Showcase, exhibition system, and display method

Abstract

To provide a showcase suppressing power consumption, an exhibition system, and a display method.SOLUTION: A showcase that cools articles in a display part by a cooling system includes: a cooling apparatus control section for controlling an operation of the cooling system; a display section having a temperature display part displaying a temperature of the display part, and a light emission part displaying an operation state of the cooling apparatus control unit; and a display control section for controlling the display section. The display control section can switch the state of the display section between a display state where the temperature of the display section is displayed by the temperature display part and a non-display state where the temperature of the display section is not displayed by the temperature display part, and performs display by the light emission part when the display section is in the non-display state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a showcase, an exhibition system, and a display method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a storage unit having a display unit that displays the temperature inside the storage room. This storage unit can achieve a longer life for the display unit and reduced power consumption by hiding the temperature display on the display unit during normal operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6274751 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a showcase, an exhibition system, and a display method that can reduce power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The showcase of the present disclosure is a showcase that cools items in a display area using a cooling system, and comprises a cooling equipment control unit that controls the operation of the cooling system, a display unit that has a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display area and a light-emitting unit that displays the operating state of the cooling equipment 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 display unit displays the temperature of the display area and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit does not display the temperature of the display area, and when the display unit is in the non-display state, it performs display using the light-emitting unit.

[0006] The display system of the present disclosure is an display system having a plurality of showcases that cool items in a display area using a cooling system, the plurality of showcases including a first showcase and a second showcase communicatively connected to the first showcase, each of the plurality of showcases comprising a cooling equipment control unit that controls the operation of the cooling system, a display unit having a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display area and a light-emitting unit that displays the operating state of the cooling equipment control unit, and a display control unit that is capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature display unit displays the temperature of the display area and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit does not display the temperature of the display area, and that performs display using the light-emitting unit in the non-display state, the first showcase comprising an operation unit that accepts operations, and the display control unit of the first showcase instructs the display unit of the second showcase to switch to the non-display state in response to an operation on the operation unit.

[0007] The exhibition system of the present disclosure is an exhibition system having one or more showcases that cool items in a display area using a cooling system, and a management device connected to the showcases so as to be able to communicate with the showcases, wherein the showcases include a cooling equipment control unit that controls the operation of the cooling system, a display unit that has a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display area and a light-emitting unit that displays the operating state of the cooling equipment control unit, and a display control unit that is capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature display unit displays the temperature of the display area and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit does not display the temperature of the display area, and that performs display using the light-emitting unit in the non-display state, and when the display control unit receives an instruction to switch to the non-display state from the management device, it switches the display unit to the non-display state.

[0008] The display method of the present disclosure is a display method using a display unit equipped with a light-emitting unit that displays the operating status of a showcase that cools items in the display unit using a cooling system and a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display unit, and includes a first step of hiding the display of the temperature of the display unit by the temperature display unit of the display unit, and a second step of displaying the operating status of the showcase by the light-emitting unit of the display unit. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the showcase, exhibition system, and display method of the present disclosure, the operating state of the showcase can be displayed by lighting the light-emitting part without displaying the inside temperature on the display part, which makes it possible to reduce power consumption. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a showcase according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] Front view of showcase [Diagram 3] A diagram showing the configuration of the operation display unit. [Figure 4] Showcase Block Diagram [Diagram 5] Showcase Flowchart [Figure 6] Showcase Flowchart [Figure 7] A diagram showing the configuration of the operation display unit. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the relationship between the lighting state of each light-emitting part and the operating state of the showcase. [Figure 9] Showcase Flowchart [Figure 10] Showcase Flowchart [Figure 11] Showcase Flowchart [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an exhibition system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of a showcase provided in an exhibition system. [Figure 14]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an exhibition system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, in the technology of showcases and display systems, it was common to constantly display the temperature inside the cabinet to determine whether the temperature management of the items displayed inside was optimal, and to use this as proof that the showcase and display system were operating normally. Under such circumstances, the inventors came up with the idea of ​​suppressing power consumption by not displaying the temperature inside the cabinet. Then, the inventors discovered that in order to realize this idea, there was a problem in that it became difficult to determine the operating state of the showcase when the temperature inside the cabinet was not displayed, and they came up with the subject of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a showcase, an exhibition system, and an exhibition method that can reduce power consumption.

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Overall composition of the showcase] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the showcase 1, showing a cross section perpendicular to the width direction of the showcase 1. Fig. 2 is a front view of the showcase 1 according to this embodiment. The showcase 1 is placed on the floor of a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and displays items such as beverages and foods in a refrigerated state. The showcase 1 is a so-called open-type showcase.

[0014] The showcase 1 has a generally box-shaped case 11 with an open front for inserting and removing items. Hereinafter, the opening direction of the case 11 in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the front, and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the width direction or the left-right direction. The showcase 1 has a base portion 18 that supports the case 11. A display room 12, which is a space in which items are displayed, is provided inside the case 11. The display room 12 is an example of a "display section" in this embodiment.

[0015] The case 11 has a bottom wall 13 that covers the display chamber 12 from below. The case 11 has a pair of side walls 14 that are erected on the left and right edges of the bottom wall 13 and cover the display chamber 12 from the left and right directions. The case 11 has a rear wall 15 that spans between the pair of left and right side walls 14 and covers the display chamber 12 from the rear. The case 11 has an upper wall 16 that spans between each of the side walls 14 and the rear wall 15 and covers the display chamber 12 from above. The bottom wall 13 is formed with a lower front wall 17 that is formed by bending the front part of the bottom wall 13 upward and extending it. The bottom wall 13, each side wall 14, the lower front wall 17, the rear wall 15, and the upper wall 16 are all heat-insulating walls.

[0016] A pedestal portion 18 is provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 13. The pedestal portion 18 is placed on the floor, which is the placement surface of the showcase 1. The pedestal portion 18 supports the case 11 with its upper surface.

[0017] An inner wall 20 is provided inside the case 11, spaced apart from the inner surface of the case 11 and covering the case 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 deck pan 26 extending forward approximately horizontally from the lower end of the partition wall 22 and connected to an upper portion of the lower front wall 17.

[0018] The display chamber 12 is formed by being partitioned by the inner wall 20 and each side wall 14. For example, the partition wall 22 functions as a back panel that constitutes the back surface of the display chamber 12. A plurality of display shelves 28 on whose upper surfaces items are placed and displayed are provided inside the display room 12. The display shelves 28 are arranged vertically, attached to the partition wall 22 at intervals from one another, and extend substantially horizontally forward. In this embodiment, the deck pan 26 is also configured to be able to display items, and the deck pan 26 functions as the lowest display shelf. The front end of the deck pan 26 is located forward of the front ends of the display shelves 28. Also, in this embodiment, four display shelves 28 are arranged vertically, but the number of display shelves 28 may be any number equal to or greater than one. Also, a configuration in which no display shelves 28 are provided may be used.

[0019] A duct 30 is formed between the inner wall 20 and the case 11. The duct 30 is a space surrounded by the inner wall 20, the bottom wall 13, each side wall 14, the lower front wall 17, the rear wall 15, and the upper wall 16.

[0020] The duct 30 has a lower duct 32 formed between the deck pan 26 and the bottom wall 13 and extending in the front-to-rear direction. The duct 30 has a rear duct 34 formed between the partition wall 22 and the rear wall 15 and extending in the up-down direction. The duct 30 has an upper duct 36 formed between the inner upper wall 24 and the upper wall 16 and extending in the front-to-rear direction. The display chamber 12 is surrounded by the lower duct 32, the rear duct 34, and the upper duct 36.

[0021] An air outlet 37 that opens downward and communicates with the display chamber 12 is provided at the front end of the upper duct 36. The air outlet 37 is located below the front end of the upper wall 16, and is provided at a location located at the upper part of the front side of the display chamber 12. In this embodiment, there are two air outlets 37, and the upper duct 36 and the duct 30 that communicate with each air outlet 37 are each separated into two.

[0022] An intake port 38, which is an opening that opens upward and communicates with the display chamber 12, is provided at the upper part of the front end of the lower duct 32. The intake port 38 is provided at the lower front part of the display chamber 12, continuing from the rear part of the lower front wall 17. The intake port 38 is located forward of the air outlet 37. The air outlet 37 and the intake port 38 extend in an elongated manner between the side walls 14 across substantially the entire width of the case 11.

[0023] The showcase 1 has a cooling system 31 for cooling the display room 12 (see FIG. 4). This cooling system is a refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an evaporator 31a, a condenser, and an expansion mechanism that are connected in a circular manner by piping, and the cooling system is filled with a refrigerant.

[0024] In this embodiment, the evaporator 31a is provided inside the duct 30 of the case 11, and the above-mentioned compressor, condenser, and expansion mechanism are provided integrally with the showcase 1, for example, by being housed inside the base portion 18. Note that the above-mentioned compressor, condenser, and expansion mechanism may be housed in an outdoor unit that is separate from the showcase 1.

