Cooling device

Abstract

To provide a cooling device capable of effectively performing power saving control while sufficiently cooling a storage space.SOLUTION: A cooling device 100 includes a cooling part 130, a storage part 120, a detection part 140, and a control part 110. The cooling part 130 cools a storage space. The storage part 120 stores a control schedule to perform normal control of the cooling part 130 for every time zone T sectioned by a predetermined period or perform power saving control having less power consumption than the normal control. The detection part 140 detects the use of the cooling device 100. The control part 110 changes the power saving control into the predetermined control according to the detection part 140 detecting that the cooling device 100 is used during executing the power saving control on the basis of the control schedule SC. The control part 110 determines to continue predetermined control until a predetermined timing of the time zone T.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling device. [Background technology]

[0002] The refrigerator-freezer control device described in Patent Document 1 reduces power consumption by setting the target temperature inside the refrigerator high during times of low usage such as at night. For example, the refrigerator-freezer control device described in Patent Document 1 reduces power consumption by increasing the set temperatures of the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment during times of low usage (between 10 PM and 4 AM (at night)). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-285431 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the refrigerator-freezer control device described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to effectively perform power-saving control. For example, when a refrigerator-freezer is used during a low-use time period, the set temperatures of the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment may remain high for a while. As a result, the inside of the refrigerator may not be cooled sufficiently.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a cooling device that can effectively perform power saving control while sufficiently cooling the storage space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cooling device according to the present disclosure includes a cooling unit, a memory unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. The cooling unit cools an accommodation space. The memory unit stores a control schedule for each time period separated by a predetermined period, which determines whether to perform normal control on the cooling unit or power-saving control that consumes less power than the normal control. The detection unit detects that the cooling unit has been used. The control unit changes the power-saving control to predetermined control in response to the detection unit detecting that the cooling unit has been used while the power-saving control is being executed based on the control schedule. The control unit determines to continue the predetermined control until a predetermined time in the time period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively save power consumption of the cooling device while sufficiently cooling the storage space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart showing a power saving control method for a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a control method of a control unit for a cooling unit of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a power saving control method for a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a power saving control method for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] A refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a refrigerator 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0011] The refrigerator 100 cools stored objects, such as food or beverages. The refrigerator 100 is placed in a home kitchen or dining room. The refrigerator 100 is an example of a "cooling device."

[0012] The refrigerator 100 includes a first refrigerating compartment 10, a second refrigerating compartment 20, and a freezer compartment 30.

[0013] The first refrigerator compartment 10 constitutes the first storage space 10a. Specifically, the first refrigerator compartment 10 constitutes the first storage space 10a that stores objects. In other words, the first refrigerator compartment 10 is a storage section that stores objects. Objects stored in the first storage space 10a of the first refrigerator compartment 10 are cooled. For example, in the first refrigerator compartment 10, the objects are cooled to a temperature of 1 degree or higher. The first storage space 10a, the second storage space 20a, and the third storage space 30a correspond to examples of "storage spaces."

[0014] The first refrigerator compartment 10 has a first door section 11. The first refrigerator compartment 10 has an opening. More specifically, the first refrigerator compartment 10 is box-shaped with a portion open. The first refrigerator compartment 10 corresponds to an example of a "main body section." The first door section 11 opens and closes the opening of the first refrigerator compartment 10. In other words, the first door section 11 opens or closes the opening. The first door section 11 corresponds to an example of a "door section."

[0015] The second refrigerator compartment 20 forms a second storage space 20a. Specifically, the second refrigerator compartment 20 forms the second storage space 20a that stores objects. In other words, the second refrigerator compartment 20 is a storage section that stores objects. Objects stored in the second storage space 20a of the second refrigerator compartment 20 are cooled. For example, in the second refrigerator compartment 20, the objects are cooled to a temperature of 4 degrees or higher.

[0016] The second refrigerator compartment 20 has a second door section 21. The second refrigerator compartment 20 has an opening. More specifically, the second refrigerator compartment 20 is box-shaped with a portion open. The second refrigerator compartment 20 corresponds to an example of a "main body section." The second door section 21 opens and closes the opening of the second refrigerator compartment 20. In other words, the second door section 21 opens or closes the opening. The second door section 21 corresponds to an example of a "door section."

