward from left and right end portions of the lower wall 10b, and are connected to left and right end portions of the upper wall 10a. The rear wall 10e rises upward from a rear end portion of the lower wall 10b, and is connected to a rear end portion of the upper wall 10a. The cabinet 10 includes an inner cabinet 10i that forms an inner surface of the cabinet 10, an outer cabinet 10j that is located outside the inner cabinet 10i and forms an outer surface of the cabinet 10, and a foamed thermal insulation material 10k such as foamed polyurethane that is provided between the inner cabinet 10i and the outer cabinet 10j, and has thermal insulation properties (see Figure 2 ).

[0026] A plurality of storage compartments 11 are provided inside the cabinet 10. The plurality of storage compartments 11 include, for example, a refrigerating compartment 11A, a shock freezing compartment 11Aa (see Figure 2 ), a vegetable compartment 11B, an ice making compartment 11C, a small freezing compartment 11D, and a main freezing compartment 11E. In the present embodiment, the refrigerating compartment 11A is disposed at the uppermost portion, the vegetable compartment 11B is disposed below the refrigerating compartment 11A, the ice making compartment 11C and the small freezing compartment 11D are disposed below the vegetable compartment 11B, and the main freezing compartment 11E is disposed below the ice making compartment 11C and the small freezing compartment 11D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 11 is not limited to the above example. The cabinet 10 has an opening on the front side of each of the storage compartments 11, through which foodstuffs can be taken out of or put into each of the storage compartments 11.

[0027] A plurality of doors 20 are capable of opening and closing the storage compartments 11. The plurality of doors 20 include, for example, left and right refrigerating compartment doors 20Aa, 20Ab that close the opening of the refrigerating compartment 11A, a vegetable compartment door 20B that closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 11B, an ice making compartment door 20C that closes the opening of the ice making compartment 11C, a small freezing compartment door 20D that closes the opening of the small freezing compartment 11D, and a main freezing compartment door 20E that closes the opening of the main freezing compartment 11E. In the present specification, the cabinet 10 and the plurality of doors 20 are collectively referred to as a "refrigerator main body MB".

[0028] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the F2-F2 line of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 2. Figure 1

[0029] ​The cooling unit 30 includes a compressor 31, a refrigeration cooler 32, a refrigeration fan 33, a freezing cooler 34, and a freezing fan 35. The compressor 31 compresses refrigerant, and supplies the compressed refrigerant to the refrigeration cooler 32 and the freezing cooler 34 via a condenser and a capillary tube or the like.

[0030] The refrigeration cooler 32 is disposed in a first duct space Dl provided at the rear of the refrigeration compartment 11A, and cools air flowing in the first duct space Dl using refrigerant supplied from the compressor 31. The refrigeration fan 33 circulates air (cool air) cooled by the refrigeration cooler 32 in the refrigeration temperature zone compartments (the refrigeration compartment 11A, the shock compartment 11Aa, and the vegetable compartment 11B) and the first duct space Dl. Thus, the refrigeration compartment 11A, the shock compartment 11Aa, and the vegetable compartment 11B are cooled.

[0031] The freezing cooler 34 is disposed in a second duct space D2 provided at the rear of the main freezing compartment 11E, and cools air flowing in the second duct space D2 using refrigerant supplied from the compressor 31. The freezing fan 35 circulates air (cool air) cooled by the freezing cooler 34 in the freezing temperature zone compartments (the ice-making compartment 11C, the small freezing compartment 11D, and the main freezing compartment 11E) and the second duct space D2. Thus, the ice-making compartment 11C, the small freezing compartment 11D, and the main freezing compartment 11E are cooled.

[0032] In addition, the "cooling unit" described in this specification is not limited to the above-described structure, and can include a heating device such as a defrosting heater and a dew prevention heater.

[0033] Returning to Figure 1 The remaining structures will be described.

[0034] The door opening device 41 is a device that automatically opens the refrigeration compartment doors 20Aa, 20Ab. For example, the door opening device 41 has a first door opening device 41A and a second door opening device 41B. The first door opening device 41A is disposed at the rear of the left refrigeration compartment door 20Aa. The first door opening device 41A has a plunger 41p that is pushed out in the forward direction by being excited by an electromagnet (see FIG. 6). The first door opening device 41A is controlled by a control section 73 (see FIG. 7) of a first power supply substrate 70 described later, and forcibly opens the left refrigeration compartment door 20Aa by pushing out the plunger 41p in the forward direction. Similarly, the second door opening device 41B is disposed at the rear of the right refrigeration compartment door 20Ab. The second door opening device 41B is controlled by the control section 73 of the first power supply substrate 70, and forcibly opens the right refrigeration compartment door 20Ab by pushing out the plunger 41p in the forward direction. However, the manner of the door opening device 41 is not limited to the above-described example. Figure 2 Figure 3 ) of a first power supply substrate 70 described later, and forcibly opens the left refrigeration compartment door 20Aa by pushing out the plunger 41p in the forward direction. Similarly, the second door opening device 41B is disposed at the rear of the right refrigeration compartment door 20Ab. The second door opening device 41B is controlled by the control section 73 of the first power supply substrate 70, and forcibly opens the right refrigeration compartment door 20Ab by pushing out the plunger 41p in the forward direction. However, the manner of the door opening device 41 is not limited to the above-described example. ​

