Refrigerator, and refrigerator control system

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator whose cooling performance can be maintained for a long period of time at the time of power failure without using any external power supply, and to provide a refrigerator control system.SOLUTION: A refrigerator includes: a cooling part cooling the inside of the refrigerator; and a refrigerator control part shifting an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode where the temperature of the inside of the refrigerator is lower than that in the first mode when forecast about a power failure generation factor is issued to a region containing an installation place of the refrigerator. When the operation mode of the refrigerator is the second mode, the refrigerator control part cools the inside of the refrigerator by the cooling part so that a variation of the inside temperature of the refrigerator is smaller than a variation of the inside temperature of the refrigerator in the first mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a refrigerator control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a building supply system that can preserve food in a refrigerator during a power outage. This building supply system includes a power supply vehicle that can be connected to a specific building and a refrigerator, and when a power outage occurs in the specific building, the power supply vehicle supplies power to the refrigerator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-078689 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a refrigerator control system that can maintain the cooling capacity of the refrigerator for a long period of time during a power outage without using an external power source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The refrigerator of the present disclosure includes a cooling unit that cools an interior of the refrigerator, and a refrigerator control unit that, when a forecast related to a cause of a power outage is issued for an area including a location of the refrigerator, transitions an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which the interior temperature of the refrigerator is lower than that of the first mode, and when the operation mode of the refrigerator is the second mode, the refrigerator control unit cools using the cooling unit such that fluctuations in the interior temperature of the refrigerator are smaller than fluctuations in the interior temperature of the refrigerator in the first mode.

[0006] Further, a refrigerator control system according to the present disclosure includes a refrigerator and a server capable of communicating with the refrigerator, wherein when a forecast related to a cause of a power outage is issued for an area including a location of the refrigerator, the server transmits transition instruction information to the refrigerator to transition an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which an inside temperature of the refrigerator is lower than that of the first mode, and upon receiving the transition instruction information, the refrigerator transitions an operation mode from the first mode to the second mode, and in the second mode, cools the inside of the refrigerator such that a fluctuation in the inside temperature of the refrigerator is smaller than a fluctuation in the inside temperature of the refrigerator in the first mode. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The refrigerator and the refrigerator control system according to the present disclosure can lower the inside temperature of the refrigerator before a power outage occurs, and can suppress differences in cooling capacity during a power outage depending on the timing of the power outage by lowering the inside temperature while suppressing fluctuations in the inside temperature. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator during a power outage can be maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator control system [Diagram 2] Vertical cross section of a refrigerator [Diagram 3] Diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator, a refrigerator control server, and a terminal device. [Diagram 5] Timing chart showing the status of each part of the refrigerator [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system [Figure 7] A comparison of temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator and freezer compartments [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface that the operation control unit displays on a touch panel. [Figure 9]Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system [Figure 10] Vertical cross section of a refrigerator [Figure 11] Diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator [Figure 12] A block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator, a refrigerator control server, and a terminal device. [Figure 13] Timing chart showing the status of each part of the refrigerator [Figure 14] A comparison of temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator and freezer compartments DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) In the above conventional technology, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator can be maintained during a power outage, but it is necessary to use an external power source such as a power supply vehicle. Here, it is possible to lower the temperature inside the refrigerator before the power outage, but if the temperature inside the refrigerator fluctuates greatly when lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator, the cooling capacity during the power outage varies depending on the timing of the power outage, so there is a risk that the cooling capacity cannot be maintained for a long period of time during the power outage depending on the timing of the power outage. In view of this, the present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a refrigerator control system that can maintain the cooling capacity of the refrigerator for a long period of time during a power outage without using an external power source.

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. 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.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. [1-1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator control system 1000.

[0012] The refrigerator control system 1000 is a system in which devices connected to a global network GN control the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN. The global network GN includes the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks.

[0013] The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a refrigerator 1. In Fig. 1, the refrigerator 1 is installed in the home H of a user P. The refrigerator 1 includes a main box 10 with an open front, and the main box 10 has two storage compartments, a refrigerator compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12. A revolving door 11A is provided at the opening at the front of the refrigerator compartment 11. The freezer compartment 12 is provided with a drawer 12A for storing food. Home H corresponds to an example of "location of refrigerator."

[0014] Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of refrigerator 1 in embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a refrigeration cycle 157A of refrigerator 1 in embodiment 1.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis indicates the up-down direction. The X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The X-axis indicates the left-right direction. The Y-axis indicates the front-back direction. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the rightward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the forward direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, a main box 10 of the refrigerator 1 is formed with a refrigeration compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12. The refrigeration compartment 11 is formed above the freezer compartment 12. The freezer compartment 12 is formed below the refrigeration compartment 11.

[0017] In the refrigeration cycle 157A of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment, one cooler 154 generates cold air for cooling each storage compartment of the refrigerator 1. This system is called a one-eva system. As shown in Fig. 3, in the refrigeration cycle 157A according to the first embodiment, a compressor 151, a condenser 152, a capillary tube 153, and a cooler 154 are connected in a ring shape, and the inside of the refrigerator 1 is cooled by circulating the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151.

[0018] The refrigerator 1 includes a compressor 151 at the upper rear of the refrigerator compartment 11. The refrigerator 1 also includes a cooler 154 at the rear of the freezer compartment 12, a cooling fan 155 that sends the cold air generated by the cooler 154 to the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12, and a damper 156 that adjusts the amount of cold air sent by the cooling fan 155.

[0019] In the refrigerator compartment 11, a first outlet 111A, a second outlet 111B, and a third outlet 111C are formed at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 11. Each of the first outlet 111A, the second outlet 111B, and the third outlet 111C is an opening for discharging the cold air generated by the cooler 154 into the space of the refrigerator compartment 11 in which food is stored. In addition, in the refrigerator compartment 11, a refrigerator compartment cold air return port is formed at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 11. The refrigerator compartment cold air return port is an opening for returning the cold air discharged from the first outlet 111A, the second outlet 111B, and the third outlet 111C to the cooler 154.

[0020] A fourth outlet 111D and a fifth outlet 111E are formed in the freezer compartment 12 at the rear of the freezer compartment 12. Each of the fourth outlet 111D and the fifth outlet 111E is an opening for discharging the cold air generated by the cooler 154 to the space of the freezer compartment 12 in which food is stored. In addition, a freezer compartment cold air return port is formed in the freezer compartment 12 at the rear of the freezer compartment 12. The freezer compartment cold air return port is an opening for returning the cold air discharged by the fourth outlet 111D and the fifth outlet 111E to the cooler 154.

[0021] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1, refrigerator 1 is connected for communication with communication device 2 installed in home H of user P, and communicates with refrigerator control server 3 via communication device 2. The refrigerator control server 3 corresponds to an example of a "server."

[0022] The communication device 2 connects to the global network GN and communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. The communication device 2 functions as an interface device for connecting the refrigerator 1 to the global network GN. When the terminal device 4 has established a communication connection with the communication device 2, the communication device 2 also functions as an interface device for connecting the terminal device 4 to the global network GN. The communication device 2 has functions such as a modem-related function, a router function, and a NAT (Network Address Translation) function. The communication device 2 transfers data exchanged between the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. The communication device 2 also transfers data exchanged between the terminal device 4 that has established a communication connection and the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN.

[0023] The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a terminal device 4 having a touch panel 42. The terminal device 4 is configured, for example, by a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and is used by a user P of the refrigerator 1. An application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is installed in the terminal device 4. In the following description, the application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a "refrigerator control app" and is assigned the reference number "413."

[0024] In Fig. 1, a user P who is at home is indicated by a dotted line, and a user P who has left home H is indicated by a solid line. When the terminal device 4 is used by a user P who is at home, the terminal device 4 uses the function of the refrigerator control app 413 to communicate with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN via the communication device 2 or without via the communication device 2 to control the operation of the refrigerator 1. When the terminal device 4 is used by a user P who has left home H and a communication connection with the communication device 2 cannot be established, the terminal device 4 uses the function of the refrigerator control app 413 to communicate with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN without via the communication device 2 to control the operation of the refrigerator 1.

[0025] The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a refrigerator control server 3. The refrigerator control server 3 is a server device that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1, and is connected to a global network GN to communicate with the refrigerator 1, a terminal device 4, and a weather warning server 5.

[0026] In each drawing, refrigerator control server 3 is represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that refrigerator control server 3 is configured as a single server device. For example, refrigerator control server 3 may be configured to include multiple server devices with different processing contents. In addition, in each drawing, refrigerator control server 3 and weather warning server 5 are illustrated as separate server devices, but refrigerator control server 3 and weather warning server 5 may be configured as the same server device.

