Display cabinet, display system and display method

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a showcase, a display system, and a display method capable of suppressing power consumption. A showcase according to the present disclosure cools articles in a display unit by means of a cooling system, the showcase being provided with: a cooling device control unit for controlling the operation of the cooling system; a display unit provided with a temperature display unit for displaying the temperature of the display unit and a light emitting unit for displaying the operating state of the cooling device control unit; and a display control unit that controls the display unit, the display control unit being capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display unit is displayed by the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display unit is not displayed by the temperature display unit, and displaying the temperature by the light emitting unit when the display unit is in the non-display state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display cabinet, a display system and a display method. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a storage unit having a display unit that displays the temperature in a storage room. In this storage unit, the temperature display on the display unit is not displayed during stable operation, thereby extending the life of the display unit and reducing power consumption.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6274751 Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a showcase, a display system, and a display method capable of suppressing power consumption.

[0005] The display cabinet in the present disclosure cools items in a display section by means of a cooling system, wherein the display cabinet comprises: a cooling device control unit that controls the operation of the cooling system; a display unit that comprises a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display section and a light-emitting unit that displays the operation status of the cooling device control unit; and a display control unit that controls the display unit, wherein the display control unit is capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display section is displayed by means of the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display section is not displayed by means of the temperature display unit, wherein the display unit displays by means of the light-emitting unit in the non-display state.

[0006] The display system disclosed in the present invention has a plurality of display cabinets for cooling items in a display section by means of a cooling system, wherein the plurality of display cabinets include: a first display cabinet; and a second display cabinet connected to the first display cabinet in a communicative manner, and the plurality of display cabinets respectively include: a cooling device control unit that controls the operation of the cooling system; a display unit that includes a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display section and a light-emitting unit that displays the operation status of the cooling device control unit; and a display control unit that can switch the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display section is displayed by the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display section is not displayed by the temperature display unit, and display is performed by the light-emitting unit in the non-display state, the first display cabinet includes an operation unit that accepts operations, and the display control unit of the first display cabinet instructs the display unit of the second display cabinet to switch to the non-display state according to the operation of the operation unit.

[0007] The display system disclosed in the present invention comprises: one or more display cabinets for cooling items in a display section by means of a cooling system; and a management device connected to the display cabinet in a communicative manner, wherein the display cabinet comprises: a cooling device control unit for controlling the operation of the cooling system; a display unit comprising a temperature display unit for displaying the temperature of the display section and a light-emitting unit for displaying the operation status of the cooling device control unit; and a display control unit capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display section is displayed by means of the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display section is not displayed by means of the temperature display unit, wherein display is performed by means of the light-emitting unit in the non-display state, and the display control unit switches the display unit to the non-display state when receiving an instruction to switch to the non-display state from the management device.

[0008] The display method disclosed in the present invention uses a display unit, which includes: a light-emitting unit that displays the operating status of a display case that cools items in the display section through a cooling system; and a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display section, wherein the display method includes: a first step of making the temperature display unit of the display unit not display the temperature of the display section; and a second step of displaying the operating status of the display case through the light-emitting unit of the display unit.

[0009] According to the showcase, display system, and display method disclosed herein, the operating state of the showcase can be displayed by lighting the light-emitting unit, without having to display the internal temperature on the display unit. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the showcase according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is the front view of the display case.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the structure of the operation display unit.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a block diagram of the display cabinet.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a flow chart of the showcase.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a flow chart of the showcase.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the structure of the operation display unit.

[0017] Figure 8This is a graph showing the relationship between the lighting state of each light emitting unit and the operating state of the showcase.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is a flow chart of the showcase.

[0019] Fig.10 It is a flow chart of the showcase.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a flow chart of the showcase.

[0021] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing the structure of a presentation system according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing the operation of a showcase provided in the display system. Fig.14 This is a diagram showing the structure of a presentation system according to the third embodiment.

[0023] Description of symbols

[0024] 1 Display cabinet

[0025] 1A showcase (first showcase)

[0026] 1B display case (second display case)

[0027] 1C showcase (second showcase)

[0028] 1D showcase (second showcase)

[0029] 11 Shell

[0030] 12Showroom (Exhibition Department)

[0031] 13 bottom wall

[0032] 14 Sidewall

[0033] 15 Back wall

[0034] 16 on the wall

[0035] 16a Front end

[0036] 17 Lower front wall

[0037] 18 base

[0038] 20 Inner wall

[0039] 22 partition wall

[0040] 24Inner upper wall

[0041] 26 bottom plate

[0042] 28 display racks

[0043] 30 pipes

[0044] 31Cooling system

[0045] 31a Evaporator

[0046] 31b Heater

[0047] 32 Lower pipe

[0048] 33 Blower

[0049] 33a motor

[0050] 33b impeller

[0051] 34 back pipe

[0052] 36 Upper pipe

[0053] 37 Blowing outlet

[0054] 38 suction port

[0055] 39 Top cover

[0056] 39a first convex part

[0057] 39a1 front surface

[0058] 39b second convex part

[0059] 39b1 lower surface

[0060] 40 Operation display unit (display unit)

[0061] 40a Panel

[0062] 41 Temperature display unit

[0063] 41a Numerical display unit

[0064] 41b Unit display

[0065] 43 Indicator

[0066] 43a First light emitting unit (light emitting unit)

[0067] 43b Second light emitting unit (light emitting unit)

[0068] 43c The third light emitting unit (light emitting unit)

[0069] 43d fourth light emitting unit (light emitting unit)

[0070] 45 Operation Department

[0071] 45a First switch

[0072] 45a1 First Mark

[0073] 45b Second switch

[0074] 45b1 Second Mark

[0075] 45c Third switch

[0076] 45d Fourth switch

[0077] 47 Human body sensing sensor

[0078] 50 Lighting Power Supply

[0079] 51Exterior lighting

[0080] 53 Upper wall lighting in the warehouse

[0081] 55 Lighting under the rack in the warehouse

[0082] 90 Control Device

[0083] 90p processor

[0084] 90p1 Cooling equipment control unit

[0085] 90p2 display control unit

[0086] 90M memory

[0087] 90m1 control program

[0088] 91 Communication connection department

[0089] 93 Temperature Sensor

[0090] 99 Power

[0091] 101 Display System

[0092] 201 display system

[0093] 210 Management Device

[0094] 220 Second control device

[0095] 221 processor

[0096] 223 Memory

[0097] 223a Schedule Information

[0098] 230 Second communication connection unit

[0099] 240 touch panel

[0100] NW Communications Network DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] (Insights, etc. that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0102] When the inventors came up with the present disclosure, in the technology of showcases and display systems, in order to rationalize the temperature management of the items displayed in the warehouse, the temperature in the warehouse is usually always displayed as a proof that the showcase and display system are working properly. Under such circumstances, the inventors came up with the idea of ​​suppressing power consumption by not displaying the temperature in the warehouse. In addition, in order to realize this idea, the inventors found that it is difficult to judge the operating state of the showcase without displaying the temperature in the warehouse. In order to solve this problem, the subject of the present disclosure is formed.

[0103] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a showcase, a display system, and a display method capable of suppressing power consumption.

[0104] Hereinafter, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes, a detailed description beyond what is necessary is omitted. For example, sometimes, a detailed description of a known matter or a repeated description of a substantially identical structure is omitted. This is to avoid the following description being too lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0105] In addition, the 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.

[0106] (Implementation Method 1)

[0107] Below, use Figures 1 to 11 Implementation method 1 will be described.

[0108] [1-1. Structure]

[0109] [1-1-1. Overall structure of the display cabinet]

[0110] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the showcase 1 , and shows a cross section perpendicular to the width direction of the showcase 1 . Figure 2 It is a front view of the showcase 1 of this embodiment.

[0111] The showcase 1 is placed on the floor of a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, for example, and displays items such as beverages and foods in a refrigerated state as display objects. The showcase 1 is a so-called open showcase.

[0112] The showcase 1 has a substantially box-shaped housing 11 with an open front surface for taking out and putting in articles. Hereinafter, the opening direction of the housing 11 in the horizontal direction is referred to as the front, and the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction in the horizontal direction is referred to as the width direction or the left-right direction.

[0113] The showcase 1 has a base portion 18 that supports a housing 11. A display room 12 that is a space for displaying articles is provided inside the housing 11. The display room 12 is an example of a "display section" in the present embodiment.

[0114] The housing 11 has a bottom wall 13 that covers the display chamber 12 from below. The housing 11 has a pair of side walls 14 that stand on the left and right side edges of the bottom wall 13 and cover the display chamber 12 from the left and right directions. The housing 11 has a rear wall 15 that is mounted between the pair of left and right side walls 14 and covers the display chamber 12 from the rear. The housing 11 has an upper wall 16 that is mounted between the side walls 14 and the rear wall 15 and covers the display chamber 12 from above. A lower front wall 17 is formed on the bottom wall 13, and the lower front wall 17 is formed by bending and extending the front part of the bottom wall 13 upward. The bottom wall 13, the side walls 14, the lower front wall 17, the rear wall 15, and the upper wall 16 are all heat-insulating walls.

[0115] A base portion 18 is provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 13 to be placed on the floor, which is the placement surface of the showcase 1. The base portion 18 supports the housing 11 via the upper surface.

[0116] An inner wall 20 is provided inside the housing 11, which is separated from the inner surface of the housing 11 and covers the housing 11 from the inside. The inner wall 20 has a partition wall 22 extending in the up-down direction in front of the rear wall 15. The inner wall 20 has an inner upper wall 24 extending forward from the upper end of the partition wall 22 along the upper wall 16. The inner wall 20 has a bottom plate 26 extending forward substantially horizontally from the lower end of the partition wall 22 and connected to the upper part of the lower front wall 17.

[0117] The display room 12 is formed by being partitioned by the inner wall 20 and the side walls 14. For example, the partition wall 22 functions as a back panel constituting the back side of the display room 12.