[0025] A blower 33 is provided inside the duct 30. The blower 33 has a motor 33a and an impeller 33b attached to an output shaft of the motor 33a. The blower 33 rotates the impeller 33b with the motor 33a, thereby circulating the air (cold air) cooled by the evaporator 31a.

[0026] A canopy 39 is attached to the front end 16a of the upper wall 16 of the case 11. The canopy 39 is provided over substantially the entire front end 16a in the width direction. The canopy 39 is formed with a first protrusion 39a that protrudes downward near the front end 16a of the upper wall 16 and extends below the front end 16a. A front surface 39a1 of the first protrusion 39a is inclined downward toward the rear. The canopy 39 is formed with a second protrusion 39b that is above the upper wall 16 and extends forward beyond the front end 16a and the first protrusion 39a. A lower surface 39b1 of the front end of the second protrusion 39b is inclined in a direction in which the front is located downward.

[0027] 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 temperature inside the showcase 1. The temperature inside the showcase 1 is the temperature of the display room 12 of the showcase 1. The operation display unit 40 also accepts operations by the user. The operation display unit 40 corresponds to the "display unit" in this embodiment. The temperature inside the showcase corresponds to the "temperature of the display room" in this embodiment.

[0028] The second protrusion 39b is provided therein with a lighting power supply 50. The lighting power supply 50 supplies power to each of the lights in the showcase 1.

[0029] [1-1-2. Configuration of the operation display section] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation and display unit 40, and shows the operation and display unit 40 with the temperature display unit 41 turned on.

[0030] The operation display unit 40 has a panel 40a that is substantially rectangular and long in the left-right direction. The operation display unit 40 has a temperature display unit 41. The temperature display unit 41 is provided inside the panel 40a. The temperature display unit 41 mainly displays the temperature of the display room 12. In this embodiment, the temperature display unit 41 has a numerical value display unit 41a that is configured by arranging four 7-segment LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in the left-right direction. The temperature display unit 41 also has a unit display unit 41b that is lit by the emission of an LED provided on the back side of the panel 40a and displays the unit of the numerical value indicated by the numerical value display unit 41a. In this embodiment, the unit display unit 41b displays "°C" which indicates Celsius degrees.

[0031] The operation display unit 40 has an indicator 43. The indicator 43 is provided inside the panel 40a. The indicator 43 is a device that displays the operation state of the showcase 1. In this 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 side by side on the upper level, and the light-emitting units 43c and 43d are arranged side by side on the lower level. The indicator 43 displays the operation state of the showcase 1 by illuminating the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d corresponding to the operation state of the showcase 1 mainly when the temperature display unit 41 is turned off.

[0032] The first light-emitting unit 43a is a device that emits blue light when turned on. The first light-emitting unit 43a is located at 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 at 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 at 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 at the lower right of the indicator 43. In this embodiment, each of the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d has an LED.

[0033] The operation display unit 40 has an operation unit 45. The operation unit 45 is provided inside the panel 40a. The operation unit 45 accepts operations by a user. In this embodiment, the operation unit 45 has 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 provided side by side on the left and right. In this embodiment, the switches 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d are so-called momentary push switches.

[0034] The first switch 45a is located at the left end of the operation unit 45. The first switch 45a has the word "Lighting" printed on it. The second switch 45b is located to the right of the first switch 45a. The second switch 45b has the word "Display Switching" printed on it. The third switch 45c is located to the right of the second switch 45b. The third switch 45c has the word "Settings" printed on it. The fourth switch 45d is located to the right of the third switch 45c. The fourth switch 45d has the word "Operation Switching" printed on it.

[0035] On the panel 40a, a first mark 45a1 indicating a downward direction is marked above the first switch 45a. A second mark 45b1 indicating an upward direction is marked above the information of the second switch 45b. In this embodiment, the first mark 45a1 is an isosceles triangle with an apex angle pointing downward. The second mark 45b1 is an isosceles triangle with an apex angle pointing upward.

[0036] A human sensor 47 that detects the approach of a human body is provided on the operation display unit 40. The human sensor 47 is, for example, a non-contact sensor such as a capacitance type or an infrared type.

[0037] The indicator 43 is located at the left end of the panel 40a. The temperature display unit 41 is located to the right of the indicator 43. The operation unit 45 is located to the right of the temperature display unit 41. The human presence sensor 47 is provided to the right of the temperature display unit 41. The human presence sensor 47 is provided to the left of the operation unit 45.

[0038] [1-1-3. Control system configuration] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a 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.

[0039] 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 device. The control device 90 controls the showcase 1 by executing a program using the processor 90p. The control device 90 includes a memory 90m. The memory 90m is a storage device that non-volatilely stores the programs and data executed by the processor. The memory 90m is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element, or other types of non-volatile storage device. Specifically, the memory 90m is composed of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

[0040] 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 be a wireless communication device that includes an antenna and a wireless circuit and connects to a network outside the showcase 1 via a wireless communication line.

[0041] The processor 90p includes a cooling device control unit 90p1 and a display control unit 90p2 as functional units. These functional units are realized by the processor 90p executing a control program 90m1 stored in the memory 90m, through cooperation between software and hardware.

[0042] The cooling system 31, the heater 31b, and the motor 33a are connected to the control device 90 as objects to be controlled. The cooling device control unit 90p1 of the control device 90 controls the cooling system 31 and the motor 33a to control 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. Note that the cooling device control unit 90p1 only needs to be configured to control at least the cooling system 31.

[0043] A temperature sensor 93 is connected to the control device 90. The temperature sensor 93 is a sensor that measures 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.

[0044] The operation display unit 40 is connected to the control device 90. The display control unit 90p2 of the control device 90 controls the display of the temperature display unit 41 of the operation display unit 40 and the lighting of the indicator 43. The display control unit 90p2 of the control device 90 acquires operations performed on the operation unit 45.

[0045] The lighting power supply 50 is connected to the control device 90. The control device 90 supplies power to the lighting power supply 50. The lighting power supply 50 has a power supply circuit that converts the power supplied from the control device 90. The lighting power supply 50 supplies the power converted by the power supply circuit to the exterior lighting 51, the interior upper wall lighting 53, and the interior under-shelf lighting 55.

[0046] [1-2. Operation] [1-2-1. Operation when setting the operation display unit to hidden state] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the showcase 1, showing the operation when the temperature display by the temperature display unit 41 is set to non-display.

[0047] When the user performs an operation to start setting (step SW1), the display control section 90p2 of the control device 90 displays a setting item on the temperature display section 41 of the operation display section 40 (step SA1). The operation to start setting in step SW1 is, for example, an operation of pressing the third switch 45c of the operation section 45.

[0048] The display corresponding to the setting item in step SA1 is, for example, the display of a character string corresponding to the setting item performed by the numeric display unit 41a. The setting item may include, for example, a setting to hide the temperature display by the temperature display unit 41, as well as a temperature setting for the display room 12. The display corresponding to the setting item displayed in step SA1 may be configured to be switched to a display corresponding to a different setting item, for example, by the user pressing each of the switches 45a, 45b.

[0049] Next, when the user performs an operation to select a setting item (step SW2), the control device 90 judges whether the operation is an operation to select a setting item for hiding the temperature display in the temperature display unit 41 (step SA2). The operation to select a setting item in step SW2 may be, for example, an operation to press the third switch 45c in a state in which a character string corresponding to the target setting item is displayed on the numeric display unit 41a by pressing each of the switches 45a and 45b.

[0050] In step SA2, if the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW2 is an operation to select a setting item to hide the temperature display (step SA2: YES), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA3. If the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW2 is not an operation to select a setting item to hide the temperature display (step SA2: NO), the control device 90 ends the operation related to the setting to hide the temperature display and proceeds to the setting operation of the corresponding setting item.

[0051] In step SA3, the control device 90 executes processing for specific settings for hiding the temperature display. Completion of step SA3 marks the end of a series of operations for setting for hiding the temperature display.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the showcase 1, showing the operation of step SA3 in FIG. 5 in detail.

[0053] 6, in step SA11, the display control unit 90p2 executes a display corresponding to the non-display method by 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 performed by the numeric display unit 41a.

[0054] 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 to hide the display of the temperature inside the refrigerator by the temperature display unit 41. In this embodiment, the display control unit 90p2 is configured to be able to set a plurality of non-display methods. Specifically, the first non-display method includes time zone non-display. The time zone non-display is a non-display method in which the display control unit 90p2 turns off the temperature display unit 41 from the set non-display start time to the set non-display end time. The second non-display method includes fixed time display. The fixed time display is a non-display method in which the display control unit 90p2 turns on the temperature display unit 41 for a first predetermined time at each set cycle and turns off the temperature display unit 41 at other times. The third non-display method includes constant non-display. The constant non-display is a non-display method in which the display control unit 90p2 always turns off the temperature display unit 41 while there is no external interference such as an operation on the operation unit 45. 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, for example, by the user pressing each of the switches 45a and 45b.

