Refrigerator or heat preservation box

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator or a heat preservation box which can appropriately utilize the output of a solar power generation device. The refrigerator (1) can be connected with a solar power generation device (110) and battery packs (29a, 29b). The refrigerator (1) is configured such that when the output of the solar power generation device (110) is high, power is supplied from the solar power generation device (110) to the cooling / heating function load unit (115). The refrigerator (1) is configured such that, when the output of the solar power generation device (110) is low, power is supplied to the cooling / heating function load unit (115) from one of the battery packs (29a) and (29b), and the other of the battery packs (29a) and (29b) is charged from the solar power generation device (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator or a thermal insulation box. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a refrigerator or insulated box that can be driven by power supplied from a battery pack or an external power source. If the battery pack runs out of power, the temperature inside the refrigerator or insulated box cannot be maintained at the set temperature. In this case, if it can be connected to an external power source such as a vehicle power supply or AC power supply, the refrigerator or insulated box can continue to be driven. However, connecting to an external power source such as a vehicle power supply or AC power supply is difficult, especially when used outdoors. Therefore, consideration is given to using a solar power generation device that can be used anywhere as an external power source.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 172775 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The output of the solar power generation device varies greatly depending on the weather and may fall below the minimum output of the cooling or heating device. Therefore, it is not necessarily appropriate to control the power supply from the solar power generation device to the cooling or heating device at all times.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator or a heat preservation box that can appropriately utilize the output of a solar power generation device.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is a refrigerator or a heat preservation box. The refrigerator or heat preservation box includes a cooling mechanism or a heating mechanism, first and second battery pack connection portions to which a battery pack can be connected, a power supply connection portion to which a solar power generation device can be connected, and a control unit for controlling the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, the control unit being configured to execute a first control for supplying power to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism from the battery pack connected to one of the first and second battery pack connection portions, and for charging the battery pack connected to the other of the first and second battery pack connection portions from the solar power generation device connected to the power supply connection portion.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention is a refrigerator or a heat preservation box. The refrigerator or heat preservation box includes a cooling mechanism or a heating mechanism, first and second battery pack connection portions for attaching and detaching a battery pack, a power supply connection portion for attaching a solar power generator, and a control portion for controlling the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism. The control portion is configured to, when a battery pack is connected to at least one of the first and second battery pack connection portions and a solar power generator is connected to the power supply connection portion, supply power from the solar power generator to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism if a first condition is satisfied, and to supply power from the battery pack connected to at least one of the first and second battery pack connection portions to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism if a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention is a refrigerator or a heat preservation box. The refrigerator or heat preservation box includes a cooling mechanism or a heating mechanism, first and second battery pack connection portions capable of attaching and detaching battery packs, a power connection portion capable of connecting a solar power generation device, and a control portion for controlling the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, wherein the control portion is configured to perform a power mode determination before activating the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism. In the power mode determination, when an input voltage from the power connection portion is within a first range, the control portion determines that the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection portion. The control portion is configured to execute a solar power mode when the power determination determines that the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection portion. In the solar power mode, the control portion is configured to supply power from the solar power generation device to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

[0013] The present invention may be expressed as "electrical equipment," "cold and hot boxes," and the like, and such expressions are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator or a thermal insulation box that can appropriately utilize the output of a solar power generation device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the upper front side, showing a state in which the first cover 6 is opened.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 from the upper right front. Figure 1 A perspective view showing a state where the partition plate 70 is removed.

[0018] Figure 3This is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 as viewed from the upper right front, with the second cover 7 opened.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 from the upper right front. Figure 3 A perspective view showing a state where the battery pack 29 is removed.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 as viewed from the upper right rear side.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a rear view of the refrigerator 1.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator 1.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram of the charging and discharging operation of the refrigerator 1 when the solar power generation device 110 is connected to the external power input terminal (DC JACK) 28 of the refrigerator 1 and the output power of the solar power generation device 110 is greater than the power consumption of the cooling and heating function load unit 115.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram showing that when the solar power generation device 110 is connected to the external power input terminal (DC JACK) 28 of the refrigerator 1, the output power of the solar power generation device 110 is smaller than the power consumption of the cooling and heating function load unit 115, and neither charging nor discharging can be performed.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram of the action of discharging from the battery pack 29a to the cooling and heating function load part 115 and charging from the solar power generation device 110 to the battery pack 29b when the solar power generation device 110 is connected to the external power input terminal (DC JACK) 28 of the refrigerator 1 and the output power of the solar power generation device 110 is smaller than the power consumption of the cooling and heating function load part 115.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a circuit block diagram of refrigerator 1.

[0027] Figure 12 It is summarized Figure 11 A table showing the on / off combinations of relays SW1 to SW4.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of power mode determination in refrigerator 1 .

[0029] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of on-off switching of relays SW1 to SW4 in the solar power supply mode in refrigerator 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] This embodiment relates to a refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 is configured as a movable cold and hot box having cooling and heating functions. Figure 1 The front-back, top-bottom, left-right and right-left directions of the refrigerator 1 are defined as being orthogonal to each other. The front-back direction is the depth direction (short side direction) of the refrigerator 1, the left-right direction is the width direction (long side direction) of the refrigerator 1, and the top-bottom direction is the height direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0031] The refrigerator 1 includes a main body 2. The main body 2 includes a first main body portion 3 and a second main body portion 4 different from the first main body portion 3. The first main body portion 3 and the second main body portion 4 are arranged in a left-right direction. The second main body portion 4 is located outside and to the right of the first main body portion 3.

[0032] The first main body 3 includes a left outer box 12. The left outer box 12 is a generally rectangular parallelepiped with an open top, such as a resin molded body, and forms the exterior of the first main body 3. The second main body 4 includes a right outer box 13. The right outer box 13 is a generally rectangular parallelepiped with an open top and left side, such as a resin molded body, and forms the exterior of the second main body 4. The right outer box 13 is fixed to the right side of the left outer box 12 by screwing or the like, forming an integral body.

[0033] The main body 2 includes a main frame 11. The main frame 11 is, for example, a resin molded body. The main frame 11 is a frame body that spans the upper portions of the first body portion 3 and the second body portion 4 and has openings corresponding to the first body portion 3 and the second body portion 4, respectively.

[0034] The refrigerator 1 includes a cover 5. The cover 5 is provided on the upper portion of the main body 2 and is openable and closable relative to the main body 2. The cover 5 includes a first cover 6 for opening and closing the first main body 3 and a second cover 7 for opening and closing the second main body 4 (opening and closing the battery pack storage portion 22).

