Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of improving its convenience.SOLUTION: The refrigerator in the embodiment includes a first detection part capable of detecting a human being, a communication part for receiving information about other equipment having a light detection part capable of detecting light, and a control part capable of switching between first operation and second operation to further save power consumption than the first operation. The control part controls the refrigerator on the basis of other equipment information generated based on the detection result of the light detection part until the state that a human being is not detected by the first detection part during executing the first operation continues for a predetermined time, and performs the second operation when the state that a human being is not detected by the first detection part continues for the predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator. [Background technology]

[0002] Refrigerators equipped with wireless communication units are known, and such refrigerators are expected to further improve convenience. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-033325 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The refrigerator of the embodiment includes a first detection unit capable of detecting a person, a communication unit that receives information about other devices that have a light detection unit that can detect light, and a control unit that can switch between a first operation and a second operation that can save more power consumption than the first operation, and while the first operation is being performed, the control unit controls the refrigerator based on other device information generated based on the detection results of the light detection unit until a state in which no person is detected by the first detection unit reaches a predetermined time, and performs the second operation when the state in which no person is detected by the first detection unit reaches the predetermined time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a home appliance system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]3 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 2 taken along line F3-F3. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of the home appliance system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of a refrigerator according to a first modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include a case where the refrigerator is based on another element in addition to XX. "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This also applies when there are three or more optional elements. "XX" and "YY" are any element (for example, any information). In this application, the side closer to a user standing in front of the refrigerator is defined as the "front," and the side further away from the user is defined as the "rear."

[0008] <Embodiment> (Home appliance systems) First, a home appliance system 1 including a refrigerator 100a will be described. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a home appliance system 1 according to an embodiment. The home appliance system 1 includes, for example, a refrigerator 100a, an air conditioner 100b, a server 200, and a terminal device 300. A network NW, which will be described later, may include one or more of the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) network, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWA), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), or other public lines or dedicated lines.

[0009] The refrigerator 100a is placed in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100a is connected to a network NW via, for example, a wireless router R and a modem M placed in the residence of the user U, and is capable of communicating with a server 200 via the network NW. This allows the refrigerator 100a to communicate with the terminal device 300 of the user U via the server 200. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100a can directly communicate with the air conditioner 100b and the terminal device 300 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this application, "short distance" refers to a distance close enough to mean the inside of the residence of the user U.

[0010] The air conditioner 100b is placed in the residence of the user U. The air conditioner 100b is connected to a network NW via, for example, a wireless router R and a modem M placed in the residence of the user U, and is able to communicate with a server 200 via the network NW. This allows the air conditioner 100b to communicate with the terminal device 300 of the user U via the server 200. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 100b is able to directly communicate with the refrigerator 100a and the terminal device 300 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. Details of the refrigerator 100a and the air conditioner 100b will be described later.

[0011] The server 200 provides services related to the settings and operation of the refrigerator 100a and the air conditioner 100b. The server 200 is configured, for example, by one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers) connected to a network NW. The server 200 is capable of communicating with the refrigerator 100a, the air conditioner 100b, and the terminal device 300 via the network NW. Note that the server 200 is not limited to a cloud server, and may be a computer in the residence of the user U, or a home router (e.g., wireless router R), etc.

[0012] The terminal device 300 is an external device used by a user U of the refrigerator 100a and the air conditioner 100b. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a mobile terminal device and may be a personal computer, a television receiver, a radio receiver, a music player, or other audio equipment.

[0013] In this embodiment, the terminal device 300 includes a display device 301 including a display screen capable of displaying various information, and an input receiving unit 302 capable of receiving input (including voice input) from the user U. The display device 301 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The input receiving unit 302 is, for example, a touch panel superimposed on the display screen of the display device 301, or a microphone that collects the voice of the user U. An application program P for changing the settings of, operating, and managing the refrigerator 100a and the air conditioner 100b is installed in the terminal device 300, and the terminal device 300 supports the functions described below.

