Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of issuing a notification according to the effect on food in a storage chamber caused by opening and closing a door.SOLUTION: A refrigerator 1 comprises: a body in which a storage chamber for storing food is formed; a door provided on the body that can open and close the storage chamber; cooling means for cooling the inside of the storage chamber; a control device 600 that controls the cooling means; and temperature acquisition means for acquiring time series data of the temperature in the storage chamber. The control device 600 has a temperature integration unit 612 that integrates the temperature in the storage chamber, and the refrigerator 1 further comprises an alarm unit 6b that issues an alarm when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber becomes equal to or larger than a preset first reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] In a refrigerator, there are provided a refrigerator main body having a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, a door opening / closing detection unit for detecting the opening and closing of the door, and a door opening average time calculation unit for calculating the average door opening time by dividing the cumulative door opening time detected by the door opening / closing detection unit by the number of door openings and closings, and a notification means for notifying the average door opening time calculated by the door opening average time calculation unit. A refrigerator that notifies the average door opening time by the notification means is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to suppress the deterioration of food quality and store food for a long period of time, it is known that it is desirable to store food at a low temperature. For example, in frozen storage, it is recommended to store food at -18°C or lower as a temperature that can stop the activities of microorganisms and suppress the oxidation of food, the action of enzymes, etc. On the other hand, in a refrigerator, since the temperature rises due to the opening and closing of the door accompanying the taking in and out of food, etc., the actual storage temperature of the food becomes high, and the assumed food quality may not be maintained. The refrigerator as shown in Patent Document 1 aims to prompt the user to pay attention to the opening and closing of the door of the storage compartment of the refrigerator by notifying the average door opening time by the notification means.

[0005] However, it is difficult to accurately evaluate the impact on the food in the storage compartment due to the opening and closing of the door based solely on the average time the door is open. Therefore, in a refrigerator such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to provide notification at an appropriate timing according to the impact on the food in the storage compartment due to the opening and closing of the door.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems. The object is to provide a refrigerator capable of providing notification according to the impact on the food in the storage compartment due to the opening and closing of the door.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes a main body in which a storage compartment for storing food is formed, a door provided on the main body and capable of opening and closing the storage compartment, a cooling means for cooling the inside of the storage compartment, a control device for controlling the cooling means, and a temperature acquisition means for acquiring time-series data of the temperature inside the storage compartment. The control device has a temperature integration unit for integrating the temperature inside the storage compartment, and further includes a notification unit for notifying when the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage compartment becomes equal to or higher than a preset first reference value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the refrigerator according to the present disclosure, there is an effect that notification can be provided according to the impact on the food in the storage compartment due to the opening and closing of the door.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The embodiments for implementing the refrigerator according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be appropriately simplified or omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure, any combination of each embodiment, modification example, etc., any modification of any component of each embodiment, modification example, etc., or any omission of any component of each embodiment, modification example, etc. is possible.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the refrigerator. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view around the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the refrigerator. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the change over time of the opening and closing of the door of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator and the temperature inside the compartment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the storage temperature of food and the storage period. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the integrated temperature value inside the freezer compartment of the refrigerator and the rising value of the average temperature inside the freezer compartment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the fluctuation of the storage temperature of food and the change in the storage period. FIG. 9 is an example of the display on the operation panel of the refrigerator. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the refrigerator. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of a modified example of the refrigerator. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration for realizing the functions of the control device of the refrigerator.

[0012] In the present disclosure, in principle, when the refrigerator 1 is installed in a usable state, each direction is defined as a reference. In addition, the dimensions, positional relationships, shapes, etc. of the respective members constituting the refrigerator 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may not necessarily exactly match the actual ones. The configuration of the refrigerator 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0013] The main body of the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment has a heat-insulating box 90. The heat-insulating box 90 is composed of an outer box, an inner box, and a heat-insulating material. The outer box is, for example, made of steel. The inner box is, for example, made of resin. The inner box is disposed inside the outer box. The heat-insulating material is, for example, urethane foam, vacuum heat-insulating material, etc. The heat-insulating material is filled in the space between the outer box and the inner box.

[0014] The front of the heat-insulating box body 90 is open. A storage space is formed inside the heat-insulating box body 90. The storage space is a space where articles to be stored such as food are stored. The storage space formed inside the heat-insulating box body 90 is partitioned by one or a plurality of partition members into a plurality of storage chambers for storing and preserving food. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerating chamber 100, a switching chamber 200, an ice-making chamber 300, a vegetable chamber 400, and a freezing chamber 500 as a plurality of storage chambers. These storage chambers are arranged in a four-stage configuration in the vertical direction in the heat-insulating box body 90.

[0015] The refrigerating chamber 100 is arranged at the uppermost stage of the heat-insulating box body 90. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of shelf boards are provided inside the refrigerating chamber 100. The inside of the refrigerating chamber 100 is partitioned by these shelf boards into a plurality of spaces in the vertical direction.

[0016] The switching chamber 200 is arranged on one side, left or right, below the refrigerating chamber 100. The temperature zone in the switching chamber 200 can be selectively switched to any one of a plurality of temperature zones. The plurality of temperature zones selectable as the temperature zone in the switching chamber 200 are, for example, a freezing temperature zone, a refrigerating temperature zone, a chilled temperature zone, a soft freezing temperature zone, etc. The freezing temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about -18°C. The refrigerating temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about 3°C. The chilled temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about 0°C. The soft freezing temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of about -7°C.