[0055] Thereafter, when the user performs an operation to select one of the non-display methods (step SW11), the control device 90 judges whether the performed operation is an operation to select non-display of the time period (step SA12). The operation of selecting one of the non-display methods may be, for example, an operation of pressing third switch 45c in a state in which a character string corresponding to a desired non-display method is displayed on numeric display unit 41a by pressing switches 45a and 45b. The operation of selecting one of the non-display methods may include, for example, an operation of canceling the setting of the non-display method by pressing fourth switch 45d.

[0056] In step SA12, if the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is an operation for selecting not to display the time zone (step SA12: YES), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA13. If the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is not an operation for selecting not to display the time zone (step SA12: NO), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA15.

[0057] 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 blinked by the numerical value display unit 41a. The numerical value of each time displayed in step SA13 may be configured to increase or decrease by pressing, for example, the first switch 45a and the second switch 45b.

[0058] Thereafter, when the user performs an operation for setting the non-display time (step SW12), the control device 90 sets the non-display time zone (step SA14). The operation for setting the non-display time may be, for example, an operation for setting the non-display start time by pressing the third switch 45c while a numerical value corresponding to the desired time is displayed on the numerical display section 41a, and then setting the non-display end time in a similar manner. In this embodiment, the non-display time zone corresponds to the "set time zone".

[0059] 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 when the temperature display unit 41 is turned off. 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 time period non-display among the non-display methods in the memory 90m. After executing step SA14, the operation of FIG. 6 ends.

[0060] In step SA15, if the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is an operation to select the fixed time display (step SA15: YES), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA16. If the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is not an operation to select the fixed time display (step SA15: NO), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA18.

[0061] 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, for example, by the numeric display unit 41a, which blinks a numeric value corresponding to the display cycle. The numeric value of the display cycle displayed in step SA16 may be configured to increase or decrease by pressing the first switch 45a and the second switch 45b, for example.

[0062] Thereafter, when the user performs a cycle setting operation (step SW13), the control device 90 executes setting of the display cycle (step SA17). The cycle setting operation may be, for example, an operation of pressing the third switch 45c while a numerical value corresponding to a desired display cycle is blinking on the numerical display section 41a.

[0063] In step SA17, the control device 90 sets the desired display cycle in the cycle setting operation as the display cycle for the scheduled display, and stores it in the memory 90m. The control device 90 stores, for example, a variable corresponding to the scheduled display among the non-display methods in the memory 90m. By executing step SA17, the operation in FIG. 6 ends.

[0064] If the control device 90 determines in step SA18 that the operation of step SW11 is an operation to select always-off display (step SA18: YES), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA19. If the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is not an operation to select always-off display (step SA18: NO), the control device 90 ends the operation of Fig. 6. An example of a case in which the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW11 is not an operation to select always-off display is when an operation to cancel the setting of the non-display method is executed in step SW11 by pressing the fourth switch 45d, etc.

[0065] In step SA19, the control device 90 sets the non-display method to always non-display. For example, the control device 90 stores a variable corresponding to the always non-display method in the memory 90m. The control device 90 ends the operation of FIG. 6 by executing step SA19.

[0066] [1-2-2. Operation in hidden state] 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation display unit 40, and shows the operation display unit 40 in a non-display state. The display control unit 90p2 can switch the operation display unit 40 between a display state and a 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 display unit 41 is turned on to display the temperature inside the showcase 1. The non-display state is one of the states of the operation display unit 40, and is a state in which the temperature display unit 41 is turned off and the temperature inside the showcase 1 is not displayed.

[0067] 6, when constant non-display is selected as the non-display method, the display control unit 90p2 always keeps the operation display unit 40 in a non-display state. When time-of-day non-display is selected as the non-display method, the display control unit 90p2 keeps the operation display unit 40 in a non-display state only from the non-display start time to the non-display end time, and keeps the operation display unit 40 in a display state during the other time periods. When fixed-time display is selected as the non-display method, the display control unit 90p2 keeps the operation display unit 40 in a display state only for a first predetermined time for each display cycle, and keeps the operation display unit 40 in a non-display state during the other times. For example, when a variable corresponding to any one of the non-display methods is stored in memory 90m, display control unit 90p2 may determine the non-display method selected by the operation of FIG. 6 based on that variable.

[0068] When the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state, the temperature inside the showcase 1 is not displayed on the temperature display unit 41, and therefore the operating state of the showcase 1 cannot be determined from the display of the temperature display unit 41. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state, the display control unit 90p2 causes at least one of the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d of the indicator 43 to emit light, as shown in FIG. 7. This makes it possible to determine the operating state of the showcase 1 even when the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state. Note that 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.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a table showing the relationship between the light emitting states of the light emitting parts 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d and the operating states of the showcase 1. As shown in FIG. 8, while 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 with the air cooled by the evaporator 31a, the display control unit 90p2 lights up the first light-emitting unit 43a. Also, while the cooling device control unit 90p1 is executing a "waiting for cooling" process to wait for the cooling of the display room 12 until the evaporator 31a is sufficiently cooled after the defrosting operation, the display control unit 90p2 blinks the first light-emitting unit 43a.

[0070] During the defrosting operation of the evaporator 31a by the cooling equipment control unit 90p1, the display control unit 90p2 lights or blinks the second light emitting unit 43b. In this embodiment, the defrosting operation of the evaporator 31a by the cooling equipment control unit 90p1 is divided into two stages, "defrosting" and "draining after defrosting". "Defrosting" is an operation in which the cooling equipment control unit 90p1 stops the cooling system 31 and the blower 33 and operates the heater 31b to melt the frost attached to the evaporator 31a. The display control unit 90p2 lights the second light emitting unit 43b during the execution of "defrosting". In addition, "draining after defrosting" is an operation in which the cooling equipment control unit 90p1 stops the heater 31b after "defrosting" and drives the blower 33 while the cooling system 31 is stopped to remove the water attached to the evaporator 31a. The display control unit 90p2 blinks the second light emitting unit 43b while the "water draining after defrosting" is being performed.

[0071] The display control unit 90p2 lights up the third light-emitting unit 43c during "refrigerating operation" in which the cooling device control unit 90p1 operates the cooling system 31 and the blower 33 to adjust the inside temperature of the showcase 1 to a set value. The set value of the inside temperature during "refrigerating operation" is, for example, about -2°C or higher and 10°C or lower.

[0072] During "freezing operation" in which the cooling equipment control unit 90p1 operates the cooling system 31 and the blower 33 to adjust the inside temperature of the showcase 1 to a set temperature, the display control unit 90p2 lights up the fourth light-emitting unit 43d. The set value of the inside temperature during "freezing operation" is set to, for example, about -20°C or higher and -18°C or lower. The set value of the inside temperature during "freezing operation" is lower than the set value of the inside temperature during "refrigeration operation".

[0073] The above-mentioned state of the showcase 1 displayed by the indicator 43 is a state realized by the operation of the cooling equipment control unit 90p1. That is, the indicator 43 displays the operation state of the cooling equipment control unit 90p1 by the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d. In this way, since the indicator 43 can display the operation state of the cooling equipment control unit 90p1 that controls the cooling system 31, even if the display unit 40 is in a non-display state and the temperature display unit 41 is turned off, it becomes easy to determine whether the temperature inside the cabinet is being maintained at an appropriate level. However, the indicator 43 may display the operation state of a device other than the cooling equipment control unit 90p1.

[0074] When the operation display unit 40 is in the display state, the temperature inside the showcase 1 is displayed on the temperature display unit 41, so it becomes possible to determine whether the temperature inside the showcase 1 is being maintained at an appropriate level from the display on the temperature display unit 41. For this reason, 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. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption by the indicator 43.

[0075] In this embodiment, the operation display unit 40 is provided with a human presence sensor 47. When the human presence sensor 47 detects the approach of a human body to the operation display unit 40, the display control unit 90p2 switches the operation display unit 40 to a display state. Thereafter, the display control unit 90p2 switches the operation display unit 40 to a non-display state after a first predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, only when a person is present near the operation display unit 40, the temperature display unit 41 can display the internal temperature of the showcase 1.

[0076] [1-2-2-1. Operation when displaying regular time] 9 is a flowchart of the showcase 1, showing the operation of the showcase 1 when fixed-time display is set. The operation of FIG. 9 is triggered by the end of step SA3 in FIG.