[0017] The freezer compartment 30 forms a third storage space 30a. Specifically, the freezer compartment 30 forms the third storage space 30a that stores an object. In other words, the freezer compartment 30 is a storage section that stores an object. An object stored in the third storage space 30a of the freezer compartment 30 is cooled. Specifically, an object stored in the freezer compartment 30 freezes when cooled. The object is, for example, water. For example, water stored in the freezer compartment 30 is cooled and turns into ice.

[0018] The freezer compartment 30 has a third door section 31. The freezer compartment 30 has an opening. More specifically, the freezer compartment 30 is box-shaped with a partial opening. The freezer compartment 30 corresponds to an example of a "main body section." The third door section 31 opens and closes the opening of the freezer compartment 30. In other words, the third door section 31 opens or closes the opening. The third door section 31 corresponds to an example of a "door section."

[0019] Next, the refrigerator 100 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the refrigerator 100 according to this embodiment.

[0020] The refrigerator 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a cooling unit 130, an open / close detection unit 140, and a timer unit 150.

[0021] Control unit 110 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and a storage device. For example, control unit 110 receives various signals from each element of refrigerator 100 and controls each element of refrigerator 100 based on the received signals. Specifically, control unit 110 controls each element of refrigerator 100, such as storage unit 120, cooling unit 130, open / close detection unit 140, and timing unit 150. For example, control unit 110 controls cooling unit 130 based on a control schedule. The control schedule will be described later with reference to FIG. 3. Open / close detection unit 140 corresponds to an example of a "detection unit."

[0022] The memory unit 120 stores data and computer programs. For example, the memory unit 120 temporarily stores data necessary for each process of the control unit 110, and stores setting data for the cooling unit 130. The memory unit 120 stores, for example, a control schedule. The control schedule indicates whether to perform normal control or power-saving control on the cooling unit 130. Power-saving control indicates control that consumes less power than normal control. The memory unit 120 includes storage devices (main storage device and auxiliary storage device), and includes, for example, a memory and a hard disk drive. The memory unit 120 may also include removable media. Normal control and power-saving control are examples of "predetermined control."

[0023] The cooling section 130 cools the first storage space 10a of the first refrigerator compartment 10, the second storage space 20a of the second refrigerator compartment 20, and the third storage space 30a of the freezer compartment 30.

[0024] The cooling unit 130 includes a refrigerant, refrigerant piping, a compression unit, a condensation unit, an expansion unit, an evaporation unit, a fan 132, a cold air passage, and a damper. The fan 132 is an example of a "blower." The refrigerant transports heat. The refrigerant piping guides the refrigerant. The refrigerant piping connects the compression unit, condensation unit, expansion unit, and evaporation unit, and the refrigerant circulates among the compression unit, condensation unit, expansion unit, and evaporation unit.

[0025] The compression section compresses the liquid refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure. The condensation section dissipates heat from the gas that has been heated and compressed in the compression section, converting it into a room-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The expansion section rapidly reduces the pressure on the room-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant, vaporizing it. The vaporized refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding air in the evaporation section, liquefying it and cooling the surrounding air. The fan 132 sends the cooled air into the cold air passage. The cold air passage guides the cold air to the first storage space 10a of the first refrigerator compartment 10, the second storage space 20a of the second refrigerator compartment 20, and the third storage space 30a of the freezer compartment 30.

[0026] The open / close detection unit 140 is an open / close sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door unit. The open / close detection unit 140 detects that the opening is opened or that the opening is closed. More specifically, the open / close detection unit 140 detects that the door unit is opened and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 110. The open / close detection unit 140 also detects that the door unit is closed and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 110. In other words, the open / close detection unit 140 detects that the refrigerator 100 is being used.

[0027] Specifically, for example, the open / close detection unit 140 is disposed at the opening of the first refrigerator compartment 10. The open / close detection unit 140 detects that the first door unit 11 is opened, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 110. The open / close detection unit 140 also detects that the first door unit 11 is closed, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 110.

[0028] Furthermore, the refrigerator 100 may have multiple open / close detectors 140. For example, the refrigerator 100 has three open / close detectors 140. One of the three open / close detectors 140 detects, for example, the open / close operation of the first door section 11. Another of the three open / close detectors 140 detects, for example, the open / close operation of the second door section 21. Another of the three open / close detectors 140 detects, for example, the open / close operation of the third door section 31.