[0014] (refrigerator) Next, the refrigerator 100a will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator 100a according to the embodiment. The refrigerator 100a has a refrigerator main body MB including the basic components of a refrigerator. The refrigerator main body MB has, for example, a housing 10, multiple doors 20, a cooling unit 30 (see Fig. 3), a communication unit 50 (see Fig. 3), and a control device 70 (see Fig. 3).

[0015] The housing 10 has an upper wall 10a, a lower wall 10b, left and right side walls 10c and 10d, and a rear wall 10e, and is box-shaped with an open front. The housing 10 includes, for example, an inner box that forms the inner surface of the housing 10, an outer box that forms the outer surface of the housing 10, and a foam insulation material provided between the inner box and the outer box, and has thermal insulation properties. The interior of the housing 10 is provided with a plurality of partitions 15, 16 (see FIG. 3) that divide the interior of the housing 10 into a plurality of storage chambers 11, which will be described later.

[0016] The housing 10 includes multiple storage compartments 11. The multiple storage compartments 11 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 11A, a chilled compartment 11Aa (see FIG. 3), a vegetable compartment 11B, an ice-making compartment 11C, a small freezer compartment 11D, and a main freezer compartment 11E. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 11A is located at the top, the vegetable compartment 11B is located below the refrigerator compartment 11A, the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D are located below the vegetable compartment 11B, and the main freezer compartment 11E is located below the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 11 is not limited to the above example. Each storage compartment 11 has an opening that allows food ingredients to be put in and taken out.

[0017] The openings of the multiple storage compartments 11 are openably and closably closed by multiple doors 20. The multiple doors 20 include left and right refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa and 20Ab that close the opening of refrigerator compartment 11A, vegetable compartment door 20B that closes the opening of vegetable compartment 11B, ice compartment door 20C that closes the opening of ice compartment 11C, small freezer compartment door 20D that closes the opening of small freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment door 20E that closes the opening of main freezer compartment 11E.

[0018] 3 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 100a taken along line F3-F3 in FIG. 2. Refrigerator body MB has cooling unit 30 that cools multiple storage compartments 11. Cooling unit 30 is an example of a "cooling section." Cooling unit 30 includes, for example, compressor 31, refrigeration cooler 32, refrigeration fan 33, freezer cooler 34, and freezer fan 35.

[0019] Compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant and supplies the compressed refrigerant to refrigerating cooler 32 and freezing cooler via a condenser 81 (see FIG. 4) and a capillary tube or the like.

[0020] The refrigeration cooler 32 is disposed in a first duct space D1 provided behind the refrigerator compartment 11A, and cools the air flowing through the first duct space D1 using refrigerant supplied from the compressor 31. The refrigeration fan 33 circulates the air (cold air) cooled by the refrigeration cooler 32 between the refrigerator temperature zone compartments (refrigerator compartment 11A, chilled compartment 11Aa, and vegetable compartment 11B) and the first duct space D1. This cools the refrigerator temperature zone compartments.

[0021] Freezer cooler 34 is disposed in second duct space D2 provided behind main freezer compartment 11E, and cools the air flowing through second duct space D2 using refrigerant supplied from compressor 31. Freezer fan 35 circulates the air (cold air) cooled by freezer cooler 34 between the freezer temperature zone compartments (ice-making compartment 11C, small freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment 11E) and second duct space D2. This cools the freezer temperature zone compartments.

[0022] The communication unit 50 (see FIG. 3) is a long-distance communication module capable of communicating with a device (e.g., server 200) located outside the user U's residence via, for example, a wireless router R and modem M installed in the same residence as the refrigerator 100a. In this application, "long distance" refers to a distance long enough to mean outside the user U's residence. The communication unit 50 is, for example, a wireless communication module for a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. However, the communication unit 50 is not limited to a wireless communication module and may be connected to the network NW via a cable connected to the refrigerator 100a. The communication unit 50 transmits, for example, information indicating the status of the refrigerator 100a to the server 200. The communication unit 50 also receives, from the server 200, control signals for remotely operating the refrigerator 100a.

[0023] The control device 70 has a circuit board and electronic components mounted on the circuit board. The control device 70 includes a control unit 110 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later. The control unit 110 comprehensively controls the entire refrigerator 100a. For example, the control unit 110 controls the operations of the above-mentioned three-way valve 83, compressor 31, refrigerating fan 33, freezing fan 35, etc.