[0077] First, in step SA41, the display control unit 90p2 makes the temperature display unit 41 display the inside temperature non-display. Next, in step SA42, the display control unit 90p2 starts displaying the operating state of the cooling device control unit 90p1 by the light emitting units 43a to 43d. Steps SA41 and SA42 are operations performed almost simultaneously or simultaneously, and the order of these operations may be reversed. Steps SA41 and SA42 cause the operation display unit 40 to be in a non-display state. Note that, unlike FIG. 9, when the constant non-display is set, the display control unit 90p2 continues the non-display state of the operation display unit 40 until an operation is performed on the operation unit 45 after performing the same operations as steps SA41 and SA42. In this embodiment, step SA41 corresponds to the "first step", and step SA42 corresponds to the "second step".

[0078] In step SA43, the display control unit 90p2 determines whether or not the time obtained by subtracting the first predetermined time from the display cycle has elapsed after execution of step SA42. If the display control unit 90p2 determines that the time obtained by subtracting the first predetermined time from the display cycle has elapsed (step SA43: YES), the operation of the display control unit 90p2 proceeds to step SA44. If the display control unit 90p2 determines that the time obtained by subtracting the first predetermined time from the display cycle has not elapsed (step SA43: NO), the determination of step SA43 is repeated.

[0079] In step SA44, the display control unit 90p2 causes the temperature display unit 41 to start displaying the temperature inside the display room 12. This brings the operation display unit 40 into a display state. Next, in step SA45, the display control unit 90p2 changes the display of the operating state of the cooling device control unit 90p1 by each of the light-emitting units 43a-43d to non-display. Steps SA44 and SA45 are operations that are performed almost simultaneously or simultaneously, and the order of these steps may be reversed. In this embodiment, step SA44 corresponds to the "third step".

[0080] Next, the display control unit 90p2 determines whether or not a first predetermined time has elapsed after executing step SA45. The first predetermined time is a time shorter than the display cycle. If the display control unit 90p2 determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed (step SA46: YES), the operation of the display control unit 90p2 returns to step SA41. If the display control unit 90p2 determines that the first predetermined time has not elapsed (step SA46: NO), the determination of step SA46 is repeated.

[0081] 9 are each completed instantaneously, the operations of steps SA41, SA42, SA44, and SA45 are executed for each display cycle. Therefore, when fixed-time display is set, the display control unit 90p2 sets the display operation unit 40 in a display state for a first predetermined time for each display cycle, and sets the display operation unit 40 in a non-display state after the first predetermined time has elapsed since the display state and until the display cycle has elapsed.

[0082] [1-2-2-2. Operation when time zone is not displayed] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the showcase 1, and shows the operation of the showcase 1 when the time period non-display is set. The operation of Fig. 10 is started by being triggered by the end of step SA3 of Fig. 5. Note that the following explanation is for the case where the operation of Fig. 10 starts at a time other than the set non-display time period.

[0083] 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. This causes the operation display unit 40 to be in a display state. Next, in step SA52, the display control unit 90p2 changes the display of the operating state of the cooling device control unit 90p1 by each of the light-emitting units 43a to 43d to non-display. Steps SA51 and SA52 are operations that are performed almost simultaneously or simultaneously, and the order of these steps may be reversed. In this embodiment, step SA51 corresponds to the "third step".

[0084] In step SA53, the display control unit 90p2 determines whether the current time has reached the non-display start time. If the display control unit 90p2 determines that the non-display start time has reached (step SA53: YES), the operation of the display control unit 90p2 proceeds to step SA54. If the display control unit 90p2 determines that the non-display start time has not reached (step SA53: NO), the determination of step SA53 is repeated. In this embodiment, the non-display start time corresponds to "the start time of the set time period."

[0085] In step SA54, the display control section 90p2 causes the temperature display section 41 to hide the display of the inside temperature. Next, in step SA55, the display control section 90p2 starts displaying the operating state of the cooling device control section 90p1 with the light emitting sections 43a to 43d. Steps SA54 and SA55 are operations that are performed almost simultaneously or simultaneously, and the order of these operations may be reversed. Steps SA54 and SA55 cause the operation display section 40 to be in a hidden state. In this embodiment, step SA54 corresponds to the "first step", and step SA55 corresponds to the "second step".

[0086] In step SA56, the display control unit 90p2 determines whether the current time has reached the non-display end time. If the display control unit 90p2 determines that the non-display end time has reached (step SA56: YES), the operation of the display control unit 90p2 returns to step SA51. If the display control unit 90p2 determines that the non-display start time has not reached (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 slot."

[0087] 9 are each completed instantaneously, the operations of steps SA54 and SA55 are executed at the non-display start time, and the operations of steps SA51 and SA52 are executed at the non-display end time. Therefore, when the non-display time period is set, the display control unit 90p2 causes the display operation unit 40 to be in a non-display state during the non-display time period and in a display state outside the non-display time period.

[0088] [1-2-3. Behavior when operation is performed] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the showcase 1, and shows the operation of the showcase 1 when an operation is performed on the operation unit 45. The operation of FIG. 11 is triggered by pressing any one of the switches 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d of the operation unit 45. Hereinafter, the operation that triggers the operation of FIG. 11 will be referred to as the initial operation. In this embodiment, the initial operation corresponds to an example of a "first operation."

[0089] When the operation unit 45 is operated for the first time, in step SA20, the control device 90 determines whether the operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state. When the control device 90 determines that the operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state (step SA20: YES), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA21. When the control device 90 determines that the operation display unit 40 is not in a non-display state (step SA20: NO), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA26. 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 proceeds to step SA26.

[0090] In step SA21, the display control section 90p2 temporarily switches the operation display section 40 to a display state. As a result, the temperature inside the showcase 1 is displayed on the temperature display section 41. Thereafter, the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA22.

[0091] In step SA22, the control device 90 determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the operation unit 45. The operation that is the subject of the determination in step SA22 is hereinafter referred to as the second or subsequent operation. That is, the second or subsequent operation is an operation 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 or subsequent operation corresponds to an example of a "second operation."

[0092] 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 proceeds 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 proceeds to step SA24.

[0093] In step SA23, the display control section 90p2 of the control device 90 executes processing according to the second or subsequent operation. After that, the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA24.

[0094] In step SA24, the control device 90 judges whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation. The second predetermined time is, for example, about 30 seconds. The last operation to be judged in step SA24 may be the first operation or a second or subsequent operation, as long as no operation is performed on the operation unit 45 after that. If the control device 90 judges that the second predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation (step SA24: YES), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA25. If the control device 90 judges that the second predetermined time has not elapsed since the last operation (step SA24: NO), the operation of the control device 90 returns to step SA22.

[0095] In step SA25, the display control section 90p2 switches the operation display section 40 to a non-display state, and then ends the operation of FIG.

[0096] In step SA26, the control device 90 executes the process according to the first operation, and then ends the operation of FIG.

[0097] That is, when the operation unit 45 is operated in the non-display state (step SA20: YES), the control device 90 does not execute processing based on the contents input in the first operation. Instead, the display control unit 90p2 temporarily switches the operation display unit 40 to the display state in response to the first operation (step SA21), and waits for the second or subsequent operation on the operation unit 45. When the control device 90 detects the second or subsequent operation (step SA22: YES), it executes processing based on the contents input in the second or subsequent operation as is (step SA23). When the series of operations on the operation unit 45 ends and a second predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation (step SA24: YES), the operation display unit 40 returns to the non-display state, and the series of processes ends.

[0098] On the other hand, if the operation display unit 40 is in a display state at the time the first operation is performed (step SA20: YES), the display control unit 90p2 of the control device 90 executes processing based on the content input in the first operation as is (step SA26).

[0099] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the showcase 1 cools items in the display room 12 using the cooling system 31, and includes a cooling equipment control unit 90p1 that controls the operation of the cooling system 31, an operation display unit 40 that has a temperature display unit 41 that displays the temperature of the display room 12 and light-emitting units 43a to 43d that display the operating state of the cooling equipment control unit 91p1, and a display control unit 90p2 that controls the operation display unit 40, and the display control unit 90p2 is capable of switching the operation display unit 40 between a display state in which the temperature display unit 41 displays the temperature of the display room 12, and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit 41 does not display the temperature of the display room 12, and in the non-display state, display is performed using the light-emitting units 43a to 43d. This allows the light emitting parts 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d to display the operating states of the cooling system 31 and the fan 33 of the showcase 1 without displaying the inside temperature on the temperature display part 41. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption. Particularly, in this embodiment, the light-emitting elements 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d are each composed of an LED element. The maximum number of light-emitting elements 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d that are lit at the same time is two. In contrast, when the temperature display unit 41 displays the inside temperature, it is necessary to light up two or more segments of the numeric display unit 41a and also light up the unit display unit 41b. For this reason, it is easier to make the power consumption by lighting the light-emitting elements 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d smaller than the power consumption when the temperature display unit 41 displays the inside temperature.