[0017] The ice-making chamber 300 is arranged adjacent to the side of the switching chamber 200. The ice-making chamber 300 is arranged in parallel with the switching chamber 200. That is, the ice-making chamber 300 is arranged on the other side, left or right, below the refrigerating chamber 100. The vegetable chamber 400 is arranged below the switching chamber 200 and the ice-making chamber 300. The vegetable chamber 400 stores, for example, vegetables and large plastic bottles. Also, the freezing chamber 500 is arranged below the vegetable chamber 400. The freezing chamber 500 is arranged at the lowermost stage of the heat-insulating box body 90. The freezing chamber 500 is used when storing articles to be frozen for a relatively long period.

[0018] On the front part of the refrigerator compartment 100, a refrigerator compartment door 7 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 100 is provided. The refrigerator compartment door 7 is, for example, a double-opening rotary door. The double-opening refrigerator compartment door 7 is composed of a right door 7a and a left door 7b. An operation panel 6 is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment door 7. In the illustrated example, the operation panel 6 is provided on the left door 7b. The operation panel 6 is for setting the cold storage temperature of each storage compartment and displaying various information such as the temperature of each storage compartment.

[0019] The switching compartment 200, the ice-making compartment 300, the vegetable compartment 400, and the freezer compartment 500 are opened and closed by, for example, drawer-type doors respectively. These drawer-type doors can slide in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1 along rails horizontally formed on the left and right inner wall surfaces of each storage compartment. The user of the refrigerator 1 opens and closes the switching compartment 200, the ice-making compartment 300, the vegetable compartment 400, and the freezer compartment 500 by sliding the drawer-type door.

[0020] Inside the switching compartment 200, a switching compartment storage case 201 is retractably stored. Also, inside the vegetable compartment 400, a vegetable compartment storage case 401 is retractably stored. Similarly, inside the freezer compartment 500, a freezer compartment storage case 501 is retractably stored. Food and other items to be stored can be stored inside each of the switching compartment storage case 201, the vegetable compartment storage case 401, and the freezer compartment storage case 501.

[0021] The switching compartment storage case 201 is supported by a frame provided on the door for opening and closing the switching compartment 200. The switching compartment storage case 201 is pulled out in conjunction with the door for opening and closing the switching compartment 200. The vegetable compartment storage case 401 is supported by a frame provided on the door for opening and closing the vegetable compartment 400. The vegetable compartment storage case 401 is pulled out in conjunction with the door for opening and closing the vegetable compartment 400. Similarly, the freezer compartment storage case 501 is supported by a frame provided on the door for opening and closing the freezer compartment 500. The freezer compartment storage case 501 is pulled out in conjunction with the door for opening and closing the freezer compartment 500.

[0022] Note that the number of storage compartments provided in the refrigerator 1, the arrangement of the storage compartments, the configuration of the doors for opening and closing the storage compartments, etc. are not limited to the above examples. For example, the door for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 100 may be a sliding type. Also, the doors for opening and closing the switching compartment 200, the ice-making compartment 300, the vegetable compartment 400, and the freezer compartment 500 may be rotary types. Two or more switching compartment storage cases 201, vegetable compartment storage cases 401, and freezer compartment storage cases 501 may be provided respectively.

[0023] The refrigerator 1 includes a compressor 2, a cooler 3, a blower fan 4, an air duct 5, etc. as a refrigeration mechanism for cooling the air supplied to each storage compartment. The compressor 2 and the cooler 3, together with a condenser and an expansion device (not shown), etc., constitute a refrigeration cycle circuit. The compressor 2 compresses and discharges the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit. The condenser condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2. The expansion device expands the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser. The cooler 3 cools the air supplied to each storage compartment with the refrigerant expanded by the expansion device. The compressor 2 is arranged, for example, at the lower part on the back side of the refrigerator 1 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] The air duct 5 is for supplying the air cooled by the refrigeration cycle circuit to each storage compartment. The air duct 5 is formed inside the heat-insulating box body 90. The air duct 5 is arranged, for example, on the back side of the refrigerator 1. The cooler 3 constituting the refrigeration cycle circuit is installed in this air duct 5. Also, in the air duct 5, a blower fan 4 for sending the air cooled by the cooler 3 to each storage compartment is also installed.

[0025] When the blower fan 4 operates, the air cooled by the cooler 3, that is, the cold air, is sent through the air duct 5 to the freezer compartment 500, the switching compartment 200, the ice-making compartment 300, and the refrigerator compartment 100. Thereby, each storage compartment is cooled. Also, the cold air returned from the refrigerator compartment 100 is introduced into the vegetable compartment 400 through an air duct (not shown). Thereby, the inside of the vegetable compartment 400 is cooled. The air that has passed through the vegetable compartment 400 is returned into the air duct 5 where the cooler 3 is installed. The air returned into the air duct 5 is cooled again by the cooler 3 and circulates inside the refrigerator 1.

[0026] Also, dampers are provided at intermediate positions leading from the air passage 5 to each storage chamber. The dampers are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. By changing the opening and closing states of the dampers, the air volume of the cold air supplied to each storage chamber is adjusted. The air volume of the cold air supplied to the storage chamber is also adjusted by controlling the operation of the blower fan 4. Further, the temperature of the air supplied to each storage chamber is adjusted by controlling the operation of the compressor 2.