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first cover 6 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the main frame 11 via a first hinge mechanism 25. The first cover 6 has a handle 6a. The user can open the cover by using Figure 3 The handle portion 6a of the first cover body 6 in the closed state shown in FIG. 1 is rotated forward to release the first cover body 6 from being locked relative to the main frame 11. In this state, the handle portion 6a is held as shown. Figure 1 Open the first cover 6 as shown.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second cover 7 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the main frame 11 via a second hinge mechanism 26. The second cover 7 has a handle 7a. The user can open the cover by using Figure 1 The handle portion 7a of the second cover body 7 in the closed state shown in FIG. 1 is rotated upward to release the locking of the second cover body 7. In this state, the handle portion 7a is held as shown. Figure 3 Open the second cover 7 as shown.

[0037] The refrigerator 1 has a pair of left and right handles 21 and a plurality of (eg, four) legs 35 serving as grounding portions at the bottom. A user can lift and move the refrigerator 1 by gripping the left and right handles 21.

[0038] The refrigerator 1 has casters 19 and a movable handle (handle) 20. The casters 19 are respectively arranged at the front and rear of the lower right portion of the main body 2. The rotation axis of the casters 19 is parallel to the left-right direction. The movable handle 20 is rotatably arranged on the left side of the main body 2. The rotation axis of the movable handle 20 is parallel to the left-right direction. The user rotates the movable handle 20 upward, grasps the movable handle 20, and lifts the left portion of the main body 2 from the ground, thereby enabling the refrigerator 1 to be moved using the casters 19.

[0039] The refrigerator 1 has a USB terminal 27A and a cigarette lighter socket 27B on the upper front surface of the second main body 4, and an external power input terminal 28 serving as a power connection portion on the lower right side of the second main body 4. The refrigerator 1 can supply 5V DC to a device connected to the USB terminal 27A (hereinafter referred to as a "USB-connected device"). The cigarette lighter socket 27B is an example of an external output portion. The refrigerator 1 can supply 12V DC to an external device connected to the cigarette lighter socket 27B (hereinafter also referred to as a "cigarette lighter socket-connected device"). The external power input terminal 28 is an example of an external power connection portion and can selectively connect to either a vehicle power supply or an AC adapter. The refrigerator 1 can input external DC power via the external power input terminal 28. The refrigerator 1 operates using this DC power or power from a battery pack 29. The battery pack 29 can be detachably attached to a power tool or electric work machine to supply power. The rated voltage of the battery pack 29 is, for example, 18V.

[0040] Although omitted from the figure, the refrigerator 1 has a fan in the right outer box 13. The fan generates a cooling mechanism (especially Figure 7 Condenser 42 shown) and Figure 11 The fan air cools the control circuit board 80 shown. An air intake 23 for taking in the fan air is provided on the front of the right outer case 13. An air exhaust 24 for exhausting the fan air is provided on the back of the right outer case 13. The fan air flows from the air intake 23 toward the air exhaust 24 in a front-to-back direction. Alternatively, the front-to-back relationship between air intake and air exhaust can be reversed.

[0041] The first main body 3 includes a storage chamber 8 (storage section). The storage chamber 8 includes a right chamber 8R, which serves as a first storage chamber (first storage section) and is a large chamber, and a left chamber 8L, which serves as a second storage chamber (second storage section) and is a small chamber. The right chamber 8R and the left chamber 8L are adjacent to each other and are separated (partitioned) by a removable partition plate 70.

[0042] The first main body 3 includes a right side member 16R, a left side member 16L, and a rail member 18, which are components of the storage chamber 8. The right side member 16R and the left side member 16L are metal plates such as aluminum, and each has a U-shape when viewed from the top and bottom. Figure 7 Refrigerant tubes 45R, 45L are presented.

[0043] The rail member 18 guides the installation and removal of the partition plate 70. The rail member 18 is provided in two gaps between the right side member 16R and the left side member 16L. The rail member 18 also serves to connect the right side member 16R and the left side member 16L. The rail member 18 is fixed to the main frame 11 with screws (not shown).

[0044] The assembled right side member 16R, left side member 16L, and rail member 18 are, for example, inserted from above into a bottom member (not shown), which is a resin molded body. Together with the bottom member, they form the inner box of the first main body portion 3. A heat-insulating material (not shown), such as polyurethane foam, is filled between this inner box and the left outer box 12. This heat-insulating material solidifies after filling, thereby also securing the inner box relative to the left outer box 12, and thus the main frame 11.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the second main body 4 includes a battery pack housing 22 (battery box) capable of accommodating a battery pack. The battery pack housing 22 is a generally closed structure, such as a resin molded body, except for an opening at the top. The battery pack housing 22 is inserted from above into the opening of the main frame 11 and secured to the main frame 11 by screwing. Unlike the housing chamber 8, the second cover 7 can switch the opening of the battery pack housing 22 between an open and closed state.

[0046] The battery pack housing 22 has two battery pack mounting portions 22a (battery pack connecting portions) on the left side wall. One of the two battery pack mounting portions 22a corresponds to the first battery pack connecting portion, and the other corresponds to the second battery pack connecting portion. Figure 3 As shown, each battery pack mounting portion 22a can detachably mount (connect) a battery pack 29. Each battery pack mounting portion 22a serves as an external output portion when charging the mounted battery pack 29. When charging the mounted battery pack 29, the battery pack 29 serves as an external device. For example, the battery pack 29 is a battery pack for a power tool with a rated output voltage of 18V.

[0047] Refrigerator 1 includes a setting unit 60. Setting unit 60 is located at the upper right front end of main body 2, facing forward and upward. Setting unit 60 allows the user to turn refrigerator 1 on and off, activate and deactivate the cooling and heating function load unit 115 (described later), activate and deactivate devices connected to the cigarette lighter socket, and individually set the temperatures of right and left compartments 8R and 8L.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of refrigerator 1. Refrigerator 1 includes a compressor 41, a condenser 42, a capillary tube 43, refrigerant pipes 44, 45R, 45L, and valves V1 and V2 as a cooling mechanism. Compressor 41, condenser 42, and capillary tube 43 are located in second main body 4.

[0049] The compressor 41 has an electric motor and compresses the refrigerant, outputting (discharging) it as a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The condenser 42 dissipates the heat of the refrigerant output from the compressor 41 and discharges the refrigerant as a liquid. The capillary tube 43 creates resistance to the flow of the refrigerant liquefied by the condenser 42, reducing its pressure and delivering it to the inlet side of the downstream valves V1 and V2. The capillary tube 43 also forms part of the refrigerant pipe.