[0118] A plurality of display racks 28 for placing and displaying articles on the upper surface are provided inside the display room 12. The display racks 28 are arranged in the vertical direction, attached to the partition wall 22 at intervals from each other, and extend substantially horizontally toward the front.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the bottom plate 26 is configured to be able to display items, and the bottom plate 26 functions as a display shelf at the bottom. The front end of the bottom plate 26 is located in front of the front end of each display shelf 28. In addition, in the present embodiment, four display shelves 28 are arranged in a vertical arrangement, but the number of display shelves 28 may be any number of one or more. In addition, a structure in which no display shelf 28 is provided is also possible.

[0120] A duct 30 is formed between the inner wall 20 and the housing 11. The duct 30 is a space surrounded by the inner wall 20, the bottom wall 13, the side walls 14, the lower front wall 17, the rear wall 15, and the upper wall 16.

[0121] The duct 30 includes a lower duct 32 formed between the bottom plate 26 and the bottom wall 13 and extending in the front-rear direction. The duct 30 includes a back duct 34 formed between the partition wall 22 and the rear wall 15 and extending in the up-down direction. The duct 30 includes an upper duct 36 formed between the inner upper wall 24 and the upper wall 16 and extending in the front-rear direction. The display room 12 is surrounded by the lower duct 32, the back duct 34, and the upper duct 36.

[0122] The front end of the upper duct 36 is provided with a blow-out port 37 that opens downward and communicates with the display chamber 12. The blow-out port 37 is provided at a position that is located below the front end of the upper wall 16 and at the upper portion of the front side of the display chamber 12. In addition, in the present embodiment, there are two blow-out ports 37, and the upper duct 36 and the duct 30 that communicate with each blow-out port 37 are also provided separately in two.

[0123] A suction port 38 is provided at the upper portion of the front end of the lower duct 32. The suction port 38 is an opening that opens upward and communicates with the display chamber 12. The suction port 38 is provided at the lower front portion of the display chamber 12 continuously with the rear portion of the lower front wall 17. The suction port 38 is located at a position forward of the blowout port 37. The blowout port 37 and the suction port 38 extend elongatedly between the side walls 14 over the substantially entire width direction of the housing 11.

[0124] The showcase 1 has a cooling system 31 for cooling the display chamber 12 (see Figure 4 ). The cooling system is a refrigeration cycle formed by connecting a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an evaporator 31a, a condenser, and an expansion mechanism in a ring shape by using pipes, and a refrigerant is sealed in the cooling system.

[0125] In the present embodiment, the evaporator 31a is disposed inside the pipe 30 provided in the housing 11, and the above-mentioned compressor, condenser, and expansion mechanism are integrally disposed in the showcase 1, for example, by being accommodated inside the base portion 18. In addition, the above-mentioned compressor, condenser, and expansion mechanism may also be accommodated in an outdoor unit separate from the showcase 1.

[0126] The blower 33 is provided inside the duct 30. The blower 33 includes a motor 33a and an impeller 33b attached to the output shaft of the motor 33a. The blower 33 rotates the impeller 33b by the motor 33a, thereby circulating the air (cool air) cooled by the evaporator 31a by blowing air.

[0127] A top cover 39 is mounted on the front end portion 16a of the upper wall 16 of the housing 11. The top cover 39 is provided over substantially the entire front end portion 16a in the width direction. A first convex portion 39a is formed on the top cover 39, and the first convex portion 39a protrudes downward near the front end portion 16a of the upper wall 16 and extends to a position below the front end portion 16a. A front surface 39a1 of the first convex portion 39a is inclined in a direction toward the rear side from the lower side. In the top cover 39, a second convex portion 39b is formed at a position above the upper wall 16, and the second convex portion 39b extends to a position forward of the front end portion 16a and the first convex portion 39a. A lower surface 39b1 of the front end portion of the second convex portion 39b is inclined in a direction located forward and downward.

[0128] An operation display unit 40 is provided on the front surface of the first convex portion 39a. The operation display unit 40 is located in front of the air outlet 37. The operation display unit 40 displays information such as the internal temperature of the showcase 1. The internal temperature of the showcase 1 is the temperature of the display room 12 of the showcase 1. In addition, the operation display unit 40 accepts user operations. The operation display unit 40 corresponds to the "display unit" in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the internal temperature corresponds to the "temperature of the display section".

[0129] A lighting power source 50 is provided inside the second convex portion 39b. The lighting power source 50 supplies power to each lighting of the showcase 1.

[0130] [1-1-2. Configuration of the operation display unit]

[0131] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation display unit 40 , and shows the operation display unit 40 in a state where the temperature display unit 41 is lit.

[0132] The operation display unit 40 has a substantially rectangular panel 40a that is longer in the left-right direction. The operation display unit 40 has a temperature display unit 41. The temperature display unit 41 is provided on the inner side of the panel 40a. The temperature display unit 41 mainly displays the temperature of the display room 12. In the present embodiment, the temperature display unit 41 has a numerical display unit 41a formed by arranging four 7-segment LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in the left-right direction. In addition, the temperature display unit 41 has a unit display unit 41b, which is lit by the light emission of an LED provided on the back side of the panel 40a, and displays the unit of the numerical value shown in the numerical display unit 41a. In the present embodiment, the unit display unit 41b displays "°C" indicating degrees Celsius.

[0133] The operation display unit 40 has an indicator 43. The indicator 43 is provided on the inner side of the panel 40a. The indicator 43 is a device for displaying the operating state of the showcase 1. In the present embodiment, the indicator 43 has a first light emitting unit 43a, a second light emitting unit 43b, a third light emitting unit 43c, and a fourth light emitting unit 43d. The light emitting units 43a and 43b are arranged on the upper layer in a left-right arrangement, and 43c and 43d are arranged on the lower layer in a left-right arrangement. The indicator 43 mainly displays the operating state of the showcase 1 by emitting light from the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d corresponding to the operating state of the showcase 1 when the temperature display unit 41 is off.

[0134] The first light emitting unit 43a is a device that emits blue light when turned on. The first light emitting unit 43a is located in the upper left of the indicator 43. The second light emitting unit 43b is a device that emits orange light when turned on. The second light emitting unit 43b is located in the upper right of the indicator 43. The third light emitting unit 43c is a device that emits yellow light when turned on. The third light emitting unit 43c is located in the lower left of the indicator 43. The fourth light emitting unit 43d is a device that emits green light when turned on. The fourth light emitting unit 43d is located in the lower right of the indicator 43. In the present embodiment, each of the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d has an LED.

[0135] The operation display unit 40 includes an operation unit 45. The operation unit 45 is provided on the inner side of the panel 40a. The operation unit 45 receives the user's operation. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 45 includes a first switch 45a, a second switch 45b, a third switch 45c, and a fourth switch 45d. The switches 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are arranged side by side. In the present embodiment, the switches 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are so-called momentary push switches.

[0136] The first switch 45a is located at the left end of the operation unit 45. The first switch 45a is printed with the words "lighting". The second switch 45b is located on the right side of the first switch 45a. The second switch 45b is printed with the words "display switching". The third switch 45c is located on the right side of the second switch 45b. The third switch 45c is printed with the words "setting". The fourth switch 45d is located on the right side of the third switch 45c. The fourth switch 45d is printed with the words "operation switching".

[0137] In the panel 40a, a first mark 45a indicating a downward direction is marked above the first switch 45a. A second mark 45b indicating an upward direction is marked above the second switch 45b. In the present embodiment, the first mark 45a is an isosceles triangle with its vertex facing downward. The second mark 45b is an isosceles triangle with its vertex facing upward.

[0138] A human body sensing sensor 47 that senses the approach of a human body is provided in the operation display unit 40. The human body sensing sensor 47 is, for example, a non-contact sensor such as an electrostatic capacitance type or an infrared type.

[0139] The indicator 43 is located at the left end of the panel 40a. The temperature display unit 41 is located on the right side of the indicator 43. The operation unit 45 is located on the right side of the temperature display unit 41. The human body sensing sensor 47 is provided on the right side of the temperature display unit 41. The human body sensing sensor 47 is provided on the left side of the operation unit 45.

[0140] [1-1-3. Structure of control system]

[0141] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the control system of the showcase 1. The showcase 1 has a control device 90. The control device 90 controls the operation of each device provided in the showcase 1. The control device 90 is connected to a power source 99. The power source 99 is, for example, a commercial AC power source.

[0142] The control device 90 has a processor 90p. The processor 90p is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a microcontroller or other arithmetic processing devices. The control device 90 controls the showcase 1 by executing a program by the processor 90p. The control device 90 has a memory 90m. The memory 90m is a storage device that stores programs and data executed by the processor in a non-volatile manner. The memory 90m is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element or other types of non-volatile storage devices. Specifically, the memory 90m is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0143] The control device 90 has a communication connection unit 91. The communication connection unit 91 includes, for example, a connector for connecting a communication cable and an interface circuit for inputting and outputting signals through the connector. In addition, for example, the communication connection unit 91 may also be a wireless communication device that includes an antenna and a wireless circuit and is connected to a network outside the showcase 1 via a wireless communication line.

[0144] The processor 90p includes a cooling device control unit 90p1 and a display control unit 90p2 as functional units. These functional units are implemented by the cooperation of software and hardware when the processor 90p executes a control program 90m1 stored in the memory 90m.

[0145] As control objects, the cooling system 31, the heater 31b, and the motor 33a are connected to the control device 90. The cooling device control unit 90p1 of the control device 90 controls the cooling system 31 and the motor 33a, and controls the temperature of the display room 12. The heater 31b is provided near the evaporator 31a. The cooling device control unit 90p1 controls the heater 31b to defrost the evaporator 31a. In addition, the cooling device control unit 90p1 only needs to have a configuration that controls at least the cooling system 31.

[0146] The control device 90 is connected to a temperature sensor 93. The temperature sensor 93 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the display room 12. The temperature sensor 93 is provided, for example, near the air outlet 37 or the air inlet 38. The control device 90 acquires the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 93.