[0100] As in this embodiment, in the showcase 1, when a non-display time period is set in which the operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state, the display control unit 90p2 may be configured to switch the operation display unit 40 to a non-display state during the non-display time period. As a result, for example, by setting the time period during which the user accesses the operation display unit 40 less frequently as the non-display time period, it becomes possible to make the operation display unit 40 in the non-display state only during the time period during which the user accesses the operation display unit 40 less frequently. This improves the convenience of the showcase 1.

[0101] As in this embodiment, the showcase 1 may further have an operation unit 45 that accepts operations, and the display control unit 90p2 may be configured such that, when it detects a first operation on the operation display unit 45 while the operation display unit 40 is in a hidden state, it switches the operation display unit 40 to a displayed state in response to the first operation, and, when it subsequently detects a second operation, it executes processing based on the content input by the second operation. As a result, even if the operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state, the temperature inside the storage compartment can be displayed on the operation display unit 40 by operating the operation unit 45. This improves the convenience of the showcase 1. Also, no processing is performed based on the contents input by an operation performed when the operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation of the operation unit 45.

[0102] As in this embodiment, the showcase 1 may further have a human presence sensor 47 that detects a human body approaching the operation display unit 40, and the display control unit 90p2 may be configured to switch the operation display unit 40 to the display state when the human presence sensor 47 detects a human body. As a result, even if the operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state, when a person approaches the operation display unit 40, the operation display unit 40 can be switched to a display state. This improves the convenience of the showcase 1. Particularly, in this embodiment, the operation unit 45 is provided on the operation display unit 40. Therefore, when the operation display unit 40 is switched to the display state, the temperature inside the cabinet can be easily visually confirmed.

[0103] A display method using an operation display unit 40 equipped with light-emitting units 43a-43d that display the operating state of a showcase 1 that cools items in a display room 12 using a cooling system 31, and a temperature display unit 41 that displays the temperature of the display room 12, the display method including a first step of hiding the display of the temperature of the display room 12 by the temperature display unit 41 of the operation display unit 40, and a second step of displaying the operating state of the showcase 1 by the light-emitting units 43a-43d of the operation display unit 40. This allows the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d to display the operating state of the cooling system 31 of the showcase 1 and the cooling device control unit 90p1 that controls the blower 33, without displaying the inside temperature on the temperature display unit 41. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0104] As in this embodiment, the display method may 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, and to execute the above-mentioned first and second steps at the non-display start time, and to execute the third step at the non-display end time. As a result, for example, by setting the time period during which the user accesses the operation display unit 40 infrequently as a non-display time period, it is possible to prevent the temperature display unit 41 from displaying the temperature of the display room 12 only during the time period during which the user accesses the operation display unit 40 infrequently. Therefore, the power consumption of the showcase 1 can be reduced without impairing the convenience of the showcase 1.

[0105] As in this embodiment, the display method may 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, to execute the third step for each set display cycle, and to execute the above-mentioned first step and the second step after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the third step. This allows the temperature in the display compartment 12 to be checked for only the first predetermined time for each display cycle. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the showcase 1 without impairing the convenience of the showcase 1.

[0106] As in this embodiment, the display method may be configured such that in a showcase 1 further having an operation unit 45 that accepts operations, the display control unit 90p2 causes the temperature display unit 41 to display the temperature of the display room 12 in response to a first operation on the operation unit 45 performed when the temperature display unit 41 does not display the temperature of the display room 12. As a result, even when the temperature display unit 41 is not displaying the temperature of the display room 12, the temperature of the display unit can be displayed on the temperature display unit 41 by operating the operation unit 45. This improves the convenience of the showcase. In particular, in this embodiment, since both the temperature display unit 41 and the operation unit 45 are provided on the operation display unit, the temperature of the display unit displayed on the temperature display unit 41 can be easily viewed.

[0107] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. [2-1. Configuration] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of an exhibition system 101 according to the second embodiment. The exhibition system 101 includes a plurality of showcases 1 described in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the exhibition system 101 has four showcases 1. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the showcases 1 constituting the exhibition system 101, the showcases 1 will be referred to as showcases 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. Furthermore, when distinguishing between the communication connection units 91 of the showcases 1A to 1D, they will be referred to as communication connection units 91A, 91B, 91C, and 91D.

[0108] The communication connection units 91A-91D of each showcase 1A-1D of the exhibition system 101 are connected to a communication network NW. Each showcase 1A-1D is connected to one another via the communication network NW. The communication network NW is a communication line including a dedicated line, a public line network, the Internet, etc. The communication network NW may include network devices (not shown) 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 configured to include, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) installed in a building or the like in which each showcase 1 is installed.

[0109] Each showcase 1A-1D included in the exhibition system 101 is set as either a parent unit or a child unit. Of the showcases 1A-1D included in the exhibition system 101, only one is set as a parent unit. In this embodiment, the showcase 1A is set as a parent unit, and the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D are set as child units. The showcase 1A is set as a parent unit, for example, by operating the operation unit 45. When the showcase 1A is set as a parent unit, for example, information indicating that the showcase 1A is set as a parent unit is stored in the memory of the control device 90 of the showcase 1A. The child showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D are capable of communicating with the parent showcase 1A. The parent showcase 1A corresponds to the "first showcase" in this embodiment. The child showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D correspond to the "second showcase" in this embodiment.

[0110] [2-2. Operation] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the showcase 1 provided in the exhibition system 101, and shows the operation when the temperature display by the temperature display unit 41 is set to be hidden. In the following, the operation of the showcase 1A when the showcase 1A, which is the parent unit, is operated by a user will be described.

[0111] When the user performs an operation to start setting (step SW31), the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A displays a setting item on the temperature display unit 41 of the showcase 1A (step SA31). The operation to start setting in step SW1 is, for example, an operation of pressing the third switch 45c of the operation unit 45.

[0112] The display corresponding to the setting item in step SA31 is, for example, an operation of displaying a character string corresponding to the setting item by the numeric display unit 41a of the showcase 1A. The setting item may include, for example, a setting for hiding the temperature display by the temperature display unit 41, as well as a temperature setting for the display room 12. The setting item may also include, for example, an item for setting whether the showcase 1A is a parent unit or a child unit. 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, a user pressing each of the switches 45a, 45b.

[0113] Next, when the user performs an operation to select a setting item (step SW32), the control device 90 judges whether the operation is an operation to select a setting item for hiding the temperature display in the temperature display unit 41 (step SA32). The operation to select a setting item in step SW32 may be, for example, an operation to press the third switch 45c in a state in which a character string corresponding to the target setting item is displayed on the numeric display unit 41a by pressing each of the switches 45a and 45b.

[0114] In step SA32, if the control device 90 of the showcase 1A determines that the operation of step SW2 is an operation to select a setting item to hide the temperature display (step SA32: YES), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA33. If the control device 90 determines that the operation of step SW2 is not an operation to select a setting item to hide the temperature display (step SA32: NO), the control device 90 ends the setting operation to hide the temperature display and proceeds to the setting operation of the corresponding setting item.

[0115] In step SA33, the control device 90 of the operated showcase 1A judges whether or not the showcase 1A is set as a parent unit. The control device 90, for example, refers to a memory and judges whether or not information indicating that the showcase 1A is set as a parent unit is stored. In this embodiment, since the showcase 1A is a parent unit, the control device 90 of the showcase 1A judges that the showcase 1A is set as a parent unit. When the control device 90 judges that the showcase 1A is set as a parent unit (step SA33: YES), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA34.

[0116] In addition, in this embodiment, the showcases 1B to 1D are set as child units, not parent units. Therefore, when the showcases 1B to 1D perform the operation of Fig. 13, the control devices of the showcases 1B to 1D determine in step SA33 that the showcases 1B to 1D are not set as parent units. When the control devices 90 of the showcases 1B to 1D determine that the operated showcases 1B to 1D are not set as parent units (step SA33: NO), the control device 90 ends the operation at the time of setting to hide the temperature display.

[0117] That is, the operation of setting to hide the temperature display is valid only for the operation unit 45 of the showcase 1A set as the parent unit. The operation of setting to hide 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 the child units. Therefore, the operations of steps SA34 to SA39 are the operations of the control device 90 of the showcase 1A set as the parent unit. Also, for example, the operation unit 45 does not have to be provided in the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D that are child units.

[0118] In step SA34, the display control section 90p2 of the showcase 1A executes a display corresponding to the synchronization setting items of the temperature display. The display corresponding to the synchronization setting items is, for example, an operation of displaying character strings corresponding to each synchronization setting item by the numeric display section 41a of the showcase 1A. The synchronization setting items of the temperature display include a setting of "parent unit only display" which makes the operation display units 40 of the child showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D invisible and makes the operation display unit 40 of the parent unit visible. The synchronization setting items of the temperature display also include a setting of "parent unit and child unit both hidden" which makes all the operation display units 40 of the child showcases 1A and 1B, 1C, and 1D invisible.