[0024] (Refrigeration cycle equipment) Next, the cooling unit 30 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 80 according to an embodiment. The cooling unit 30 has a refrigeration cycle apparatus 80 including, for example, the compressor 31, the refrigeration cooler 32, and the refrigeration cooler 34 described above. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 80, the compressor 31, the condenser 81, the dryer 82, the three-way valve 83, the refrigeration capillary tube 84, the refrigeration capillary tube 85, the refrigeration cooler 32, and the refrigeration cooler 34 are connected in a circular arrangement in the order of refrigerant flow. The condenser 81 and the dryer 82 are connected in this order to a high-pressure discharge port of the compressor 31 via a connecting pipe 86. The three-way valve 83 is connected to the discharge side of the dryer 82.

[0025] The three-way valve 83 has one inlet to which the dryer 82 is connected, and two outlets. To one of the two outlets of the three-way valve 83, a refrigeration capillary tube 84 and a refrigeration cooler 32 are connected in this order. The refrigeration cooler 32 is connected to the compressor 31 via a refrigeration suction pipe 87, which is a connecting pipe. To the other of the two outlets of the three-way valve 83, a refrigeration capillary tube 85 and a refrigeration cooler 34 are connected in this order. The refrigeration cooler 34 is connected to the compressor 31 via a refrigeration suction pipe 88, which is a connecting pipe. A check valve 89 is provided between the refrigeration cooler 34 and the compressor 31 to prevent the refrigerant from the refrigeration cooler 32 from flowing back toward the refrigeration cooler 34. Under the control of the control unit 110, the three-way valve 83 can allow the refrigerant to flow from one inlet to either one of two outlets, or can allow the refrigerant to flow from one inlet to both of the two outlets simultaneously.

[0026] Next, we will explain the flow of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device 80. First, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle device 80 is compressed by the compressor 31 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and flows through flow path A. This gaseous refrigerant dissipates heat in the condenser 81 to become a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. After that, the liquid refrigerant, from which impurities such as dirt and moisture have been removed by passing through the dryer 82, enters only the refrigeration capillary tube 84, only the refrigeration capillary tube 85, or both the refrigeration capillary tube 84 and the refrigeration capillary tube 85, while being throttled and controlled by the three-way valve 83.

[0027] When the liquid refrigerant enters the refrigeration capillary tube 84, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the refrigeration capillary tube 84 is decompressed while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the refrigeration suction pipe 87. The decompressed refrigerant then evaporates while passing through the refrigeration cooler 32, thereby cooling the refrigeration cooler 32. When the liquid refrigerant enters the freezing capillary tube 85, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the freezing capillary tube 85 is decompressed while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the freezing suction pipe 88. The decompressed refrigerant then evaporates while passing through the refrigeration cooler 34, thereby cooling the refrigeration cooler 34.

[0028] The refrigerant, which has cooled the cold storage cooler 32 and is now in a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state, then flows into the cold storage suction pipe 87. The temperature of the refrigerant gas immediately after flowing into the cold storage suction pipe 87 is low (for example, around -10°C). While passing through the cold storage suction pipe 87, this refrigerant gas exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the cold storage capillary tube 84, and is eventually heated to approximately room temperature. This refrigerant gas is then sucked back into the compressor 31, completing the circulation of the refrigerant that has cooled the cold storage cooler 32. The refrigerant, which has cooled the cold storage cooler 34 and is now in a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state, then flows into the cold storage suction pipe 88. The temperature of the refrigerant gas immediately after flowing into the cold storage suction pipe 88 is low (for example, around -30°C). While passing through the cold storage suction pipe 88, this refrigerant gas exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the cold storage capillary tube 85, and is eventually heated to approximately room temperature. Then, this refrigerant gas is sucked back into the compressor 31, completing the circulation of the refrigerant that has cooled the freezing cooler 34.