[0147] The control device 90 is connected to the operation display unit 40. The display control unit 90p2 of the control device 90 controls the display of the temperature display unit 41 and the lighting of the indicator 43 of the operation display unit 40. The display control unit 90p2 of the control device 90 obtains the operation performed on the operation unit 45.

[0148] The control device 90 is connected to a lighting power source 50. The control device 90 supplies power to the lighting power source 50. The lighting power source 50 has a power source circuit that converts the power supplied from the control device 90. The lighting power source 50 supplies the power converted by the power source circuit to the external lighting 51, the internal upper wall lighting 53, and the internal under-shelf lighting 55.

[0149] [1-2. Action]

[0150] [1-2-1. Actions when the operation display unit is set to the non-display state]

[0151] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the showcase 1, and shows the operation when the temperature display of the temperature display section 41 is set to non-display.

[0152] When the user performs a setting start operation (step SW1), the display control unit 90p2 of the control device 90 displays the setting item on the temperature display unit 41 of the operation display unit 40 (step SA1). The setting start operation in step SW1 is, for example, an operation of pressing the third switch 45c of the operation unit 45.

[0153] The display corresponding to the setting item in step SA1 is, for example, a display of a character string corresponding to the setting item by the numerical display unit 41a. The setting item may include, for example, a setting for not displaying the temperature display of the temperature display unit 41, and a temperature setting of the display room 12. The display corresponding to the setting item displayed in step SA1 may be configured to switch to a display corresponding to a different setting item by, for example, pressing each switch 45a, 45b by the user.

[0154] Next, when the user performs an operation of selecting a setting item (step SW2), the control device 90 determines whether the performed operation is an operation of selecting a setting item for not displaying the temperature display of the temperature display unit 41 (step SA2). The operation of selecting a setting item in step SW2 may be, for example, an operation of pressing the third switch 45c in a state where the character string corresponding to the target setting item is displayed on the numerical display unit 41a by pressing each of the switches 45a and 45b.

[0155] In step SA2, when the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW2 is an operation to select a setting item for not displaying the temperature display (step SA2: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA3. When the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW2 is not an operation to select a setting item for not displaying the temperature display (step SA2: No), the control device 90 ends the operation related to the setting for not displaying the temperature display and shifts to the setting operation of the corresponding setting item.

[0156] In step SA3, the control device 90 executes processing related to specific settings for hiding the temperature display. Upon completion of step SA3, a series of operations related to the setting for hiding the temperature display are completed.

[0157] Figure 6 This is the flow chart of showcase 1, showing in detail Figure 5 The action of step SA3.

[0158] exist Figure 6 At the start of the operation, in step SA11, the display control unit 90p2 executes a display corresponding to the non-display method through the temperature display unit 41. The display corresponding to the non-display method is, for example, a display of a character string corresponding to each non-display method by the numerical display unit 41a.

[0159] The non-display method is a specific operation mode of the operation display unit 40 when the display control unit 90p2 controls the operation display unit 40 and makes the temperature display unit 41 display the internal temperature non-display. In the present embodiment, the display control unit 90p2 is configured to be able to set a plurality of non-display methods. Specifically, as a first non-display method, a time period non-display is included. Time period non-display is a non-display method in which the temperature display unit 41 is turned off by the display control unit 90p2 during the period from the set non-display start time to the non-display end time. As a second non-display method, a timed display is included. Timed display is a non-display method in which the temperature display unit 41 is lit for a first predetermined time according to a set cycle by the display control unit 90p2, and the temperature display unit 41 is turned off at other times. As a third non-display method, a constant non-display is included. Constant non-display is a non-display method in which the temperature display unit 41 is always turned off by the display control unit 90p2 during a period in which there is no external interference such as operation of the operation unit 45.

[0160] The display corresponding to the non-display method displayed in step SA11 may be configured to be switched to a display corresponding to a different non-display method by, for example, the user pressing each of the switches 45 a and 45 b .

[0161] Thereafter, when the user performs an operation to select any of the non-display methods (step SW11 ), the control device 90 determines whether the performed operation is an operation to select non-display of a time period (step SA12 ).

[0162] The operation of selecting any one of the non-display methods may be, for example, an operation of pressing the third switch 45c while the numerical display unit 41a displays a character string corresponding to the target non-display method by pressing the switches 45a and 45b. The operation of selecting any one of the non-display methods may include, for example, an operation of canceling the setting of the non-display method by pressing the fourth switch 45d.

[0163] In step SA12, when the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is an operation for selecting a time period not to be displayed (step SA12: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA13. When the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is not an operation for selecting a time period not to be displayed (step SA12: No), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA15.

[0164] In step SA13, the display control unit 90p2 causes the temperature display unit 41 to display the non-display start time and the non-display end time. The display of each time may be, for example, a display in which the numerical value corresponding to the time is flashed by the numerical value display unit 41a. The numerical value of each time displayed in step SA13 may be increased or decreased by pressing the first switch 45a and the second switch 45b, for example.

[0165] After that, when the user performs an operation to set the non-display time (step SW12), the control device 90 sets the non-display time period (step SA14). The operation to set the non-display time period may be, for example, an operation such as pressing the third switch 45c to set the non-display start time while the numerical display unit 41a displays the numerical value corresponding to the target time, and then setting the non-display end time in the same way. In the present embodiment, the non-display time period corresponds to the "set time period".

[0166] In step SA14, the control device 90 sets the time period between the non-display start time and the non-display end time set in the non-display time setting operation as the non-display time for turning off the temperature display unit 41. The control device 90 stores the non-display start time and the non-display end time in the memory 90m. The control device 90 stores, for example, a variable corresponding to the non-display time period in the non-display method in the memory 90m. After executing step SA14, the process ends. Figure 6 action.

[0167] In step SA15, if the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is an operation for selecting a timed display (step SA15: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA16. If the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is not an operation for selecting a timed display (step SA15: No), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA18.

[0168] In step SA16, the display control unit 90p2 causes the temperature display unit 41 to display the display cycle for displaying the temperature. The display cycle may be displayed by, for example, the numerical display unit 41a causing the numerical value corresponding to the display cycle to flash. The numerical value of the display cycle displayed in step SA16 may be increased or decreased by pressing the first switch 45a and the second switch 45b, for example.

[0169] After that, when the user performs a cycle setting operation (step SW13), the control device 90 sets the display cycle (step SA17). The cycle setting operation may be, for example, an operation of pressing the third switch 45c while the numerical display portion 41a flashes a numerical value corresponding to the target display cycle.

[0170] In step SA17, the control device 90 sets the target display cycle in the cycle setting operation as the display cycle in the timing display and stores it in the memory 90m. The control device 90 stores, for example, a variable corresponding to the timing display in the non-display method in the memory 90m. By executing step SA17, Figure 6 The action is finished.

[0171] In step SA18, if the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is an operation to select never display (step SA18: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA19. If the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is not an operation to select never display (step SA18: No), the control device 90 ends. Figure 6 The control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is not an operation for selecting always not to display, for example, an operation for canceling the setting of the non-display method is performed by pressing the fourth switch 45d in step SW11.

[0172] In step SA19, the control device 90 sets the non-display method to be always non-display. The control device 90 stores, for example, a variable corresponding to the non-display method in the memory 90m. The control device 90 ends the process by executing step SA19. Figure 6 action.

[0173] [1-2-2. Actions in the hidden state]

[0174] Figure 7 90p2 is a diagram showing the structure of the operation display unit 40, showing the operation display unit 40 in the non-display state. The display control unit 90p2 can switch the operation display unit 40 between the display state and the non-display state. The display state is one of the states of the operation display unit 40, and is a state in which the temperature inside the showcase 1 is displayed by lighting the temperature display unit 41. The non-display state is one of the states of the operation display unit 40, and is a state in which the temperature inside the showcase 1 is not displayed by turning off the temperature display unit 41.

[0175] In passing Figure 6When always non-display is selected as the non-display method, the display control unit 90p2 sets the operation display unit 40 to the non-display state at all times. When time-period non-display is selected as the non-display method, the display control unit 90p2 sets the operation display unit 40 to the non-display state only during the period from the non-display start time to the non-display end time, and sets the operation display unit 40 to the display state during other time periods. When timed display is selected as the non-display method, the display control unit 90p2 sets the operation display unit 40 to the display state at a first predetermined time according to the display cycle, and sets the operation display unit 40 to the non-display state during other times.

[0176] For example, when a variable corresponding to an arbitrary non-display method is stored in the memory 90m, the display control unit 90p2 may determine based on the variable whether to perform non-display. Figure 6 The action selected does not display the method.

[0177] When the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state, the internal temperature of the showcase 1 is not displayed on the temperature display unit 41, so the operating state of the showcase 1 cannot be determined based on the display of the temperature display unit 41. Figure 7 As shown, the display control unit 90p2 makes at least one of the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d of the indicator 43 emit light. Thus, even when the operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state, the operating state of the showcase 1 can be determined. In addition, the light emission of the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d includes both lighting and blinking of the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d.

[0178] Figure 8 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the light emitting state of each light emitting unit 43 a , 43 b , 43 c , 43 d and the operating state of the showcase 1 .

[0179] like Figure 8 As shown, during the execution of "cooling", the display control unit 90p2 lights up the first light emitting unit 43a, and the cooling device control unit 90p1 of the control device 90 operates the cooling system 31 and the blower 33 to cool the air in the display room 12 by the air cooled by the evaporator 31a. In addition, during the execution of "cooling waiting", the display control unit 90p2 flashes the first light emitting unit 43a, and the "cooling waiting" is to wait for the cooling of the display room 12 until the evaporator 31a is sufficiently cooled after the cooling device control unit 90p1 executes the defrosting operation.