[0027] A thermistor for detecting the internal temperature is installed in each storage chamber. The thermistor is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The aforementioned dampers, blower fan 4, and compressor 2 are controlled based on the detection result of the thermistor. The dampers, blower fan 4, and compressor 2 are controlled by a control device 600 described later so that the temperature inside each storage chamber becomes a preset temperature. In the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle circuit including the compressor 2 and the cooler 3 provided as described above, the blower fan 4, the air passage 5, and the dampers are an example of a cooling means for cooling the inside of the storage chamber.

[0028] Also, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes a control device 600. The control device 600 is provided, for example, at the upper part on the back side of the refrigerator 1 as shown in FIG. 2. The control device 600 controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 1 including the operation of the cooling means. The control device 600 is an example of a control means for controlling the cooling means.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the freezer compartment 500 provided in the refrigerator 1. The door for opening and closing the freezer compartment 500 is referred to as the freezer compartment door 9 with reference numerals in FIGS. 3 and the following description. The freezer compartment 500 is an example of a storage chamber formed in the main body of the refrigerator 1 for storing food. And the freezer compartment door 9 is an example of a door provided on the main body of the refrigerator 1 that can open and close the storage chamber. The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes a door opening / closing detection switch 10 for detecting the opening and closing state of the freezer compartment door 9 as shown in FIG. 3. The door opening / closing detection switch 10 is an example of an opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening and closing of the freezer compartment door 9.

[0030] In addition, a freezer thermistor 11 is provided in the freezer compartment 500. The freezer thermistor 11 is an example of a temperature acquisition means for acquiring the temperature inside the freezer compartment 500 which is a storage compartment. The freezer thermistor 11 measures the temperature inside the freezer compartment 500 at every preset fixed time. The measurement interval of the temperature inside the freezer compartment 500 by the freezer thermistor 11 is, for example, about 1 second to 10 seconds. In this way, the freezer thermistor 11 which is a temperature acquisition means acquires the time-series data of the temperature of the freezer compartment 500 which is a storage compartment.

[0031] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes a freezer compartment damper 12. The control device 600 controls the compressor 2, the blower fan 4, and the freezer compartment damper 12 based on the detection result of the freezer thermistor 11. Thereby, the temperature inside the freezer compartment 500 is adjusted.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. In the configuration example shown in the figure, the operation panel 6 includes an operation unit 6a and a notification unit 6b. The operation unit 6a is composed of switches and the like for setting the set temperature of each storage compartment and the operation mode of the refrigerator 1. The notification unit 6b is composed of a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying various information regarding the refrigerator 1, a display lamp such as an LED, a speaker for performing voice notification, and the like. Note that the operation panel 6 may include a touch panel that also serves as the operation unit 6a and the display unit.

[0033] The operation panel 6 outputs a signal according to an operation by the user on the operation unit 6a. A signal according to an operation on the operation unit 6a is input to the control device 600. Also, a signal is input to the control device 600 from a thermistor that detects the temperature inside each storage compartment. In FIG. 4, the freezer thermistor 11 is illustrated, and the illustration of the thermistors of the other storage compartments is omitted. A signal including the temperature information of the freezer compartment 500 is input to the control device 600 from the freezer thermistor 11. Furthermore, a signal from the door open / close detection switch 10 is also input to the control device 600.

[0034] The control device 600 executes processing based on the signals from the operation unit 6a, the door opening / closing detection switch 10, the freezer thermistor 11, etc. input in this way. Further, the control device 600 outputs a notification control signal to the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 and controls the operation of the notification unit 6b.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 600 includes a cooling control unit 611, a temperature integration unit 612, and a notification control unit 613. The cooling control unit 611 controls the operation of the cooling means described above. The cooling control unit 611 determines the set temperature of each storage chamber based on, for example, a signal corresponding to an operation on the operation unit 6a. Then, the cooling control unit 611 controls the cooling means so that the temperature in each storage chamber is maintained at its respective set temperature based on the signals input from the thermistors of each storage chamber. In particular, regarding the freezer 500, the cooling control unit 611 determines the set temperature of the freezer 500 based on, for example, a signal corresponding to an operation on the operation unit 6a. Then, the cooling control unit 611 controls the compressor 2, the blower fan 4, and the freezer damper 12 so that the temperature in each storage chamber is maintained at its respective set temperature based on the signal input from the freezer thermistor 11.

[0036] The temperature integration unit 612 integrates the temperature in the storage chamber and calculates an integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber. In the present disclosure, the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber is also simply referred to as the temperature integrated value. The temperature integration unit 612 calculates the temperature integrated value by integrating the temperature in the storage chamber detected by the thermistor. The temperature integrated value calculated by the temperature integration unit 612 can be rephrased as the time integral value of the temperature in the storage chamber. That is, in other words, the temperature integration unit 612 calculates the time integral value of the temperature in the storage chamber.

[0037] In the example described here, the temperature integration unit 612 calculates the temperature integration value in the freezer compartment 500 obtained by the freezer compartment thermistor 11. As described above, the freezer compartment thermistor 11 measures the temperature in the freezer compartment 500 at regular time intervals and outputs the measured value to the control device 600. That is, time-series data of the temperature in the freezer compartment 500 is output from the freezer compartment thermistor 11. The temperature integration unit 612 calculates the temperature integration value in the freezer compartment 500 using the time-series data of the temperature in the freezer compartment 500. More specifically, for example, the temperature integration unit 612 calculates the temperature integration value in the freezer compartment 500 by integrating the measured values of the temperature in the freezer compartment 500 at regular intervals by the freezer compartment thermistor 11.