[0029] The timekeeping unit 150 keeps time. The timekeeping unit 150 is, for example, a real time clock.

[0030] The control schedule SC will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the control schedule SC.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the memory unit 120 stores a control schedule SC. The control schedule SC indicates whether to perform normal control or power-saving control for each time period T separated by a predetermined period t in a day. Normal control, for example, indicates that the temperature of the first accommodation space 10a is set to a set temperature of 1 degree or more and 5 degrees or less, and the control unit 110 controls the cooling unit 130. Power-saving control indicates that the control unit 110 controls the cooling unit 130 so that power consumption is less than that of normal control. Power-saving control, for example, indicates that the temperature of the first accommodation space 10a is set to a set temperature of 4 degrees or more and 7 degrees or less, and the control unit 110 controls the cooling unit 130.

[0032] In this embodiment, the predetermined period t is, for example, one hour. That is, in this embodiment, the control schedule SC includes 24 time periods T. Note that the predetermined period t is not limited to one hour. For example, the predetermined period t may be 30 minutes or two hours. In this embodiment, the control schedule SC is common to all days of the week. Note that the control schedule SC may be divided into "weekdays (Monday to Friday)" and "holidays (Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays)." Alternatively, the control schedule SC may be divided by day of the week.

[0033] The control unit 110 controls the cooling unit 130 based on the control schedule SC. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 110 performs power-saving control on the cooling unit 130 from 0:00 to 6:00. The control unit 110 performs normal control on the cooling unit 130 from 6:00 to 9:00. The control unit 110 performs power-saving control on the cooling unit 130 from 9:00 to 17:00. The control unit 110 performs normal control on the cooling unit 130 from 15:00 to 22:00. The control unit 110 performs power-saving control on the cooling unit 130 from 22:00 to 24:00.

[0034] The control unit 110 learns the usage status of the refrigerator 100 for each time period T based on the detection results of the open / close detection unit 140. Specifically, the control unit 110 stores in the memory unit 120 the time periods T during which the doors of the refrigerator 100 (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) are opened and closed for a certain period of time. The certain period is, for example, one month.

[0035] The control unit 110 determines the control schedule SC based on the learning results of the usage status. For example, the control unit 110 calculates the percentage of days during which the refrigerator 100 is in use for each time period T in a month (e.g., 30 days), and determines the time period T during which the refrigerator 100 is not in use for a certain percentage or more as the time period T for which power-saving control is to be performed. For example, the control unit 110 determines the time period T during which the refrigerator 100 is in use for less than 50% of the month (e.g., less than 15 days) as the time period T for which power-saving control is to be performed. As another example, the control unit 110 calculates the cumulative number of times the door of the refrigerator 100 is opened and closed and the cumulative duration of the door open during each time period T in a month (e.g., 30 days), and determines the time period T for which power-saving control is to be performed as the time period T for which power-saving control is to be performed. In other words, the control unit 110 determines the time period T during which the refrigerator 100 is unlikely to be used as the time period T for which power-saving control is to be performed. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 110 determines, as the time slots T for power-saving control, time slots T included in 0:00 to 6:00 and time slots T included in 22:00 to 24:00, when the user is asleep and the refrigerator 100 is unlikely to be used. The control unit 110 also determines, as the time slots T for power-saving control, time slots T included in 9:00 to 17:00, when the user is at work and the refrigerator 100 is unlikely to be used. The control unit 110 also determines, as the time slots T for normal control, time slots T for normal control, time slots T included in 6:00 to 9:00 and time slots T included in 17:00 to 22:00, when the user is at home and preparing and eating meals and the refrigerator 100 is likely to be used.

[0036] A power saving control method for the refrigerator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the power saving control method for the refrigerator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The control method is determined by performing the processes of steps S102 to S112 shown in Fig. 4 as needed.

[0037] Step S102: The control unit 110 acquires the current time. Specifically, the control unit 110 acquires the current time measured by the clock unit 150. The process proceeds to step S104.

[0038] Step S104: The control unit 110 determines the current time slot T. More specifically, the control unit 110 determines the current time slot T based on the control schedule SC stored in the storage unit 120 and the current time. The process proceeds to step S106.