[0180] During the defrosting operation of the evaporator 31a by the cooling device control unit 90p1, the display control unit 90p2 lights up or flashes the second light emitting unit 43b. In the present embodiment, the defrosting operation of the evaporator 31a by the cooling device control unit 90p1 is divided into two stages: "defrosting" and "dewatering after defrosting". "Defrosting" is an operation in which the cooling device control unit 90p1 stops the cooling system 31 and the blower 33, operates the heater 31b, and melts the frost attached to the evaporator 31a. The display control unit 90p2 lights up the second light emitting unit 43b during the "defrosting" operation. In addition, "dewatering after defrosting" is an operation in which the cooling device control unit 90p1 stops the heater 31b after "defrosting" and drives the blower 33 in a state in which the cooling system 31 is stopped, thereby removing the water attached to the evaporator 31a. The display control unit 90p2 flashes the second light emitting unit 43b during the "dewatering after defrosting" operation.

[0181] During the "refrigeration operation", the display control unit 90p2 turns on the third light emitting unit 43c. The "refrigeration operation" is an operation in which the cooling system 31 and the blower 33 are operated by the cooling device control unit 90p1 to adjust the internal temperature of the showcase 1 to a set value. The set value of the internal temperature during the "refrigeration operation" is set to, for example, about -2°C or more and 10°C or less.

[0182] During the "cooling operation", the display control unit 90p2 turns on the fourth light emitting unit 43d. The "cooling operation" is an operation in which the cooling system 31 and the air blower 33 are operated by the cooling device control unit 90p1 to adjust the temperature inside the showcase 1 to the set temperature. The set value of the temperature inside the showcase during the "cooling operation" is set to, for example, about -20°C or more and -18°C or less. The set value of the temperature inside the showcase during the "cooling operation" is lower than the set value of the temperature inside the showcase during the "refrigeration operation".

[0183] The state of the display case 1 displayed by the indicator 43 is a state realized by the operation of the cooling device control unit 90p1. That is, the indicator 43 displays the operation state of the cooling device control unit 90p1 through each light-emitting unit 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d. In this way, the indicator 43 can display the operation state of the cooling device control unit 90p1 that controls the cooling system 31. Therefore, even if the display unit 40 is in a non-display state and the temperature display unit 41 is off, it is easy to determine whether the temperature in the warehouse is properly maintained. However, the indicator 43 can also display the operation state of devices other than the cooling device control unit 90p1.

[0184] When the operation display unit 40 is in the display state, the internal temperature of the showcase 1 is displayed on the temperature display unit 41. Therefore, it can be determined whether the internal temperature is properly maintained based on the display of the temperature display unit 41. Therefore, the display control unit 90p2 turns off all the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d of the indicator 43 while the operation display unit 40 is in the display state. In this way, the power consumption of the indicator 43 can be suppressed.

[0185] In addition, in the present embodiment, the operation display unit 40 is provided with a human body sensing sensor 47. When the human body sensing sensor 47 detects that a human body is approaching the operation display unit 40, the display control unit 90p2 switches the operation display unit 40 to a display state. After that, the display control unit 90p2 switches the operation display unit 40 to a non-display state after a first predetermined time has passed. Therefore, the internal temperature of the showcase 1 can be displayed by the temperature display unit 41 only when there is a person near the operation display unit 40.

[0186] [1-2-2-1. Operation in case of timed display]

[0187] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart of the showcase 1, and shows the operation of the showcase 1 when the timer display is set. Fig. 9 The action of Figure 5 The end of step SA3 is triggered and started.

[0188] First, in step SA41, the display control unit 90p2 turns off the display of the temperature display unit 41 on the temperature inside the storage. Next, in step SA42, the display control unit 90p2 starts to display the operating status of the cooling device control unit 90p1 through the light-emitting units 43a to 43d. Steps SA41 and SA42 are actions that are performed approximately or simultaneously, and the order of each other can be reversed. Through steps SA41 and SA42, the operation display unit 40 becomes a non-display state. In addition, when it is set to always be non-display, Fig. 9 Differently, after executing the same operations as steps SA41 and SA42, the display control unit 90p2 continues the non-display state of the operation display unit 40 until the operation unit 45 is operated. In the present embodiment, step SA41 corresponds to the "first step" and step SA42 corresponds to the "second step".

[0189] In step SA43, after executing step SA42, the display control unit 90p2 determines whether the time obtained by subtracting the first predetermined time from the display cycle has passed. When the display control unit 90p2 determines that the time obtained by subtracting the first predetermined time from the display cycle has passed (step SA43: Yes), the operation of the display control unit 90p2 shifts to step SA44. When the display control unit 90p2 determines that the time obtained by subtracting the first predetermined time from the display cycle has not passed (step SA43: No), the determination of step SA43 is repeated.

[0190] In step SA44, the display control unit 90p2 causes the temperature display unit 41 to start displaying the temperature inside the display room 12. As a result, the operation display unit 40 enters the display state. Next, in step SA45, the display control unit 90p2 changes the display of the operation state of the cooling device control unit 90p1 by each light emitting unit 43a~43d to non-display. Steps SA44 and SA45 are actions performed approximately or simultaneously, and the order of each other can be reversed. In the present embodiment, step SA44 corresponds to the "third step".

[0191] Next, after executing step SA45, the display control unit 90p2 determines whether the first prescribed time has passed. The first prescribed time is a time shorter than the display cycle. When the display control unit 90p2 determines that the first prescribed time has passed (step SA46: Yes), the operation of the display control unit 90p2 returns to step SA41. When the display control unit 90p2 determines that the first prescribed time has not passed (step SA46: No), the determination of step SA46 is repeated.

[0192] Fig. 9 The operations of steps SA41, SA42, SA44, and SA45 are completed instantly, respectively, and therefore, the operations of steps SA41, SA42, SA44, and SA45 are executed according to the display cycle. Therefore, when the timed display is set, the display control unit 90p2 causes the operation display unit 40 to enter the display state at the first predetermined time according to the display cycle, and enter the non-display state after the first predetermined time has passed since the display state and until the display cycle has passed.

[0193] [1-2-2-2. Actions when the time zone is not displayed]

[0194] Fig.10 This is a flowchart of the showcase 1, and shows the operation of the showcase 1 when a time period non-display is set. Fig.10 The action of Figure 5 The following description is for starting at a time other than the set non-display time period. Fig.10Description of the action situation.

[0195] First, in step SA51, the display control unit 90p2 causes the temperature display unit 41 to start displaying the temperature inside the display room 12. As a result, the operation display unit 40 enters the display state. Next, in step SA52, the display control unit 90p2 changes the display of the operation state of the cooling device control unit 90p1 by each light emitting unit 43a~43d to non-display. Steps SA51 and SA52 are actions performed approximately or simultaneously, and the order of each other can be reversed. In the present embodiment, step SA51 corresponds to the "third step".

[0196] In step SA53, the display control unit 90p2 determines whether the current time is the non-display start time. When the display control unit 90p2 determines that it is the non-display start time (step SA53: Yes), the operation of the display control unit 90p2 shifts to step SA54. When the display control unit 90p2 determines that it is not the non-display start time (step SA53: No), the determination of step SA53 is repeated. In this embodiment, the non-display start time corresponds to the "start of the set time period".

[0197] In step SA54, the display control unit 90p2 turns off the display of the internal temperature on the temperature display unit 41. Next, in step SA55, the display control unit 90p2 starts the display of the operating status of the cooling device control unit 90p1 by the light emitting units 43a to 43d. Steps SA54 and SA55 are actions performed approximately or simultaneously, and their order can be reversed. Through steps SA54 and SA55, the operation display unit 40 becomes non-display state. In this embodiment, step SA54 corresponds to the "first step" and step SA55 corresponds to the "second step".

[0198] In step SA56, the display control unit 90p2 determines whether the current time is the non-display end time. When the display control unit 90p2 determines that it is the non-display end time (step SA56: Yes), the operation of the display control unit 90p2 returns to step SA51. When the display control unit 90p2 determines that it is not the non-display start time (step SA56: No), the determination of step SA56 is repeated. In this embodiment, the non-display start time corresponds to "the end of the set time period".

[0199] Fig. 9The actions of steps SA51, SA52, SA54, and SA55 are completed instantly, respectively. Therefore, the actions of steps SA54 and SA55 are executed at the start time of non-display, and the actions of steps SA51 and SA52 are executed at the end time of non-display. Therefore, when non-display is set for a time period, the display control unit 90p2 causes the operation display unit 40 to be in a non-display state during the non-display time period, and to be in a display state outside the non-display time period.

[0200] [1-2-3. Actions when an operation is performed]

[0201] Fig.11 This is a flowchart of the showcase 1 , and shows the operation of the showcase 1 when the operation unit 45 is operated. Fig.11 The operation is performed by pressing any one of the switches 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d of the operation unit 45. Fig.11 The operation that triggers the action of is called the initial operation. In this embodiment, the initial operation corresponds to an example of the "first operation".

[0202] When the operation unit 45 is initially operated, the control device 90 determines in step SA20 whether the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state. When the control device 90 determines that the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state (step SA20: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA21. When the control device 90 determines that the operation display unit 40 is not in the non-display state (step SA20: No), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA26.

[0203] In this embodiment, since the human sensor 47 is provided near the operation unit 45, the human sensor 47 may react before the initial operation. In this case, the initial operation is performed when the operation display unit 40 is in the display state (step SA20: No), and the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA26.

[0204] In step SA21, the display control unit 90p2 temporarily switches the operation display unit 40 to the display state. As a result, the internal temperature of the showcase 1 is displayed on the temperature display unit 41. Thereafter, the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA22.

[0205] In step SA22, the control device 90 determines whether the operation unit 45 has been operated. Hereinafter, the operation that becomes the determination object in step SA22 is referred to as the second and subsequent operations. That is, the second and subsequent operations are operations performed on the operation unit 45 after the control device 90 switches the operation display unit 40 to the display state. In the present embodiment, the second and subsequent operations correspond to an example of the "second operation".

[0206] If the control device 90 determines that the second or subsequent operation has been performed (step SA22: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 moves to step SA23. If the control device 90 determines that the second or subsequent operation has not been performed (step SA22: No), the operation of the control device 90 moves to step SA24.

[0207] In step SA23, the display control unit 90p2 of the control device 90 executes processing according to the second and subsequent operations. Thereafter, the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA24.