[0027] The weather warning server 5 is a server device that provides weather warning issuance information. The weather warning issuance information is information indicating whether or not a weather warning has been issued for an area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1. The weather warning is, for example, a warning related to factors that may cause a power outage, such as a strong wind, a blizzard, heavy rain, heavy snow, a high tide, flooding, and high waves. A warning related to factors that may cause a power outage corresponds to an example of a forecast related to factors that may cause a power outage.

[0028] The area of ​​the weather warning information provided by the weather warning server 5 may be an area including the location of the refrigerator 1, for example, a primary subdivision area, a secondary subdivision area, or another area. In addition, in each drawing, the weather warning server 5 is represented by one block, but this does not necessarily mean that the weather warning server 5 is composed of a single server device. For example, the weather warning server 5 may be composed of multiple server devices with different processing contents.

[0029] Next, the configurations of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 3, and the terminal device 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 3, and the terminal device 4.

[0030] First, the configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described. The refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator control unit 13, a refrigerator communication unit 14, a cooling unit 15, and a sensor unit 16.

[0031] Refrigerator control unit 13 includes refrigerator processor 130, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or an MPU, and refrigerator storage unit 131, and controls each part of refrigerator 1. In refrigerator control unit 13, refrigerator processor 130 reads control program 1311 stored in refrigerator storage unit 131, and executes various processes by cooperation between hardware and software.

[0032] Refrigerator storage unit 131 has a storage area for storing programs executed by refrigerator processor 130 and data processed by refrigerator processor 130. Refrigerator storage unit 131 stores control program 1311 executed by refrigerator processor 130, setting data 1312 related to settings of refrigerator 1, and various other data. Refrigerator storage unit 131 has a non-volatile storage area. Moreover, refrigerator storage unit 131 may have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area of ​​refrigerator processor 130.

[0033] Refrigerator communication unit 14 includes communications hardware that complies with a predetermined communications standard, and communicates with devices connected to the global network GN in accordance with the predetermined communications standard under the control of refrigerator control unit 13. Refrigerator communication unit 14 communicates with refrigerator control server 3 in accordance with the predetermined communications standard. The communications standard used by refrigerator communication unit 14 may be a wireless communications standard (e.g., IEEE802.11a / 11b / 11g / 11n / 11ac, Bluetooth (registered trademark)) or a wired communications standard.

[0034] Cooling unit 15 includes mechanisms for cooling each storage compartment of refrigerator 1, such as compressor 151, condenser 152, capillary tube 153, cooler 154, cooling fan 155, and damper 156, and cools each storage compartment of refrigerator 1 under the control of refrigerator control unit 13.

[0035] The sensor unit 16 includes various sensors such as a temperature sensor 161 that detects the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 and an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of a door and a drawer provided in the refrigerator 1, and outputs the detection value of each sensor to the refrigerator control unit 13. As shown in Fig. 4, the sensor unit 16 includes, as the temperature sensor 161, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A and a freezer compartment temperature sensor 161B.

[0036] The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161a is provided at a predetermined position in the refrigerator compartment 11, for example, near the refrigerator cold air return port, and detects the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. The freezer compartment temperature sensor 161B is provided at a predetermined position in the freezer compartment 12, for example, near the freezer compartment cold air return port, and detects the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12.

[0037] The refrigerator control unit 13 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to either a normal operation mode or a power failure pre-cooling operation mode in which the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is lower than that in the normal operation mode. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is higher than that in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode. The normal operation mode corresponds to an example of a "first mode", and the power outage pre-cooling operation mode corresponds to an example of a "second mode".

[0038] By switching to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode before a power outage occurs, the refrigerator 1 can lower the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 to a lower temperature than in the normal operation mode before the power outage occurs. Therefore, the refrigerator 1 can maintain the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 for a long period of time during a power outage, and can prevent the freshness of foods stored in the refrigerator 1 from decreasing during a power outage.

[0039] The operations of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode and the power outage pre-cooling operation mode will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0040] When refrigerator control unit 13 receives, via refrigerator communication unit 14, transition instruction information from refrigerator control server 3 to transition the operation mode to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 transitions the operation mode of refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode and starts power failure pre-cooling operation. When refrigerator control unit 13 receives, via refrigerator communication unit 14, termination instruction information from refrigerator control server 3 to terminate the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 terminates the power failure pre-cooling operation and transitions the operation mode of refrigerator 1 from the power failure pre-cooling operation mode to the normal operation mode.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the refrigerator control server 3 will be described. The refrigerator control server 3 includes a server control unit 30 and a server communication unit 31.

[0042] Server control unit 30 includes server processor 300, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or MPU, and server storage unit 310, and controls each unit of refrigerator control server 3. Server control unit 30 includes server processor 300 which reads control program 311 stored in server storage unit 310, and executes various processes through cooperation between hardware and software.

[0043] Server storage unit 310 has a storage area for storing programs executed by server processor 300 and data processed by server processor 300. Server storage unit 310 stores control program 311 executed by server processor 300, setting data 312 related to the settings of refrigerator control server 3, refrigerator control database 313, and various other data. Server storage unit 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Server storage unit 310 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for server processor 300.

[0044] Refrigerator control database 313 is a database that stores various information related to the operation control of refrigerator 1. Each record R stored in refrigerator control database 313 includes user ID 3131, refrigerator communication information 3132, terminal device communication information 3133, and installation location information 3134. Each record R stored in refrigerator control database 313 may further include one or more other types of information.

[0045] The user ID 3131 is identification information for identifying the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 413, and is appropriately assigned to the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 413.

[0046] Refrigerator communication information 3132 is information for communicating with refrigerator 1. Refrigerator communication information 3132 includes, for example, address information and security information of refrigerator 1.

[0047] The terminal device communication information 3133 is information for communicating with a terminal device 4 in which a refrigerator control app 413 is installed and which is used by a user P having a user ID 3131 associated with the same record R. The terminal device communication information 3133 includes, for example, address information and security information of the terminal device 4.

[0048] The installation location information 3134 is information indicating the installation location of the refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the installation location of the refrigerator 1 is the home H of the user P, and therefore the installation location information 3134 indicates the address, postal code, etc. of the home H.

[0049] The server communication unit 31 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to the global network GN in accordance with the predetermined communication standard under the control of the server control unit 30. In this embodiment, the server communication unit 31 communicates with the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 4, and the weather warning server 5.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 4 will be described. The terminal device 4 includes a terminal control unit 40, a terminal communication unit 41, and a touch panel .

[0051] The terminal control unit 40 includes a terminal processor 400, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or MPU, and a terminal storage unit 410, and controls each unit of the terminal device 4. The terminal control unit 40 executes various processes by the terminal processor 400 reading out a control program 411 stored in the terminal storage unit 410 and using cooperation between hardware and software. A refrigerator control application 413 is pre-installed in the terminal device 4. The refrigerator control application 413 is read out from the terminal storage unit 410 by the terminal processor 400 and executed, causing the terminal control unit 40 to function as a setting unit 401, a communication control unit 402, and an operation control unit 403. Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0052] The terminal storage unit 410 has a storage area for storing programs executed by the terminal processor 400 and data processed by the terminal processor 400. The terminal storage unit 410 stores a control program 411 executed by the terminal processor 400, setting data 412 relating to settings of the terminal device 4, a refrigerator control app 413, a user ID 3131, and various other data. The terminal storage unit 410 has a non-volatile storage area. The terminal storage unit 410 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the terminal processor 400.

[0053] Terminal communication unit 41 includes communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard under the control of terminal control unit 40. Terminal communication unit 41 communicates with refrigerator control server 3 according to the predetermined communication standard using the function of refrigerator control app 413. The communication standard used by terminal communication unit 41 is a wireless communication standard.

[0054] The touch panel 42 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and a touch sensor that is overlaid on or integrated with the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 40. The touch sensor detects a touch operation and outputs it to the terminal control unit 40. The terminal control unit 40 executes a process corresponding to the touch operation based on an input from the touch sensor.

[0055] As described above, the terminal control unit 40 functions as a setting unit 401, a communication control unit 402, and an operation control unit 403.

[0056] Setting unit 401 performs various settings related to the functions of refrigerator control app 413. For example, setting unit 401 performs various settings related to the functions of refrigerator control app 413 by setting setting values ​​to corresponding setting items in app setting data stored in a predetermined storage area accessible by refrigerator control app 413. Note that the app setting data is data related to the settings of the functions of refrigerator control app 413 and includes various setting items.