[0029] In the above-described refrigeration cycle apparatus 80, the three-way valve 83 is controlled by the control unit 110, which will be described later, to select one or both of flow path B and flow path C. Flow path B is a flow path that supplies the refrigerant to the cold storage cooler 32. Flow path C is a flow path that supplies the refrigerant to the freezing cooler 34. These two flow paths B and C merge at a junction D. The refrigerant flows from the junction D in the direction of arrow E and returns to the compressor 61.

[0030] (Control functional configuration) Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a portion of the functional configuration of a refrigerator 100a according to an embodiment. The control device 70 includes a control unit 110 configured as a computer having a microcomputer, a timer, and the like. The control unit 110 controls the entire refrigerator 100a. Details of the control performed by the control unit 110 will be described later. As shown in Fig. 5, in addition to the above-described refrigeration fan 33, freezer fan 35, compressor 31, and three-way valve 83, for example, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111, a chilled compartment temperature sensor 112, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 113, an external temperature sensor 114, an operation panel unit 115, a memory unit 116, and a human presence sensor 117 are connected to the control unit 110.

[0031] Refrigerating compartment temperature sensor 111 is provided in refrigerating compartment 11A and detects the air temperature of refrigerating compartment 11A (hereinafter may be referred to as "refrigerating compartment temperature"). Chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 is provided in chilled compartment 11Aa and detects the air temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa (hereinafter may be referred to as "chilled compartment temperature").

[0032] Freezer compartment temperature sensor 113 is provided in, for example, main freezer compartment 11E and detects the air temperature of main freezer compartment 11E (hereinafter may be referred to as "freezer compartment temperature"). External temperature sensor 114 detects the environmental temperature outside housing 10 (for example, the room temperature of the place where refrigerator 100a is installed).

[0033] Operation panel unit 115 accepts user operations to change the set temperature range or control mode of each storage compartment 11. Memory unit 116 stores information necessary for operating refrigerator 100a. Human presence sensor 117 can detect people around refrigerator 100a.

[0034] (Air conditioner) Next, the air conditioner 100b will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 100b according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioner 100b includes a control device 701, a communication unit 702, an illuminance sensor 703, and a human presence sensor 704. The control device 701 includes a circuit board and electronic components mounted on the circuit board. As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 701 includes a control unit 701a. The control unit 701a performs overall control of the air conditioner 100b. For example, the control unit 701a transmits the detection result of the illuminance sensor 703 to the refrigerator 100a via the communication unit 702.

[0035] The communication unit 702 communicates with the refrigerator 100a. For example, the communication unit 702 communicates directly with the refrigerator 100a. Alternatively, for example, the communication unit 702 communicates with the refrigerator 100a via the network NW and the server 200. Specifically, for example, the communication unit 702 receives information about the refrigerator 100a. Alternatively, for example, the communication unit 702 transmits the detection result of the illuminance sensor 703 to the refrigerator 100a under the control of the control unit 701a.

[0036] The illuminance sensor 703 detects the light around the air conditioner 100b. The human presence sensor 704 can detect a person.

[0037] The above-described processing performed by the home appliance system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is merely an example, and the home appliance system 1 is not limited to the above-described processing. For example, the home appliance system 1 may perform the processing described below.

[0038] (Processing performed by home appliance system 1) Next, a description will be given of the processing performed by the home appliance system 1. In the home appliance system 1, the communication unit 702 transmits the detection result of the illuminance sensor 703 to the refrigerator 100a.

[0039] The control unit 110 of the refrigerator 100a can determine the current illuminance level based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 703. The control unit 110 can also determine whether it is daytime or nighttime based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 703. Until the state in which the human presence sensor 117 has not detected a person reaches a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes), information generated based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 703 is received via the communication unit 50. The control unit 110 controls the refrigerator 100a based on the received information. Furthermore, when the state in which the human presence sensor 117 has not detected a person reaches the predetermined time, the control unit 110 performs power-saving operation of the refrigerator 100a.