[0208] In step SA24, the control device 90 determines whether the second prescribed time has passed since the last operation. The second prescribed time is, for example, about 30 seconds. The last operation that becomes the determination object in step SA24 may be the initial operation or the second or subsequent operation if there is no operation on the operating unit 45 thereafter. In the case where the control device 90 determines that the second prescribed time has passed since the last operation (step SA24: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 is transferred to step SA25. In the case where the control device 90 determines that the second prescribed time has not passed since the last operation (step SA24: No), the operation of the control device 90 returns to step SA22.

[0209] In step SA25, the display control unit 90p2 switches the operation display unit 40 to a non-display state. Fig.11 action.

[0210] In step SA26, the control device 90 executes the processing according to the initial operation. Fig.11 action.

[0211] That is, when the operation unit 45 is operated in the non-display state (step SA20: Yes), the control device 90 does not execute the processing based on the content input by the initial operation. Instead, the display control unit 90p2 temporarily switches the operation display unit 40 to the display state corresponding to the initial operation (step SA21), and waits for the second and subsequent operations on the operation unit 45. If the control device 90 detects the second and subsequent operations (step SA22: Yes), it directly executes the processing based on the content input by the second and subsequent operations (step SA23). When a series of operations on the operation unit 45 are completed and the second predetermined time has passed since the last operation (step SA24: Yes), the operation display unit 40 returns to the non-display state, and a series of processes are completed.

[0212] On the other hand, when the operation display unit 40 is in the display state at the time of the first operation (step SA20: Yes), the display control unit 90p2 of the control device 90 directly executes processing based on the content of the first operation input (step SA26).

[0213] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0214] As described above, in the present embodiment, the display cabinet 1 cools the articles in the display room 12 by means of the cooling system 31, wherein the display cabinet 1 comprises: a cooling device control unit 90p1, which controls the operation of the cooling system 31; an operation display unit 40, which comprises a temperature display unit 41 for displaying the temperature of the display room 12 and light-emitting units 43a to 43d for displaying the operation status of the cooling device control unit 91p; and a display control unit 90p2, which controls the operation display unit 40, wherein the display control unit 90p2 is capable of switching the operation display unit 40 between a display state in which the temperature of the display room 12 is displayed by means of the temperature display unit 41 and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display room 12 is not displayed by means of the temperature display unit 41, and displaying the temperature in the non-display state by means of the light-emitting units 43a to 43d.

[0215] Thus, the operating states of the cooling system 31 and the blower 33 of the showcase 1 can be displayed by the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d without displaying the internal temperature on the temperature display unit 41. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

[0216] In particular, in the present embodiment, the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d are respectively constituted by LED elements. In addition, the number of light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d that are lit at the same time is at most two. In contrast, when the temperature display unit 41 displays the temperature in the warehouse, it is necessary to make more than two sections of the numerical display unit 41a emit light, and make the unit display unit 41b emit light. Therefore, it is easy to make the power consumption generated by the lighting of the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d smaller than the power consumption when the temperature display unit 41 displays the temperature in the warehouse.

[0217] As in the present embodiment, in the showcase 1, when a non-display time period is set for making the operation display unit 40 non-display, the display control unit 90p2 may switch the operation display unit 40 to the non-display state during the non-display time period.

[0218] Thus, for example, by setting the time period when the user accesses the operation display unit 40 less frequently as the non-display time period, the operation display unit 40 can be placed in the non-display state only during the time period when the user accesses the operation display unit 40 less frequently. Therefore, the convenience of the showcase 1 is improved.

[0219] As in the present embodiment, the display cabinet 1 may also be configured to further include an operating unit 45 for accepting operations, and when the display control unit 90p2 detects a first operation on the operating unit 45 when the operating display unit 40 is in a non-display state, the operating display unit 40 is switched to a display state corresponding to the first operation, and when a second operation is subsequently detected, processing based on the content input by the second operation is performed.

[0220] Thus, even if the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state, the operation display unit 40 can be operated to display the internal temperature. Therefore, the convenience of the showcase 1 is improved. In addition, the processing based on the content input by the operation performed when the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the operation unit 45.

[0221] As in the present embodiment, the showcase 1 may further include a human body sensor 47 that detects a human body approaching the operation display unit 40 , and when the human body sensor 47 detects a human body, the display control unit 90 p 2 switches the operation display unit 40 to the display state.

[0222] Thus, even if the operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state, the operation display unit 40 can be switched to a display state when a person approaches the operation display unit 40. Therefore, the convenience of the showcase 1 is improved. In particular, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 45 is provided on the operation display unit 40. Therefore, when the operation display unit 40 is switched to a display state, it is easy to visually check the temperature inside the cabinet.

[0223] A display method, which uses an operation display unit 40, wherein the operation display unit 40 has light-emitting units 43a~43d for displaying the operating status of a display cabinet 1 that cools items in a display cabinet 12 through a cooling system 31, and a temperature display unit 41 for displaying the temperature of the display cabinet 12. The display method includes: a first step of making the temperature display unit 41 of the operation display unit 40 not display the temperature of the display cabinet 12; and a second step of displaying the operating status of the display cabinet 1 through the light-emitting units 43a~43d of the operation display unit 40.

[0224] Thus, the operating state of the cooling device control unit 90p1 controlling the cooling system 31 and the blower 33 of the showcase 1 can be displayed by the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d without displaying the internal temperature on the temperature display unit 41. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

[0225] As in the present embodiment, the display method may include a third step of causing the temperature display unit 41 of the operation display unit 40 to display the temperature of the display room 12, executing the first and second steps at the start of non-display, and executing the third step at the end of non-display.

[0226] Thus, for example, by setting the time period when the user accesses the operation display unit 40 less frequently as the non-display time period, the temperature display unit 41 can be prevented from displaying the temperature of the display room 12 only during the time period when the user accesses the operation display unit 40 less frequently. Therefore, the convenience of the showcase 1 is not impaired, and the power consumption of the showcase 1 can be suppressed.

[0227] As in the present embodiment, the display method may also be configured to include a third step of causing the temperature display unit 41 of the operation display unit 40 to display the temperature of the display room 12, executing the third step according to a set display cycle, and executing the above-mentioned first step and the second step after a first specified time has passed since the execution of the third step.

[0228] Thereby, the temperature of the display room 12 can be confirmed at the first predetermined time according to the display cycle. Therefore, the power consumption of the showcase 1 can be suppressed without impairing the convenience of the showcase 1.

[0229] As in the present embodiment, the display method may be configured such that, in a display cabinet 1 that also has an operating unit 45 for accepting operations, the temperature display unit 41 is caused to display the temperature of the display room 12 in response to a first operation on the operating unit 45 performed when the temperature display unit 41 does not display the temperature of the display room 12, through the display control unit 90p2.

[0230] Thus, even when the temperature display unit 41 does not display the temperature of the display room 12, the temperature display unit 41 can be made to display the temperature of the display section by operating the operation unit 45. Therefore, the convenience of the display cabinet is improved. In particular, in the present embodiment, the temperature display unit 41 and the operation unit 45 are both provided in the operation display unit, so it is easy to visually confirm the temperature of the display section displayed on the temperature display unit 41.

[0231] (Implementation Method 2)

[0232] Below, use Fig.12 and Fig.13 Implementation method 2 is described.

[0233] [2-1. Structure]

[0234] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display system 101 according to Embodiment 2. The display system 101 includes the plurality of showcases 1 described in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the display system 101 includes four showcases 1. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the showcases 1 constituting the display system 101, the showcases 1 are referred to as showcases 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. Furthermore, when distinguishing between the communication connection units 91 of the showcases 1A to 1D, the communication connection units 91A, 91B, 91C, and 91D are referred to as communication connection units.

[0235] The communication connection parts 91A to 91D of each display cabinet 1A to 1D of the display system 101 are connected to the communication network NW. The display cabinets 1A to 1D are connected to each other via the communication network NW. The communication network NW is a communication line composed of a dedicated line, a public line network, the Internet, etc. The communication network NW may also include network devices not shown in the figure, such as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router, a switch, a router, a gateway, and various server devices. The communication network NW in this embodiment is composed of, for example, a LAN (Local Area Area) laid in a building where each display cabinet 1 is installed.

[0236] Each showcase 1A to 1D included in the display system 101 is set as either a host or a slave. Among the showcases 1A to 1D included in the display system 101, only one is set as the host. In the present embodiment, the showcase 1A is set as the host, and the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D are set as slaves. The showcase 1A is set as the host, for example, by operating the operating unit 45. When the showcase 1A is set as the host, for example, information indicating that it is set as the host is stored in the memory of the control device 90 of the showcase 1A. The showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D as slaves can communicate with the showcase 1A as the host. The showcase 1A as the host corresponds to the "first showcase" in the present embodiment. The showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D as slaves correspond to the "second showcase" in the present embodiment.

[0237] [2-2. Action]

[0238] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the showcase 1 provided in the exhibition system 101, and shows the operation when the temperature display of the temperature display unit 41 is set to non-display. Next, the operation of the showcase 1A as a host when the showcase 1A is operated by a user will be described.

[0239] When the user performs the setting start operation (step SW31), the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A displays the setting item on the temperature display unit 41 of the showcase 1A (step SA31). The setting start operation in step SW1 is, for example, the operation of pressing the third switch 45c of the operation unit 45.

[0240] The display corresponding to the setting item in step SA31 is, for example, an action of displaying a character string corresponding to the setting item by the numerical display unit 41a of the showcase 1A. The setting item may include, for example, a setting of not displaying the temperature display of the temperature display unit 41, and a temperature setting of the showcase 12. In addition, the setting item may include, for example, an item for setting whether the showcase 1A is a master or a slave. The character string corresponding to the setting item displayed in step SA31 may be configured to be switched to a character string corresponding to a different setting item by, for example, pressing each switch 45a, 45b by the user.

[0241] Next, when the user performs an operation of selecting a setting item (step SW32), the control device 90 determines whether the performed operation is an operation of selecting a setting item for not displaying the temperature display of the temperature display unit 41 (step SA32). The operation of selecting a setting item in step SW32 may be, for example, an operation of pressing the third switch 45c in a state where the numerical display unit 41a displays a character string corresponding to the target setting item by pressing each of the switches 45a and 45b.