[0057] The setting unit 401 sets the installation location of the refrigerator 1. For example, the setting unit 401 displays a user interface on the touch panel 42 for allowing the user P to input the address and postal code of home H, and sets the input address and postal code as the installation location of the refrigerator 1. Installation location information 3134 indicating the installation location of the refrigerator 1 set by the setting unit 401 is output to the communications control unit 402.

[0058] Communications control unit 402 controls terminal communication unit 41 to transmit and receive various information to and from refrigerator control server 3. When setting unit 401 outputs installation location information 3134, communications control unit 402 adds user ID 3131 stored in terminal storage unit 410 and transmits the output installation location information 3134 to refrigerator control server 3 via terminal communication unit 41. When refrigerator control server 3 receives installation location information 3134 from terminal device 4, it refers to refrigerator control database 313, and updates installation location information 3134 held in record R of user ID 3131 added to the received installation location information 3134 to the received installation location information 3134.

[0059] When communications control unit 402 acquires end instruction information from operation control unit 403, it transmits the end instruction information to refrigerator control server 3 via terminal communication unit 41. When communications control unit 402 transmits the end instruction information to refrigerator control server 3, it adds user ID 3131 stored in terminal storage unit 410 to the end instruction information.

[0060] When an instruction to end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode is received from the user P, the operation control unit 403 generates end instruction information and outputs it to the communication control unit 402. For example, the operation control unit 403 causes the touch panel 42 to display a user interface inquiring whether or not to end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, and when an instruction to end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode is received on the user interface, the operation control unit 403 generates and outputs the end instruction information.

[0061] [1-2. Operation, etc.] Next, the operations of the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator control system 1000 in the first embodiment will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of each part of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode and the power outage pre-cooling operation mode will be described.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the state of each part of the refrigerator 1. 5, a timing chart CA shows the state of the compressor 151. A timing chart CB shows the state of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. A timing chart CC shows the state of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12. A timing chart CD shows the open / closed state of the damper 156.

[0063] First, the operation of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode will be described. In FIG. 5, the period during which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode is the period from timing T1 to timing T2.

[0064] As shown in timing chart CA of Fig. 5, in the normal operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 causes compressor 151 to alternate between a stopped state and a low rotation state. The stopped state is a state in which compressor 151 is not driven to rotate. The low rotation state is a state in which the rotation speed is lower than that of a high rotation state described later and higher than that of the stopped state.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in timing chart CD in FIG. 5, refrigerator control unit 13 causes damper 156 to alternate between the open state and the closed state based on the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 11 in the normal operation mode.

[0066] Specifically, refrigerator control unit 13 controls the frequency of opening and closing damper 156 so that the temperature difference between when damper 156 is opened and when damper 156 is closed becomes α (K: Kelvin) for the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 11. α (K) is, for example, 2 (K).

[0067] When the temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A rises by α(K) from the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 in the normal operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the refrigerator compartment first target temperature), the refrigerator control unit 13 opens the damper 156 and simultaneously puts the compressor 151 into a low rotation state. As a result, the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 are cooled simultaneously. During this cooling, air is blown, so the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops. On the other hand, during this cooling, the amount of air blown into the freezer compartment 12 is lower than when the freezer compartment 12 is cooled alone, so the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 rises. When the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops to the refrigerator compartment first target temperature, the refrigerator control unit 13 closes the damper 156 and ends the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 11. With this end, the cooling of the freezer compartment 12 starts alone. As a result, the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 11 rises while the temperature inside freezer compartment 12 falls. When the temperature inside freezer compartment 12 falls to the target temperature for freezer compartment 12 in the normal operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the first freezer compartment target temperature), refrigerator control unit 13 stops compressor 151. After that, when the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 11 rises by α(K) from the first refrigerator compartment target temperature, refrigerator control unit 13 opens damper 156 and simultaneously puts compressor 151 into a low rotation state. In this manner, refrigerator control unit 13 controls the frequency of opening and closing damper 156 so that the temperature difference between the inside temperature of refrigerator compartment 11 when damper 156 is open and when damper 156 is closed becomes α(K).

[0068] Next, the power failure pre-cooling operation mode will be described. In FIG. 5, the period during which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the power failure pre-cooling operation mode is the period from timing T2 to timing T4.

[0069] As described above, the power failure pre-cooling operation mode includes the temperature reduction mode and the temperature maintenance mode. The temperature decreasing mode is a mode in which the internal temperature of each compartment of the refrigerator 1 is lower than that in the normal operation mode. In Fig. 5, the period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature decreasing mode is the period from timing T2 to timing T3.

[0070] 5, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the compressor 151 into a high rotation state in the temperature decreasing mode. The high rotation state is a state in which the compressor 151 is driven at a rotation speed higher than that in the low rotation state.

[0071] Also, as shown in timing chart CD in FIG. 5, in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 sets the state of damper 156 to a state in which the damper 156 is repeatedly opened and closed based on the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 11 and the internal temperature of freezer compartment 12.

[0072] Specifically, refrigerator control unit 13 controls the frequency of opening and closing damper 156 so that the temperature difference between when damper 156 is opened and when damper 156 is closed becomes βK, with respect to the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 11. β(K) is a temperature difference lower than α(K), and is, for example, 0.5(K).

[0073] The refrigerator control unit 13 opens the damper 156 and simultaneously puts the compressor 151 into a high rotation state to cool the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 at the same time. During this cooling, air is blown, so the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops. On the other hand, during this cooling, the amount of air blown into the freezer compartment 12 is lower than when the freezer compartment 12 is cooled alone, so the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 rises. When the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 drops to the target temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the second refrigerator compartment target temperature) based on the temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A, the refrigerator control unit 13 closes the damper 156 and ends the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 11. With this end, the cooling of the freezer compartment 12 starts alone. As a result, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 rises, while the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 drops. The refrigerator control unit 13 lowers the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 to the target temperature of the freezer compartment 12 in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the second freezer compartment target temperature). Here, since the temperature difference for controlling the opening and closing of the damper 156 is smaller than that in the normal operation mode, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 rises by β(K) from the second freezer compartment target temperature before the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 reaches the second freezer compartment target temperature. This triggers the refrigerator control unit 13 to open the damper 156 again, thereby simultaneously cooling the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12. In the temperature lowering mode, the refrigerator control unit 13 repeats this control until the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 drops to the second freezer compartment target temperature. The second target refrigerator temperature is, for example, 3 K lower than the first target refrigerator temperature. The second target freezer temperature is, for example, 5 K lower than the first target freezer temperature.

[0074] In this manner, refrigerator control unit 13 controls the frequency of opening and closing damper 156 so that the temperature difference between the open and closed states of damper 156 becomes β(K) with respect to the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 11. Also, refrigerator control unit 13 lowers the temperature inside freezer compartment 12 to the second freezer compartment target temperature by frequently opening and closing damper 156 so that the temperature difference inside refrigerator compartment 11 becomes β(K).

[0075] The refrigerator control unit 13 continues the temperature reduction mode until a transition trigger for transitioning to the temperature maintenance mode occurs. The transition trigger is when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the temperature reduction mode, or when the refrigerator compartment 11 has reached the second refrigerator compartment target temperature and the freezer compartment 12 has reached the second freezer compartment target temperature.

[0076] In the case of the former transition trigger, refrigerator control unit 13 starts counting a predetermined period after starting the temperature reduction mode, and transitions the operation mode of refrigerator 1 to the temperature maintenance mode when the predetermined period has elapsed. This predetermined period is a period during which the insides of refrigerator compartment 11 and freezer compartment 12 can reach the target temperatures in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, and is determined in advance.

[0077] In the case of the latter transition trigger, refrigerator control unit 13 monitors the internal temperatures of refrigerator compartment 11 and freezer compartment 12 based on the temperatures detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A and freezer compartment temperature sensor 161B. Then, when refrigerator compartment 11 reaches the second refrigerator compartment target temperature and freezer compartment 12 reaches the second freezer compartment target temperature, refrigerator control unit 13 transitions the operation mode of refrigerator 1 to the temperature maintenance mode.

[0078] Next, the temperature maintaining mode will be described. The temperature maintenance mode is a mode for maintaining the internal temperature that was lowered in the temperature reduction mode. In Fig. 5, the period during which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature maintenance mode is the period from timing T3 to timing T4.