[0050] The refrigerant pipe 45R is provided corresponding to the right chamber 8R, and the refrigerant pipe 45L is provided corresponding to the left chamber 8L. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outer surfaces of the right side member 16R and the left side member 16L shown extend and merge at their front ends. Refrigerant pipe 44 connects the confluence of refrigerant pipes 45R and 45L to the inlet of compressor 41. As the refrigerant passes around the storage chamber 8, it absorbs heat from the storage chamber 8 and evaporates, turning into gas.

[0051] The right refrigerant pipe 45R and the left refrigerant pipe 45L are independent of each other. That is, the right refrigerant pipe 45R is provided to mainly cool the right chamber 8R, and the left refrigerant pipe 45L is provided to mainly cool the left chamber 8L.

[0052] Valves V1 and V2 are solenoid valves, each with one flow path connected to the outlet side and one flow path connected to the inlet side (one in, one out: 1in1out type). Valves V1 and V2 are connected to the right refrigerant pipe 45R and the left refrigerant pipe 45L, respectively, and can independently adjust (open and close) the flow of refrigerant in the right refrigerant pipe 45R and the left refrigerant pipe 45L.

[0053] Figure 8This is a conceptual diagram of the charging and discharging operation of the refrigerator 1 when the solar power generation device 110 is connected to the external power input terminal (DC JACK) 28 of the refrigerator 1 and the output power of the solar power generation device 110 is greater than the power consumption of the cooling and heating function load unit 115. Figure 8 In FIG, the two battery packs 29 are divided into battery packs 29a and 29b. Figures 9 to 11 The same is true in Chinese.

[0054] The control circuit board 80 is equipped with Figure 11 The circuit inside the dotted line is the microcomputer 81, 82, etc. The cooling and heating function load unit 115 is Figure 11 The functional block includes the compressor 41 and heaters 51L and 51R.

[0055] like Figure 8 As shown, when the output power of the solar power generation device 110 is high, such as on sunny days, the solar power generation device 110 discharges power to the cooling and heating function load unit 115 to drive the cooling and heating function load unit 115, while the solar power generation device 110 charges the battery pack 29b. Alternatively, the battery pack 29a may be charged instead of the battery pack 29b.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram showing that when the solar power generation device 110 is connected to the external power input terminal (DC JACK) 28 of the refrigerator 1, the output power of the solar power generation device 110 is smaller than the power consumption of the cooling and heating function load unit 115, and neither charging nor discharging can be performed.

[0057] When there is power supply from the external power input terminal 28 and the structure does not discharge the battery packs 29a and 29b, when the output power of the solar power generation device 110 is smaller than the power consumption of the refrigerator 1 on sunny days, the output power of the solar power generation device 110 is repeatedly used to drive the cooling and heating function load unit 115, but due to insufficient or unstable output, the cooling and heating function load unit 115 stops such action.

[0058] Therefore, if Figure 9 As shown, the cooling and heating load unit 115 cannot be driven by the output power of the solar power generation device 110. Furthermore, the battery packs 29a and 29b cannot be charged due to insufficient power to drive the cooling and heating load unit 115 using the output power of the solar power generation device 110. Furthermore, even if the cooling and heating load unit 115 is not stopped, the cooling and heating load unit 115 is in a functionally limited state and cannot achieve the required cooling or heating performance. Figure 10 This section shows an example of an action that improves this point.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram of the action of discharging from the battery pack 29a to the cooling and heating function load part 115 and charging from the solar power generation device 110 to the battery pack 29b when the solar power generation device 110 is connected to the external power input terminal (DC JACK) 28 of the refrigerator 1 and the output power of the solar power generation device 110 is smaller than the power consumption of the cooling and heating function load part 115.

[0060] exist Figure 10 In the example operation, if the output power of solar power generator 110 is less than the power consumption of cooling and heating load unit 115 (if cooling and heating load unit 115 cannot be driven by the output power of solar power generator 110), battery pack 29a is used to drive cooling and heating load unit 115, and battery pack 29b is charged by the output power of solar power generator 110. This prevents cooling and heating load unit 115 from becoming undriveable or having its function limited, and allows the output power of solar power generator 110 to be used for charging, providing increased convenience. Furthermore, the discharging and charging relationships of battery packs 29a and 29b can be reversed.

[0061] Figure 11 This is a circuit block diagram of refrigerator 1.

[0062] The DC power supply 90 is, for example, the aforementioned solar power generation device 110, and supplies DC power to the external power input terminal 28. Alternatively, the DC power supply 90 is, for example, an AC adapter connected to an external AC power source (not shown), converting the AC power into DC power (e.g., 12V DC) and supplying it to the external power input terminal 28. Alternatively, the DC power supply 90 is, for example, an in-vehicle power source (in-vehicle battery), and supplies DC power to the external power input terminal 28.

[0063] The compressor drive circuit 48 is provided on the compressor 41 side and is a circuit for adjusting (changing) the rotation speed of the compressor 41. It is an example of an internal output changing circuit. By changing the rotation speed of the compressor 41 by the compressor drive circuit 48, the power consumption of the compressor 41 can be changed.

[0064] The refrigerator 1 has a control circuit board 80. Although not shown in the figure, the control circuit board 80 is fixed to a boss provided on the outer surface of the right side of the left outer box 12 (the boundary wall of the first main body 3 and the second main body 4) by screw fastening, and is located in the right outer box 13 in a state roughly perpendicular to the left-right direction. That is, the control circuit board 80 is housed in the second main body 4. The control circuit board 80 has the function of controlling the compressor 41 and the function of controlling the charging of the battery packs 29a and 29b. The charging here is to charge the battery packs 29a and 29b installed in the battery pack mounting portion 22a using DC power input from the outside via the external power input terminal 28.

[0065] The refrigerator 1 has on the control circuit substrate 80: a microcomputer 81 as an operation control unit, a microcomputer 82 as a charging control unit, a control power supply 83, a speed setting circuit 84, a shunt resistor 85, battery voltage detection circuits 86a, 86b, a DC power supply voltage detection circuit 86c, a charging circuit 88, a shunt resistor 89, a DCDC converter circuit 103 for 12V output (voltage generation circuit for external equipment) and a shunt resistor 104.