[0242] In step SA32, when the control device 90 of the showcase 1A determines that the operation in step SW2 is an operation for selecting a setting item for not displaying the temperature display (step SA32: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA33. When the control device 90 determines that the operation in step SW2 is not an operation for selecting a setting item for not displaying the temperature display (step SA32: No), the control device 90 ends the setting operation for not displaying the temperature display and shifts to the setting operation for the corresponding setting item.

[0243] In step SA33, the control device 90 of the operated showcase 1A determines whether the showcase 1A is set as the host. The control device 90 refers to the memory, for example, to determine whether information indicating that the showcase 1A is set as the host is stored. In the present embodiment, the showcase 1A is the host, and therefore, the control device 90 of the showcase 1A determines that the showcase 1A is set as the host. When the control device 90 determines that the showcase 1A is set as the host (step SA33: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 is transferred to step SA34.

[0244] In addition, in this embodiment, the showcases 1B to 1D are not set as the main unit but as the slave unit. Fig.13In the case of the operation of the display case 1B to 1D, in step SA33, the control device 90 of the display case 1B to 1D determines that the display case 1B to 1D is not set as the host. In the case of the operation of the display case 1B to 1D being operated, the control device 90 determines that the display case 1B to 1D is not set as the host (step SA33: No), the control device 90 ends the operation of setting the temperature display to not display.

[0245] That is, the setting operation of not displaying the temperature display is effective only for the operation unit 45 of the showcase 1A set as the master. The setting operation of not displaying the temperature display of the temperature display unit 41 cannot be performed for the operation unit 45 of the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D set as slaves. Therefore, the operations of steps SA34 to SA39 are the operations of the control device 90 of the showcase 1A set as the master. In addition, for example, the operation unit 45 may not be provided in the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D as slaves.

[0246] In step SA34, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A executes a display corresponding to the item of synchronization setting of the temperature display. The display corresponding to the item of synchronization setting is, for example, an action of displaying a character string corresponding to each synchronization setting item through the numerical display unit 41a of the showcase 1A. The synchronization setting items of the temperature display include a setting of "only the host display" which makes the operation display unit 40 of the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D as slaves into a non-display state and makes the operation display unit 40 of the host into a display state. In addition, the synchronization setting items of the temperature display include a setting of "both the host and the slaves do not display" which makes all the operation display units 40 of the showcase 1A as the host and the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D as the slaves into a non-display state.

[0247] After that, when the user performs an operation to select an item of synchronization setting (step SW33), the control device 90 of the showcase 1A determines whether the performed operation is an operation to select the setting of "host display only" (step SA35). The operation of selecting an item of synchronization setting in step SW33 may be, for example, an operation of pressing the third switch 45c in a state where the numerical display unit 41a displays a character string corresponding to the target synchronization setting item by pressing each switch 45a, 45b.

[0248] If the control device 90 determines that the setting of "display only the master unit" is selected (step SA35: Yes), the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA36. If the control device 90 determines that the setting of "display only the master unit" is not selected (step SA35: No), that is, if the setting of "neither the master unit nor the slave unit is displayed" is determined to be selected, the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA37.

[0249] In step SA36, the control device 90 stores information indicating that "host-only display" has been set in the memory. Thereafter, the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA38.

[0250] In step SA37, the control device 90 stores information indicating that "both the master and slave are not to be displayed" in the memory. Thereafter, the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA38.

[0251] In step SA38, the control device 90 of the operated showcase executes Figure 6 The non-display method and its timing, cycle, etc. are set in this way. After that, the operation of the control device 90 shifts to step SA39.

[0252] In step SA39, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A instructs the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D as slaves to switch the operation display units 40 to the non-display state via the communication connection unit 91. The instruction sent at this time includes information on which non-display method is set in step SA38. In addition, the instruction sent at this time may also include information such as the non-display start time and non-display end time, or the display cycle. By sending the instruction, Fig.13 The action is finished.

[0253] The display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1B, 1C, and 1D that receives the instruction to switch to the non-display state in step SA39 switches each operation display unit 40 to the non-display state based on the information included in the instruction. In addition, after the operation of step SA39 is completed, if the memory stores information indicating that "only the host display" is set, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A switches the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A to the display state. If the memory stores information including the setting of "both the host and the slave are not displayed", the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A switches the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A to the non-display state based on the setting of step SA38.

[0254] That is, when "only host display" is selected, after step SA39 is completed, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A makes the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A always in the display state. In addition, when "only host display" is selected, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcases 1B to 1D makes the operation display units 40 of the showcases 1B to 1D in the non-display state according to the non-display method. In other words, when "only host display" is selected, in the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A, the temperature display unit 41 always displays the internal temperature, and the light-emitting units 43a to 43d of the indicator 43 are always off. In addition, when "only host display" is selected, in the operation display units 40 of the showcases 1B to 1D, the temperature display unit 41 is in the non-display state of the internal temperature at the timing according to the non-display method, and the light-emitting units 43a to 43d of the indicator 43 emit light when the temperature display unit 41 does not display the internal temperature.

[0255] On the other hand, when "both the main unit and the sub-unit are not displayed" is selected, after step SA39 is completed, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A to 1D sets the display unit 40 of the showcase 1A to 1D to a non-display state according to the non-display method. In other words, when "both the main unit and the sub-unit are not displayed" is selected, the temperature display unit 41 of the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A to 1D is set to a non-display state of the internal temperature at the timing according to the non-display method, and each light-emitting unit 43a to 43d of the indicator 43 emits light when the temperature display unit 41 does not display the internal temperature.

[0256] [2-3. Effects, etc.]

[0257] As described above, in the present embodiment, the display system 101 is a display system having a plurality of display cabinets 1A to 1D for cooling articles in the display room 12 by means of the cooling system 31, wherein the plurality of display cabinets 1A to 1D include a display cabinet 1A as a host and display cabinets 1B to 1D as slaves connected to the display cabinet 1A in a manner capable of communicating with the display cabinet 1A, and the plurality of display cabinets 1A to 1D are respectively provided with: a cooling device control unit 90p1 for controlling the operation of the cooling system 31; an operation display unit 40 having a temperature display unit 41 for displaying the temperature of the display room 12 and a cooling device control unit 90p1 for displaying the temperature of the display room 12; p1, light emitting units 43a~43d in an action state; and a display control unit 90p2, which can switch the operation display unit 40 between a display state in which the temperature of the display room 12 is displayed through the temperature display unit 41 and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display room 12 is not displayed through the temperature display unit 41, and display is performed using the light emitting units 43a~43d in the non-display state. The display cabinet 1A has an operation unit 45 for accepting operations, and the display control unit 90p2 of the display cabinet 1A instructs the operation display units 40 of the display cabinets 1B~1D to switch to the non-display state according to the operation of the operation unit 45.

[0258] Thus, the operation display units 40 of the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D can be set to a non-display state simply by operating the operation unit 45 of the showcase 1A. Therefore, the convenience of the display system 101 is improved.

[0259] As in the present embodiment, the display system 101 may be configured such that when the operation display units 40 of the showcases 1B to 1D are switched to the non-display state by operation of the operation unit 45 , the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A can be switched to the display state.

[0260] This makes it easy to distinguish the showcase 1A serving as the main unit among the plurality of showcases 1. Therefore, the convenience is improved.

[0261] (Implementation 3)

[0262] Below, use Fig.14 Implementation method 3 is described.

[0263] [3-1. Structure]

[0264] Fig.14 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display system 201 according to Embodiment 3. The display system 201 includes one or more showcases 1 described in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the display system 201 includes four showcases 1. In this embodiment, the display system 201 may be configured such that the operation unit 45 is not provided in each showcase 1.

[0265] The exhibition system 201 includes a management device 210. The management device 210 includes a second control device 220, a second communication connection unit 230, and a touch panel 240. The management device 210 centrally controls the setting temperature of each showcase 1 of the exhibition system 201 and the setting of the operation display unit 40.

[0266] The second control device 220 has a processor 221. The processor 221 is composed of a CPU, an MPU or other arithmetic processing device. The second control device 220 has a memory 223. The memory 223 is a storage device that stores programs and data executed by the processor 221 in a non-volatile manner. The memory 223 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element or other types of non-volatile storage devices. Specifically, the memory is composed of an HDD, a flash ROM, an SSD, etc. The memory 223 may include a RAM that constitutes a working area of ​​the processor 221.

[0267] The memory 223 stores schedule information 223a. The schedule information 223a includes information of a predetermined time period or a predetermined schedule. The predetermined time period is, for example, the business hours of the store or the like where the showcase 1 is installed. The predetermined schedule is, for example, the business day of the store or the like where the showcase 1 is installed.

[0268] The second communication connection unit 230 is connected to the communication connection unit 91 of each showcase 1 via the communication network NW. The second communication connection unit 230 includes, for example, a connector for connecting a communication cable and an interface circuit for inputting and outputting signals through the connector. In addition, for example, the second communication connection unit 230 may also be a wireless communication device that includes an antenna and a wireless circuit and is connected to an external network via a wireless communication line.

[0269] The touch panel 240 includes a display screen and a touch sensor arranged overlapping the display screen, detects user operations through the touch sensor, and outputs operation data to the second control device 220. The display screen of the touch panel 240 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or the like.

[0270] [3-2. Action]

[0271] The processor 221 of the management device 210 receives the user's operation via the touch panel 240 and switches the operation display unit 40 of each showcase 1 connected to the management device 210 to a non-display state. The processor 221 determines the non-display method selected by the user's operation on the touch panel 240.

[0272] For example, the non-display method includes: Figure 6 In addition, in this embodiment, the non-display method includes switching the operation display unit 40 to a non-display state according to the information of a specified time period or a specified schedule included in the schedule information 223a stored in the memory 223.