[0039] Step S106: The control unit 110 determines what the control schedule SC is for the current time slot T. Specifically, the control unit 110 determines whether the control schedule SC for the current time slot T is normal control or power-saving control. If the control unit 110 determines that the control schedule SC for the current time slot T is power-saving control (step S106: power-saving control), the process proceeds to step S110. If the control unit 110 determines that the control schedule SC for the current time slot T is normal control (step S106: normal control), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0040] Step S108: The control unit 110 performs normal control on the cooling unit 130. The process ends.

[0041] Step S110: Control unit 110 determines whether open / close detection unit 140 has detected something during the current time period. If control unit 110 determines that open / close detection unit 140 has detected something during the current time period (Step S110: Yes), the process proceeds to Step S108. If control unit 110 determines that open / close detection unit 140 has not detected something during the current time period (Step S110: No), the process proceeds to Step S112.

[0042] Step S112: The control unit 110 performs power saving control on the cooling unit 130. The process ends.

[0043] When the open / close detection unit 140 detects that the refrigerator 100 has been used while the power-saving control is being executed based on the control schedule SC, the control unit 110 changes the power-saving control to predetermined control. Changing to predetermined control includes switching to a control different from the power-saving control. In this embodiment, the predetermined control is normal control. In this embodiment, when the open / close detection unit 140 detects that the refrigerator 100 has been used while the power-saving control is being executed based on the control schedule SC, the control unit 110 switches the power-saving control to normal control (step S110: Yes) or maintains the power-saving control (step S110: No).

[0044] The control unit 110 determines to continue the predetermined control until a predetermined time in the time slot T. In this embodiment, the predetermined time is the end of the time slot T. In this embodiment, the control unit 110 determines to continue the normal control until the end of the time slot T. In this embodiment, if the open / close detection unit 140 detects that any of the door units (the first door unit 11, the second door unit 21, and the third door unit 31) has been opened or closed even once during the current time slot T, the control unit 110 changes the control of the cooling unit 130 to normal control and maintains the normal control until the end of the current time slot T. Then, when the next time slot begins, the control unit 110 determines whether to execute normal control or power-saving control based on the control schedule SC. Therefore, the normal control continues until the end of the time slot T during which the door units (the first door unit 11, the second door unit 21, and the third door unit 31) were opened or closed. As a result, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise in the storage space due to the door units (the first door unit 11, the second door unit 21, and the third door unit 31) being opened. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the cooling efficiency from decreasing due to frequent switching between power saving control and normal control during the same time period T.

[0045] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the control unit 110 changes the power-saving control to predetermined control in response to the open / close detection unit 140 (detection unit) detecting that the refrigerator 100 (cooling device) has been used while the power-saving control is being executed based on the control schedule SC. The control unit 110 determines to continue the predetermined control until a predetermined time in the time slot T. For example, if the open / close detection unit 140 (detection unit) detects that the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) have been opened or closed during the current time slot T, the control unit 110 determines to maintain the normal control of the cooling unit 130 until a predetermined time in the current time slot T. Therefore, the normal control is continued until the predetermined time in the current time slot T. As a result, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise in the storage space due to the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) being opened. Therefore, it is possible to effectively perform power-saving control while sufficiently cooling the storage space.

[0046] Furthermore, the predetermined control is normal control. Therefore, the control unit 110 changes the power-saving control to normal control in response to the open / close detection unit 140 (detection unit) detecting that the refrigerator 100 (cooling device) has been used while power-saving control is being executed based on the control schedule SC. The control unit 110 determines to continue the normal control until the predetermined time in the time slot T. Therefore, the normal control continues until the predetermined time in the current time slot T. As a result, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise in the storage space caused by the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) being opened. Therefore, it is possible to effectively perform power-saving control while sufficiently cooling the storage space.

[0047] Furthermore, the predetermined time is the end of time slot T, and therefore the control unit 110 determines to continue normal control (predetermined control) until the end of time slot T. As a result, if the open / close detection unit 140 detects that the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) have been opened or closed even once during the current time slot T, the control unit 110 changes the control of the cooling unit 130 to normal control and maintains normal control until the end of the current time slot T. Then, when the next time slot begins, the control unit 110 determines whether to execute normal control or power-saving control based on the control schedule SC. Therefore, normal control continues until the end of time slot T during which the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) were opened or closed, and as a result, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise in the storage space due to the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) being opened. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the cooling efficiency from decreasing due to frequent switching between power saving control and normal control during the same time period T.