[0066] Microcomputers 81 and 82 are control units that control the overall operation of refrigerator 1 and function as control units that control the power supply to compressor 41 and the charging of battery packs 29a and 29b. Microcomputers 81 and 82 may be separate units or may be a single microcomputer (microcontroller).

[0067] The control power supply 83 converts the input voltage from the DC power supply 90 or the battery pack 29 a or 29 b into a power supply voltage (eg, 5 V) for the microcomputers 81 and 82 and supplies the voltage to the microcomputers 81 and 82 and the like.

[0068] The battery voltage detection circuits 86a and 86b transmit detection signals corresponding to the voltages of the battery packs 29a and 29b, respectively, to the microcomputer 82. The DC power supply voltage detection circuit 86c transmits a detection signal corresponding to the voltage of the DC power supply 90 to the microcomputer 81.

[0069] The 12V output DCDC converter circuit 103 converts the input voltage from the DC power supply 90 or the battery pack 29a or 29b into DC 12V, and outputs it to the cigarette lighter socket 27B.

[0070] Microcomputer 81 controls the overall cooling and heating operations in refrigerator 1. Microcomputer 81 controls the on / off switching of switching element Q3, which is provided in the current path of compressor drive circuit 48, to control the driving and stopping of compressor 41. Microcomputer 81 sends a speed determination signal to compressor drive circuit 48 via speed setting circuit 84 to control the speed of compressor 41.

[0071] The microcomputer 81 receives an operation on the setting unit 60 as an electric signal, and controls the display in the setting unit 60. The microcomputer 81 controls the opening and closing of the valves V1 and V2, and controls the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipes 45R and 45L.

[0072] Refrigerator 1 includes heaters 51L and 51R, respectively, provided for the left and right compartments 8L and 8R. Heaters 51L and 51R are, for example, line heaters and are provided to cover refrigerant pipes 45L and 45R, respectively. Microcomputer 81 controls the on / off switching elements Q4 and Q5, respectively, provided in the current paths of heaters 51L and 51R, thereby independently controlling the operation of heaters 51L and 51R.

[0073] The microcomputer 81 detects the temperatures (current temperatures) of the left and right chambers 8L and 8R based on output signals of temperature sensors 55L and 55R such as thermistors provided corresponding to the left and right chambers 8L and 8R.

[0074] Microcomputer 81 detects the drive current of compressor 41 and the drive currents of heaters 51L and 51R based on the voltage across shunt resistor 85. Shunt resistor 85 is a module composed of resistors connected in series with switching elements Q3 through Q5. Microcomputer 81 detects the voltage of DC power supply 90 based on a detection signal from DC power supply voltage detection circuit 86c.

[0075] Microcomputer 81 controls the on / off switching of switching element Q7, located in the path for outputting current to cigarette lighter socket 27B, thereby controlling and stopping the output of 12V DC to cigarette lighter socket 27B. Switching element Q7 functions as an external output changing circuit (external output on / off circuit) that changes the power supplied to external devices. Microcomputer 81 detects the current supplied to the device connected to the cigarette lighter socket by measuring the voltage across shunt resistor 104, located in the path for outputting current to cigarette lighter socket 27B.

[0076] The microcomputer 82 controls the charging of the battery packs 29a and 29b in the refrigerator 1. The microcomputer 82 controls the charging voltage by controlling the charging circuit 88. The charging circuit 88 is a charging unit that can charge the battery packs 29a and 29b using power supplied from an external power source (power supplied from a DC power supply 90). Under the control of the microcomputer 82, the charging circuit 88 converts the input voltage from the DC power supply 90 into a charging voltage for the battery pack 29a or 29b, and supplies the voltage to the battery pack 29a or 29b (charging the battery pack 29a or 29b).

[0077] Microcomputer 82 controls the on / off switching of switching elements Q1 and Q2, located between the output terminal of charging circuit 88 and the charging terminal (C+ terminal) of battery packs 29a and 29b, to determine which battery pack 29a or 29b is charged. Diodes D5 and D6 are connected between switching elements Q1 and Q2 and microcomputer 82 to prevent backflow. Microcomputer 82 detects the voltage of battery packs 29a and 29b based on detection signals from battery voltage detection circuits 86a and 86b. Microcomputer 82 detects the charging current based on the voltage across shunt resistor 89, located in the output current path of charging circuit 88.

[0078] In addition to controlling charging, the microcomputer 82 also controls the on / off switching of relays SW2 and SW3, which are switches connected to the positive terminals (+ terminals) of the battery packs 29a and 29b, to determine which battery pack 29a or 29b is to be discharged from. The microcomputer 82 also controls the on / off switching of relay SW4, which is a switch connected to the positive terminal (+ terminal) of the DC power supply 90, to determine whether to discharge from the DC power supply 90 to the cooling / heating function load unit 115.

[0079] Fuses F1 to F3 and backflow prevention diodes D1 to D3 are connected to the positive terminals of battery packs 29a and 29b and DC power supply 90. Microcomputer 82 controls the on / off switching of relay SW1, which is a switch connected between the cathode of diode D3 and the cathodes of diodes D1 and D2.

[0080] The microcomputers 81 and 82 can communicate with each other and share various information. For example, the microcomputer 82 can obtain voltage information of the DC power supply 90 by communicating with the microcomputer 81.

[0081] Figure 12 It is summarized Figure 11 The table shows the combination of on and off of relays SW1 to SW4. If one of relays SW2 and SW3 is on, the other is controlled to be off. Figure 12 In the row of "SW2 or SW3", "1" indicates that only one of the relays SW2 and SW3 is on, and "0" indicates that both the relays SW2 and SW3 are off.

[0082] Combination a (SW1: ON, SW2 or SW3: ON, SW4: ON) supplies power to the cooling and heating function load section 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connected device from the DC power supply 90 and the battery pack 29a or 29b, whichever has a higher voltage.

[0083] Combination b (SW1: OFF, SW2 or SW3: ON, SW4: ON) supplies power from DC power supply 90 to cooling and heating load 115, and from battery pack 29a or 29b to the device connected to the cigarette lighter socket. In combination b, the charging function from DC power supply 90 to battery pack 29a or 29b can be turned on or off.

[0084] Combination C (SW1: ON, SW2 and SW3: OFF, SW4: ON) supplies power from DC power supply 90 to cooling and heating load unit 115 and the device connected to the cigarette lighter socket. In combination C, the charging function from DC power supply 90 to battery pack 29a or 29b can be enabled or disabled. If DC power supply 90 is a solar power generator 110, combination C can be eliminated if the rated power of solar power generator 110 is low.