[0038] The notification control unit 613 controls the notification operation of the refrigerator 1. The notification control unit 613 controls, for example, the operation of the notification unit 6b of the operation panel 6 to control the notification operation of the refrigerator 1. In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, when the temperature integration value calculated by the temperature integration unit 612 becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value, the notification control unit 613 causes the notification unit 6b to perform notification. That is, the notification unit 6b performs notification when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value. The notification at this time is performed, for example, by sounding a buzzer sound, voice, etc. from the speaker of the notification unit 6b.

[0039] According to the refrigerator 1 configured as described above, it is possible to perform notification at an appropriate timing according to the influence on the food in the storage compartment due to the opening and closing of the door. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the advantageous effects obtained by the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0040] Fig. 5 shows an example of the opening / closing state of the freezer door 9 and the change over time in the temperature inside the freezer compartment 500. As described above, based on the signal input from the freezer compartment thermistor 11, the compressor 2, the blower fan 4, and the freezer compartment damper 12 are controlled by the cooling control unit 611 of the control device 600 so that the temperature inside the freezer compartment 500 is maintained at the set temperature θL. For this reason, even when the freezer door 9 is in the closed state, due to the on / off operation of the compressor 2 and the opening / closing of the freezer compartment damper 12, temperature fluctuations (hunting) occur in which the temperature inside the freezer compartment 500 rises and falls within a predetermined temperature range (differential) centered on the set temperature θL.

[0041] When the user puts food into the freezer compartment 500 or takes food out of the freezer compartment 500, the freezer door 9 is opened and closed. Also, in addition to putting food in and taking food out, the freezer door 9 may be opened and closed when checking the food inside the freezer compartment 500 or tidying up the inside of the freezer compartment 500. When the freezer door 9 is opened, outside air enters the freezer compartment 500, and the temperature of the freezer compartment 500 rises. When the temperature inside the freezer compartment 500 rises beyond a predetermined temperature range, that is, the aforementioned differential, when the freezer door 9 is closed, the cooling control unit 611 promptly controls the cooling means to cool the freezer compartment 500 to the set temperature θL. As a result, the temperature inside the freezer compartment 500 is maintained at the set temperature θL again.

[0042] In Fig. 5(A), the freezer door 9 is opened at time t1 and closed at time t2. The opening time Δt1 of the freezer door 9 is the elapsed time from time t1 to time t2. In this example of (A), the temperature θ inside the freezer compartment 500 started to rise from time t1, reached the maximum temperature θa at time t2, and then decreased.

[0043] In Fig. 5(B), the freezer door 9 is opened at time t1 and closed at time t3. The opening time Δt2 of the freezer door 9 is the elapsed time from time t1 to time t3. In this example of (B), the temperature θ inside the freezer compartment 500 started to rise from time t1, reached the maximum temperature θb at time t3, and then decreased.

[0044] In (C) of FIG. 5, the freezer door 9 is opened at time t1, closed at time t2, then the freezer door 9 is opened again at time t4, closed at time t5, further, the freezer door 9 is opened at time t6, and closed at time t7. The opening times Δt1, Δt3, and Δt3 of the freezer door 9 are the elapsed times from time t1 to time t2, from time t4 to time t5, and from time t6 to time t7, respectively. In the example of this (C), the internal temperature θ of the freezer 500 starts to rise from time t1, reaches the maximum temperature θb at time t2, and then drops. Also, the internal temperature θ starts to rise again from time t4, reaches the maximum temperature θb at time t5, then drops, and further, starts to rise from time t6, reaches the maximum temperature θb at time t7, and then drops. That is, the freezer door 9 is opened and closed three times, and the maximum of the internal temperature θ of the freezer 500 at each opening and closing is the same θb.

[0045] Comparing (A) and (B) in FIG. 5, although the opening time of the freezer door 9 is shorter in (A) than in (B) (Δt1 < Δt2), the maximum temperature during the rise of the internal temperature θ is higher in (A) than in (B) (θa > θb). Also, comparing (B) and (C) in FIG. 5, although the maximum temperature during the rise of the internal temperature θ is the same θb for both (B) and (C), the number of times the freezer door 9 is opened and closed is more in (C) than in (B), and the time during which the internal temperature θ of the freezer 500 is higher than the set temperature θL continues longer in (C) than in (B).

[0046] Thus, it is difficult to simply compare the impact on the storage environment of the food in the freezer compartment 500 due to the opening and closing of the freezer door 9 based solely on the opening time of the freezer door 9 or the temperature rise inside the freezer compartment 500 when the freezer door 9 is opened and closed. The impact on the storage temperature of the food in the freezer compartment 500 also varies depending on, for example, the size of the opening when the freezer door 9 is opened, that is, how far the freezer door 9 is pulled out from the main body of the refrigerator 1. This is mainly because the rate of temperature rise inside the freezer compartment 500 differs depending on the size of the opening when the freezer door 9 is opened. If the freezer door 9 is not pulled out much from the main body of the refrigerator 1, the temperature rise inside the freezer compartment 500 may be small even if the opening time of the freezer door 9 is long. Conversely, if the freezer door 9 is pulled out significantly from the main body of the refrigerator 1, the temperature rise inside the freezer compartment 500 may be large even if the opening time of the freezer door 9 is short.