[0040] For example, when control unit 110 receives information generated based on the detection result of human presence sensor 117 and controls refrigerator 100a based on the received information, and the detection result of illuminance sensor 703 indicates that it is nighttime, control unit 110 performs power-saving operation of refrigerator 100a. Also, for example, if human presence sensor 117 does not detect a person for a predetermined period of time, control unit 110 performs power-saving operation of refrigerator 100a, and then detects a person by human presence sensor 117, the person may be returning from shopping and is likely to store food inside refrigerator 100a. Therefore, control unit 110 performs cooling that is stronger than normal operation.

[0041] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of the home appliance system 1 according to the embodiment. Here, the processing flow of the home appliance system 1 illustrated in FIG.

[0042] The control unit 110 determines whether the human presence sensor 117 of the refrigerator 100a has detected a person (step S1). If the control unit 110 determines that the human presence sensor 117 of the refrigerator 100a has detected a person (YES in step S1), it performs control to switch the refrigerator 100a to normal operation (step S2).

[0043] Furthermore, when the control unit 110 determines that the human presence sensor 117 of the refrigerator 100a has not detected a human (NO in step S1), it determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the state in which no human has been detected (step S3).When the control unit 110 determines that the predetermined time has not passed since the state in which no human has been detected (NO in step S3), it performs control based on the detection results of the illuminance sensors of the other home electric appliances (step S4).

[0044] Furthermore, when the control unit 110 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed without detecting a person (YES in step S3), it performs control to switch to power-saving operation (or going-out operation) (step S5). The going-out operation is an operation mode that further reduces power consumption than the power-saving operation.

[0045] The control unit 110 determines whether or not a person has been detected during the power-saving operation (or the going-out operation) (step S6). When the control unit 110 determines that a person has not been detected during the power-saving operation (or the going-out operation) (NO in step S6), the control unit 110 returns to the processing of step S6. When the control unit 110 determines that a person has been detected during the power-saving operation (or the going-out operation) (YES in step S6), the control unit 110 changes the setting so that the cooling intensity is stronger than that in the normal operation (step S7).

[0046] (advantage) The above describes a home appliance system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the home appliance system 1, the refrigerator 100a includes a human presence sensor 117 (an example of a first detection unit) capable of detecting a human presence, a communication unit 50 that receives information about other devices having an illuminance sensor 703 (an example of a light detection unit) capable of detecting light, and a control unit 110 that can switch between a first operation and a second operation that can save more power than the first operation. During the first operation, the control unit 110 controls the refrigerator 100a based on other device information generated based on the detection results of the light detection unit until a state in which the human presence sensor 117 does not detect a human presence reaches a predetermined time. When the state in which the human presence sensor 117 does not detect a human presence reaches the predetermined time, the control unit 110 performs the second operation. This refrigerator 100a can implement the second operation (i.e., power-saving operation) during a period when normal cooling is not required. In other words, this refrigerator 100a can improve convenience.

[0047] If the human presence sensor 117 detects a person after the second operation (i.e., power-saving operation) of the refrigerator 100a, the control unit 110 sets the cooling capacity to be stronger than the first operation (i.e., normal operation). Then, if a person is detected again after the control unit 110 has switched to the second operation because no human presence has been detected for a predetermined time or more, there is a possibility that purchased food will be put into the refrigerator 100a. Therefore, the refrigerator 100a can increase the cooling capacity in preparation for the storage of food.

[0048] <First Modification of the Embodiment> A home appliance system 1 according to a first modification of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the home appliance system 1, the refrigerator 100a further includes an illuminance sensor 118 (an example of a third detection unit). The illuminance sensor 118 detects light around the refrigerator 100a. The control unit 110 can determine the current illuminance level based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 118. The control unit 110 can also determine whether it is daytime or nighttime based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 118. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a portion of the functional configuration of the refrigerator 100a according to the first modification of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the refrigeration fan 33, the freezer fan 35, the compressor 31, and the three-way valve 83 described above, for example, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111, a chilled compartment temperature sensor 112, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 113, an external temperature sensor 114, an operation panel unit 115, a memory unit 116, a human presence sensor 117, and an illuminance sensor 118 are connected to the control unit 110. Control unit 110 performs predetermined control based on information generated based on the detection result of illuminance sensor 118. Furthermore, when a state in which the amount of change in the detection value of illuminance sensor 118 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of change continues for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 72 hours) or more, control unit 110 receives information generated based on the detection result of illuminance sensor 703. Then, control unit 110 performs predetermined control based on the received information generated based on the detection result of illuminance sensor 703.