[0085] Combination d (SW1: OFF, SW2 and SW3: OFF, SW4: ON) supplies power from DC power supply 90 to cooling and heating load 115, while disconnecting the device connected to the cigarette lighter socket. In combination d, the charging function from DC power supply 90 to battery pack 29a or 29b can be enabled or disabled.

[0086] Combination e (SW1: ON, SW2 or SW3: ON, SW4: OFF) supplies power from battery pack 29a or 29b to cooling and heating load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connected device. In combination e, the DC power supply 90 is enabled to charge battery pack 29a or 29b.

[0087] Combination f (SW1: OFF, SW2 or SW3: ON, SW4: OFF) supplies power from battery pack 29a or 29b to the device connected to the cigarette lighter socket, while the cooling and heating load unit 115 is disconnected. In combination f, the charging function from DC power supply 90 to battery pack 29a or 29b is enabled.

[0088] Combination g (SW1: ON, SW2 and SW3: OFF, SW4: OFF) is a style not used.

[0089] The combination h (SW1: OFF, SW2 and SW3: OFF, SW4: OFF) is a pattern used only during initialization processing.

[0090] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of power mode determination in refrigerator 1 .

[0091] Figure 13The flowchart is executed when power is not supplied to the heating and cooling function load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connection device. That is, the voltage of the external power input terminal 28 in the flowchart (hereinafter referred to as "external input voltage") is the external input voltage in the no-load state.

[0092] The microcomputers 81 and 82 read the external input voltage ( S1 ).

[0093] When the external input voltage is within the range (second range) exceeding 11 V and less than 15.5 V (S3: Yes), the microcomputers 81 and 82 determine that the DC power supply 90 is a 12 V DC power supply and enter the 12 V power supply mode (S5).

[0094] When the external input voltage is within the range of more than 25.5 V and less than 29 V (third range) ( S3 No, S7 Yes), the microcomputers 81 and 82 determine that the DC power supply 90 is a 24 V DC power supply and enter the 24 V power supply mode ( S9 ).

[0095] When the external input voltage is within the range of more than 15.5 V and less than 25 V (first range) (No in S3, No in S7, Yes in S11), the microcomputers 81 and 82 identify the DC power supply 90 as the solar power generation device 110 and enter the solar power supply mode (S13).

[0096] When the external input voltage does not fall within any of the ranges (first to third ranges) indicated by S3, S5, and S7 (No in S3, No in S7, No in S11), the microcomputers 81 and 82 determine that the DC power supply 90 is not connected (S15) and disable the DC power supply 90 (the input power from the external power supply input terminal 28 cannot be used).

[0097] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of on-off switching of relays SW1 to SW4 in the solar power supply mode in refrigerator 1 .

[0098] When power is turned on, microcomputers 81 and 82 perform initialization processing by opening all relays SW1 to SW4 (S21), setting SOLAR_WEAK_flg to "0" (S23), and setting SW4_count to "0" (S25). SOLAR_WEAK_flg is a flag that is set (set to "1") when it is determined that the cooling and heating load unit 115 cannot be driven by the output of the solar power generation device 110. SW4_count is a counter variable used to count the elapsed time while SOLAR_WEAK_flg is "1" and relay SW4 is open.

[0099] After the initialization process (S21, S23, S25), the microcomputers 81 and 82 perform Figure 13 The power mode discrimination process (S27) described in the above is completed. If the microcomputer 81 or 82 is not in the solar power mode (S29 No), the process ends. Figure 14 The routine shown here completes the on / off switching of relays SW1 to SW4 in solar power mode. The operations in power modes other than solar power mode, including those in 12V power mode, are the same as those in Patent Document 1 and are therefore omitted here. The operations in 24V power mode are the same as those in 12V power mode, except for the changes corresponding to the voltage value, and are therefore omitted here.

[0100] In the solar power supply mode (S29: Yes), if SOLAR_WEAK_flg is "0" (S31: Yes), and if the input voltage from the solar power generation device 110 is less than 15V (S33: Yes), the microcomputers 81 and 82 set SOLAR_WEAK_flg to "1" (S35) and return to S27. When the input voltage from the solar power generation device 110 is less than 15V, the output of the solar power generation device 110 is low.

[0101] When the input voltage from the solar power generation device 110 is not less than 15V in S33 (No in S33), the microcomputer 81 and 82 turn off the relay SW1 (S39), turn off the relay SW2 (S41), turn off the relay SW3 (S43), and turn on the relay SW4 (S45) (same as the output voltage of the solar power generation device 110). Figure 12 d), SW4_count is set to "0" (S47), SOLAR_WEAK_flg is set to "0" (S49), and the process returns to S27. When the input voltage from the solar power generation device 110 is not less than 15V, the output of the solar power generation device 110 is high.

[0102] When the output of the solar power generator 110 is high, the microcomputers 81 and 82 execute a second control (not shown) to supply power from the solar power generator 110 to the cooling and heating load unit 115 and the device connected to the cigarette lighter socket, thereby driving the cooling and heating load unit 115 and the device connected to the cigarette lighter socket. Furthermore, if the battery pack 29a or 29b is installed and the rechargeable condition is met, the microcomputers 81 and 82 execute a control (not shown) to charge the battery pack 29a or 29b from the solar power generator 110. The rechargeable condition includes the output voltage of the solar power generator 110 being above a rechargeable threshold while supplying power to the cooling and heating load unit 115, and the battery pack 29a or 29b being not fully charged. The rechargeable threshold is, for example, **V.

[0103] If SOLAR_WEAK_flg is "1" in S31 (No in S31), and the number of battery packs installed in refrigerator 1 (hereinafter referred to as "battery installation number") is 0 (Yes in S37), microcomputers 81 and 82 execute the above-described processes of S39 to S49 and return to S27. Here, if the processes of S39 to S49 are executed due to a Yes in S37, the battery installation number is 0, and therefore, the battery pack is not charged from solar power generation device 110.

[0104] The processing of S39 to S49 executed after S37 is as follows: when the number of battery installations is 0 and power is supplied from the solar power generation device 110 to the cooling and heating function load unit 115, the output of the solar power generation device 110 is reduced, and when the battery group 29a or 29b is unplugged in the middle of discharging from the battery group 29a or 29b to the cooling and heating function load unit 115, so that the number of battery installations is 0, an attempt is made to drive the cooling and heating function load unit 115 based on the output power of the solar power generation device 110.