[0273] For example, when the schedule information 223a is information about the business hours of the store or the like at the installation destination of each showcase 1, each operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state during the time period other than the business hours of the store or the like during the non-display of the schedule. For example, when the schedule information 223a is information about the business days of the store or the like at the installation destination of each showcase 1, each operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state during the time period other than the business days of the store or the like during the non-display of the schedule. For example, when the schedule information 223a includes information about the business hours and business days of the store or the like at the installation destination of each showcase 1, each operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state during the time period other than the business days of the store or the like and the business hours.

[0274] The processor 221 of the management device 210 can send an instruction to switch the operation display unit 40 to a non-display state based on the non-display method selected by operation to each showcase 1. When receiving the instruction to switch the operation display unit 40 to a non-display state from the management device 210, the display control unit 90p2 of each showcase 1 switches the operation display unit 40 to a non-display state.

[0275] [3-3. Effects, etc.]

[0276] As described above, in the present embodiment, the display system 201 has one or more display cabinets 1 for cooling items in the display room 12 through the cooling system 31, and a management device 210 connected to the display cabinets 1 in a communicative manner, wherein the display cabinet 1 has: a cooling device control unit 90p1, which controls the operation of the cooling system 31; an operation display unit 40, which has a temperature display unit 41 for displaying the temperature of the display room 12 and light-emitting units 43a~43d for displaying the operation status of the cooling device control unit 90p1; and a display control unit 90p2, which can switch the operation display unit 40 between a display state in which the temperature of the display room 12 is displayed through the temperature display unit 41 and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display room 12 is not displayed through the temperature display unit 41, and in the non-display state, the temperature is displayed through the light-emitting units 43a~43d, and the display control unit 90p2 switches the operation display unit 40 to the non-display state when receiving an instruction to switch to the non-display state from the management device 210.

[0277] Thereby, each operation display part 40 of each showcase 1 can be collectively brought into a non-display state. Therefore, the convenience of the exhibition system 201 is improved.

[0278] As in the present embodiment, in the display system 201, the management device 210 may store at least one of a specified time period and a specified schedule, and may switch the operation display unit 40 provided in the plurality of display cabinets 1 to a non-display state according to the specified time period or the specified schedule.

[0279] Thus, the operation display unit 40 of each showcase 1 can be placed in a non-display state according to a predetermined schedule or a predetermined time period stored in the management device 210. Therefore, the convenience of the display system 201 is improved.

[0280] (Other embodiments)

[0281] As described above, embodiments 1 to 3 are described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments that have been changed, replaced, added, omitted, etc. In addition, the various components described in embodiments 1 to 3 above can also be combined as new embodiments.

[0282] Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0283] In the above embodiment, the showcase 1 is described as an open showcase, but this is an example. The showcase 1 may be, for example, a closed showcase having a transparent door that closes the showcase 12 from the front. In addition, each showcase 1 provided in the display system 101 or 201 may also be a structure including a closed showcase. In addition, the showcase 1 may also be a closed storage having a non-transparent door. In addition, the showcase 1 may have not only a function of cooling the showcase 12 but also a function of heating the showcase 12.

[0284] In the above embodiment, it is described that the display systems 101 and 201 each have four showcases 1, but this is an example. The display system 101 of the second embodiment can be configured to have any number of showcases 1, two or more. In addition, in the second embodiment, the host in the display system 101 is only the showcase 1A, but it can also be configured to set a plurality of showcases 1 as the host. In this case, by operating the operation display unit 40 of any showcase 1 set as the host, it is possible to Fig.13 The operation shown in the figure is to set the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1 set as the slave to be non-display. In this case, in step SA39, the information may be sent not only to the slave but also to other showcases 1 set as the master, so that the operation display units 40 of all showcases 1 set as the master in the display system 101 are linked. In addition, the display system 201 of the third embodiment may be configured to have any number of showcases 1, one or more.

[0285] In the above embodiment, each light emitting unit 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d has an LED, but this is an example. Each light emitting unit 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d may have any light source such as a cold cathode tube or a filament instead of an LED.

[0286] In the above embodiment, the numerical display unit 41a is described as being composed of four 7-segment LEDs, but this is an example. The numerical display unit 41a may also be composed of three or less or five or more 7-segment LEDs. In addition, the temperature display unit 41 may also be composed of any display device such as a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, etc.

[0287] In the above embodiment, it is described that the method of making the operation display unit 40 non-display is a case where the time period is not displayed. Figure 6Although the time period during which the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state is determined by designating the non-display start time and the non-display end time as in step SW12 of the present invention, this is an example. For example, the time period during which the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state may be determined by designating the non-display start time and the length of time the non-display state lasts. In addition, the time period during which the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state may be indirectly determined by designating the time period during which the operation display unit 40 is in the display state.

[0288] In the above embodiment, it is described that when the non-display method of the operation display unit 40 is set to the timer display, Figure 6 In step SW13, the cycle of putting the operation display unit 40 in the display state is specified, but this is an example. For example, in step SW13, it is also possible to configure so that the cycle of putting the operation display unit 40 in the display state and the length of time the display state of the operation display unit 40 continues can be specified. In addition, in step SA13, it is also possible to configure so that the cycle of putting the operation display unit 40 in the non-display state and the non-display state can be set.

[0289] In the above embodiment, the temperature display unit 41, the indicator 43, and the operating unit 45 are described as being provided on the same panel 40a, but this is an example. For example, the temperature display unit 41, the indicator 43, and the operating unit 45 may also be a structure provided outside the panel 40a. However, as in the above embodiment, by centrally arranging the temperature display unit 41, the indicator 43, and the operating unit 45 on the panel 40a, the operation of the operating unit 45 becomes easy.

[0290] In the above embodiment, the display control unit 90p2 has been described as turning off all the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d of the indicator 43 while the operation display unit 40 is in the display state. However, since the power consumption of the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d is smaller than that of the temperature display unit 41, the indicator 43 may also be turned on while the operation display unit 40 is in the display state. In this case, it is easy to determine the operating state of the showcase 1, and the convenience is improved.

[0291] The corresponding relationship between the lighting, flashing, and extinguishing patterns of each light emitting unit 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d and the operating state of the showcase 1 described in the above embodiment is an example. The lighting, flashing, and extinguishing patterns of each light emitting unit 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d relative to the operating state of the showcase 1 can be set arbitrarily. In addition, the number of light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d of the indicator 43 and the color of the emitted light can be set arbitrarily. In addition, in the above embodiment, it is described that each light emitting unit 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d displays "cooling", "cooling waiting", "defrosting", "dehydration after defrosting", "refrigeration operation", and "cooling operation" are being executed, but this is an example. Each light emitting unit 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d may also be a structure that displays operating states other than the above. For example, the operation state of the display cabinet 1 that is not a normal operation may be displayed not by the temperature display unit 41 but by the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d provided in the operation display unit 40 or by an additional light emitting unit. The abnormal operation state of the display cabinet 1 is, for example, an operation state in which a refrigerant leak is detected and notified, an operation state in which the leaked refrigerant is being recovered, and an operation state in which the temperature of the display chamber 12 changes from a set temperature to a high temperature or a low temperature above a predetermined temperature.

[0292] In the above embodiment, as the non-display method, always non-display, time period non-display and timed display are exemplified, but the showcase 1 may not be a structure capable of executing all these non-display methods. In addition, the operation unit 45 may not be provided in the operation display unit 40. In addition, the showcase 1 may not have the human body sensing sensor 47.

[0293] In the above embodiment, it is described that the display system 101 can select whether to make the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A as the main unit into the non-display state or the display state when making the operation display unit 40 of the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D as the slaves into the non-display state. This is an example. For example, it is also possible to have a structure in which it is not possible to select whether to make the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A as the main unit into the non-display state or the display state, but the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A as the main unit is made into one of the non-display state and the display state.

[0294] In the above embodiment, it is described that the management device 210 has a touch panel 240, but this is an example. The touch panel 240 is an example of a unit for operating the management device 210. For example, the management device 210 may be connected to an output device such as a monitor, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. In addition, the management device 210 may be a structure that is not connected to an output device and an input device and is operated from an external computer or the like via the communication network NW.

[0295] The structure of the communication device in the present disclosure can be any structure as long as the device of the present disclosure can communicate with an external device. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, as a structure that can communicate between the device of the present disclosure and an external device, in addition to the communicator, it is sometimes expressed by a communication unit or a communication unit or a transceiver unit or a transceiver unit or a similar statement to them. The communicator of the communication device not shown in the figure that constitutes each communication connection unit 91, 230 can be implemented in various ways. For example, the communicator can be connected to the external device in a wired manner, or it can be connected to the external device in a wireless manner. If it is a communicator that connects the device of the present disclosure and the external device in a wired manner, it is effective in terms of the security of communication and the stability of communication. As a wired communicator, for example, there is a wired LAN based on the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, or a wired connection using an optical fiber cable, etc. As a wirelessly connected communicator, there is a wireless connection with an external device via a base station, etc., or a direct wireless connection with an external device, etc. As wireless connections with external devices via base stations, etc., there are, for example, wireless LANs corresponding to IEEE802.11 that perform wireless communications with Wi-Fi routers, third-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 3G), fourth-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 4G), WiMax (registered trademark) or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) corresponding to IEEE802.16, etc. If a communicator that directly wirelessly connects the device of the present invention to an external device is used, it is effective in improving the security of communication, and the device of the present invention can communicate with the external device even in a place where there is no relay device such as a Wi-Fi router. As a communicator that directly wirelessly connects the device of the present invention to an external device, there are, for example, communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark), communication based on NFC (Near Field Communication) via a loop antenna, or infrared communication, etc.

[0296] Figure 4 , Fig.14 The parts shown are just an example, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each part separately, and of course, it can also be configured so that the functions of each part are realized by executing a program through a processor. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, part of the function realized by software can be set as hardware, or part of the function realized by hardware can be realized by software. For example, the cooling device control unit 90p1 and the display control unit 90p2 can also be functional units possessed by different processors. In addition, the specific detailed structures of the display cabinet 1, the management device 210 and other equipment can also be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the main purpose of the present disclosure.