[0035] The operation section 42 accepts an operation of a user to actuate the door opening device 41. For example, the operation section 42 has a first operation section 42A that accepts an operation of a user to actuate the first door opening device 41A, and a second operation section 42B that accepts an operation of a user to actuate the second door opening device 41B. The first operation section 42A is provided to the left refrigerating chamber door 20Aa, and has a sensor that can detect a touch operation of a user who touches the surface of the left refrigerating chamber door 20Aa. In a case where the first operation section 42A accepts an operation of a user, the control section 73 of the first power supply substrate 70 causes the first door opening device 41A to actuate. Similarly, the second operation section 42B is provided to the right refrigerating chamber door 20Ab, and has a sensor that can detect a touch operation of a user who touches the surface of the right refrigerating chamber door 20Ab. In a case where the second operation section 42B accepts an operation of a user, the control section 73 of the first power supply substrate 70 causes the second door opening device 41B to actuate. The sensor provided to the first operation section 42A or the second operation section 42B detects a touch operation of a user who touches the surface of the door 20, for example, by detecting a change in electrostatic capacitance. However, the sensor provided to the first operation section 42A or the second operation section 42B can be a sensor that can detect an operation of a user who merely approaches the surface of the door 20 with a hand.

[0036] The display device 51 is provided to the right refrigerating chamber door 20Ab, for example. The display device 51 has a display panel 51a, a touch sensor (touch panel) 51b, and a control section 51c, for example. The display panel 51a is an organic EL (Organic Electro Luminescence) display, a micro LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, or a liquid crystal display, or the like. The display panel 51a has a display screen 51aa that displays an image, a video, or the like. In the display screen 51aa, a recipe, a cooking procedure, food management (inventory management of the refrigerator), a set state of the refrigerator 1 (for example, a set temperature), music (for example, a live video), or an image or a video related to a weather forecast, or the like is displayed, for example.

[0037] The touch sensor 51b of the display device 51 is provided to overlap the display screen 51aa. The touch sensor 51b is a sensor of an electrostatic capacitance type, for example, and can accept an input operation of a user to the display screen 51aa. The control section 51c controls the display panel 51a. For example, the control section 51c switches the content of the display screen 51aa displayed on the display panel 51a on the basis of an operation of a user to the touch sensor 51b. In a case where an error occurs in a process related to the display device 51, the control section 51c transmits a signal indicating that an error has occurred (an error signal) to the unit control section 84 (described later) of the second power supply substrate 80.

[0038] Speaker unit 52 is installed, for example, on the right refrigerator door 20Ab. Speaker unit 52 includes a speaker 52a, a wireless communication module 52b, and a control unit 52c. Wireless communication module 52b is capable of wirelessly communicating with an external terminal device TD. For example, wireless communication module 52b can directly communicate wirelessly with a terminal device TD located within a specified range of refrigerator 1 (e.g., at least a portion of the space within the same residence as refrigerator 1). Wireless communication module 52b is, for example, a short-range wireless communication module according to standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The terminal device TD is a terminal device owned by the user of refrigerator 1, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0039] The control unit 52c of the speaker unit 52 controls the speaker 52a and the wireless communication module 52b. For example, based on the control signal received from the terminal device TD via the wireless communication module 52b, the control unit 52c reproduces music data stored in a storage unit (not shown) (or the storage unit 85 of the second power board 80) and outputs the reproduced music from the speaker 52a to the outside of the refrigerator 1. If an error occurs in the processing related to the speaker unit 52, the control unit 52c sends an error signal (error signal) to the unit control unit 84 of the second power board 80. Alternatively, the speaker unit 52 may also be a smart speaker equipped with a microphone and functioning as a voice interaction device.

[0040] The camera 53 is installed in one or more of the following storage compartments 11: refrigerator compartment 11A, chiller compartment 11Aa, vegetable compartment 11B, small freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment 11E (see reference). Figure 2 The in-box camera 53 includes a camera body 53a and a control unit 53b. The camera body 53a captures images of the stored items (food) stored in the storage compartment 11. The control unit 53b controls the camera body 53a. For example, the control unit 53b activates the camera body 53a at predetermined intervals to capture images of the inside of the storage compartment 11. If an error occurs in the processing related to the in-box camera 53, the control unit 53b sends an error signal (error signal) to the unit control unit 84 of the second power board 80.