[0119] Thereafter, when the user performs an operation to select a synchronization setting item (step SW33), the control device 90 of the showcase 1A judges whether the performed operation is an operation to select the setting of "display only the parent unit" (step SA35). The operation to select a synchronization setting item in step SW33 may be, for example, an operation to press the third switch 45c in a state in which a character string corresponding to a desired synchronization setting item is displayed on the numeric display unit 41a by pressing each of the switches 45a and 45b.

[0120] If the control device 90 determines that the "Display only the parent device" setting has been selected (step SA35: YES), the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA36. If the control device 90 determines that the "Display only the parent device" setting has not been selected (step SA35: NO), that is, if the control device 90 determines that the "Hide both the parent device and the child device" setting has been selected, the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA37.

[0121] In step SA36, the control device 90 stores information indicating that "display only on parent device" is set in memory. After that, the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA38.

[0122] In step SA37, the control device 90 stores in memory information including the setting of "Hide both the parent device and the child device." After that, the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA38.

[0123] In step SA38, the control device 90 of the operated showcase executes the setting operation of the non-display method shown in Fig. 6. This sets the non-display method and its time, period, etc. Thereafter, the operation of the control device 90 proceeds to step SA39.

[0124] In step SA39, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A instructs the child showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D to switch the operation display units 40 to a non-display state via the communication connection unit 91. The instruction transmitted at this time includes information on which non-display method has been set in step SA38. The instruction transmitted at this time may also include information such as the non-display start time and non-display end time, or the display period. The operation in FIG. 13 ends when the instruction is transmitted.

[0125] The display control units 90p2 of the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D that have received the instruction to switch to the non-display state in step SA39 switch their respective display operation units 40 to the non-display state based on the information included in the instruction. After the operation of step SA39 is completed, if information indicating that "only display in parent unit" is set is stored in the memory, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A switches the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A to the display state. If information including information indicating that "both parent unit and child unit are not displayed" is set is stored in the memory, 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 in step SA38.

[0126] That is, when "display only parent unit" is selected, after the end of step SA39, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A keeps the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A in a display state at all times. Also, when "display only parent unit" is selected, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcases 1B to 1D keeps the operation display unit 40 of the showcases 1B to 1D in a non-display state according to the non-display method. In other words, when "display only parent unit" is selected, in the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A, the temperature display unit 41 always displays the inside temperature, and each of the light emitting units 43a to 43d of the indicator 43 is always turned off. Also, when "display only parent unit" is selected, in the operation display unit 40 of the showcases 1B to 1D, the temperature display unit 41 goes into a state where it does not display the inside temperature at a timing according to the non-display method, and each of the light emitting units 43a to 43d of the indicator 43 emits light when the temperature display unit 41 does not display the inside temperature.

[0127] On the other hand, if "Hide both parent and child units" is selected, after completion of step SA39, the display control unit 90p2 of the showcases 1A-1D puts the display units 40 of the showcases 1A-1D in a hidden state in accordance with the non-display method. In other words, if "Hide both parent and child units" is selected, in the operation display units 40 of the showcases 1A-1D, the temperature display unit 41 goes into a state in which it does not display the inside temperature at a timing in accordance with the non-display method, and the light emitting units 43a-43d of the indicator 43 emit light when the temperature display unit 41 does not display the inside temperature.

[0128] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the exhibition system 101 is an exhibition system having a plurality of showcases 1A to 1D that cools items in the display room 12 by the cooling system 31. The plurality of showcases 1A to 1D include showcase 1A as a parent unit and showcases 1B to 1D as child units communicably connected to showcase 1A. Each of the plurality of showcases 1A to 1D includes a cooling device control unit 90p1 that controls the operation of the cooling system 31, a temperature display unit 41 that displays the temperature of the display room 12, and a cooling device control unit 90p1 that displays the operating state of the cooling device control unit 90p1. The showcase is equipped with an operation display unit 40 having light-emitting units 43a to 43d, and a display control unit 90p2 that is capable of switching the operation display unit 40 between a display state in which the temperature display unit 41 displays the temperature of the display room 12 and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit 41 does not display the temperature of the display room 12, and that performs display using the light-emitting units 43a to 43d in the non-display state, and the showcase 1A is equipped with an operation unit 45 that accepts operations, and the display control unit 90p2 of the showcase 1A instructs the operation display units 40 of the showcases 1B to 1D to be switched to the non-display state in response to an operation on the operation unit 45. As a result, the operation display units 40 of the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D can be put into a non-display state simply by operating the operation unit 45 of the showcase 1A. This improves the convenience of the exhibition system 101.

[0129] As in this embodiment, the exhibition system 101 may be configured to be capable of switching the operation display unit 40 of showcase 1A to a display state when switching the operation display units 40 of showcases 1B to 1D to a non-display state in response to an operation on the operation unit 45. This makes it easier to distinguish the showcase 1A, which is the parent unit, from among the multiple showcases 1. This improves convenience.

[0130] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. [3-1. Configuration] 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of an exhibition system 201 according to embodiment 3. The exhibition system 201 includes one or a plurality of showcases 1 described in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the exhibition system 201 has four showcases 1. Note that in this embodiment, each showcase 1 may not be provided with an operation unit 45.

[0131] 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 collectively controls the set temperature of each showcase 1 of the exhibition system 201, the setting of the operation display unit 40, and the like.

[0132] The second control device 220 has a processor 221. The processor 221 is configured by 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 non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor 221. The memory 223 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element, or other types of non-volatile storage device. Specifically, the memory is configured by an HDD, a flash ROM, an SSD, or the like. The memory 223 may include a RAM that configures a work area for the processor 221.

[0133] The memory 223 stores schedule information 223a. The schedule information 223a includes information on a predetermined time period or a predetermined date. The predetermined time period is, for example, the business hours of a store or the like in which the showcase 1 is installed. The predetermined date is, for example, the business days of a store or the like in which the showcase 1 is installed.

[0134] The second communication connection unit 230 is communicatively 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 be a wireless communication device that includes an antenna and a wireless circuit and connects to an external network via a wireless communication line.

[0135] The touch panel 240 includes a display screen and a touch sensor arranged so as to be superimposed on the display screen, and detects a user's operation by the touch sensor and outputs operation data to the second control device 220. The display screen of the touch panel 240 is configured with a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or the like.

[0136] [3-2. Operation] The processor 221 of the management device 210 accepts an operation by a user 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 via the operation on the touch panel 240.

[0137] The non-display method includes, for example, a constant non-display, a fixed-time display, and a time-zone non-display, which are specified as shown in Fig. 6. In the present embodiment, the non-display method includes a schedule non-display, in which the operation display unit 40 is switched to a non-display state according to a predetermined time zone or predetermined date information included in the schedule information 223a stored in the memory 223.

[0138] For example, if the schedule information 223a is information on business hours of the store, etc., where each showcase 1 is installed, in the schedule non-display mode, each operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state during time periods other than the business hours of the store, etc. For example, if the schedule information 223a is information on business days of the store, etc., where each showcase 1 is installed, in the schedule non-display mode, each operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state during days other than the business days of the store, etc. For example, if the schedule information 223a includes information on business hours and business days of the store, etc., where each showcase 1 is installed, each operation display unit 40 is in a non-display state during days other than the business days of the store, etc., and during time periods other than the business hours.

[0139] The processor 221 of the management device 210 can transmit an instruction to switch the operation display unit 40 to a hidden state based on the non-display method selected by operation to each showcase 1. When receiving an instruction to switch the operation display unit 40 to a hidden state from the management device 210, the display control unit 90p2 of each showcase 1 switches the operation display unit 40 to a hidden state.

[0140] [3-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the exhibition system 201 has one or more showcases 1 that cool items in the display room 12 using a cooling system 31, and a management device 210 that is communicatively connected to the showcase 1. The showcase 1 has a cooling equipment control unit 90p1 that controls the operation of the cooling system 31, an operation display unit 40 that has a temperature display unit 41 that displays the temperature of the display room 12 and light-emitting units 43a to 43d that display the operating state of the cooling equipment control unit 90p1, and a display control unit 90p2 that is capable of switching the operation display unit 40 between a display state in which the temperature display unit 41 displays the temperature of the display room 12 and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit 41 does not display the temperature of the display room 12, and that performs display using the light-emitting units 43a to 43d in the non-display state. When the display control unit 90p2 receives an instruction to switch to the non-display state from the management device 210, it switches the operation display unit 40 to the non-display state. This allows the operation and display units 40 of the showcases 1 to be collectively put into a non-display state, thereby improving the convenience of the exhibition system 201.