[0047] Here, Fig. 6 shows an example of the relationship between the storage temperature of food and the period for which the food can be stored. Examples of quality changes during frozen storage of food include physical changes such as recrystallization of ice crystals and drying, and chemical changes such as oxidation. These changes progress more slowly at lower temperatures and more quickly at higher temperatures. Therefore, the lower the temperature of the freezer compartment 500, the slower the change in storage quality, so the storage period is longer, and the higher the storage temperature, the faster the change in storage quality, so the storage period is shorter. That is, as shown in the same figure, the period for which food can be stored changes according to the storage temperature of the food, and the lower the storage temperature, the longer the period for which it can be stored.

[0048] For example, in the case of home-frozen food, one month is the standard for the storage period at the standard temperature for frozen storage of -18°C. However, depending on how the user uses it, the actual storage temperature may be higher than the standard temperature of -18°C, and the storage period may be shorter than the standard storage period.

[0049] In addition, in this figure, it is assumed that the storage temperature basically does not change during the storage period of the food. When the storage temperature changes during the storage period of the food, it is generally reasonable to assume that the horizontal axis of this figure is the average value of the storage temperature. Therefore, the influence on the food stored in the freezer 500 due to the opening and closing of the freezer door 9 can be estimated based on the amount of change in the average value of the storage temperature of the food caused by the opening and closing of the freezer door 9.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows an example of the relationship between the integrated value S of the temperature in the freezer 500 and the increase value of the average temperature in the freezer 500. As shown in this figure, there is a correlation between the integrated value S of the temperature in the freezer 500 and the increase value of the average temperature in the freezer 500. And FIG. 8 shows the change in the storage period of the food when the storage temperature of the food changes in the graph of FIG. 6. Thus, when the average temperature in the freezer 500 rises, the storage period of the food in the freezer 500 is shortened. Therefore, based on the integrated value S of the temperature in the freezer 500, the amount of change in the average value of the storage temperature of the food can be estimated, and the degree of influence on the food stored in the freezer 500 due to the opening and closing of the freezer door 9 can be estimated.

[0051] In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, as described above, the notification unit 6b notifies when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment becomes equal to or higher than the first reference value. And as described so far, the integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment is correlated with the amount of change in the average value of the storage temperature of the food, that is, it is correlated with the change in the storage period of the food. Therefore, by notifying when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment becomes equal to or higher than the first reference value, it is possible to notify the user when the influence on the food in the storage compartment due to the opening and closing of the door becomes larger than a certain level. That is, it is possible to notify at an appropriate timing according to the influence on the food in the storage compartment due to the opening and closing of the door.

[0052] Note that the temperature integration unit 612 may calculate a temperature integration value by integrating the difference between the temperature in the storage chamber and the set temperature, rather than integrating the measured value itself by the thermistor. As described above, the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber is the time integral value of the temperature in the storage chamber. Therefore, specifically, for example, the temperature integration unit 612 sets the integrated value S obtained by integrating the temperature rise width Δθ (where Δθ = θ - θL) from the set temperature θL (for example, -18°C) of the freezer 500 over time t as the temperature integration value.

[0053] In this case, the temperature integration value calculated by the temperature integration unit 612 corresponds to the area of the hatched portion in FIG. 5. Specifically, in the case of FIG. 5(A), the temperature integration value calculated by the temperature integration unit 612 corresponds to the area Sa in the figure. Also, in the case of FIG. 5(B), the temperature integration value calculated by the temperature integration unit 612 corresponds to the area Sb in the figure. And in the case of FIG. 5(C), the temperature integration value calculated by the temperature integration unit 612 corresponds to the sum of the areas Sc1, Sc2, and Sc3 in the figure (hereinafter, Sc = Sc1 + Sc2 + Sc3). Comparing these areas, Sc > Sa > Sb. Therefore, in the case of (C), the influence on the storage temperature of the freezer 500 is the greatest, in the case of (B), the influence on the storage temperature of the freezer 500 is the smallest, and in the case of (A), it is intermediate between the cases of (B) and (C).

[0054] Also, according to FIG. 7, when the time integral value S of the temperature rise width Δθ from the set temperature θL in the freezer 500 is S1, it can be seen that the average value of the storage temperature of the freezer 500 rises by Δθ1. Specifically, for example, when S1 is 48°C·hr, Δθ1 is 2°C. And in this case, according to FIG. 8, when the average value of the storage temperature of the freezer 500 rises by Δθ1, the storage period of the food in the freezer 500 is shortened by Δd. In such a case, the food deteriorates in a period shorter than the reference storage period. Specifically, for example, when Δθ1 is 2°C, Δd is 7 days.

[0055] From the relationship between the shelf life of food and the temperature integral value as described above, depending on how much the shortening of the shelf life of food expected due to the opening and closing of the freezer door 9 should prompt the user's attention, the specific value of the first reference value described above can be set. Specifically, in the above example, when notification is to be given when the shelf life may be shortened by 7 days or more, the first reference value is set to 48 °C·hr. And by prompting the user's attention through the notification using the first reference value set in this way, it is possible to suppress the rise in the storage temperature and prevent the shortening of the shelf life that can maintain the quality of the food.