[0041] An external connection terminal 54 is provided, for example, on the right refrigerator door 20Ab. The external connection terminal 54 is, for example, a female connector conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The user of refrigerator 1 can charge terminal device TD or other devices by connecting a charging cable to the external connection terminal 54.

[0042] The communication module 61 is provided, for example, to the upper wall 10a of the cabinet 10. The communication module 61 is capable of communicating with a router R provided in the same house as the refrigerator 1 through wireless or wired communication. The communication module 61 is capable of communicating with an external server device SD (for example, a cloud server) via the router R, a modem not shown, and an external network NW such as the Internet. The communication module 61 transmits information indicating the state of the refrigerator 1 to the server device SD. In addition, the communication module 61 receives a control signal for remote operation of the refrigerator 1 from the server device SD.

[0043] The first power supply substrate 70 is provided, for example, to the upper wall 10a of the cabinet 10. The first power supply substrate 70 is a power supply substrate that supplies power from an external commercial power supply PS (not shown) to supply power required for cooling operation of the refrigerator 1. For example, the first power supply substrate 70 supplies power to the cooling unit 30, the door opening device 41, the operation section 42, and the communication module 61. The first power supply substrate 70 will be described later in detail. Figure 3 ) supplies power required for cooling operation of the refrigerator 1. For example, the first power supply substrate 70 supplies power to the cooling unit 30, the door opening device 41, the operation section 42, and the communication module 61. The first power supply substrate 70 will be described later in detail.

[0044] The second power supply substrate 80 is provided, for example, to the upper wall 10a of the cabinet 10. The second power supply substrate 80 is a power supply substrate that functions as a main power supply of an IoT (Internet of Things) related component. The second power supply substrate 80 is provided separately from the first power supply substrate 70. For example, the second power supply substrate 80 is independently arranged with respect to the first power supply substrate 70. In the present embodiment, the second power supply substrate 80 is arranged behind the first power supply substrate 70 with a gap between the first power supply substrate 70 and the second power supply substrate 80. The second power supply substrate 80 supplies power from an external commercial power supply PS to supply power to the display device 51, the speaker unit 52, and the in-cabinet camera 53. The second power supply substrate 80 will be described later in detail.

[0045] [2. Function structure of the first power supply substrate and the second power supply substrate]

[0046] Next, the function structure of the first power supply substrate 70 and the second power supply substrate 80 will be described.

[0047] Figure 3 is a view that shows the function structure of the first power supply substrate 70 and the second power supply substrate 80.

[0048] [2.1 Function structure of the first power supply substrate]

[0049] On the first power supply substrate 70, in addition to the above-described structure, a door opening and closing switch SW and a temperature sensor TS are connected. The door opening and closing switch SW includes a refrigerating chamber door opening and closing switch that detects opening and closing of the refrigerating chamber doors 20Aa, 20Ab, a vegetable chamber door opening and closing switch that detects opening and closing of the vegetable chamber door 20B, an ice making chamber door opening and closing switch that detects opening and closing of the ice making chamber door 20C, a small freezing chamber door opening and closing switch that detects opening and closing of the small freezing chamber door 20D, and a main freezing chamber door opening and closing switch that detects opening and closing of the main freezing chamber door 20E.

[0050] The temperature sensor TS includes a refrigerating chamber temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the refrigerating chamber 11A, a vegetable chamber temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the vegetable chamber 11B, a main freezing chamber temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the main freezing chamber 11E, a refrigerating cooler temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the refrigerating cooler 32, a freezing cooler temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the freezing cooler 34, and an ambient temperature sensor that detects a temperature (room temperature) outside the refrigerator 1.

[0051] The first power supply substrate 70 has a circuit substrate 70a, and a plurality of electric components 70b (integrated circuit components of microcontrollers and the like, switching elements, diodes, and the like) mounted on the circuit substrate 70a (see FIG. 2). Figure 2 In the first power supply substrate 70, by the circuit substrate 70a and the plurality of electric components 70b, a power supply circuit (power supply portion) 71, a current detection portion 72, a control portion 73, and a storage portion 74 are realized.

[0052] The power supply circuit 71 includes an AC-DC converter, a switching circuit, and the like, and supplies electric power to components associated with main functions of the refrigerator 1 (for example, components associated with cooling of the storage compartment 11). In the present embodiment, the power supply circuit 71 converts electric power supplied from an external commercial power supply PS (for example, alternating current 100 V) into desired electric power (for example, direct current electric power of a desired voltage), and supplies the converted electric power to the cooling unit 30 (for example, the compressor 31, the refrigerating fan 33, the freezing fan 35), the door opening device 41, the operation portion 42, and the communication module 61. Thereby, the cooling unit 30, the door opening device 41, the operation portion 42, and the communication module 61 can operate.