[0079] As shown in timing chart CA of Fig. 5, refrigerator control unit 13 sets compressor 151 to a low rotation state in the temperature maintenance mode. Here, by maintaining compressor 151 in a low rotation state in the temperature maintenance mode, the following effect is achieved. If compressor 151 repeatedly switches between a stopped state and a rotating state, the fluctuation in the inside temperatures of refrigerator compartment 11 and freezer compartment 12 becomes large and the temperature cannot be appropriately maintained, and if compressor 151 is in a high rotation state, power consumption is large. Therefore, in the temperature maintenance mode, by maintaining compressor 151 in a low rotation state, it is possible to appropriately maintain the inside temperatures of refrigerator compartment 11 and freezer compartment 12 and suppress an increase in power consumption.

[0080] Also, as shown in timing chart CD in FIG. 5, in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 sets the state of damper 156 to a state in which it repeatedly opens and closes, based on either the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 11 or the internal temperature of freezer compartment 12.

[0081] Specifically, based on the temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A, when the temperature rises by β(K) from the second refrigerator compartment target temperature, refrigerator control unit 13 opens damper 156, and when the temperature reaches the second refrigerator compartment target temperature, refrigerator control unit 13 closes damper 156.

[0082] Specifically, based on the temperature detected by freezer temperature sensor 161B, when the temperature rises by β(K) from the second freezer target temperature, refrigerator control unit 13 closes damper 156, and when the temperature reaches the second freezer target temperature, opens damper 156.

[0083] Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 related to the shifting of the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000. In Fig. 6, a flowchart FA shows the operation of the refrigerator control server 3, and a flowchart FB shows the operation of the refrigerator 1.

[0085] At the start of the flowchart FB shown in Fig. 6, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode. In the flowchart FA shown in Fig. 6, the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 processes one record R among the records R stored in the refrigerator control database 313.

[0086] Referring to the flow chart FA, the server control unit 30 determines whether or not a weather warning has been issued for the area including the location of the refrigerator 1 (step SA1).

[0087] For example, in step SA1, the server control unit 30 inquires whether a weather warning has been issued for the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 by sending information to the weather warning server 5 via the server communication unit 31. This inquiry is executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 10 minutes). The information sent to the weather warning server 5 in making the inquiry includes the installation location information 3134 of the record R to be processed. The weather warning server 5 determines whether a weather warning has been issued for the area including the installation location indicated by the installation location information 3134 included in the received information, for example, based on a predetermined database in which areas are associated with the presence or absence of a weather warning. If the weather warning server 5 determines that a weather warning has been issued, it sends weather warning issuance information indicating that a weather warning has been issued to the refrigerator control server 3 as a response to the inquiry. If the weather warning server 5 determines that a weather warning has not been issued, it sends weather warning issuance information indicating that a weather warning has not been issued to the refrigerator control server 3 as a response to the inquiry. If the weather warning issuance information received in response to the inquiry indicates that a weather warning has been issued, the server control unit 30 makes a positive determination in step SA1. On the other hand, if the weather warning issuance information received in response to the inquiry indicates that a weather warning has not been issued, the server control unit 30 makes a negative determination in step SA1.

[0088] When the server control unit 30 determines that no weather warning has been issued for the area including the location of the refrigerator 1 (step SA1: NO), it ends this process.

[0089] On the other hand, if the server control unit 30 determines that a weather warning has been issued for the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 (step SA1: YES), it sends transition instruction information to the refrigerator 1 via the server communication unit 31 based on the refrigerator communication information 3132 included in the record R being processed (step SA2).

[0090] Referring to the flowchart FB, the refrigerator control unit 13 determines whether or not the refrigerator communication unit 14 has received transition instruction information from the refrigerator control server 3 (step SB1).

[0091] When determining that the transition instruction information has not been received (step SB1: NO), the refrigerator control unit 13 executes the process of step SB1 again.

[0092] When determining that the transition instruction information has been received (step SB1: YES), the refrigerator control unit 13 transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, which is a temperature reduction mode (step SB2).

[0093] Next, the refrigerator control unit 13 determines whether or not a transition trigger has occurred (step SB3).

[0094] When determining that the transition trigger has occurred (step SB3: YES), the refrigerator control unit 13 transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature maintenance mode of the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SB4).

[0095] Next, refrigerator control unit 13 determines whether or not end instruction information has been received from refrigerator control server 3 via refrigerator communication unit 14 (step SB5).

[0096] Returning to the explanation of step SB3, if the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that a transition trigger has not occurred (step SB3: NO), the refrigerator control unit 13 determines whether or not end instruction information has been received from the refrigerator control server 3 via the refrigerator communication unit 14 (step SB6).

[0097] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FA, after transmitting the transition instruction information to the refrigerator 1, the server control unit 30 determines whether the issued weather warning has been lifted or not (step SA3).

[0098] For example, in step SA3, similar to step SA1, the server control unit 30 inquires of the weather warning server 5 as to whether or not a weather warning has been issued for the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1. If the weather warning issuance information received from the weather warning server 5 as a response to the inquiry indicates that a weather warning has been issued, the server control unit 30 makes a negative determination in step SA3, and if it indicates that no weather warning has been issued, the server control unit 30 makes a positive determination in step SA3.

[0099] If the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has not been lifted (step SA3: NO), it executes the process of step SA3 again.

[0100] On the other hand, if the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has been lifted (step SA3: YES), it transmits end instruction information via the server communication unit 31 based on the refrigerator communication information 3132 included in the record R to be processed (step SA4).

[0101] Returning to the explanation of step SB5 of the flowchart FB, when the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the end instruction information has not been received (step SB5: NO), it executes the process of step SB5 again.

[0102] On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the end instruction information has been received (step SB5: YES), the refrigerator control unit 13 ends the power failure pre-cooling operation mode (step SB7). In step SB7, the refrigerator control unit 13 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the power failure pre-cooling operation mode to the normal operation mode.

[0103] Returning to the explanation of step SB6, when the refrigerator control unit 13 determines that the end instruction information has not been received (step SB6: NO), it executes the process of step SB3 again.

[0104] On the other hand, when determining that the end instruction information has been received (step SB6: YES), the refrigerator control unit 13 ends the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SB7).

[0105] As described above, when a weather warning is issued, the refrigerator control system 1000 causes the refrigerator 1 to transition from the normal operation mode to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode. This allows the refrigerator 1 to lower the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 when a weather warning is issued, so that the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 can be lowered before a power outage occurs. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 can be maintained for a long period of time during a power outage without using an external power source.

[0106] Furthermore, in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 controls the frequency of opening and closing damper 156 so that the temperature difference between the internal temperatures of refrigerator compartment 11 and freezer compartment 12 when damper 156 is in the open state and when it is in the closed state becomes βK. This allows the cooling capacity of refrigerator 1 to be maintained for a longer period during a power failure.

[0107] This effect will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. Fig. 7 is a diagram comparing fluctuations in temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and fluctuations in temperature inside the freezer compartment 12. In Fig. 7, timing chart CE shows the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. Also, timing chart CF in Fig. 7 shows the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12.

[0108] In FIG. 7, the period from timing T5 to timing T6 is a period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode, the period from timing T6 to timing T7 is a period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature reduction mode, and the period from timing T7 to timing T8 is a period in which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature maintenance mode.

[0109] In the timing chart CE, the solid line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 when the interior is cooled by a conventional cooling method, and the dashed line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 when the interior is cooled by the cooling method of the present disclosure.

[0110] In the timing chart CF, the solid line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 when the interior is cooled by a conventional cooling method, and the dashed line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12 when the interior is cooled by the cooling method of the present disclosure.

[0111] Here, the conventional cooling method is a method in which the temperature inside the storage compartment is lowered by controlling the opening and closing state of the damper 156 without taking into consideration the temperature difference between when the damper 156 is open and when the damper 156 is closed.

[0112] As is clear from a comparison of the solid line and the dashed line, in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode of the present disclosure, fluctuations in the internal temperatures of the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 can be suppressed compared to conventional cooling methods.

[0113] As a result, compared to the conventional cooling method, the power failure pre-cooling operation mode of the present disclosure can suppress the occurrence of differences in cooling capacity during a power failure depending on the timing of the power failure. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator during a power failure can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[0114] More specifically, in the conventional cooling method, a comparison is made between a case where a power outage occurs at the timing TA shown in FIG. 7 and a case where a power outage occurs at the timing T7. When a power outage occurs at the timing T7, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 is close to the second refrigerator compartment target temperature, so that the cooling capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 can be maintained for a long time during a power outage. On the other hand, when a power outage occurs at the timing TA, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 is close to the first refrigerator compartment target temperature, that is, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 has not dropped sufficiently, so that the cooling capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 cannot be maintained for a long time during a power outage. This is because, in the conventional cooling method, the fluctuation in the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 is large when the temperature drops. On the other hand, in the cooling method of the present disclosure, the temperature fluctuation can be suppressed, so that even if a power outage occurs at the timing TA, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 is dropped sufficiently, so that the cooling capacity of the refrigerator compartment 11 can be maintained for a long time during a power outage.