[0048] [Embodiment 2] 1 to 3 and 5, a control method of the control unit 110 for the cooling unit 130 of the refrigerator 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control method of the control unit 110 for the cooling unit 130 of the refrigerator 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control method of the control unit 110 when the refrigerator 100 is used during a time period T in which the control schedule SC is for power saving control.

[0049] In Fig. 5, the star marks indicate the times when the doors (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) were opened or closed, that is, the times when the refrigerator 100 was used. In other words, the star marks indicate the times when the open / close detection section 140 detected that the refrigerator 100 was used. In this specification, the times when the open / close detection section 140 detected that the refrigerator 100 was used may be referred to as the detection time.

[0050] 5, "normal" indicates that control unit 110 performs normal control. "power saving" indicates that control unit 110 performs power saving control.

[0051] In FIG. 5 , “fan speed” indicates that the control unit 110 performs fan speed control. The fan speed control indicates that the control unit 110 controls the fan 132 to increase the airflow speed (rotation speed) of the fan 132 for a predetermined period. For example, while the rotation speed of the fan 132 is 1000 rpm in normal control and power-saving control, the control unit 110 controls the fan 132 to increase the rotation speed of the fan 132 to 1500 rpm in fan speed control. Increasing the airflow speed of the fan 132 for a predetermined period can promote heat exchange in the cooling unit 130. As a result, the cooling capacity of the accommodation spaces (the first accommodation space 10a, the second accommodation space 20a, and the third accommodation space 30a) can be temporarily increased. In this embodiment, the predetermined period refers to the period up to the end of each of the first and second halves of the current time period. The fan speed control is an example of “predetermined control.”

[0052] In the fan speed control, the same set temperature as in the power saving control (for example, the temperature of the first accommodation space 10a is set to 4 degrees or more and 7 degrees or less) and the control unit 110 controls the cooling unit 130. Therefore, the power saving effect can be maintained. In other words, the power saving control includes the fan speed control.

[0053] Patterns 2 and 6 shown in FIG. 5 indicate patterns in which the detection time is in the latter half of the current time slot T and the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is normal control. In other words, patterns 2 and 6 indicate cases in which the door sections (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) are opened or closed in the latter half of the current time slot T, and the previous time slot T is normal control. Patterns 2 and 6 are assumed to occur, for example, when the opening and closing time slots of the door sections (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) are shifted forward. For example, this is the case when the door sections (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) are opened or closed because the user comes home earlier than usual and has dinner earlier than usual. In this case, the control unit 110 changes from power-saving control to normal control in response to the open / close detection unit 140 detecting that the refrigerator 100 has been used during power-saving control. The control unit 110 determines to continue normal control until the end of the time slot T. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary control such as switching between normal control and power-saving control for a short period of time, and as a result, the refrigerator 100 can effectively save power.

[0054] Furthermore, as in patterns 2 and 6, when the open / close detection unit 140 detects that the cooling device has been used during power-saving control, if the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the latter half of the current time slot T and that the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is normal control, the control unit 110 changes from power-saving control to normal control and determines to continue normal control until the end of the time slot T. Therefore, the control unit 110 does not return to power-saving control again before the next time slot T. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary control from being performed, such as raising the inside temperature due to power-saving control for a short period of time and then lowering the temperature again with normal control. As a result, it is possible to effectively save power in the refrigerator 100.

[0055] Patterns 1 and 3 shown in FIG. 5 indicate patterns in which the detection time is in the first half of the current time slot T and the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is normal control. In other words, patterns 1 and 3 indicate cases in which the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) are opened and closed in the first half of the current time slot T, and the previous time slot T is under normal control. Patterns 1 and 3 are assumed to be cases in which the opening and closing time slots of the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) are shifted later, for example. Patterns 1 and 3 are cases in which the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31) are opened and closed because, for example, a person comes home later than usual and has dinner later than usual.

[0056] As in patterns 1 and 3, when the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the first half of the current time slot T, it continues the power-saving control. In this case, the previous time slot T was under normal control, and only a relatively short time has passed since the power-saving control started. Therefore, the cold energy that was cooled during the previous time slot T remains in the storage spaces (first storage space 10a, second storage space 20a, and third storage space 30a), and there is no need to rapidly cool the storage spaces (first storage space 10a, second storage space 20a, and third storage space 30a). For this reason, the control unit 110 continues the power-saving control. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary control from being performed. As a result, the refrigerator 100 can effectively save power.