[0053] The current detection portion 72 includes a current detection circuit, and detects a current value of a current flowing in an electric component possessed by the refrigerator 1. The electric component is, for example, the compressor 31, the refrigerating fan 33, the freezing fan 35, an ice making tray motor, a water supply motor, or a heater.

[0054] The control section 73 constitutes a main control section of the refrigerator 1. The control section 73 controls the cooling unit 30 (e.g., the compressor 31, the refrigeration fan 33, the freezing fan 35), the door opening device 41, and the communication module 61 on the basis of the detection result of the operation section 42, the detection result of the door opening / closing switch SW, the detection result of the temperature sensor TS, the detection result of the current detection section 72, a control signal of a remote operation received via the communication module 61, and a control algorithm set in advance, and the like.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the first power supply substrate 70 is capable of communicating with the display device 51 via the second power supply substrate 80. The control section 73 of the first power supply substrate 70 transmits a signal of an image or a video requested to be displayed on the display device 51 to an external server device SD via the communication module 61. The control section 73 of the first power supply substrate 70 acquires an image or a video to be displayed on the display device 51 from the external server device SD via the communication module 61. The image or the video to be displayed on the display device 51 acquired by the control section 73 of the first power supply substrate 70 is transmitted to the unit control section 84 of the second power supply substrate 80.

[0056] The storage section 74 stores state history information I1 (e.g., information indicating a history of the detection result of the door opening / closing switch SW, a history of the detection result of the temperature sensor TS, a history of the detection result of the current detection section 72, and a history of the operation control mode of the refrigerator 1, and the like) indicating a history of a state of the refrigerator 1.

[0057] [2.2 Function structure of the second power supply substrate]

[0058] The second power supply substrate 80 has a circuit substrate 80a, and a plurality of electric components 80b (integrated circuit components such as microcontrollers, switching elements, transformers, diodes, and the like) mounted on the circuit substrate 80a (see FIG. 6). In the second power supply substrate 80, a power supply circuit (power supply section) 81, a current detection section 82, a power supply control section 83, a unit control section 84, and a storage section 85 are realized by the circuit substrate 80a and the plurality of electric components 80b. Figure 2

[0059] ​The power supply circuit 81 includes an AC-DC converter, a switching circuit, and the like, and supplies electric power to the information function units provided in the refrigerator 1. In the present embodiment, the power supply circuit 81 converts electric power supplied from an external commercial power supply PS (for example, alternating current 100 V) into desired electric power (for example, direct current electric power of a desired voltage), and supplies the converted electric power to the display device 51, the speaker unit 52, the in-box camera 53, and the external connection terminal 54. Thus, the display device 51, the speaker unit 52, the in-box camera 53, and the external connection terminal 54 can operate. In the present embodiment, the display device 51, the speaker unit 52, and the in-box camera 53 are each an example of an "information function unit". The "information function unit" in the present specification broadly means a device having an information processing function. Hereinafter, the display device 51, the speaker unit 52, and the in-box camera 53 are referred to as the information function unit FU without distinction.

[0060] The current detection section 82 includes a current detection circuit, and detects a current value of a current flowing in the information function unit FU or the external connection terminal 54. The current detection section 82 is an example of a "state detection section" that detects a state of the information function unit FU or the external connection terminal 54. In addition, the "state detection section" can detect a state of the information function unit FU or the external connection terminal 54 based on a voltage applied to the information function unit FU or the external connection terminal 54, a temperature of the information function unit FU or the external connection terminal 54, or the like, instead of the current value.

[0061] The power supply control section 83 at least temporarily stops the supply of electric power from the second power supply substrate 80 to the information function unit FU in which an abnormality has been detected (or to all of the information function units FU) in a case where an abnormality has occurred in one or more of the information function units FU. For example, the power supply control section 83 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the information function unit FU in a case where an error signal is received from the information function unit FU, and at least temporarily stops the supply of electric power from the second power supply substrate 80 to the information function unit FU. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply control section 83 monitors the current value (or the voltage value, the temperature value, or the like) detected by the current detection section 82, and determines that an abnormality has occurred in the information function unit FU or the second power supply substrate 80 in a case where the current value (or the voltage value, the temperature value, or the like) of the current flowing in each of the information function units FU exceeds a threshold value set in advance for the information function unit FU, and at least temporarily stops the supply of electric power from the second power supply substrate 80 to the information function unit FU. Similarly, the power supply control section 83 at least temporarily stops the supply of electric power from the second power supply substrate 80 to the external connection terminal 54 in a case where an abnormality has occurred in the external connection terminal 54 or the second power supply substrate 80.

[0062] The unit control section 84 controls each information function unit FU. For example, the unit control section 84 outputs a control signal that causes the information function unit FU in which an abnormality has occurred to restart, in a case where an abnormality has occurred in each information function unit FU (for example, in a case where an error signal is received or a current value, a voltage value, a temperature value, or the like exceeds a threshold value). The power supply control section 83 restarts the supply of power to the information function unit FU in a case where the information function unit FU is caused to restart by the unit control section 84. The unit control section 84 stops the information function unit FU in which an abnormality has occurred in a case where the abnormality does not disappear even if the information function unit FU is restarted. In addition, the unit control section 84 can cause the information function unit FU to restart two or more times while changing the set state of the information function unit FU.