[0297] in addition, Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 as well as Fig.13 The step units of the operations shown are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operations of the respective parts of the showcase 1 and the display systems 101 and 201, and the present disclosure is not limited by the division method or name of the processing units.

[0298] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, and therefore, various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0299] [Structure supported by the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0300] The above-mentioned embodiment supports the following structure.

[0301] (Note)

[0302] (Technology 1) A display cabinet that cools items on display by means of a cooling system, wherein the display cabinet comprises: a cooling device control unit that controls the operation of the cooling system; a display unit that comprises a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display unit and a light-emitting unit that displays the operation status of the cooling device control unit; and a display control unit that controls the display unit, wherein the display control unit is capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display unit is displayed by means of the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display unit is not displayed by means of the temperature display unit, wherein the display unit displays by means of the light-emitting unit in the non-display state.

[0303] Thus, it is not necessary to display the temperature of the display section by the temperature display section, but it is possible to display the operating state of the cooling device control section by the light emitting section. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the showcase.

[0304] (Technique 2) The showcase according to Technique 1, wherein the display control unit switches the display unit to the non-display state during a set time period.

[0305] Thus, for example, by making the time period when the user accesses the display unit less frequently a non-display time period, the display unit can be placed in a non-display state only during the time period when the user accesses the display unit less frequently. Therefore, the convenience of the showcase is improved.

[0306] (Technique 3) A display cabinet according to Technique 1 or 2, wherein the display cabinet further comprises an operation unit for accepting operations, and when the display control unit detects a first operation on the operation unit when the display unit is in the non-display state, the display control unit switches the display unit to the display state corresponding to the first operation, and when a second operation is detected thereafter, performs processing based on the content input by the second operation.

[0307] Thus, even if the display unit is in a non-display state, the temperature display unit can be made to display the temperature of the display unit by operating the operation unit. Therefore, the convenience of the display cabinet is improved. In addition, the processing based on the content input by the operation performed when the display unit is in a non-display state is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the operation unit.

[0308] (Technique 4) A display cabinet according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the display cabinet also has a human body sensing sensor for detecting a human body approaching the display unit, and the display control unit switches the display unit to the display state when the human body sensing sensor detects a human body.

[0309] Thus, even if the display unit is in the non-display state, when a person approaches the display unit, the display unit can be switched to the display state. Therefore, the convenience of the showcase is improved.

[0310] (Technology 5) A display system, comprising a plurality of display cabinets for cooling items on display by means of a cooling system, wherein the plurality of display cabinets include: a first display cabinet; and a second display cabinet connected to the first display cabinet in a communicative manner, the plurality of display cabinets respectively comprising: a cooling device control unit for controlling the operation of the cooling system; a display unit comprising a temperature display unit for displaying the temperature of the display unit and a light emitting unit for displaying the operation status of the cooling device control unit; and a display control unit capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display unit is displayed by the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display unit is not displayed by the temperature display unit, wherein the display is displayed by means of the light emitting unit in the non-display state, the first display cabinet comprising an operation unit for accepting an operation, and the display control unit of the first display cabinet instructs the display unit of the second display cabinet to switch to the non-display state according to the operation of the operation unit.

[0311] Thus, the display unit of the second showcase can be set to a non-display state simply by operating the operation unit of the first showcase. Therefore, the convenience of the display system is improved.

[0312] (Technique 6) The display system according to Technique 5, wherein when the display unit of the second showcase is switched to a non-display state according to an operation on the operation unit, the display unit of the first showcase can be switched to a display state.

[0313] This makes it easy to distinguish the first showcase among the plurality of showcases. Therefore, the convenience of the display system is improved.

[0314] (Technique 7) A display system comprising: one or more display cabinets for cooling items in a display section by means of a cooling system; and a management device connected to the display cabinet in a communicative manner, wherein the display cabinet comprises: a cooling device control unit for controlling the operation of the cooling system; a display unit comprising a temperature display unit for displaying the temperature of the display section and a light-emitting unit for displaying the operation status of the cooling device control unit; and a display control unit capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display section is displayed by means of the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display section is not displayed by means of the temperature display unit, wherein display is performed by means of the light-emitting unit in the non-display state, and upon receiving an instruction to switch to the non-display state from the management device, the display control unit switches the display unit to the non-display state.

[0315] This allows the display units of the showcases to be uniformly turned off, thereby improving the convenience of the display system.

[0316] (Technology 8) According to the display system described in Technology 7, the management device stores at least one of a specified time period and a specified schedule, and is capable of switching the display unit provided in the multiple display cabinets to the non-display state according to the specified time period or the specified schedule.

[0317] Thus, each display unit can be set to a non-display state according to a predetermined schedule or a predetermined time period stored in the management device. Therefore, the convenience of the display system is improved.

[0318] (Technology 9) A display method using a display unit, wherein the display unit comprises: a light-emitting unit that displays an operating state of a display case that cools items in the display section through a cooling system; and a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display section, wherein the display method comprises: a first step of making the temperature display unit of the display unit not display the temperature of the display section; and a second step of displaying the operating state of the display case through the light-emitting unit of the display unit.

[0319] Thus, it is not necessary to display the temperature of the display section by the temperature display section, but it is possible to display the operating state of the cooling device control section by the light emitting section. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the showcase.

[0320] (Technique 10) A display method according to Technique 9, wherein the display method includes a third step of causing the temperature display unit of the display unit to display the temperature of the display unit, and executing the first step and the second step at the beginning of a set time period, and executing the third step at the end of the set time period.

[0321] Thus, for example, by making the time period when the user accesses the display unit less frequently the set time period, the temperature display unit can be made not to display the temperature of the display unit only during the time period when the user accesses the display unit less frequently. Therefore, the convenience of the showcase can be maintained and the power consumption of the showcase can be suppressed.

[0322] (Technique 11) A display method according to Technique 9, wherein the display method includes a third step of causing the temperature display unit of the display unit to display the temperature of the display unit, executing the third step according to a set display cycle, and executing the first step and the second step after a first specified time has passed since the execution of the third step.

[0323] Thus, the temperature of the display section can be checked at the first predetermined time according to the display cycle. Therefore, the power consumption of the showcase can be suppressed without impairing the convenience of the showcase.

[0324] Industrial Applicability

[0325] The present disclosure can be applied to a showcase, a display system having the showcase, a display method, etc. Specifically, the present disclosure can be applied to an open showcase for a store, a closed showcase having a door, etc., a display system having them, or a display method based on the showcase.

Claims

1. A display cabinet, which cools items on display by means of a cooling system, wherein: The display cabinet has: A cooling device control unit, which controls the operation of the cooling system; a display unit including a temperature display unit for displaying the temperature of the display unit and a light emitting unit for displaying the operating state of the cooling device control unit; as well as a display control unit that controls the display unit, The display control unit is capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display unit is displayed through the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display unit is not displayed through the temperature display unit, and the display unit displays through the light-emitting unit in the non-display state.

2. The display case according to claim 1, wherein: The display control unit switches the display unit to the non-display state during a set time period.

3. The display case according to claim 1, wherein: The display cabinet also has an operation unit for accepting operations. When the display control unit detects a first operation on the operating unit when the display unit is in the non-display state, the display control unit switches the display unit to the display state corresponding to the first operation, and when a second operation is detected thereafter, performs processing based on the content input by the second operation.

4. The display case according to claim 1, wherein: The display cabinet further includes a human body sensing sensor for detecting a human body approaching the display unit. The display control unit switches the display unit to the display state when the human body sensing sensor detects a human body.

5. A display system having a plurality of display cabinets for cooling items on display by a cooling system, wherein: The plurality of display cabinets include: a first display cabinet; and a second display cabinet connected to the first display cabinet in a communicative manner. The plurality of display cabinets respectively include: A cooling device control unit, which controls the operation of the cooling system; a display unit including a temperature display unit for displaying the temperature of the display unit and a light emitting unit for displaying the operating state of the cooling device control unit; and a display control unit capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display unit is displayed through the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display unit is not displayed through the temperature display unit, and displaying through the light-emitting unit in the non-display state, The first showcase includes an operation unit for accepting operations. The display control unit of the first showcase instructs the display unit of the second showcase to switch to the non-display state according to an operation of the operation unit.

6. The display system according to claim 5, wherein: When the display unit of the second showcase is switched to a non-display state according to an operation on the operation unit, the display unit of the first showcase can be switched to a display state.

7. A display system comprising: one or more display cabinets for cooling items on display by a cooling system; and a management device connected to the display cabinets in a communicative manner, wherein: The display cabinet has: A cooling device control unit, which controls the operation of the cooling system; A display unit including a temperature display unit for displaying the temperature of the display unit and a light emitting unit for displaying the operating state of the cooling device control unit; as well as a display control unit capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature of the display unit is displayed through the temperature display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature of the display unit is not displayed through the temperature display unit, and displaying through the light-emitting unit in the non-display state, The display control unit switches the display unit to the non-display state when receiving an instruction to switch to the non-display state from the management device.

8. The display system according to claim 7, wherein: The management device stores at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined schedule, and can switch the display units provided in the plurality of showcases to the non-display state according to the predetermined time period or the predetermined schedule.

9. A display method using a display unit, the display unit comprising: a light emitting unit for displaying the operating state of a display case for cooling items in a display unit by a cooling system; and a temperature display unit for displaying the temperature of the display unit, wherein: The display method includes: a first step of preventing the temperature display unit of the display unit from displaying the temperature of the display unit; and a second step of displaying the operating state of the showcase through the light emitting unit of the display unit.

10. The display method according to claim 9, wherein: The display method includes a third step of causing the temperature display unit of the display unit to display the temperature of the display unit. The first step and the second step are performed at the beginning of a set time period, and the third step is performed at the end of the set time period.

11. The display method according to claim 9, wherein: The display method includes a third step of causing the temperature display unit of the display unit to display the temperature of the display unit. The third step is executed according to a set display cycle, and the first step and the second step are executed after a first predetermined time has passed since the execution of the third step.

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