[0105] If the number of installed batteries is not zero in S37 (No in S37) and SW4_count is less than 600 (Yes in S51), microcomputers 81 and 82 proceed to S53. Here, as an example, microcomputers 81 and 82 execute the process from S27 to S27 once per second. Therefore, a SW4_count of 600 indicates that SOLAR_WEAK_flg is "1" and relay SW4 is off for 600 seconds.

[0106] When the number of mounted batteries is 1 in S53 (Yes in S53 ), and when the relay SW4 is off (Yes in S55 ), the microcomputers 81 and 82 increment SW4_count ( S57 ) and return to S27 .

[0107] When the relay SW4 is turned on in S55 (S55: No), the microcomputers 81 and 82 turn on the relay SW1 (S59) and turn off the relay SW4 (S61).

[0108] When the output voltage of the battery pack 29a is higher than the output voltage of the battery pack 29b (Yes in S63), the microcomputer 81 and 82 execute the following control: the relay SW2 is turned on (S65), and power is supplied from the battery pack 29a to the cooling and heating function load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connection device to drive the cooling and heating function load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connection device (connected to the battery pack 29a). Figure 12 corresponding to the combination e).

[0109] When the output voltage of the battery pack 29b is higher than the output voltage of the battery pack 29a (S63: No), the microcomputer 81 and 82 execute the following control: the relay SW3 is turned on (S67), and power is supplied from the battery pack 29b to the cooling and heating function load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connection device to drive the cooling and heating function load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connection device (connected to the battery pack 29b). Figure 12 corresponding to the combination e).

[0110] If the number of installed batteries is 2 in S53 (No in S53) and the relay SW4 is off (Yes in S75), the microcomputers 81 and 82 increment SW4_count (S77) and return to S27.

[0111] When the relay SW4 is turned on in S75 (S75: No), the microcomputers 81 and 82 turn on the relay SW1 (S79) and turn off the relay SW4 (S81).

[0112] When the output voltage of the battery pack 29a is higher than the output voltage of the battery pack 29b (Yes in S83), the microcomputers 81 and 82 execute the following first control: the relay SW2 is turned on (S85), power is supplied from the battery pack 29a to the cooling and heating function load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connection device to drive the cooling and heating function load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connection device, and the battery pack 29b is charged from the solar power generation device 110 (S89) (same as Figure 12 corresponding to the combination e).

[0113] When the output voltage of the battery pack 29b is higher than the output voltage of the battery pack 29a (S83: No), the microcomputers 81 and 82 execute the following first control: the relay SW3 is turned on (S87), power is supplied from the battery pack 29b to the cooling and heating function load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connection device to drive the cooling and heating function load unit 115 and the cigarette lighter socket connection device, and the battery pack 29a is charged from the solar power generation device 110 (S91) (same as the Figure 12 corresponding to the combination e).

[0114] If SW4_count is not less than 600 in S51 (No in S51), that is, if SOLAR_WEAK_flg is "1" and the elapsed time of the relay SW4 being in the off state is 600 seconds, the microcomputer 81 turns off the relay SW1 (S93), turns off the relay SW2 (S95), turns off the relay SW3 (S97), and turns on the relay SW4 (S99) (same as Figure 12d), SW4_count is set to "0" (S101), SOLAR_WEAK_flg is set to "0" (S103), and the process returns to S27. This process is as follows: if 600 seconds, which is a predetermined time, has passed since the power supply from solar power generator 110 to cooling and heating load unit 115 was stopped, the cooling and heating load unit 115 is re-tried to be driven by the output power of solar power generator 110. Thus, if the output of solar power generator 110 increases due to recovery of the weather, etc., the cooling and heating load unit 115 is re-tried to be driven by the output power of solar power generator 110.

[0115] This embodiment has the following effects.

[0116] (1) The microcomputers 81 and 82 are configured to control the supply of power from the solar power generation device 110 to the cooling and heating load unit 115 when the output of the solar power generation device 110 is high, and to control the supply of power from the battery pack 29a or 29b to the cooling and heating load unit 115 when the output of the solar power generation device 110 is low. Therefore, compared to a control system that constantly supplies power from the solar power generation device 110 to the cooling and heating load unit 115, the output of the solar power generation device can be appropriately utilized. Specifically, if the output of the solar power generation device 110 is low due to, for example, bad weather, the power supply from the solar power generation device 110 to the cooling and heating load unit 115 is stopped, and power is supplied from the battery pack 29a or 29b to the cooling and heating load unit 115, thereby enabling the cooling and heating load unit 115 to be driven, thus providing increased convenience.

[0117] (2) Microcomputers 81 and 82 are configured to execute a first control in which power is supplied from one of battery packs 29a and 29b to cooling and heating load unit 115, while charging the other of battery packs 29a and 29b from solar power generator 110. Therefore, compared to a control in which power is always supplied from solar power generator 110 to cooling and heating load unit 115, the output of solar power generator 110 can be appropriately utilized. Specifically, if the output of solar power generator 110 is low due to, for example, bad weather, and the cooling and heating load unit 115 is insufficiently driven, the output of solar power generator 110 can be used for charging, thereby preventing wasteful output from solar power generator 110.

[0118] (3) The microcomputers 81 and 82 are configured to select, in accordance with the input voltage from the solar power generator 110, either the first control or the second control for supplying power from the solar power generator 110 to the cooling and heating load unit 115, when the battery packs 29a and 29b are connected to the two battery pack mounting portions 22a, respectively, and the solar power generator 110 is connected to the external power input terminal 28. Therefore, the first control and the second control are automatically switched in accordance with changes in the output of the solar power generator 110 caused by the exposure of the solar power generator 110 to sunlight. Therefore, the user does not need to be aware of the switching between the first and second controls, resulting in high convenience.

[0119] (4) The microcomputers 81 and 82 are configured so that, during the second control, they can control the charging of at least one of the battery groups 29a and 29b from the solar power generation device 110 in parallel with the supply of power from the solar power generation device 110 to the cooling and heating load unit 115. Therefore, it is possible to suppress waste of excess power from the output power of the solar power generation device 110 after the power is supplied to the cooling and heating load unit 115.

[0120] (5) The microcomputers 81 and 82 are configured so that, during the first control, power is not supplied from the solar power generation device 110 to one of the battery groups 29a and 29b (the one supplying power to the cooling and heating load unit 115). This allows one of the battery groups 29a and 29b to be discharged and the other to be charged, thereby reducing the complexity of the control.