[0063] A trouble manual at the time of a failure of the refrigerator 1, that is, information I2 for use at the time of a failure, is stored in advance in the storage section 85. The information I2 for use at the time of a failure is information that includes a confirmation content in a case where a failure is suspected to have occurred, a specific method of an abnormality generation site, or a contact method of a support center (service center) of a manufacturer, or the like.

[0064] In addition, inventory information I3 that indicates an inventory state of food materials of the refrigerator 1 is stored in the storage section 85. The inventory information I3 is, for example, information that is based on information input through the touch sensor 51b of the display device 51 and / or image determination of the in-box camera 53, and includes information of an inventory amount, a purchase date, a consumption deadline, or a shelf life of each food material stored in the refrigerator 1. The inventory information I3 can include an image captured by the in-box camera 53.

[0065] [3. Electrical connection structure of the first power supply substrate and the second power supply substrate]

[0066] Next, an electrical connection structure of the first power supply substrate 70 and the second power supply substrate 80 will be described.

[0067] Figure 4 is a view that indicates the electrical connection structure of the first power supply substrate 70 and the second power supply substrate 80.

[0068] The first power supply substrate 70 has a connector 77 and a power line PL provided between the connector 77 and the power supply circuit 71. The connector 77 is connected to a power supply cable CA that is connected to an external commercial power supply PS. Power (for example, alternating current 100 V) is supplied from the external commercial power supply PS to the power supply circuit 71 of the first power supply substrate 70 via the power line PL and the power supply cable CA. The "power line" in the present specification can include two or more electric wires. A connection point (branch point) C to which the first connector 78 is connected is provided midway through the power line PL.

[0069] The power supply circuit 71 of the first power supply substrate 70 includes a first overcurrent protection circuit 71a and a first insulation circuit 71b. The first overcurrent protection circuit 71a includes, for example, a current clamping circuit that suppresses overcurrent flowing from the first power supply substrate 70 to the cooling unit 30, the door opening device 41, the operation section 42, and the communication module 61. However, the manner of protection against overcurrent is not limited to the above example.

[0070] The first insulation circuit 71b includes, for example, a transformer that steps down or steps up alternating current power supplied from the external commercial power supply PS, and insulates the power supply circuit 71 between the primary side and the secondary side of the transformer. The insulation strength is increased by, for example, implementing double insulation or reinforced insulation between the primary side and the secondary side of the transformer. Double insulation refers to insulation that is additionally implemented for independent additional insulation in the event that the basic insulation is broken. Reinforced insulation refers to single insulation that provides protection that is equivalent to or greater than that provided by double insulation.

[0071] The second power supply substrate 80 has a second connector 88 that is electrically connected to the first connector 78 of the first power supply substrate 70 via the power supply cable CB. The power supply circuit 81 of the second power supply substrate 80 is connected to the external commercial power supply PS via the second connector 88, the power supply cable CB, the first connector 78, the power line PL, and the power supply cable CA. As a result, the power supply circuit 71 of the first power supply substrate 70 and the power supply circuit 81 of the second power supply substrate 80 are electrically connected in parallel with respect to the external commercial power supply PS. The power supply circuit 81 of the second power supply substrate 80 is electrically connected to the external commercial power supply PS via the first power supply substrate 70.

[0072] The power supply circuit 81 of the second power supply substrate 80 includes a second overcurrent protection circuit 81a and a second insulation circuit 81b. The second overcurrent protection circuit 81a includes, for example, a current clamping circuit that suppresses overcurrent flowing from the second power supply substrate 80 to the information function unit FU and the external connection terminal 54. However, the manner of protection against overcurrent is not limited to the above example.

[0073] The second insulation circuit 81b includes, for example, a transformer that steps down alternating current power supplied from the external commercial power supply PS, and insulates the power supply circuit 81 between the primary side and the secondary side of the transformer. The insulation strength is increased by, for example, implementing double insulation or reinforced insulation between the primary side and the secondary side of the transformer. As described above, the power supply circuit 81 of the second power supply substrate 80 has an overcurrent protection circuit and an insulation circuit separately from the power supply circuit 71 of the first power supply substrate 70.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the power supply circuit 81 of the second power supply substrate 80 is provided with a flyback-type power conversion section CNV as a switching power supply (AC-DC converter).