[0056] In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, the temperature integration unit 612 may reset the temperature integral value to 0 every time a preset fixed time elapses, specifically, for example, every time 24 hours elapses. Alternatively, the temperature integration unit 612 may reset the temperature integral value to 0 when a preset fixed time elapses after the closing of the freezer door 9 is detected by the door opening / closing detection switch 10, specifically, for example, when 12 hours elapse after the opening and closing of the freezer door 9 is detected. Also, as another example, the temperature integration unit 612 may reset the temperature integral value to 0 when a preset fixed time elapses after the temperature in the freezer 500 reaches the set temperature, specifically, for example, when 12 hours elapse after the temperature in the freezer 500 reaches the set temperature.

[0057] The temperature integration unit 612 may not always integrate the temperature in the storage compartment, but may start calculating the integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment when the door of the storage compartment is opened. In this case, for example, when it is detected by the door opening / closing detection switch 10 that the freezer door 9 is open, the temperature integration unit 612 starts integrating the temperature in the freezer 500 detected by the freezer thermistor 11.

[0058] Further, when the temperature in the storage chamber is higher than the set temperature, the temperature integration unit 612 may calculate the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber. However, since the temperature in the storage chamber is hunting as described above, considering the hunting differential, the temperature integration unit 612 may calculate the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber when the difference between the temperature in the storage chamber and the set temperature is equal to or greater than a preset second reference value. In this case, the second reference value is set to a value equal to or higher than the upper limit value of the differential temperature.

[0059] When the integrated temperature value becomes equal to or higher than the first reference value, the notification control unit 613 may cause the notification unit 6b to notify information regarding the storage chamber. For example, the notification control unit 613 causes a message of information regarding the storage chamber to be displayed on the display unit of the notification unit 6b. Alternatively, for example, the notification control unit 613 causes a voice message of information regarding the storage chamber to be emitted from the speaker of the notification unit 6b. Information regarding the storage chamber to be notified at this time includes, for example, at least any one of information on the temperature in the storage chamber, information on the storage period of food stored in the storage chamber, and information on the quality deterioration of food stored in the storage chamber.

[0060] When notifying information on the temperature in the storage chamber, as the information on the temperature in the storage chamber, the current temperature in the storage chamber detected by the thermistor, or the difference between the current temperature in the storage chamber and the set temperature may be notified. Further, a message such as "The temperature is rising" may be notified. When notifying information on the storage period of food stored in the storage chamber, as the information on the storage period of food, the shortened amount of the storage period of food may be calculated and notified from the relationships shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Further, a message such as "There is a possibility that the storage period of food will be shortened" may be notified. When notifying information on the quality deterioration of food stored in the storage chamber, a message such as "There is a possibility that the quality of the food will deteriorate" may be notified.

[0061] Fig. 9 shows an example in which the display unit of the notification unit 6b displays the temperature information in the storage compartment. In the example shown in this figure, in order to notify that the temperature in the freezer compartment 500 is rising, in the figure representing the entire refrigerator 1 including each storage compartment, the color of the portion corresponding to the freezer compartment 500 is changed, lit, or blinked, etc., and a message "The temperature is rising" is displayed.

[0062] After notifying when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment reaches or exceeds the first reference value, the notification control unit 613 may cause the notification unit 6b to notify when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment becomes equal to or less than the third reference value. The third reference value is preset to a value less than the first reference value. Specifically, for example, when the first reference value is 48 °C·hr as described above, the third reference value is set to 24 °C·hr, which is half of it. In this way, after notifying when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment reaches or exceeds the first reference value, if the user changes the usage method such as refraining from opening the door as much as possible, when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment becomes equal to or less than the third reference value, it may be notified that the temperature in the storage compartment is kept low, the storage period is maintaining the standard period, the quality of the food is maintained, etc. The integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment is reset, for example, every 24 hours as described above. Even if the integrated value of the temperature reaches or exceeds the first reference value, if the state where the integrated value of the temperature is equal to or less than the third reference value continues thereafter, the average temperature rise in the storage compartment is small as a whole for the storage period of the food, and the influence on the food stored in the compartment can also be suppressed. Therefore, by notifying in such a case, it is possible to notify the user that the storage compartment can be maintained in a state close to the set temperature at present, and prompt the user to maintain the current state as much as possible.

[0063] The cooling control unit 611 may change the set temperature of the storage compartment according to the integrated temperature value calculated by the temperature integration unit 612. In this case, for example, the cooling control unit 611 lowers the set temperature of the storage compartment when the integrated temperature value calculated by the temperature integration unit 612 is equal to or higher than a preset fourth reference value. The fourth reference value may be the same as or different from the first reference value described above.

[0064] In this case, the cooling control unit 611 may continue to keep the set temperature of the storage chamber lowered until the increase in the temperature integrated value with respect to the set temperature can be offset. For example, when calculating the temperature integrated value based on the set temperature, that is, when calculating the temperature integrated value by integrating the difference between the temperature in the storage chamber and the set temperature, if the temperature in the storage chamber is higher than the set temperature, the temperature integrated value becomes positive, and if the temperature in the storage chamber is lower than the set temperature, the temperature integrated value becomes negative. In this case, the increase in the temperature integrated value with respect to the set temperature is the temperature integrated value when it becomes a positive value. Also, when the set temperature of the storage chamber is changed and the temperature in the storage chamber drops below the set temperature before the change, the subsequent temperature integrated value becomes negative. And when the absolute values of the temperature integrated value when it becomes a positive value and the temperature integrated value when it becomes a negative value are equal, the increase in the temperature integrated value with respect to the set temperature is offset.

[0065] Next, an example of the operation of the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10. The process shown in the figure starts when the refrigerator 1 is powered on or when the operation unit 6a of the operation panel 6 is operated and a specific mode is selected.