[0057] Patterns 5 and 7 shown in FIG. 5 indicate patterns in which the detection time is in the first half of the current time slot T and the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is power-saving control. In other words, patterns 5 and 7 indicate cases in which the door sections (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) are opened and closed in the first half of the current time slot T, and the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is power-saving control. Patterns 5 and 7 are assumed to occur, for example, when the door sections (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) are opened and closed accidentally. For example, pattern 7 occurs when a user wakes up in the middle of the night during power-saving control and opens and closes the door sections (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) to drink a beverage stored in the refrigerator 100. In other words, this pattern is thought to be due to sudden behavior rather than habitual behavior by the user, and since the purpose of opening and closing the door is limited to specific foods (such as beverages), the door is not opened to a large extent or for a short time, and it is thought that there is little leakage of cold heat from the inside of the refrigerator.

[0058] As in patterns 5 and 7, when the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the first half of the current time slot T and the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is power-saving control, it continues power-saving control. Furthermore, when the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the first half of the current time slot T and the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is power-saving control, it controls the fan 132 to increase its airflow speed until the end of the first half of the current time slot T. Therefore, by opening the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31), it is possible to temporarily improve cooling within the storage spaces (first storage space 10a, second storage space 20a, and third storage space 30a) where temperatures have risen. As a result, it is possible to effectively maintain the freshness of objects (e.g., food and beverages) stored in the storage spaces (first storage space 10a, second storage space 20a, and third storage space 30a) while maintaining the power-saving effect.

[0059] Patterns 4 and 8 shown in FIG. 5 indicate patterns in which the detection time occurs in the latter half of the current time slot T, and the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is power-saving control. That is, patterns 4 and 8 indicate cases in which the door sections (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) are opened or closed in the latter half of the current time slot T, and the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is power-saving control. Patterns 4 and 8 are assumed to occur, for example, when the door sections (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) are opened or closed accidentally. For example, pattern 8 is a case in which a user wakes up in the middle of the night during power-saving control and opens or closes the door sections (first door section 11, second door section 21, and third door section 31) to drink a beverage stored in the refrigerator 100. That is, like patterns 5 and 7, this pattern is also considered to be caused by a sudden action by the user, and leakage of cold heat from the refrigerator is considered to be small.

[0060] As in patterns 4 and 8, when the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the latter half of the current time slot T and the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is power-saving control, it continues power-saving control. Furthermore, when the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the latter half of the current time slot T and the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is power-saving control, it controls the fan 132 to increase the airflow speed of the fan 132 until the end of the current time slot T. Therefore, by opening the door units (first door unit 11, second door unit 21, and third door unit 31), it is possible to temporarily improve cooling within the storage spaces (first storage space 10a, second storage space 20a, and third storage space 30a) where temperatures have risen. As a result, it is possible to effectively maintain the freshness of objects (e.g., food and beverages) stored in the storage spaces (first storage space 10a, second storage space 20a, and third storage space 30a) while maintaining the power-saving effect.

[0061] Next, a power saving control method for the refrigerator 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the power saving control method for the refrigerator 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The control method is determined by executing the processes of steps S202 to S210 shown in Figure 7 and steps S212 to S224 shown in Figure 6.

[0062] Step S202: The control unit 110 acquires the current time. Specifically, the control unit 110 acquires the current time measured by the clock unit 150. The process proceeds to step S204.

[0063] Step S204: The control unit 110 determines the current time slot T. More specifically, the control unit 110 determines the current time slot T based on the control schedule SC stored in the storage unit 120 and the current time. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the current time slot T is further divided into a first half and a second half, so the control unit 110 also determines whether the current time is in the first half or second half of the current time slot T. The process proceeds to step S206.

[0064] Step S206: The control unit 110 determines what the control schedule SC is for the current time slot T. Specifically, the control unit 110 determines whether the control schedule SC for the current time slot T is normal control or power-saving control. If the control unit 110 determines that the control schedule SC for the current time slot T is power-saving control (step S206: power-saving control), the process proceeds to step S210. If the control unit 110 determines that the control schedule SC for the current time slot T is normal control (step S206: normal control), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0065] Step S208: The control unit 110 performs normal control on the cooling unit 130. The process ends.