[0075] Figure 5 FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration diagram showing an example of the power conversion section CNV of the flyback system. The power conversion section CNV includes, from the input side, a diode bridge rectifier 91, a capacitor 92, a high-frequency transformer 93, a switching element 94, a rectifier diode 95, and a capacitor 96. According to such a power conversion section CNV, a power supply circuit 81 can be configured by a circuit structure that is capable of converting from small power to medium power (100 W or less) and that is capable of achieving high efficiency and miniaturization. Such a structure is effective, for example, in the case where the power supply circuit 81 needs to have a large capacity.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the power supply circuit 81 has a PFC control section 97 that performs PFC control (Power Factor Correction Control). The PFC control section 97 controls the switching element 94 so that the alternating-current input voltage to the diode bridge rectifier 91 and the charging current of the capacitor 92 become similar. By performing such control, higher harmonics can be suppressed, and the power factor can be improved. Thereby, for example, the efficiency at the time of high output can be improved. The PFC control section 97 is an example of a "power factor control section".

[0077] [4. Control example in the case where an abnormality occurs in the first power supply substrate or the like]

[0078] In the present embodiment, the unit control section 84 controls the display device 51 based on the user's operation of the touch sensor 51b at any time, and can display the prescribed information (the information for use at the time of failure I2 and / or the inventory information I3, and the like) stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 on the display screen 51aa of the display device 51. Thereby, even in the case where an abnormality occurs in the refrigerator 1 (for example, in the case where the first power supply substrate 70 fails and power supply cannot be performed), the user can know the required information. In the present embodiment, the unit control section 84 causes the display screen 51aa of the display device 51 to display the above-described prescribed information stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 by the user's operation in the case where an abnormality occurs in the first power supply substrate 70.

[0079] In addition, in the case where the speaker unit 52 has a voice conversation function, the unit control section 84 can also control the speaker unit 52 based on the user's voice (voice operation) of the speaker unit 52 at any time, and output the prescribed information (the information for use at the time of failure I2 and / or the inventory information I3, and the like) stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 from the speaker unit 52 in a voice manner.

[0080] [5. Advantages]

[0081] As a comparative example, consider a refrigerator in which a power supply substrate independent of the IoT-related member (information function unit FU) is not provided, and the cooling unit 30 and the IoT-related member (information function unit FU) are supplied with electric power from one power supply substrate of the refrigerator 1. In the refrigerator of this comparative example, in the case where a failure occurs in the power supply substrate, the function of the IoT-related member (information function unit FU) is stopped in addition to the stop of the operation of the cooling unit 30. Further, with the increase in the IoT-related member in recent years, it is possible that a shortage of electric power rating occurs in the power supply substrate.

[0082] On the other hand, the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a first power supply substrate 70 that supplies electric power to the cooling unit 30, and a second power supply substrate 80 that is provided separately from the first power supply substrate 70 and supplies electric power to the information function unit FU. According to such a structure, even in the case where a failure occurs in the first power supply substrate 70 due to a natural disaster such as an earthquake, high noise, lightning, or the like, the information function unit FU is able to maintain the function. Thereby, an improvement in the convenience of the user can be achieved. For example, even in the case where a failure occurs in the refrigerator 1, if the user is able to know the information I2 at the time of the failure through the information function unit FU, the user is able to smoothly perform the confirmation of the failure site, the contact to the support center. Further, in the case where a failure occurs in the refrigerator 1, if the user is able to know the inventory information I3 through the information function unit FU, the management of the foodstuffs stored in the refrigerator 1 in which a failure in the cooling function has occurred (which foodstuff should be consumed first, and the like) can be more reliably performed. Further, if the second power supply substrate 80 is provided separately from the first power supply substrate 70, even with the increase in the IoT-related member, it is difficult to cause a shortage of electric power rating.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the second power supply substrate 80 has a power supply control section 83 that at least temporarily stops the supply of electric power from the second power supply substrate 80 to the information function unit FU in the case where an abnormality occurs in the information function unit FU. According to such a structure, the information function unit FU can be more securely managed.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the second power supply substrate 80 includes a unit control section 84 that controls the information function unit FU. According to such a structure, the unit control section 84 is able to cause the information function unit FU to perform a prescribed operation (for example, the restart of the information function unit FU) even in the case where an abnormality occurs in the refrigerator 1 (for example, the case where a failure occurs in the first power supply substrate 70 and the supply of electric power cannot be performed). Thereby, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

[0085] (Modified Example)

[0086] Figure 6is a view showing an electrical connection structure of the first power supply substrate 70 and the second power supply substrate 80 of the first modified example of the first embodiment. In the present modified example, the second power supply substrate 80 has a connector 87. The power supply circuit 81 of the second power supply substrate 80 is connected to the connector 87.