[0141] As in this embodiment, in the exhibition system 201, the management device 210 may be configured to store at least one of a specified time period or a specified schedule, and to be able to switch the operation display units 40 provided in multiple showcases 1 to a hidden state in accordance with the specified time period or the specified schedule. This allows the operation display unit 40 of each showcase 1 to be put into a non-display state according to a predetermined schedule or a predetermined time period stored in the management device 210. This improves the convenience of the exhibition system 201.

[0142] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first to third embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first to third embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the showcase 1 has been described as an open-type showcase, but this is merely an example. The showcase 1 may be, for example, a closed-type showcase having a transparent door that closes the display room 12 from the front. Furthermore, each showcase 1 provided in the exhibition system 101, 201 may be configured to include a closed-type showcase. Furthermore, the showcase 1 may be a closed-type storage unit having a non-transparent door. Furthermore, the showcase 1 may have a function of not only cooling the display room 12 but also heating the display room 12.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the exhibition systems 101 and 201 have four showcases 1, but this is only an example. The exhibition system 101 of the second embodiment may have any number of showcases 1, which is two or more. In the second embodiment, the exhibition system 101 has only the showcase 1A as the master unit, but a plurality of showcases 1 may be set as the master unit. In this case, the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1 set as the slave unit can be set to be hidden by the operation shown in FIG. 13 by operating the operation display unit 40 of any showcase 1 set as the master unit. In this case, in step SA39, information may be transmitted not only to the slave unit but also to other showcases 1 set as the master unit, and the operation display units 40 of all showcases 1 set as the master unit in the exhibition system 101 may be linked. In addition, the exhibition system 201 of the third embodiment may have any number of showcases 1, which is one or more.

[0145] In the above embodiment, each of the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d has an LED, but this is just an example. Each of the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d may have any light source such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp or a filament instead of an LED.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the numerical value display unit 41a is described as being configured with four 7-segment LEDs, but this is just an example. The numerical value display unit 41a may be configured with three or less or five or more 7-segment LEDs. Furthermore, the temperature display unit 41 may be configured with any display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0147] In the above embodiment, when the non-display method of the operation display unit 40 is set to time-zone non-display, the time zone during which the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state is determined by specifying the non-display start time and the non-display end time as in step SW12 of Fig. 6, but this is only one example. For example, the time zone during which the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state may be determined by specifying the non-display start time and the length of time the non-display state continues. Also, the time zone during which the operation display unit 40 is in the non-display state may be indirectly determined by specifying the time zone during which the operation display unit 40 is in the display state.

[0148] In the above embodiment, when the non-display method of the operation display unit 40 is set to the fixed-time display, the cycle for displaying the operation display unit 40 is specified in step SW13 of Fig. 6, but this is only one example. For example, step SW13 may be configured to be able to specify the cycle for displaying the operation display unit 40 and the length of time for which the display state of the operation display unit 40 continues. Also, step SA13 may be configured to be able to set the cycle for displaying the operation display unit 40 and the non-display state.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the temperature display unit 41, the indicator 43, and the operation unit 45 are described as being provided on the same panel 40a, but this is just one example. For example, the temperature display unit 41, the indicator 43, and the operation unit 45 may be configured to be provided on the outside of the panel 40a. However, by arranging the temperature display unit 41, the indicator 43, and the operation unit 45 together on the panel 40a as in the above embodiment, it becomes easier to operate the operation unit 45.

[0150] In the above embodiment, it has been described that 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. 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 be configured to be lit even while the operation display unit 40 is in the display state. In this case, the operating state of the showcase 1 becomes easier to determine, improving convenience.

[0151] The correspondence between the lighting, blinking, and off patterns of the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d and the operating states of the showcase 1 described in the above embodiment is one example. The lighting, blinking, and off patterns of the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d for the operating states of the showcase 1 can be set arbitrarily. The number of the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d of the indicator 43 and the color of the emitted light can be set arbitrarily. In the above embodiment, it has been described that the light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d indicate that "cooling", "waiting for cooling", "defrosting", "draining after defrosting", "refrigerating operation", and "freezing operation" are being performed, but this is one example. The light-emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d may be configured to indicate an operating state other than the above. For example, an abnormal operating state of the showcase 1 may be displayed not by the temperature display unit 41 but by each of the light emitting units 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d provided on the operation display unit 40 or an additional light emitting unit. Examples of abnormal operating states of the showcase 1 include an operating state in which a refrigerant leak is detected and an alarm is issued, an operating state in which the leaked refrigerant is being recovered, and an operating state in which the temperature of the display chamber 12 has become higher or lower than the set temperature by a predetermined temperature or more.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the non-display methods are always non-display, time-zone non-display, and fixed-time display, but the showcase 1 does not have to be configured to be able to execute all of these non-display methods. Also, the operation unit 45 does not have to be provided in the operation display unit 40. Also, the showcase 1 does not have to have the human sensor 47.

[0153] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the exhibition system 101 can select whether to make the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A, which is the parent unit, in the hidden state or in the displayed state when making the operation display unit 40 of the showcases 1B, 1C, and 1D, which are the child units, in the hidden state. This is one example. For example, it may be configured such that the operation display unit 40 of the showcase 1A, which is the parent unit, cannot be selected to be in the hidden state or in the displayed state, and is in one of the two states.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the management device 210 has been described as having the touch panel 240, but this is just one example. The touch panel 240 is an example of a means 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. The management device 210 may also be configured not to be connected to an output device or an input device, and to be operated from an external computer or the like via a communication network NW.

[0155] The configuration of the communication device in the present disclosure may be any configuration that enables communication between the device of the present disclosure and an external device. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, in addition to the communicator, a communication means, a communication unit, a transmission / reception means, a transmission / reception unit, or a similar term may be used to describe what enables communication between the device of the present disclosure and an external device. The communicator constituting the communication device (not shown) provided in each communication connection unit 91, 230 can be realized in various forms. For example, the communicator may be connected to the external device by wire, or may be connected to the external device by wireless communication. A communicator that connects the device of the present disclosure and the external device by wire is effective in terms of communication security and communication stability. Examples of the communicator with a wired connection include a wired LAN based on the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, or a wired connection using an optical fiber cable. Examples of the communicator with a wireless connection include a wireless connection with an external device via a base station or a direct wireless connection with an external device. Examples of wireless connections with external devices via base stations include, for example, IEEE802.11-compatible wireless LANs that wirelessly communicate with Wi-Fi routers, third-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 3G), fourth-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 4G), IEEE 802.16-compatible WiMax (registered trademark), and LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Using a communicator that directly wirelessly connects the device of the present disclosure to an external device is effective in improving the security of communication, and the device of the present disclosure can communicate with an external device even in a place where there is no relay device such as a Wi-Fi router. Examples of communicators that directly wirelessly connect the device of the present disclosure to an external device include communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), communication using NFC (Near Field Communication) via a loop antenna, and infrared communication.

[0156] Each unit shown in Figs. 4 and 14 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is of course possible to configure the functions of each unit by executing a program by one processor. In addition, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software. For example, the cooling device control unit 90p1 and the display control unit 90p2 may be functional units provided by separate processors. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the showcase 1, the management device 210, and other devices can also be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0157] In addition, the operation step units shown in Figures 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, and 13 are divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of each part of the showcase 1 and the exhibition systems 101, 201, and this disclosure is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof.

[0158] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0159] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0160] (Additional Note) (Technology 1) A showcase that cools items in a display area using a cooling system, comprising: a cooling equipment control unit that controls the operation of the cooling system; a display unit that has a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display area and a light-emitting unit that displays the operating state of the cooling equipment 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 display unit displays the temperature of the display area and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit does not display the temperature of the display area, and wherein the display unit performs display using the light-emitting unit when in the non-display state. This allows the light-emitting section to display the operating state of the cooling device control section without causing the temperature display section to display the temperature of the display section, thereby reducing the power consumption of the showcase.

[0161] (Technical Technique 2) In the showcase according to Technical Technique 1, the display control unit switches the display unit to the non-display state during a set time period. This makes it possible to, for example, set the time periods during which users rarely access the display unit as non-display time periods, thereby making it possible to make the display unit non-display only during the time periods during which users rarely access the display unit, thereby improving the convenience of the showcase.

[0162] (Technology 3) A showcase as described in Technology 1 or 2, further comprising an operation unit that accepts operations, wherein when the display control unit detects a first operation on the operation unit while the display unit is in the non-display state, the display control unit switches the display unit to the display state in response to the first operation, and when the display control unit detects a second operation thereafter, the display control unit executes processing based on the content input by the second operation. As a result, even if the display unit is in a non-display state, the temperature of the display unit can be displayed on the temperature display unit by operating the operation unit. This improves the convenience of the showcase. Also, no processing is performed based on the contents input by the operation performed when the display unit is in a non-display state. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation of the operation unit.