[0121] (6) An in-vehicle power supply or an AC adapter can be connected to the external power input terminal 28 instead of the solar power generation device 110. Therefore, there is no need to provide a connection portion for the solar power generation device 110 in addition to the connection portion for the in-vehicle power supply or the AC adapter, which can reduce the increase in the number of components and cost.

[0122] (7) The microcomputers 81 and 82 determine the type of DC power supply 90 based on the external input voltage (the voltage of the external power input terminal 28) before the cooling and heating function load unit 115 is driven (or when the cooling and heating function load unit 115 is not driven). Specifically, the microcomputers 81 and 82 determine whether the DC power supply 90 is in 12V power supply mode, 24V power supply mode, or solar power supply mode, or whether the DC power supply 90 is not connected, based on the external input voltage. Therefore, the user does not need to be aware of the power source connected to the external power input terminal 28, which is highly convenient.

[0123] (8) Microcomputers 81 and 82 are configured to not use DC power supply 90 unless the external input voltage falls within any of the first to third ranges before the cooling and heating function load unit 115 is activated. This reduces the risk of refrigerator 1 malfunctioning due to the unintended activation of DC power supply 90.

[0124] (9) The microcomputers 81 and 82 are configured so that, during the first control, the cooling and heating function load unit 115 is supplied with power from the battery pack 29a or 29b with the greater remaining charge, and the battery pack 29a or 29b with the less remaining charge is charged from the solar power generation device 110. This prevents the difference in remaining charge between the battery packs 29a and 29b from increasing.

[0125] (10) The microcomputers 81 and 82 are configured to maintain the combination of the battery pack for supplying power to the cooling and heating function load unit 115 and the battery pack charged from the solar power generation device 110 for a predetermined period of time during the first control. This can prevent the power supply source for the cooling and heating function load unit 115 from being frequently switched, thereby reducing the burden on the cooling and heating function load unit 115.

[0126] While the present invention has been described above using the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the various matters specifically described in the embodiments within the scope of the claims.

[0127] (Variation 1) The microcomputers 81 and 82 may be configured to execute the first control regardless of the input voltage from the solar power generation device 110 when the battery pack 29 is connected to the two battery pack mounting portions 22 a and the solar power generation device 110 is connected to the external power input terminal 28 .

[0128] (Variant 2) The microcomputers 81 and 82 may also be configured to control the supply of power from the battery pack 29 to the cooling and heating function load unit 115 when the battery pack 29 is connected to one of the two battery pack mounting portions 22a and the solar power generation device 110 is connected to the external power input terminal 28.

[0129] According to the above-described Modifications 1 and 2, cooling and heating load unit 115 can be continuously driven even if the output of solar power generator 110 decreases during operation. Specifically, if the output of solar power generator 110 decreases during operation, causing compressor 41 to stop, it is necessary to restart compressor 41 using power from the battery pack after stopping compressor 41 for a predetermined period of time to protect compressor 41. If compressor 41 is stopped for a predetermined period of time, it may be impossible to maintain the temperature inside refrigerator 1 at the set temperature, or the temperature inside refrigerator 1 may be delayed in reaching the set temperature. In Modifications 1 and 2, power to cooling and heating load unit 115 is supplied solely from battery pack 29, with solar power generator 110 used only for charging. This eliminates the need to switch the power supply source for compressor 41 from solar power generator 110 to battery pack 29, thus preventing compressor 41 from stopping for a predetermined period of time when the output of solar power generator 110 decreases.

[0130] (Variation 3) The microcomputers 81 and 82 are configured so that, when the battery pack 29 is connected to only one of the two battery pack mounting portions 22a and the solar power generator 110 is connected to the external power input terminal 28, the battery pack 29 connected to the one of the two battery pack mounting portions 22a discharges (supplies power) to the cooling and heating function load portion 115, while the solar power generator 110 supplies (charges) the battery pack 29. This configuration reduces the net discharge amount from the battery pack compared to a case where no power is supplied to the battery pack 29 from the solar power generator 110, thereby suppressing a decrease in the remaining battery power. Furthermore, wasteful output from the solar power generator 110 can be suppressed.

[0131] (Other variations) The right chamber 8R and the left chamber 8L may also be of the same size. The refrigerator 1 may also be a one-chamber structure without the partition plate 70. The number of connectable battery packs, the rated voltage of the battery pack, the voltage of the DC power supply 90, the voltage range, various times, threshold values, etc., which are exemplified as specific numerical values ​​in the embodiments, do not limit the scope of the invention in any way and can be arbitrarily changed according to the required specifications. The present invention may be a refrigerator having a cooling mechanism but not a heating mechanism, an insulated box having a heating mechanism instead of a cooling mechanism, or a hot and cold box having both a cooling mechanism and a heating mechanism.

[0132] Explanation of symbols

[0133] 1…Refrigerator, 2…Main body, 3…First main body, 4…Second main body, 5…Lid, 6…First lid, 6a…Handle, 7…Second lid, 7a…Handle, 8…Storage chamber (Storage chamber), 8R…Right chamber (First storage chamber), 8L…Left chamber (Second storage chamber), 11…Main frame, 12…Left outer box, 13…Right outer box, 16R…Right side member, 16L…Left side member, 18…Rail member, 19…Casters, 20…Movable handle (Carrying handle) ), 21…handle, 22…battery pack storage, 22a…battery pack mounting, 23…intake port, 24…exhaust port, 25…first hinge mechanism, 26…second hinge mechanism, 27A…USB terminal, 27B…cigarette lighter socket, 28…external power input terminal (external power connection), 29 / 29a / 29b…battery pack, 35…leg, 41…compressor (cooler), 42…condenser, 43…capillary tube tube), 44...refrigerant tube, 45R...right refrigerant tube, 45L...left refrigerant tube, 48...compressor drive circuit, V1...first valve, V2...second valve, 51L / 51R...heater, 55L / 55R...temperature sensor, 60...setting unit, 70...partition plate, 80...control circuit board, 81...microcomputer (operation control unit), 82...microcomputer (charging control unit), 83...control power supply, 84...speed setting circuit, 85...shunt resistor, 86a / 86b...battery voltage detection circuit, 86c...DC power supply voltage detection circuit, 88...charging circuit, 89...shunt resistor, 90...DC power supply, 103...12V output DCDC converter circuit (voltage generation circuit for external device), 104...shunt resistor, 110...solar power generator, 115...cooling and heating function load unit.