[0087] In the present modified example, the power supply cable CA is branched into the first power supply cable CI and the second power supply cable C2 in electrical parallel through the dead end terminal 101. The first power supply cable CI is connected to the connector 77 of the first power supply substrate 70. The second power supply cable C2 is connected to the connector 87 of the second power supply substrate 80. Thereby, the power supply circuit 71 of the first power supply substrate 70 and the power supply circuit 81 of the second power supply substrate 80 are electrically connected in parallel with respect to the external commercial power supply PS. In the present modified example, the power supply circuit 81 of the second power supply substrate 80 is electrically connected to the external commercial power supply PS without passing through the first power supply substrate 70. With such a structure, the same effects as the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0088] (Second Embodiment)

[0089] Next, the second embodiment will be described. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the communication module 61 is connected to the second power supply substrate 80. The following description is the same as the first embodiment except for the structure.

[0090] Figure 7 is a view showing a functional structure of the first power supply substrate 70 and the second power supply substrate 80 of the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the communication module 61 is connected to the second power supply substrate 80. The second power supply substrate 80 supplies electric power to the communication module 61. In the present embodiment, the communication module 61 is an example of the information function unit FU.

[0091] In the present embodiment, by the communication between the control section 73 of the first power supply substrate 70 and the unit control section 84 of the second power supply substrate 80, the state history information II showing the history of the state of the refrigerator 1 (for example, information showing the history of the detection result of the door opening and closing switch SW, the history of the detection result of the temperature sensor TS, the history of the detection result of the current detection section 72, and the history of the operation control mode of the refrigerator 1, and the like) is stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80.

[0092] Further, in the present embodiment, in the second power supply substrate 80, the abnormality determination section 86 is realized by the circuit substrate 80a and one or more electric components 80b. The abnormality determination section 86 determines the presence or absence of an abnormality related to the first power supply substrate 70. For example, the abnormality determination section 86 determines the presence or absence of an abnormality of the first power supply substrate 70 based on a detection result of the current detection section 72 (state detection section) of the first power supply substrate 70. For example, the abnormality determination section 86 determines that there is an abnormality in the first power supply substrate 70 in a case where a current value (or a voltage value, etc.) detected by the current detection section 72 (state detection section) of the first power supply substrate 70 exceeds a threshold value set in advance, or in a case where the supply of electric power from the first power supply substrate 70 is stopped.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the unit control section 84 controls the communication module 61 so as to transmit information indicating that there is an abnormality in the refrigerator 1 (there is an abnormality in the first power supply substrate 70) and information indicating the state of the refrigerator 1 to the server device SD in a case where it is determined by the abnormality determination section 86 that there is an abnormality in the first power supply substrate 70. For example, the unit control section 84 transmits the state history information I1 (for example, information indicating a history of detection results of the door opening and closing switch SW, a history of detection results of the temperature sensor TS, a history of detection results of the current detection section 72, and a history of the operation control mode of the refrigerator 1, etc.) stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 to the server device SD as an example of the information indicating the state of the refrigerator 1.

[0094] According to such a structure, the unit control section 84 can transmit the information indicating the state of the refrigerator 1 to the external server device SD in a case where an abnormality occurs in the refrigerator 1 (for example, in a case where the first power supply substrate 70 fails to supply electric power). Thus, the server device SD that receives the information indicating the state of the refrigerator 1 can analyze the cause of the abnormality of the refrigerator 1 based on the received information. Thus, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

[0095] In the present embodiment, even in a case where the first power supply substrate 70 fails, it is possible to maintain the functions of the communication module 61 and the second power supply substrate 80. Thus, the user can confirm the inventory information I3 stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 through the server device SD by operating the terminal device TD even in a case where the first power supply substrate 70 fails.

[0096] Further, in the present embodiment, it is also possible to form such that the unit control section 84 displays the prescribed information (the information for failure I2 and / or the inventory information I3, and the like) stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 on the display screen 51aa of the display device 51 by the operation of the user or without the operation of the user in the case where it is determined by the abnormality determination section 86 that there is an abnormality in the first power supply substrate 70. Further, in the case where the speaker unit 52 has a voice conversation function, it is also possible for the unit control section 84 to output the prescribed information (the information for failure I2 and / or the inventory information I3, and the like) stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 from the speaker unit 52 in a voice manner by the operation of the user or without the operation of the user in the case where it is determined by the abnormality determination section 86 that there is an abnormality in the first power supply substrate 70.

[0097] (Third Embodiment)

[0098] Next, the third embodiment will be described. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the wireless communication module 111 is connected to the second power supply substrate 80. The following description is the same as that of the second embodiment except for the structure.

[0099] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the functional structure of the first power supply substrate 70 and the second power supply substrate 80 of the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication module 111 is connected to the second power supply substrate 80. The second power supply substrate 80 supplies electric power to the wireless communication module 111. The wireless communication module 111 is capable of directly communicating with the terminal device TD located within a prescribed range from the refrigerator 1 (for example, at least a part of the space within the same house as the refrigerator 1) by wireless. The wireless communication module 111 is, for example, a short-range wireless communication module in accordance with the standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication module 111 is an example of the information function unit FU.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the state history information I1 showing the history of the state of the refrigerator 1 (for example, information showing the history of the detection result of the door opening and closing switch SW, the history of the detection result of the temperature sensor TS, the history of the detection result of the current detection section 72, and the history of the operation control mode of the refrigerator 1, and the like) is stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 by the communication between the control section 73 of the first power supply substrate 70 and the unit control section 84 of the second power supply substrate 80. Further, in the present embodiment, the abnormality determination section 86 is realized by the circuit substrate 80a and one or more electric components 80b in the second power supply substrate 80.