[0163] (Technology 4) A showcase described in any of Technologies 1 to 3, further comprising a human presence sensor that detects a human body approaching the display unit, and the display control unit switches the display unit to the display state when the human presence sensor detects a human body. As a result, even if the display unit is in a non-display state, when a person approaches the display unit, the display unit can be switched to a display state, thereby improving the convenience of the showcase.

[0164] (Technology 5) An exhibition system having a plurality of showcases that cool items in a display section using a cooling system, the plurality of showcases including a first showcase and a second showcase connected to the first showcase so as to be able to communicate with the first showcase, each of the plurality of showcases comprising: a cooling equipment control unit that controls the operation of the cooling system; a display unit having a temperature display unit that displays a temperature of the display section and a light-emitting unit that displays an operating state of the cooling equipment control unit; and a display control unit that is capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature display unit displays the temperature of the display section and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit does not display the temperature of the display section, and that performs display using the light-emitting unit in the non-display state, the first showcase comprising an operation unit that accepts operations, and the display control unit of the first showcase instructs the display unit of the second showcase to switch to the non-display state in response to an operation on the operation unit. This allows the display unit of the second showcase to be put into a non-display state simply by operating the operation unit of the first showcase, thereby improving the convenience of the exhibition system.

[0165] (Technology 6) An exhibition system according to Technology 5, wherein when the display unit of the second showcase is switched to a non-display state in response to an operation on the operating unit, the display unit of the first showcase can be switched to a display state. This makes it easier to distinguish the first showcase from the multiple showcases, thereby improving the convenience of the exhibition system.

[0166] (Technology 7) An exhibition system having one or more showcases that cool items in a display area using a cooling system, and a management device connected to the showcases so as to be able to communicate with the showcases, wherein the showcases include a cooling equipment control unit that controls the operation of the cooling system, a display unit that has a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display area and a light-emitting unit that displays the operating state of the cooling equipment control unit, and a display control unit that is capable of switching the display unit between a display state in which the temperature display unit displays the temperature of the display area and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit does not display the temperature of the display area, and which performs display using the light-emitting unit in the non-display state, wherein the display control unit switches the display unit to the non-display state when it receives an instruction to switch to the non-display state from the management device. This allows the display units of all showcases to be switched to a non-display state all at once, improving the convenience of the exhibition system.

[0167] (Technology 8) The exhibition system described in Technology 7, wherein the management device stores at least one of a specified time period or a specified schedule, and is capable of switching the display units provided in the multiple showcases to the non-display state in accordance with the specified time period or the specified schedule. This allows each display unit to be put into a non-display state according to a predetermined schedule or a predetermined time period stored in the management device, thereby improving the convenience of the exhibition system.

[0168] (Technology 9) A display method using a display unit equipped with a light-emitting unit that displays the operating status of a showcase that cools items in the display unit using a cooling system and a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display unit, the display method including a first step of hiding the display of the temperature of the display unit by the temperature display unit of the display unit, and a second step of displaying the operating status of the showcase by the light-emitting unit of the display unit. This allows the light-emitting section to display the operating state of the cooling device control section without causing the temperature display section to display the temperature of the display section, thereby reducing the power consumption of the showcase.

[0169] (Technology 10) A display method as described in Technology 9, which includes a third step of causing the temperature display unit of the display unit to display the temperature of the display unit, and executes the first step and the second step at the start of a set time period, and executes the third step at the end of the set time period. As a result, for example, by setting the time period during which the user accesses the display unit less frequently as the set time period, it is possible to prevent the temperature display unit from displaying the temperature of the display unit only during the time period during which the user accesses the display unit less frequently. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the showcase without impairing its convenience.

[0170] (Technology 11) A display method as described in Technology 9, which includes a third step of causing the temperature display unit of the display unit to display the temperature of the display unit, executes the third step for each set display cycle, and executes the first step and the second step after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the third step. This allows the temperature of the display unit to be checked for only the first predetermined time for each display cycle, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the showcase without impairing the convenience of the showcase. [Industrial Applicability]

[0171] The present disclosure is applicable to showcases, display systems having showcases, display methods, etc. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to open-type showcases for stores and closed-type showcases having doors, display systems having them, or display methods using showcases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1. Showcase 1A Showcase (1st Showcase) 1B Showcase (2nd Showcase) 1C Showcase (2nd Showcase) 1D Showcase (2nd Showcase) 11 Cases 12 Exhibition room (display section) 13 Bottom wall 14 Side wall 15 Back wall 16 Upper Wall 16a Front end 17 Lower front wall 18 Pedestal 20 Inner wall 22 Compartment Wall 24 Inner upper wall 26 Deck Pan 28 Display shelf 30 Duct 31 Cooling System 31a Evaporator 31b Heater 32 Lower Duct 33 Blower 33a Motor 33b Impeller 34 Back duct 36 Upper Duct 37 Air outlet 38 Intake port 39 Canopy 39a First protrusion 39a1 front 39b Second convex part 39b1 Bottom surface 40 Operation display section (display section) 40a Panel 41 Temperature display section 41a Numeric display section 41b Unit display section 43 Indicator 43a First light-emitting unit (light-emitting unit) 43b Second light-emitting part (light-emitting part) 43c Third light-emitting part (light-emitting part) 43d Fourth light-emitting part (light-emitting part) 45 Control section 45a 1st switch 45a1 First mark 45b Second switch 45b1 Second mark 45c 3rd switch 45d 4th switch 47 Human Sensor 50 lighting power supply 51 Exterior lighting 53 Interior upper wall lighting 55 Under-shelf lighting inside the warehouse 90 Control device 90p Processor 90p1 Cooling equipment control unit 90p2 Display control unit 90m memory 90m1 Control Program 91 Communication connection part 93 Temperature Sensor 99 Power supply 101 Exhibition System 201 Exhibition System 210 Management device 220 Second control device 221 Processor 223 Memory 223a Schedule Information 230 Second communication connection part 240 Touch Panel NW Communication network

Claims

1. A showcase that cools items in a display section using a cooling system, A cooling device control unit that controls an operation of the cooling system; A display unit including a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display unit and a light-emitting unit that displays the operating state of the cooling device control unit; 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 display unit displays the temperature of the display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit does not display the temperature of the display unit, and the display unit performs display using the light-emitting unit in the non-display state. Showcase.

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

3. Further comprising an operation unit for receiving an operation, when the display control unit detects a first operation on the operation unit while the display unit is in the non-display state, the display control unit switches the display unit to the display state in response to the first operation, and when the display control unit detects a second operation thereafter, the display control unit executes a process based on the content input by the second operation. The showcase according to claim 1.

4. A human presence sensor is further provided to detect a human body approaching the display unit. The display control unit switches the display unit to the display state when the human presence sensor detects a human body. The showcase according to claim 1.

5. A display system having a plurality of showcases for cooling items in a display section by a cooling system, The plurality of showcases include a first showcase and a second showcase communicatively connected to the first showcase, Each of the plurality of showcases includes: A cooling device control unit that controls an operation of the cooling system; A display unit including a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display unit and a light-emitting unit that displays the operating state of the cooling device control unit; a display control unit that can switch the display unit between a display state in which the temperature display unit displays the temperature of the display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit does not display the temperature of the display unit, and that performs display using the light-emitting unit in the non-display state; The first showcase includes an operation unit that receives an operation, The display control unit of the first showcase instructs switching of the display unit of the second showcase to the non-display state in response to an operation on the operation unit. Exhibition system.

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

7. An exhibition system having one or more showcases that cool items in a display section by a cooling system, and a management device communicatively connected to the showcases, The showcase is A cooling device control unit that controls an operation of the cooling system; A display unit including a temperature display unit that displays the temperature of the display unit and a light-emitting unit that displays the operating state of the cooling device control unit; a display control unit that can switch the display unit between a display state in which the temperature display unit displays the temperature of the display unit and a non-display state in which the temperature display unit does not display the temperature of the display unit, and that performs display using 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; Exhibition system.

8. The management device stores at least one of a predetermined time period or a predetermined schedule, and is capable of switching the display units provided in the plurality of showcases to the non-display state in accordance with the predetermined time period or the predetermined schedule. The display system according to claim 7.

9. A display method using a display unit having a light-emitting unit that displays an operating state of a showcase that cools items in a display unit by a cooling system and a temperature display unit that displays a temperature of the display unit, A first step of hiding the display of the temperature of the display unit by the temperature display unit of the display unit, and a second step of displaying an operating state of the showcase by the light-emitting unit of the display unit, Display method.

10. a third step of causing the temperature display unit of the display unit to display the temperature of the display unit; executing the first step and the second step at the start of a set time period, and executing the third step at the end of the set time period; The display method according to claim 9.

11. a third step of causing the temperature display unit of the display unit to display the temperature of the display unit; execute the third step for each set display cycle, and execute the first step and the second step after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the third step. The display method according to claim 9.

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