[0115] Furthermore, since fluctuations in the temperature inside the container can be suppressed, freezing in the vicinity of the first outlet 111A to the third outlet 111C can be suppressed when the temperature inside the container is lowered.

[0116] In the above-described operation of the refrigerator control system 1000, the end trigger for the refrigerator 1 to end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode is reception of end instruction information for the refrigerator 1 due to cancellation of a weather warning. However, the end trigger for ending the power failure pre-cooling operation mode is not limited to this. A number of other termination triggers will now be described.

[0117] <First other end trigger> In a configuration in which the power outage pre-cooling operation mode is ended by the first other end trigger, refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator operation unit as a functional unit. The refrigerator operation unit includes operation means such as an operation switch provided at a predetermined position, detects an operation of user P on the operation means, and outputs the detection result to refrigerator control unit 13. The refrigerator operation unit may include a touch panel together with or instead of the operation switch. Refrigerator control unit 13 executes a process corresponding to the operation on the operation means based on an input from the refrigerator operation unit. When the operation of user P accepted by the refrigerator operation unit is an operation indicating an instruction to end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 determines that an end trigger has occurred and ends the power failure pre-cooling operation mode.

[0118] <Second other end trigger> In a configuration in which the power failure pre-cooling operation mode is ended by a second other end trigger, refrigerator 1 receives end instruction information from terminal device 4 via refrigerator control server 3. When an instruction to end the power outage pre-cooling operation mode or an instruction to change the inside temperature is received from user P, operation control unit 403 of terminal device 4 outputs end instruction information to communication control unit 402. Communication control unit 402 adds user ID 3131 stored in terminal storage unit 410 and transmits the end instruction information output by operation control unit 403 to refrigerator control server 3 via terminal communication unit 41. When server control unit 30 of refrigerator control server 3 receives the termination instruction information from terminal device 4 via server communication unit 31, it refers to refrigerator control database 313 to identify record R including user ID 3131 added to the termination instruction information. Next, server control unit 30 sends the termination instruction information received from terminal device 4 to refrigerator 1 via server communication unit 31, based on refrigerator communication information 3132 included in the identified record R. When refrigerator control unit 13 of refrigerator 1 receives end instruction information from refrigerator control server 3 via refrigerator communication unit 14, it determines that an end trigger has occurred and ends the power outage pre-cooling operation mode.

[0119] In the operation of refrigerator control system 1000, it may be determined whether any one of the end triggers shown in Fig. 6, the first other end trigger, and the second other end trigger has occurred, or it may be determined whether any one of a plurality of end triggers has occurred. However, it is preferable that the end trigger for the power failure pre-cooling operation mode includes at least the end trigger shown in Fig. 6, that is, receiving end instruction information when an issued weather warning is lifted. This is because refrigerator 1 can reliably end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode when the weather warning is lifted, and unnecessary cooling inside the refrigerator and increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

[0120] [1-3. Modifications] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, refrigerator control system 1000 is configured to automatically shift the operation mode of refrigerator 1 to power failure pre-cooling operation mode when a weather warning is issued. In a variation of the first embodiment, refrigerator control system 1000 is configured to, when a weather warning is issued, inquire of user P as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of refrigerator 1 to power failure pre-cooling operation mode, and, after the inquiry, shift the operation mode of refrigerator 1 to power failure pre-cooling operation mode when user P gives an instruction to shift to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode.

[0121] The operation control unit 403 of this modification causes various user interfaces to be displayed on the touch panel 42, and makes an inquiry as to whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, and receives an instruction to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode.

[0122] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface that the operation control unit 403 causes to be displayed on the touch panel 42. As shown in FIG.

[0123] When the operation control unit 403 receives inquiry instruction information from the refrigerator control server 3, if the display screen of the touch panel 42 is the non-application screen HAG, the operation control unit 403 causes the first user interface UI1 to be displayed on the touch panel 42 in the form of a push notification. The inquiry instruction information will be described later. The non-application screen HAG refers to a screen other than the application screen AG related to the refrigerator control app 413, such as a home screen.

[0124] The first user interface UI1 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring of the user P as to whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to a power outage pre-cooling operation mode. When the user P touches the first user interface UI1, the operation control unit 403 transitions the display screen of the touch panel 42 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG displaying the second user interface UI2. Note that when the operation control unit 403 receives inquiry instruction information from the refrigerator control server 3, if the display screen of the touch panel 42 is the application screen AG, the operation control unit 403 causes the touch panel 42 to display the second user interface UI2 superimposed on the application screen AG without displaying the first user interface UI1.

[0125] The second user interface UI2 includes inquiry information J1 for inquiring of the user P as to whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode. The second user interface UI2 also includes a YES button B1 and a NO button B2. The YES button B1 is a software button for accepting an instruction from the user P to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode. The NO button B2 is a software button for accepting an instruction from the user P not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode.

[0126] When the user P touches the NO button B2, the operation control unit 403 stops displaying the second user interface UI2 without transitioning the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode. On the other hand, when the user P touches the YES button B1, the operation control unit 403 transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, and displays the third user interface UI3 on ​​the touch panel 42 instead of the second user interface UI2.

[0127] The third user interface UI3 includes operation start information J2 indicating that the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 has been shifted to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode and that the refrigerator 1 has started the power failure pre-cooling operation.

[0128] Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 of this modified example will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of refrigerator control system 1000 according to this modification. In Fig. 9, flowchart FC shows the operation of terminal device 4, flowchart FD shows the operation of refrigerator control server 3, and flowchart FE shows the operation of refrigerator 1.

[0129] In FIG. 9, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 are given the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0130] At the start of each flowchart shown in Fig. 9, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode, as in Fig. 6. Also, in the flowchart FD shown in Fig. 9, the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 is processing one record R.

[0131] Referring to the flowchart FD, when the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 determines that a weather warning has been issued (step SA1: YES), the server communication unit 31 transmits inquiry instruction information to the terminal device 4 to inquire about transitioning to power outage pre-cooling operation mode based on the terminal device communication information 3133 included in the record R to be processed (step SD1).

[0132] Referring to flowchart FC, communication control unit 402 of terminal device 4 determines whether or not inquiry instruction information has been received from refrigerator control server 3 via terminal communication unit 41 (step SC1).

[0133] If communications control unit 402 determines that inquiry instruction information has not been received from refrigerator control server 3 (step SC1: NO), it performs the process of step SC1 again.

[0134] If the communication control unit 402 determines that inquiry instruction information has been received from the refrigerator control server 3 (step SC1: YES), the operation control unit 403 displays the first user interface UI1 or the second user interface UI2 on the touch panel 42, and inquires of the user P whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC2).

[0135] Next, communications control unit 402 determines whether or not warning cancellation information indicating that the weather warning has been cancelled has been received from refrigerator control server 3 via terminal communication unit 41 (step SC3).

[0136] A case where the communication control unit 402 makes an affirmative decision in step SC3 will be described later. If the communications control unit 402 determines that the alarm cancellation information has not been received from the refrigerator control server 3 (step SC3: NO), the operation control unit 403 determines whether or not an instruction to switch the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode has been accepted from the user P (step SC4). If the YES button B1 of the second user interface UI2 is touched, the operation control unit 403 makes a positive determination in step SC4.

[0137] Next, when it is determined that an instruction to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode has not been received from the user P (step SC4: NO), the operation control unit 403 determines whether an instruction not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode has been received from the user P (step SC6). When the NO button B2 of the second user interface UI2 is touched, the operation control unit 403 makes a positive determination in step SC6.

[0138] When the operation control unit 403 determines that an instruction not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode has not been received from the user P (step SC6: NO), the operation control unit 403 returns the process to step SC3 and performs the determination of step SC3 again.

[0139] On the other hand, if the operation control unit 403 determines that an instruction not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode has been received from the user P (step SC6: YES), it stops displaying the second user interface UI2 and ends the inquiry as to whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode (step SC7).