[0066] First, in step S101, the temperature integration unit 612 of the control device 600 resets the first timer T. In the subsequent step S102, the temperature integration unit 612 resets the temperature integrated value S to 0. Then, the temperature integration unit 612 starts counting the first timer T. After step S102, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S103.

[0067] In step S103, the temperature integration unit 612 determines whether the freezer door 9 is opened. If the freezer door 9 is opened, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S104. In step S104, the temperature integration unit 612 resets the second timer t and starts counting the second timer t. In the subsequent step S105, the temperature integration unit 612 resets the section integration value ΔS to 0. Then, in the subsequent step S106, the temperature integration unit 612 determines whether the temperature θ in the freezer 500 is higher than the set temperature θL. If the temperature θ in the freezer 500 is higher than the set temperature θL, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S107.

[0068] In step S107, the temperature integration unit 612 calculates the product of the temperature rise rate and time ΔSi = (θ - θL) × Δt. Here, Δt is a preset time width (for example, Δt = 1 minute). In the subsequent step S108, the temperature integration unit 612 calculates ΔS = ΔS + ΔSi. That is, the ΔSi calculated in step S107 is added to the section integration value ΔS to update ΔS. After step S108, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S109.

[0069] In step S109, the temperature integration unit 612 determines whether the freezer door 9 is closed. If the state where the freezer door 9 remains open without being closed continues, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S110. In step S110, the temperature integration unit 612 determines whether the count of the second timer t has elapsed by Δt. If the count of the second timer t has elapsed by Δt, the control device 600 returns to step S104 to continue the process. In this way, every time the count of the second timer t elapses by Δt, the processes from step S104 to S109 are repeated. And if the freezer door 9 is closed in step S109, the control device 600 then performs the process of step S111.

[0070] In step S111, the temperature integration unit 612 calculates S = S + ΔS. That is, the temperature integration unit 612 adds the segment integration value ΔS to the temperature integration value S to update the temperature integration value S. In the subsequent step S112, the notification control unit 613 determines whether the temperature integration value S is equal to or greater than the first reference value S1. If the temperature integration value S is equal to or greater than the first reference value S1, then in step S113, the notification control unit 613 causes the notification unit 6b to perform notification. Then, the control device 600 proceeds to the process of step S114. On the other hand, if the temperature integration value S is less than the first reference value S1 in step S112, the control device 600 proceeds to the process of step S114 without performing the notification in step S113.

[0071] In step S114, the temperature integration unit 612 determines whether the count of the first timer T has elapsed by T1. If the count of the first timer T has not elapsed by T1, the control device 600 returns to step S103 to continue the process. On the other hand, if the count of the first timer T has elapsed by T1, the control device 600 returns to step S101 to continue the process.

[0072] Next, a modification example of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In this modification example, the refrigerator 1 further includes a communication unit 20. The communication unit 20 is communicably connected to the control device 600. Note that the communication unit 20 may be built into the control device 600. The communication unit 20 is capable of communicating with the terminal device 0 via the network 30. The terminal device 0 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, a smartwatch, a smart speaker, a smart TV, or the like. The terminal device 0 can realize a function equivalent to that of the operation panel 6, for example, by executing a dedicated application.

[0073] The network 30 includes communication lines for digital or analog signals such as power lines, infrared rays, non-infrared rays, wireless, public lines, optical cables, ISDN, ADSL, the Internet, and satellites. The communication unit 20 is an interface capable of transmitting and receiving digital or analog signals. When performing wired communication, the communication unit 20 includes, for example, a serial interface or a driver. When performing wireless communication, the communication unit 20 includes, for example, a communication module compatible with a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0074] In such a modification, the user can use the terminal device 40 to know the temperature inside the freezer 500 and the storage period of the food. Also, in this modification, when the temperature integration value calculated by the temperature integration unit 612 becomes equal to or greater than the above-mentioned first reference value, the notification control unit 613 may cause the communication unit 20 to transmit the information about the storage room described above to the terminal device 0. In this case, the communication unit 20 is a communication means for transmitting information about the storage room to the outside of the main body of the refrigerator 1 when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage room becomes equal to or greater than the above-mentioned first reference value. According to such a modification, the user can know the state inside the freezer 500, the storage period of the food, the quality of the food, etc. even when not near the refrigerator 1, improving convenience.

[0075] In addition to the freezer 500, the same control may be implemented in other storage rooms such as the refrigerator compartment 100, the switching compartment 200, and the vegetable compartment 400. Also, the same control may be implemented not only in one storage room but also in a plurality of storage rooms.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of the control device 600 in this embodiment. The functions of the control device 600 are realized, for example, by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may include a processor 601 and a memory 602. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 603. A part of the processing circuit may be formed as dedicated hardware 603, and the processing circuit may further include a processor 601 and a memory 602. In the example shown in the figure, a part of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 603. Also, in the example shown in the figure, the processing circuit further includes a processor 601 and a memory 602.

[0077] Examples of the processing circuit in which a part is at least one piece of dedicated hardware 603 include a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 601 and at least one memory 602, the functions of the control device 600 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0078] Software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory 602. The processor 601 realizes the functions of each part by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 602. The processor 601 is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. Examples of the memory 602 include non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, mini-disks, and DVDs.