[0049] If the detection results of illuminance sensors 118, 703 indicate that it is daytime, control unit 110 sets the brightness of the lighting inside refrigerator 100a to normal. If the detection results of illuminance sensors 118, 703 indicate that it is nighttime, control unit 110 can see the inside of refrigerator 100a with less light than in daytime. Therefore, if it is determined that it is nighttime, control unit 110 controls the brightness of the lighting inside refrigerator 100a to be less than normal.

[0050] The detection value detected by illuminance sensor 118 may be looks or a current value output according to looks. In this case, illuminance sensor 118 outputs a detection value (i.e., a numerical value). However, illuminance sensor 118 may output a finite number of different level signals according to illuminance (for example, three types of signals: strong illuminance, medium illuminance, and weak illuminance) instead of a numerical value.

[0051] Similarly, the detection value detected by illuminance sensor 703 may be looks or a current value output according to looks. In this case, illuminance sensor 703 outputs a detection value (i.e., a numerical value). However, illuminance sensor 703 may output a finite number of different level signals according to illuminance (for example, three types of signals: strong illuminance, medium illuminance, and weak illuminance) instead of a numerical value.

[0052] Refrigerator 100a is often installed in a dark, recessed location reserved for refrigerators. It is conceivable that the amount of change in the detection value of illuminance sensor 118 of refrigerator 100a installed in such a location will remain below a predetermined level for a predetermined period (e.g., several days). If the amount of change in the detection value of illuminance sensor 118 remains below a predetermined level for a predetermined period (e.g., several days), illuminance sensor 703 of air conditioner 100b is used to estimate day / night. Refrigerator 100a can accurately estimate day / night by using the detection results of illuminance sensor 703 as well as illuminance sensor 118.

[0053] Refrigerator 100a is equipped with a human presence sensor 117, an illuminance sensor 118, and a communication unit 50, and is capable of transmitting and receiving information about the status of sensors and operations of air conditioner 100b. When at least one of the human presence sensors in refrigerator 100a or air conditioner 100b detects a person, control unit 110 determines that the person is at home and controls refrigerator 100a accordingly. Furthermore, when none of the human presence sensors detects a person, control unit 110 determines that the person is out after a certain period of time has passed and controls refrigerator 100a accordingly. Furthermore, control unit 110 determines that the person is in the detection period until the certain period of time has passed, and controls refrigerator 100a based on information generated based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor of the home appliance equipped with the human presence sensor that last detected a person.

[0054] <Second Modification of the Embodiment> A home appliance system 1 according to a second modification of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The refrigerator 100a and the air conditioner 100b are equipped with motion sensors. The control unit 110 determines that a person is at home if at least one of the motion sensors, including the motion sensors provided in the refrigerator 100a and the air conditioner 100b, detects a person. The "at home" state corresponds to a state in which a person is detected. Furthermore, the control unit 110 determines that a person is out if all of the motion sensors provided in the refrigerator 100a and the air conditioner 100b are in a non-detection state and a certain period of time has passed. There are cases in which a person is in the house even if the motion sensors cannot detect a person for some reason. Furthermore, if the motion sensors cannot detect a person for some reason, it may be that the person has been outside the house for a short time. For example, if a person is at the entrance of the house, it is assumed that the person cannot be detected because neither the refrigerator 100a nor the air conditioner 100b is at the entrance. Furthermore, if a person leaves the house for a short time, such as to take out the trash, and then returns home, the person will temporarily be out of the house and will therefore not be detected. To accommodate such cases, the detection period is considered to be in effect until a certain period of time has passed. The detection period corresponds to the case where a state in which no person is detected has not reached a predetermined time.

[0055] When the refrigerator 100a is determined to be at home, it determines whether it is daytime or nighttime based on the detection result of an illuminance sensor equipped with a motion sensor that detects the presence of a human being. When the illuminance sensor determines that it is daytime, the control unit 110 operates the refrigerator 100a normally (hereinafter referred to as normal operation) without changing the cooling control of the refrigerator 100a, and when it determines that it is nighttime, it performs power-saving control by raising the target temperature from normal operation.