[0140] Returning to the explanation of step SC4, when the operation control unit 403 receives an instruction to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC4: YES), the operation control unit 403 transmits transition instruction information to the refrigerator control server 3 via the terminal communication unit 41 (step SC5).

[0141] Referring to the flow chart FD, the server control unit 30 determines whether or not the server communication unit 31 has received transition instruction information from the terminal device 4 (step SD2).

[0142] If the server control unit 30 determines that the server communication unit 31 has not received the transition instruction information from the terminal device 4 (step SD2: NO), the server control unit 30 determines whether the issued weather warning has been lifted (step SD3).

[0143] If the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has been lifted (step SD3: YES), it sends warning lift information to the terminal device 4 via the server communication unit 31 based on the terminal device communication information 3133 contained in the record R being processed (step SG4).

[0144] Referring to the flowchart FC, when the communication control unit 402 determines that it has received the alarm cancellation information (step SF3: YES), the operation control unit 403 stops displaying the first user interface UI1 and the second user interface UI2, and ends the inquiry as to whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode (step SC7).

[0145] Returning to the explanation of step SD3 with reference to the flowchart FD, if the server control unit 30 determines that the issued weather warning has not been lifted (step SD3: NO), it performs the process of step SD2 again.

[0146] Returning to the explanation of step SD2, if the server control unit 30 determines that the server communication unit 31 has received transition instruction information from the terminal device 4 (step SD2: YES), the server control unit 30 sends the transition instruction information received from the terminal device 4 to the refrigerator 1 via the server communication unit 31 based on the refrigerator communication information 3132 included in the record R to be processed (step SA2).

[0147] In this modification, the end trigger for refrigerator 1 to end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode is not limited to receiving end instruction information from refrigerator control server 3 due to the lifting of a weather warning. As in the first embodiment, refrigerator control unit 13 may determine whether any one of the end triggers shown in FIG. 6, the above-described first other end trigger, and the above-described second other end trigger has occurred, or may determine whether any one of a plurality of end triggers has occurred. However, for the same reason as described in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the end trigger for the power failure pre-cooling operation mode includes at least the end trigger shown in FIG. 6, i.e., receiving end instruction information due to the lifting of a weather warning.

[0148] [1-4. Effects, etc.] As described above, refrigerator 1 includes cooling unit 15 that cools the interior of refrigerator 1, and refrigerator control unit 13 that, when an alarm related to a cause of a power outage is issued for an area including the installation location of refrigerator 1, shifts the operation mode of refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode in which the interior temperature of refrigerator 1 is lower than in the normal operation mode. When the operation mode of refrigerator 1 is the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 cools using cooling unit 15 so that fluctuations in the interior temperature of refrigerator 1 are smaller than fluctuations in the interior temperature of refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode.

[0149] This allows the refrigerator 1 to lower the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 before a power outage occurs, and by lowering the internal temperature while minimizing the fluctuation in the internal temperature, it is possible to suppress differences in cooling capacity during a power outage that occur depending on the timing of the power outage. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 during a power outage can be maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source.

[0150] Cooling unit 15 includes damper 156. Refrigerator control unit 13 controls damper 156 to make the fluctuation in the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode smaller than the fluctuation in the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode.

[0151] Thus, by controlling the damper 156, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 during a power outage can be maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source. Therefore, even if the refrigerator 1 is of the single eva system, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 during a power outage can be maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source.

[0152] The power failure pre-cooling operation mode includes a temperature reduction mode in which the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 is reduced from the internal temperature in the normal operation mode, and a temperature maintenance mode in which the internal temperature reduced in the temperature reduction mode is maintained.

[0153] After an alarm is issued regarding the cause of a power outage, the power outage may not occur at a fixed time. Therefore, it is desirable to lower the temperature inside the refrigerator in the temperature reduction mode and then maintain the temperature in the temperature maintenance mode. Therefore, by including the temperature reduction mode and the temperature maintenance mode in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, it is possible to prepare for a power outage that may occur at any time.

[0154] In the temperature decreasing mode, refrigerator control unit 13 makes the rotation speed of compressor 151 higher than the rotation speed in the temperature maintaining mode.

[0155] This makes it possible to quickly lower the temperatures inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode while suppressing fluctuations in the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. This allows the refrigerator 1 to quickly transition to the temperature maintenance mode, and more reliably maintain the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 for a long period of time during a power failure.

[0156] Refrigerator control system 1000 includes refrigerator 1 and refrigerator control server 3 capable of communicating with refrigerator 1. When an alarm related to a cause of a power outage is issued for an area including the location of refrigerator 1, refrigerator control server 3 transmits transition instruction information to refrigerator 1 to transition the operation mode of refrigerator 1 from a normal operation mode to a power outage pre-cooling operation mode in which the inside temperature of refrigerator 1 is lower than in the normal operation mode. When refrigerator 1 receives the transition instruction information, refrigerator 1 transitions the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the power outage pre-cooling operation mode. In the power outage pre-cooling operation mode, refrigerator 1 cools the inside of refrigerator 1 so that fluctuations in the inside temperature of refrigerator 1 are smaller than fluctuations in the inside temperature of refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode.

[0157] This provides the same effect as refrigerator 1.

[0158] Refrigerator control system 1000 includes terminal device 4 capable of communicating with refrigerator control server 3. When terminal device 4 receives an instruction to transition to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode from user P of refrigerator 1, it transmits transition instruction information to refrigerator control server 3. When refrigerator control server 3 receives the transition instruction information, it transmits the received transition instruction information to refrigerator 1.

[0159] Accepting a change to the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 indicates that user P is likely to have ended the power failure pre-cooling operation mode and is trying to change the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 from the power failure pre-cooling operation mode temperature to another temperature. This allows refrigerator 1 to end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode at a timing desired by user P. In addition, since user P can end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode by operating terminal device 4, user P can end the power failure pre-cooling operation mode at a timing desired by user P even when user P is not present at the location where refrigerator 1 is installed, such as home H.

[0160] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0161] [2-1. Configuration] Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of refrigerator 1 in embodiment 2. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a refrigeration cycle 157B of refrigerator 1 in embodiment 2. Fig. 10 shows the same X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as Fig. 2.

[0162] As shown in Fig. 10, a main box body 10 of a refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment is formed with a refrigeration chamber 11 and a freezer chamber 12, similar to the first embodiment. The refrigeration chamber 11 and the freezer chamber 12 are separated into upper and lower compartments in the main box body 10 by a heat-insulating partition wall 17.

[0163] In the refrigeration cycle 157B of the refrigerator 1 in the second embodiment, the first cooler 154A generates cold air for cooling the refrigerator compartment 11, and the second cooler 154B generates cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 12. This system is called, for example, a two-eva system. As shown in FIG. 11, in the refrigeration cycle 157B of the refrigerator 1 in the second embodiment, the compressor 151, the condenser 152, the switching valve 158, the first capillary tube 153A, and the first cooler 154A are connected in a ring shape, and when the switching valve 158 is in a state of supplying the refrigerant to the first cooler 154A, the refrigeration cycle 157B of the refrigerator 1 in the second embodiment circulates the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 to cool the refrigerator compartment 11. In addition, in the refrigeration cycle 157B of the refrigerator 1 in embodiment 2, the compressor 151, the condenser 152, the switching valve 158, the second capillary tube 153B, and the second cooler 154B are connected in a ring shape, and when the switching valve 158 is in a state where it supplies the refrigerant to the second cooler 154B, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is circulated to cool the freezer compartment 12.

[0164] The refrigerator 1 includes a compressor 151 at the rear upper portion of the refrigerator compartment 11. The refrigerator 1 also includes a first cooler 154A at the rear of the freezer compartment 12, and a first cooling fan 155A that sends the cold air generated by the first cooler 154A to the freezer compartment 12.

[0165] In the refrigerator compartment 11 of the second embodiment, a first outlet 111A, a second outlet 111B, a third outlet 111C, and a refrigerator compartment cool air return port are formed at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 11, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0166] In the freezing compartment 12 of the second embodiment, a second cooler 154B and a second cooling fan 155B that sends cool air generated by the second cooler 154B to the freezing compartment 12 are provided at the rear of the freezing compartment 12.

[0167] In freezing compartment 12 of the second embodiment, a fourth outlet 111D, a fifth outlet 111E, and a freezing compartment cool air return port are formed at the rear inside freezing compartment 12.

[0168] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing configurations of a refrigerator 1, a refrigerator control server 3, and a terminal device 4 in the second embodiment.