[0079] In this way, the processing circuit of the control device 600 can implement each function of the control device 600 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuit of the control device 600 includes at least the processor 601 and the memory 602, the processor 601 executes the program stored in the memory 602 in the control device 600, and the functions of each part included in the control device 600 are realized by the cooperation of the hardware and software of the control device 600. Note that the refrigerator 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the operation is controlled by a single control device 600. The refrigerator 1 may be controlled to operate by the cooperation of a plurality of devices.

[0080] In addition, in the present disclosure, each embodiment and each modification example may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are collectively described below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A main body in which a storage chamber for storing food is formed, A door provided on the main body and capable of opening and closing the storage chamber, Cooling means for cooling the inside of the storage chamber, A control device for controlling the cooling means, Temperature acquisition means for acquiring time-series data of the temperature inside the storage chamber, and comprising, The control device has a temperature integration unit that integrates the temperature inside the storage chamber, A refrigerator further comprising a notification unit that notifies when the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value. (Appendix 2) The control device has a cooling control unit that controls the cooling means so that the temperature inside the storage chamber becomes the set temperature, The refrigerator according to Appendix 1, wherein the temperature integration unit calculates the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber by integrating the difference between the temperature inside the storage chamber and the set temperature. (Appendix 3) The refrigerator according to Appendix 2, wherein the cooling control unit changes the set temperature according to the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber. (Appendix 4) The control device has a cooling control unit that controls the cooling means so that the temperature in the storage chamber becomes the set temperature. The refrigerator according to appended note 1, wherein the cooling control unit changes the set temperature according to the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber. (Appended note 5) The refrigerator according to any one of appended notes 2 to 4, wherein the temperature integration unit calculates the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber when the difference between the temperature in the storage chamber and the set temperature is equal to or greater than a preset second reference value. (Appended note 6) The refrigerator further includes door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening and closing of the door. The refrigerator according to any one of appended notes 1 to 5, wherein the temperature integration unit starts calculating the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber when the door is opened. (Appended note 7) The refrigerator according to any one of appended notes 1 to 6, wherein the notification unit notifies information about the storage chamber when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber becomes equal to or greater than the first reference value. (Appended note 8) The refrigerator according to appended note 7, wherein the information about the storage chamber notified by the notification unit includes information about the temperature in the storage chamber. (Appended note 9) The refrigerator according to appended note 7 or 8, wherein the information about the storage chamber notified by the notification unit includes information about the shelf life of the food stored in the storage chamber. (Appended note 10) The refrigerator according to any one of appended notes 7 to 9, wherein the information about the storage chamber notified by the notification unit includes information about the quality deterioration of the food stored in the storage chamber. (Appended note 11) The refrigerator according to any one of appended notes 7 to 10, further including communication means for transmitting information about the storage chamber to the outside of the main body when the integrated value of the temperature in the storage chamber becomes equal to or greater than the first reference value.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0081] 1 Refrigerator 2 Compressor 3 Cooler 4 Blower Fan 5 Air Duct 6 Operation Panel 6a Operation Unit 6b Notification Unit 7 Refrigerator Door 7a Right Door 7b Left Door 9 Freezer Door 10 Door Open / Close Detection Switch 11 Freezer Thermistor 12 Freezer Damper 20 Communication Unit 30 Network 40 Terminal Device 90 Heat Insulation Box 100 Refrigerator Compartment 200 Switching Compartment 201 Switching Compartment Storage Case 300 Ice Making Compartment 400 Vegetable Compartment 401 Vegetable Compartment Storage Case 500 Freezer Compartment 501 Freezer Compartment Storage Case 600 Control Device 601 Processor 602 Memory 603 Dedicated Hardware 611 Cooling Control Unit 612 Temperature Integration Unit 613 Notification Control Unit

Claims

1. A main body formed with a storage chamber for storing food, a door provided on the main body and capable of opening and closing the storage chamber, cooling means for cooling the inside of the storage chamber, a control device for controlling the cooling means, and temperature acquisition means for acquiring time-series data of the temperature inside the storage chamber, and comprising: the control device has a temperature integration unit for integrating the temperature inside the storage chamber, a refrigerator further comprising a notification unit for notifying when the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches a preset first reference value or more.

2. the control device has a cooling control unit for controlling the cooling means so that the temperature inside the storage chamber becomes a set temperature, the refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the temperature integration unit calculates the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber by integrating the difference between the temperature inside the storage chamber and the set temperature.

3. the refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the cooling control unit changes the set temperature according to the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber.

4. the control device has a cooling control unit for controlling the cooling means so that the temperature inside the storage chamber becomes a set temperature, the refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the cooling control unit changes the set temperature according to the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber.

5. the refrigerator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the temperature integration unit calculates the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber when the difference between the temperature inside the storage chamber and the set temperature is a preset second reference value or more.

6. further comprising door opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening and closing of the door, the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature integration unit starts calculating the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber when the door is opened.

7. the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification unit notifies information regarding the storage chamber when the integrated value of the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first reference value or more.

8. the refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the information regarding the storage chamber notified by the notification unit includes information on the temperature inside the storage chamber.

9. the refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the information regarding the storage chamber notified by the notification unit includes information on the shelf life of the food stored inside the storage chamber.

10. the refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the information regarding the storage chamber notified by the notification unit includes information on the quality deterioration of the food stored inside the storage chamber.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising communication means for transmitting information regarding the storage compartment to the outside of the main body when an integrated value of the temperature in the storage compartment becomes equal to or greater than the first reference value.

Images