[0066] Step S210: Control unit 110 determines whether open / close detection unit 140 has detected something during the current time period. If control unit 110 determines that open / close detection unit 140 has detected something during the current time period (step S210: Yes), the process proceeds to step S212 shown in Fig. 7. If control unit 110 determines that open / close detection unit 140 has not detected something during the current time period (step S210: No), the process ends while maintaining power saving control.

[0067] Step S212: The control unit 110 determines whether the detection time is in the first half or second half of the current time zone T. If it is determined that the detection time is in the second half of the current time zone T (step S212: second half), the process proceeds to step S220. If it is determined that the detection time is in the first half of the current time zone T (step S212: first half), the process proceeds to step S214.

[0068] Step S214: The control unit 110 determines whether the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is normal control or power-saving control. If the control unit 110 determines that the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is power-saving control (step S214: power-saving control), the process proceeds to step S218. If the control unit 110 determines that the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is normal control (step S214: normal control), the process proceeds to step S216.

[0069] Step S216: The control unit 110 continues the power saving control on the cooling unit 130. The process ends. The process of step S216 corresponds to pattern 1 and pattern 3 shown in FIG.

[0070] Step S218: The control unit 110 continues the power saving control on the cooling unit 130, and controls the fan 132 to increase the airflow speed of the fan 132 until the end of the first half of the current time period T. The processing ends. The processing of step S218 corresponds to pattern 5 and pattern 7 shown in FIG. 4.

[0071] Step S220: The control unit 110 determines whether the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is normal control or power-saving control. If the control unit 110 determines that the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is power-saving control (step S220: power-saving control), the process proceeds to step S224. If the control unit 110 determines that the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is normal control (step S220: normal control), the process proceeds to step S222.

[0072] Step S222: The control unit 110 changes the control of the cooling unit 130 from power saving control to normal control, and continues the normal control until the end of the time slot T. The processing ends. The processing of step S222 corresponds to pattern 2 and pattern 6 shown in FIG. 4.

[0073] Step S224: The control unit 110 continues the power saving control on the cooling unit 130, and controls the fan 132 to increase the airflow speed of the fan 132 until the end of the current time slot T. The processing ends. The processing of step S224 corresponds to pattern 4 and pattern 8 shown in FIG. 4.

[0074] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the control unit 110 changes from power-saving control to normal control when the open / close detection unit 140 (detection unit) detects that the refrigerator 100 (cooling device) has been used during power-saving control based on the control schedule SC. The control unit 110 determines to continue normal control until the end of the time period. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary control from being performed by switching between normal control and power-saving control for a short period of time. As a result, the refrigerator 100 can effectively save power.

[0075] Furthermore, when the open / close detection unit 140 (detection unit) detects that the refrigerator 100 (cooling device) has been used during power-saving control, the control unit 110 determines whether to continue the power-saving control or switch to normal control based on the control schedule SC of the preceding and following time slots T and the detection time. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary control such as switching between normal control and power-saving control for a short period of time. As a result, the refrigerator 100 can effectively save power.

[0076] When the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the first half of the current time slot T and that the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is normal control, the control unit 110 continues the power-saving control. In this case, the previous time slot T was normal control, and only a relatively short time has passed since the power-saving control started. Therefore, the cold energy that was cooled during the previous time slot T remains in the storage spaces (the first storage space 10a, the second storage space 20a, and the third storage space 30a), and there is no need to rapidly cool the storage spaces (the first storage space 10a, the second storage space 20a, and the third storage space 30a). For this reason, the control unit 110 continues the power-saving control. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary control from being performed. As a result, the refrigerator 100 can effectively save power.

[0077] Furthermore, when the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the latter half of the current time slot T and that the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is normal control, it changes the power-saving control to normal control and determines to continue the normal control until the end of the time slot T. Therefore, the control unit 110 does not return to power-saving control again before the next time slot T. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary control such as power-saving control for a very short time from being performed. As a result, it is possible to effectively save power in the refrigerator 100.