[0169] 4 and 12, cooling unit 15 of embodiment 2 includes mechanisms for cooling each storage compartment of refrigerator 1, such as compressor 151, condenser 152, first capillary tube 153A, second capillary tube 153B, first cooler 154A, second cooler 154B, first cooling fan 155A, second cooling fan 155B, and switching valve 158. Cooling unit 15 cools each storage compartment of refrigerator 1 under the control of refrigerator control unit 13.

[0170] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operations of the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator control system 1000 in the second embodiment will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 13, the operation of each part of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode and the power outage pre-cooling operation mode in the second embodiment will be described.

[0171] FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the state of each part of the refrigerator 1. 13, a timing chart CG shows the state of the compressor 151. A timing chart CH shows the state of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. A timing chart CI shows the state of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12. A timing chart CJ shows the open / closed state of the damper 156.

[0172] First, the operation of the refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode will be described. In FIG. 13, the period during which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode is the period from timing T9 to timing T10.

[0173] As shown in a timing chart CG in FIG. 13, in the normal operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 causes compressor 151 to alternate between a stopped state and a low rotation state.

[0174] Also, as shown in timing chart CG in FIG. 13, in the normal operation mode, refrigerator control unit 13 switches the state of switching valve 158 to any one of a refrigerator compartment supply state, a freezer compartment supply state, and a closed state based on the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 11 and the internal temperature of freezer compartment 12. The refrigerator compartment supply state is a state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is supplied to the first cooling device 154A. In the refrigerator compartment supply state, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is not supplied to the second cooling device 154B. The freezing compartment supply state is a state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is supplied to the second cooling device 154B. In the freezing compartment supply state, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 is not supplied to the first cooling device 154A. The closed state is a state in which the compressor 151 does not supply the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 151 to the first cooler 154A and the second cooler 154B.

[0175] Specifically, refrigerator control unit 13 controls the state of switching valve 158 so that the temperature difference between the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 11 when switching valve 158 is in the refrigerator compartment supply state and when switching valve 158 is in a state other than the refrigerator compartment supply state becomes α(K).

[0176] Specifically, when the temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A rises by α(K) from the refrigerator compartment first target temperature, the refrigerator control unit 13 sets the state of the switching valve 158 to the refrigerator compartment supply state and simultaneously sets the compressor 151 to the low rotation state. As a result, the refrigerator compartment 11 is cooled and the inside temperature drops. On the other hand, during this cooling, the freezer compartment 12 is not cooled and the inside temperature rises. When the inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 drops to the refrigerator compartment first target temperature, the refrigerator control unit 13 sets the switching valve 158 to the freezer compartment supply state and ends the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 11. As a result, the inside temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 rises, while the refrigerator control unit 13 sets the switching valve 158 to the freezer compartment supply state to lower the inside temperature of the freezer compartment 12. When the inside temperature of the freezer compartment 12 drops to the freezer compartment first target temperature, the refrigerator control unit 13 sets the compressor 151 to the stop state. Thereafter, when the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 11 rises by α(K) from the refrigerator compartment first target temperature, refrigerator control unit 13 sets switching valve 158 to the refrigerator compartment supply state and compressor 151 to the low rotation state at the same time.

[0177] Next, the power failure pre-cooling operation mode will be described. In Fig. 13, the period during which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the power failure pre-cooling operation mode is the period from timing T10 to timing T12. In Fig. 13, the period during which the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the temperature reducing mode is the period from timing T10 to timing T11.

[0178] As shown in the timing chart CG of FIG. 13, in the temperature decreasing mode, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the compressor 151 into a high rotation speed state.

[0179] As shown in a timing chart CG of FIG. 13, the refrigerator control unit 13 controls the state of the switching valve 158 based on the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 in the temperature decreasing mode.

[0180] Specifically, refrigerator control unit 13 cools refrigerator compartment 11 by setting switching valve 158 to the refrigerator compartment supply state and at the same time setting compressor 151 to the high rotation state. During this cooling, the temperature inside freezer compartment 12 rises. When the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 11 drops to the refrigerator compartment second target temperature based on the temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A, refrigerator control unit 13 sets switching valve 158 to the freezer compartment supply state and ends the cooling of refrigerator compartment 11. With this end, cooling of freezer compartment 12 starts. As a result, the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 11 rises while the temperature inside freezer compartment 12 drops. Refrigerator control unit 13 lowers the temperature inside freezer compartment 12 to the freezer compartment second target temperature. Here, because the temperature difference for controlling switching valve 158 is set smaller than in the normal operation mode, the temperature inside refrigerator compartment 11 rises by β(K) from the refrigerator compartment second target temperature before the temperature inside freezer compartment 12 reaches the freezer compartment second target temperature. Refrigerator control unit 13 uses this as a trigger to set switching valve 158 to the refrigerator compartment supply state again, and cools refrigerator compartment 11 again. In the temperature reduction mode, refrigerator control unit 13 repeats this control until the temperature inside freezer compartment 12 drops to the freezer compartment second target temperature.

[0181] The refrigerator control unit 13 continues the temperature lowering mode until the transition trigger described in the first embodiment occurs.

[0182] Next, the temperature maintaining mode will be described. As shown in the timing chart CG of FIG. 13, the refrigerator control unit 13 puts the compressor 151 into a low rotation state in the temperature lowering mode.

[0183] As shown in a timing chart CJ in FIG. 13, refrigerator control unit 13 controls the state of switching valve 158 based on either the internal temperature of refrigerator compartment 11 or the internal temperature of freezer compartment 12 in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode.

[0184] Specifically, based on the temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 161A, when the temperature rises by β(K) from the refrigerator compartment second target temperature, refrigerator control unit 13 sets switching valve 158 to the refrigerator compartment supply state, and when the temperature reaches the refrigerator compartment second target temperature, sets switching valve 158 to the freezer compartment supply state.

[0185] Specifically, based on the temperature detected by freezer temperature sensor 161B, when the temperature rises by β(K) from the second freezer target temperature, refrigerator control unit 13 sets switching valve 158 to the freezer supply state, and when the second freezer target temperature is reached, sets switching valve 158 to the refrigerator supply state.

[0186] The operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 related to the shift of the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the operation shown in FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment.

[0187] As described above, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 can be maintained for a long period of time during a power outage without using an external power source.

[0188] Moreover, in the second embodiment, by controlling the switching valve 158 in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 can be maintained for a longer period during a power failure.

[0189] This effect will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. Fig. 14 is a diagram comparing fluctuations in temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and fluctuations in temperature inside the freezer compartment 12. In Fig. 14, a timing chart CK shows the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11. Also, in Fig. 14, a timing chart CL shows the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12.

[0190] In FIG. 14, the period in which the operation mode of refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode is the period from timing T13 to timing T14, the period in which the operation mode is the temperature reduction mode is the period from timing T14 to timing T15, and the period in which the operation mode is the temperature maintenance mode is the period from timing T15 to timing T16.

[0191] In the timing chart CK, the solid line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 when the interior is cooled by a conventional cooling method, and the dashed line indicates the fluctuation of the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 11 when the interior is cooled by the cooling method of the present disclosure.

[0192] In the timing chart CL, the solid line indicates the temperature fluctuation of the freezer compartment 12 when the interior is cooled by a conventional cooling method, and the dashed line indicates the temperature fluctuation inside the freezer compartment 12 when the interior is cooled by the cooling method of the present disclosure.

[0193] As is clear from a comparison of the solid line and the dashed line, in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode of the present disclosure, fluctuations in the internal temperatures of the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 can be suppressed compared to conventional cooling methods.

[0194] This allows the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 to be maintained for a longer period during a power outage, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0195] [2-3. Modifications] The above-described embodiment 2 is configured to automatically shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode when a weather warning is issued, similar to the above-described embodiment 1. In the modified embodiment of embodiment 2, similar to the modified embodiment of embodiment 1, when a weather warning is issued, the user P is inquired as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, and after the inquiry, if the user P gives an instruction to shift to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode.

[0196] Each device of the refrigerator control system 1000 of this modified example executes the same operations as those of the modified example of the first embodiment described above.

[0197] [2-4. Effects, etc.] According to the above-mentioned second embodiment and the modified example of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment and the modified example of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0198] Moreover, cooling unit 15 includes condenser 152, first cooler 154A that generates cold air for the refrigerator compartment, second cooler 154B that generates cold air for the freezer compartment, and switching valve 158 that switches the supply destination of the refrigerant generated by condenser 152 to first cooler 154A or second cooler 154B. Refrigerator control unit 13 controls the switching valve to make the fluctuation in the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 in the power outage pre-cooling operation mode smaller than the fluctuation in the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 in the normal operation mode.