[0056] When the human presence sensor determines that the user is out, the control unit 110 of the refrigerator 100a determines whether it is daytime or nighttime using the detection result of the illuminance sensor provided in the home appliance that has the human presence sensor that last detected a person among multiple home appliances placed in the house.

[0057] <Third Modification of the Embodiment> A home appliance system 1 according to a third modification of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. When the illuminance sensor determines that it is daytime, the control unit 110 of the refrigerator 100a performs normal operation, which is normal operation, without changing the cooling control of the refrigerator 100a. On the other hand, when the illuminance sensor determines that it is nighttime, the control unit 110 performs power-saving control by raising the target temperature from normal operation.

[0058] When the motion sensor determines that the user is out, the control unit 110 performs power saving control, and when the motion sensor is in a detection period, the control unit 110 determines that the user cannot detect a person for a short period of time for some reason, and determines whether it is daytime or nighttime based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor of the home appliance equipped with the motion sensor that last detected a person. After the location of the refrigerator 100a has been changed due to a move or the like, the refrigerator 100a equipped with this control unit 110 can select an appropriate illuminance sensor to control the refrigerator 100a, even before changing the settings to exclude other devices equipped with motion sensors in the previous house from the home appliance system 1 of the refrigerator 100a.

[0059] When the detection result of the human presence sensor changes from not-at-home (no human presence detected) to at-home (human presence detected), the control unit 110 determines that the person may be returning from shopping and is likely to store food in the refrigerator 100a. Therefore, the control unit 110 controls the refrigerator to strengthen cooling by lowering the target temperature from normal operation for a certain period of time.

[0060] If the detection result of the illuminance sensor indicates that it is daytime, the control unit 110 sets the brightness of the lighting inside the refrigerator 100a to normal. If the detection result of the illuminance sensor indicates that it is nighttime, the control unit 110 can see inside the refrigerator 100a with less light than in daytime. Therefore, if the control unit 110 determines that it is nighttime, it controls the brightness of the lighting inside the refrigerator 100a to be less than normal.

[0061] Even when the control unit 110 is performing control based on the detection results of the sensors of the refrigerator 100a and the air conditioner 100b, the user U may operate the settings. If the user U changes the lighting and cooling settings inside the refrigerator 100a, the control unit 110 prioritizes the setting change by the user operation over the setting change based on the detection results of the sensors.

[0062] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, two or more of the above-described embodiments or modifications may be realized in combination with each other.

[0063] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100a...refrigerator, 100b...air conditioner, 117...human presence sensor, 118...illuminance sensor, MB...refrigerator main body, 50...communication unit, 70...control device, 200...server, 300...terminal device, 701...control device, 701a...control unit, 702...communication unit, 703...illuminance sensor, 704...human presence sensor.

Claims

1. a first detection unit capable of detecting a person; a communication unit that receives information about another device having a light detection unit that can detect light; a control unit capable of switching between a first operation and a second operation capable of saving more power consumption than the first operation; Equipped with The control unit during the first operation, controlling the refrigerator based on other device information generated based on the detection result of the light detection unit until a state in which no person is detected by the first detection unit reaches a predetermined time; When the state in which no person is detected by the first detection unit reaches the predetermined time, the second operation is performed. refrigerator.

2. The control unit when controlling the refrigerator based on other device information generated based on the detection result of the light detection unit, and when the detection result of the light detection unit indicates that it is nighttime, performing the second operation of the refrigerator. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. The control unit The cooling capacity of the refrigerator can be set, When a person is detected by the first detection unit after the second operation of the refrigerator is performed, the cooling capacity is set to be stronger than that of the first operation. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

4. a second detection unit capable of detecting light; Equipped with The control unit A predetermined control can be performed based on the detection result of the second detection unit, When a state in which the change in the detection result of the second detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined level continues for a predetermined period of time or more, a predetermined control is performed based on the detection result of the light detection unit. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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