[0078] Furthermore, if the opening / closing detection unit 140 (detection unit) detects that the refrigerator 100 (cooling device) has been used during power saving control, and if the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the first half of the current time slot T and that the control schedule SC for the previous time slot T is power saving control, the control unit 110 controls the fan 132 (blower unit) to increase the rotation speed (air blowing speed) of the fan 132 (blower unit) until the end of the first half of the current time slot T. Furthermore, if the opening / closing detection unit 140 (detection unit) detects that the refrigerator 100 (cooling device) has been used during power saving control, and if the control unit 110 determines that the detection time is in the second half of the current time slot T and that the control schedule SC for the later time slot T is power saving control, the control unit 110 controls the fan 132 (blower unit) to increase the air blowing speed of the fan 132 (blower unit) until the end of the current time slot T. Therefore, by opening the doors (first door 11, second door 21, and third door 31), it is possible to temporarily improve the cooling of the storage spaces (first storage space 10a, second storage space 20a, and third storage space 30a) where the temperature has risen. As a result, it is possible to effectively maintain the freshness of objects (e.g., food and beverages) stored in the storage spaces (first storage space 10a, second storage space 20a, and third storage space 30a) while maintaining the power-saving effect.

[0079] In this embodiment, the control is changed based on whether the time detected by the open / close detection unit 140 is in the first half or second half of the current time period T, but this is not limited to this. For example, the first 1 / 3 of the time period T may be considered the "first half" and the last 2 / 3 may be considered the "second half."

[0080] Furthermore, it is not necessary to determine whether the time detected by the open / close detection unit 140 is in the first half or the second half of the current time period T. In this case, when prioritizing power saving during power saving control, control can be performed based on patterns 1, 3, 5, and 8, and when prioritizing suppressing the rise in temperature inside the refrigerator during power saving operation, control can be performed based on patterns 2, 4, 6, and 8.

[0081] The control unit 110 learns the usage status of the refrigerator 100 (cooling device) for each time period T based on the detection results of the open / close detection unit 140 (detection unit). The control unit 110 determines the control schedule SC based on the learning results of the usage status. Therefore, it is possible to save power according to the usage status of the refrigerator 100 (cooling device). As a result, it is possible to effectively save power in the refrigerator 100. In addition, the control schedule SC according to the usage status is automatically generated. Therefore, it is possible to save the user the trouble of setting the control schedule SC.

[0082] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 7). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual components due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially depart from the effects of the present disclosure.

[0083] In the refrigerator 100 described with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the control schedule SC is generated based on the learning results of the usage status of the refrigerator 100, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the control schedule SC may be generated based on setting information set by the user. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The cooling device according to the present disclosure has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10a First storage space (storage space) 20a Second storage space (storage space) 30a Third storage space (storage space) 100 Refrigerator (cooling device) 110 control section 120 Storage section 130 Cooling section 132 Fan (blower) 140 Open / close detection unit (detection unit) SC control plan T time slot

Claims

1. a cooling unit that cools the accommodation space; a storage unit that stores a control schedule for each time period divided into predetermined periods, in which normal control is performed on the cooling unit or power-saving control that consumes less power than the normal control is performed; a detection unit that detects that the cooling device has been used; Control unit and Equipped with The control unit, in response to the detection unit detecting that the cooling device has been used while the power saving control is being executed based on the control schedule, changes the power saving control to a predetermined control and determines to continue the predetermined control until a predetermined time in the time period.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined control is the normal control.

3. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined time is an end of the time period.

4. when the detection unit detects that the cooling device has been used during the power saving control, the control unit determines whether to continue the power saving control or switch to the normal control according to the control schedule for the preceding and following time periods and the detection time, The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection time indicates a time when the detection unit detects that the cooling device has been used.

5. When the detection unit detects that the cooling device has been used during the power saving control, The control unit If it is determined that the detected time is in the first half of the current time period, the power saving control is continued; 5. The cooling device of claim 4, wherein if it is determined that the detection time is in the latter half of the current time period and that the control schedule for the later time period is normal control, it is determined to change from the power saving control to normal control and to continue the normal control until the end of the time period.

6. the cooling unit has a blower that blows cooled air, When the detection unit detects that the cooling device has been used during the power saving control, The control unit When it is determined that the detection time is in the first half of the current time period and that the control schedule for the previous time period is the power saving control, the air blower is controlled to increase the air blowing speed of the air blower during the first half period of the current time period; 5. The cooling device of claim 4, wherein if it is determined that the detection time is in the latter half of the current time period and the control schedule for the later time period is the power saving control, the cooling device controls the blower unit to increase the blowing speed of the blower unit during the current time period.

7. The cooling device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit learns the usage status of the cooling device for each time period based on the detection results of the detection unit, and determines the control schedule based on the learning results of the usage status.

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