[0199] As a result, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 during a power outage can be effectively maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source by controlling the switching valve 158. Therefore, even if the refrigerator 1 is of the 2-eva system, the cooling capacity of the refrigerator 1 during a power outage can be effectively maintained for a long period of time without using an external power source.

[0200] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples have been described as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. have been made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples to create a new embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0201] In the above-described embodiment and modification, the refrigerator 1 is configured to start the power failure pre-cooling operation mode when the refrigerator 1 receives the transition instruction information as a trigger. However, the trigger for starting the power failure pre-cooling operation mode is not limited to this. The refrigerator 1 may be configured to have a button for starting the power failure pre-cooling operation mode at a predetermined position, and to start the power failure pre-cooling operation mode when the user P operates the button. In this configuration, the refrigerator 1 continues the power failure pre-cooling operation mode until the user P inputs an end instruction to the refrigerator 1, or for a predetermined period (e.g., 24 hours) after starting the power failure pre-cooling operation mode. This allows the user P to switch the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode when he or she thinks that a power failure may occur, even if the refrigerator 1 is not linked to the refrigerator control server 3 or the refrigerator control application 413.

[0202] In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the refrigerator 1 shifts its operation mode from the normal operation mode to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode, but the operation mode from which the operation mode is shifted is not limited to the normal operation mode and may be any operation mode other than the power failure pre-cooling operation mode. In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the refrigerator 1 shifts its operation mode from the power failure pre-cooling operation mode to the normal operation mode, but the operation mode to which the operation mode is shifted is not limited to the normal operation mode and may be any operation mode other than the power failure pre-cooling operation mode. Here, an operation mode other than the power failure pre-cooling operation mode corresponds to an example of the "first mode".

[0203] For example, in the temperature reduction mode, in addition to the configuration in which the compressor 151 is in a high rotation state, the cooling fan 155, the first cooling fan 155A, and the second cooling fan 155B may be configured to rotate at a higher speed than in other modes.

[0204] For example, in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode of the first embodiment, the frequency of opening and closing the damper 156 is controlled to suppress fluctuations in the temperature inside the container, but the opening degree of the damper 156 may be controlled to suppress fluctuations in the temperature inside the container. Also, in the power failure pre-cooling operation mode of the second embodiment, the frequency of switching the state of the switching valve 158 is controlled to suppress fluctuations in the temperature inside the container, but the opening degree of the switching valve 158 may be controlled to suppress fluctuations in the temperature inside the container.

[0205] In the above-described embodiment and modification, a weather warning has been exemplified as a warning related to a cause of a power outage, but the warning related to a cause of a power outage may be a warning other than a weather warning, such as an earthquake warning, a flood warning, a tsunami warning, an eruption warning, or a fire warning. In this case, the cause of a power outage is a factor other than weather. In this case, a server device that provides information indicating whether or not a warning other than a weather warning has been issued is connected to the global network GN instead of or together with the weather warning server 5, and refrigerator control server 3 inquires of the server device whether or not a warning has been issued.

[0206] In the above-described embodiment and modification, the refrigerator 1 starts the power failure pre-cooling operation mode when an alarm is issued as a trigger. However, the trigger is not limited to an alarm, and may be an advisory related to a cause of a power failure. There are various types of advisories, such as a heavy rain advisory and a flood advisory, and a lightning advisory, which is likely to lead to a power failure, may be used as a trigger. The trigger is not limited to an alarm or advisory, and may be a forecast related to another cause of a power failure. In this case, a server device that provides information indicating whether a forecast has been issued is connected to the global network GN instead of or together with the weather warning server 5, and the refrigerator control server 3 inquires of the server device whether a forecast has been issued. In this case, a server device that provides information indicating whether a forecast has been issued is connected to the global network GN instead of or together with a warning server other than a weather warning, and the refrigerator control server 3 inquires of the server device whether a forecast has been issued.

[0207] For example, in the above-described embodiment and modification, the refrigerator control server 3 may add a refrigerator ID when sending the transition instruction information to the refrigerator 1, and the refrigerator 1 may transition the operation mode to the power failure pre-cooling operation mode only if the refrigerator ID added to the transition instruction information matches the refrigerator ID assigned to the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator ID is information that identifies the refrigerator 1, and may be, for example, a serial number.

[0208] For example, the types of compartments formed in main box 10 of refrigerator 1 are not limited to refrigerator compartment 11 and freezer compartment 12, and other types of compartments such as an ice-making compartment, a fresh freezing compartment, a vegetable compartment, etc. Also, the number of doors provided at the opening on the front side of refrigerator compartment 11 may be more than one. When dampers 156 are provided for each storage compartment, refrigerator control unit 13 controls each of dampers 156 to suppress temperature fluctuations in each storage compartment, as in the first embodiment.

[0209] For example, the internal configurations such as the number of shelves and the number of containers in refrigerator compartment 11 and freezer compartment 12 are not limited to those shown in FIGS.

[0210] For example, one or more temperature sensors 161 may be provided in each compartment of the refrigerator 1.

[0211] For example, the functions of the refrigerator control unit 13, the server control unit 30, and the terminal control unit 40 may be realized by multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0212] The components shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 12 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each component individually, and it is of course possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each component. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiments may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of other components of refrigerator 1, refrigerator control server 3, and terminal device 4 may also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0213] For example, the step units of the operation shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of each device of the refrigerator control system 1000, and may be further divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Also, one step unit may be divided to include more processes. Also, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not interfere with the gist of the present disclosure.

[0214] 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. [Industrial Applicability]

[0215] As described above, the refrigerator and the refrigerator control system according to the present disclosure can be used to maintain the cooling capacity of the refrigerator during a power outage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0216] 1. Refrigerator 3 Refrigerator control server (server) 4 Terminal Equipment 5. Weather Warning Server 11 Refrigerator 12 Freezer 13 Refrigerator control unit 15 Cooling section 151 Compressor 152 Condenser 154 Cooler 154A 1st cooler 154B 2nd cooler 156 Damper 158 Switching valve 1000 Refrigerator Control System H Home (installation location) P User

Claims

1. A cooling unit that cools the interior of the refrigerator; a refrigerator control unit that, when a forecast related to a cause of a power outage is issued for an area including a location of the refrigerator, transitions an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which an internal temperature of the refrigerator is lower than that of the first mode, The refrigerator control unit is When an operation mode of the refrigerator is the second mode, cooling is performed by the cooling unit such that a fluctuation in an internal temperature of the refrigerator is smaller than a fluctuation in an internal temperature of the refrigerator in the first mode. refrigerator.

2. The cooling unit includes a damper. The refrigerator control unit controls the damper to make a fluctuation in an internal temperature of the refrigerator in the second mode smaller than a fluctuation in an internal temperature of the refrigerator in the first mode.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. the cooling unit includes a condenser, a first cooler that generates cold air for the refrigerator compartment, a second cooler that generates cold air for the freezer compartment, and a switching valve that switches a supply destination of the refrigerant generated by the condenser to the first cooler or the second cooler; The refrigerator control unit controls the switching valve to make a fluctuation in an internal temperature of the refrigerator in the second mode smaller than a fluctuation in an internal temperature of the refrigerator in the first mode.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

4. The second mode includes a temperature reduction mode in which an internal temperature of the refrigerator is reduced from an internal temperature in the first mode, and a temperature maintenance mode in which the internal temperature reduced in the temperature reduction mode is maintained. A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The refrigerator control unit is In the temperature reduction mode, the rotation speed of the compressor is made higher than the rotation speed in the temperature maintenance mode.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4.

6. A refrigerator control system including a refrigerator and a server capable of communicating with the refrigerator, The server, when a forecast related to a cause of a power outage is issued for an area including a location of the refrigerator, transmits transition instruction information to the refrigerator to transition an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which an internal temperature of the refrigerator is lower than that of the first mode; The refrigerator includes: When the transition instruction information is received, the operation mode is transitioned from the first mode to the second mode, In the second mode, the interior of the refrigerator is cooled so that a fluctuation in an interior temperature of the refrigerator is smaller than a fluctuation in an interior temperature of the refrigerator in the first mode. Refrigerator control system.

7. A terminal device capable of communicating with the server is provided, When the terminal device receives an instruction to transition to the second mode from a user of the refrigerator, the terminal device transmits the transition instruction information to the server; When the server receives the transition instruction information, the server transmits the received transition instruction information to the refrigerator.

7. The refrigerator control system of claim 6.

Images