[0101] Also, in the present embodiment, the unit control section 84 controls the wireless communication module 111 so as to transmit information indicating that there is an abnormality in the refrigerator 1 (an abnormality in the first power supply substrate 70) and information indicating the state of the refrigerator 1 to the terminal device TD in a case where it is determined by the abnormality determination section 86 that there is an abnormality. For example, the unit control section 84 transmits the state history information I1 stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 (for example, information indicating the history of the detection result of the door opening and closing switch SW, the history of the detection result of the temperature sensor TS, the history of the detection result of the current detection section 72, and the history of the operation control mode of the refrigerator 1) to the terminal device TD as an example of the information indicating the state of the refrigerator 1.

[0102] The terminal device TD can communicate with the server device SD via an external network NW. In the terminal device TD, a prescribed application program (for example, a program for remote operation of the refrigerator 1) is installed in advance, and a prescribed function is realized by executing the program by a processor mounted on the terminal device. For example, the terminal device TD transmits the received state history information I1 to the server device SD in a case where it receives the state history information I1 from the refrigerator 1.

[0103] According to such a structure, the unit control section 84 can transmit the information indicating the state of the refrigerator 1 to the server device SD via the terminal device TD in a case where an abnormality occurs in the refrigerator 1 (for example, a case where the first power supply substrate 70 fails to perform power supply). Thus, the server device SD that receives the information indicating the state of the refrigerator 1 can analyze the cause of the abnormality of the refrigerator 1 based on the received information. Thus, the convenience of the user can be further improved.

[0104] Further, in the present embodiment, the function of the communication module 111 and the second power supply substrate 80 can be maintained even in a case where the first power supply substrate 70 fails. Thus, the user can confirm the inventory information I3 stored in the storage section 85 of the second power supply substrate 80 by operating the terminal device TD even in a case where the first power supply substrate 70 fails.

[0105] The above describes several embodiments and modified examples, but the embodiments and modified examples are not limited to the above-described examples. For example, the refrigerator 1 can not have several structures described in the embodiments and modified examples.

[0106] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the refrigerator has a first power supply substrate that supplies power to a cooling unit, and a second power supply substrate that is provided separately from the first power supply substrate and supplies power to a functional unit. According to such a structure, the improvement in convenience can be realized.

[0107] The present application has been described with reference to several embodiments, but these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the application. These embodiments and variations thereof are included within the scope and spirit of the application, and are also included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet including a storage compartment; a cooling unit that cools the storage compartment; a first communication module capable of communicating with an outside; a second communication module provided separately from the first communication module and capable of independently communicating with the outside with respect to the first communication module; a first power supply substrate including a first power supply circuit that supplies power to the cooling unit and the first communication module, and a first control portion that controls the cooling unit based on a control signal received from a server device outside via the first communication module; and a second power supply substrate provided separately from the first power supply substrate, including a second power supply circuit that supplies power to the second communication module, a storage portion that stores information indicating a state of the refrigerator, and a second control portion that controls the second communication module so as to transmit the information stored in the storage portion from the second communication module to the outside when an abnormality occurs in the first power supply substrate.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the first communication module is a communication module capable of communicating with the server device through an external network, and the second communication module is a close proximity wireless communication module.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second communication module is capable of directly communicating with a terminal device existing in at least a part of spaces in the same house as the refrigerator through wireless without passing through the server device when an abnormality occurs in the first power supply substrate.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the refrigerator further comprises an information function unit that is any one of a display device including a display screen, a speaker unit capable of communicating with a terminal device outside through wireless, and an in-cabinet camera capable of photographing the storage compartment, the information function unit is supplied with power from the second power supply circuit, and the second power supply substrate has a power supply control portion that at least temporarily stops the supply of power from the second power supply substrate to the information function unit in a case where an abnormality occurs in the information function unit.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator further comprises an information function unit that is any one of a display device including a display screen, a speaker unit capable of communicating with a terminal device outside through wireless, and an in-cabinet camera capable of photographing the storage compartment, the information function unit is supplied with power from the second power supply circuit, and the second control portion controls the information function unit.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the second control portion causes the information function unit to restart at least once in a case where an abnormality occurs in the information function unit.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the information function unit is a display device including a display screen, and the second control portion causes the display device to display the information stored in the storage portion by a user's operation or without a user's operation in a case where an abnormality occurs in the first power supply substrate. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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