Claims

1. A refrigerator or an insulated box, characterized in that: have: Cooling mechanism or heating mechanism; first and second battery pack connecting portions capable of connecting to a battery pack; A power supply connection portion capable of connecting to a solar power generation device; and a control unit for controlling the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, The control unit is configured to be able to perform a first control, which supplies power to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism from the battery pack connected to one side of the first and second battery pack connection parts, and charges the battery pack connected to the other side of the first and second battery pack connection parts from the solar power generation device connected to the power supply connection part.

2. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to execute the first control when an input voltage from the solar power generation device is lower than a predetermined voltage value while battery packs are connected to the first and second battery pack connection portions and the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection portion.

3. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to execute the first control when the output power of the solar power generation device is smaller than the power consumption of the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, while the battery pack is connected to the first and second battery pack connection parts respectively and the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection part.

4. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to be capable of executing second control for supplying electric power from the solar power generation device to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

5. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to select and execute either the first control or the second control according to an input voltage from the solar power generation device when battery packs are connected to the first and second battery pack connection portions and the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection portion.

6. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to execute the second control when the input voltage from the solar power generation device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in a state where the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection unit.

7. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to select and execute either the first control or the second control according to the output power of the solar power generation device when the battery packs are connected to the first and second battery pack connection parts respectively and the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection part.

8. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to execute the second control when the output power of the solar power generation device is greater than the power consumption of the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism in a state where the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection unit.

9. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to execute the first control regardless of an input voltage from the solar power generation device in a state where battery packs are connected to the first and second battery pack connection portions, respectively, and the solar power generation device is connected to the power supply connection portion.

10. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to, in the second control, execute control of charging the battery pack connected to at least one of the first and second battery pack connecting parts from the solar power generation device in parallel with supplying power from the solar power generation device to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

11. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to perform the following control: when the battery pack is connected to at least one of the first and second battery pack connection parts and the solar power generation device is connected to the power supply connection part, power is supplied from the battery pack connected to at least one of the first and second battery pack connection parts to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

12. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to prevent the solar power generation device from supplying electric power to the battery pack connected to one of the first and second battery pack connection portions during the first control.

13. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power connection portion can be connected to a vehicle power supply or an AC adapter instead of a solar power generation device.

14. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 13, characterized in that: The control unit determines the type of power source connected to the power connection portion based on the voltage of the power connection portion.

15. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 14, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to, before driving the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, determine that the power supply is a solar power generation device when the voltage of the power connection portion is within a first range, and determine that the power supply is other than a solar power generation device when the voltage of the power connection portion is outside the first range.

16. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 15, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to, before driving the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, determine the power supply to be a DC 12V power supply when the voltage of the power connection portion is within a second range lower than the first range, and determine the power supply to be a DC 24V power supply when the voltage of the power connection portion is within a third range higher than the first range.

17. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 16, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to disable the power source connected to the power source connection unit when the voltage of the power source connection unit does not fall within any one of the first to third ranges before driving the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

18. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to supply electric power from the battery pack with a larger remaining charge to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism and charge the battery pack with a smaller remaining charge from the solar power generation device during the first control.

19. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to maintain the combination of the battery pack for supplying electric power to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism and the battery pack charged from the solar power generation device for a predetermined time in the first control.

20. A refrigerator or an insulated box, characterized in that: have: Cooling mechanism or heating mechanism; first and second battery pack connecting portions capable of attaching and detaching the battery pack; A power supply connection portion capable of connecting to a solar power generation device; and a control unit for controlling the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, The control unit is configured to supply power from the solar power generation device to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism when a first condition is satisfied, when the battery pack is connected to at least one of the first and second battery pack connection parts and the solar power generation device is connected to the power supply connection part; and to supply power from the battery pack connected to at least one of the first and second battery pack connection parts to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism when a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied.

21. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 20, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to determine that the first condition is satisfied when an input voltage from the solar power generation device is equal to or greater than a predetermined voltage value or when an output power of the solar power generation device is greater than a power consumption of the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

22. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 20, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to determine that the second condition is satisfied when an input voltage from the solar power generation device is lower than a predetermined voltage value or an output power of the solar power generation device is lower than a power consumption of the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

23. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 20, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to determine that the first condition is satisfied when the input voltage from the solar power generation device or the output power of the solar power generation device increases while power is being supplied to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism from the battery pack connected to either one of the first and second battery pack connection parts.

24. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 20, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to determine that the second condition is satisfied when an input voltage from the solar power generation device or an output power of the solar power generation device decreases while power is being supplied from the solar power generation device to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

25. A refrigerator or an insulated box, characterized in that: have: Cooling mechanism or heating mechanism; first and second battery pack connecting portions capable of attaching and detaching the battery pack; A power supply connection portion capable of connecting to a solar power generation device; and a control unit for controlling the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, The control unit is configured to perform power mode determination before driving the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, and in the power mode determination, when the input voltage from the power connection unit is within a first range, it is determined that the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection unit. The control unit is configured to execute a solar power supply mode when it is determined through the power supply identification that the solar power generation device is connected to the power connection unit. In the solar power supply mode, power can be supplied from the solar power generation device to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

26. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 25, characterized in that: The power connection portion is configured to be connected to a DC 12V power supply. The control unit is configured to determine that the DC 12V power supply is connected to the power supply connection unit when the input voltage from the power supply connection unit is within a second range lower than the first range in the power supply mode determination.

27. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 25, characterized in that: The power connection portion is configured to be connected to a DC 24V power supply. The control unit is configured to determine that the DC 24 V power supply is connected to the power connection unit when the input voltage from the power connection unit is within a third range higher than the first range in the power mode determination.

28. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 25, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to supply power from the solar power generation device to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism when the input voltage from the solar power generation device or the output power of the solar power generation device increases in the solar power supply mode while power is being supplied from the battery pack connected to either one of the first and second battery pack connection parts to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism.

29. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 25, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to supply power to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism from the battery pack connected to either one of the first and second battery pack connection parts when power is supplied from the solar power generation device to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism in the solar power supply mode and when the input voltage from the solar power generation device or the output power of the solar power generation device decreases.

30. The refrigerator or thermal insulation box according to claim 25, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to, in the solar power supply mode, when power is supplied from the solar power generation device to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, when the input voltage from the solar power generation device or the output power of the solar power generation device decreases, supply power from the first battery pack connected to either one of the first and second battery pack connection parts to the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism, and charge the second battery pack connected to the other of the first and second battery pack connection parts from the solar power generation device.

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